US groups take a stand on rabbinical racism


By telegramsam
November 16, 2010
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The Anti-Defamation League and the American Jewish Committee, both usually staunch supporters of Israel whoever is in power there, have taken the unusual step of condemning rabbinical racism in Safed and Bnei Brak against Arabs and foreign migrants.
The ADL said:

"The decision to rent an apartment to another human being shouldn’t be based on ethnic background," the statement issued from ADL's Israel office said.

"We encourage the rabbis to follow the Jewish tradition of tolerance and empathy toward other human beings. We call on the religious, political and civic leadership in Israel to stand by the democratic values of acceptance and understanding and speak out against these biased pronouncements."

The AJC said:

“This injunction is inspired less by religious belief than by fear and prejudice," said Eliseo Neuman, the director of AJC’s Africa Institute. "Instead of emphasizing the biblical duty to care for the ‘guest in our midst,’ it legitimizes discrimination and stokes hostility, dangerously undermining the principles of equality and tolerance upon which the State of Israel is founded.

“We call on the rabbinical community in Israel, including the Chief Rabbinate, to add its voice and authority in reversing this worrying trend. Israel does face social tensions as a result of the growing migration into the country, but these are only exacerbated by irresponsible pronouncements of this kind.”

Will there be a government condemnation? Unlikely. The rabbis just don't like people who aren't them.

COMMENTS

Avraham Reiss

16 November, 2010 - 15:26

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This post was published by the person rejected by the poor girl in my post "Who Rejects Who?"; read the story at:
http://www.thejc.com/blogpost/who-rejects-who-0


Avraham Reiss

16 November, 2010 - 15:36

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I want to see the transcripts on which the Jerusalem Post based its report.


jose (not verified)

16 November, 2010 - 19:00

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Tsam, your propaganda is ludicrous. Who ever said the Safed nut rabbi was appointed by the Israeli government?
You're practicing guilt by association? The rabbi is Israeli, hence the Israeli government is to blame?

The ADL is an American association that is not concerned by Israeli politics. It protests against antisemitism and, more generally, racism.

Don't try to involve the Israeli government because of your hate for it.

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