A delegation of 100 Yemenite rabbis, representing the Yemenite Jews in all parts of Israel, today appeared before Premier David Ben Gurion and expressed their opposition to certain sections of the law granting equal rights to women. The law was adopted two days ago at a special session of the Israel Parliament.
The rabbis opposed especially the introduction of monogamy. They argued that polygamy is allowed by the Torah. Many Jews from Oriental countries are still practicing polygamy in Israel. The rabbinical delegation also opposed a clause in the law giving property rights to women.
The delegation also discussed with the Premier various other problems concerning the life of Yemenite Jews in Israel, especially religious problems. The Premier explained to the rabbis that the Jews are now building Israel as a progressive community in which there is no place for ancient laws.
Four Moslem religious leaders today visited the Israel Minister for Religious Affairs and also expressed objections to certain sections of the new law and the banning of polygamy. The Minister told them that the law does not affect marriages and divorces which remain under the jurisdiction of the religious courts.
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