February 25, 2026
On the morning of February 25, the Knesset advanced legislation that strikes at the heart of Jewish unity and religious pluralism. The bill would transfer authority over all prayer at the Kotel to the ultra-Orthodox Chief Rabbinate, criminalize religious services that do not conform to its standards, and effectively dismantle the Egalitarian Kotel. If enacted, millions of Israeli and Diaspora Jews would lose meaningful access to worship at Judaism’s holiest site.
This legislation is not yet law. Several additional steps remain, and we are working intensely to stop it. But today’s vote marks a dangerous escalation — and is a clear warning.
The Conservative/Masorti Movement has stood with Israel for generations, and especially since October 7. We have answered the Prime Minister’s call to “fight” for Israel’s future. Now we must insist that Israel stand for us — and for the religious freedom of all Jews.
We are asking you to take two immediate steps:
Add your name to our Conservative/Masorti Movement petition to Prime Minister Netanyahu, President Herzog, Speaker Ohana, and members of Knesset opposing this legislation. It is vital that they here from as many people as possible. Sign Here.
2. Contact your nearest Israeli Ambassador or Consul General.
Email the diplomatic representative closest to you and express your outrage and opposition to this legislation. You may personalize the message below:
I am writing to express my outrage and strong opposition to MK Avi Maoz and Justice Minister Yariv Levin’s extreme legislation to delegitimize Conservative and Reform Jews and drive us away from the Kotel by effectively threatening us with prison time for praying according to our custom at the Egalitarian Kotel. After these past difficult years — when my community has stood by Israel and faced increasing antisemitism — it is inconceivable that the Israeli government would move forward with such extreme legislation to marginalize us at our holiest site. The Prime Minister must publicly declare that this bill will not be allowed to become law.
This is the moment to act to preserve the Kotel as a place where all Jews can gather in dignity and prayer. We will continue to update you as this unfolds.
Sincerely,
Rabbi Hillel Skolnik, President, MERCAZ USA
Last week, our friend and MERCAZ representative on WZO’s Executive Board, Tammy Gottlieb, was arrested while participating in Women of the Wall’s Rosh Hodesh Adar tefillot at the Kotel.
