Diaspora minister tells US Reform leaders Israel should formally acknowledge liberal streams

In a meeting with American Reform Jewish leaders, Diaspora Affairs Minister Omer Yankelevitch calls for Israel to formally acknowledge liberal Jewish streams.

Yankelevitch meets in Jerusalem today with Union for Reform Judaism President Rabbi Rick Jacobs and other Reform leaders.

“In their meeting, Minister Yankelevitch called for increased recognition and investment by Israel in the Reform movement and other progressive Jewish streams,” a statement from the Diaspora Affairs Ministry says.

“As I conclude my position and look ahead, the path forward is clear. Israel must build on the mutual dialogue that we have fostered with world Jewry, formally acknowledge liberal Jewish practice and interests, and work directly with relevant stakeholders as partners,” the minister is quoted as saying.

She adds: “While we did not have a regular government budget this year, we did pass a long-term government decision concluding that Israel must invest in world Jewry. This investment must include all parts of the Jewish people, including the Reform movement. As a Haredi minister focused on bringing all voices to the table, I understand the importance of investing in the Reform community. This work must only continue and expand with the next government.”