Promoting Inter-Faith Dialogue

Focus

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Joint initiatives by Jewish and Muslim leaders held in several countries on Europe Day

On Europe Day, Muslims and Jews across Europe have denounced extremist parties and called on mainstream political leaders not to pander to them. The initiative is co-sponsored by the World Jewish Congress and the European Jewish Congress. read more »

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WJC and Knesset caucus honor Christian leaders for steadfast support to Israel

In Jerusalem, the Knesset Christian Allies Caucus and the World Jewish Congress held the sixth edition of the annual ‘Night to Honor Our Christian Allies’. Awards were presented to US Bishop Daniel Williams and German Jürgen Bühler. read more »

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WJC Vice President Schneier ‘deeply honored’ to be first rabbi hosted by King Hamad of Bahrain

World Jewish Congress (WJC) Vice President Rabbi Marc Schneier was received by King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain for talks. The monarch said his country would host a Muslim-Jewish dialog event in 2012. read more »

» Bahraini Jews hail inter-faith dialogue - Daily Tribune, Bahrain

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Pope Benedict welcomes members of all faiths, and none, to Assisi

The Pope has joined Jews, Buddhist monks, Islamic scholars and agnostics in making a communal call for peace, insisting that religion must never be used as a pretext for war or terrorism. read more »

» Rabbi David Rosen’s speech at the Assisi inter-faith gathering

» World Jewish Congress urges Rome to sideline opponents of Catholic-Jewish reconciliation

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World Jewish Congress welcomes French Muslim leaders’ support for end to Israeli soldier’s ordeal

The vice-president of the World Jewish Congress, Rabbi Marc Schneier, has welcomed an initiative by 15 Islamic leaders in France who on Tuesday met with the father of the abducted IDF soldier Gilad Shalit and called for his release from captivity in Gaza. read more »

» Noam Shalit thanks US Muslim leaders for their efforts to release son Gilad - Haaretz, Israel

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Jewish and Muslim leaders urge European Union heads not to pander to extreme-right

Bosnian Grand Mufti Mustafa Ceric and Brussels Chief Rabbi Albert Guigui have presented a joint declaration signed by 33 leaders of Islamic and Jewish communities in Europe to the presidents of the three main EU institutions, Barroso, Buzek and Van Rompuy. The initiative is co-sponsored by the World Jewish Congress. read more »

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Muslims, Jews warn Europe: Mainstreaming of far-right parties is unacceptable

At a meeting in Paris co-organized by the World Jewish Congress, European Muslim and Jewish leaders have agreed on joint action against extremists and announced plans for a series of public events in European capitals, on Europe Day (9 May). read more »

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In Paris, Catholics and Jews celebrate 40 years of bilateral relations

Senior representatives of Jewish organizations, including the World Jewish Congress, held in Paris with Catholic Church leaders in the framework of the International Catholic-Jewish Liaison Committee. They stressed the need to reach out to younger people. read more »

» World Jewish Congress hails Pope’s rejection of Jewish guilt for crucifixion of Jesus

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World Jewish Congress hails Pope’s rejection of Jewish guilt for crucifixion of Jesus

WJC President Ronald S. Lauder has praised Benedict XVI for setting an important marker against anti-Semitism in the Catholic Church. In his new book on the life of Jesus, the Pope explained that references in the Christian New Testament which blame collectively “the Jews” referred to only a few Temple officials at the time. read more »

» Muslims, Jews warn Europe: Mainstreaming of far-right parties is unacceptable

» In Paris, Catholics and Jews celebrate 40 years of bilateral relations

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At Vatican, bishops call for legal steps against Israeli occupation

A synod of bishops representing Catholic and other churches in the Middle East has called on the international community to take "the necessary legal steps to put an end to the occupation of the different Arab territories" and warned Israel not to use the Bible to justify any "injustices" against the Palestinians.  read more »

» World Jewish Congress leader defends Israel at Doha inter-faith conference

» Rabbi says Israel not solely responsible for problems faced by Christians in Middle East

» Do you think Israel gets fair treatment from the international community? Poll_tab

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Wiesel calls for inter-faith center instead of mosque near Ground Zero

The Nobel Peace Prize laureate Elie Wiesel has come out in favor of an inter-faith center near the site of the 9/11 terror attacks in Manhattan, rather than the controversial ‘Ground Zero mosque’. read more »

» WJC “Guardian of Jerusalem” Award presented to Nobel Laureate Prof. Elie Wiesel Video_tab

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Bishop Williamson summoned to Holocaust denial trial in Germany

A court in Germany has summoned the Catholic Bishop Richard Williamson to attend a trial in April where he is to face charges of incitement for his belittling of the Holocaust, which is a crime in Germany. read more »

» Bishop Williamson refuses to pay fine for Holocaust denial

» German court fines Bishop Williamson for Holocaust denial

» Should the denial of the Holocaust be punishable under the law? Poll_tab

» Swedish TV interview in which Bishop Williamson denies the Holocaust Video_tab

Latest News

WJC and Knesset caucus honor Christian leaders for steadfast support to Israel 18 Jan 2012

In Jerusalem, the Knesset Christian Allies Caucus and the World Jewish Congress held the sixth edition of the annual ‘Night to Honor Our Christian Allies’. Awards were presented to US Bishop Daniel Williams and German Jürgen Bühler. read more »

