Female ultra-Orthodox activists demand representation in religious parties

Growing number press factions to allow women on electoral lists or face boycott during Israel's elections

Published December 06th 2014
10:27am

A growing number of ultra-Orthodox Jewish women are pressing political parties representing their sector in Israel to permit women on their electoral lists for the first time in the country's history, Israeli daily Ynet reported on Friday.

Nearly 3,000 people have joined a Facebook campaign – titled "No votes without representation" – which calls on ultra-Orthodox parties to allow women to run or face a boycott in the upcoming elections.

According to the report, the feminist campaign gained steam on Friday when a well-known public action group sent a letter to the leaders of Shas and United Torah Judaism with a list of demands.

"This is the moment for historic justice, and it's in your hands," the group was quoted as saying. "We are convinced that female representation will succeed in bringing our concerns to the Knesset in a fair and just manner. There are many talented [ultra-Orthodox] women who would be happy to faithfully handle public needs

http://www.i24news.tv/en/news/israel/53548-141206-female-ultra-orthodox-activists-demand-representation-in-religious-parties