Why People Are Signing our Petition

Over 5,000 people have already signed our petition asking Rep. Dave Camp to stand up against the abusive behavior of his senior advisor, Aharon Friedman, by issuing a public statement condemning all forms of domestic abuse, including the refusal to issue a get.

Why did they sign?

Here are some of their reasons.

• Estee Goldschmidt New York, NY United States
  

  I know Tamar personally and I met Aharon. This issue is really personal to me. If you could sign this petition and help the woman get her get that would be amazing. She has been an agunah for three years and Aharon is not rational and not even providing opportunities (such as money/ shared custody) upon the completion of which he would grant a get. The sole purpose of him withholding the get is to inflict pain upon Tamar.

• Chava Goldschmidt Lakewood, NJ United States
  

  Get refusal is ABSOLUTELY intolerable, and, in Tamar's words, "contrary to our Jewish faith." Please, please, Mr. Congressman, do not turn a blind eye!

• yael wertheimer bala cynwyd, PA United States
  

  Tamar and her daughter, as well as her entire family, have been suffering for many years. It is immoral to continue to turn a blind eye to the injustice unfolding here!

• Leonard Englander Baltimore, MD United States
  

  I believe that it is a complete abuse of power for someone to use the leverage of a Get to hold a person in a state of limbo. The Get was designed to protect women's rights long ago, it is not meant to be used as a form of leverage! To do so is to pervert the very purpose of the instrument and to give unrighteous power, giving the husband the ability to hold his wife "hostage," as no such laws bind the husband.

• Yosefa Dahan Ashdod, Israel
  

  it seems to me that in the year 2012 with all the technology, it's about time that a solution is found for this tragedy.

• Rachel Johnson Baltimore, MD United States
  

  Sir, You are a dick. Let your wife find happiness with out you.

• jessica friedman BOCA RATON, FL United States
  

  this is an in justice and a disgrace!

• eliot lauer new york, NY United States
  

  you should fire him if he does not give her the get. It reflects badly on you to have in your office a person so mean spirited that he woudl not give the get for 3 years to a young woman who wishes to be eligible to remarry and have children while she is still able to. let him know that decency is still a valued trait. there simply is no justification for using the get as leverage or just to be spiteful.

• Sara Lamar Ny, NY United States
  

  TO Enable Tamar to live a life, unchained from a dead, abusive, suffocating, marriage!

• Techiya Fisher Guelph, Canada
  

  tAMAR CN'T BE AN HOSTAGE AT HER HUSBAND's ((AHHARON FRIEDMAN) MERCY. HE HAS TO GRANT HER A GET AND LET HER CONTINUE WITH HER LIFE AND SO SHOULD HE. IF YOU EMPLOY A CORRUPTED HEARTLESS MAN IT REFLECTS ON YOU/

• Aaron Friedman Haifa, Israel
  

  Mr. Friedman, your abhorrent behavior is tarnishing my good name by association. Grow up. Your EX-wife has every right to live her life without you in it.

• Deanna Tanner Esq. Bala Cynwyd, PA United States
  

  A person entrusted with this type of policy-making responsibility should not engage in immoral and fraudulent conduct. It reflect poorly on Rep. Camp to be associated with this disreputable individual.

• Dr David Zukor Montreal, Canada
  

  Refusing to give a get is inexcusable and one of the lowest forms of behaviour.

• Naomi Zwillenberg Philadelphia, PA United States
  

  Because it is abusive not to give a get, and a representative of government should not employ someone he knows is privately abusing his wife.

• Chana Malka Haber phila, PA United States
  

  I am anti abuse of any sort and what Aharon, and by extension, his supporters, are doing is saying abuse is okay. ITS NOT

• Michal Dicker Cherry Hill, NJ United States
  

  To support Tamar Epstein, who is being tortured by Aharon Friedman.

• Diana Benmergui New York, NY United States
  

  Anyone who withholds a get from a woman is a disgraceful being and essentially lacks any moral fiber.

• Peninah Feldman Ithaca, NY United States
  

  Get withholding is wrong. The communities we create when we allow people to abuse others like this are not the kind of place we want to live in!

• Malka Simkovich Brookline, MA United States
  

  There is no rational argument to justify Aharon's horrific behavior. Anyone backing him is doing so out of apathy or cruelty.

• Yoel Eis Bronx, NY United States
  

  I am signing because not giving a Get (jewish divorce document) is horrible emotional abuse! It cannot be tolerated by anyone, and someone who holds political office should not be supporting someone who acts in this way.

• Harris Cohen Silver Spring, MD United States
  

  Aharon is holding his wife hostage, against her will.

• Sarah Halpern Bala Cynwyd, PA United States
  

  With great power comes great responsibility: please use your influence to ensure that Tamar Epstein is granted her divorce.

• David Wiener Merion Station, PA United States
  

  Unethical behavior should not be tolerated and I respectfully ask Cong. Camp to take a stand against it.

• Robert Guber New York, NY United States
  

  A man who refuse to grant a divorce to his wives defames the Torah. There can be no good reason for using Jewish law for blackmail. None.

• Alex Green Toronto, Canada
  

  Very important cause.

• Yaffa Cohen Bergenfield, NJ United States
  

  This type of behavior is unacceptable. I hope that everything possible is done to ensure that this woman receives a get.

• Diane Kolatch 10025, NY United States
  

  Please, Congressman Camp, imagine you were this woman.

• elaine arnold Cedarhurst, NY United States
  

  This is abusive behavior and should NOT be tolerated by the people in the United States. This man is wielding a DESPICABLE act of control over his wife.

• Ophra Paul Silver Spring, Israel
  

  For Tamar Epstein's freedom to remarry.

• Avi Lichtschein Teaneck, NJ United States
  

  This kind of abuse is completely unacceptable and inexcusable. It's shocking and appaling that you would employ such a mean spirited individual.

• Binyamin Zomberg New York, NY United States
  

  Because it's so easy to just give the get. Dave, make it happen!

• Joni Conner San Diego, CA United States
  

  Despicable men who abuse their wives deserve to lose more than their jobs!

• Chayim Goldberg Bronx, NY United States
  

  Whatever the reason for the marital dispute, and whomever is at fault, it does not matter- halacha is NEVER to be used as a weapon. No case of marital dispute is simple and in many cases it is heartbreaking, but withholding a get is never the way to go bout solving it.

• Adina Grossman Modiin, Israel
  

  b/c I am absolutely anti a husband holding his wife hostage and using a get as a means to coerce her to give him what he wants. In an age where we are tryign to teach our children about no bullying in school and with friends, shouldn't we the adults be the ones to set an example?!

• Huvie Yagod Mars Hill, ME United States
  

  As a Congressman and as a fellow human being, it does not behoove Representative Camp to employ a man openly engaged in a form of domestic abuse.

• Elan Miller Jerusalem, Israel
  

  This sickens me. "Get denial" is a shameless act, and an indicator that the perpetrator is utterly unfit for public service.

• Jeff Dunetz Dix Hills, NY United States
  

  Congressman Camp; What this guy is doing is immoral. Please sit him down and strongly urge him to do the right thing.

• Elise Butowsky chappaqua, NY United States
  

  Refusing to give a "get" is the ultimate act of a controlling and abusive husband. It should not be tolerated simply because it is under the guise of religion. This is abuse of religion and an insult to the Jewish community.

• Samuel Aronson Portland, United States Minor Outlying Islands
  

  Tamar Epstien is my cousin and doesn't deserve to be abused like this!

• Leslie Goldberg Baltimore, MD United States
  

  Because I have a dear friend in the same position.

• Joel David Elizabeth, NJ United States
  

  Please stop encouraging the abuse of women

• Susan Sobczak Mishawaka, IN United States
  

  There is no reason why a women should be held against her will. Her religion is everything to her and he should be held accountable for his actions. Friedman's actions are immoral and intolerable. Let her go and get on with her life.

• Aviva Zacks Modiin, Israel
  

  Withholding a Get is the lowest of the low. Let this woman be free to move on with her life. As a former Michiganian, I ask you to please represent your fellow citizens by doing the right thing.

• Leta Borck bala cynwyd, PA United States
  

  To help Tamar and other "chained women" who deserve to be free!!! If this was your mother or sister in this unfortunate situation, would you consider it "merely gossip?"

• Diane Zwillenberg Merion, PA United States
  

  Aaron is refusing to give his wife, Tamar, a get because he is dissatisfied with the family court rulings that permitted Tamar to take their child out of their jurisdiction. It is because of this that he is attempting to blackmail her into changing the custody arrangement by withholding this document from her, without which she is unable to marry another. There is no legitimate reason for his refusal to give her this document. If asked, he would have to admit as much.

• Jonathan Meola Ashburn, VA United States
  

  Refusing to give a get is totally inexcusable, especially after granting a civil divorce, and it's of the lowest forms of behavior. The man is a worm.

• tzvi fischer portland, OR United States
  

  please don't support the abuse of marriage and the strangulation of this woman.

• Shoshana Weiner Cedarhurst, NY United States
  

  this man wants to torment his wife and prevent her from moving on by not giving her a "GET". This is a form of spousal abuse and as a representative you should not condone this behavior.

• Dov Yitzchak Neal Portland, OR United States
  

  Marriages end for what ever reason....giving a get to a wife is a mitzvah and not giving his a huge chillul Hashem. Men need to or be urged to do the right thing always. Anger or bitterness is a sin.....

• Susan barrett lake worth, FL United States
  

  A woman deserves the right to be free. The abuse needs to stop and we need to not protect men like this.

• Isaac Moses Chesterfield, MO United States
  

  When marrying in a Jewish ceremony, Friedman promised to end his marriage, should it become necessary through another ceremony. By walking away from his marriage without ending it as promised, he is shirking his responsibilities as a giver of his word and as a man. To employ a person who refuses thus to honor his responsibilities as a public servant is itself irresponsible.

• beth pava springfield, MA United States
  

  Freeze the guy's bank account. Refuse to employ him. Take away his passport. Get my point?

• Noah Goldstein Teaneck, NJ United States
  

  No representative of my government should employ a wife-abuser!

• Avital Mendelsohn LONDON, United Kingdom
  

  Refusing to give a get is inhumane. This woman deserves justice.

• Gahl Pratt Pardes Calgary, Canada
  

  I am signing because no person should ever abuse another, and no man should ever keep a woman in chains.

• Jay Marcus Silver Spring, MD United States
  

  Please tell your staffer Aharon Friedman to give his wife a get. This is pure domestic abuse, not "gossip."

• Corey Spivak Portland, OR United States
  

  Help put an end to this!

• Eve Eisenberg Bronx, NY United States
  

  This is not a religious issue. It's an ethical one!

• Jonas Goldberg Swampscott, MA United States
  

  Spousal abuse!

• Yona Glass New York, NY United States
  

  Withholding a Get from a spouse is an outrageous abuse. It wreaks havoc on the spouse and the children involved. This has gone on long enough, anyone who has anything to do with Aharon Friedman should do what they can to persuade him to do the right thing and give his wife a Get, especially if one of those individuals is a public/community leader like a U.S. Representative.

