PM slams ‘disparaging’ remarks on Reform Jews

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemns remarks by ultra-Orthodox lawmakers against Reform and Conservative Jewry.

“I reject the recent disparaging and divisive remarks by ministers and members of Knesset about Reform Jews. Reform and Conservative Jews are part and parcel of the Jewish people and should be treated with respect,” he says.

The prime minister also hails the “historic” new mixed-gender section at the Western Wall, approved by the cabinet earlier this week.

“The government approved this week a historic compromise that ensures that the Western Wall will continue to be a source of unity and inspiration for the entire Jewish people. This is the government’s policy. This is my policy,” Netanyahu says.

This week, following the approval of the new non-Orthodox area, Knesset Finance Committee head Moshe Gafni (United Torah Judaism) called Reform Jews “clowns,” while Deputy Education Minister Meir Porush said Women of the Wall should be “thrown to the dogs.”