Israel: Woman granted divorce 14 years after husband cheated on her with a man
An Israeli woman has finally been granted a divorce from her husband – 14 years after he cheated on her with a man.
The woman, who has not been named, pleaded to be allowed a divorce in a family court hearing overseen by Chief Rabbi David Lau.
Under Jewish law, a man must give his consent for a divorce to be finalised, leaving women who cannot gain the permission of their husbands ‘trapped’ in marriages.
After six years a court ruled that he was obligated to divorce her, but despite the ruling he continued to hold out for another eight years.
The man – who was caught cheating with a Filipino carer – demanded that his wife pay him money in order to be granted the divorce, according to the Jerusalem Post.
However, following a 5-hour Supreme Rabbinical Court hearing this week, he finally agreed to end the marriage.
Mavoi Satum diretor Attorney Batya Kehana-Dror said: “In one hearing, Rabbi Lau understood the absurdity of demanding that this woman pay for her [divorce].
“A woman is not obligated anything to her husband to be free from her marriage. Rabbi Lau adopted basic democratic values, including the rights of women.
“He understood that there is a right to leave a marriage without paying for it, and that is the importance of this ruling.”