• Tamar Billauer Friedman Cedarhurst, NY United States
  

  Unfortunately I am aware of so many agunah situations, many of which have hit close to home. ORA has been amazing and B"H has freed many of them already, and soon Tamar as well Beezrat Hashem.

• Talia Frolich Beachwod, OH United States
  

  No government official should hire or associate himself with a person who is responsible for spousal abuse be it physical or emotional. I hope that our members of Congress set a moral standard for the rest of the country.

• Rivka Soltoff New York, NY United States
  

  Get refusal is abuse! Please don't condone abuse!

• Beth Ginsberg Brooklyn, NY United States
  

  Get refusal is a form of abuse of women! It is an abomination and should not be supported.

• REBECCA KRISTT SILVER SPRING, MD United States
  

  Help support basic human rights. Tell him to give the get.

• Naomi Sandberg Silver Spring, MD United States
  

  Get denial is ABUSE! Stop vicitimizing Tamar!

• Elizabeth Friedman Brooklyn, NY United States
  

  because everyone woman should have the right, encouragement and support of others to protect herself.

• Yonit Metz Jacksonville, FL United States
  

  Please G-d Tamar will be unchained soon! She is a lovely gal. She, her daughter, and her family deserve closure and the ability to move on.

• Tara Weitzner Staten island, NY United States
  

  You should be embarrassed to associate yourself with, let alone employ such a person.

• Chava ( formerly Pamela) Landau ( formerly Edelmuth) Chicago, IL United States
  

  I am signing this petition because my ex-husband also abused me by withholding my get. He held it as hostage so that I would agree to anything in the divorce settlement that he wanted. This is the ultimate abuse of the religion. No man should be allowed to perpetrate abuse of women or the Jewish religion.

• Zvi Friedman New York, NY United States
  

  Aharon Friedman is abusing his wife in religious law, preventing her from moving on in life.

• Ora R Jerusalem, Israel
  

  Denying a get is not only abusive to women, it is corruption of Jewish law. When people misuse the law to push their selfish agendas, it sullies the beauty and sanctity of the Jewish faith.

• David Raphael Jerusalem, Israel
  

  I have no personal stake in this, I don't know the family. But whatever issues this person still has with his ex-wife -be they legitimate or not- this is a completely unacceptable tactic.

• Michal Porath Milton, Israel
  

  ONe should not keep someone on staff who abuses his spouse. Be it physically, sexually, or in this case, domestically. Shame on the US government or employing this man, and shame on you for keeping him on staff despite his undignified actions.

• Nili Auerbach Ewing, NJ United States
  

  I think it is critical that our elected officials vehemently oppose all forms of spousal abuse; Get refusal is a clear case of emotional abuse!!!

• Richard Dorfman Englewood, NJ United States
  

  because if you really wanted to, Congressman, you could free this woman.

• Marc Sommer Passaic, NJ United States
  

  You can not, in good conscience ignore the plight of this woman. Our politicians should for the highest level of ethics. Fail to act on this and you fall short of this standard.

• Morris Rodenstein Silver Spring, MD United States
  

  Cong. Camp, You are employing a person is a public-known wife abuser! Insist he gives his wife a get or does this campaign need to tell your district's voters about how you do NOT uphold family values?

• Sara Stohl New York, NY United States
  

  How can you allow spousal abuse right under your nose? Do the right thing for America and your constituents.

• simmi brodie monsey, NY United States
  

  because it angers and saddens me to see the torah that i love twisted by someone who claims to follow its laws into a weapon.

• Deborah Yellen LA, CA United States
  

  because what he is doing is morally unjust

• Jeffrey Schwartz Cherry Hill, NJ United States
  

  Although I believe some of the language comparing the inability to marry to death here is unfortunately hyperbolic, I agree that Mr. Friedman has been acting improperly and been in defiance of a Rabbinical court. As an Orthodox Jew, it is my duty to protest the wrong he is committing against Tamar Epstein.

• Aviva Barnett Passaic, NJ United States
  

  He needs to grow up and take responsibility, not demonstrate intimidation tactics that are abusive to get his way.

• Lydia Kess New York, NY United States
  

  Such behaviour is cruel and inexcusable, and an abuse perpetrated soley because Tamar is a woman.

• Aliza Rabinowitz teaneck, NJ United States
  

  no woman should be refused a get

• netania cortell Atlanta, GA United States
  

  I am one of Tamar's sister-in-laws and to see what she is going through is terrible. It's unfortunate that Mr Camp has not taken further action with Aharon because now it looks bad on Mr Camp. Please help this young, wonderful, beautiful, mother to move on with her life and stop being abused.

• Avrum Harris Palmdale, CA United States
  

  What Friedman is doing is contrary to the spirit of Halacha and gives Ahm Yyisroel a bad name

• Naomi Barnes Palmdale, CA United States
  

  It’s people like Aharon Friedman that abuse Halacha and don't understand the spirit of Halacha that give Ahm Yisroel a bad name.

• Doe Ryti Lancaster, CA United States
  

  I am signing because you have NO right to deny your wife a get. G~d sees us as equal.

• Roe Levi Glendale, CA United States
  

  Aharon Friedman IS NOT ABUSING HIS WIFE! His wife is selfishly and inmororally depriving her child of her right to enjoy both her FATHER and MOTHER equally! As a Jewish woman I have seen this too often. The woman is vindictively alienatind the affection of the her child's father by setting up all the religious trappings/impediments in a non Jewish country. In Israel, The Rabbinute would step in and mediate this matter for the minor's sake. CHILDREN NEED BOTH PARENTS, NOT JUST THE MOTHER. ASK ANY CHILD WHO HAS A LIMITED RELATIONSHIP WITH ONE OF THE PARENTS DUE TO A UNTHOUGHTFUL COURT ORDER THAT ALLOWED ONE OF THE PARTIES TO MANIPULATE THE MATTER RESOURCERFULLY & CREATIVELY BY FAMILY LAW ATTORNEYS!!!!

• LuAnne Holladay Bloomington, IN United States
  

  It is fundamentally wrong to tacitly sanction this sort of abuse, when the remedy for the situation is so readily available. As a society, we're better than this.

• Jonathan Geller Beachwood, Oman
  

  Someone representing American people in government should reflect American values, and contrary to popular belief, American's DO believe in women's rights. Additionally, Friedman is an asshole - sack his ass!

• Rochelle L. Millen Columbus, OH, Belize
  

  His refusal to grant a get is a travesty. Let him do what's right!!! Rochel Millen

• Lorraine C.l Gollub Pearblossom, CA United States
  

  In my experience as a family law attorney, (now retired) I represented clients seeking divorce. In a disputed "get" situation, the husband would hold up the "get" for additional property and waiver of support beyond entitlement. An honorable husband, no matter how disappointed, would undertstand that he, as well as she contributed to the breakdown of the marriage. An honorable man would adhere to division of assets and support and not make a mockery of the withholding the "get" from a religious Jewish woman to deny her future recovery from the break up of the marriage. The "get" should not be for sale or revenge. Lorraine C. Gollub

• Harvey Goldfrad Philadelphia, PA United States
  

  Dear Rep. Camp, Please encourage Mr. Friedman to divorce his wife so that she may move on with her life and get remarried if she so chooses. Thank you.

• Shira CANTOR BALA-CYNWYD, PA United States
  

  Rep. Camp, by supporting Aharon Friedman as your employee, you are personally supporting domestic abuse.

• Marcie Calm Denver, CO United States
  

  This abusive behavior must not be tolerated and the congressman has in his power the ability to stop it!! Please do so immediately!

• M Elizabeth Sublette Brooklyn, NY United States
  

  get refusal is unacceptable

• Aliza Levitt Philadelphia, Palestinian Territory, Occupied
  

  Any form of spousal abuse is completely unacceptable. Whether physical, verbal or emotional, employing tactics which case one's spouse to suffer and be denied the right to live a full and free life cannot be condoned. Representative Camp needs to take a stand and show that abusive behavior in any form will not be tolerated by the US government!

• brandi davis philadelphia, PA United States
  

  It is unfair for a man to use a get to keep a woman where she does not want to be. And this is a man allowed to be in office while choosing to oppress women. NO. Give the get.

• joanna klein cedarhurst, NY United States
  

  because every woman deserves a human beings natural right to their own freedome

• Jeremy Baran Pittsburgh, PA United States
  

  A Get is meant to protect the sanctity of marriage, and it should not be used as a coercive tool.

• Steven D Levin Philadelphia, PA United States
  

  Since their marriage cannot be be saved, he should grant her a get. It is the right thing to do. It is the legal thing to do. He should man up, cut her loose, and both of them should get on with their lives.

• Kevin Beckoff Fair Lawn, NJ United States
  

  Tamar Epstein deserves to be free.

• Carla Davis college park, MD United States
  

  Because she deserves to be happy.

• Daniel Rosen Teaneck, NJ United States
  

  This is wrong. Plain and simple.

• Brooke Bauer bala cynwyd, PA United States
  

  Refusing to divorce his wife so that she can not move on with her life is wrong. A politician is supposed to do and lead our nation to do the right thing and make this nation a better place. Even if this has "nothing to do" with your own campaign, you are a politician who should be doing the right thing. Do something about this situation

• Gail Cantor Bala Cynwyd, PA United States
  

  Representative Camp, I firmly believe that our nation’s leaders should respect the law and adhere to the highest level of moral ethics. They should expect no less from their staff. In this light, I urge you to use your influence to ensure that Aharon Friedman end his abuse of Tamar Epstein and adhere to the laws which he has accepted upon himself. Tamar Epstein and Aharon Friedman have had a civil divorce for nearly 2 years; there is no marriage to be saved. In addition to a civil marriage, Aharon and Tamar also had a religious marriage. Aharon is well aware that giving a Get to formally end a marriage is a significant law in “his” and Tamar’s religion. The fact that Aharon is refusing to give a Get serves no purpose other than to abuse Tamar. I find it reprehensible that such an abusive person should be permitted to work for a representative of the U.S. government without shame or consequence. Please help.

• Miryam Weisberg Silver Spring, MD United States
  

  I would urge Rep. camp to consider what action he might take if a member of his staff were convicted in a secular court of any other type of spousal abuse, and applyl

• LeeAnne Ayres silver spring, MD United States
  

  The Get was never intended to be used as a form of coercement. The abuse of it must stop.

• dr. stephen rozenberg jamaica, NY United States
  

  justice

• devorah taitz cedarhurst, NY United States
  

  A control issue that some men use for leverage. Disgusting.

• Mindy Tolchinsky Silver Spring, MD United States
  

  Congressman Camp should protect abused women and their rights.

• Barbara Magnas Silver Spring, MD United States
  

  I want Rep. Camp to understand that his staff member who he certainly trusts wakes up every morning knowing exactly what he is doing to his ex-wife since they have the same belief structure. This means he inflicts this pain on her knowing the exact extent of its ramifications. Why would a man who is a U.S. government representative want such a man in his employ? What else is he capable of if he can intentionally destroy someone he loved at one time?

