WOMEN OF VALOR was recently viewed at Spokane’s Jewish Film Festival. It is a documentary created throughout the last six years, sharing the problems and conflicts among the Haredi women in Israel.
Haredi is another sect within the Jewish religion. They are a sub-branch of those who are Orthodox and very religious. Haredi women have no rights as individuals. Their education is limited, and they are not allowed to study the Talmud. If they speak up and want a better quality to their lives, they can be ostracized and punished by taking away their children. It can be an extremely harsh existence. Most Haredi women love their faith but want to be considered more than a commodity.
A movement was started in Israeli to give these women a voice and eventually a vote in the Knesset. The group’s leader is Esty Shushan, an outspoken woman of courage and valor. She led a group of women all the way to Israel’s Supreme Court. It is still an ongoing battle for secular rights constrained by the ultra-Orthodox way of life. These women are not rebels. They consider themselves a continuation of the suffragette movement.
WOMEN OF VALOR presented a fascinating dilemma for modern Israel. There are no easy solutions. The facts were shared in this compelling, informative film. These women are true warriors and will indeed leave their mark on Israeli history. I would not bet against them. Times are changing. Religions must adapt in order to survive and prosper.
WOMEN OF VALOR is available to stream on AMAZON PRIME.
