June 18, 1999

International Orthodox Leadership Group Formed

Sixty-five Orthodox rabbinic and lay leaders met in Jerusalem to create an international group representing Orthodox communities the world over. Representative countries included the United States, Canada, England, the Council of European Rabbis, Ukraine, South Africa, Argentina and Australia.  In addition, rabbis and lay leaders from other countries who were unable to attend pledged their membership in advance.

The group created an Executive Committee which, when fully formed, will consist of 25 leaders from around the world.  Mandell I. Ganchrow, M.D., President of the Orthodox Union, was elected Chairman of the Executive Committee. 

The leadership group agreed to support an Orthodox General Assembly - (G.A.) that will be held in Jerusalem in the early part of the year 2000.  

"The purpose of the leadership group is to present a united response on the part of Orthodox Diaspora Jewry to issues that concern Israel where a response on our part is critical," Dr. Ganchrow explained. 

"We are concerned that the lack of unity by the world Orthodox community has allowed the Reform and the Conservative movements to portray themselves as representing the entire Diaspora response. The time has come to change that perception," Dr. Ganchrow added.

"The majority of American Jews have no affiliation with a major Jewish movement. And throughout the Diaspora, the largest proportion of affiliated Jews are Orthodox. We intend to speak out, be pro-active and articulate positions to ensure the Torah standards that have guided the People of Israel for thousands of years, including one standard for conversion, marriage and divorce supported by Israel's Chief Rabbinate," said Dr. Ganchrow.  

In addition to issuing statements, the leadership group will arrange for delegations from around the globe to meet with the Prime Minister, cabinet members, members of the Knesset and the press. The goal will be to create vital connections that will reinforce the fact that Israel is the Jewish homeland and, as a Jewish state, while a democracy, must be based on the principles of Torah. 

The leadership group will create an advisory board of some 350 rabbinic and lay leaders worldwide to augment our efforts as well as an honorary group of academicians and rabbis. The group will also enlist the help of Israeli lay leaders, young professionals and rabbis. The leadership Executive Board will meet three times a year in Israel.

The founding meeting was addressed by Israel's Chief Rabbi Yisroel Meir Lau, Haifa's Chief Rabbi Rav Shar Yishuv Cohen and Former Finance Minister Yaakov Ne'eman.  Naftali Lavi, former Israeli Consul General in New York, also attended the meeting.

It is hoped that this newly formed organization will merge with the long established Conference of Orthodox Synagogues and Kehillot.

Efforts are being made to involve young leadership in order to train the next generation of leaders who will be involved in international affairs.

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