Synagogue invites Catholic Sister to speak on refugees

Rabbi Yehiel Grenimann, an activist in Rabbis for Human Rights, and author of a recent book "Far away from where", invited Sister Azezet, A Comboni Sister, originally from Eritrea and resident in Jerusalem, to speak at the Yedidya synagogue in Talpiot Jerusalem on the plight of refugees from Africa.

In her sharing with those present, Sister Azezet recalled that we are all "pilgrims on this earth", calling for compassion and solidarity with those brothers and sisters who we meet on our way. She shared stories from the life of the Africans (particularly Eritreans) who cross the Sinai Peninsula from Egypt. Often kidnapped, held for ransom, abused, raped and sometimes even murdered, these victims of gratuitous violence reach Israel often suffering from profound trauma. Sister Azezet collaborates fully with the various Israeli and international NGOs who seek to serve the population of around 35 000 asylum seekers in Israel (predominantly Africans, from Eritrea and Sudan).

Those present in the synagogue participated actively in the discussion, asking many questions and meditating on ways to welcome these suffering brothers and sisters into our midst.