American Jewish Committee Deplores Chief Rabbi's Attack On Reform Judaism

American Jewish Committee
Tuesday, 26 January 1999

The American Jewish Committee today deplored the divisive debate surrounding religious councils legislation, illustrated by Chief Rabbi Bakshi-Doron's outrageous comments equating Reform Judaism with the Holocaust. Such statements have seriously undermined the spirit of compromise that is urgently needed to bolster the unity of the Jewish people, the AJC said.

The full text of the AJC statement follows:

"The American Jewish Committee is deeply troubled that the divisive debate surrounding the Religious Councils Bill adopted by the Knesset today has served to further polarize rather than unite the main religious streams of Judaism.

"Particularly outrageous was the statement by Chief Rabbi Eliyahu Bakshi-Doron blaming Reform Judaism for assimilation and drawing a comparison between intermarriage and the Holocaust. It is shocking that any Jewish leader, especially a rabbi, would attempt to equate the loss of Jewish identity through assimilation to the Nazi design to destroy the Jewish people. Such a comparison not only demeans the victims of the Holocaust, but also undermines the long-standing Jewish communal efforts to underscore the uniqueness of the Holocaust as an historical event.

"Assimilation, including intermarriage, is a daunting challenge for the American Jewish community. But let's be clear: Reform Judaism is not the cause of assimilation. In fact, Reform Judaism serves as a vitally important corrective to the assimilationist trend, keeping many Jews involved and firmly tied to Israel and the Jewish people.

"To bolster Jewish unity, responsible leaders must encourage a spirit of compromise between the Orthodox establishment in Israel and the Reform and Conservative movements. Productive dialogue, not hurtful statements, is urgently needed."

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