Orthodox Groups Blast Jakobovits

Two American Orthodox groups sharply denounced British Chief Rabbi Immanuel Jakobovits today for remarks critical of Israel’s approach to peace. Jakobovits had suggested, at a meeting with Jewish journalists in London last week, that a Palestinian state could be created eventually if the Palestinians proved they could live peacefully with Israel.

Rabbi Bernard Rosensweig, president of the Rabbinical Council of America, called Jakobovits’ remarks “harmful statements which can damage the position of the legitimate government of Israel and which can bring comfort to Israel’s enemies at a very delicate stage in the autonomy negotiations.” He said the Rabbinical Council, which represents more than 1000 Orthodox rabbis. In the U.S. and Canada, “categorically rejects Rabbi Jakobovits’ position and supports the government of Israel in its ongoing search for a just solution to the autonomy problems within the framework of the Camp David accords.” He stressed that “it should be clear that the Camp David documents do not envision ‘a Palestinian state with its capital in East Jerusalem’ nor does it envision the liquidation of the State of Israel under any circumstances.”

Rabbi Louis Bernstein, president of the Religious Zionists of America, characterized Jakobovits’ remarks as “mischievous statements” that “come at the very moment that an Israeli Embassy is opening in Cairo and an Egyptian one in Tel Aviv” Bernstein observed that “it is only respect for the position that he holds that has spared Rabbi Jakobovits from criticism previously. By asserting that he would accept on Arab state with Jerusalem as its capital, Rabbi Jakobovits has waived immunity.” He offered to provide the British Chief Rabbi with a rabbinic forum at the RZA convention “to debate your position with other religious leaders.” (See related story p.3.)