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10/06/2008: "Jewish "Modesty Patrols" Sow Fear In Israel"

In Israel's ultra-Orthodox Jewish community, where the rule of law sometimes takes a back seat to the rule of God, zealots are on a campaign to stamp out behavior they consider unchaste. They hurl stones at women for such "sins" as wearing a red blouse, and attack stores selling devices that can access the Internet.

In recent weeks, self-styled "modesty patrols" have been accused of breaking into the apartment of a Jerusalem woman and beating her for allegedly consorting with men. They have torched a store that sells MP4 players, fearing devout Jews would use them to download pornography.

"These breaches of purity and modesty endanger our community," said 38-year-old Elchanan Blau, defending the bearded, black-robed zealots. "If it takes fire to get them to stop, then so be it."

[ It is up to Israeli Jews to reach agreement on what their culture should allow and these Jews are sensible to reject pluralism. ]

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/10/04/jewish-modesty-patrols-so_n_131960.html

Replies: 3 Comments

on Tuesday, October 7th, nationalist said

Adam, I don't know enough about Judaism to comment on whether the fanaticism of these Jews runs counter to Talmudic law or not. That is why I merely commended them on their desire to stop the rot and reject pluralism. Perhaps some other Jews wish to do this in a better way. Feel free to submit an article on how you feel a Jewish nationalist state should look and giving your perspective on these "modesty patrols". I am sure that our editor would be delighted to publish it if well enough written and fitting with LNSGP views against pluralism.

on Monday, October 6th, Viridovix said

Liberty is less important than values commonly held in a given society. The ultra-Orthodox recognize pluralism divides and weakens society, where eventually decay and downfall follow.

on Monday, October 6th, Adam Ben-David said

As a religious, right-wing Jew, this type of behavior disgusts me. Noone in Israel can stand the black-robed fanatics, with their insular life-style and closed minds.Jews are not going to become religious by force. More so, these people are not only fanatics, but hypocrites. The Jewish doctrine which they claim to cherish so dearly prohibits this type of behavior against fellow Jews or fellow humans. These people are sick, twisted freaks who forsake Judaism for the religion of their dictatorial rebbes!