A Religious War Inside Israel

The Takeaway

Tensions between ultra-Orthodox Haredim and more secular Israelis have been growing over the past year. With strict codes in regards to clothing, observance of the Sabbath, and male-female interactions, this 1 million-strong segment of the population has become increasingly vocal about its displeasure with what it  perceives  as an insufficiently observant state. Specifically, the majority of this animosity has been focused on women. Last month controversy erupted when  ultra-Orthodox men spit on an 8-year-old girl  whom they deemed immodestly dressed, and women have been banned from taking the stage at several high-profile events over the past week, including  a conference on women’s health.
Isabel Kershner is a reporter for our partner The New York Times in Jerusalem. Idit Karni is the mother of two daughters, aged 8 and 10, in Jerusalem. She also recently led a campaign to bring women back into the public sphere in Jerusalem.

Do you support journalism that strengthens our democracy?

At The World, we believe strongly that human-centered journalism is at the heart of an informed public and a strong democracy. We see democracy and journalism as two sides of the same coin. If you care about one, it is imperative to care about the other.

Every day, our nonprofit newsroom seeks to inform and empower listeners and hold the powerful accountable. Neither would be possible without the support of listeners like you. If you believe in our work, will you give today? We need your help now more than ever!