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Prevent Passage of Conversion Bill in KnessetClick here to donate
In March (2010), we wrote to many of you about proposed legislation in the Knesset which, under the guise of helping address the conversion problem for olim from the former Soviet Union, would have granted legal standing to the control of the Chief Rabbinate and would, additionally, discriminate against Jews By Choice in terms of rights under The Law of Return.
On July 12,2010 a version of the proposed legislation, with language added by Shas which would make it even more problematic, was approved by a 5-4 vote in the Constitution, Law and Justice Committee. This happened despite public assurances by Prime Minister Netanyahu that no action would be taken until Natan Sharansky, Chair of the Jewish Agency, and the non-Orthodox streams had collectively worked on an appropriate solution.
This proposed legislation is extremely damaging to Israel-Diaspora relations. Its proponents are pushing for speedy passage by the full Knesset.
It is important to note for the record that Natan Sharansky has been extremely cooperative, constructive and helpful. He has expressed to the Knesset his own displeasure with regard to the actions being taken.
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