An Orthodox group calling itself the “Committee for the Preservation of Judaism” announced today that it has started a world-wide campaign to get Jews to send letters and telegrams to Premier Golda Meir protesting the wording of Israel’s Law of Return. The group claims that the omission of the words “by halacha”–religious law–from the text permits the registration of converts as Jews even though their conversions did not comply with halachic standards. According to the group this “could lead to the assimilation of Jews.” A spokesman for the committee said it was composed of “young volunteers, rabbis and students from major yeshivas.” He said a branch office has been opened in England and that others will be opened shortly in Italy, Australia and other parts of the world. The committee is circulating a pamphlet which says, “As a result of this outrageous law your own children may some day face the dilemma of not knowing whether or not they are marrying a Jew.”
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
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.