Israeli Cabinet passes bill to ease conversion to Judaism November 3, 2014 - 08:31 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Israel's Cabinet passed Sunday, Nov 2, a charged bill aimed at easing conversion to Judaism in Israel, the Associated Press reports. The vote comes after much political wrangling and pressure from ultra-Orthodox parties on the Prime Minister to shelve the bill for fear of losing their monopoly over matters of church and state in Israel. Under the new reform, municipal rabbis will be allowed to hold special conversion courts, thus expanding those entitled to perform conversions. The bill looks to smooth the conversion path for tens of thousands, many immigrants from the former Soviet Union, who currently don't qualify under strict Jewish law and have trouble marrying in Israel or receiving a Jewish burial. Julie Schonfeld, a U.S.-based conservative rabbi, said the move looked to make conversion "more available and more accessible" in Israel. Related links:   Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads.   Partner news |  Latest news Czech-Armenian military cooperation discussed in Yerevan  A delegation led by the Director General for the Industrial Cooperation Division of the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic visited Armenia.U.S. welcomes efforts to define Armenia-Azerbaijan border The United States welcomes efforts to define the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, says Vedant Patel.Biden honors resilience of Armenian people on April 24 U.S. President Joe Biden has issued a statement on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.Ex-Karabakh leader moved to solitary confinement cell in Baku, his son says David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan. |
