Dr. Eisendrath Calls Reform Jews ‘bitterly Maligned Group’ in Israel

Rabbi Maurice Eisendrath, president of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations, described Reform Jews in Israel as a “bitterly maligned group” following a Knesset committee’s rejection of an attempt by Reform Jews meeting in Jerusalem to hold a mixed prayer service at the Western (Waiting) Wall. In a statement to the 15th international convention of the World Union for Progressive Judaism here. Dr. Eisendrath said some quarters are challenging the unquestioned loyalty of Reform Jews to Israel and attempting to deny them religious rights.

At the organization’s final business session on Friday, the American Reform Jewish leader denied that lack of courage was the reason for the Union’s calling off Thursday’s family-style mixed prayer service at the Wall. He declared that the decision was determined solely by the fear of physical violence and the possibility of political repercussions reflecting on Israel’s right to her Holy Places.

Reform Jews, Dr. Eisendrath said, have participated in all of Israel’s wars and also in civil rights demonstrations in the U.S. “where we displayed no lack of physical courage in the face of stone throwing or worse.” Dr. Eisendrath noted that in the Jewish nation of Israel, the tiny Anglican minority is given freedom of worship according to their own beliefs and practices but not Reform Jews.