Bahraini Jews hail inter-faith dialogue - Daily Tribune, Bahrain 13 Jan 2012

The Jewish community of Bahrain has hailed recent talks between King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and leading World Jewish Congress Vice President Rabbi Marc Schneier.  read more »

Jewish friend from Polish childhood who influenced Pope John Paul dies - Reuters, UK 03 Jan 2012

Jerzy Kluger, the Polish Jewish boyhood friend of the late Pope John Paul who had a major influence on the pontiff’s revolutionary relations with Jews, has died aged 92. read more »

WJC Vice President Schneier ‘deeply honored’ to be first rabbi hosted by King Hamad of Bahrain 28 Dec 2011

World Jewish Congress (WJC) Vice President Rabbi Marc Schneier was received by King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain for talks. The monarch said his country would host a Muslim-Jewish dialog event in 2012. read more »

Rabbi Marc Schneier: Muslims are more ‘All-American’ than corporate cowards - Washington Post, USA 20 Dec 2011

As religious leaders, we are committed to standing shoulder-to-shoulder with American Muslims - and with any religious community - when their ability to practice their religion or to express themselves publicly without fear of reprisal is compromised. read more »

Israeli chief rabbi, Cyprus archbishop pledge to deepen ties - Jerusalem Post, Israel 08 Dec 2011

Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi Yona Metzger signed a historic declaration on Tuesday in Nicosia, Cyprus, with Archbishop Chrysostomos, primate of the Church of Cyprus, in which the two men promised to deepen relations between the Church and the Jewish people. read more »

Jerusalem holy sites need special status says Vatican cardinal - Agence France Presse 06 Dec 2011

Peace negotiations in the Middle East must tackle the issue of the status of the holy sites, Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran, head of the Vatican's Council for Interreligious Dialogue, has said.  read more »

‘Twinning’ project brings Muslims and Jews together - JTA, USA 21 Nov 2011

his year marks the fourth annual Weekend of Twinning, which began officially last Friday and continues through mid-December. read more »

SSPX leaders have rejected Vatican statement, says superior - Catholic Herald, UK 04 Nov 2011

Leaders of Bishop Richard Williamson's Society of St Pius X have said an offer by the Vatican to bring them back into the fold of the Catholic Church was “completely unacceptable.” read more »

Pope Benedict welcomes members of all faiths, and none, to Assisi 27 Oct 2011

The Pope has joined Jews, Buddhist monks, Islamic scholars and agnostics in making a communal call for peace, insisting that religion must never be used as a pretext for war or terrorism. read more »

Archbishop makes anti-Jewish statements in sermon - JTA 27 Oct 2011

A Catholic archbishop in Trinidad and Tobago made anti-Jewish remarks during a sermon. read more »

WJC Policy Study: Political Islam and Europe - Pinchas Inbari 27 Oct 2011

The World Jewish Congress Institute for Research and Policy has published a new policy study by WJC Middle Eastern Affairs advisor Pinhas Inbari, entitled 'Political Islam and Europe'. read more »

Hopes and concerns of an international Jewish delegation to Assisi - La Stampa, Italy 26 Oct 2011

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Qatar religious conference focuses on social network uses - Gulf News, Bahrain 25 Oct 2011

More than 250 politicians, prominent religious leaders and scholars from 41 countries representing the three major religions of the world gathered in Doha to discuss ways to make use of social media to promote inter-religious dialogue and the need for a global code of conduct on the use of social networking sites from a religious perspective. read more »

World Jewish Congress urges Rome to sideline opponents of Catholic-Jewish reconciliation 24 Oct 2011

Ahead of the interfaith meeting later this week in Assisi, Italy – hosted by Pope Benedict XVI and to be attended by 300 religious leaders from around the Globe – the World Jewish Congress has urged the Vatican to forcefully oppose attempts to blame Jews collectively for the death of Jesus.  read more »

Susan Sarandon under fire from Catholic, Jewish groups for calling Pope Benedict a "Nazi" 19 Oct 2011

The American actress Susan Sarandon called Pope Benedict XVI a Nazi during a discussion session at the Hamptons Film Festival over the weekend.  read more »

Assisi 2011: pilgrimage, not prayer, of all religions and non-believers - Asia News, Italy 17 Oct 2011

On October 27, Benedict XVI will lead around 100 representatives and religious leaders to Assisi for an event titled 'Pilgrims of truth, pilgrims of peace'. Representatives of the World Jewish Congress will also be present. read more »

American Jews and Muslims work together - Forward, USA 26 Sep 2011

Concrete projects help overcome differences on Israel. read more »

German Jews praise pope but warn on Pius XII and Holocaust - Reuters, UK 23 Sep 2011

Dieter Graumann, president of the Central Council of Jews in Germany, praised Pope Benedict at a meeting in Berlin for stressing the common roots of Christianity and Judaism but warned him of honoring wartime Pope Pius XII. read more »

World Jewish Congress welcomes French Muslim leaders’ support for end to Israeli soldier’s ordeal 14 Sep 2011

The vice-president of the World Jewish Congress, Rabbi Marc Schneier, has welcomed an initiative by 15 Islamic leaders in France who on Tuesday met with the father of the abducted IDF soldier Gilad Shalit and called for his release from captivity in Gaza. read more »

