Most Israeli Jews back liberal streams on Western Wall, conversion

Nearly two-thirds of Israeli Jews are opposed to the government’s cancellation on Sunday of the Western Wall agreement between the state of Israel and the liberal Jewish streams.

According to a poll by activist group Hiddush, which is generally identified with the liberal streams, fully 63 percent of respondents say the cancellation was wrong. Just 37% support canceling the deal.

Resistance to the latest conversion bill, which is similarly opposed by American Jewish leaders, is just as high. According to the poll, 64% of Israeli Jews oppose the bill, while 36% support it.

The figures appear to cover only those who expressed an opinion. There is no indication of anyone responding that they don’t know or care.

The poll is conducted by Smith Polling Institute on June 27 with a sample size of 500 respondents that are representative of the adult Jewish population.