Israel can and must become the hub for relations between Jews and Christians. “Reconciliation” (to pick up on the concept used by Benedict XVI during his visit to Jerusalem) is under way. Christians and Jews are no longer content with “brotherly dialogue” or “mutual understanding”. A new process has been undertaken that will lead to the recognition of the historical and spiritual “kinship” between the two religions. The request for forgiveness by John Paul II during his visit in 2000 struck everyone. More recently, Benedict XVI, an eminent theologian, founded his visit on Christianity’s dependency on Judaism when it comes to the unbroken transmission of the same inspiration. The idea is gradually taking hold that without Judaism, Christianity could not be understood.
The conference organised by CRIF in late 2009 will explore some essential, though sometimes non conformist, topics relating to the existence of Christianity in Israel, gathering the testimonies of Christians who share their life with Israelis, underlining the historical and spiritual significance of the city which once contained the Temple, the dwelling place of God, that Jesus crossed before being tortured and executed and where, Christians believe, he will one day return. This is also the city where Mahomet was taken up to Heaven. The importance of Jerusalem for the Jews will be brought out, and the present day meaning of this City, where so many men and women pass through, seemingly hoping for a miracle, not only of reconciliation between Jews and Christians, but of the start of a new world.
Gérard Israel
English
Français