The Israeli government’s attempt to bypass the Supreme Court and delegitimize Conservative/Masorti and Reform conversions is a direct attack on Conservative/Masorti and Reform Jews—both in Israel and around the world.
Since October 7th, Jews around the world have stood—and continue to stand—with one heart alongside the State of Israel, guided by a deep and enduring sense of commitment and mutual responsibility that unites us, wherever we live. The ‘High Court Bypass Law’ is a slap in the face to the millions of Jews for whom Israel is their sacred homeland—regardless of whether they are Reform, Conservative, or Orthodox.
“We will not remain silent. Together with the global Jewish community, we will use every legal and public avenue to fight this decision and ensure that every Jew is recognized in the State of Israel—and is free in the homeland of the entire Jewish people,” says Rakefet Ginsberg, CEO and Executive Director of the Conservative/Masorti Movement in Israel.
At a time when Israel is at war and our hostages remain in inhumane captivity, the government should be focusing on national unity and securing our people’s safe return. Instead, it is exploiting this crisis to push a divisive political agenda that undermines the fundamental principles of religious freedom, equality, and democracy.
“Instead of working to unify the Jewish people and bring our hostages home, extremists are trying to undermine the hard-fought recognition of Conservative and Reform conversions. But we will not let them turn back the clock. We stand with our Israeli family demanding religious pluralism in Israel,” says RA/USCJ CEO Rabbi Jacob Blumenthal.
Rather than division, in this time when we want the Jewish people to come together in unity to strengthen the State of Israel, let us fulfill the vision of Psalm 133:1: “Behold, how good it is when our Jewish family dwells together in unity.”
Masorti Israel
Rabbinical Assembly
United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism
