Ramon ruling step back for women

From now on, I will spare women my smiles, a handshake, or a friendly complement because I admit I have no intention to be brought down by some "slut", or by the Israeli justice system, which is now facing large question marks.

I am no judge or attorney, but even a layman possesses a sense of justice. He can understand that from now on, any courtship or something that resembles courtship between a man and a woman constitutes danger. A woman, regardless of how pleasant and kind she is, constitutes a potential threat to the reputation of any man. He will also not be able to use the defense of "the basic right to be stupid." The new norm rules that every woman is a "danger zone" that one should be careful of.

Crime of 'stupidity'

For years, women in Israel have been fighting for equal status in male-dominated society. The process of liberating women from the burden of patriarchal society is lengthy, but it led to achievements. The struggle for equality is bearing fruit and can be seen in almost every area of Israeli society. But now, the court came and forced the status of women in Israel to take a large step back.

Will any employer now hire a woman when every conversation, gesture, or statement can lead to an indictment? Would any public figure who wishes to survive prefer the professional services of a woman over those of a man, when the gender-related Sword of Damocles is hanging over his head and the self-righteous, hypocritical guillotine is threatening to behead him?

The law against sexual harassment was meant to bring justice to women who fall victim to those in positions of authority who treated them as if they were a "subject" meant to be used by men and satisfy their needs.

The application of this just law has turned it into an unjust law and led to the opposite norm the legislator intended for it. One doesn't need to be a prophet to assume that the law has turned into a two-edged sword. It aimed to prevent harm to women, but will end up being making men stay away from them. That is, it will keep women away from activity that men are able to prevent. And then, all the achievements boasted by women in Israel will be lost.

Moreover, any man who has a woman smile to him, touch him, or compliment him, will join a possible struggle against the "harassment of men." Hence, relations between the sexes in Israel will turn into a "war of women against men."

It is doubtful whether those who started the fire against Haim Ramon, which ended on a discordant note, realize that they burned the dish: A man whose "crime" is his stupidity fell captive to an attractive young woman and paid a very heavy price. The required conclusion: Any man who wishes to survive is supposed to avoid similar "stupidity" in the future.

I do not believe that someone attempted to conspire against Haim Ramon. I'm convinced that the legal system in Israel "conspired" against the justice system within Israeli society and against the just struggle of every woman for equality.

The writer is a Dr. and media lecturer at the Interdisciplinary Center in Herzliya.