AJCommittee Policy Statement Calls For Support Of Israel's Ne'eman Commission On Conversion Bill

American Jewish Committee
Monday, 15 December 1997

The American Jewish Committee's Board of Governors, addressing the current controversy in Israel over conversion to Judaism, has adopted a policy statement calling for "compromise measures" and urging Orthodox and non-Orthodox "support for the efforts undertaken by the Ne'eman Commission."

The AJC statement reads:

"The current controversy in Israel over conversion to Judaism deeply threatens the unity and cohesive fabric of the Jewish people worldwide. Peoplehood issues transcend geographical boundaries. The passion expressed by American Jews on this issue testifies to the depth of the crisis in Israel-Diaspora relations and to the profound effects passage of the Conversion Bill would have upon relations between us.

"For these reasons, we urge representatives of the Orthodox establishment and of the non-Orthodox movements to support the efforts undertaken by the Ne'eman Commission to formulate a compromise position. A true compromise will require understanding on all sides. Compromise measures are necessary for the sake of maintaining Jewish peoplehood and therefore merit the support of all Jews."

For more information, or to contact American Jewish Committee, see their website at: www.ajc.org