Jerusalem (ENInews)–A Jerusalem city councilwoman said she will work towards creating a forum of women under the city's auspices that would cut across religious lines in order to fight growing religious extremism.

"It is essential for women to cooperate," said Rachel Azaria, speaking at a discussion on 18 June during the 21st annual conference of the Interreligious Coordinating Council for Israel (ICCI), which promotes interreligious dialogue and peace. Azaria identifies herself as an Orthodox Jew and has served on the Jerusalem city council since 2008 as a member of the pluralistic Jerusalemite Party.