Statement by Outgoing Jewish Agency Chairman Natan Sharansky in response to Minister Regev

JERUSALEM, ISRAEL – Outgoing Chairman of the Executive of The Jewish Agency for Israel Natan Sharansky has issued the following statement:

“The Western Wall is a central symbol, both religious and national, for every Jew in the world. The State of Israel, which was created to serve as a home for every Jew, must enable every Jewish individual to pray according to his or her preference and custom in a place that is so important to the entire nation.

“The arrangement known as the Western Wall agreement, formulated after extensive talks with all relevant parties and approved by the government, ensures that prayers held in the main section of the Western Wall will continue to be conducted according to the rules set by the Chief Rabbinate. It enables any Jew, of any denomination, to pray according to his or her preferred manner in the southern section of the wall, without altering the established practice in the main section.

“Minister Regev’s conscience is her own matter, but her public about-face regarding the need to set established prayer practices at the site is most regrettable. I hope the Prime Minister brings about the completion of the expanded prayer area known as Ezrat Yisrael, as he has repeatedly promised the Jewish people in Israel and abroad that he would.”