Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of the Yisrael Beitenu party, has filed a petition with the High Court of Justice against the Chief Rabbinate of Israel, which he insists occasionally demands a person take a DNA test towards establishing his/her Jewishness.

Lieberman for some time has maintained that only immigrants from the Former Soviet Union are compelled to submit to a DNA exam towards establishment of their Jewishness, calling the policy discriminatory.

A spokesman for the Chief Rabbinate of Israel has accused Lieberman of spreading a “campaign of lies” as reported by YWN-Israel. The Chief Rabbinate official insisted that persons wishing to be recognized as Jews must bring proof, and at times, DNA can assist, but no one is ever compelled to submit to a DNA exam despite Lieberman’s accusations.

Clearly, Lieberman is working to attract additional anti-religious voters ahead of Election Day, as a significant component of his election campaign was based on his anti-chareidi viewpoint.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)