Upcoming 'Slut Walk' in Jerusalem: Protest Movement Marches Return to Israel

Jerusalem is set to hold its first "slut walk," following other cities in what has become an international protest movement. The marches began in Canada after a policeman said that if women wanted to stay safe from rape and sexual assault, they should avoid dressing like quote "sluts." Many were incensed over the implication that women who are raped or harassed are somehow to blame because of their sexy attire. The protests are meant to highlight that it is the attackers who are solely responsible for their violent acts, not women, who have the right to dress however they want. The first "slut walk" took place last year in Toronto and quickly spread to the United States, Australia, Asia and recently, Israel. Women dressed in scantily clad outfits became a hallmark of the marches, a message of defiance that has provoked its own share of controversy. Israeli women strutted in their first "slut walk" in Tel Aviv last February, followed by activists in the northern city of Haifa. The march planned for Jerusalem has hit a sensitive nerve with many Orthodox residents who say it offends their religious views on modest dress and sexual behavior. But others support the protest and its message... The Deputy Mayor of Jerusalem says he'd like to stop the "slut walk" from taking place, saying the sanctity of the city makes it different than other places. But that argument failed to stop the gay pride parade from coming to Jerusalem and won't work this time either. Police are anticipating a few hundred women will show up for march which will go through the center of town and surely elicit reactions from the surrounding religious neighborhoods. Jordana Miller, JN1, Jerusalem