Jewish leaders welcome Pope’s words on anti-Semitism, Israel

October 29, 2015

In an October 28 audience with over 100 Jewish leaders, Pope Francis said that “to attack Jews is anti-Semitism, but an outright attack on the State of Israel is also anti-Semitism,” according to the World Jewish Congress.

“There may be political disagreements between governments and on political issues, but the State of Israel has every right to exist in safety and prosperity,” the Pope continued.

Reviewing progress in Jewish-Catholic relations in the past five decades, Pope Francis said that “Indifference and opposition were transformed into cooperation and benevolence. Enemies and strangers have become friends and brothers.”

“Pope Francis does not simply make declarations. He inspires people with his warmth and his compassion,” said Ronald Lauder, the World Jewish Congress’s president. “His clear and unequivocal support for the Jewish people is critical to us.”

 

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Further information:

• ‘Attacks on Jews are anti-Semitism, as are attacks on Israel,’ Pope Francis tells Jewish leader (World Jewish Congress)