Issue Background:

The Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) opposes a proposed bill in Israel’s Knesset amending Israel’s Law of Return regarding converts and seeks greater dialogue and compromise on this issue.

One proposal of the bill could affect those who convert to Judaism after spending time in Israel, and prevent them from immigrating under the Law of Return and gaining automatic Israeli citizenship. The bill also, for the very first time, gives the Orthodox Chief Rabbinate authority over conversions in Israel, which could alienate the 85 percent of North American Jews who are not Orthodox.

Representatives of JFNA and the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI) met this winter in the Knesset with the bill’s sponsor, Member of Knesset David Rotem of the Yisrael Beiteinu Party, and delivered a forceful message that, as Diaspora Jewry’s representatives, we seek to engage in discussions on any such initiatives before the law is changed.

Rotem pledged no changes would occur without our consultation. He and former Israel’s former Ambassador to the United States, Danny Ayalon, met with Diaspora Jewish groups in the U.S., including JFNA, to reiterate these promises.

But the week of July 12, Rotem advanced a new, even more troubling amendment, without consulting with JFNA or JAFI. The new changes would give “authority” to the Orthodox-run Chief Rabbinate in Israel to carry out all conversions and says a convert can only be recognized if one “accepts the yoke of mitzvot according to halacha” (as defined by the Chief Rabbinate).

In response, JFNA, JAFI and the religious movements led a concerted and high-profile advocacy effort against the proposal. As part of that effort, JFNA and its partners said the bill would "drive a wedge" between Israel and the Diaspora and cause "significant damage" to the Israel-Diaspora relationship. JFNA also urged Federations to relay their concerns to the prime minister via an online letter-writing campaign.

On July 18, Prime Minister Netanyahu issued a statement opposing the bill, making it unlikely the bill would succeed at this time, before the Knesset summer recess. JFNA and JAFI appreciate and applaud the prime minister’s leadership and concern for the unity of the Jewish People.

JFNA and JAFI continue to support further dialogue on this important issue and urge that all sides work toward a mutually acceptable compromise that preserves the unity of all Jews worldwide.