Religion vital for world peace, says Germany's Merkel - DPA, Germany 13 Sep 2011

Religion was vital for world peace and unity, German Chancellor Angela Merkel told a conference organized by the Catholic peace group Sant'Egidio, which was also attended by a representative of the World Jewish Congress. read more »

For Israel’s Muslims, Ramadan a time to celebrate Islam in the Jewish state - JTA, USA 24 Aug 2011

Last week, Muslim and Jewish soldiers in Israel gathered after a day’s training to eat a communal iftar, the traditional break-the-fast meal eaten after sunset during the month-long observance of the Islamic holiday of Ramadan. read more »

Guessing aside, US Muslims and Jews get along - Daily Star, Lebanon 17 Aug 2011

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Gallup poll reveals common ground for Jewish and Muslim Americans - Haaretz, Israel 03 Aug 2011

A recent Gallup poll has revealed that not only do Muslim Americans and Jewish Americans have similar views regarding how the Palestinian-Israeli conflict might be resolved, but Muslim Americans are significantly more moderate than often believed.  read more »

Holy Land clerics launch interfaith Earth forum - Agence France Presse 26 Jul 2011

Jewish, Christian and Muslim leaders in the Holy Land have joined forces to launch a multi-faith environmental campaign, citing religious injunctions to protect the Earth across their three faiths. read more »

British Catholic bishop convicted of denying Holocaust begins German appeal - TheJournal.ie, Ireland 05 Jul 2011

Richard Williamson has begun an appeal against a conviction in a German court of denying the Holocaust, claiming he was tricked into saying the comments by a TV interviewer. read more »

Jewish and Muslim youth leaders from 25 countries to meet in Ukraine 30 Jun 2011

The largest-ever gathering of Muslim and Jewish students and young professionals will kick off in Kiev next week. Seventy young Jewish and Muslim leaders from 25 countries want to demonstrate that a new generation of Muslims and Jews can overcome decades of mutual fear and demonization and build a brighter future for both communities, according to the organizers. read more »

Jewish and Muslim leaders urge European Union heads not to pander to extreme-right 30 May 2011

Bosnian Grand Mufti Mustafa Ceric and Brussels Chief Rabbi Albert Guigui have presented a joint declaration signed by 33 leaders of Islamic and Jewish communities in Europe to the presidents of the three main EU institutions, Barroso, Buzek and Van Rompuy. The initiative is co-sponsored by the World Jewish Congress. read more »

In Kiev, Ukrainian and Russian Muslim and Jewish leaders pledge cooperation 13 May 2011

Eighty Jewish and Muslim leaders from Ukraine and Russia have met in Kiev and pledged to work together to fight a rising cascade of Islamophobia and anti-Semitism in the two countries. read more »

Joint initiatives by Jewish and Muslim leaders held in several countries on Europe Day 09 May 2011

On Europe Day, Muslims and Jews across Europe have denounced extremist parties and called on mainstream political leaders not to pander to them. The initiative is co-sponsored by the World Jewish Congress and the European Jewish Congress. read more »

ANALYSIS - Sergio Minerbi: Pope Benedict revises the gospels - Jerusalem Post, Israel 02 May 2011

The Pope's view marks significant progress, even if some critics make point that it is inappropriate to attribute later Christian ideology to Jesus’ Jewish contemporaries. read more »

Praise as Pope John Paul II beatified at Vatican - Jewish Chronicle, UK 02 May 2011

Jewish groups have paid tribute to Pope John Paul II following his beatification on Sunday. The Pope, who died in 2005 after 26 years at the Vatican, was celebrated during his lifetime for his efforts to strengthen the links between Jews and Catholics.  read more »

'Catholics and Jews deliberate challenges of secularism' - Vatican Radio 31 Mar 2011

Representatives of the Holy See and the Chief Rabbinate of Israel issued a joint statement Thursday summarizing the contents of the meeting of the Bilateral Commission for Religious Relations with Jews held in Jerusalem March 29 to 31 between the two delegations led by Card. Jorge Mejia and Chief Rabbi Shear Yashuv Cohen. read more »

Pope Benedict XVI visits mass grave of the victims of a WWII Nazi massacre near Rome 28 Mar 2011

The Pope has called the 1944 massacre of 335 Italian Jews and Catholics by Nazi soldiers at the Ardeatine Caves near Rome a "grave offense against God."  read more »

'Pope Visits Memorial To Nazi Victims In Rome' - npr.org 27 Mar 2011

Pope Benedict XVI on Sunday prayed at the memorial to victims of a 1944 massacre that was one of the worst atrocities by German occupiers in Italy during World War II and denounced what he called the "abominable" legacy of violence unleashed during war. read more »

Muslims, Jews warn Europe: Mainstreaming of far-right parties is unacceptable 07 Mar 2011

At a meeting in Paris co-organized by the World Jewish Congress, European Muslim and Jewish leaders have agreed on joint action against extremists and announced plans for a series of public events in European capitals, on Europe Day (9 May). read more »

In Paris, Catholics and Jews celebrate 40 years of bilateral relations 03 Mar 2011

Senior representatives of Jewish organizations, including the World Jewish Congress, held in Paris with Catholic Church leaders in the framework of the International Catholic-Jewish Liaison Committee. They stressed the need to reach out to younger people. read more »

World Jewish Congress hails Pope’s rejection of Jewish guilt for crucifixion of Jesus 03 Mar 2011

