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Pope threatens to cancel visit to Holy Land
Itamar Eichner
Published: 07.03.14, 11:29
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23 Talkbacks for this article
1. You know what?
Sarah B ,   U.S.A. / Israel   (03.07.14)
Cancel the trip. It's not exactly as if he was invited; he invited himself. When Frankie boy learns how to say the "State of Israel" instead of "the Holy Land," maybe -- just maybe -- we'll let him set one toe on Jewish soil. I don't think any "pope" should be allowed to come to the State of Israel until they can manage to learn its name, and use it. In the meantime, why doesn't he visit the under siege Christian populations in Lebanon, Syria and Egypt?
2. Scoring an own goal
Sherlock Holmes ,   London England   (03.07.14)
The anti-Israel media will not lose the chance to present the Pope's cancellation as a criticism of Israel.
3. #1
Linichka ,   Gdynia, Poland   (03.07.14)
For all that I'm Christian, myself - excellent point, Sarah B. It is a matter of embarrassment, to me - and should be, to all others - all this pussyfooting over giving the Holy Land its rightful title of the State of Israel. It is first the JEWISH Holy Land. The rest of us are late-comers, and after all our abominable behavior over the centuries, and sadly, to date, we are lucky that Israeli Jews not only permit us entry, but are largely kind, tolerant and welcoming. Old Pope Frank would do well to give that some thought.
4. Foreign Min. Can save a lot by closing consulates in the US
Scott ,   Ramat Gan   (03.07.14)
It's unnecessary & a waste of money for Israel to have consulates in Philadelphia, Houston, Atlanta, Miami, San Francisco, Chicago & Boston. All that is needed are consulates in NY & Los Angeles. This would save millions of dollars that could go to paying the salary demands.
5. They also cancelled the vist by the king of Swaziland!
Yosi ,   Israel   (03.07.14)
6. Pope visit to Israel
Abe Benjamin ,   Israel   (03.07.14)
What a farce !! The Pope wants to visit Israel ? Good ! We Israelis are the hosts. Don't tell us what to do etc. He knows that JC was a Jew and Israel was where JC lived. Not Rome or the Vatican etc. so the history is here in Israel not where the pope has all the stolen artifacts by the crusaders etc.in the vatican. Open the archives and see the truth if you dare !!!
7. The list of calamities (should Papa cancel) doesn't mention
tom ,   tel aviv   (03.07.14)
Plague & earthquakes !
8. The comments are a pure proof
(03.07.14)
Of how Jews hate the Christians. And then Jews cry over antisemitism. What a farce are they!
9. #1 He was referring to Palestine
Lynx ,   Palestine   (03.07.14)
And we have the honor of being referred to as The Holy Land. You on the other hand can drown in your hatred.. nobody gives a damn.
10. Min of Foreign Affairs
Dennis ,   NJ USA   (03.07.14)
Forgetting the Pope for a minute, what about the hundreds or thousands of Israelis living abroad (here in Phila area, in my case) who need to renew passports and the like? I recently was in touch with the people at the Phila consulate and have never in my life had such rude treatment, other than during my 10+ years in Israel, of course. Their chutzpah and arrogance wasnt cute. It indicates that these folks serve no good whatsoever other than having a shopping and vacation experience at the Israeli taxpayers expense. Makes me want to contemplate giving up my citizenship...
11. Pope's visit
Valerie ,   Israel   (03.07.14)
From what I understand, this is not the only visit from a foreign dignitary that may be cancelled or postponed. These visitsare essential for the country. Government workers should not be allowed take industrial action of this nature, this is completely interfereing in the running of the country. Why are all government workers not on the same pay scales whatever department or office they work in? Where is the National Labour court.
12. Will not harm relations or anything else
mea   (03.07.14)
Protestants hate the Pope with a passion. That is not news, but what is news is that by far and away, Protestants give money to Israel, vote for Israel, promote Israel. Even Chabad taps into this through their "Galas" and other charities. To the tune of billions. So if the representative of thousands of sexual predators wants to stay home, let him. All Israel has to do is invest in marketing toward Protestant fundamentalist churches and the money will fly in.
13. Please, please
One who cares   (03.07.14)
Don't come.
14. The Pope leads 1.2 Billion Catholics why should we listen?
miki ,   tampa   (03.07.14)
Israel trying to wag the dog again?
15. I donĀ“t want to pay his arrival
Ivan ,   H   (03.07.14)
As I dont like to pay for religious in israel.
16. past behavior predicts future behavior
Bluegrass Picker ,   Afula   (03.08.14)
lots of publicity for the heroic last stand of 190 Swiss Guards defending the life of the Pope as he ran away in the 1500's. More telling is his SUBSEQUENT behavior.... he kept his mouth shut, and he paid tribute to the forces that conquered his Palace. Lesson: seize & burn down the Apostolic office building in Jerusalem. They will wimper, then obey us. We are the ruling tribe in Jerusalem.
17. If the Survivor-gener. would have acted in same way there would not be a State !
(03.08.14)
18. I regret .
Luiz F Haddad ,   Niteroi, Brazil   (03.08.14)
I don't endorse Pope Francis' attitude. Labor problems deserve good solutions, but only for it, his important visit to Israel can't be cancelled. I understand critical comments from Jewish brothers and sisters. I hope that error won't be committed again. God Unique wants our union on the scope of a better world.
19. Gov workers should not be allowed to strike, like in America
Michael ,   California, USA   (03.08.14)
The pope's threat should be taken seriously and the Histadruth should be put in its place in Israel once and for all. It is a deep shame to punish the entire state for some labor issues which can be resolved around a table. In an orderly society government workers cannot be allowed to strike, not foreign ministry workers, not teachers, not doctors and not the firefighters. Strikers should look to the occupied territories and claim what "magia li" over there.
20. # 1 we are not in a Saloon !- in Diplomatic Language there are Words to be used
(03.08.14)
NOT to interfere the act. Status Quo, and do You already know, what the Pope will say in his speaches ? read his last speaches, publishing et. We should be happy, to welcome him as friend of Israel.
21. A shame what these people are doing to the State of Israel
(03.08.14)
We have so many unemployed very well educated people- print an ad with wanted skills or give it to a professional PR-agency. A shame what these people are doing to the State of Israel ! And Michael # 19 is right.
22. Hope it's a promise.
Yzhak ,   israel   (03.08.14)
23. Why do these employees still have jobs
Mordechai   (03.09.14)
Not sure I understand why people who refuse to do their jobs are still "employed" Fire any employee who refuses to work and hire a replacement. Their are plenty of Israelis who would love a high paying easy job in the foreign ministry. Israel needs to stop coddling these union thugs. Stop paying people not to work
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