Jewish women in US withhold sex to protest divorce laws.

In Kiryas Joel, New York, over 800 Hasidic women have embarked on a bold protest by initiating a sex strike to draw attention to the centuries-old Jewish law that severely restricts women's ability to obtain divorces. This protest, as reported by The Metro, is a response to a legal system that demands a husband's written consent, known as a "get," for a divorce. The women argue that this requirement effectively traps them in unhappy or abusive marriages, leaving them with little recourse for escape.

Their hope is that this unconventional protest will apply pressure not only on their husbands but also on the broader community to advocate for legal reforms that would grant women more agency in divorce proceedings. However, their actions have ignited controversy within the insular community of Kiryas Joel. Some striking women have faced harassment on social media platforms, while others have been subjected to physical attacks, such as being pelted with eggs. Adding to the complexity of the situation is the community's strict adherence to religious codes, which dictate that women must seek approval from rabbinical authorities before reporting domestic violence to law enforcement.

At the heart of the protest lies the issue of the "get," a document written in Aramaic and signed by a rabbi, which is essential for a divorce to be considered religiously valid. Without this document, a woman has no power to dissolve her marriage, and a vindictive husband can withhold it, effectively keeping his wife in a state of marital captivity. Such women are often referred to as "agunah" or "chained women," symbolizing their entrapment within the confines of an unwanted marriage.

Malky Berkowitz, a 29-year-old resident of Kiryas Joel, has emerged as a prominent figure in the protest. Since 2020, she has been separated from her husband, Volvy, but has been unable to obtain a divorce, rendering her unable to remarry within the bounds of their faith. Her plight epitomizes the struggles faced by countless women who find themselves caught in similar circumstances.

For the women participating in the strike, Malky serves as a poignant symbol of resilience and defiance against an unjust system. Adina Sash, a leader of the strike, expressed this sentiment by stating, "Malky is the face of every woman who has fought and gone through the system like a docile, demure, obedient sheep." Through their collective action, these women are not only demanding individual freedom but also advocating for systemic change that would afford all women the right to pursue happiness and autonomy within their marriages.