• Sheila Frankel Silver Spring, MD United States
  

  A "get" (Jewish divorce) should never be used as a club; it should be given once the secular divorce is final, or preferably before that. Not to do so is abusive behavior. Is this the sort of person who should be advising our lawmakers?

• leah amdur jerusalem, Israel
  

  To protect a woman who is being held in a marriage against her will

• Chayie Chinn Silver Spring, MD United States
  

  I believe that Congressman Dave Camp is doing a horrible injustice by continuing to employ Aharon Friedman

• David Barenholtz Beverly Hills, CA United States
  

  As a jew and Michigan resident I find it repulsive that this senior advisor Congress Camp continues to abuse his wife.

• Dana Sicherman Silver Spring, MD United States
  

  Rep. Camp stands for too much and has accomplished far too much to let a high-ranking staff member that is actively engaged in domestic abuse undermine his efforts.

• Karen Howard Port St Lucie, FL United States
  

  Just because it isn’t physical (as a beating) does not mean this isn’t abuse. By allowing this to happen, Rep. Camp has spoken loud & clear about how he feels regarding women’s rights. Remember that next election! What kind of people does he have working for him?

• Rheta Zabrowsky Far Rockaway, NY, United States Minor Outlying Islands
  

  Investigate the consequences of refusing to give a get!

• Lori Turner Philadelphia, PA United States
  

  Injustice, particularly toward someone who deserves the most justice and freedom, is absolutely unacceptable. I support Tamar 100%.

• Claire Landa Philadelphia, Israel
  

  As a Jewish woman, I feel the responsibility to defend and support Tamar as if she were my own sister. This is truly an injustice and I only wish I could do more to help free Tamar and her family. May her Get come soon!

• Aviva Lebson Silver Spring, MD United States
  

  It is abusive not to give a get, and a representative of government should not employ someone he knows is privately abusing his wife.

• Jeremy Rovinsky Washington, DC United States
  

  I care about woman's rights, and Aaron Friedman is in violation of Jewish law for abusing his wife

• Howard Rosman Brooklyn, NY, United States Minor Outlying Islands
  

  It is against halacha for the husband to treat his wife like this

• Nettle Barnes New York, NY United States
  

  What Aharon is doing to his ex-wife is simply and clearly abuse. By standing by him and supporting him, you are supporting abuse of the worst kind. Please make the right move and encourage Aharon to free Tamar from their dead marriage.

• Jonathan Roth Gilberts, IL United States
  

  “Withholding the Jewish divorce is about abuse because domestic abuse, at its core, is about control and restricting the personal freedom of another person,” ORA Executive Director Rabbi Jeremy Stern.

• Barry Levi Baltimore, MD United States
  

  Women should not be abused by making them agunot (chained) to husbands whose hatred chain them.

• Bruce Pennington Charlotte, NC United States
  

  I'm a Republican who supports women's rights and your staffer is just being vindictive.

• Malka nussbaum flushing, Namibia
  

  I thought America was the land of the free. The land of "unalienable rights as Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." Does the American constitution and the Bill of Rights allow a person to have the power to suspend, deprive and take away another person's " life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness?"

• Jonathan Howarth College Park, MD United States
  

  The get was established in a time period where women were more reliant financially on their husbands than they are today. As such, the Rabbis instituted the Get to ensure that a women upon being divorced (which as it is today, was entirely dependent on the husband) was left with a modest amount of money to sustain herself for a little while. The fact that this failsafe enacted millennia ago has resulted in the religious incarceration of women worldwide highlights a major failing within the system of Jewish law. The Halachic system has the means to change, but the people are too scared take the God given power into their own hands and make the necessary changes. Four years is four too many and this has to stop.

• Toby Sackton Lexington, MA United States
  

  I do not tolerate religious extremism in the US from any quarter - Taliban or Orthodox Jew. If she is divorced, let her husband recognize the divorce and not use religious discrimination of women in a personal vendetta.

• Deborah Weiss Buffalo Grove, IL United States
  

  As a woman, and a Jew, I am offended that Mr. Friedman would refuse to give his ex-wife a get. It is nothing more than an attempt to retain control over someone he no longer has control over. Shame. Shame. And shame on Representative Camp for refusing to get involved by mistakenly stating that this is a religious matter and not a civil matter. Time to let go, Mr. Friedman. It is your duty as a man and a Jew.

• Daria Hoffman Los Angeles, CA United States
  

  Because men who abuse their wives should not be in positions of power. This man is doing something abhorrent and must be stopped.

• B L Valley Village, CA United States
  

  As an attorney and an observant Jewish woman I feel strongly that Mr. Friedman should be sanctioned for refusing to give his wife a get. I urge Rep. Camp to support human rights by condemning get refusal in his own backyard.

• Dr. Isaac M Goodman Far Rockaway, NY United States
  

  Mr. Friedman has imprisoned his wife indefinitely. This should be see as a crime. Representative Camp: it is within your power to help free her. Please do the right thing!

• Polina Vorobeychik Oakland, CA United States
  

  This behavior is unethical and goes against the Jewish law. This or any other abuse should not be tolerated by anyone!

• CELINE WEISS Beachwood, OH United States
  

  i know Tamar's first cousin and have been following this case for a long time....

• Helen R Sunnyvale, CA United States
  

  Every woman deserves the right to divorce her husband regardless of religion or the financial and political influences that one side might have.

• ian turner liverpool, United Kingdom
  

  without a get a lady cannot continue a normal religious life and remarry. Although an old and archaic rule this power is held by the man. To withhold a get from a spouse is tantamount to abuse and , if the marriage has really failed, is just plain wrong to do.

• Ed & Estelle Cohen Ann Arbor, MI United States
  

  It's about morality and justice...If he were abusing his children you would dump him...TIME TO DO IT.

• sara bleier bala cynwyd, PA United States
  

  Sometimes right & wrong are easy to tell apart - this is one of those times - withholding a Get is never right.

• Abba Krieger Merion, PA United States
  

  It is inappropriate to have someone like Aharon Feldman working for the government being paid tax payer dollars when his refusal to give a Jewish divorce breeches proper ethical and moral behavior.

• Kenneth Brodkin Portland, OR United States
  

  Dear Congressman Camp - I implore you to take a firm stand against Mr. Friedman's abusive behavior. Rabbi Kenneth Brodkin

• Leon Wertheimer Bala Cynwyd, PA United States
  

  This man's legs should be broken!

• Arthur Rosenthol Bala Cynwyd, PA United States
  

  Aharon Friedman is guilty of abuse. He lost his case in court, and now is trying to punish his ex-wife. Please ask him to stop.

• David Stein Philadelphia, PA United States
  

  Because people should treat each other with dignity and respect and Mr. Camp is giving his tacit approval to this behavior.

• Sara Esther Crispe Merion Station, PA United States
  

  Employing a known abuser reflects on our government. How can one want to be advised by someone who actively seeks to destroy the life of another, by keeping the mother of his child chained to him in an unwanted marriage?

• Hanna Perlberger Merion Station, PA United States
  

  No man should be allowed to do this to a woman. It's cruel and abusive - with no positive reason other than to inflict pain.

• Steven Goldman Bala Cynwyd, PA United States
  

  At this point, refusing a divorce is malicious cruelty. It is appalling that Mr. Friedman hold an honorific position with an elected official in the face of his vicious behavior.

• stanley Goldis Bala Cynwyd, PA United States
  

  Representative Camp: You have become part of the problem by condoning spousal abuse through your inaction. As a member of Congress you should become part of the solution.

• Irwin Zinnes Merion Station, PA United States
  

  When there is a legal divorce, the marriage is over. Then the man should never use a religious issue, giving a "get" which the woman needs before she can be remarried, as a punishment against his former wife. This lack of giving a get shows a total lack of morals. I wouldn't tolerate having this type of person working for me. He is a disgrace to his religion and should hide his face in shame!

• Lisa Dardashti Merion, PA United States
  

  Representative Camp, You have been presented with an opportunity to set YOUR record straight by condemning Friedman for his spousal abuse. If you let this opportunity go, you are, in fact, tarnishing your own political reputation.

• Yosef Hershkop Brooklyn, NY United States
  

  Refusing to give a GET is a disgusting thing to do. At least in this one case the public is getting to express their opinion.

• Marilyn Stern Washington, DC United States
  

  "The only thing necessary for evil to flourish is for good men to do nothing." (Edmund Burke). Congressman Camp, take a stand and shame your staffer into releasing his wife so that she can move on with her life.

• Nili Couzens Bala Cynwyd, PA United States
  

  Women's rights need to be important to our government officials on all levels and abusers need to be held accountable for their abuse.

• Yosef Gavriel Bechhofer MONSEY, NY United States
  

  My son is a friend and classmate of Tamar's brother, and Tamar's father ob"m was my son's doctor when he was hospitalized in Philadelphia. They are a very special and wonderful family. No one should have to undergo this kind of abuse, but certainly not such lovely people!

• Limor Levy livingston, NJ United States
  

  i am signing because i cant belive that this guy is getting away with this for this long we live in America not a some crazy place or maybe we are living in a country that does not stand behind its own people. with that said please help and end what this guy is doing Thank you

• Chaya Goodman West Bloomfield, MI United States
  

  This is disgusting.

• Daniel Fink Kibbutz Lavi, Israel
  

  Intolerable!

• Doreen Seidler-Feller Ph.D. Los Angeles, CA United States
  

  Please don't look the other way because this is a" domestic" or private matter and rationalize a non-interventionist approach. The simple fact is that this woman is being enslaved by her former husband;it's a human rights issue and none of us can stand idly by.

• Sharon Altshul Jerusalem, Israel
  

  I know the facts stated here are true and it is a tragic situation.

• Leonard Ginsburg,MD,CDE Merion Station,, PA United States
  

  A woman who has received a legal divorce under American law, should not be abused and punished because she chose like 50% of Americans unfortunately do and that is to receive a divorce. A man should not seek revenge by hiding behind religion, especially when the head Rabbi's have ruled in favor of in this case the victim, Ms. Epstein and no representative of the American Government should condone the abuse of women.

• Frima Telerant Los Angeles, CA United States
  

  C'mon representative Camp (mensch up-that means be compassionate)

• Rachel Levmore Flushing, NY United States
  

  A man who demonstrates abusive behavior in his private life cannot be allowed to work in public service, especially in a position of influence. The reasons are obvious.

• alexandra leichter beverly hills,, CA United States
  

  I am a California family law attorney and have written articles for the public and for the legal profession to raise awareness of an insidious practice by men who use Jewish law to enslave their cast-off wives for vengeance or for extortion. For the past 39 years I have battled these Jewish divorce issues on behalf of numerous clients. No public servant should condone the spousal abuse perpetrated by those who use their religious power over women to extort concessions for custody, support and property division.

• Rise Goldstein Silver Spring, MD United States
  

  Aharon Friedman's behavior is not "gossip." It is abuse. Abuse in all forms, including this one, is intolerable.

