Learn languages naturally with fresh, real content!

tap to translate recording

Explore By Region

flag Israel’s Knesset to vote on bill giving Chief Rabbinate exclusive control over Western Wall prayer, sparking backlash over religious pluralism and ties with global Jews.

flag Israel’s Knesset is set to vote on a coalition-backed bill that would grant the Chief Rabbinate exclusive control over prayer at the Western Wall, defining "desecration" by Orthodox standards. flag The move follows a Supreme Court ruling demanding urgent completion of upgrades to the egalitarian Ezrat Yisrael plaza, a site meant to accommodate non-Orthodox worship. flag Prime Minister Netanyahu canceled a government committee vote to avoid backlash from global Jewish communities, but the bill remains active and is expected to proceed in the Knesset plenum. flag Supporters argue it protects religious integrity and resists judicial overreach, while critics warn it undermines pluralism, contradicts past agreements, and risks damaging Israel’s ties with Diaspora Jews amid rising antisemitism.

12 Articles