Jewish women are taking an unusual approach to making their voices heard.

More than 800 Hasidic women staged a bold protest in Kiryas Joel, New York. They were reportedly targeting a centuries-old Jewish law that makes it difficult for women to get divorced. subway.

The women say the current system, which requires written consent from their husbands for divorce, has left them trapped in unhappy and even abusive marriages. They hope the strike will put pressure on their husbands and the wider community to pursue legal reforms in line with the Constitution. news media.

However, the protests sparked controversy on the island. Women on strike faced social media harassment and even had eggs thrown at them. Kiryas Joel’s strict religious regulations also require women to obtain rabbi approval before reporting domestic violence to police.

“As a community we haven’t done enough for Aguna, we need to do more…but as a person who is waiting for my Get, begging for my Get, praying for my Get…this (intimacy strike) is not right Methods.”

part 2. pic.twitter.com/HHCrm3h1sE

— Frum TikTok (@FrumTikTok) March 7, 2024

Why the strike?

The core of the problem is “getting”. This Aramaic document signed by a rabbi is required for a religiously valid divorce. A wife does not have the power to divorce herself, and a malicious husband can refuse a divorce, effectively holding his wife hostage in the marriage.

Women caught in this situation are called “agunah” or “women in chains.” Resident Malky Berkowitz, 29, became the face of the protests. Since their separation in 2020, she has been unable to divorce her husband Volvy or remarry in accordance with their beliefs.

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The women hope their drastic action will spur change and free them to leave unhappy marriages.

Strike leader Adina Sash said: “Malki represents every woman who has fought the system and been tested like a docile, dignified, obedient sheep.” economist.