• Rita-Rivka Lewy Teaneck, NJ United States
  

  Tamar should have the freedoms we all take for granted. The voice of anyone of conscience should be heard to support that. There is a concept of not standing idly by when someone's blood is being shed. This is such a case.

• Nicole Iglicki MONSEY, NY United States
  

  Please encorage Aaron Freedman to grant his wife a get

• Michele Miller Brooklyn, NY United States
  

  I personally know Tamar, and her family. It is a tragic and cruel act on Aaron's part to act in such a calculating manner to hurt another human being. It is inappropriate and unacceptable that Rep Camp should willingly employ such a person as his Senior advisor. Who is Aaron's senior advisor?

• Estelle Brandler Spring Valley, NY United States
  

  It is a universal Jewish disgrace that a woman can be held hostage like this. I CANNOT believe that Hashem (G-D) is looking down at His world, seeing this and is saying to Himself, "Yes, this is how I want My world to work!"

• Tamar Schock Passaic, NJ United States
  

  I am aghast that you would have Aharon Friedman on your committee. It shows a lack of principles and human decency on your part.

• eve rosen bala cynwyd, PA United States
  

  By dismissing criticism of Friedman's behavior as gossip, you are supporting abusive behavior. Epstein is a prisoner of Friedman until he gives her a get. Take this seriously. If Epstein were you daughter you would not dismiss this as gossip. You would be up in arms and do everything you could to persuade Friedman to give her a get.

• Henry Rieser NY, NY United States
  

  This is abusive behavior and needs to be stopped immediately

• Ted Kosloff Merion, PA United States
  

  because it's the right thing to do

• adam rosenberg miami, FL United States
  

  to employ as an advisor a man who is so openly and publicly misogynystic is to say that you personally and professionally take a stand in favor of men's right to abuse women. You severely hurt your chances of reelection and bring shame to your office.

• Sarah Stern Baltimore, MD United States
  

  As a Republican, I believe your party, Mr. Camp, stands for family values. Blackmail/extortion, which is what withholding a Get is, is not commensurate with those values. Please let Mr. Friedman know that you will not tolerate his continued despicable behavior toward his ex-wife. Thank you for taking the time to read this.

• Marnina Urman Jerusalem, Israel
  

  It is dispicable that you employ someone who is denying someone a basic human right.

• Aarpn Frolich beachwood, United Arab Emirates
  

  <a href="http://www.thejewishweek.com/blogs/jewish_techs/agunah_cases_age_facebook" rel="nofollow">http://www.thejewishweek.com/blogs/jewish_techs/agunah_cases_age_facebook</a>

• Randy Scheer Bala Cynwyd, PA United States
  

  The privileges we enjoy as Americans should not be allowed to be abused and manipulated for an indvidual's personal pleasure. Please acknowledge the pain and suffering of another if nothing else.

• Barry Lichtenstein Bala Cynwyd, PA United States
  

  Rep Camp is supporting Aharon Friedman's abusive behavior towards his wife. I ask Rep Camp to make a public statement condeming all forms of domestic abuse, including the refusal to issue a Get. Please, Rep Camp, stand up for women's rights!

• Renee Brown New York, NY United States
  

  No man should have the right to keep his wife in chains. She and he need to be able to move on with their lives.

• Deena Roemer Wynnewood, PA United States
  

  because those representing our government should not support abuse by standing by as one of their own employees continues to dish it out.

• ahuv levine flushing, NY United States
  

  I am friends with Tamar's friends!

• Jennifer Polin Skokie, Ukraine
  

  The community cannot allow for men to withhold a religious divorce for any reason. Who are we to say who is right and who is wrong in these cases.

• Phaygi Chinn Baltimore, MD United States
  

  This is an abomination that it has gone on this long. This woman needs to be freed! PLEASE

• malka liebman bala cynwyd, PA United States
  

  I would expect that a congressman would not stand by idly in this situation, but do all that is within his means to help Tamar Epstein procure the freedom that is due any human being.

• anne senter teaneck, NJ United States
  

  If MR. Friedman flaunts Jewish law by denying his exwife a GET, how can you expect him to respect US law? He is an embarrasment to his religious & American heritage!

• Adam Mervis Silver Spring, MD United States
  

  Tamar Epstein deserves her freedom!

• Devorah Chana Goldman Lawrence, NY United States
  

  I know Tamar's family and they are wonderful people. Please help this young woman move on with her life.

• Michael Braffman Bala Cynwyd, PA United States
  

  As Aharon was willing to give Tamar a civil divorce, his refusal to similarly grant a religious divorce (which precludes her from re-marrying and providing her daughter with a stable home) is inexplicable and can only be his attempt to vindictively inflict as much pain on his ex-wife and her family. Their young daughter will be the one to suffer the most. Common decency demands that he close this painful chapter on his own life as well as that of Tamar and their daughter.

• Sharyn Chase Merion, PA United States
  

  Because to refuse to issue a get is abusive not only to the wife, but to the entire family, including his child. Please help stop the abuse.

• Yoel Finkelman Beit Shemesh, Israel
  

  US citizen and former Michigan resident. Friedman's behavior is repugnant!

• Raizy Sokol Brooklyn, NY United States
  

  My mother is going the same exact thing for 18 years now :( It hurts to know I have a father that continuously is hurting my mother by not providing her with a jewish divorce when he himself got married.

• yitzy halpern far rockaway, NY United States
  

  it is despicable that a representative in our government would not do everything in his power to pressure his employee to release his wife from bondage. The orthodox community is strong and unified (case in point Weprin vs. Turner) and this is one of their most sensitive issues...I would advise the Congressman to take it seriously.

• Rhonda deGategno West Chester, PA United States
  

  They are divorced in law courts; now Tamar needs to be free to marry someone who won't abuse her. Her husband continues his cruelty to her through refusing to issue this Get. This has gone on FAR TOO LONG!

• Susan Moses Philadelphia, PA United States
  

  Aharon and his family will be happier and healthier when he does the right thing and puts this matter behind him.

• Eliane Rahmani London, United Kingdom
  

  Refusing one's spouse a get = gross abuse. Please do your utmost to help release this young woman from the claws of her civilly divorced husband!

• rachel feldhamer Bet Shemesh, Israel
  

  he is a pig

• rochelle nosenchuk bala cynwyd, PA United States
  

  By not giving the Jewish divorce you hold the person hostage. This is an unacceptable conditiion.

• Shana Frydman New York, NY United States
  

  Please help Aharon Friedman do the right thing- and stop this horrible form of spousal abuse. .

• Eva Moses Chesterfield, MO United States
  

  Mr. Friedman is now universally acknowledged in the Jewish community to be worthy of being ostracized!

• David Levitt Mt Lakes, NJ United States
  

  Because refusing to grant a get is a despicable and unethical act. How can you continue to employ such a person?

• Michelle Farbman Flushing, NY United States
  

  he MUST give a GET!!!!

• Elisheva Levi Brooklyn, NY United States
  

  Mr. Camp - do the right thing.

• Jessica Schechter Jerusalem, Israel
  

  As an American citizen, I am deeply concerned that you are not encouraging your senior advisor to follow the law! He has been ordered to grant his wife a religious divorce, as they are already civilly divorced. This reflects very badly on you, as you are a US Representative, and not only make laws, but must uphold them as well. Please take a public stand and have your employee follow the law!!

• Lea Aviva trpy, NY United States
  

  If MR. Friedman flaunts Jewish law by denying his exwife a GET, how can you expect him to respect US law? He is an embarrasment to his religious & American heritage!

• Rachel Moss Baltimore,, MD United States
  

  Mr. Aharon Friedman is using religion to abuse his ex-wife. This outrageous behavior by an advisor to a US government representative should be condemned. Rep. David Camp's silence regarding his advisor's cruelty has enabled this case of domestic abuse to continue for almost four years.

• temima levine far rockaway, NY United States
  

  I stand up for women's rights not reliant on her religion or ethnicity. Although I do not know the intricate details of this case, I do know that by not giving a women a Get - in essence Aharon Friedman is holding her as a slave. As an American and a Jew I can not tolerate this

• Joshua Halpern Bala Cynwyd, PA United States
  

  Because Tamar deserves better!

• Mordechai Lichtenstein New York, NY United States
  

  "Gossip?" Really? Because there aren't too many Jews in your district, I take it. I think it's time for a well-funded PAC to support your opponent...

• Vicki Evenchik Orange Village, OH United States
  

  Congressman, this isn't a religious issue, but a reflection on your willingness to tolerate bigotry and chauvinism amongst your office staff. The religious aspect is just a pretext for infliction of emotional abuse, and for coercion and intimidation as a means of upending a judicial court order that your staffer does not agree with. Stop supporting this apolitical filibuster!

• Laura Smolar Baltimore, MD United States
  

  Aharon Friedman's personal behavior is reprehensible, abusive and unbecoming of the staff of a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives. His refusal to grant his wife a get reflects a total disregard for the welfare of his child, family and community demands the condemnation and intervention by the Congressman to make Mr. Friedman do what is right.

• Elazar Welcher Flushing, NY United States
  

  His behavior is deplorable

• Elizabeth Kravitz brooklyn, NY United States
  

  in hopes that not only will he give her a divorce but my x finally gives me one also

• Gail Halpern Silver Spring, MD United States
  

  Your employee's abusive behavior should be condemned not supported. He won't give his wife a Jewish Divorce. This is a fact, not "gossip"

• Elyssa Kushner philadelphia, PA United States
  

  I think that Anne Senter said it best, "If Mr. Friedman flaunts Jewish law by denying his exwife a GET, how can you expect him to respect US law? He is an embarrasment to his religious & American heritage!"

• Asher Schreier woodmere, NY United States
  

  This is immoral

• Sandra Molinas DDS Bronx, NY United States
  

  I am signing because I am friends with people who have been in a similar situation.

• Theodore Resnick Bala Cynwyd, PA United States
  

  Jewish law requires a man to give a GET when divorcing her. Not giving a GET is simply an act of vengeance.

• Barry Dolinger Providence, RI United States
  

  To insure justice, enforce the decision of the Beth Din, and help Tamar be freed from her situation!

• Yaakov Fried Scarsdale, NY United States
  

  Because what Aharon is doing is disgusting and abhorrent, it should not be tolerated by any means.

• Nimrod Soll Budd Lake, NJ United States
  

  What this man is doing should be punishable by law. This man is kidnapping his wife and keeping her captive. Congressman if you employ this person it sends a message to us on what your morals are.

• shoshanah schachter new york,, NY United States
  

  It hurts me to read about this situation and the lies that Mr. Friedman is spreading that he cannot possibly get his child to him by the Sabbath when in fact he picks up his daughter on Thursday nights...he is just trying to chain an innocent woman into this misery. Mr. Camp, you have a wonderful opportunity to help stop this abuse. We would love to see you "act" upon this situation...we know you can do it.

• Ray Kanner Lawrence, NY United States
  

  There is no reason necessary. No one should withhold a requested divorce for any reason. It is unethical!

