Netanyahu denies saying Reform Judaism will assimilate away by 2070
Israeli prime minister's office says the controversial allegation was an 'inaccurate' reflection of his views
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denied that he said in closed talks that Reform Judaism in the United States would disappear within two generations due to assimilation.
Netanyahu’s bureau said the reports, which appeared Friday in the Makor Rishon daily, were “inaccurate and do not reflect the Prime Minister’s views.”
But Makor Rishon’s diplomatic correspondent, Ariel Kahana, reported that Netanyahu repeated this assessment several times in private talks, and that Israel’s ambassador to the United States, Ron Dermer, has been heard making similar projections.
Netanyahu and his government have come under harsh criticism in recent months from leaders of Reform and Liberals Judaism in the United States and beyond over his government’s refusal to implement a compromise that enlarges the space devoted to egalitarian prayer at the Western Wall and over its support for a bill that would give the Orthodox chief rabbinate formal control over conversions.
Yet according to Kahana’s reports, Netanyahu spoke of the scenario of the demise of Reform Judaism as a threat to Israel, saying the Jewish state needs to prepare for a day when it would no longer enjoy the base of support provided to it today by the Jewish community in the United States.
Keep community journalism free.
Jewish News is free for everyone. No paywall. No barriers. Just trusted journalism for anyone who wants to stay connected to Jewish life in Britain.
If you value that, please support us.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Every day, we report on the issues that matter to our community. We celebrate achievements, support charities, challenge antisemitism and ensure Jewish voices are heard more widely.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help us continue to:
- Report on the stories shaping Jewish life in the UK and beyond
- Bring our community together through shared stories, events and campaigns
- Celebrate the people, culture and moments that define our community
- Support organisations doing vital work across Jewish Britain
You can make a one-off donation or become a regular supporter. Every contribution helps keep our journalism free, independent and accessible to all.
If everyone who values Jewish News gave a small amount, it would make a real difference to our future.
