PM boosts Conservatives, Reform

Prime Minister Netanyahu  surprised delegates at this week’s Jewish Federation of North America General Assembly — and ignited a storm in Israel — when, after praising a “pluralism” in Israel that includes equality for women, opportunity for Arab citizens, the only thriving community of Christians in the Middle East, and a favorable environment for gay people, he announced that his government would support aid to non-Orthodox Jewish denominations in the Holy Land.

“I will always ensure that all Jews can feel at home in Israel — Reform Jews, Conservative Jews, Orthodox Jews, all Jews,” he said.

“Now, for the first time, together with the Jewish Agency, we will invest directly in the development and fostering of Conservative and Reform communities in Israel,” he said.

Reaction from Israel came swiftly.

“The Reform and Conservatives split the Jewish people and it is forbidden to support them in harming the Torah of Israel,” said Health Minister Yaakov Litzman of United Torah Judaism.

“The stance of Jewish believers regarding the Reform Movement is known,” said Shas MK Yoav Ben-Tzur. “This will not change.”