Conservative Rabbis Break Ranks, Rip Bibi On Arab Comments

[kpete]

Conservative Rabbis Break Ranks, Rip Bibi On Arab Comments
RA becomes first major Jewish group to criticize Likud leader's election day rhetoric; Netanyahu defends statements on MSNBC.

The Rabbinical Assembly thus became the first major Jewish organization to strongly criticize Netanyahu for what many have termed racist comments.

“This statement, which indefensibly singled out the Arab citizens of Israel, is unacceptable and undermines the principles upon which the State of Israel was founded,” wrote Rabbi William Gershon and Rabbi Julie Schonfeld, the organization’s president and executive vice president, respectively.

“Because we proudly and unreservedly continue our unflagging support for the State of Israel, its citizens and its values, we must condemn the prime minister’s statement, singling out Arab citizens for exercising their legitimate right to vote.”

The two then called upon “Jews around the world” to join with them in denouncing Netanyahu’s “divisive and undemocratic statement and we do so here."




MORE:
http://www.thejewishweek.com/news/breaking/conservative-rabbis-break-ranks-rip-bibi-arab-comments

[karynnj]

1. I think this is a big deal

This group represents Conservative Jewish Rabbis. Of the non orthodox parts of American Judaism, this is the most traditional. In my experience, both the Reform and Reconstructionist movements have been more to the left on Israel.

[mucifer]

2. FYI for those who don't know the word "Conservative" is not political in this case:

Conservative Jews often are political liberals. They have female rabbis. I grew up in a conservative Jewish home. It just means they are religiously middle of the the road. They tend to keep a kosher home, and learn Hebrew.

Reformed Jews tend to pray more in English and not keep as kosher. Orthodox Jews are super religious. They also are somewhat diverse. They are the ones you see with the hats. The women tend to wear skirts all the time and cover their heads or shave their heads and wear a wig.

The conservative Rabbi I grew up with had lots of respect for Arafat and hope for Jews and Palestinians to get along. Also, he marched in Selma.

[Hekate]

4. Thanks for clarifying that for DUers

I myself already knew that, but you are right that not everyone does.

[thesquanderer]

6. "Reform" not "Reformed" (n/t)

[Baitball Blogger]

3. Jeez.

When I think about the events that led to the formulation of Israel, I just can't fathom how anyone in Israel could support an egomaniac.

I'm glad to see Jewish leaders stand together to denounce Netanyahu.

[hifiguy]

5. This is not good news for Netanyahoo.

Good for the rabbis!

[Rex]

7. The GOP worries when black people vote. Bibi worries when Muslims vote.

I see a pattern here.