The Ichud Leumi faction of the Bayit Yehudi party, headed by Minister Uri Ariel, has expressed its opposition to the recommendations of the government committee on giyur headed by former Likud Minister Moshe Nissim. Ariel and faction colleague MK Betzalel Smotrich earlier this week met with Rishon L’Tzion HaGaon HaRav Yitzchak Yosef.

The Rishon L’Tzion explained some of the problems with the giyur recommendations, asking them to assist in getting rid of plan. Rav Yosef stressed the importance of leaving giyur in the exclusive hands of the Chief Rabbinate of Israel.

They also spoke about state kashrus and other matters during the meeting.

The two, Ariel and Smotrich, assured Rav Yosef they remain opposed to the giyur recommendations, wishing the Ichud Leumi officials “Hatzlacha and Siyata Dishmaya”. Rav Yosef also reportedly asked them to do their best to maintain religion in Israel, pointing out they are shluchim of Am Yisrael.

Ichud Leumi added that any effort to advance the agenda of the New Yisrael Fund, the Reform Movement, and radical left-wing to advance their agendas will be opposed by the party, including maters of giyur, kashrus, marriage and divorce.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)