NEW YORK - 21 April 2008 - 220 words
Holy Father visits New York synagogue
At 5.20 pm on Friday, the Holy Father
visited New York's Park East Synagogue, which was built in 1889
and is one of the city's historic landmarks. The members of the
synagogue are involved in educational and charitable activities
and its Rabbi, the Austrian Arthur Schneier, a Holocaust survivor,
is president of the Appeal of Conscience Foundation which campaigns
to make the Cross the Crescent, and the Star of David symbols
of peace, tolerance and mutual respect.
n his address, the Holy Father spoke of his desire to express
his "respect and esteem for the Jewish community in New York
City. ... I find it moving", he said, "to recall that
Jesus, as a young boy, heard the words of Scripture and prayed
in a place such as this".
After thanking Rabbi Schneier for his words of welcome, Benedict
XVI said: "I know that the Jewish community make a valuable
contribution to the life of the city, and I encourage all of you
to continue building bridges of friendship with all the many different
ethnic and religious groups present in your neighbourhood".
The Pope renewed his Passover greetings to the community and assured
them of his prayers "at this time, as you prepare to celebrate
the great deeds of the Almighty, and to sing the praises of Him
Who has worked such wonders for His people".
Source: VIS
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