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“Who is a Jew” is Back!

“Who is a Jew” is Back!

In recent days, there have been reports in the media from the coalition negotiation rooms that the Likud has accepted the demand of the ultra-Orthodox parties to change the law in a way that will prevent those who converted in Israel outside the Chief Rabbinate from receiving recognition as Jews, even at the civil level. This is not only a change to a long-standing ruling recognizing Reform and Conservative conversions in Israel, but also a step that is directed against Modern Orthodox conversions from the past few years, which are aimed at facilitating conversions of immigrants from the former Soviet Union.


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21 MKs responding to Pittsburgh - “Time for Equality”

21 MKs responding to Pittsburgh - “Time for Equality”

The MKs highlighted different aspects of the need to respond to the Pittsburgh massacre, not merely by identifying with the loss and pain of the Jewish community, not only by decrying growing anti-Semitic outbursts, but by changing Israel’s policies.

Israeli media speaks out for recognizing the streams

Israeli media speaks out for recognizing the streams

Anti-Semites don’t distinguish between Jews according to their denominations. That is a practice reserved for the Israeli government. Israeli media personalities and others have drawn conclusions from the massacre in Pittsburgh, which links this tragedy to Israel's religion-state policies.

Encouraging news on the modern Orthodox front

Encouraging news on the modern Orthodox front

One recent development that has been the widely publicized is the joining of Yair Lapid’s Yesh Atid party by two Modern Orthodox activists – Tehilla Nachlaon Friedman and Moshe Tur-Paz

Disturbing news on the ultra-Orthodox front

Disturbing news on the ultra-Orthodox front

Why did the leader of the Hasidic faction of the United Torah Judaism party (Deputy Minister of Health Rabbi Litzman) make two visits to the prison where one Elazar Vigdorovich is serving a four year prison term for crimes involving the Gur Chasidic dynasty?

It’s time for American Jewry to speak up and act

It’s time for American Jewry to speak up and act

A few days ago PM Netanyahu, in NY to deliver a forceful speech at the UN and meet with world leaders, also met with a small group of top level American Jewish leaders. The little that we know about the meeting gives us reason to urge American Jewish leaders that it’s high time to change course and take a far more proactive approach in dealing with the critically important Israel-Diaspora bridge.

'Liberals in the Likud' faction favors religious freedom

'Liberals in the Likud' faction favors religious freedom

The national radio reported today on a gathering of the "Liberals in the Likud" who were addressed by Minister Ofer Akunis (Likud). He was recorded stating the following: "The Surrogacy Law that distinguished between men and women is a disgrace... to the National [Likud] Movement

Revolutionary conversion ruling?

Revolutionary conversion ruling?

Haredi opposition threatens Israeli democracy, the rule of law, the judciary's independence, and the partnership between Israel and world Jewry

Court requires Interior Ministry to recognize a private conversion

Court requires Interior Ministry to recognize a private conversion

Hiddush responds to court ruling, instructing the Israeli Interior Ministry to formally recognize the Jewish identity of a woman who underwent a private Orthodox conversion

Israel's (and New York’s) Yeshiva Students Deserve Better

Israel's (and New York’s) Yeshiva Students Deserve Better

One of the key areas that the 2018 Israel Religion & State Index points to is the strong resentment and objection among the Israeli Jewish population in the face of the refusal of the leadership of the ultra-Orthodox community to allow a proper and effective instruction of core curricular studies in their boys’ schools.

2018 Israel Religion & State Index

2018 Israel Religion & State Index

As in previous years, as Rosh HaShanah approaches, Hiddush is proud to publish its annual Israel Religion & State Index, now in its tenth year.

84% want to enshrine the principle of equality into a Constitutional Law

84% want to enshrine the principle of equality into a Constitutional Law

Contrary to Prime Minister Netanyahu’s refusal – 84% of the public wants to anchor the principle of equality into a Constitutional Law. Also: parties that herald giving the Declaration of Independence constitutional force would receive additional public support.

First woman ever appointed as legal advisor to rabbinical courts

First woman ever appointed as legal advisor to rabbinical courts

We at Hiddush are delighted by the appointment of Attorney Shira Ben-Eli as legal advisor to Israel's rabbinical courts.

Hiddush blocks Chief Rabbi's conflict of interest

Hiddush blocks Chief Rabbi's conflict of interest

This week, Hiddush received a statement from the Office of the Attorney General, confirming that our request had been received and that detailed instructions had been given to the Chief Rabbi of Israel, Rabbi Yitzchak Yosef, regarding the official restrictions imposed upon him in his handling of kashrut issues due to a conflict of interest.

The Vile Bond of Religion & Politics

The Vile Bond of Religion & Politics

In a secret recording that was broadcast on Israeli television, MK Rabbi Moshe Gafni explains to the leadership of his party why they voted for the Nation-State Law and what his real opinion of the law is.

Unlike the Government - Israelis support religious freedom and equality

Unlike the Government - Israelis support religious freedom and equality

This week, two important events occurred, and Hiddush provided special public opinion polling and analysis on the core issues that arose:

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