More Doublespeak from Jerusalem

Matthew Wagner of the Jerusalem Post reports on the position of the influential Chareidi group, the Edah Chareidis, regarding the upcoming annual Gay Pride Parade to be held in the Israeli capital.

It is quite telling to read the statements of Edah Chareidis spokesman Shmuel Poppenheim, editor and publisher of the rejectionist Chareidi newspaper "Ha'Edah."

A couple of years ago, Poppenheim was singing an altogether different tune. Back then, in addition to loudly encouraging protests against "The Abomination," he announced that members of the Edah religious court, including Rabbi Moshe Sternbuch, participated in a Kabbalistic curse ceremony, also known as a "pulsa denura," in an effort to unleash heavenly fury against homosexuals.

But now?

"We reached the conclusion that it would be better off not getting involved."

"We are not telling people not to demonstrate, but we are also not telling anyone to demonstrate, either. "

"There will always be a few weirdos who will demonstrate no matter what. But we will not be responsible for them."

Once you read between the lines of the above statements, the following becomes clear: For the past several years, the Chareidi protests have been a miserable failure and a complete loss of face for the Edah leadership. However, the Edah still supports protesting against the democratic rights of their fellow citizens but does not want to suffer the embarrassment that would result from another failed, pathetic protest.

The Edah has struck upon a brilliant solution to their conundrum - the unauthorized authorized protest.

The Edah says "we are not telling people not to demonstrate" and therefore "we will not be responsbile for them." This may be credible coming from another society, but coming from this Meah Shearim-based Chareidi faction? Please. These are people who loudly instruct their constituents regarding every detail of their private lives, through bans, signs and modesty enforcement squads.

Of course they will be responsible for the actions of those Chareidim, encouraged by the tacit approval of their leadership, who protest violently against this latest outrage in the Holy City of Jerusalem, the exercise of the rights to free speech, expression and unimpeded assembly.

J.D.