DutchNews.nl - Suspended Amsterdam rabbi won't visit out of fears for his life

Amsterdam’s chief rabbi who was suspended last week because of his controversial views on homosexuality believes his life would be in danger if he came to the Netherlands, the NRC reports on Sunday.

Aryeh Ralbag told the paper: ‘I have strong indications that my wife and I would not be sure of our lives if we came to the Netherlands now.’ He declined to say what the threats were but did say he took them ‘extremely seriously’, the paper reported.

Amsterdam's orthodox Jewish community (NIHS) suspended rabbi Ralbag as its nominal chief last week after the New York-based official signed a statement describing homosexuality as an illness which can be cured.

Ralbag will remain suspended until he and community leaders have spoken about the issue, but it is unclear when this will happen now the rabbi has said he will not visit the Netherlands.

The declaration, signed by 162 rabbis and mental health practitioners last year, states that 'homosexuality is not an acceptable lifestyle' and that 'behaviours are changeable'.

According to the Volkskrant, the Conference of European Rabbis (CER), has criticized the Amsterdam organization for suspending Ralbag. The rabbi has done ‘nothing more than restate what the Torah says about homosexualilty,’ the paper quoted CER as saying.

British rabbi Dayan Lichtenstein has mailed Ronnie Eisemann, who chairs the NIHS saying if this ‘scandalous’ decision is not overturned, the group would no longer represent orthodox Jews, the paper says.

Historian Bart Wallet told the paper the NIHS board is a difficult position on a local and international level. ‘The NIHS is formally orthodox but has a broad following. Naming Ralbag took care of the right wing but the declaration on homosexuality has upset the majority of its supporters. There is a real threat [the organisation] may splinter.’

So the Rabi offends millions of right-minded people with his nasty rhetoric and then attempts to victimise himself by claiming his life is in danger with unsubstantiated stories of threats to his life. Classic tactics but fooling very few. Good try Ratbag!

By Deep Throat | January 23, 2012 5:37 AM

The rabbi thinks himself too important. No-one cares much about him, here... Probably needs the publicity of being a victim. Too scared to start a proper discussion.

By SirReal | January 23, 2012 9:43 AM

Homosexuals claiming tolerance for years. And now a respectful opinion is treated with strong intolerance by them. Gays and lesbians speech is the FinalTruth, unquestionable? critizite it and fear exclusion? With due respect, I agree with the Rabbi, in each point. Read Freud, read a scientist's opinion. Sould I feel guilty? Of what? Well, I don't, and Im not afraid of saying it. With tolerance. Can my voice be heard? What do you think?

By jose | January 23, 2012 9:58 AM

Ahhhhh... bless... he's had his feelings hurt and now he wants to throw a tantrum and throw all his toys out of the pram.

Well it's a small country here, so one less nut-job won't be missed.

By Geuzen76 | January 23, 2012 10:43 AM

Majority of the people in this country think homosexuality is acceptable. And a majority couldn't give a damn if he visits or not.
Personally i would like to see him here so i could tell him where to stick his Torah.
Fundamentalists hate free thinkers and open-mindedness and too often cry persecution when their oppressive views are questioned.

By Geuzen76 | January 23, 2012 10:50 AM

Correction: The number of Rabbis and community leaders who have signed the Torah Declaration on Homosexuality is actually 185 and rising. Your story incorrectly cited the figure of 162.

By Eric Leibman | January 23, 2012 7:47 PM

How is that the chief Rabbi of Amsterdam does not actually LIVE in Amsterdam? This man has a very dubious reputation in the USA, so I'm not sure being removed is a loss for anyone.

By Cornelia | January 24, 2012 6:35 PM