From Rabbi Shear Yashuv Cohen to Patriarch Twal

Rabbi Shear Yashuv Cohen
Chief Rabbi-Haifa

February 25, 2009

His Beatitude Fouad Twal
Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem
P.O. Box 14152
Jerusalem, 91141

Dear and Esteemed Friend,

The press release from the "Assembly of the Catholic Bishops in the Holy Land" dated February 18, 2009 has just reached me. I join you in deploring and condemning the attacks on your religion and faith! We are shocked by the report that a comedian actor in a play that should have never been allowed to be broadcasted on Channel 10 of the Israeli Television has allowed itself to mock the holiest figures of The Christian Belief.

We are deeply sorry that such an event could have happened here and condone it. It should be made very clear that we in The Chief Rabbinate as well all responsible authorities of our Nation here as well as all the heads of IBA deplore this outrageous act and would have prevented it from happening had they know that it is going to transpire. Indeed, this vicious play does not represent at all the vast majority of the Jewish people here and abroad. We will make every effort and promise to make sure it should never happen again.

We would deeply appreciate your relating our dismay and protest to all the members of your Assembly as well as your congregants and believers here in the Holy Land and abroad.

With kindest personal regards and esteem,
Chief Rabbi Shear-Yashuv Cohen
Co-Chairman of the Bilateral Committee of the
Chief Rabbinate of Israel and the Holy See