• Zahava Rothschild teaneck, NJ United States
  

  ZRothschild

• Mory Korenblit Passaic, NJ United States
  

  Aharon Friedman's behavior is absolutely unacceptable and needs to condemned by everyone--including Rep. Dave Camp.

• Yitzchok Adlerstein Los Angeles, CA United States
  

  When religious communities have their powers of enforcement limited (as they should be) by secular law, it becomes the responsibility of all Americans to shun those who use their freedoms to harm others. We appeal to Rep. Camp to make the American way work, by using the power he has to stop Aharon Friedman from making a mockery of the decisions of secular and religious courts.- Y Adlerstein, Loyola Law School Los Angeles

• Gary LINDER Los Angeles, CA United States
  

  I am outages by Mr. Friedman's abuse of religion for his own personal advantage and to the harm and distress of his former spouse.

• Leo Weinstock Richboro, PA United States
  

  Friedman is using religion as a weapon against his wife and that is not fair, decent, or religious behavior.

• Cindy Steinschriber Los Angeles, CA United States
  

  Please take a stand against this abuse. This is not mere "gossip;" a woman's freedom and future life, as well as that of her young daughter, are at stake. As his employer and a public official, you need to do the moral and ethical thing and condemn this outrage!

• Debbie Mund Los Angeles, CA United States
  

  help promote appropriate treatment of this victim

• Henchy Abraham Wynnewood, PA United States
  

  It's outrageous that this poor woman has to be subjected to such hateful, spiteful behavior. It is contrary to the Torah as well as decent human behavior. Please use whatever leverage possible to allow her to breathe freely again.

• eli shayne l.a., CA United States
  

  It's the right thing to do.

• Michael Gabay merion, PA United States
  

  This man is disgusting.

• Elie Levy Seattle, WA United States
  

  "Get" over it, Aharon and give Tamar her divorce papers.

• Stephanie Savir Silver Spring, MD United States
  

  So Mr. Camp - are you for Women's rights or not?

• Shari Rosenman Los Angeles, CA United States
  

  It's unconscionable for a man to hold a woman hostage when there is no mutual love in the relationship. Let her go!

• Elke Blinick Toronto, Canada
  

  It is the right thing to do

• Tova Sperber Sharon, MA United States
  

  Custody disputes should be played out in legitimate channels.

• Irving Leif Viroqua, WI United States
  

  Camp's support for Friedman is Judeophobic and also anti-woman. If he continues to support this heinous anti-Jewish behavior by his staff member, as Jews we need to work to defeat him in the 2012 election.

• Jaim Harlow San Jose, CA United States
  

  Rep. Friedman knows the rules - and he is using secular law as a facade to hide his Halachic abuses. Let her go.

• James Danzo Glendale, NY United States
  

  Aharon Friedman's refusal to give his wife a 'Get' is cruel and spiteful to say the least. It does not reflect well on Dave Camp. I support this effort to pressure Friedman to grant his (ex-) wife the freedom to remarry.

• Dov Rossman Suffern, NY United States
  

  One of the basic freedoms granted by the Constitution is that "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof... (Amendment 1)" As a congressman who is meant to uphold the values of the constitution, it is clear that that this man is abusing his wife's basic right of getting remarried based on her religious obligations. Please Mr. Congressman - understand that within her religious duties respected by the Constitution comes not only the responsibility to civil union, but to religious union as well. This man is performing a grievous act of cruelty, please - DON"T SUPPORT HIM!

• Tamar Rubinstein Evanston, IL United States
  

  A woman should be free to have a chance at happiness. Its shame that only a man -her husband can release her.

• Shelley Gornish Merion, PA United States
  

  Refusing to give a Get is a form of slavery.

• Dovi Bergman Chicago, IL United States
  

  This is abuse, and a desecration of G-d's Name and all that is good.

• nira weiss los angeles, CA United States
  

  injustice screams and no one hears!

• Avrohom Union LOS ANGELES, CA United States
  

  I direct the Rabbinical Council of California and believe this is an important issue calling for action.

• Esther Macner Los Angeles, CA United States
  

  Get Refusal is a human rights issue because it prevents a spouse from remarrying for the rest of her life. It is part of the cycle of power and control which characterizes Domestic Abuse. It is the duty of every decent person, especially those in public office to intervene; you should not stand idly by while your fellow is being oppressed. Please convince Aharon Friedman to undo the religious bond which he voluntarily chose to enter into.

• david c brooklyn, NY United States
  

  If you saw a man beating his wife would you intervene? you probably would most decent human beings would, in this case its worse, this mans not beating his wife, hes killing her not allowing her to live her life , for your sake, especially if you'd like to get re-elected we suggest you do something about this

• noam sinclair Jerusalem, Israel
  

  there is no place for this (Friedmans)disgraceful behavior in society, how much more so in the case of people trying to play a role as public figures!!!!

• Kathy Stern Flushing, NY United States
  

  I am appalled that a man of Mr. Camp's stature is a supporter of abuse of a women's rights. I can't imagine that in this day and age a man would support such a thing. I am sure that the voters in his state would not look highly upon such a man.

• I. Norman Katz St. Louis, MO United States
  

  Such behavior, abusive to womem, should not be tolerated.

• Jacqueline Itzkowitz ny, NY United States
  

  It is unacceptable for Friedman to continue this behavior.

• Rachel Jacobson D.N. Ha-Ela, Israel
  

  Mr. Friedman's behavior is not "religious." True believers do not twist religious law to hurt others. Please, strongly encourage Mr. Friedman to behave justly and act according to the true tenets of Judaism by granting Tamar a Get.

• Sharon friedman jerusalem, Israel
  

  Why would you want such an uscrupulous person on your senior staff?

• Ephraim Dardashti Merion Station, PA United States
  

  A United States representative should not foster abuse.

• Rabbi Howard Alpert Philadelphia, PA United States
  

  Ms. Epstein's cause is joined by all men and women who abhore the abuse of personal power to punish those who are less powerful. It is a cause that is just and right. Rep. Camp, as a leader for many causes that are just and right, must take a leadership stance when the abuse is coming from within his own house.

• steve deitel denver, CO United States
  

  no more slavery, even if religiously allowed.

• E A Gainesville, FL United States
  

  Holding any woman captive in a failed marriage is wrong, and goes against Torah teachings. Free the _agunah_!

• Elly Storch woodmere, NY United States
  

  Emotional abuse is abuse. Mr Camp must be a role model for his constituents and not allow the abuse of Ahron Friedman to continue.

• Susan Rosenbaum Teaneck, NJ United States
  

  because every woman deserves a get.

• Norville Rogers Washington, DC United States
  

  Here is the theme song of giving the get: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IEDmfmA-KvA" rel="nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IEDmfmA-KvA</a>

• devil 666 us, CA United States
  

  Please also sign this important petition <a href="http://www.change.org/petitions/demand-the-enforcement-of-afghanistans-evaw-law" rel="nofollow">http://www.change.org/petitions/demand-the-enforcement-of-afghanistans-evaw-law</a>

• Emilie+ Passow Bala Cynwyd, PA United States
  

  I am signing because Aaron Friedman's 's refusal to give Tama Epstein a Jewish decree of divorce is a profound form of abuse tha viiolates Jewish ,American and international law . Decent people cannot ignore such situations or our law makers who do.Justice, the very possibility for a civil society beginswith how we protect ordihnary citizeI want Rep. Dave Camp to understand what is at stake if he remains silent.

• Reva Kaiser Toronto, Canada
  

  A ghet should never, ever be used as leverage or vindictive punishment.

• marlene moster merion, PA United States
  

  rep. camp this is abusive to woman and should not be tolerated in the united states.

• Hannie Ricardo Pardes Hanna, TN United States
  

  If a woman wants a divorce - she should have it, and if this man uses his "power" to control and abuse a woman's life like this, I don't ant to think what he will do with other's life when he gets to political power.

• Stephanie Lubel West Hempstead, NY United States
  

  Abuse in all forms is horrible. That means, physical, psychological, and emotional abuse. The refusal of a get is basically holding the woman hostage via the pathway of jewish law. She cannot marry and is bound to a man whom she does not want to be with, It is not the same as being actually bound and chained to their home, but it is horrific nonetheless. He abused her and he will not let her escape. How can you allow this to go on, and at the same time spout rhetoric that you are against spousal abuse?!?!!?

• Sara Weinstein Efrat, Israel
  

  Rep. Camp has a responsibility to stop a grevious wrong perpetrated by his staff member. He should use his position in order to right this wrong.

• Reba Carmel Cheltenham, PA United States
  

  I hope that in this season leading up to Pesach, you are liberated from your bondage to live a full, rich and whole Jewish life.

• Kenny Dvorin Jerusalem, Israel
  

  Scum like this should be taken out back and beaten with a baseball bat.

• Mordechai Torczyner Vaughan, Canada
  

  Because a get must never be used as a weapon, regardless of the circumstance.

• denise howard jamaica, NY United States
  

  My first husband refused to give me a get.

• Andrea Diamond Bala Cynwyd, PA United States
  

  Aharon Friedman's behavior is unconscionable and reflects the highest form of abuse which he would never tolerate upon himself. Ironically he is destroying his own life by his behavior. He dares to portray himself as a religious man? He is abusing the mode in which a Get is used. It was never meant to be a bargaining chip. This abuse shows ignorance and a devastating afront to G-d. In my opinion, a Get should never be used as a bargaining chip or as leverage in court.

• Eleanor Paul MIAMI BEACH FL, United States Minor Outlying Islands
  

  because i lived with an abusive husband and i too had to get a divorce i was lucky that in a moment of luck he agreed to give me a get why should he be allowed to hold his wife hostage

• nati passow Philadelphia, PA United States
  

  Because the actions of Aharon Friedman are despicable and he has not responded to several years of effort on behalf of his wife. Someone like this should not be accepted into public service, and Representative Camp should feel ashamed to have Aharon on his staff.

• Dana Braunstein Baltimore, MD United States
  

  It is outrageous that a member of Congress would condone this form of domestic abuse. This is not merely "gossip," as Camp asserts. His refusal to take this matter seriously is a sign of disrespect to all people of religious faith.

• raizel shapiro merion station, PA United States
  

  I am sure that Tamar has a very good reason for asking for a this GET. Civilly she already divorced. Why hold her religiously uhostage She is a very intelligent and good person. Thank you

• Dale Rosenbach Passaic, NJ United States
  

  Because Dave Camp might step in if I sign.

• Robin Bodner Brooklyn, NY United States
  

  Withholding a get is the ultimate form of abuse. It is unconscionable.

• WILLIAM GEWIRTZ edison, NJ United States
  

  given the spectrum of rabbis requiring that a get be given immediately, respect for Jewish tradition requires that we all apply pressure to prevent a continued abuse.

• Alfred Sladowsky Lawrence, NY United States
  

  I am outraged at such behavior, whatever the motivation. Jewish law & and an even elementary sense of justice demand that the get be given without further delay. Do the right thing Aharon Friedman and remove a burden from your own shoulders, as well. You will be a freed-man.

• Beth Snider Oak Park, MI United States
  

  How can you condone this spousal abuse, Dave Camp? Your actions are embarrassing to our state!

