Lebanon: Christian and Muslim leaders reject US plan for Jerusalem

Patriarch Rai

Christian and Muslim faith leaders in the Lebanon have all rejected President Trump's announcement recognising Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. Speaking at the opening of the inter-religious summit at the patriarchal seat of Bkerké, Maronite Patriarch, Cardinal Bechara Boutros Rai said that every unilateral attempt to impose Jerusalem as the exclusive capital of the State of Israel represents an "unjust" act and is contrary to all international pronouncements on the Holy City.

All the main religious communities present in Lebanon have joined Patriarch Rai's call: the Grand Mufti Sunni Abdellatif Daryan, Mufti Kabalan representing the Shiite Muslims, Apostolic Armenian Catholicos Aram I, representative of the Druses, Syrian Catholic Patriarch Ignatius Youssif III Younan, Greek-Melkite Catholic Patriarch Youssef Absi participated in the "summit" in Bkerkè.

In his speech, Patriarch Rai reiterated the need to apply all international resolutions that recognize and protect the unique profile and special status of Jerusalem, a holy city for Jews, Christians and Muslims all over the world. The Mufti of the Lebanese Republic Daryan, in his speech, restated his opposition to the processes of "judaization" of Jerusalem, confirming support for the Palestinians "in their fight for justice" and in their "legitimate right to resistance".