WUPJ Statement and Call for Action on Conversion Bill Proposal

Dear Prime Minister Netanyahu,

As a proud Jew and lifelong supporter of the State of Israel, I am writing to express my concern about the bill proposed by MK David Rotem to change the laws of conversion, and I seek your immediate intervention to prevent this destructive piece of legislation from passing in the Knesset. There is no question that there is a need to make conversion easier, and access to conversion courts in Israel should be simplified. But the Rotem bill would create a divide between Jews that would be impossible to ford, and strain relationships between Israel and non-orthodox Jews from around the world, at a time that Israel needs all the support it can muster. The essential Law of Return would be forever altered and this bill would cede responsibility for all conversions to the aegis of the Chief Rabbinate. This law would also require converts to live an Orthodox lifestyle - mandating that practice as the only legitimate form of Jewish life.  This would delegitimize Reform, Conservative, and Reconstructionist Jews in Israel and around the world - something that is completely intolerable to us.

As deeply committed Jews - Jews who work for the continued health and security of the State of Israel and your advocates around the world, we implore you to act quickly and decisively in quashing this bill and returning it to consideration with the consultative process established by Natan Sharansky.  Your active intervention at this time may be the only thing that can prevent a rupture in Israel\'s relationship with over 85% of the world\'s Jews - who are non-Orthodox.  At a time in which Israel needs all the friends it can get, do not disenfranchise the majority of Jews worldwide – prevent this bill from further hearings – now and in the future.

Sincerely