JCRC Extends Its Condolences On The Passing Of Pope John Paul II
(April 2, Boston) The Jewish Community Relations Council, the public affairs arm of the Greater Boston Jewish Community today released a statement offering condolences to the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Boston and its faithful upon the passing of Pope John Paul II. JCRC President Susan A. Calechman and Executive Director Nancy K. Kaufman issued the following statement:
"Pope John Paul II was a towering figure representing righteousness, spirituality and humanity. His spirit and his legacy are a testament to his dedication to making the world better through the healing of injustices and past misunderstandings. The Pope was a tireless advocate for opening an honest dialogue between communities, and under his guidance, the Catholic and Jewish communities enjoyed a fruitful, harmonious and productive relationship.
On behalf of our community we extend our deepest sympathies to his faithful on the passing of Pope John Paul II.
During his papacy, Pope John Paul II led our communities to historic deep and meaningful spiritual closeness. The Pope spoke of a special and sacred relationship between Catholics and Jews and made far-reaching, and critically important statements addressing the Holocaust, stating that anti-Semitism is a sin against God, and affirming the right of the Jewish people to a homeland in Israel.
As the first Pope in centuries to visit a synagogue and as the first Pope to visit Israel, he holds a special place in the hearts of the Jewish Community. We will forever remember his moving prayer at the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem in which he stated, "We wish to commit ourselves to genuine brotherhood with the people of the Covenant." Pope John Paul II stood for the dignity of humanity and was profoundly committed to alleviating the suffering of all humankind. We remain deeply grateful for his humanism and his vision. May his memory be a blessing to his flock and all those who, in his model, strive for peace and reconciliation."
