A Bible study conference hosted by the 929 initiative scheduled to take place in Jerusalem on Tuesday has attracted thousands of participants, but the identity of one panel host has drawn a storm of criticism.
Follow Israel Hayom on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
The fact that Arab Israeli TV presenter Lucy Aharish, who is married to Jewish actor Tzachi Halevy, is slated to host one of the panels infuriated Rabbi of Otniel Re'em Hacohen and his brother, Rabbi Avia Hocohen, both of whom fall on the liberal end of the religious Zionist spectrum.
The two rabbis argued Sunday that the choice of Aharish as a moderator "encouraged" assimilation.
"Assimilation, which comprises alienation from any Jewish identity, absolutely goes against the Bible," Re'em Hacohen told reporter Jonathan Gottleib. "A program about the Bible cannot put people up front who are irresponsible to the Jewish people. It's horrifying. I have problem with non-Jews studying the Bible, but mixing the Jewish people with other nations cannot happen."
Avia Hacohen called the selection of Aharish at the conference a "body blow to 2,000 years of Judaism."
Religious Zionist Rabbi Benny Lau responded on Monday to his colleagues' complaints, saying that the issue had nothing to do with why Aharish was selected to host the panel devoted to 'Torah for everyone.'
"The truth is, it surprised me. I thought that the 'Crusade' would be about the female Reform rabbi or the [satirical TV program] 'The Jews are Coming.' Lucy Aharish was chosen to moderate as one of the most integrated Arab personalities in Israel.
"During the discussion about the event, the subject of her being a 'symbol of assimilation' was never raised. She has such respect for identities and says that her children will choose their own paths," Lau said.
"This is a very important conference, whose only purpose is not to come into conflict with anyone. The whole purpose of 929 is that there is a place for everyone, and no need to step on one another," Lau added.
Subscribe to Israel Hayom's daily newsletter and never miss our top stories!
