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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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U.S. State Department reports limitations on religious freedom despite opposition from most citizens

U.S. State Department reports limitations on religious freedom despite opposition from most citizens

The U.S. State Department 2010 Report on International Religious Freedom sites increasing tension in Israeli society between secular and ultra-Orthodox citizens on issues such as housing allocations, military service exemptions and allocations for religious institutions of study. The report also lists a series of cases of violence against women in terms of extreme demands for modest dress and gender separation.

Supreme Court Petition to Allow Civil Marriage

Supreme Court Petition to Allow Civil Marriage

Hiddush CEO Rabbi Uri Regev remarks “The reality which denies the basic human right of marriage to hundreds of thousands of Israeli citizens is intolerable.”

Signs in Mea She’arim: “No Entry for Men in Uniform.”

Signs in Mea She’arim: “No Entry for Men in Uniform.”

Ultra-Orthodox wall ads blatantly express their distaste for soldiers. On Haredi site “Kikar Shabbat,” new ads are dubbed “new low for Mea She’arim.”

Hiddush Shows two-thirds of Israelis Support Civil Marriage

Hiddush Shows two-thirds of Israelis Support Civil Marriage

Researchers Drs. Guy Ben-Porat and Yariv Feniger posit that because there is a gap between support for civil marriage and personal interest in having a civil marriage, major political parties do not promote the issue. Hiddush CEO Rabbi Regev: “Leading up to elections, people need to demand that the political party leaders commit themselves to…carry out a civil revolution, including freedom of choice in marriage”

Most who will receive housing subsidies are ultra-Orthodox

Most who will receive housing subsidies are ultra-Orthodox

More than half of housing subsidies will defacto be given to ultra-Orthodox residents, who make up less than 10% of the general population in Israel. Housing Minister Ariel Atias continues to design biased systems instead of fair ones.

After the buses: gender segregation reaches share taxis

After the buses: gender segregation reaches share taxis

The segregation between women and men does not end with the ‘Mehadrin Lines.’ Hiddush’s spokesman personally experienced segregation in share taxis: ‘I was removed from the vehicle after a single stop, because women would not let me sit next to them.’ Taxi drivers say segregation has them setting out with half-empty cabs

Human Rights And The Supreme Court

Human Rights And The Supreme Court

Israel has never had a constitution and has relied on its Declaration of Independence and judges to maintain equality

Changing From Religious To Civil Marriages

Changing From Religious To Civil Marriages

A comparative study for transitioning from religious to civil marriage systems

Religious coercion in Israel escalating

Religious coercion in Israel escalating

U.S. State Department report on religious freedom worldwide finds increase in religious coercion, discrimination, and violence in Israel. Reports: Validity of 40,000 conversions in doubt, 360,000 new immigrants cannot get married

Summer 2010 Index

Summer 2010 Index

Religion and State Index for the second half of 2010: 80% of the Jewish public objects to new religious legislation; 75% favor decreasing funding for yeshivas

Incentives not to work

Incentives not to work

To put the ultra-Orthodox to work, the stipend pipeline must be cut. Any other policy would be irresponsible and endanger Israel and its economy

25 Facts about Religion and State in Israel

25 Facts about Religion and State in Israel

The "status quo" agreement reached at the founding of the state between the country’s founders and the mainstream Orthodox rabbinical councils, which has been upheld throughout the state's history, requires that the Government implement some policies based on Orthodox Jewish interpretations of religious law.

Recommit to Israel's Founding Vision

Recommit to Israel's Founding Vision

Israel was established on the basis of religious freedoms; where do we go from here?

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