I have prepared myself to take on this responsibility. I am very pleased and at the same time somewhat daunted, because the legacy is impressive. 60 years of work, reflection and meetings have made it possible to take huge steps towards better mutual understanding between Jews and Christians. Above all, the Christian churches have done a U-turn when it comes to their traditional theology, with its very contemptuous view of Judaism.
The work must continue and more needs to be done to make it known. I believe that we are maybe not communicating enough. However, we now do have an Internet site (amitie-judeo-chretienne.com) and this can help to change things. That being said, we should not forget that AJCF needs to remain on the alert for expressions of anti-Semitism and anti-Judaism, as it has always done.
I am not sure that Jews are always sufficiently aware of the huge interest that exists for Judaism and Jewish thought in the Christian world, an interest that is at once passionate and respectful. There are people learning Hebrew, who read loads of books, some are taking courses on Talmudic thought…
How do you intend to engage the AJCF in the struggle against anti-Semitism?
Florence Taubmann: There is the immediate struggle, the on-the-spot response to specific expressions of anti-Semitism. It’s important to bring together other associations, other voices. And there is the in-depth response, because anti-Semitism does not always have the same face. It changes. In recent years, it has become quite clear that a certain form of radical opposition to Israel has been is seen as a new form of anti-Semitism.
At the same time, responding and analysing is not enough. To fight something it is not sufficient to denounce it. There is sometimes a perverse effect of denunciation… when one desperately has the impression of being misunderstood and the denunciation eventually leads to a form of suspicion. I believe therefore that we need to respond to anti-Semitism with philo-Semitism, and counter anti-Judaism with philo-Judaism. And I believe that this is really the essence of Jewish-Christian Friendship, particularly through its work of promoting better knowledge of Judaism and the Jewish world.
And what about Israel in all that?
Florence Taubmann: I would say the same thing: make it known, make it loved! Patiently explaining even when you’re weary of the perpetual criticism. Of course it’s true that you only convince those who are willing to allow themselves to be convinced. But it’s worth it, because it at least always works with persons of good will who are willing to understand providing they are given elements of knowledge.
Do you not think that this friendship should include Muslims?
Florence Taubmann: Absolutely. On the one hand there are specific areas of dialogue that need to continue and deepen, on the other hand there is a need to open up to other associations promoting dialogue. I think here of the Fraternity of Abraham, or the Jewish-Muslim Friendship, Islamic-Christian Friendship… We have plenty of work to do together. In fact, the theme of the annual assembly of the International Council of Christians and Jews (ICCJ) [of which AJCF is a member], which this year will be held in Jerusalem, is: “The contribution of Jewish-Christian-Muslim dialogue to peace in the Middle East”.
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