Spit on a Stranger: A New Rosa Parks

When you think of Israel what do you think of? Probably something about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. One would think that one conflict was enough - but no, apparently we all just can't get along. Right now, the conflict is actually between the secular and religious Israelis west of Jerusalem in a small town called Beit Shemesh. The town is primarily Jewish and hosts a population of more than 80,000 residents nearly equal male/female.

In late December, Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) men began protesting gender equality. One of the first reports was that of a eight year old girl who was spit on by an religious zealot man. "Eight-year-old Naama Margolis was recently featured on Israel’s most-watched news program because she was too afraid to walk to school her Orthodox neighborhood after Haredi men spit and cursed at her for dressing immodestly, in their view." Her plight was shortly followed by a woman now referred to as the 'Rosa Parks of Israel' who was reprimanded to sit in the back of the bus; she refused. In the following days, a woman in military uniform was called a 'Shicksa' and other vulgar names in Yiddish by a Orthodox man when riding the bus. The woman was standing in close proximity to the men and the uniform was apparently deemed immodest clothing for a woman to wear in public. Incidents have been flaring in the town as Haredi men act out against women who they feel are acting and dressing immodest to the extent that they will not allow for women to walk on the same side of the road. Hey Americans, Sound familiar?

Well, the international community has stepped up support for women. Aish HaTorah, a Orthodox pro-Israel organization, posted an anonymous letter titled "How Dare You?" specifically directed at the 'Beit Shemesh Spitter'.

The conversation has turned towards solutions. Netanyahu proposed divding the town between the secular and the zealots. While this is a contested option, it will be the women who will create the necessary change, not the Mayor - no offense sir. The women in Beit Shemesh are not sitting idly by. Since the first incident, women have been tactfully using their voice to advocate for their rights. Not only have there been daily reports to the media, letters to the editor, but 250 women participated in a flashmob to Queen's 'Don't Stop me Now'. Other protests have been coordinated over the past three weeks. While the men's riots against women's equality have resulted in arrests, the women's outcry of inequality has received positive international publicity. Thus, it will be the women of Beit Shemesh, and all of Israel, coming together regardless of religious affiliation, location, or age advocating for their right to equality that will Speak Out and create change.