• Avraham Sonenthal Baltimore, MD United States
  

  It is not right for this person to abuse his wife in this way.

• Estelle Harris Jerusalem, Israel
  

  To have Aharon Friedman give a Jewish divorce to his wife!!

• Gloria Dehond Richmond Hill ON, Canada
  

  NO WOMAN SHOULD BE FORCED TO STAY IN AN ABUSIVE MARRIAGE

• Barbara Goodman Bala Cynwyd, PA United States
  

  Dear Congressman Camp, I am sure Aharon Friedman is in your eyes a very fine employee, but his decision to withhold a Jewish divorce (a get) from Tamar Epstein is a terrible stain on his character and on your office. Please do all that you can to encourage him to act responsibly so both he and Tamar can move on with their lives. Thank you.

• Jeffrey Botman Somerville, MA United States
  

  Friedman's refusal is abhorrent -- whether viewed from a secular or religious vantage point.

• Mark Moster Merion Station, PA United States
  

  No matter what Aharon's excuses might be, there is no justification for one person to abuse or "imprison" another. Rep Camp, please call him in and explain that we live in the "Land of the free."

• Liron Kopinsky Los Angeles, CA United States
  

  Let her go!

• Deborah Lipstadt Atlanta, GA United States
  

  Aaron Friedman's actions are spousal abuse plain and simple. He is using religion as a cudgel. He is preventing Tamar from building a family. He is against all those things Rep Camp says he stands for.

• Steven Bloom Fairfax, CA United States
  

  Congressman Camp... As an Orthodox Jew, I implore you to urge, with whatever strength necessary, your employee, Mr. Friedman NOT to use withholding a Jewishly Legal Divorce (Get) as a weapon in his negotiations with his wife. This is an immoral use of Jewish law. Please help your employee to see the light..

• Kimberly Hoffman Boynton Beach, FL United States
  

  "Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness" -need I say more?

• Judith Goldstein Phila, PA United States
  

  Rep Camp should express outreage at the ethical and moral violation of Mrs Friedman's basic right to live free, and escape from, a marriage that did not work. When Mr Friedman gave a ketuba to her, he accepted Jewish law governing his marriage...he cannot, in good conscience, decide to ignore it now. If he can act in comtempt of Jewish law...how can his loyalty to civil law be taken for granted. He demonstrates the worst of male power and ability to harm his ex-wife by denying her the freedom to move on with his life.

• Elias Friedman New York, NY United States
  

  He's being spiteful and horribly cruel to his ex. There is no possible justification for his behavior. Frankly I wouldn't have such a jerk working for me!

• Shalom Gittler Cherry Hill, NJ United States
  

  This is an incredible injustice, and I am terribly disappointed that a Republican would ignore it. It's also a chillul Hashem (offence against G-d) for a self identified Jew to pervert religious law to torture another person--let alone the mother of his daughter.

• LARRY SELTZER Maplewood, NJ United States
  

  I'm sure there are many acts of moral turpitude which the Congressman would not accept in his staff. Mr. Friedman's abuse of his wife easily qualifies as such.

• Michael Susman teaneck, NJ United States
  

  Please help stop the Abuse! Please be part of the solution and not abet domestic abuse

• Nancg Zwiebach Englewood, NJ United States
  

  It seems to me that congressman Camp is in line with numerous other Republicans in eschewing women's rights and apparently feeling that women should be subjugated by men, having to abide by their decisions in regard to their bodies, health issues, and whether or not to be tied down to uncaring, irresponsible men. It is a "shanda" on Aharon Friedman and a disgrace on Camp. Both of you - stand up and be ":menchen"!

• BRAD ANDERSON Billings, MT United States
  

  Dear Representative Camp, The preceding liberal-feminist-propaganda letter is exaggeration, intimidation and school yard bullying by adolescent young woman in America. Instead of making America a better country, they turn it into an opportunistic, self-righteous hobby. These woman should be learning how to bake cookies in their Mom's kitchen and reading the Torah. Do not, repeat, do not cave to this harassment and bullying. As an authority on Scripture marriage and divorce, I commend Mr. Friedman's courage and allegiance to his God and to his religion. This is quickly becoming a rare quality in Americans today. I adhere to Old and New Testament teaching on divorce. I do not know of Mr. Friedman's circumstances, but only adultery in divorce (the strict definition) is permitted, not required by God. In closing Genghis Khan killed 41 million people during his reign, abortion, the Mantra of Feminist, have murdered 100 million since its inception in our culture. Who is the abuser?

• shifra tyberg COLUMBUS, OH United States
  

  Rep Camp can make a difference here. He must.

• Sandie Rosenthol Bala Cynwyd, PA United States
  

  To enforce the urgent need to have Ahron Friedman grant Tamar Epstein a get!!

• REBECCA CUNNINGHAM DEERFIELD BEACH, FL United States
  

  HE IS FREE TO DO WHAT HE WISHES. SHE IS BOUND BY JEWISH LAW TO CONSIDER HERSELF A MARRIED WOMAN CHAINED TO A MAN WHO IS NO LONGER HER HUSBAND!

• IAN SLAVIN Oregon City, OR United States
  

  Aharon Friedman, by violating Jewish law in refusing to grant a Get, defames Jews and Judaism. He therefore also diminishes his employer, and possesses insufficient character to advise a member of the U.S. House of Representatives. He should either grant the Get, or be dismissed from his position. There should be no serious concern about violating church-state separation (of which I am keenly aware in general), because this would not be an act of government invading the sphere of religion, but rather an employer dismissing an employee for a kind of spousal abuse. That the abuse takes place in the context of religious law is incidental and immaterial. Mr. Friedman should act with integrity and humanity, else he is unfit for his position.

• Cindy Abrams n. hollywood, CA United States
  

  It doesn't benefit either side to allow this nonsense to continue. Be finished with the business between you already and move on. STOP hanging on and wasting time and precious resources that could be used to help this man get some help to heal himself. Enough already.

• Kevin Trapp Los Angeles, CA United States
  

  She deserves a new start.

• Moshe Eliovson Teaneck, NJ United States
  

  Dear Congressman Camp, while this is primarily a religious issue, it is also a matter of standing up for right and moral behavior. It is entirely inappropriate for you to have anyone on your staff who is effectively imprisoning a fellow American. This can not be the type of behavior you stand for.

• rachel dear Los Angeles, CA United States
  

  To give Mrs. Friedman the Torah freedom that I have, bh!

• Elisabeth Magid Waterbury, CT United States
  

  There is NEVER a valid reason for withholding a get. Doing so is a form of kidnapping. How can Rep. Camp justify having this sort of man as an aide?

• Alan Appel Wynnewood, PA United States
  

  Altho Mr Friedman has already granted Ms Epstein a civil divorce, she must have a religious divorce (called a "get" ) as well in order for her to remarry according to Jewish law, Mr Friedman; Mr Friedman's refusal to grant this religious constitutes an undue hardship on Ms Epstein. Please assist the signatories on behalf of Ms Epstein, to request that Mr Friedman grant this request. Thank you for yor help.

• Judy Gruen Los Angeles, CA United States
  

  It is unconscionable that a man who keeps his wife legally chained to him should enjoy his own freedom, let alone a prestigious position as an aide to a Congressman. Representative Camp, FIRE this odious man who is a disgrace and an abuser.

• sam schwarzmer Valley Village, CA United States
  

  real men step up and do what's right. no one should be allowed to mistreat another human being in this way

• malca schwarzmer north hollywood, CA United States
  

  Abuse in any form is intolerable. If Mr. Friedman would like to go to court, fine. In the interim, he must give his ex-wife a get. How can you trust such a person in public service?

• Susan Stubin Passaic, NJ United States
  

  Withholding a get is despicable!

• Devorah Stubin brooklyn, NY United States
  

  I think that it is terrible that Aharon Friedman, and Orthodox Jew, no less, is refusing to give his wife a Get. I think that it is important to let others know that the jewish community will not keep this act of sin quiet.That in fact, we are prepared to take active measures if we need to. It is important to let others know that there is inded a price to pay for such cruelty.

• Ariel Axelbaum St. Louis, MO United States
  

  Because what her husband is doing is just wrong.

• Kenneth Auman Brooklyn, NY United States
  

  We are begging the Congressman to help a young woman gain her freedom. Please do not turn a deaf ear to our pleas.

• Gavi Horwitz Wynnewood, United States Minor Outlying Islands
  

  I am signing because this injustice has gone on long enough. Something has to be done. Something has to be said.

• Ruth Friedman Monsey, NY United States
  

  Because it's the right thing to do.

• Donna Lazaros Brooklyn, NY United States
  

  It's despicable that Aharon Friedman won't free his wife. That he is being allowed to exert this kind of control and power is cruel. Let her move on with her life!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

• Sharon Moseson New Rochelle, NY United States
  

  By continuing to employ Mr Friedman you are not only violating House Ethics rules and the ethics of all righteous people, but you are bringing shame to the Republican Party. By denying Ms. Epstein a religious divorce, Mr Friedman is tying her to him forever- she will never have a life of her own and will never be able to remarry within Judaism. What would your parish priest say to that? I suspect he would advise you not to continue to support a wife abuser.

• VITA MEYERS Brooklyn, NY United States
  

  A get belongs to a divorced wife. It costs the divorced husband nothing. His holding it back is pure nastiness. He is allowed to move on wiith his life and refuses to let her do the same. It is a shame!

• Daniel Hill Beverly Hills, CA United States
  

  Mr. Friedman is behaving unjustly.

• maxine brod jerusalem, Israel
  

  I am a religious Jewish woman, and I am aware of the importance of allowiing women to leave a marriage that they find intolerable.

• Naomi Voss Jerusalem, Israel
  

  No women should be denied the right to marry again.

• Diane Fogel Teaneck, NJ United States
  

  Please help out. No one should be denied a basic request for 4 years and not be able to go on and live her life.

• Sandra Woznica philadelphia, Pakistan
  

  Tamar was in my high school class and also went to university with me. She is an amazing person with unquestionably high moral standards. I believe she is being severely abused by Aharon Friedman and that allowing him to serve as Rep. Camp's senior advisor is condoning his actions.

• Richard Levine Jerusalem, Israel
  

  I know neither Mr. Friedman nor Ms. Epstein, but I do know that the Rabbis never intended that Jewish divorce (structured such that the husband 'grants' the get to the wife) become a weapon in the hands of a recalcitrant husband to prevent the wife from moving on with her life, just as he can move on with his. "Kofin oto ad sheyomar 'rotzeh ani.'" For the sake of Kddush Ha-Shem if nothing else, do the right thing, Mr. Friedman!

• Micki Lavin-Pell Old Katamon, Israel
  

  To help gain support for Tamar so that she can move on with her life by getting a Get.

• Jerome Parness Pittsburgh, PA United States
  

  While I understand your reluctance, Mr. Camp, to get involved in a personal matter, Mr. Friedman's refusal to give a "get" to his hopefully soon to be ex-wife, Tamar Epstein, is simply disgusting and misogynistic behavior that needs to end. Your refusal to pressure a supposedly religious and moral man who can engage in such reprehensible behavior reflects bacly on you, Rep. Camp, for tolerating this individual in your employ.

