B?NAI B?RITH TROUBLED BY DISCONNECT FROM VATICAN TEACHINGS ON JEWS AND ISRAEL

[Worldwide Faith News <wfn@igc.org>]

> Contact:  Sharon Bender
> 202-857-6699 or sbender@bnaibrith.org

AT SYNOD OF MIDDLE EASTERN BISHOPS, B?NAI B?RITH TROUBLED BY
DISCONNECT FROM VATICAN TEACHINGS ON JEWS AND ISRAEL

(Washington, D.C., Oct. 25, 2010)­B?nai B?rith International is deeply
concerned that the just-concluded Special Assembly for the Middle East
of the Synod of Bishops indicates unsettling views regarding Jews and
Israel among Catholic clergy and laity in the Arab world.

B?nai B?rith is greatly disappointed that rather than promoting
reconciliation and self-reflection in the region, the assembly focused
on amplifying Arab political positions and narratives on the Jewish 
state.

While efforts had been made to encourage the assembly to meaningfully
address challenges Christians face in the Middle East, Israel was
ultimately singled out for outsized and blunt opprobrium. The assembly
failed to reflect papal celebration of Jews? return to their homeland
and recognition of Israel?s right to self-defense. It also neglected
to acknowledge Israel?s diverse democratic society and protection of
Christian life, in contrast with many of its Arab neighbors.

Diverting from a responsible Catholic approach, the polemical ?Kairos
Palestine? document was promoted on assembly sidelines by key Arab
Catholic figures, one of whom even suggested the threat of a
?one-state solution? to the conflict­the replacement of Israel.

Most offensive, at a concluding press conference, the head of the
assembly?s communiqué drafting committee asserted that a notion of
Jewish ?chosenness? is an illegitimate basis for claims to the land of
Israel. Greek Melkite Archbishop Cyrille Salim Bustros said: ?The Holy
Scriptures cannot be used to justify the return of Jews to Israel and
the displacement of the Palestinians, to justify the occupation?We
Christians cannot speak of the ?promised land? as an exclusive right
for a privileged Jewish people. This promise was nullified by Christ.
There is no longer a chosen people­all men and women of all countries
have become the chosen people.? Bustros? regressive views negate Jews 
?
covenant with God. These sentiments baselessly accuse Israel of
invoking spiritual distinctiveness as a foundation for government
policy. On the contrary, Israel has repeatedly offered to divide
sacred lands, even in the face of violent, often religion-fueled,
political rejectionism.

We urge Pope Benedict XVI­who is now considering the assembly?s
conclusions­to restore a fair, constructive voice in the pursuit of
peace in the Middle East. It is particularly in the Middle East that
the church?s stated opposition to anti-Zionism must be actively 
shared.

B?nai B?rith International, the Global Voice of the Jewish Community,
is the oldest and most widely known Jewish humanitarian, human rights,
and advocacy organization.  For 166 years, BBI has worked for Jewish
unity, security, continuity, and tolerance.  Visit www.bnaibrith.org.
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