Diaspora Affairs Minister Nachman Shai has spoken with the heads of the international Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform movements and told them, speaking for Israel's new government, that he was committed to "Israel being open to all three streams, and recognizing them on an equal basis."
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When Shai took over at the Diaspora Affairs Ministry, he held a round of phone conversations with Rabbi Moshe Hauer, head of the Orthodox Union; Rabbi Jacob Blumenthal, head of the Conservative Movement; and Rabbi Rick Jacobs, head of the Union for Reform Judaism.
Shai stressed his personal commitment, as well as that of the new government's, to ensuring that Israel be open to all streams of Judaism and Jewish communities.
Shai also said he would do everything in his power to strengthen ties between the Diaspora Affair Ministry, the Israeli government, and all parts of the Diaspora.
The leaders of the various movement welcomed Shai to the role and expressed their desire for cooperation and dialogue.
"I expect to continue to strengthen ties with Jewish leadership and communities around the world, with the goal being to form a good, strong relationship between Diaspora Jewry and Israel," Shai said, adding, "the Jewish tent is a big one, and it can and should include all streams and communities of the Jewish people."
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