It`s important to remember how hard it was to be a Jew in the former USSR. It was a harsh life, filled with constant anti-semitism. All of the things we take for granted--synagogues, Jewish schools, easy access to Kosher food, an abundance of Jewish books and periodicals, etc. just weren`t there. It is a miracle that any form of Judaism survived 70 years of the Communists. Although we don`t condone intermarriage, we have to be understanding of these non-Jewish family members. Those who support the conversion status-quo must be honest and ask themselves what they might have done if they had lived under similar circumstances.
For these immigrants who are sincere about converting, it`s a disgrace to throw more roadblocks in their paths. They`ve already had to put up with too many restrictions in their lives. They`ve shown some measure of their commitment by moving to Israel in the first place. Let`s give them some credit for this, and PLEASE, let`s show them some compassion! |
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