100% FRAUD. These are racist, phony “Jews” led by Michelle Obama’s cousin. They have said in the past that European or white Jews were “fake” Jews. The Forward is a Marxist publication like Israel’s Ha’aretz, with an agenda to destroy religious Judaism.
Some of these people are Jewish, as established by legitimate conversions, some aren’t. And it’s true that the Orthodox community might not recognize those who underwent Conservative or Reform conversion. As to who is the Jewish community who determines who is a Jew, it’s perfectly reasonable to identify that community as the recognized denominations, various Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, Reconstructionist, which excludes disconnected start up religious groups. It’s my understanding Rabbi Rabbi Funnye’s congregation is recognized by the Conservative movement and that’s he’s ordained, which is enough for me. It’s also my understandin that many of his members and many nationally are not Jewish, converts or otherwise.