Remember the ultra-Orthodox Jewish men who called an 8-year-old a whore as she walked to school in Israel? That terrible incident illustrates how many men treat girls and women across the country.
In response, on Friday, January 6, a group of 250 women from Bet Shemesh held a Flashmob in the city square.
“[They] decided to raise their voices against the exclusion of women from the public domain by holding a mass public dance in the city square. The women, residents of the city from all ages and sectors, religious, traditional and secular, gathered together in a flashmob dance, in the city square and started dancing towards a change.” – via YouTube
“Dance organizer Miri Shalem said that the event was organized in protest of the violent extremist actions of “the group of crazies,” and to show that there is another side to Beit Shemesh. “Today the women and girls demonstrated our unity in public and I hope we will continue to do this in the future in order to improve our city,” she said.”
“We wanted to express our feelings in a unique way and highlight a different face of Beit Shemesh,” said Brenda Ganot, a flashmob organizer and Beit Shemesh resident.
“We love our city and want peaceful coexistence between the different sectors of the population; however, we will not sit quietly and let a group of crazy extremists set the tone for our city.”
Way to go!
(H/T to Hollaback for the link to the video)
Dalia says
Just wanted to note that this is an especially powerful action because men are not supposed to listen to women sing or watch them dance under Orthodox Judaism.
HKearl says
That is a very important point that I missed. Thanks, Dalia!
beckie says
This made me so happy!!!!!!!