Some 200 rabbis and Jewish leaders from around the world have signed a letter of welcome to Pope Benedict XVI as he arrives for his visit to the Holy Land. The letter will be published next week in the Israeli newspaper 'Ha'aretz'. Pope Benedict XVI will be in Israel from 11 to 15 May. On Friday, he arrived in the Jordanian capital Amman.
In the letter, the Jewish leaders "warmly welcome you and your mission of peace to Israel. With one voice, we are united in our commitment to interreligious dialogue, to opening more paths to increased understanding, and to continually recognize and strengthen the important relationship between Catholics and Jews worldwide. And where better to reaffirm that relationship than in the Holy Land of Israel, a place both religions treasure as part of a shared heritage."
Rabbi Jack Bemporad, head of the Center for Interreligious Understanding, and Angelica Berrie, president of the Russell Berrie Foundation, both based in New Jersey, initiated the welcome letter as a way to build support for inter-religious dialogue. "This experience shows that there is recognition among Jewish leaders that dialogue is essential," said Bemporad, also teaches at the Vatican. "A strong commitment to open dialogue can forge a relationship between Catholics and Jews that can become a model for people of all faiths."
