Omer with 3 of her 5 children |
It has never been an easy task, but tensions in recent years between Israel and the United States, as well as other international Jewish communities, have boiled to all-time highs over several high-profile social, political and religious disagreements. Among them: who can pray at the Western Wall and who Israel’s Orthodox Chief Rabbinate deems Jewish. The majority of an American Jewish community that in the main is liberal feels alienated by Israel’s right-wing government and its hawkish policies.
Yankelevich’s role is complicated by the fact that she is haredi Orthodox — part of a community that is at the heart of some of the issues putting a wedge between Israel and the Diaspora. She’s also the first haredi woman to hold a Cabinet position in Israeli government and is taking criticism for that – many in her community say her participation in politics is scandalous.
Many eyes are focused on the political newcomer. Will she work to bridge the divides that have widened between Israel and international Jews? Or will she compromise with the religious community in Israel to which she belongs?
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