WJC President Ronald S. Lauder has praised Benedict XVI for setting an important marker against anti-Semitism in the Catholic Church. In his new book on the life of Jesus, the Pope explained that references in the Christian New Testament which blame collectively “the Jews” referred to only a few Temple officials at the time. read more »

Call to extend Catholic-Jewish amity to Islam - Reuters, UK 01 Mar 2011

The historic reconciliation between Jews and Roman Catholics over the past 40 years should be extended to Muslims to deal with the challenges of the 21st century, a senior Jewish official has said. read more »

Muslim leaders pay visit to Auschwitz together with survivors, statesmen and Christian clerics 02 Feb 2011

A large delegation of Muslim leaders, Holocaust survivors and European statesmen has visited Auschwitz to pay tribute to the millions killed in the Holocaust. read more »

OPINION – Terry Newman: The growing importance of community in Europe 17 Dec 2010

The impact of the last few years will leave its mark on Europe’s communal structures in the decades to come, yet few realize the changes that are unfolding each day. read more »

In Brussels, Jordan’s king calls for more inter-faith dialogue 17 Dec 2010

King Abdullah of Jordan has called for more inter-faith dialogue in order to build bridges of tolerance and understanding between different cultures. read more »

Jewish leaders ask Pope Benedict to combat delegitimization of Israel - Haaretz, Israel 13 Dec 2010

World Jewish Congress leaders meet with Pope Benedict XVI in the Vatican, call on the Catholic Church take a leading role in fighting the delegitimization of Israel. read more »

WJC asks Pope to denounce delegitimization of Israel - Jerusalem Post, Israel 13 Dec 2010

World Jewish Congress leadership meet with Italian FM, pontiff; Benedict XVI says Church recognizes "historical connection" of Jews to Israel. read more »

Speak against Israel delegitimization, Jewish leaders urge pope - JTA, USA 13 Dec 2010

World Jewish Congress leaders in an audience at the Vatican urged Pope Benedict XVI to speak out against the delegitimization of Israel. read more »

Des leaders juif rencontrent le Pape Benoît XVI - Israel7.com 13 Dec 2010

Une délégation du Congrès Juif Mondial s’est rendue au Vatican vendredi, et a demandé notamment au pape Benoît XVI de « prendre part à la lutte contre la délégitimation d’Israël ».  read more »

In audience with Pope Benedict, World Jewish Congress leadership denounces growing delegitimization of Israel - European Jewish Press, Belgium 13 Dec 2010

World Jewish Congress (WJC) President Ronald S.Lauder asked Pope Benedict XVI to speak out against the growing delegitimization of Israel, during a private audience at the Vatican on Friday. read more »

Papst empfängt Präsidenten des Jüdischen Weltkongresses in Audienz - EPD, Germany 13 Dec 2010

Papst Benedikt XVI. hat den Präsidenten des Jüdischen Weltkongresses (WJC), Ronald Lauder, am Freitag zu einer Privataudienz empfangen.  read more »

Il World Jewish Congress ringrazia il Papa per il suo impegno nel dialogo con gli ebrei - Radio Vaticana 13 Dec 2010

Benedetto XVI ha ricevuto questa mattina il sig. Ronald Lauder, presidente del World Jewish Congress, una delle più importanti organizzazioni ebraiche nel mondo.  read more »

Benedicto XVI y las buenas relaciones con el Judaísmo - Agencia SIC, Spain 13 Dec 2010

Benedicto XVI encontró hoy a Ronald Lauder, Presidente del Congreso Judío Mundial, que estaba acompañado por el Secretario General y el Vice-Secretario General. El Congreso Judío Mundial es una de las organizaciones judías más importantes a nivel mundial. read more »

World Jewish Congress dankt Papst Benedikt XVI. für seinen Einsatz zugunsten des Dialogs mit den Juden - Vatican Information Service 13 Dec 2010

er World Jewish Congress (WJC), eine der bedeutendsten jüdischen Organisationen in der Welt, wollte öffentlich Papst Benedikt XVI. seinen Dank bekunden für dessen Einsatz für den Dialog mit den Juden. read more »

At Vatican, World Jewish Congress leaders call on Pope Benedict XVI to reject assault on Israel 13 Dec 2010

The leadership of the World Jewish Congress was received by Pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican on Friday and raised concern at the growing political assault on Israel's legitimacy.  read more »

Brussels gathering calls for closer cooperation between Muslims and Jews in Europe - European Jewish Press, Belgium 07 Dec 2010

Some 50 European Muslim and Jewish faith leaders, who met for the first time Monday in Brussels, urged better protection of religious minorities in Europe and vowed to establish closer ties.  read more »

Imams, rabbis in Brussels to improve Muslim-Jewish ties - Jerusalem Post, Israel 07 Dec 2010

“If Jews are being driven out of parts of Europe once again, this does not bode well for the future of the continent,” EJC head Kantor says. read more »

UK imam says a prayer for Carmel fire victims at European conference - Haaretz, Israel 07 Dec 2010

Over 50 leaders of Jewish and Muslim communities in Europe gather to discuss initiatives on improving relations between the communities.  read more »

Faith leaders urge better protection of religious minorities in Europe, vow to establish closer ties 06 Dec 2010

At a meeting co-hosted by the World Jewish Congress, over 50 representatives of Islamic and Jewish communities from across Europe gathered in Brussels to discuss initiatives for better relations between the two communities. read more »

