March 1, 2021, New York, NY- Rabbi Rick Jacobs, President of the Union for Reform Judaism, has released the following statement on the decision by Israel’s Supreme Court on conversion performed by the Reform and Conservative movements in Israel.
"The Union for Reform Judaism welcomes the Israeli Supreme Court decision to recognize Reform and Conservative conversions in the State of Israel. This decision was years in the making and reflects the diversity and vibrancy of Jewish life in Israel and around the world. Today, the Court has affirmed the reality that the Jewish people are stronger because of the contributions of Reform and Conservative Movements and their commitment to bringing more Jews into the Jewish People. We hope this ruling establishes a precedent that will lead to further recognition of the Reform and Conservative movements in Israel."
"Since 1995, Reform and Conservative conversions have been recognized outside of Israel, and thanks to today’s ruling, the State of Israel will recognize Reform and Conservative conversions within Israel for the sake of citizenship. This has been a battle in the Israeli courts for over 15 years with over 10 specific petitions. Many individuals were waiting in limbo for years for their status to be confirmed. The Supreme Court held off its ruling to allow for a legislative process to solve this issue and ruled after a lack of process took place."
"We celebrate the groundbreaking work of our Israel Movement for Reform and Progressive Judaism and the Israel Religious Action Center in making today’s ruling a reality. Our Movement will continue to work for the legitimate rights and recognition of Reform and Conservative Jews – in Israel and around the world."
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