The common home” “

Never again antisemitism. Concerns about the resurgence in Europe of antisemitic feelings and an appeal that – in the aftermath of Assisi – the spiritual leaders of the various religions may continue to denounce every form of violence and terrorism and work to promote “peace among peoples”: that, in essence, is what is expressed by Catholics and Jews in a joint declaration issued at the end of a meeting promoted in Paris by the European Jewish Congress on the theme: “After Vatican II and ´Nostra Aetate`, the strengthening of relations between Jews and Catholics in Europe under the pontificate of John Paul II”. The meeting, held in Paris on 28 and 29 January, was attended by some 1,500 delegates. Also present were Cardinal Walter Kasper, president of the Commission of the Holy See for religious relations with Judaism, and Cardinal Jean-Marie Lustiger, archbishop of Paris. In their final declaration, the Jews wished to pay homage to John Paul II for his indefatigable work of reconciliation, by recalling the most important stages in this dialogue: from his visit to the sinagogue in Rome (13 April 1986) to his pilgrimage to Israel marked – among other things – by his prayer at the Weeping Wall in Jerusalem (2000). The Jews also recalled the Shoah and remarked with deep “apprehension the resurgence of violent antisemitic feeling”. “This reflection – they write – does not wish to provoke new resentment but to strengthen the foundations for brotherly co-existence”. Jews and Catholics ask that “the teaching of the history of the Shoah be transmitted to the young generations so that the idolatry of self, proclaimed by Nazism to the point of the rejection, and even the extermination, of others, may for ever be banned from our society”. Dialogue in the truth. Cardinal Walter Kasper also commented on this tragic episode in European history: We need – he said – to have the sincerity and courage to admit our human and Christian weakness, our silence and our indifference to this genocide. That’s why we attach so much importance to the hope that historical research may reach a just analysis and understanding of these sad and shameful events of the second world war”. Reconciliation is needed: “Jews and Christians – the cardinal added – have a “particular responsibility for the future of Europe” and are called to work together for peace, respect for human dignity, ecology and the struggle against poverty. Building Europe together. The Pope sent a message to Paris, asking Jews and Catholics to give “a new impetus to our relations so that the religious tradition that inspired the culture and life of the Continent, may continue to form part of its spirit”. Jews and Catholics – John Paul II continues – have the task of “transmitting to the new generations” the riches and common values that belong to the two religious traditions, so that “man may never again show contempt for his brother in humanity, and wars and conflicts may never again be conducted in the name of an ideology that despises the culture or religion” of others. “On the contrary – the Holy Father added – the different religious traditions are called to place their heritage at the service of everyone, to build together the common European home, united in justice, peace, equality and solidarity”. One problem still to be resolved. Rabbi René-Samuel Sirat, vice president of the European Conference of Rabbis, paid homage to John Paul II by citing the title of a book by the French cardinal Paul Poupard, recently published in France: “This Pope is a gift of God”. Michel Friedman, vice president of the European Jewish Congress, for his part, denounced “a resurgence of the extreme right” in many countries of Europe. “To combat antisemitism – he explained – we need to tell the truth, not to accuse but to build the future”. Friedman then asked that the archives of the Church and the Vatican between the years 1933 and be opened. “That’s a necessary condition – he declared – for an honest and frank dialogue in mutual respect and equality”. M.G.