Career Anat Hoffman

anat hoffman , woman @ entrance kotel; women of wall, photo michal patelle



anat hoffman observing wow torah reading

returning israel, became activist religious pluralism, becoming involved in founding of kol haneshema, reform or progressive synagogue in jerusalem. served on jerusalem city council 1988 2002, representing civil rights , peace movement.

in late 1980s led campaign consumer rights regard bezeq, israeli telecommunications company had monopoly, , refused offer customer itemized bills. hoffman complained, on behalf of consumers, paying items had not used. in end, prevailed , bezeq issued itemized bills customers.

anat hoffman chair of domari society of gypsies in jerusalem. additionally, prior 1993 oslo accords, hoffman chairwoman of women in black, international women s anti-war movement estimated 10,000 activists around world. first group formed israeli women in jerusalem in 1988, following outbreak of first intifada.

she member of group started women of wall in december 1988. women of wall group of women around world working secure right pray in fashion @ western wall, wearing prayer shawls , other religiously significant garments, singing , reading torah collectively. when israel s supreme court ruled in favor of women of wall, orthodox leaders , rabbis protested decision. arrested multiple times wearing prayer shawl @ wall, hoffman defended anti-defamation league, issued statement saying reports of treatment, @ hands of israeli police, disturbing.

since 2002 hoffman has served executive director of israel religious action center, founded in 1987 public , legal advocacy arm of movement progressive judaism in israel. dedicated promoting equality, justice, religious freedom.