The just-concluded campaign for local governments in Israel saw right-wing parties deploy racist rhetoric. These desperate campaign tactics largely failed. Meanwhile, a high number of women were elected to office.

Israel’s High Court ruled that street signs demanding that women dress modestly, or not walk on certain sidewalks, must be removed in Beit Shemesh. Lower court ruling were defied by the city’s mayor, and the High Court is still considering imposing fines on the city.

Civil society has compelled the government to confront similar hate crimes in the past.

Bitan says that there are more progressives within the ultra-Orthodox community, particularly when it comes to the two-state solution.

In a victory for religious freedom and women’s rights, 4 Orthodox women won their case against “modesty” signs in Beit Shemesh.