New York – My Opinion: A Proper Perspective – The Pope And The Jewish People

    37

    Pope Francis (L) kisses the hand of Holocaust Survivor Eliezer (Lolek) Grynfeld (2-R) during a memorial ceremony in the Hall of Remembrances in the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial in Jerusalem, Israel, 26 May 2014. EPANew York – As the Pope has left Israel, it’s time for us to reflect on his visit and the impact it has had on the Jewish people worldwide.

    Join our WhatsApp group

    Subscribe to our Daily Roundup Email


    Reflections on a visit of this magnitude are never easy, for the ramifications are difficult to predict. But of one thing I am certain. The Jewish people are better off for it.

    It’s now seventy years since the cattle cars ran to Auschwitz at full capacity and the world was silent. At that time, even the Vatican insisted on maintaining ‘neutrality’ and the debate continues to rage until today on whether the Pope did enough to save the Jews.

    But now we have a Pope who is visiting the State of Israel accompanied by an Orthodox Rabbi who has worked with him for decades.

    I wonder if some of us are living in a cocoon, unable to recognize the enormous, indeed epic, goodwill that this visit has generated. In an instant transmission of image and intent, the Pope’s visit to Israel has resulted in sending the powerful message that the leader of 1.2 billion Catholics is a friend of the Jewish people worldwide. He has unequivocally denounced terrorism, sending a signal to all those who cherish life that a religious leader with the unparalleled status of the Pope has publicly declared a kinship with the Jews.

    To all those who don’t understand or appreciate the significance of this, I say: There was a time when Priests would rile up anti-Semitism–Thank G-D that is no longer the case. I agree it’s important to remember and recognize Christian persecution of the Jewish people throughout the millennia. But we also have the responsibility to behave appropriately and respectfully when the leader of the Roman Catholic Church visits the homeland of the Jewish people, denounces terrorism, embraces Holocaust survivors, makes a plea for peace, and connects emotionally with the Jewish people.

    We are a nation small in numbers. Goodwill goes a very long way.

    I have seen the criticisms against those who are welcoming the Pope and I find that disapproval to be the result of a small minded world view.

    Unfortunately, in this technologically advanced age, even this minority dissenting opinion can reach millions and can convey the mistaken impression that this is mainstream thought.
    Pope Francis (2-R) embraces his friends from Argentina, Rabbi Abraham Skorka (2-L) and Argentine Muslim leader Omar Abboud (R) as the Rabbi of the Western Wall Shmuel Rabinovitz looks on (L), after the Pope prayed and placed a note into the Wall, Judaism's holiest site, in Jerusalem, Israel, 26 May 2014. EPA
    Hopefully my words today will allow level headed people to realize that a visit from the Pope is akin to a visit of a head of State. Historically, we owe him respect. Back in Europe, Rabbonim of great stature would welcome a visiting dignitary with a Sefer Torah as a gesture that underscored the proper recognition given to someone in a powerful position. In fact, the Vatican is a sovereign entity that enjoys diplomatic relations like other nations do. The Pope is essentially the leader of over a billion followers who look up to him with reverence, and he deserves to be welcomed with respect. We would want no less for our own leaders if the tables were turned.

    We see that even great sages in the Talmud understood and displayed great sensitivity regarding interactions with non-Jews: The Talmud in Berachot 17a.) discusses that Rabbi Yochanan Ben Zakai always did manage to greet everyone in the market “first” including non-Jews.

    I will not attempt to make analogies to the subject at hand but it is self understood that when a Pope who is the revered leader of a billion people visits it is obligatory to show proper respect.
    Pope Francis exchanges gifts with Israel Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef, centre) during the meeting of the two religious leaders in Jerusalem, Israel May 26, 2014. EPA
    We live in a world where threats to the Jewish people abound. We have seen it in Brussels and we have seen it in Brooklyn as well. Why should a Catholic in New York or anywhere else sense that we have not treated their leader with respect? Are we prepared to consider the damage that could chas v’sholom occur?