European Muslim and Jewish leaders to hold high-level dialogue in Brussels 02 Dec 2010

Over 50 leaders of Muslim and Jewish communities from across Europe are to attend a one-day Gathering of European Muslim and Jewish Leaders on Monday. read more »

Iran blames US and Israel for killing of nuclear scientist in Tehran 29 Nov 2010

In two separate attacks in Iran's capital on Monday, a senior Iranian nuclear scientist was killed and another wounded when their cars exploded.  read more »

Scholars at Cairo’s Al-Azhar lift ban on dialogue with Jews - Jerusalem Post, Israel 25 Nov 2010

Statement drafted by Sheikh Fawzi al-Zifzaf, chairman of permanent committee for dialogue, read during gathering of senior faith and political leaders at Parliament in London, 'Post' learns. read more »

WJC leader welcomes "landmark decision" by Islamic scholars 23 Nov 2010

Rabbi Marc Schneier, vice-president of the World Jewish Congress, has praised leaders of the Al-Azhar University in Cairo, the oldest center of Islamic scholarship in the world, for opening up inter-faith dialogue to Jews. read more »

In Sliver of Indonesia, Public Embrace of Judaism - New York Times, USA 23 Nov 2010

A new, 62-foot-tall menorah, possibly the world’s largest, rises from a mountain overlooking this Indonesian city, courtesy of the local government. Flags of Israel can be spotted on motorcycle taxi stands, one near a six-year-old synagogue that has received a face-lift, including a ceiling with a large Star of David, paid for by local officials.  read more »

Third edition of mosque and synagogue twinning held in 22 countries 09 Nov 2010

With the support of the World Jewish Congress and the Islamic Society of North America, the New York-based Foundation for Ethnic Understanding successfully has held the Weekend of Twinning, involving 200 mosques and synagogues world-wide. read more »

Jewish leaders attack portrayal of Pius XII as savior of Jews in TV series 04 Nov 2010

Jewish leaders in Italy have criticized a TV series that portrayed wartime Pope Pius XII as working forcefully to save Jews from the Nazi onslaught as "unacceptable revisionism.” read more »

Exchange program of Jewish and Christians high school students from New York and Berlin 26 Oct 2010

Jewish high school students from New York and Christian high school students from Berlin, Germany are joining together for the 9th Annual American-Jewish/German Youth Exchange Program in New York this week. read more »

At Vatican, bishops call for legal steps against Israeli occupation 25 Oct 2010

A synod of bishops representing Catholic and other churches in the Middle East has called on the international community to take "the necessary legal steps to put an end to the occupation of the different Arab territories" and warned Israel not to use the Bible to justify any "injustices" against the Palestinians.  read more »

'The synod in Hebrew' - Radio Vatican 20 Oct 2010

For the first time ever, Vatican Radio is producing a webpage in Hebrew with up-to-date information about the ongoing Special Synod of Bishops for the Middle East. read more »

World Jewish Congress leader defends Israel at Doha inter-faith conference 19 Oct 2010

At the 8th Doha Inter-Faith Conference in Qatar, WJC Vice-President Marc Schneier defended Israel against a diatribe by the Palestinian Muslim cleric Sheikh Taysir al-Tamimi, who accused Israel of “illegally occupying” and “Judaizing” Jerusalem. read more »

Jewish, Christian and Muslim leaders meet at inter-faith seminar in Spain 18 Oct 2010

Young professionals of the three monotheistic religions are gathering this week in Seville, Spain, for an inter-religious dialogue conference.  read more »

Rabbi says Israel not solely responsible for problems faced by Christians in Middle East 14 Oct 2010

At a synod of Catholic bishops in Rome, a rabbi from Israel has told Catholic bishops that Israel was not solely responsible and that the attitude of some Catholics violated the church's own teaching about Jews and Judaism. read more »

Wiesel calls for inter-faith center instead of mosque near Ground Zero 08 Oct 2010

The Nobel Peace Prize laureate Elie Wiesel has come out in favor of an inter-faith center near the site of the 9/11 terror attacks in Manhattan, rather than the controversial ‘Ground Zero mosque’. read more »

Israeli rabbis visit torched West Bank mosque in show of solidarity 06 Oct 2010

A group of rabbis from Jewish settlements near the Palestinian town of Beit Fajar has visited the local mosque which had been torched by arsonists. read more »

Vatican chides Berlusconi for 'Jewish jokes' 05 Oct 2010

The Vatican's official newspaper, the ‘Osservatore Romano’, has deplored jokes made by Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi about Jews, saying they were "offensive" to Holocaust victims. read more »

American Muslim leaders visit Nazi camp sites; condemn Holocaust denial 18 Aug 2010

Eight Muslim American leaders, who visited the sites of former Nazi concentration camps and met with Holocaust survivors earlier this month, have signed a statement condemning Holocaust denial and anti-Semitism. read more »

Obama says Muslims have a right to build mosque build near Ground Zero 16 Aug 2010

At an ‘iftar’ dinner at the White House, US President Barack Obama has defended a controversial plan to build an Islamic center near Ground Zero in New York, saying Muslims had a “right to do so.” read more »

Jewish leader criticizes boycott resolution by Australian churches 26 Jul 2010

The head of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry has criticized the National Council of Churches in Australia over a resolution which asks churches to boycott goods produced by Jewish settlers in the West Bank. read more »

