We, the undersigned members of the Canadian Reform Jewish Community, wish to bring to your attention our deep concerns about recent events in Israel regarding religious pluralism. We, who are proud to support Israel as our religious homeland, feel strongly that we have the responsibility to voice our concern when something touches the heart of our beliefs as Jews.

Recent events in Israel point to a continuing bias towards the rights and wishes of the ultra-Orthodox minority at the expense of the majority. Whether through government legislation or through decisions by courts or tribunals, it appears that Israeli democracy is being eroded.

The most recent cause of concern is the interrogation of Anat Hoffman, Executive Director of The Israel Religious Action Center by Jerusalem police. She was threatened with arrest for violating the rules of conduct at what many consider to be Judaisms most sacred site. This was a pure act of intimidation and comes on the heels of the arrest of Nofrat Frankel at the Kotel for wearing a tallit and for holding a Sefer Torah. These actions are repugnant to many of us who believe Israel must be a religious pluralistic society.

These events are the continuation of a trend favoring ultra-Orthodoxy over other streams of Judaism, exemplified in incidents regarding the validity of conversions, rights of marriage and burial, segregated buses and other public spaces, and the use of parking garages on Shabbat. These issues constitute a growing religious crisis in Israel, which is as much a threat to Israels survival as are the external threats and perhaps more so. Protecting Israel from religious extremism may be the nations biggest challenge.

We urge you to convey to the Israeli government the need for equality for all streams of Judaism. There must be an end to laws and practices that legitimize abuse and discrimination against Jews who desire to express their Judaism or just want to live their lives in a manner contrary to the ultra-Orthodox minority.