Orthodox Jews confront Israel's moral and democratic challenges at London conference

Approximately 200 observant Jews gathered at Ner Yisrael Shul in Hendon, England, on July 12 for a conference titled "Israel and Her Journey: Balancing Religion, Nationalism, Halachah and Ethics." The event provided a forum for discussing Israel's moral and democratic challenges through a halachic lens, addressing issues of war, power, democracy, religion, and ethics. Speakers included Rabbi Mosheh Lichtenstein, who emphasized the responsibility accompanying Israel's sovereignty and the need for dialogue, stating, "Good families learn to reconcile their differences." Rabbi Michael Melchior highlighted the potential for "religious peace to make the breakthrough" in conflict prevention. The conference also featured discussions on Haredi society, post-October 7 trauma, soldiers' ethical dilemmas, and international law, with Rabbi Yosef Blau asserting that justified criticism of Israel, when rooted in love, can be a duty.