Blog 5: Livnat: We cannot forfeit rights of women in Israel

This article, not unlike the others in this blog, addresses the concerns of the women of a country, Israel, and their representation under the law. Aliza Lavie and Shuli Muallem, two Israeli women have teamed up to encourage female representation in many areas of the law, specifically the selection of religious judges. Much like many other countries around the world, women are greatly underrepresented in the political realm in Israel. There are currently no female members on the committee of religious judges, and it is those judges who make decisions about females in society. In December 2011, "Attorney-General Yehuda Weinstein formed a committee to prevent discrimination against women" but this committee has yet to post any reports about the discrimination, and has been continuously delaying the release of information. 

Not unlike many surrounding countries, Israel has had little or no female representation in their political justice system. Historically a very religious nation, it is not a surprising statement that women do not have the power that men do in society. These women, as well as the committees suporting their legislation feel that there should be equal representation in many areas of the law, and are voicing their concerns. 

Upon reading the article, I noticed that one example of female discrimination that was used was eerily similar to a story in our own society. "Noa Kantman, a woman who was recently harassed when she refused to sit in the back of a predominantly haredi bus, described her experience to the committee." This example is extremely similar to Ms. Rosa Parks during the Civil Rights movement here in the United States. The similarities in this example not only surprised me, it really put into perspective how little the women of Israel are respected. If this new legislation passes and women do receive equal representation, I feel that we may see many changes in Israel and the amount of discrimination.



Caroline Dawkins
3/3/2013
6:48