Israel's President Reaffirms the Nation's Commitment to Defend Christians

Zach Spyzer : Apr 20, 2015
Breaking Israel News

"There is a great threat to the Christian communities in the Middle East. Yet there is an embarrassed silence about Christians being crucified, beheaded, stoned and shot in country after country." -Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Fouad Twal

(Israel)—Israeli President Reuven Rivlin met [last] Tuesday morning with Christian leaders, including Patriarch Theophilos III, in the Old City of Jerusalem. (Photo via Breaking Israel News/Youtube)

The meeting was organized to mark the Easter holiday, and was the first held by a sitting Israeli President at the site in 30 years.

Rivlin used the opportunity to reaffirm his commitment to defend and promote equality and religious freedom: "For me, attacks on your holy places is as damaging as those onto our holy places, and it shouldn't happen," he stated.

"The State of Israel is committed to protecting the freedom of each and every one of the different religions—we will not allow abuse because of religion, and if such harm does occur, law enforcement will take care of it immediately."

Greek Patriarch Theophilos III welcomed the President, saying "We are grateful for your visit during this season when the Christian community is celebrating the festival of Pascha (Easter)."

"The close relationship between Passover (Pesach) and Easter (Pascha) is an important reminder to us all, of the deep bonds that unite the children of Abraham. Jews, Christians, and Muslims have lived here side by side for centuries, always seeking mutual understanding, for the mutual well-being in our region," he said.

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