Reform Movement Responds to the Offensive Remarks by MK Galit Distel toward MK Gilad Kariv and the Pluralistic Jewish Community

We, the leadership of the Reform Movement - the largest Movement in North American Jewish life - unequivocally condemn the offensive and degrading remarks about Reform Judaism made by MK Galit Distel-Atbaryan in a Knesset committee.

In response to MK Rabbi Gilad Kariv's statement that his daughters lay tefillin - a sacred and time-honored ritual - MK Distel-Atbaryan compared the act to a bar mitzvah for a dog. These comments are not merely a breach of basic decency and parliamentary norms; they are a direct affront to millions of Jews in Israel and around the world who strive to lead meaningful, moral, and egalitarian Jewish lives.

MK Distel-Atbaryan ended with the hate-filled words:

"Please remove this 'enlightened Reformist', as the Jews [in the room] would like to continue the discussion."

These words reflect a profound ignorance of Reform Judaism - and of Judaism as a whole. Such rhetoric amplifies the dangerous lie that Reform Jews are not truly Jewish, a falsehood that has, in the past, led to verbal harassment, social exclusion, and even physical violence against Jews practicing their faith in progressive or non-Orthodox ways.

We call on MK Distel-Atbaryan to retract her statements and issue a public apology - not only to MK Rabbi Kariv and his daughters, but to all Jews who affirm that there is more than one authentic way to be Jewish.

We urge all Jewish organizations worldwide to publicly denounce these remarks and reaffirm a fundamental truth: the Jewish people are one people, enriched by many voices, traditions, and pathways to Jewish life.

We call upon the President of the State of Israel, Mr. Isaac Herzog, in his role as a symbol of national unity and shared responsibility, to clearly and unequivocally state that no one in Israel has a monopoly on Judaism and that hate speech, especially from elected officials, has no place in a democratic and inclusive Jewish state.

Union for Reform Judaism

Shelley Niceley Groff (she/her)
North American Board Chair

Rabbi Rick Jacobs (he/him) 
President

Darly Messinger (she/her)
Chair North American Board, ARZA

Rabbi Josh Weinberg (he/him) 
VP for Israel and Reform Zionism

American Conference of Cantors

Cantor Seth Warner (he/him)
President

Rachel Roth (she/her)
Chief Operating Officer

Central Conference of American Rabbis

Rabbi David Lyon (he/him)
President

Rabbi Hara Person (she/her)
Chief Executive Officer