The World Union for Progressive Judaism reaffirmed its “unconditional” commitment to Israel and Zionism here and demanded full rights and recognition for the Reform rabbinate in this country. The organization, which serves as the umbrella for 1.2 million Progressive, Reform and Liberal Jews in 25 countries, opened its 50th anniversary convention at the Jerusalem Hilton Hotel yesterday with some 800 delegates attending.
Rabbi David H. Wice, World Union president, said at a press conference that the organization’s dedication to Israel was reflected not only in the decision to hold its milestone convention here but by the transfer of the World Union international headquarters to Jerusalem in 1973 and its affiliation with the World Zionist Organization, finalized last year.
Rabbi Richard G. Hirsch, executive director told the newsmen that the Reform movement in Israel has several demands which should be fulfilled. These were, he said, recognition of the movement as an authentic Jewish element by the Israeli authorities; recognition of conversions performed by Reform rabbis abroad; authorization of Reform rabbis to perform marriages in Israel after they have registered with the Rabbinical Council; authorizing Reform rabbis to serve as chaplains and spiritual guides in Israel’s armed forces; and granting the Reform movement the same governmental aid extended to other religious branches.
There are presently 12 Reform congregations in Israel. The government, however, extends recognition and aid only to the Orthodox rabbinate which has exclusive jurisdiction in religious matters affecting the Jewish population.
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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.