    Here in America, we are blessed with unprecedented freedom and protection. But that same status isn’t enjoyed universally. There are those who are living in fear of anti-Semitic attacks So when we welcome a Pope to the State of Israel there should be a wall to wall warm welcome without dissension. The people of the shtetl understood this. Why can’t we?

    We certainly are entitled to disagree about church policies. And we are certainly permitted to express our opinions. But at the same time we must understand that the Pope’s visit is both historic and humbling to the Jewish people. Especially this specific Pope who has shown himself to be our friend decades before his election as the leader of the Catholic church. I have firsthand knowledge of the Pope’s relationship with the Jewish community in Buenos Aires in which he demonstrates a deep and sensitive friendship.
    Pope Francis and the Rabbi of the Western Wall Shmuel Rabinovitch walk towards the Western Wall, Judaism's holiest prayer site, in Jerusalem's Old City May 26, 2014. Reuters
    And lest we think that what happens overseas and six thousand miles away has zero impact on us, I assure you it does. The Jewish community and the Catholic community have much in common, most notably the parochial schools in which we teach our children. We share a common goal in working to alleviate the cost of tuition in constitutionally permissible ways. Hence, a coalition has been formed over the decades between our communities as we seek out ways to help parents who are struggling with tuition payments.
    FILE - Ezra Friedlander in a conversation with Cardinal Egan, in 2008.
    Back in 2008, I recall having a conversation with Cardinal Egan, then of the Archdiocese of New York, in which he passionately expressed his feelings about this issue. At the time, my firm was coordinating an event on behalf of TEACH-NYS, a strong coalition of Jewish and Catholic school leadership. The Cardinal took the trouble of traveling to Albany several times because he felt so strongly about this. Ultimately the efforts paid off and an unprecedented child tax credit was voted in, benefiting Yeshiva parents as well. This came about primarily as a result of the strong coalition that existed between Jewish and Catholic school leaders. Imagine if we would have foolishly jeopardized that relationship back then!

    Let’s remember that respecting others is a basic tenet of our faith. We are not advocating for anyone to deviate from our traditions or our customs, merely to respect the beliefs of others. Let’s remember that words are very powerful and that actions often cause reactions. So let’s choose our words carefully, both publicly and privately. And let us hope that the Pope’s visit will help to usher in an era of peace and tranquility for the Jewish people around the world.

    Ezra Friedlander is the CEO of The Friedlander Group, a public policy and government relations firm based in New York City and Washington DC. He can be contacted at [email protected]


    Listen to the VINnews podcast on:

    iTunes | Spotify | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | Podbean | Amazon

    Follow VINnews for Breaking News Updates


    Connect with VINnews

    Join our WhatsApp group


    37 Comments
    Most Voted
    Newest Oldest
    Inline Feedbacks
    View all comments
    HolyMoe
    HolyMoe
    10 years ago

    OK, well said.

    But, I wonder, would the Jewish people be getting all this recognition had they not had their own state in their ancient homeland?

    Mr. Friedlander please take note of that fact.

    10 years ago

    Perhaps the Pontiff should have made a real gesture like EXCOMMUNICATING ADOLF HITLER FROM THE CATHOLIC CHURCH while the Pope was in Yad Vashem!

    BarryLS1
    BarryLS1
    10 years ago

    You’re correct in that it is only proper and common decency to show a reasonable amount of respect and certainly not be hostile. If the Pope truly wants to make begin to make amends, he should return the Kaylim and everything else they stole from us. Otherwise, it really only a propaganda scheme.

