Cabinet Secretary Meets with Papal Nuncio
ROME, NOV. 3, 2000 (ZENIT.org).- Israel appealed for the "immediate intervention" of the Vatican against what it considers the growing wave of anti-Semitism in the world.
According to an official statement of the Israeli government, dated Nov. 1, the petition was made by Cabinet Secretary Yitzhak Herzog to Archbishop Pietro Sambi, apostolic nuncio, in the course of a private meeting. The statement explains that the meeting was preceded by a special government session on the issue.
During his meeting with the nuncio, Herzog stressed "the importance of a clear and unequivocal position against anti-Semitism," and referred to the 1994 agreement between Israel and the Vatican on the repression of anti-Semitism.
Herzog also is secretary of the Committee to Monitor Anti-Semitism, and president of the governmental Forum for Inter-Confessional Dialogue. He said he believes strongly that the Vatican has "the role of guide in opposing the spread of anti-Semitism in the world."
"The Israeli government considers that it is its responsibility to ensure that Jews are not threatened or punished because of their religion, and appeals to all enlightened nations to address the challenge of anti-Semitism," Herzog said.
There was no news on the Vatican's official response. For years the Holy See has taken advantage of all opportunities to condemn anti-Semitism and all forms of racial or religious discrimination.
John Paul II, who is closely following the developments of the present conflict in the Middle East, has emphasized that peace spells the prior need for a just and negotiated solution.
Zenit - The World Seen From Rome
3. november 2000