A demand to restore the original arrangement for the ezras
noshim at the Western Wall Plaza was among a list of
requests women who pray at the Kosel Maarovi on a daily basis
sent to PM Ehud Olmert.
In their letter to the Prime Minister the women note they
come to the remnant of Beis Hamikdosh every day to
pray and since the Mugrabi Gate rampart collapsed two years
ago the ezras noshim has shrunken considerably,
causing overcrowding that even poses a safety hazard at
times. The women also issue a request for a covered prayer
area to protect against rain and sun, like the elaborate hall
on the men's side.
The letter describes the suffering endured by thousands of
women who visit the site every day and feel bound to the
place where they pour out their supplications before the
Creator. They note it was suggested they turn to the High
Court to ameliorate the situation yet over a period of two
years no actions has been taken. In fact a bridge was built
on the women's section, reducing the size of the prayer
area.
Copies of the letter were also sent to the rov of the Kosel,
HaRav Shmuel Rabinowitz, Jerusalem Mayor Rabbi Uri
Lupoliansky, Prime Minister's Office Director Raanan Dinur,
chareidi MKs and Western Wall Heritage Foundation Director
Mordechai Eliav.
