JERUSALEM (JTA) — A bill that would allow Israeli parents to adopt non-Jewish children was sent to the Knesset.
The Ministerial Committee for Legislation approved the bill on Sunday. The measure, which would amend the adoption law, must undergo a preliminary reading in the Knesset and pass two more readings before becoming official.
Under the law now, families wishing to adopt a non-Jewish child must convert the child through the Israeli rabbinate. In order to convert the child, in a special rabbinical court for converting minors, the family must offer proof that they will become religiously observant and raise the child in a religiously observant home. Practically, under the existing law only Orthodox families have been able to convert and adopt non-Jewish children.
Adi Kol of the centrist Yesh Atid party submitted the bill.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
