A sharp letter was sent to Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu from the Jewish Federations of N. America regarding a compromise being hammered out regarding the conversion bill.

The letter points out that rarely will the organization opt to involve itself or respond to such matters, but the Federation [which represents 157 Federations and 400 network communities around the United States] has opted to voice an opinion in this case, explaining at present “we cannot remain silent”.

The letter explains the conversion bill is at the heart of an issue that directly impacts N. American Jewry, stating as such, a dialogue addressing the Federation’s concerns is appropriate. Some of the proposed compromise is unacceptable the letter explains, and the issue leaders feel does not only impact Israel, but “on the entire Jewish People”.

The Federations object to the chareidi version of the bill presented by MK Dudi Rotem, and it appears that during the prime minister’s visit to Washington next week, meetings with senior Federation leaders will be on his agenda.

The controversy surrounds the bill as was reported (http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/article.php?p=50443) last month by YWN-Israel.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)