The Chief Rabbis of Israel, Rishon L’Tzion Yitzchak Yosef Shlita and Chief Rabbi David Lau Shlita have come out strongly in opposition to the government’s latest attempt at state-sponsored assimilation with its new giyur bill. In the harsh letter, the chief rabbis place the responsibility for blocking the worrisome legislation on Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and Minister of Religious Services Naftali Bennett. The letter was released on Tuesday, 16 Adar II after the Knesset Law Committee approved moving the bill to Knesset where they hope it will pass into law.

The rabbonim explain that they have been making an effort to work with lawmakers towards passing a bill into law that is halachically acceptable and they adamantly oppose lawmakers acting independent of the Chief Rabbinate for the bill in question may chas v’sholom have dire consequences regarding the future of Am Yisrael and identifying who is halachically Jewish.

The rabbonim warn the MKs, whom they feel “are acting irresponsibly” and delving into matters “they have little understanding to address”, warning that the bill which simply permits any rabbi in Israel to convene a beis din and convert someone, even if that person is not committed to a Torah observant lifestyle. The rabbonim warn the MKs are placing the future of the Jewish People in danger.

Adding to the concerns is the tenacious activities of MK Elazar Stern, who feels that Israel should and must accept conversions performed by any stream of Judaism.

Below is the text of the letter from the Chief Rabbis Shlita:

(Released by the spokesman for the rabbis)

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(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)