This is such an absurd situation! Reform and Conservative converts were granted Israeli citizenship, but not orthodox converts because the Rabbinate has decided to recognize only a certain number of Beit Dinim.
Finally, the Interior Ministry has decided to approve those converts . . . but now what will happen to these Olim? Will they be accepted for marriage? Burial? Will their children be considered Jewish by the Rabbinate--or will they languish in some sort of sub-Jewish hell?
I will pray for them. We are most vicious to our own. They will need love and support.
M
-----In shift, 'refusenik' Orthodox converts granted ID cards
Interior Ministry changes policy after Rabbinate's rulings on overseas conversions prompt lawsuit
By Raphael Ahren http://www.haaretz.com/weekend/anglo-file/in-shift-refusenik-orthodox-converts-granted-id-cards-1.369328
At least four of the 19 Orthodox converts whom the Interior Ministry had previously denied citizenship this week received their Israeli identity cards, mere days after the ministry announced a change in its policy regarding whom to consult about the validity of Orthodox conversions.
Thomas Dohlan, 24, an Orthodox convert from Canada whose battles with the Interior Ministry over the past few months had been highly publicized, was one of the four to receive an identity card this week.
