Mixed marriages among Jews and non-Jews is becoming more and more dangerous to Jewish survival, according to a report published here by the Institute of Jewish Affairs of the World Jewish Congress. The report is based on a survey of mixed marriages in various countries.
The report states that in London the incidence of mixed marriages rose to such a point that the Rabbinical Council issued an order-banning such ceremonies from the synagogues. The order was rejected by the Reform Jews.
In Switzerland, where many non-Jewish women accept conversion to Judaism upon marrying Jewish men, it is considered likely that the number of converted women may exceed the number born Jewish. In Basle Gentile women have accepted conversion in 40 percent of the marriages, while in Zurich 36 percent have been converted. The rabbis have decided not to permit any more conversions, the report avers, but this has resulted in heated opposition in the Jewish community on the grounds that if the women are not permitted to become Jews, the men will convert to Christianity.
The report further states that alarming information has been received on the scale of mixed marriages in Denmark and France. In the latter country not only assimilated Jews but first generation immigrants are intermarrying. In Canada, according to the Institute, one out of every 12 marriages in the Jewish community is mixed.
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The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