Europe's faith representatives discuss with EU leaders fight against poverty 19 Jul 2010

In Brussels, leaders of all major faiths have held their annual meeting with the leaders of the three main EU institutions. read more »

'Why a Swiss Bishop for the Unity Council' by Carmen Elena Villa, Zenit 13 Jul 2010

Archbishop Koch Reflects on New Appointment read more »

Vatican appoints new official in charge of dialogue with Jews 30 Jun 2010

The outgoing Vatican official in charge of relations with Judaism, Cardinal Walter Kasper, has said a decision on the beatification of war-time Pope Pius XII should wait until all Vatican archives are accessible to experts. Kasper will be replaced by the Swiss Bishop Kurt Koch on Thursday. read more »

Bishop Williamson will not attend his trial over Holocaust denial in Germany 15 Apr 2010

Richard Williamson, the bishop of the ultra-conservative Catholic Society of St. Pius X who denied the existence of gas chambers in Nazi death camps in a TV interview, will not be present at his trial in Regensburg, Germany, on Friday. read more »

Former bishop in Italy alleges “Zionist attack” against Catholic Church 13 Apr 2010

Giacomo Babini, a retired Catholic bishop in Italy, has reportedly suggested that “Zionists” were behind the current storm of accusations over sexual abuse of children by Catholic priests that has been roiling the Vatican. read more »

Official acts of the Holy See from the period of World War II are now available online 25 Mar 2010

Historical documents which up until now had only been available as hard copy in certain libraries have been made available on the Vatican’s website. read more »

Jewish leaders discuss “delicate issues” with Vatican officials 18 Mar 2010

Controversial subjects such as the role of Pope Pius XII during the Holocaust were at the heart of talks between the International Jewish Committee for Inter-Religious Consultations and Vatican officials in Rome. read more »

Presbyterian Church in US stirs new controversy with report on Middle East 15 Mar 2010

A new report by the Presbyterian Church USA, which claims that Israeli occupation is the root of the Middle East conflict and calls on the US government to stop providing aid to Israel in order to halt Jewish settlement expansion, has been strongly criticized by Jewish leaders. read more »

Vatican archives on Pius XII papacy unlikely to be opened before 2015 04 Mar 2010

The prefect of the Vatican’s Secret Archives, has said it would likely take five years before the archives on the pontificate of war-time Pope Pius XII are cataloged and opened to historians. read more »

Catholic scholars urge Pope Benedict to halt sainthood elevation of Pius XII 18 Feb 2010

18 Catholic scholars from Australia, Germany and the United States have written to Pope Benedict XVI urging him to delay making the controversial war-time Pope Pius XII a saint, ‘Reuters’ reports. read more »

Vatican to put some WWII-era documents from secret archive online 16 Feb 2010

The Vatican is planning to post selected documents from its World War II archives on the internet, according to the Catholic news agency ‘Zenit’. read more »

Op-Ed by Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt: Europe's Identity Crisis - New York Times, USA 09 Feb 2010

The culture of proscription and banning is alien to European culture and alien to preserving identity. It also gives exactly the opposite message that it seeks to convey, argues the chief rabbi of Moscow and chairman of the Standing Committee of the Conference of European Rabbis. read more »

Overwhelmingly negative attitudes toward Jews in Islamic countries 09 Feb 2010

A survey conducted by Pew Research in 25 countries has found that the populations of nearly all Muslim countries hold very negative attitudes toward Jews. read more »

Bishop Williamson summoned to Holocaust denial trial in Germany 28 Jan 2010

A court in Germany has summoned the Catholic Bishop Richard Williamson to attend a trial in April where he is to face charges of incitement for his belittling of the Holocaust, which is a crime in Germany. read more »

At Rome's Great Synagogue, Pope Benedict says Vatican helped Jews during Shoah 18 Jan 2010

During his highly publicized visit to Rome’s Great Synagogue, Pope Benedict XVI has said the Vatican had “provided assistance” to Jews in a “hidden and discreet way” during the Holocaust, thus indirectly defending his predecessor Pius XII. read more »

World Jewish Congress criticizes decision to beatify Pope Pius XII 22 Dec 2009

WJC President Ronald S. Lauder has called on the Vatican to dispel doubts about role of war-time Pope Pius XII by opening all archives to international researchers. Pope Benedict recalled a visit to Yad Vashem earlier this year.  read more »

At Vatican meeting with Cardinal Bertone, World Jewish Congress leaders praise "positive" visit of Pope to Israel 20 May 2009

During a meeting with Vatican Cardinal Secretary of State, Tarcisio Bertone, in Rome today, World Jewish Congress President Ronald S. Lauder expressed gratitude for Pope Benedict’s visit to the Holy Land last week. read more »

World Jewish Congress leadership in Rome for meetings with Cardinal Bertone and Prime Minister Berlusconi 19 May 2009

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No Jewish representation at Brussels meeting of European religious leaders 11 May 2009

No rabbis or Jewish leaders are to take part in Monday’s meeting in Brussels of religious leaders, co-hosted by the presidents of the European Commission and the European Parliament, the Conference of European Rabbis announced today, in a protest against the participation of Islamist organizations and individuals closely linked to the international Muslim Brotherhood. read more »

World Jewish Congress President Lauder expresses appreciation at Pope's letter to Catholic bishops 12 Mar 2009

Ronald S. Lauder: "Continue to work with Vatican to strengthen understanding" read more »

