November 16, 2008 / 18 Cheshvan 5769

Resolution number 4

Whereas for approximately 10 years, a commitment to the unity of the Jewish people has led JAFI o take a leadership role in the effort to advance the conversion process,

Whereas there is now a deep crisis within the conversion process, especially because over 300,000 new olim were brought to Israel under the Law of Return;

Whereas the Supreme court of Israel has already recognized conversions by the different streams of Judaism for civil matters;

Whereas Diaspora Jewry is concerned about the religious status in Israel of converts from all religious streams;

Resolved that the JAFI Assembly urges the gov of Israel to establish immediately an independent conversion authority to resolve and deal with the conversion issue.

Whereas for approximately 10 years, a commitment to the unity of the Jewish people has led JAFI o take a leadership role in the effort to advance the conversion process,

Whereas there is now a deep crisis within the conversion process, especially because over 300,000 new olim were brought to Israel under the Law of Return;

Whereas the Supreme court of Israel has already recognized conversions by the different streams of Judaism for civil matters;

Whereas Diaspora Jewry is concerned about the religious status in Israel of converts from all religious streams;

Therefore bi it resolved,

1. that JAFI calls or the establishment of courts of Jewish law which will base themselves on appropriate moderate and tolerant prior halachic decisions to allow the conversion process to move forward

2. that JAFI calls for the establishment of an independent conversion authority which will facilitate and assist in the conversion process

3. that JAFI calls upon the chairman of the board and the chairman of the executive to call upon all political parties to commit to this independent conversion authority

4. that JAFI affirms its support for the conversion institute and its goals as it is currently instituted

Resolution number 5

Whereas for approximately 10 years, a commitment to the unity of the Jewish people has led JAFI o take a leadership role in the effort to advance the conversion process,

Whereas there is now a deep crisis within the conversion process, especially because over 300,000 new olim were brought to Israel under the Law of Return;

Whereas the Supreme court of Israel has already recognized conversions by the different streams of Judaism for civil matters;

Whereas Diaspora Jewry is concerned about the religious status in Israel of converts from all religious streams;

Therefore bi it resolved,

1. that JAFI calls or the establishment of courts of Jewish law which will base themselves on appropriate moderate and tolerant prior halachic decisions to allow the conversion process to move forward

2. that JAFI calls for the establishment of an independent conversion authority which will facilitate and assist in the conversion process

3. that JAFI calls upon the chairman of the board and the chairman of the executive to call upon all political parties to commit to this independent conversion authority

4. that JAFI affirms its support for the conversion institute and its goals as it is currently instituted