ADL: Loyalty oath should cover Jewish immigration
Jewish-American organization demanding that Netanyahu change amendment to Citizenship Law
The Anti-Defamation League called on the Israeli government to extend a proposed amendment to the Citizenship Act to cover all immigrants seeking citizenship, including Jews.The Jewish-American organization, which isn't considered left wing, is demanding that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu alter the amendment to the Citizenship Law.
ADL National Director Abraham H. Foxman explained that "in the spirit of Israel’s founding principles of equality, we urge Israel’s government to adopt further modifications to the proposed amendment to the citizenship law so it will apply to all immigrants to Israel, including those entering under the Law of Return.
"Many countries around the world, including the United States, require new citizens to take such oaths of allegiance to their new country," he said.
Justice Minister Yaakov Ne'eman made a similar proposal during the cabinet session that approved the amendment; it was rejected – though it may be re-considered in the future.
Foxman is considered one of the most prominent leaders Jewish leaders in the US, added that 'if Israel revises its current law, it is appropriate that it apply to everyone seeking to become a citizen of Israel".
Meanwhile in the Knesset, the Kadima party, along with MK Eitan Cabel (Labor), on Monday, proposed the "Israel Immigration Law", which leaves out the loyalty oath to a "Jewish state".
The proposal is a response to a series of legislations which the Netanyahu government has been trying to pass. Without coalition support, the chances for the proposal's approval are slim to none.
In statements detailing the proposal it is claimed that "Israel lacks a clear and defined immigration policy. The purpose of the proposal is to set an immigration policy in Israel which will ensure the continued existence of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state".
Yitzhak Benhorin and Roni Sofer contributed to the report
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