Materials

Rabbi David Rosen's official speach at Assisi 27 Oct 2011

Rabbi Rosen is Honorary Advisor on Interfaith Relations to the Chief Rabbinate of Israel, and International Director of Interfaith Affairs for the American Jewish Committee (AJC).  download »

Address Of John Paul II to the representatives of the chrisitan churches and ecclesial communities and of the world religions 27 Oct 2011

Basilica of Saint Francis, 27 October 1986  download »

WJC Policy Study: Political Islam and Europe: Caveat Emptor 27 Oct 2011

The World Jewish Congress Institute for Research and Policy has published a new policy study by WJC Middle Eastern Affairs advisor Pinhas Inbari, entitled 'Political Islam and Europe'. download »

A Common Declaration on Anti-Semitism 12 Mar 2011

Representatives of the International Jewish Committee on Inter-religious Consultations and the Pontifical Commission for Religious Relations With the Jews met in Prague Sept. 3-6. This was the 13th meeting of the International Catholic-Jewish Liaison Committee.  read more »

International Catholic - Jewish Liaison Committee - Initial Meeting 12 Mar 2011

In the relationship between Catholics and Jews the concerns of both groups are religiously based but they extend over the whole complex of what people do wherever they live.  read more »

Zakhor (Souviens-toi) - Déclaration Concernant le Couvent des Carmélites à Auschwitz 11 Mar 2011

Aux hommes et aux femmes de notre temps et à ceux et celles des temps futurs: Zakhor - Souviens-toi!  read more »

Déclaration Concernant le Couvent des Carmélites à Auschwitz 11 Mar 2011

Après avoir rappelé les termes de la déclaration du 22 juillet 1986, reconnaissant qu'Auschwitz demeurerait éternellement le lieu symbolique de la Shoah qui a procédé de la volonté nazie de détruire le peuple Luit, dans une entreprise unique, impensable et indicible.  read more »

Milestones in the inter-religious work of the World Jewish Congress 28 Jan 2011

This document contains a short list of important inter-religious events shaped by the World Jewish Congress since the end of World War II. download »

'Rome's Chief Rabbi Jews and Catholics are brotehr's' By Giancarlo Giojelli, Zenit.org 18 Jan 2011

The 22nd annual Jewish-Christian dialogue day was held in Italy on Monday. The religious leaders continued with a program that began in 2005 to focus on the Ten Commandments. read more »

Miniseries glorifying wartime Pope Pius decried 03 Nov 2010

Italian Jewish leaders slam a program on state-run television showing Pius saving over 10,000 Jews in Rome. read more »

Holy See Press Office: Synodus Episcoporum Bulletin 24 Oct 2010

By benevolent decision of the Holy Father Benedict XVI, the General Secretariate of the Synod of Bishops has been authorized to publish the unofficial version of the Propositions of the Special Assembly for the Middle East of the Synod of Bishops on the theme The Catholic Church in the Middle East: Communion and Witness. “Now the company of those who believed were of one heart and soul” (Acts 4:32). read more »

Opening address by Chief Rabbi Sacks at Interfaith gathering for Papal Visit 17 Sep 2010

Adress by Chief Rabbi Lord Sack at Interfaith Gathering for Benedict XVI's visit read more »

Address of His Holiness Benedict XVI, Apostolic journey to the United Kingdom 17 Sep 2010

Address of His Holiness Benedict XVI at meeting with clerical and lay representatives of other religions. read more »

Benedict XVI sends New Year message to Rabbi 09 Sep 2010

VATICAN CITY, SEPT. 9, 2010 (Zenit.org).-Benedict XVI sent a message of congratulations and friendship to Riccardo Di Segni, chief rabbi of the Jewish community of Rome, on the occasion of the Jewish festivities celebrated this month. read more »

Bishop Munib Younan Appointed President of the Lutheran World Federation 26 Jul 2010

Bishop Munib Younan, Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in the Holy Land and Jordan, was elected president of the Lutheran World Federation, LWF for the next coming six years. read more »

'Chocolate milk nurtures lifelong relationship with LWF' The Lutheran World Federation 24 Jul 2010

LWF President-elect’s personal history shapes his vision for peace and justice (lwf-assembly.org) read more »

Biography of Monsignor Kurt Koch 30 Jun 2010

Speech of Cardinal Walter Kasper at Liverpool Hope University, UK 24 May 2010

Recent Developments in Jewish–Christian Relations download »

Benedict XVI and Judaism After Five Years - by Edward Pentin, Terrasanta.net 29 Apr 2010

Relations between the Catholic Church and Judaism have not been easy during Benedict XVI’s first five years as Pope. read more »

LAJC: Building bridges of understanding 27 Mar 2010

Latin American Jewish Congress holds an intense agenda of dialogue between religions, participating in conferences, meetings and projects, to show the way to reach Peace. download »

"Jews, Muslims can defeat common enemies" by Imam Mohammad Shamsi Ali and Rabbi Marc Schneier 25 Jan 2010

American Jews and Muslims can defeat a common enemy by working together. That common enemy is prejudice - and if one needed statistical evidence for it, stark proof was revealed this week. read more »

