Jewish Agency to Netanyahu: ‘Concern’ about Law of Return and religious status quo

The Jewish Agency has sent a letter to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressing its concern over “voices” in his new government that are advocating for a change to the Law of Return as well as the religious status quo. 

“It is our duty to share with you our deep concern regarding voices in the government on issues that could undermine the long-standing status quo on religious affairs that could affect the Diaspora,” the letter said.

“Any change in the delicate and sensitive status quo on issues such as the Law of Return or conversion could threaten to unravel the ties between us and keep us away from each other,” it added.

Jewish Agency referred to proposals by far-right and ultra-orthodox parties in the new government, that would annul the “grandchild” clause, which allows grandchildren of Jews to immigrate to Israel under the Law of Return.

Another proposals would see Jews converted by non-Orthodox rabbis barred from making Aliyah.

The ultra-orthodox parties in the new government have made it clear that it seeks to strengthen the religious character of the state in line with Halacha (Jewish law).

Meanwhile, the Sephardic Chief Rabbi of Israel, Yitzhak Yosef, warned that Israel “is an Orthodox state, not a Reform one,” while accusing Reform Judaism of “causing assimilation abroad”.

Yosef has also said proposed legislation by the Religious Zionism Party and ultra-Orthodox partners that would curb the High Court of Justice’s power would be an “opportunity to amend the law on who is a Jew”.

Diaspora Jews in both the UK and the U.S. have been vocal in their criticism at the new government’s proposals, warning Netanyahu that it could damage Israel’s ties with world Jewry.