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NEWS
Great Protest
The following was published on the front page of Yated Ne'eman, Hamodia and Hamevaser on 20 Shvat.
BS"D, Motzei Shabbos Parshas Yisro 5771
We find it difficult to find the words to convey how strongly opposed and pained we are at the breach in the walls of Kerem Beis Yisroel by "authorizing" conversions not in accordance with halacha, thereby bringing non-Jews into Kerem Beis Yisroel.
In this case, it is clear to all that these non-Jews had no intention of undertaking any of the principles of the Jewish religion — not Shabbos, not kashrus and not family purity — and everybody can say without reservation that these non-Jews have no intention of observing Judaism. According to Achiezer, "In cases where it is clear that he will later transgress Torah prohibitions such as Shabbos desecration and eating non-kosher meat, and where we are well aware that he is converting only for the sake of outward appearances, for his heart is not with him, we assume that it has been demonstrated that his claim that he is undertaking mitzvas is meaningless."
We urge all those who are in a position of influence to prevent this terrible chilul Hashem and mend the barrier of the Kerem that has been breached. May Hashem Yisborach put understanding in the hearts of the wayward.
Yosef Sholom Eliashiv
Shmuel Halevi Wosner
A.Y.L. Shteinman
Michel Yehuda Lefkowitz
Yochonon Sofer
Chaim Pinchos Sheinberg
Nissim Karelitz
Chaim Kanievsky
Shmuel Auerbach
Gershon Edelstein
Meir Tzvi Bergman
Yitzchok Sheiner
Nissim Toledano
Nosson Tzvi Finkel
Yehuda Ades
Yaakov Hillel
Avraham Salim
Yaakov Ben-Naim
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