2000 ST
this constant threat of violence against
all Jews who are not ultra-Orthodox."
Referring to Rabbi Lau's condemna-
tion, Rabbi Hirsch said it would take
more than one reaction" to create a
real change in atmosphere between the
Orthodox and non-Orthodox streams.
"It will require sustained discipline
from the forces of tolerance."
As the Knesset convened to discuss
scheduling an emergency meeting on
the synagogue torching, any hopes that
a new spirit of dialogue might emerge
from the ashes of the fire were dashed.
Though haredi politicians partici-
pated and issued general condemna-
tions, the session quickly turned into a
shouting match.
Legislator Meir Porush, of the haredi
United Torah Judaism bloc, accused the
Conservative movement of being
responsible for the blaze. This charge
led Naomi Hazan of the secular Meretz
Party to charge Porush with making
"antisemitic statements" by blaming the
victim for the crime. Porush then called
Hazan an antisemite.
The Knesset eventually decided to
schedule a discussion on the torching
— a move that will keep the issue on
the agenda in the days to come.
"
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Strong Condemnation
Despite the nasty exchange in the
Knesset, there were nonetheless
behind-the-scenes signs of a subtle
change in attitude.
In a telephone interview, legislator
Yair Peretz, chairman of the fervently
Orthodox Shas Party, issued a strong
condemnation and even a rare call for
dialogue.
Although he at first worded his con-
demnation in general terms against "all
acts of violence and hooliganism," when
pressed for a more specific response, he
added, "It is a doubly severe crime to
desecrate a sanctuary of Israel."
While Peretz also said he could not
believe an Orthodox Jew had commit-
ted the crime, he added that if indeed
a haredi was found guilty, "He should
be taken out of kkl Yisrael," the •
Jewish community.
Still, there are serious reasons to
doubt whether comments made this
week will have any impact.
On Monday night, just two days
after the arson attack, a "messianic syna-
gogue" in downtown Jerusalem was van-
dalized. Its Torah scroll was stolen and
bottles of gasoline were found at the site.
While Conservative leaders reject
the theology of Jews who profess
Christian beliefs, they said that Israel,
as a democracy, must protect the
rights of all people. El
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