Yair Golan Clarifies Remarks on Religion in Public Sphere
Translated & summarized from Srugim by baba
Yair Golan, chairman of the Democrats party, clarified his controversial statement about removing religion from the public sphere, explaining his intent was to fight religious coercion. He stated that in a free country, public spaces would not be gender-segregated, businesses could open on Shabbat, and the Western Wall would be accessible to all Jewish denominations. Golan, who identifies as secular, emphasized his respect for faith while opposing coercion and advocating for civil freedoms.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Yair Golan clarified his statement, saying he meant to fight religious coercion, not remove religion from public life.
- Golan stated that in a free country, public spaces would not be gender-segregated.
- He indicated that businesses should be allowed to open on Shabbat.
- Golan said the Western Wall should be open to all streams of Judaism.
- He emphasized civil freedoms, including freedom of marriage and lifestyle choices.
- Golan identified himself as Jewish, Zionist, and secular, respecting faith but opposing coercion.
Yair Golan, chairman of the Democrats party, has responded to public controversy surrounding his recent statements to activists, in which he reportedly said his intention was to "remove religion from the public sphere." In a social media post, Golan clarified his position, stating that he meant to combat religious coercion. "Removing religion from the public sphere is equivalent to eradicating religious coercion," Golan wrote, outlining his party's civic vision. He explained that in a free country, sidewalks and buses would not be segregated by gender, public transportation would operate where desired, businesses would be allowed to open on Shabbat, and the Western Wall would be open to all streams of Judaism. Golan further emphasized the freedom of marriage and civil life, asserting that every community should be able to live according to its ways without others dictating how they marry, travel, or conduct their lives. "I am Jewish, Zionist, and secular. I respect faith and tradition, and I strongly oppose coercion," Golan declared, concluding with, "It is permissible to be religious in our country, it is permissible to be secular in our country, it is obligatory to be free in our country. Shabbat Shalom."
