Among the speakers was Cardinal Walter Kasper, president of the Holy See’s Commission for Religious Relations with the Jews, who reiterated that the Second Vatican Council’s declaration “Nostra Aetate” is a “solid pillar” on which to base Catholic-Jewish relations.
The cardinal also called for “a joint action in favor of moral values that, as faith communities, we share.”
“We do not come together as politicians, military men, or businessmen, but meet as faith communities,” he said. “As companions we are linked to one another for the good, for ‘shalom,’ for the peace of humanity.”
There were about 30 representatives from the Jewish community, headed by Israel Singer, head of the International Catholic-Jewish Liaison Committee.
Calling the meeting “a great challenge,” Singer said there is a “great need to help Jews and Catholics find common cause, that is, to work for justice and charity.” The meeting ends Thursday.
