From way back in 1988 ( as told by Anna Foa in 'women church world " last April ) the Women of the Wall in Jerusalem demanded the right to pray aloud , like men, at the Wailing Wall . Now, thanks to the mediation of Natan Sharansky (Chairman of the Jewish Agency), henceforth women can also do this like men (with a shawl, hat and phylacteries) and will be able to read the Torah publicly. The women, however, have had to agree to withdraw from their position to the female section, praying about ten feet away from the wall. The first victory is therefore a compromise. But it is equally an historic breakthrough.