Decorum by All Means?

Rafi of Life in Israel posted about an interesting exchange concerning the decorum at the Kotel and other Holy Places in Israel.

On one side, are those who think that the religious are imposing stricter rules on these Holy Places, while the religious (Chareidim) think that just the opposite in happening.

"The pashkevilim decried Rabbi Rabinovitch's attempt to "secularize" the holy sites around Israel, specifically Meron. He is forming some sort of council to decide on renovations ... as a tourist attraction. The pashkevil complains that he is secularizing ... instead of guarding it as a holy site [and] is trying to bring non-religious people to be "tourists" there."

To me, this is the "push and pull" of elevating the Kedusha of Eretz Yisrael

Hashem is the One to pass judgment on Am Yisrael, and that happpens on Rosh HaShanah. We are now entering the month of Elul, the month of Divine mercy and forgiveness, a time of increased Ahavas Yisrael (love for your fellow Jew).

Decorum is important adequate spacing, and necessary facilities are important at all the religious sites, but to say that "you" are not allowed, while "You" are allowed to visit, in my estimation, is not the Jewish way. These Holy places where our ancestors are resting, are the ancestors of ALL AM YISRAEL.

How can one be brought closer to emulating their ancestors? A first step to teshuva (which means 'returning to Hashem') is actually visiting their resting places, taking in the aura of the experience, learning more about who they were and how the lived. How can one do teshuva if they are pushed away, demeaned, and attacked? How does one create an atmosphere conducive to 'welcoming' the non-religious into the world of Mitzvos and Shabbos? By example of behavior. Not by always fighting them.

The zealots should be fighting the missionaries who are stealing our children and innocent (unknowing) Israelis. The missionaries are successful BECAUSE THEY ARE WELCOMING AND KIND AND GIVING! That is where the fight should be.

Decorum is a necessity for all expressions of religious belief and articulation of all manner of speech and action, no matter what end of the spectrum you are holding at.

Decorum = dignified propriety of behavior, speech, and dress.