Thread: Question

I was watching the news and saw a bit about a 15 or 16 yr old girl who died in Israel due to a rocket crashing into her house. Anyway, a funeral was held for her but I noticed (and then it was stated by a master of the obvious - the reporter) that only men were present. Not even the girl's mother was allowed to pay her respects.

I understand that not all cultures treat women the way we are treated here. What I'm wondering is why women weren't allowed to attend the girl's funeral? I mean is it thought that women would taint the dead's soul or their resting place or something?

For anyone who may be skeptical of my questions, please know that I make no mockery at all. This is something I have not been exposed to before so I'm looking to understand it.

LadyD,

That is interesting. Is it possible that women were not around because of the dangerous situation? Women may not be allowed on TV. Who knows. Maybe it has something to do with respect and not publically display of mourning. Lots of people in mourning, do not go out and show their greif.

Dixie

Dixie,

As far as it being a dangerous situation or not being allowed on t.v., I wouldn't think so because we've seen them many times. Somtimes they (women) will answer a couple of questions from reporters.

If it's respect, then it goes back to my question, what's the reasoning behind it.

Lots of people in mourning, do not go out and show their greif.

I don't go out and show my grief either. Never thought everybody does or should.

(edit) Did some looking. Seems all members of the community can attend the funeral prayers, but only the men of the community can accompany the body to the gravesite.

Still looking for the "why" of it.

Ladydrake, If I heard correctly, this young girl who was killed was an Arab girl, if so that might be why the women were not allowed. The reporter said this neighboorhood mostly Arabs, that kind of surprised me, that Arabs would be living in this neighboorhood.

If I heard correctly, this young girl who was killed was an Arab girl, if so that might be why the women were not allowed.

I wish I could say that helps me to understand, unfortunately it doesn't. I mean I did find out that only men are allowed to accompany the body to the gravesite, I've not found out why women are not allowed to also.