Here are resources and helpful information about defending egalitarian prayer at the Kotel and blocking the Kotel Bill
Take action now:
Email Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
The global Jewish people must raise our collective voice on this pressing issue. Take action now by emailing Prime Minister Netanyahu this bill cannot become law with our action alert.
If you’re in North America, use this action alert.
If you’re in the United Kingdom/Europe, use this action alert.
If you’re anywhere else in the world, use this action alert.
Read the Reform Movement’s Statement
Reform Movement Condemns Knesset Vote to Criminalize Egalitarian Prayer at the Western Wall
What is the Kotel bill?
On February 25, 2026, a dark turning point occurred. MK Avi Maoz’s bill that grants sole control over the Kotel as a whole, including the egalitarian section, to the Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) Chief Rabbinate passed its preliminary reading. The bill could imprison anyone for up to seven years for praying at the Kotel contrary to ultra-Orthodox standards. This bill is a sharp break from the Status Quo at the Kotel, where egalitarian prayers have been held since the 1970s.
When the bill was approved, Reform Jews across the world expressed outrage to their embassies. When the war with Iran started a few days later, our global movement collectively paused our campaign in the name of Jewish unity as the Knesset removed the bill for consideration.
However, on March 16, the Knesset decided to bring the legislation back up and assign it to the Constitution, Law and Justice Committee. The Knesset’s decision to advance dangerous, divisive legislation during wartime has compelled us to pursue action. While we remain committed to the safety of Israel, we also remain steadfast in the pursuit of an Israel that welcomes all Jews. The fact that the Israeli government is advancing this outrageous bill in a time of war, when Israelis run to shelters day and night, and when Jewish communities around the world are under attack, is nothing short of shocking.
Why You Should Care
The debate over MK Avi Maoz’s draft legislation is about whether Israel will be a state of the Jewish people, or a state for one interpretation of Judaism. For North American Jews, caring about this issue is not interference. It is investment. It reflects the conviction that Jewish sovereignty should reflect the diversity, dignity, and shared destiny of the Jewish people everywhere. If Israel is truly our shared homeland, then sacred space must reflect shared belonging.
The holiest site of the Jewish people must allow all Jews to pray as they wish – Israelis and Jews from the Diaspora alike.
At a time when Jewish unity is needed, the Israeli government is isolating 85% of the world’s Jewish population from one of our faith’s holiest sites. This affects bar/bat/b’nai mitzvahs, conversions, life-cycle moments, and basic dignity of prayer. It is a backwards step from a democratic Israel that celebrates religious pluralism, where all forms of Jewish identity are celebrated.
This legislation is one part of a larger effort to undermine religious pluralism and the diversity of the Jewish people. If we fail to take action here, we risk further harms like:
- Abolishing non-Orthodox conversion recognition
- Limiting public funding for pluralistic institutions
- Expanding rabbinic court jurisdiction
- Narrowing the definition of Jewish legitimacy
Giving complete control of a holy site to one branch of Judaism is undemocratic. No single stream of Judaism gets to determine what counts as Jewish practice. Our commitment to defending democracy demands we take a stand.
The global Jewish people must raise our collective voice on this pressing issue. Every ambassador, consul general, and other representatives tasked with Israel-Diaspora relations must hear that we will not tolerate this demonizing and dangerous legislation.
Useful background information and resources to share
Rabbi Josh Weinberg and Orly Erez-Likhovski’s call to action video
Knesset committee advances bill expanding Orthodox control over Western Wall Plaza: The Times of Israel
Read Rabbi Rick Jacobs and Rabbi Jacob Blumenthal’s op-ed criticizing the criminalization of egalitarian prayer at the Kotel.
The Kotel Bill and the Betrayal of Zionism By Rabbi Josh Weinberg
Inside the Struggle for Equality at the Western Wall: The Pluralist Podcast with Rabbi Josh Weinberg and Orly Erez-Likhovski
Explainer: The “Western Wall Law” All your questions answered about the “Western Wall Law” under debate this week, the religious, political, and judicial background that led to the present situation, and where we might go from here in this core question of the balance of religion and state in Israel.
Join Our Social Media Campaign
Download and post the graphic or post a picture of yourself at the Kotel or praying in an egalitarian setting with the caption below. Join us with the hashtags #thewallisforall #prayerisnotacrime. Then, make the graphic your profile picture to spread awareness.
Legislation in Israel would criminalize egalitarian religious activities at the Kotel. The law would imprison me and millions of Jews for 7 years for practicing our faith. Expressing our Jewish identity in Israel should not be a crime, especially now, when Jewish unity in the face of antisemitism is more important than ever. #thewallisforall #prayerisnotacrime
Stay Involved: Join the Israel Organizing Project
Legislative attempts to restrict access to the Kotel is a symptom of wider issues in Israel regarding religious pluralism, democracy, and justice. The URJ created the Israel Organizing Project for leaders who are committed to advancing these values and taking action in their communities. The Israel Organizing Project plays a critical role in advancing Reform values in Israel while deepening relationships between Reform Jews in North American and Israel. The Israel Organizing Project is split up into three action teams that research, organize, and drive our work.
You and your congregation can join the Israel Organizing Project by filling out this form.