Plagiarism affair: Chief Rabbi of France resigned

The Chief Rabbi of France Gilles Bernheim, has resigned due to accusations of plagiarizing in his latest book and lies about his resume regarding his academic education. This was reported this morning (Thursday) by French media.

Rabbi Bernheim, who served as rabbi of the Great Synagogue of Paris, was elected chief rabbi of France in 2008 and was appointed a seven-year term. After accusations regarding his case were exposed in the media in France, he was interviewed this week in Radio Shalom, the Jewish community's Station, and was adamant in his refusal to resign.

According to him, despite the harsh mistakes he made, "resignation would be desertion and humility demands to remain." He added: "I ask forgiveness from all my acquaintances, family and the community I disappointed."

The French weekly L'Express revealed last week that many passages in the book "40 Jewish Thoughts" by Rabbi Bernheim, were copied from texts of well-known writers.

Rabbi Bernheim issued a statement apologizing for what had happened, and said that the mistake was not made by him but by a student who was asked by him to collect materials for writing the book.

During Pesach, Rabbi Bernheim received a letter with death threats from anti-Semites. "Before we take violent measures we turn to you, because these corrupt journalists are Jews," the letter said.

'בחדרי' גם ברשתות החברתיות - הצטרפו!