Pope calls for strengthening of relations between Jews and Christians around the world
Photo: AP
Prof. Daniel Hershkowitz
Photo: Hassan Shaalan
Pope welcomes interfaith dialogue at Bar-Ilan University
University president suggests during Vatican meeting that institution will serve as a home base for dialogue between religions, which pontiff and former President Peres agreed to work together to advance.
Will Judaism and Christianity meet in Ramat Gan? Bar-Ilan University President Rabbi Prof. Daniel Hershkowitz suggested during a meeting with Pope Francis last week that the Israeli university would serve as a home base for an interfaith dialogue, which the Catholic leader and former president Shimon Peres agreed to work together to advance.
"Through a variety of ongoing dialogue programs aimed at fostering understanding and acceptance, Bar-Ilan University has been working to bridge gaps between various sectors of Israeli society for many years.
During a visit to the Vatican with a delegation of businessmen and businesswomen from South America and Spain visited the Vatican, Prof. Hershkowitz explained that "as a microcosm of Israeli society, Bar-Ilan's doors are open to students of all races and religions.
Preaching Tolerance
In words of solidarity marking 75th anniversary of Kristallnacht, Francis says Nazi state-sponsored ransacking of Jewish homes, businesses and synagogues should not be forgotten.
"It is, therefore, a deep privilege to be meeting with and honoring the pope, who has taken it upon himself to undertake this tremendous task on a worldwide scale."
Pope Francis replied that he welcomed the new development. He called for the strengthening of relations between Jews and Christians around the world, saying that "we are the sons of Abraham and we have the privilege and the responsibility to guide humankind on the path to peace."
Pope Francis with former President Peres. 'We are the sons of Abraham' (Photo: Haim Zach, GPO)
During the meeting, the university bestowed its highest Award of Distinction upon the Pope in recognition of his lifelong efforts and commitment to building bridges between worlds, promoting peace and harmony among nations and creeds, and defending and fighting for human rights.
"Peace and harmony were born much before religions were," Prof. Hershkowitz told the pontiff. "The concepts of harmony and unity are shared by our respective religions. Unfortunately however, we are living in a world that is filled with hostility and animosity.
"Our very presence here signals a new beginning; a vista of opportunity. We are ever so aware of the need for dialogue and harmony, peace and coexistence."