• Donna Goldman Silver Spring, MD United States
  

  It is disgraceful that he is manipulating religious law for his own purposes. Domestic abuse cannot be tolerated or condoned by those, like you, who are in a position of influence and power. Aaron can use the civil courts to deal with custody. He does not have to try to force his wife to do what he wants by refusing to divorce her. How can you condone this behavior?

• Debbie Herman Kiamesha Lake, NY United States
  

  because it is IMMORAL for him NOT TO GIVE A RELIGIOUS DIVORCE (GET)

• sanford evenchik orange village, OH United States
  

  while i personally uphold legal versus "get" binding in marriage, the orthodox person who signed that he would release her with a get did so as a suppposed religious person bound by the jewish law. While I consider my everyday actions to represent whether I am a "good" person and not obeying 613 rules, this man puts his "goodness'" on display by obeying these 613 rules....and by violating the "get" is not a good person. So someone needs to pressure him to be "good".

• fay kasser silver spring, MD United States
  

  The support Mr Friedman in his deliberate infliction of pain on his ex-wife is unworthy of any human being. For a Representative of the US Congress, it is reprehensible.

• karen Lerner brooklyn, NY United States
  

  Freedom is a better choice than the alternative

• Mayer Fertig Elizabeth, NJ United States
  

  Aharon Friedman's behavior towards his wife is not 'gossip.' Her inability to remarry within her faith absent a divorce in accord with the tenets of that faith is real to her and very much life-altering. Aiding and abetting her husband's cruelty should be beneath a member of the House. Please reconsider your position on this matter.

• Rabbi Etan Tokayer Brooklyn, NY United States
  

  A get should never be used by either husband or wife in any way other than to effect a divorce as soon as either spouse inndividually or both spouses mutually decide the marriage is over.

• Lori Brauner Teaneck, NJ United States
  

  Anyone representing a member of Congress should have to be accountable for his acts of abuse against his wife.

• Shana Gordon St Louis, MO United States
  

  free Tamar Epstein from her marriage according to Jewish law!!!!

• Rena Thomas New York, NY United States
  

  She is a Stern College for Women Graduate and I am enrolled in it now. I would like the same kind of sympathy from my fellow college students if I were ever in some kind of trouble.

• Karen Cabell Jacksonville, FL United States
  

  I support a woman's right to Get. Witholding a Get from a Jewish woman is tantamount to holding her future hostage and is bullying and abuse. No ethical congressperson would support such activity among their staff.

• Lauri Sirois Boonton, NJ United States
  

  It doesn't matter what Friedman's behavior is, or isn't. That's a matter for the courts. Refusing the Get is absurd - and abusive. Friedman needs to get over himself and "Give the Get"!

• Leora Wenger Highland Park, NJ United States
  

  Please take this issue seriously. You can be a role model in condemning all forms of domestic abuse.

• Miriam Isserow Silver spring, MD United States
  

  Not granting a wife a get is always wrong--especially when there is a civil divorce. But in this case it is even worse since the rabbinical court has taken the rare measure of ordering a seiruv. We expect our public servants to act in a way that does credit to their office. Aharon Friedman could easily grant the get.& it is abusive of him to withold it.

• Deborah Waltuch Woodmere, NY United States
  

  abuse of women and halacha - the man is blackmailing her

• Joshua Aaronson Park City, UT United States
  

  Rep. Camp, please join the Jewish community in demanding fair and equal treatment to all women.

• Miriam Kresh --, Israel
  

  I'm signing because I wish to join the voices asking Rep. Camp to issue a statement condemning Aharon Freidman's refusal to give his wife a Jewish divorce.

• Arona Schneider New York, NY United States
  

  I am a free woman. I would hate to be imprisoned the way Tamar is. And I would hope if, God forbid, I would ever in that situation, that people would sign a petition for me.

• Shoshana Samuels Teaneck, NJ United States
  

  Gossip is silly, inconsequential and therefore inappropriate. Standing up for someone's rights is none of those and, though it may be hard sometimes, is the right thing to do.

• Hanna Perlberger Merion Station, PA United States
  

  This has to stop - now.

• Iris Cox Portland, OR United States
  

  Representative Camp, As a Republican and an Orthodox Jew, as a friend of members of Ms. Epstein's family, as a woman, and most importantly as a decent human being, I ask you to do the right thing and put all possible pressure on Mr. Friedman to free his wife and end the abuse. This issue IS INDEED one of spousal ABUSE--it is akin to holding a person hostage. I ask you also to recant your statement about Mr. Friedman's behavior being "gossip". This is not gossip. The facts are the facts.

• shlomo philipson new hepstead, NY United States
  

  Every Get abuser and Mesarev the Beis Din have no place in the Jewish and general Society and is unwelcome in all Synagogues

• Sarah Voss Seattle, WA United States
  

  refusing a get is NEVER an acceptable reaction.

• Kenneth Packouz Packouz Miami Beach, FL United States
  

  do the right thing!

• Joe Rine Minneapolis, MN United States
  

  Not right From my perspective totallyagainst Jewish Law

• Mitzi Traurig Oak Park, MI United States
  

  Get(Jewish divorce) is important. Jus tmean not to give it

• Miriam Caiden Los Angeles, CA United States
  

  Witholding a get is a form of domestic violence

• Rose Newman Southfield, MI United States
  

  I want the women to get a Jewish Get (divorce). I feel Aharon Friedman has not been acting properly.

• Andrea Lois Becker New York, NY United States
  

  Women are not chattel. They are equal human beings , and in the U.S . they are equal under the law and have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This 15th Century Jewish man does not seem to realize this. He disgraces us, the Jewish community! He is a disgrace to himself and his family. He does not belong in government if he cannot obey laws. His behavior should not be allowed to prevail.

• rebecca Goldsmith Jerusalem,Israel, Israel
  

  absolutely despicable and against all moral codes- his refusal to give a GET.

• Tamar Stern Jerusalem, Israel
  

  Dear Sir, I am shocked that this man is getting away with unethical behavior, and nevertheless, remains in your employ. I will inform my colleagues and friends from the state of Michigan. Tamar Stern

• Dr. Lewis Morrison CLIFTON PARK, NY United States
  

  IT IS UNFAIR

• Susan Cohen Silvr Spring, MD United States
  

  I understand how distasteful it must be to be forced to act on someone else's private life, but the issues here are not so much divorce as they are SPOUSE ABUSE. Would you want to be associated with a man who BEATS his wife? Think about what sort of person Friedman's actions declare him to be, and act on that.

• Garry Wayland Glasgow, United Kingdom
  

  Campus rabbi, Scottish universities Asst Rav, Giffnock Synagogue, Glasgow

• Max Shichtman Baltimore, MD United States
  

  I am signing because it is the right thing to do.

• Kathy Rosenbluh Maitland, FL United States
  

  Dear Rep. Camp, What this man, Aharon Friedman, is doing to his ex-wife is immoral. Please stand up against the abuse of this bit of Jewish tradition by your advisor, Aharon Friedman.

• Dovid Winiarz Staten Island, NY United States
  

  We just finished celebrating the miracle of Purim. In the Purim scroll we recall a high person in government who was reminded that it was for this reason they merited their high office. Congressman Camp... this may be the reason you deserve to hold on to your office. I know nothing else at the time of this signing concerning your politics but will be watching (and praying) to see if you do the right thing.

• eli langer brooklyn, NY United States
  

  "Get" should not be a weapon.

• Talia Zisook Chicago, IL United States
  

  I am familiar with the circumstances of the Friedman-Epstein divorce case, and I consider Aharon Friedman's treatment of Tamar to be unequivocally abusive. No one should stand behind Aharon and his morally repugnant behavior-- least of all a U.S. representative.

• Joel Saltzman MILWAUKEE, WI United States
  

  It is despicable to deny one's wife a get, for any reason. Mr. Friedman should give her a get immediately.

• Samantha Swartz Oakdale, PA United States
  

  Rabbinical courts, sharia law - it's all really the same. Religious law that should have little affect on real legal issues. I've always thought both to be oppressive to women and highly unacceptable in a land that claims to separate church and state! Unless and until I guess...

• Tova Ross New York, NJ United States
  

  Because what Aharon Friedman is doing is wrong to Tamar.

• David Rephun New York, NY United States
  

  Debby Koster

• naava livne efrat, Israel
  

  inconceivable that Aharon Friedman should be holding tamar hostage! he should be in prison until he releases her!

• Elliott Polansky Sykesville, MD United States
  

  It is very unfair for a man to treat his wife like this. Move on with your life Mr. Friedman and let your wife or should I say ex-wife move on with hers.

• Joseph Davis Bala Cynwyd, PA United States
  

  Congressmen and congressional aides are expected to live up to minimal ethical standards. Not granting your religious wife a religious divorce is very sleazy.

• David Lebor Merion Station, PA United States
  

  Dear Representative Camp: I understand your office has dismissed the complaints about your aide as nothing but malicious rumor. As someone with such a high Government postion I am certain you hold truth as one of the highest and dearest values. I encourage you to review the facts of this case, the decisions in both secular and religious courts and you will find that your aide, Aharon Friedman, has and continues to be abusive to his former wife. No one is looking for his dismissal but I am sure you would be embarrassed to have someone who behaves as he has continue in a trusted position on your staff. Aharon Friedman's behavior is appalling and flies in the face of any value that the citizens of this country, and I am sure, you hold most dear. Please do whatever you can to make Mr Friedman understand that his behavior is indefensible in all respects and will not be tolerated by you. Thank you

• Hanna Schlager Flushing, NY United States
  

  Rep Camp's senior advisor, Aharon Friedman, has been abusing his wife for nearly FOUR YEARS by refusing to grant her a Get (Jewish divorce), thus, effectively refusing to divorce her. Without a get, by Jewish Orthodox law, the 27-year-old Epstein is forever bound to her husband -- she is an agunah, a woman in chains, a "grass widow" in the eyes of the community. She may never marry, she may never have other children - basically, she's forbidden to move on with her life. As such, I'm appealing to you - to use your governmental power to influence Friedman to relinquish his control over his wife and STOP this abuse. No government official should hire or associate himself with a person who is responsible for spousal abuse, be it physical or emotional. I hope that our members of Congress, YOU, set a moral standard for the rest of the country.

• Richard Kelin West Orange, NJ United States
  

  It is unethical for one to wthhold a "get" at a time when it is ordered by a Jewish Court of Law. As such, Congressman Camp, please do not employ any unethical people.

• Lawence Stern Beverly Hills, CA United States
  

  Congressman Camp- if you believe in Freedom how can you NOT condemn the actions of your employee?

• Linda Litton highland park, NJ United States
  

  I am an agunah for almost 10 years. You cannot begin to fathom the loneliness, the frustration, the pain. Anyone who is able to help, should do all they can do, and will be greatly rewarded for it, by Heaven.

