Audio recordings released under the Epstein Files Transparency Act reveal former Israeli leader Ehud Barak discussing mass conversion and selective immigration strategies with Jeffrey Epstein. Barak advocated for weakening the Orthodox rabbinate's control over conversion, proposing large-scale conversions and selective immigration to maintain Israel's Jewish demographic majority. The remarks sparked controversy, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accusing Barak of attempting to 'replace the people' and echoing conspiracy theories about immigration.

Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt, a longtime leader of Moscow's Jewish community, strongly rejected the idea of mass conversion, emphasizing that Jewish law does not permit conversion by numbers but only by individual readiness and standards. Goldschmidt criticized Barak's framing, noting it would be perceived as offensive and potentially racist by many in Israel. The revelations also reignited scrutiny of Barak's relationship with Epstein, though no evidence of criminal wrongdoing has emerged.