Israel's Hypocrisy on Jewish Identity and Conversion
Translated & summarized from Israel Hayom by baba
Israelis celebrate successful Jews abroad but often deny recognition to non-Orthodox Jews seeking to connect with their heritage in Israel. Despite millions of American Jews belonging to Reform and Conservative movements, their conversions are not recognized by Israel's Rabbinate, and their prayer services are restricted. The article criticizes this perceived hypocrisy, urging respect for existing non-Orthodox Jewish communities before embracing potential converts like actress Sydney Sweeney.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Israel celebrates successful Jews abroad but denies recognition to non-Orthodox Jews seeking acceptance.
- Actress Sydney Sweeney is reportedly considering conversion to Judaism.
- Minister May Golan recently attacked Reform Rabbi Gilad Kariv, sparking controversy.
- A 2020 Pew survey shows 53% of U.S. Jews are Reform or Conservative, not Orthodox.
- Israel's Rabbinate does not recognize non-Orthodox conversions for marriage.
- The article criticizes Israel's inconsistent treatment of Jewish identity.
While Israelis often pride themselves on successful Jews abroad, enthusiasm wanes when these individuals seek recognition of their Jewish identity within Israel. Recent reports that actress Sydney Sweeney is considering converting to Judaism were met with excitement, with Sweeney even attending services at a Conservative synagogue in the United States. However, Israel's attitude towards non-Orthodox streams of Judaism is far less welcoming.
Minister May Golan recently attacked Reform Rabbi Gilad Kariv, accusing him of performing "weddings for dogs in his delusional synagogues." Although Golan later clarified her remarks were directed only at Kariv, the incident sparked anger among American Jews. A 2020 Pew Research Center survey indicated that only 9% of U.S. Jews identify as Orthodox, while 53% belong to Reform or Conservative movements, representing millions of Jews with rich Jewish lives.
Despite this, Israel's Rabbinate does not recognize conversions performed by these movements for marriage purposes, and their egalitarian prayer services are not permitted at the main Western Wall plaza. The article points out a contradiction: when Jews from these movements become victims of antisemitism, as in the 2018 Pittsburgh synagogue massacre, they are embraced as "brothers." Yet, when they seek recognition in Israel, the legitimacy of their Judaism is debated.
The author expresses a lack of enthusiasm for Sweeney's potential conversion, suggesting that before celebrating new adherents, Israel should first honor and provide equal treatment to the millions of Jews already identifying with non-Orthodox movements who currently face discrimination.