Yes, Yossi Sarid is a Jew. He is, according to Wikipedia, "a left-wing Israeli news commentator and former politician. He served as a member of the Knesset for the Alignment, Ratz and Meretz between 1974 and 2006. A former Minister of Education and Minister of the Environment, he led Meretz between 1996 and 2003." So Sarid is no lightweight. He is also the author of a pungent op-ed in Haaretz, "Orthodox Judaism treats women like filthy little things" which argues that Orthodox Judaism teaches, "If a man and a woman are drowning in a river, first they'll save the man, 'who is obligated to perform more commandments,' whereas a woman's 'wisdom is only in the spindle.' In fact, 'words of Torah should be burned rather than being given to women.'"
Those Odious Orthodox [we need some descriptive term to characterize those men in Beit Shemesh who spit on little girls] are a small minority of a minority. The other [polite] Orthodox ought to rein them in before it is too late. [And, sadly, judging from the Sarid op-ed, it is too late.]
Our snap Talmudic analysis: Orthodox Judaism has a wonderful comprehensive set of beliefs, rites and rituals. It does not need to preach misogyny too define its unique essences.
What is next? Best scenario, the secular majority in Israel will propose special legislation directly targeted to outlaw Orthodox discrimination against women. Worst case, riots and arrests.
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