Conservative Leaders Re-iterate Opposition to Changes in Law of Return

Leaders of Conservative Judaism in the United States have expressed to Israeli Premier Yitzhak Rabin their firm opposition to any changes in Israel’s Law of Return as demanded by Orthodox groups in Israel and the U.S. Their position was contained in a cable sent to Premier Rabin Thursday. It was signed by Rabbi Mordecai Waxman, president of the Rabbincial Assembly; Arthur Levine, president of the United Synagogue of America; and Selma Rapaport, president of the Women’s League for Conservative Judaism.

The cable explained that the reiteration of their position by the Conservative leaders was “precipitated by a renewal of agitation in Orthodox circles in America and Israel” for changes in the Law of Return. The message praised Premier Rabin and his Cabinet for its refusal to succumb “to the blackmail of the Orthodox group in Israel.” It expressed dismay over the fact that Israel’s Orthodox leadership has taken a stand that “threatens the stability of your government by obdurate political pressures which insist on the proposed change as a condition for participation in the government coalition.” The cable said, “We consider such conduct reprehensible especially at this time of national crisis when their survival and the integrity of the State of Israel faces such unprecedented challenges.”

The cable re-asserted Conservative Judaism’s view that “Conversion to Judaism must be performed in strict compliance with halachic requirements and that conversions to Judaism by members of the Conservative rabbinate complied in full with halachic tradition.” It said that attempts by any individual group to assert that they are the exclusive custodians and interpreters of the Jewish tradition are “arrogant.”