Controversy Over Honoring Shamir

The article “Rabbis Condemn Plans to Honor Shamir” (Nov. 14) presents a false and unfair picture of the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion’s decision to grant an honorary degree to Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir during his visit to Los Angeles.

Ignoring the shrill tone of the protesters, the real reason for the College-Institute’s decision to honor Shamir is that he is a world leader worthy of recognition by the College-Institute. We honor him as an individual who has devoted his entire life to Israel and the Jewish people.

Moreover, the College-Institute honors Shamir for his commitment to Jewish religious pluralism in Israel. Although the Israeli Parliament has often been held hostage by Orthodox religious zealots, Shamir has supported efforts to strengthen both the Reform and Conservative movements. Several years ago, his efforts prevented the amendment to the Law of Return--an amendment that would have prevented certain converted Reform Jews from making Israel their homeland.

In essence, the protesters’ criticism boils down to their preference for a different Israeli political party and for different political leaders to conduct the peace negotiations. The fact is that this prime minister did head a peace delegation to Madrid and even his political rivals in Israel have commended his statesmanlike speech and the professional conduct of the delegation at the peace talks.

The College-Institute and the Reform movement are dedicated to helping root a pluralistic society in Israel. Shamir is an ally in establishing such a society, and the honorary degree that we award him this weekend acknowledges his contributions to these goals.

ALFRED GOTTSCHALK, President

STANLEY P. GOLD, Board Chairman

Hebrew Union College-Jewish

Institute of Religion, Los Angeles