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NEW YORK (Press Release) — The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) on Wednesday, Feb. 5, decried comments about Reform Judaism attributed to Israeli parliament member David Rotem as “inappropriate, offensive and unjustified,” and called on the Knesset member to retract his statements “quickly and unequivocally” and apologize to the Reform Movement.
According to news reports, Mr. Rotem, who is the Chairman of the Knesset Constitution, Law and Justice Committee, referred to the Reform movement as “not Jewish” and “another religion” during a committee discussion on Tuesday.
In a letter to Mr. Rotem, Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director, wrote:
“We are deeply disturbed by reports of comments attributed to you about the Reform movement ‘not being Jewish.’ Such views are inappropriate, offensive and unjustified. The suggestion that Jews throughout the world who identify with the Reform movement are somehow not a part of the Jewish people is an unacceptable characterization of a proud, highly engaged and committed group of Jews. Among many U.S. non-Orthodox Jews, rejectionist rhetoric of this kind fosters divisiveness and feelings of alienation towards elements of Israeli society. As someone who has long been engaged in the issue of Jewish identify, we are surprised and saddened that you expressed these views. For the sake of Jewish unity and in the spirit of the pluralistic ideals of our beloved Israel, we call on you to retract your comments and issue a quick and unequivocal apology for your statements.”
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Preceding provided by the Anti-Defamation League
Yes, unfortunately Haredim do not think they are obligated to love fellow Jew. Most important for them is OU symbol on food and full observance on Shabbat.