Hundreds of new immigrants from India might soon lose their aliyah benefits from the Israeli government owing to Israeli Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi David Lau's threat to block all conversions in Israel, citing the need to preserve the current practices and safeguard Israel's Jewish character.
Follow Israel Hayom on Facebook and Twitter
Lau issued this warning on Tuesday to protest the government's effort to reform and streamline the conversion apparatus. Lau said he would no longer sign the necessary paperwork for prospective converts if the reform moves forward in the Knesset, as is expected in the coming weeks, essentially putting hundreds of olim in limbo who require such proof in order to apply for benefits they are entitled to under Israeli law.
The olim had arrived in Israel from India, having been declared members of the Bnei Menashe group, which trace their origins to the Ten Lost Tribes of Israel. They have completed their official conversion process, which should make them eligible for the regular benefits newly minted Israelis get upon making aliyah. However, if the rabbinate refuses to sign their conversion certificates, they will be left to their own devices when it comes to employment and housing subsidies, as well as many other forms of assistance from the state.
"If they don't get the proper paperwork approved, they will have no government help, and this could even result in a total lack of means," Aliyah and Integration Minister Pnina Tamano-Shata wrote in a letter to Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, urging him to take action.
Subscribe to Israel Hayom's daily newsletter and never miss our top stories!
