Netanyahu To Address Key Issues In Seattle Visit

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is extending at least a partial olive branch to Reform and Conservative Jews in preparation for a key address to American Jewish leaders.

In a letter Friday to the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, Netanyahu said he didn’t support legislation that would deny the validity of conversions performed by non-Orthodox rabbis outside Israel.

“I want to make it clear that I shall oppose any legislation which will change the status quo regarding conversions outside of Israel,” Netanyahu wrote.

The letter was praised Sunday as “a step in the right direction” by Martin S. Kraar, executive vice president of the Council of Jewish Federations, which opens its 65th general assembly Wednesday.

“We applaud him for clarifying the issue,” Kraar said.

Netanyahu, his predecessor, Opposition Leader Shimon Peres, three current Cabinet ministers and Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon are addressing more than 2,500 Jewish leaders, including representatives from 189 local federations.

Even more than “who is a Jew” issues, the stall in Mideast peace talks since the right-wing Likud party’s victory in May has raised concerns about relations between Israel and American Jewry.

“This is a critical year,” Kraar said. “You have a new prime minister, you have a new government and you have new directions. Everyone wants clarity as to how to move forward.”

Also on the agenda are changes in Jewish community structures, social justice activism, domestic violence, business relations with Israel and Jewish identity.

Netanyahu’s speech Thursday night is his biggest public appearance before American Jewish leaders since he defeated Peres in the election.

“He wants very much to hear the voices of the American Jewish community,” said Gadi Baltiansky, a spokesman for the Israeli embassy in Washington, D.C.