    MayerAlter
    MayerAlter
    10 years ago

    Yes a real friend, but whose friend? My friends know there is no state of palestine. My friends understand that the Israelis have spent billions on building a wall to keep terrorists away from slaying innocent people in their beds while they sleep, instead of spending that money on healthcare and education. That is why they don’t say their prayers there. Mr Friedlander give us a break. It was revolting to see this non believer standing in front of our Koissel, rendered judenrein in his honor, and to watch the Chief Rabbis having to sit with him as he shamelessly flaunted his chunky metal necklace. He was neither needed nor wanted in Eretz Yisroel.

    shvigger
    shvigger
    10 years ago

    Why am I nauseated by the sight of the pope surrounded by Jews? Did that Jewish gentleman then bend down to kiss the hand of the pope?

    aaronw
    aaronw
    10 years ago

    Thanks for this well written, intelligent piece.
    Too often, Jewish people say inflammatory things, not considering how it affects their fellow Jews who have significant interactions with non-Jews on a daily basis.
    Be it a Rabbi/politician in Brooklyn, a bunch of youngsters in the West Bank, or commenters on Jewish news sites, the results are the same.
    Putting aside the issue Chillul Hashem, when thoughtless comments are made by notable Jewish individuals, the onus is then put on others to explain how the person being quoted in the media isn’t accurately representing our beliefs or was taken out of context.
    Worse, inflammatory rhetoric helps fan the flames of Anti-Semitism and gives credence to beliefs about Jews hating non-Jews, etc.

    HankM
    HankM
    10 years ago

    Reply to 5. There’s such thing as derech shalom. This is a leader of one of the world’s major religions and he deserves respect. Or would you think it more practical to call him an idol worshipper to his face and tell him he is not welcomed here. That ought to start a nice holocaust. I understand your sentiment but I would advise you to think before you publish such hateful postings on a public forum

    Wise-Guy
    Wise-Guy
    10 years ago

    a) The Pope can’t return the Vessels and utensils from the Bais-Ha’Mikdash.
    They belong to the Vatican. Not to him.
    Just like the President can’t sell the White-house.

    b) The Kosel wasn’t made “Judenrein” in the Pope’s “HONOR”.
    It was purely for SECURITY reasons.

    It would have been a catastrophe if somebody, even 1 Meshugeneh, would have caused an incident like throwing a shoe (or shooting!).
    Jews worldwide could have suffered repercussions.

    c) The Kosel wasn’t made only “Judenrein”.
    It was also made “Tourist-rein” and “Protestant-rein”, and etc.

    d) Btw, Shlomo-Ha’Melech specifically prayed to Hashem that Hashem should also hearken the prayers of Gentiles that come to pray at this Holy place.
    It’s in the T’nach.

    e) It’s unbelievable how so many of my fellow Jews seem to forget that we are still in Galus, no matter where we live.
    They act as if Moshiach is already here and our Exile is over.

    hernor
    hernor
    10 years ago

    While I agree that we must act with respect there toward the Pope, the fact is that there was more chanfening than needed and it was nausciating. It was nausciating because of the narrow mindedness of people like you who believe that chanfening will alleviate anti-Semitism. That is not. Im Germany before the Holocaust and in different European cities the Jew were constantly trying to impress the non-Jews.And yes they had non-Jewish freinds and were considered accepted in society. And where did that get them?! If you look at history, Jews were big machers in royal courts ( the kings wanted them for their prowess in finacial issues) and yet they couldnt stop expulsions and progroms.

    I’m very sorry Ezra Freidlander but it is you who are naive regarding we being on the same page as the Catholics. Not everything is about shlepping more money from the gov., yes even for funding tuition. ( In fact chanfening to politicians to get more funding

    hernor
    hernor
    10 years ago

    Cont. from precious post.
    Trying to get funding for everything under the sun blinds people to vote not for moral standards, but for gov funding and for the disguting poloticians that support immorality that may effect our kids c”v in more devastating ways than not getting programs, i.e $, from the gov.
    Aren’t we supposed to be a light unto the nations?

    As for we being on the same page of Catholics, you are wrong. You are ignorant of their beliefs regarding the Jews. And they do believe what their scriptures state regarding the Jews. Maybe you should get educated about what they beleive about what will happen to the Jews. There is a reason we were persecuted by the Church when they had absolute power. And it’s silly to think they would stick up for us in a substantial way ( i.e. with actual help) if c”v we Jews would need it.

