July 12, 2010 / 1 Av 5770 

Jewish Agency for Israel Chairman Natan Sharansky said he is deeply disappointed that conversion legislation proposed by MK David Rotem, which includes several controversial clauses, passed today (July 12) in Knesset committee.

“We cannot divide the Jewish People with legislation which many in the Jewish world view as defining them as second class Jews,” Sharansky said. “We are at the beginning of the month of Av, the time when the Temple was destroyed because the Jewish people were busy with internal fighting instead of dealing with real dangers posed by their enemies. Jews abroad are the most loyal supporters of Israel, and stand at the forefront of the fight for Israel’s image around the world.”

“The proposed bill was supposed to have been discussed in detail with world Jewry,” Sharansky added. “I hope the prime minister will send a clear message that this proposed legislation will not move forward without proper discussion and consultation with all those who feel they may be harmed by it.”