Religious Intolerance in Israel

Deeply concerned about the recent statements by some leaders of the Shas party condemning

the rule of law in Israel;

Alarmed by the threat of increasing the social gulf separating Ashkenazic Jews from Sefardic

Jews;

Distressed by the religious intolerance and lack of civility shown in the public debates in

connection with the Bar-On affair,

Urges all parties to reaffirm their commitments to uphold the rule of law and the democratic

principles that govern the State of Israel, and establish religious pluralism and mutual respect

for all its citizens.