Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu has rebuked Religious Services Minister (Shas) David Azoulai after he stated he does not recognize Reform Jews as being Jewish. Azoulai said Reform Jews “made a wrong turn” in their practice of Judaism.

Netanyahu released a message to AP as he was clearly angered over his cabinet minister’s statements. “The Prime Minister’s Office rejects the offensive statements of the Minister of Religious Services about Reform Jews, and his words do not represent the government’s position”.

Netanyahu added that he spoke with Minister Azoulai and reminded him that Israel is the home for all Jews, and as Minister of Religious Services he must serve all Israeli citizens.

In an interview with Galei Tzahal (Army Radio), MK Moshe Gafne, who heads the Knesset Finance Committee stated “Reform Jews are Jews like all of us. There is no argument on this”.

Gafne added the Reform Jews “Put a knife in the back of the Torah HaKadosha” and when asked if the State of Israel must recognize Reform Jewry Gafne added “There is no such thing as recognizing Reform”.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)