freedom of religion

Jewish American leaders march on the Western Wall to protest the government reneging on an agreement to create an egalitarian prayer space, Jerusalem, November 2, 2016. (Hadas Parush/Flash90)

To reach Diaspora Jews, start by acknowledging their struggles

Those who dismiss the struggle at the Western Wall because it ignores Palestinians should recognize how important the Kotel is to American Jews. Their struggle for justice might start at the Western Wall, but it doesn’t necessarily end there. By Rachel Canar Something unprecedented happened in Jerusalem on Wednesday. More than 200 people, including 12 rabbis —…

By +972 Magazine November 4, 2016

Israeli Border Police officers prevent worshippers from entering the Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, September 26, 2014. (Photo by Faiz Abu Rmeleh/Activestills.org)

The illusion of religious freedom in Jerusalem

Official Israel loves to boast of the complete freedom of worship it grants to members of all religions. In reality, however, it’s just another deception brought to you by your local ‘hasbara’ dealer. By Orly Noy One of the main tools in the Israeli hasbara toolbox is the ‘religious freedom’ discourse. As subscribers of the…

By Orly Noy September 28, 2014

An Israeli police checkpoint blocks access to the Old City of Jerusalem, April 19, 2014. The day before Easter, thousands of Palestinian Christians and international pilgrims attempt to enter Jerusalem's Old CIty to participate in the "Saturday of Light" or "Holy Fire" celebration in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the traditional site of the crucifixion, burial and resurrection of Jesus. (photo: Ryan Rodrick Beiler/Activestills.org)

PHOTOS: Christians face barriers to Easter worship in Jerusalem

Year after year, Palestinian Christians and international pilgrims face checkpoints and harsh treatment by Israeli police officers as they attempt to celebrate the Easter season in Jerusalem. Text and photos by: Ryan Rodrick Beiler/Activestills.org Palestinian Christians and international pilgrims faced Israeli barriers and harsh treatment by officers as they attempted to celebrate the Easter season…

By Activestills April 20, 2014

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Convenience store. (photo: Shutterstock.com)

Sabbath in sin city: Keep the shops open

A Supreme Court ruling dictates that Tel Aviv must shut down its chain stores on the Sabbath. But it is in this city that freedom of religion means living one’s religious feeling as they choose and experiencing the diversity of how others interpret their spiritual lives. I have a love-hate relationship with the 24-hour convenience store AM/PM…

By Dahlia Scheindlin June 27, 2013

Women of the Wall and Pussy Riot: Unlikely partners in the same struggle

From Pussy Riot to Women of the Wall, our male religious authorities are so intimidated by women mobilizing support for religious freedom and expression, that they feel the need to restrain, detain and jail this great potential for change. By Shira Pruce I admit that a few weeks ago, if you asked me, “What do Women of the…

By +972 Magazine September 2, 2012