Yad L’Achim Supports Education Minister in His Struggle Against Intermarriage in the U.S.; Calls for Urgent Action in Israel

In a letter to Education Minister Rabbi Rafi Peretz, Yad L’Achim expressed support for his expression of concern regarding the surging rate of assimilation among U.S. Jews and his characterization of it as a “second Holocaust.”

Rabbi Peretz’ statement, made at a recent Cabinet meeting, drew fire from senior officials like Energy Minister Yuval Steinitz who said, “assimilation is not a critical problem.” Rabbi Peretz was also attacked by Knesset members and journalists, but backed by Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, who said the demographics among U.S. Jews concerned him.

In a letter to the education minister, Yad L’Achim wrote, “as those who have been on the frontlines in the battle to strengthen the Jewish people and prevent assimilation and intermarriage, we want to encourage your clear, unambiguous words on the dangers of intermarriage.”

However, Yad L’Achim continued, it is important to stress that assimilation is not just a problem in the United States. “To our great sorrow, we are witness to increasing intermarriage here in Israel, with no one sounding the alarm. Surveys on the subject show that 10 percent of couples that marry involve assimilation.”