"Vatican–Israel Relations, 2000-2003: An Insider’s View" by Yosef Lamdan

In diplomatic terms, my tenure as the third ambassador of Israel to the Holy See, commencing September 2000, was paradoxical—and, I believe, paradigmatic. Coming in the wake of Pope John Paul II’s unforgettable visit to Israel in March 2000, it started out with high, perhaps exaggerated, diplomatic and political expectations on Israel’s part. download »

"Points for Orientation on 'Christians and Jews'" - Synod of the Evangelical Church of Berlin (West)

On 27 April 1950 the Synod of the Evangelical Church in Germany at its session in Berlin-Weissensee passed a "Statement on the Guilt against Israel" in which, under the heading of Romans 11:32. read more »

Vatican decree on the 'venerability' of Pius XII [Italian Language]

Vatican decree signed by Benedict XVI on the declaration of venerability 17 people, including Pius XII. The declaration of venerability starts the process of beatification of individuals. read more »

Sergio I. Minerbi: Benedict XVI, the Lefebvrians, the Jews, and the State of Israel

This article explores the relations between the Catholic Church and the Jews from the middle of the previous century until the present day. read more »

Nostra Aetate

Declaration on the relation of the Church to Non-Christian Religions -Nostra Aetate Pproclaimed by His Holiness Pope Paul VI on October 28, 1965. read more »

Guidelines and Suggestions for Implementing the Conciliar Declaration Nostra Aetate, No. 4

The Declaration Nostra Aetate, issued by the Second Vatican Council on 28 October 1965, "On the Relationship of the Church to non-Christian Religions" (no. 4), marks an important milestone in the history of Jewish-Christian relations. read more »

Meetings of the International Catholic-Jewish Liaison Committee

International Jewish Catholic Liaison Committee between Holy See and International Council of Interreligious Dialogue read more »

ILC Meeting Prague September 1989

Representatives of the International Jewish Committee on Inter-religious Consultations and the Pontifical Commission for Religious Relations With the Jews met in Prague Sept. 3-6. This was the 13th meeting of the International Catholic-Jewish Liaison Committee. read more »

Pontifical Council for Dialogue with the Jews

Commission of the Holy See for Religious Relations with the Jews. read more »

Service de Documentation Judéo-chrétien

The SIDIC Rome Documentation Center makes available to the public a large collection of documents concerning Jewish-Christian relations. read more »

International Council of Christian and Jews

The ICCJ promotes understanding and cooperation between Christians and Jews based on respect for each other's identity and integrity. read more »

World Conference on Dialogue in Madrid in July 2008

Statement issued by the World Conference on Dialogue, organized by the Makkah-based Muslim World League in Madrid, Spain under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, July 16-18, 2008. read more »

Foundation for Ethnic Understanding of rabbi Marc Schneier

The Foundation is a national non-profit dedicated to strengthening relations between ethnic communities. read more »

Three Faiths Forum

The Three Faiths Forum has worked to encourage dialogue and confront prejudice for over ten years. Their objective is to build lasting relationships between people of different faiths, cultures and communities. read more »

WJC & Promoting Inter-Faith Dialogue

Christian Faiths

The WJC has well established relations with the Catholic Church, and has played a leading role, both directly and within the framework of ICJIC, in an ongoing dialogue over many decades. This has produced positive results in many cases. The recently adapted Latin text of the Good Friday prayer is a contentious issue. Ongoing discussions to resolve the issue should not impede this important liaison.

Progress, however, is slow with regard to the Orthodox and Protestant Churches. The decentralised nature of these churches and certain political issues related to the Middle East conflict are obstacles to advancement.

Dialogue with the other Christian churches is an important mechanism for increasing understanding between the faiths and for increasing mutual theological knowledge.

Dialogue must be based on mutual respect for the values of each faith.

Dialogue is the best method of resolving issues of contention, and for improving cooperation on issues of common concern like the subjects of nationalism and religious identity, preventing intolerance, anti-Semitism and xenophobia.

Muslim Faith

Dialogue with representatives of moderate Islam is one of the most important and challenging issues at this time. The increasing gap of understanding between so-called 'Western liberal democracies' and the Islamic word is a recipe for potential civil strife and possible violence.

Discussion and debate between brethren who share a common root will lead to the realisation that shared ideals, aspirations and values far outweigh any differences that may exist.

Extremists represent only a small part of Islam. The vast majority of Muslims are peace-loving people who do not support or wish to engage in terrorist activities.

Whilst combating the threats posed by 'Radical Islam' it is important to embrace the proponents of 'Moderate Islam' and to engage with them in open and constructive dialogue.

Dialogue should not only be limited to a theological debate, but also to exchanges of views on sociological, cultural, diplomatic and political issues.

In July 2008, the Muslim World League held an interfaith meeting to which representatives of many religions were invited. 'The International Conference for Dialogue' was an initiative of King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia, and was a significant step forward in opening the possibility of a dialogue between Abrahamic faiths and with other major religions. The WJC was amongst the Jewish organizations that were represented at the meeting.

All religions, and especially the three Abrahamic faiths, can work together to respond to the challenges posed by developments in modern society, especially to discuss and promote shared values.

Cooperation between faith-based organizations in local communities can respond to the challenges posed by a changing world (environmental, globalisation, violence, terrorism, decline of values etc.) and can show that religions have viable answers to these challenges in the contemporary world.


Other Faiths

There is almost no contact between Jewish leaders and other faiths, on an international level.

Dialogue with all representatives of all faiths is important in building bridges of understanding and establishing respect.

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