AMSTERDAM – Aryeh Ralbag, the chief rabbi of Amsterdam since 2005, has been temporarily relieved of his duties by the board of the Orthodox Jewish community (NIHS) after he signed a document describing homosexuality as an inclination which “can be modified and healed.”
The Jerusalem Post reported that the document, titled Declaration On The Torah Approach To Homosexuality called on “authority figures” to “guide same-sex strugglers towards a path of healing and overcoming their inclinations.”
“Rabbi Ralbag’s signature may give the impression the Orthodox Jewish community of Amsterdam shares his view,” a press release by the NIHS read. “This is absolutely untrue. Homosexuals are welcome at the Amsterdam Jewish community
The rabbi, who is based in the U.S., told The Jerusalem Post that he found it “scandalous that a chief rabbi cannot state the Torah viewpoint for his community without being penalized.”
Ronnie Eisenmann, chairperson of the NIHS board, said: “The community regrets that the chief rabbi co-signed this document and distances itself from this view.” He also offered “heartfelt apologies to anyone who may have been hurt by the rabbi’s signature.”
