Proposed Kotel Bill
What is the Kotel Bill?
On February 25, 2026, a dark turning point occurred. MK Avi Maoz’ bill that grants sole control over the Kotel as a whole – including the egalitarian section to the Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) Chief Rabbinate was approved in a preliminary reading by the Israeli Knesset. The bill would 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.
Why You Should Care
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 an Israel that celebrates religious pluralism, where all forms of Jewish identity are celebrated.
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.
What You Can Do
1) Send an Email:
Write to the Israeli Embassies in Australia and New Zealand to add your voice to the campaign to stop this divisive action.
Refer to letter template here. You can use this to voice your concern.
Addresses:
Australia – ambassador@canberra.mfa.gov.il
New Zealand – ambassador@wellington.mfa.gov.il
2) Sign a Petition Here:
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.
Attend a UIA Progressive Appeal Event or Donate:
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
The UIA Progressive Appeal was created to promote Israel as a Jewish and democratic state by nurturing values of religious pluralism, tolerance, equality, and Tikkun Olam. Your donation will allow us to defend the rights of all Jews-Israelis and Jews from the Diaspora alike-to pray at the holiest site of the Jewish people as they wish.
You can see an event schedule or donate HERE
Spread the Word:
Use the hashtag #PrayerIsNotACrime and share this graphic.
Thank you for showing your support and taking action.
