In one-on one interview i had this afternoon with Likud Knesset Member Tzipi Hotovely, she addressed the latest incident, and in general the issue of segregation between men and women in the ultra Orthodox community, from a stand point serving as chairwoman of the Knesset's committee on status of women:
"The problems in Israel, are so minor, when you compare it to the living standard of most women in Israel. in very few societies you see a true discrimination."
"Israel has gone through a major process when it comes to woman rights, you see more women in leadership positions, 5 women are going to be appointed as IAF pilots in the end of this month. so many glass seals are now open to woman, and i think Israel is going through a very good period in parallel to the fact that there are some irrational people that are picking positions that have no connection to Judaism .The separation of men and women in buses has nothing to do with Judaism , I call it darkness or fear of women. its unacceptable."
Responding to Hillary Clinton's critical comments on the status of women in Israel, in which she expressed shock over the growing discrimination against Israeli women. She mentioned cases of IDF soldiers leaving during performances of female singers and the fact that females sit in the back of buses in certain places in Israel. Clinton said that some of these phenomena reminded her of Iran. MK Hotovely took Sec. Clinton to task on the truth.
"Every leader should first stick to the truth and the facts, and I cant believe that Sec. Clinton is not aware of the facts."
"This statement coming from the secretary of state, is the 'Height of Hypocrisy', Israel is the only state in the Middle East that gives women full rights and full opportunities".
"For her knowledge, she couldn't make it to become the President of the Unites States, because the U.S. society is still not ready for a woman's candidacy for president.
"Every society has today inside sexism, but in Israel a woman did indeed serve as prime minister, and we might have another one, in fact Israel is a light house in this horrible darkness. So for her coming from a tradition that never promoted women for presidency it's just simple hypocrisy, instead she should of given full back up to Israel's right process."
The Full interview will be published on Wednesday.