American Jews should be frightened about the rise of anti-semitism and where would Jews go if the hate becomes intolerable. Would American Jews be welcomed in Israel? It appears the right to return is under assault by Israel’s ultra-orthodox Jews.
Religious Zionist Party (RZP) MK and Otzma Yehudit faction head Itamar Ben-Gvir, expected to be a senior minister in the upcoming Israeli government, has made a number of statements over the past few days regarding his intentions for policy changes. The most concerning is Prioritizing Orthodox Judaism over other denominations. It would also mean no recognition by the Israeli government of Reform and Conservative conversions, as well as no more general support for these movements.
Most American Jewish groups voice their delight that Israel is a democracy but many are now voicing their concern of RXP’s participation in the Israeli government. The Washington Post reports “Criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his right-wing government has been heard from American Jews for a while now, but a simple 20-word tweet from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), the largest American Israel lobby, has sent shock waves through the political establishment in Israel.”
“The views of Otzma Yehudit are reprehensible. They do not reflect the core values that are the very foundation of the State of Israel,” AJC wrote in its statement. “The party might conceivably gain enough votes to enter the next Knesset, and potentially even become part of the governing coalition.”
AIPAC’s tweet simply said it agreed with the AJC and added that it “has a long-standing policy not to meet with members of the racist and reprehensible party.”
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