    Yes, I agree the Pope is not a ranting anti-Semite.

    Yes, we should be and act respectful.

    No we shouldn’t lick his boots (nor his hand).

    No we shouldn’t think salvation will come from him in time of need. THAT is being naive.

    ChareidiMan
    ChareidiMan
    10 years ago

    The Chassidic community would benefit so so much by having a writer, representative, leader that actually has a education or degree so they can represent us professionally. Just saying

    10 years ago

    Clearly a pope visit is special. Maybe it could help relations and you think it should. His anticipation of more problems by going to the security wall was negligent. Overall, it was nice to see him outreach, but his message was not atonement. So its not the biggest deal for me to see this guy go to Israel and play with our fortunes.

    TheDoctor
    TheDoctor
    10 years ago

    ill start listening to what ezra friedlander has to say when he starts supporting republicans who are actually the ones who support vouchers and repealing the blaine amendment not like democrats who just give lip service to the jewish community

    10 years ago

    The two of you (and any other supporters) should get real. This was an historic visit of the Pope, as he visited sites in EY, which the three previous Popes did not visit. He had to be shown proper Derech Eretz. It is better for the over one billion Catholics in the world, as well as others, to be on our side (after seeing the photos of the Pope), than to be antagonistic towards us. Secondly, you complained that the Kotel was “Judenrein”, when the Pope was there. For security reasons, nobody was allowed in that area, and not only Yidden. As it was, there were some ultra-Orthodox Jews, who yelled at the Pope in Yiddish, shouting that it was a shame that he was there. I saw that story in the I-24 Israeli news. I’m very grateful that the gentile news services did not report that incident. We have enough tsouris, without extremists on both sides, adding fuel to the fire!

    charliehall
    charliehall
    10 years ago

    “repealing the blaine amendment not like democrats “

    It was Democrats who tried to repeal the Blaine Amendment in 1967. Gov. Rockefeller only gave the effort lukewarm support and the rest of the Republican Party was completely opposed.

    I am a Democrat who wants to repeal the Blaine Amendment; I am unaware of any elected official in NY today, in any party, who is willing to try.

    charliehall
    charliehall
    10 years ago

    “As for Gentiles, as long as he or she also believes in the One true God as supreme, Jewish law says it’s acceptable.”

    As I pointed out before, this is a machloket. Rambam would not agree that Christianity is permissible for anyone.

    Buchwalter
    Buchwalter
    10 years ago

    This website is very tolerant and for this any nonsense is posted and probably read. Pope John 23rd while a cardinal in Bulgaria issued visas to save Jews and free of charge. Rudolf Kastner saved Jews!! as a delegate of the
    Sochnuth but for a lot of money. Pope Francis as a cardinal in Buenos Aires had an excellent relationship with the Jewish community and when the rav from Buenos Aires visited he served kosher food. The Neturei Karta on its website!!! states that all , all of Palestine belongs to the Palestinians and and state it is tragedy that Israel is existing for 66 years. Jews are badgering Germany for more assistance and armor. The Neturei Karta in Teheran wished the Iranian brocha v’hatzlocha and delivered silver. The Vandals ransacked Rome and none of you has [proof that the Vatican has keilim from the Bais Hamikdosh. I was in concentration camp my brother fled to Belgium and his son , my nephew A’H survived in a monastery, a
    Catholic monastery. Yes two Roman bishops manned the rat line in rome ,one named Hudal and the other Draganovic and helped escape Eichmann, Mengele and others. In 1935 Hjalamar Schacht obtained a loan from an American investment house.

    5TResident
    Noble Member
    5TResident
    10 years ago

    Since Vatican II, the Catholic Church has come a long way.

    Jonco
    Jonco
    10 years ago

    “But now we have a Pope who is visiting the State of Israel accompanied by an Orthodox Rabbi who has worked with him for decades.”

    AFAIK Rabbi Skorka is Conservative, not Orthodox. But yes, I agree this was a great visit.