• ANN WOOD SOUTH BURLINGTON, VT United States
  

  NOT ALLOWING A WOMAN TO BE FREE AFTER A DIVORCE IS A FORM OF CONTROL AND DOMESTIC ABUSE.

• Lawrence F. Bernstein Philiadephia, PA United States
  

  By failing explicitly to distance himself from Mr. Friedman's blatant and well-documented domestic abuse of Tamar Epstein Rep. Camp is tacitly approving it. We call upon him to take a clear stand against domestic abuse of women.

• naftali wagschal brooklyn, NY United States
  

  I fully endorse the comments I saw

• Rae Fishman Zichron Yaakov, Israel
  

  Refusing a Get, a Jewish divorce, to a spouse is tantamount to theft, stealing a woman's time, as she is forced to stop her life! I know, as I was refused a Get for nearly 4yrs. Is this what you and the Republican party stand for? Show us it is not so. Pesach, Passover, is coming: Make it clear to the offendantSIC Mr. Friedman, your senior adviser (!), that you understand that he is violating the very Law that he claims to uphold, and you can no longer tolerate his abuse. Please, do it now. Let my people go!

• Akiva Wagschal Baltimore, MD United States
  

  Because one must protest when a man masquerades as an Orthodox Jew and then flaunts its most elementary conventions with refusal to even come to the summons of a Bais Din.

• Adriaan Krabbendam Texel, Netherlands
  

  Women shouldn't be prisoners just because they are women. No relgious or politic system has the right to do so.

• Andrew Braid NY, NY United States
  

  This is an extremely important matter. Every one should know the extent to which Aharon Freidman is humiliating and abusing his former wife, and the strength and resilience his former wife is showing by upholding 3,000 years of Jewish law by demanding a get from her former husband. Get-refusal is an abusive practice and indicates Aharon Friedman's appalling dearth of character and dignity. I urge you, Congressman Camp, to listen closely to the people who are leading the campaign to demand a get for Tamar Epstein, and to see the pain your fellow co-worker and American is causing his former wife. See how many people are trying to help Tamar in her dignified campaign to uphold 3,000 of Jewish law and the sanctity of her family.

• Ben K Pittsburgh, PA United States
  

  Necessary.

• gittel nadel jerusalem, Israel
  

  decent human behavior

• Judy Willner Bryn Mawr, PA United States
  

  Tamar does not deserve this treatment. It is time for this beautiful young woman to be allowed tomove on with her life.

• Emilie Mitchell Grand Forks, ND, ND United States
  

  No man should refuse a women a get. Abuse is not okay with the Jewish people as a whole. Women are held in such high regard for the vast majority of us. If this congressman thought that avoiding this issue would keep the Jews from being offended he was dead wrong. It's not okay and you'll have a rally of us that will tell you so. No matter what religion the lowest form of human being is one who uses his religion to shield himself while doing wrong. That is what this congressman is employing. That is what this women is dealing with. It's not okay. And most Jews will tell you so.

• D'vorah Elias London, Canada
  

  This is shameful and abusive behavior on the part of Friedman. Free Tamar NOW!!

• Rafi Edelman Bergenfield, NJ United States
  

  Because what Aharon Friedman is doing is deplorable. It is an embarrassment that Rep. Camp has refused to take action when someone working in his office is guilty of domestic abuse. Please do everything in your power to free Tamar Epstein from her abusive husband.

• Kerry Swartz Point Roberts, WA United States
  

  In today's modern world there should be no reason a husband should refuse his wife a get, except to be abusive.

• Brooks Susman Freehold, NJ United States
  

  As a rabbi, I find it an offense that Mr. Friedman is shriking his responsibility and that Rep. Camp has allowed this desecration of religious values; values he so loudly espouses.

• Reuven Travis Atlanta, GA United States
  

  Any Jewish man who claims to be religiously observant but who refuses a get to his wife is a hypocrite and is guilty of spousal abuse. How can you, Rep. Camp, claim to stand for family values and continue to allow this man to work for you?

• June Levine-Connors Boca Raton, FL United States
  

  Barefoot and Pregnant!

• Sonya Schreiber Brooklyn, NY United States
  

  We have a legal system in place in order to address the civil aspects and concerns - and that is what any other US citizen would need to go through in Friedman's case. His use of withholding a 'get' to solve civil issues is cruel and manipulative, and all those who sit by silently are just as guilty. Regardless of what his claims may be, he is not above the law. Please help Tamar Epstein regain the freedom that she deserves- as a US citizen, as a Jew, and as a human being.

• Diane Foushee Eugene, OR United States
  

  I was raised as a Roman Catholic...with a twist. Because my father had previously been married by a Catholic priest, and his long secularly-ex wife was happy as an ex-wife, she was quite against a divorce. My mother was ex-communicated for marrying my father...and I grew up knowing I was a bastard in the eyes of the church. I know it's not the same, exactly, but I think, Representative, that it is, perhaps, more relate-able to you. (I am no longer a Catholic, in part, because of this). Shame on your for putting yourself in front of the feelings and needs of others. Shame.

• Lewis Fried Kent, OH United States
  

  Dear Aharon, If there is another side to this story, please do tell it. Otherwise, do the right thing. If you do not love your fellow humans, you cannot love God.

• John Wegorzewski Southampton, NY United States
  

  Hi behavior amounts to slavery, treating his wife as a chattel

• Vikki Spritz Tucson, AZ United States
  

  We know you can strongly encourage your employee to give his ex-wife a get. Do so.

• Jill Max Baltimore, MD United States
  

  I am signing because I am outraged Jewish woman.

• Judith Tumin New York, NY United States
  

  How long will you, who preach family values, allow this abuser to maintain his office. He is a badge of shame to you, the House, and the Republican Party. Shame on you for keeping him on. Would it be all right if he abused children instead of chaining his wife to an unwanted marriage and withholding a divorce. He has been condemned by his own Jewish religious courts! Do you know more about it than they do? Is abuse a "private matter"? I think not.

• Ben Birnbaum Brookline, MA United States
  

  Scandalous, misogynist, cruel behavior in the name of God ought to be challenged in every religion.

• Sarah Berel-Harrop Houston, TX United States
  

  The only possible reason to withhold the get is to hurt Ms. Epstein. This is repugnant, and it is abusive.

• Gerald Sanftner Rapid City, SD United States
  

  I sign this as a man who has the strong belief that what the Republican Party is doing to women, is wrong and against the will of human rights.

• Susan Vick Baltimore, MD United States
  

  Rep Camp bears some responsibility if he continues to employ Mr. Friedman without pressuring him to give his wife a get. Please do the right thing, Rep Camp, even if your senior advisor refuses to do so.

• Barbara Bieri Commerce City, CO United States
  

  I am signing this in support of Epstein's right to move forward with her life and no longer be bound to Friedman.

• Naomi Adler Nanuet, NY United States
  

  I am an observant reform Jew who has prosecuted many domestic violence cases that involve psychological abuse. I am appalled that Representative Camp does not understand how the denial of a get is not a form of DV and that he is condoning this behavior in a senior advisor.

• RUTH L FROMMER New York, NY United States
  

  A "Halachic" Jew behaving badly makes my blood boil. That's why.

• Dr. Michael Margaretten Hollywood, FL United States
  

  This is a shonda.

• Kim Steiner Pgh, PA United States
  

  Slavery has no place in the United States and for a Congressional Representative to sanction such behavior is reprehensible.

• richard collier portsmouth, NH United States
  

  We need a little consistency among politicians. They need to stand for what they claim to stand for. Here's a simple example of hypocrisy displacing a principled position. And here's an opportunity to reverse that behavior and do the right thing.

• Laura Crary Clinton, SC United States
  

  I am getting so tired of hearing of the psychological, physical and legal abuse of women.

• Audrey Cohen Newton, MA United States
  

  Stand up for "family values"!! Condemn Friedman for refusing his wife a divorce. Shame on you.

• Judith Rubin Westminster, CA United States
  

  Just as a citizen or legal resident of this country must obey the laws, Mr. Friedman, as Jew, must also obey Jewish Law.

• Yonina Simon Chashmonaim, Israel
  

  Do the right thing! Don't just talk the talk!

• Sammy Alzofon West Palm Beach, FL United States
  

  What Aharon Friedman is doing to his wife is vicious. This is not the ethic I learned and live by.

• Ariela Migdal Bronx, NY United States
  

  Don't chain women by allowing someone to abuse the "Get."

• Rachel Miller Lancaster, PA United States
  

  Your senior advisor not allowing his wife a get, is, in Jewish terms, abuse. He's psychologically abusing her.

• Yaacov Levy Far Rockaway, NY United States
  

  utter chillul hashem

• Julia Mazow Houston, TX United States
  

  I hate slavery in any form.

• Shuli Passow new york, NY United States
  

  I would expect that you, as a public official, would be committed to the highest standards of ethics and integrity in your own behavior and the behavior of your employees. Please demonstrate your commitment to these values by publicly condemning this behavior.

• Judy Kropf Garrison, NY United States
  

  The law of the Get needs to be changed. Until that is done, we need men of character to condemn men who refuse to give their wives a get.

• Norman Levin Teaneck, NJ United States
  

  Aharon Friedman is perversely using a post-Biblical law for his personal objective of manipulating a civil divorce. Shame on him and on Rep. Camp for ignoring this.

• Evan Cooper Great Neck, NY United States
  

  By denying his wife a Get, Mr. Friedman is abusing his wife and shaming the Jewish community. Please urge him to give his wife a Get.

• Carolyn Oakes Battle Ground, WA United States
  

  We are an enlightened society and you are going against your religion and the best interests of your wife and even yourself to deny her separation from you. It calls into question whether any women would want to vote for you with this kind of abusive record. Can you legislate fairly when you seem to have such contempt for women? I doubt it!

• Ann R. Richmond, VA United States
  

  4 years? Come on, man! Would you want someone to do this to a female relative of yours?! You always reap what you sow!

• Michelle Taylor Baltimore, MD United States
  

  I am signing because the hypocrisy of this man makes me ill. How anyone can claim to be for family values and then condone such behavior (from an advisor no less) is beyond logic and sound reasoning. How can we trust someone in such a high leadership position who makes these types of bad decisions?

• Ariella Kranczer Flushing, NY United States
  

  Aharon Friedman is an embarrassment to the Jewish people and cruel, petty man to be doing this to his EX-wife, Tamar. She does not deserve such abuse and it must end.

• Marion Shulevitz New York, NY United States
  

  It is unconscionable for a so-called "religious" Jewish man to violate Jewish law and abuse his wife in this fashion--and it is equally unthinkable for a member of Congress to allow an aid to behave in this fashion--and then dismiss factual accusations as "gossip"!

• eleanor brimer tulsa, OK United States
  

  give the get

• Yaakov Cohn Framingham, MA United States
  

  Dear Congressman, Would you close your eyes to other instances of spousal abuse Is the problem that you do not recognize this as a case of spousal abuse? If you well explain yourself, we coiuld certainly assemble a persuasive presentation that would, perhaps lead to you concluding that 'family values' are what is at stake.