Promoting the development of a pluralistic, tolerant Israeli culture inclusive of diverse approaches to Judaism and Jewish Identity

Background

Israel sits at the crossroads of religious tradition and the modern world. Religion permeates every aspect of Israeli society, from national identity and governance, to politics and economics. Indeed, many see Zionism as the first opportunity in 1900 years to put Judaism and its values into practice in the physical, real world. In a society in which the majority considers itself secular or "traditional" (observing many Jewish practices without an Orthodox ideology), the state-sponsored Orthodox rabbinate and ultra-Orthodox religious parties retain power over key questions of everyday life: how one marries and divorces; when and where public transportation is available; what kinds of entertainment are available at hotels and any place else that serves kosher food; who is a Jew and who can become a Jew; what Jewish education is provided by the public schools, and, when the time comes, what must and may not be done at a Jewish funeral, as well as who cannot have a Jewish funeral at all.

Because religious tolerance is such a basic tenet of a democratic society, NIF works to foster a pluralistic Israeli culture in which diverse expressions of Judaism and Jewish identity flourish and share equally in the allocation of government resources.

Through a diversified strategy of grantmaking, technical assistance, special projects, and collaboration with other organisations and philanthropies, NIF is working to:

• Support Israelis in their diverse expressions of Jewish identity and practice;
• Strengthen liberal elements within Orthodox Judaism;
• Help change the legal structure that limits religious freedom;
• Ensure participation of Russian and Ethiopian immigrants; and
• Advance freedom of choice in marriage.

Recent Accomplishments

• Recognition for Reform and Conservative Conversions
The Israel Religious Action Center (IRAC), and the Masorti (Conservative) Movement filed a petition with the Supreme Court to gain recognition for Reform and Conservative conversions performed both in Israel and in other countries. In a recent landmark decision, the Supreme Court's 9-2 ruling held that Jews converted to Judaism by Reform or Conservative courts must be recognized as Jews in the population Registry at the Ministry of the Interior

• Dignified burial
Until recently, the Orthodox religious establishment had sole responsibility for the maintenance of all Jewish cemeteries and burial services in Israel, and almost no alternative to Orthodox burial existed. With the passage by the Knesset of the Right to Alternative Civil Burial Law, the situation should improve. However only one alternative cemetery has opened so far. New Israel Fund is supporting Menucha Nechona (The Association for Eternal Rest) to open more civil cemetaries as quickly as possible. This requires not only the purchase of land but also in the application of planning permission for large areas all over Israel.

• Pluralism Initiative
Established in 1998 to enhance pluralism and tolerance in Israel, The Pluralism Initiative aims to encourage diverse expressions of Jewish identity, strengthen liberal elements within Orthodox Judaism, facilitate religious freedom through policy change and promote freedom of choice in marriage. Special efforts are directed at expanding pluralism organisations’ social action activities.

• Elul Centre
The Elul Centre is a centre of learning where religious and secular Israelis come together to study Jewish texts informed by a variety of interpretations, ranging from traditional rabbinic commentaries to modern literary theory.