Amb. to US Yechiel Leiter condemns MK May Golan's 'disgusting' remarks on Reform Judaism

A significant diplomatic and internal political rift has emerged following inflammatory remarks by Minister May Golan targeting MK Gilad Kariv and the Reform Jewish movement. Israel's Ambassador to the US, Yechiel Leiter, has unequivocally denounced Golan's comments, describing them as "unacceptable" and pledging to apologize to Reform movement leaders on behalf of Israel. This strong rebuke from a high-ranking diplomat underscores the gravity with which such statements are viewed internationally and within the broader Jewish world.

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What Rafi Kedoshim does, you won’t achieve in another 200 lifetimes while marching with the Women of the Wall or officiating dog weddings in your delusional synagogues.

Minister Golan's remarks, which included deeply offensive and baseless accusations, have been met with a wave of condemnations from across the political spectrum and from various Jewish organizations. Ambassador Leiter, identifying as an Orthodox Jew himself, emphasized that Golan's statements do not represent Israel's official stance and do not reflect the values of inclusivity that are crucial for maintaining strong ties with Diaspora Jewry. The ambassador's swift and forceful response highlights the delicate balance Israel must maintain between its diverse internal religious landscape and its relationships with global Jewish communities.

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Golan’s remarks were unacceptable and said he would meet Reform movement leaders to apologize on behalf of Israel.

This controversy comes at a particularly sensitive time, as Israel grapples with ongoing discussions about the role and recognition of non-Orthodox Jewish streams within the country. MK Kariv himself has characterized Golan's remarks as antisemitic libels, accusing the government of legitimizing hostility towards millions of Reform Jews worldwide. The CEO of the Israel Movement for Reform and Progressive Judaism echoed these sentiments, warning that such ignorant and contemptuous statements severely damage the strategic connection between Israel and the Diaspora.

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May Golan, a minister in Israel, is spreading ugly antisemitic libels against millions of Reform Jews in Israel and throughout the Jewish world.

From our perspective in Israel, this incident is more than just a political spat; it touches upon the very identity of our nation and our relationship with the Jewish people globally. While Western media might focus on the political fallout, for us, it's a painful reminder of the internal divisions that threaten to undermine the unity of the Jewish people. The government's response, or lack thereof, to such divisive rhetoric directly impacts how the Diaspora perceives Israel and its commitment to pluralism. This is a critical moment for Israel to reaffirm its dedication to representing all streams of Judaism, not just the Orthodox, and to ensure that its ministers uphold a standard of discourse that fosters respect and understanding, rather than division and animosity.

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This is the most anti-Zionist and antisemitic government in Israel’s history. They have turned fanaticism and bullying into a way of life. They spit in the face of anyone who holds beliefs different from their own.