Get-refusal in Israel is not a rare phenomenon, but a systematically recurring one. A huge number of women suffer for years from the incompetence and the policies of the Rabbinical courts. Get refusal is not inevitable, however, and it is possible to reach a full solution to the problem and so to uproot from its source. The Knesset and the Government are responsible for what takes place between the walls of the Rabbinical courts, and they must accept accountability for the problem of get-refusal. Mavoi Satum works with Knesset members to raise their awareness of the problem and to suggest legislative solutions to it. We fight to keep the subject high on the public agenda and work to make sure the voices of mesoravot get are heard in the media, at conferences and workshops and on the platform of the Knesset.
Appropriate steps on the part of the Knesset and the State have the power to force systematic changes on the Rabbinical Court. In working towards solving the problem of get-refusal we present a range law proposals to Knesset members, hold meetings in the relevant Knesset committees, and enable mesoravot get to voice their positions in political forums. We work with the Government to raise awareness of the issue, and co-operate with the Law Office in fixing regulations that will help to improve the plight of the mesoravot get.
Read about Mavoi Satum's activities with the Knesset
In order to keep public awareness of this issue high it is essential to bring it to regular media attention and public debate. Mavoi Satum's standpoint is heard in the electronic and written media on a frequent basis. We help current and former mesoravot get to tell their stories in the media, and thus bring about high public exposure of the situation, and empower the women to direct public pressure against the Rabbinical Court. We hold conferences and seminars on the issue of get-refusal, and on the problematic situation in the Rabbinical Court, and offer mesoravot get a forum in which to tell their personal stories.