Jewish women's prayer group says police blocked their service, prevented access to holy site

JERUSALEM – A liberal Jewish women's prayer group says police have prevented members from holding a service at a key Jerusalem holy site.

The Women of the Wall group said police blocked them from approaching the Western Wall Monday. They held their service at an adjacent plaza.

Women of the Wall accused police of cooperating with their Orthodox opponents. The group has faced opposition to its monthly prayer service, where members practice rituals reserved for men under Orthodox tradition.

Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said police were attempting to protect the women. He says there was no way to approach the prayer area near the wall because it was packed with worshippers.

A group of Orthodox men protested the service, throwing eggs and a water bottle. Police arrested three protesters for public disturbance.