They live in a marital limbo, separated from husbands -- sometimes for decades -- but unable to divorce. According to Jewish religious law, which binds Israeli Jews, a wife may not be granted a divorce without her husband's consent. At least 10,000 Israeli women, known as the Agunot (the anchored) have husbands who are unwilling to give that permission. Says Ora Sasson, who has been trying to get a divorce for eight years: "I don't know where I stand. I'm not married. I'm not a widow."
Earlier this year relief seemed near after Agunot protesters made their voices heard at demonstrations....