Top Catholic cleric in Palermo honored for returning ancient synagogue land to Jews – The Jerusalem Post
Posted By richards on June 29, 2017
PALERMO This is the first step on a long path, Archbishop of Palermo Corrado Lorefice said Thursday upon receiving the Raoul Wallenberg Medal for having transferred to the Jewish community a churchowned facility built atop the ruins of the Great Synagogue of Palermo.
Addressing the audience at a celebratory event at his residence, Lorefice was moved to tears as a he delivered a heartfelt speech.
This is the first step on long path that we are called to together, to reach God on the day when all the people will be together in paradise, he said.
He described the medal as a sign of friendship that warms my heart, and warms the heart of all the Christians of Palermo, and particularly this archdiocese.
In the audience were representatives of the Christian, Jewish and Muslim faiths, their presence underscoring an emphasis placed throughout the event on the importance of interfaith relations among all communities.
This is an opportunity to strengthen the relationship between the Christian and Jewish communities, Lorefice told The Jerusalem Post, hailing the moment as the fruits of a long friendship. He added that it would not only enrich both communities, but also serve as an example to society at large.
Lorefice noted that it was important to rediscover the beauty of the roots of our identity because people must remember where they come from in order to understand who they are.
If Christianity doesnt remember that it was born out of the Jewish faith, then it doesnt understand who it is, he said, adding that recognition of the Christian community by the Jews was equally important.
Palermo is a place that welcomes everyone, he said, reiterating another message that was drummed home throughout the event.
The transfer of the building was requested by the Sicilian Institute of Jewish Studies in conjunction with the Jerusalem- based nonprofit Shavei Israel, which is active around the world in communities of bnei anusim, the descendants of Jews who were forcibly converted to Christianity centuries ago.
Rabbi Pinhas Punturello, Shavei Israels emissary to Sicily, serves as spiritual leader for the islands tiny Jewish community and will be the primary operator of the synagogue. He has been active in helping to revive the once-thriving community.
For several years, members of the Jewish community had been discussing with the mayor the idea of reviving the old synagogue, but the issue did not appear to be progressing. Last year, Sicilian Institute of Jewish Studies president Evelyn Aouate and other members of the institute approached Lorefice.
Twenty days later, the archbishop called Aouate with a positive response.
Speaking on behalf of the Union of Italian Jewish Communities, its vice president, Giulio DiSegni, expressed the organizations deepest gratitude to those who opened a new perspective for Jewish life in Sicily, specifically mentioning Lorefice and the archdiocese.
Taking a look back to the past, we know that Sicily has an extremely important Jewish history, he said.
After sacking Jerusalem, the Romans deported over 30,000 Jews to the island. During the Middle Ages, about 50 towns and cities in Sicily had their Jewish quarter, or giudecca.
Under Norman rule, Jewish communities flourished all over the island, greatly contributing to Sicilys cultural and economic development, [coming] to probably constitute onetenth of the islands population, he said.
He went on to speak of how this part of the islands history was abruptly cut off, with the expulsions and forcible conversions of Jews during the Spanish Inquisition.
The date chosen for the official handover of the facility this year was January 12, the same date as the deadline in 1493 for the expulsion of Jews from the island by order of Queen Isabella I of Castile and King Ferdinand of Aragon.
After about four centuries of forced removal, oblivion, silence and fear, DiSegni continued, a representative of the Church is doing an exemplary action, a concrete and sincere move to heal this centuries-old wound. This is exactly the kind of action that constitutes a sincere and pure step of reconciliation between Judaism and Christianity. Sicilian Jews will have their place once again. It may sound simple, even obvious, but its actually extremely important, even revolutionary.
He added: Our hope is that this generous and brotherly gesture will be a new beginning, that the future new synagogue of Palermo will be able to become a center of Jewish life.
The synagogue is currently undergoing refurbishment and is expected to become active next year.
The Raoul Wallenberg Foundation is generally seen as highlighting the efforts of those who save innocent people. But Guillermo Bruschtein, vice president of the foundation, noted that this also includes those who rescue cultural, ethnic and religious symbols.
Aouate said: I think this is the only case in the world like this. She added that it was justice like Wallenberg, referring to the wartime Swedish diplomat who saved tens of thousands of Jews in Nazi-occupied Hungary with special passports before disappearing into Soviet captivity.
While expressing hope that the community, which currently numbers only several dozen, will grow, she said that the synagogue would be a point of reference for all Jews who pass through.
I hope that there will always be a minyan, added Aouate, who currently hosts prayer services in her home.
The writer was hosted by the Raoul Wallenberg Foundation.
Share on facebook
Originally posted here:
- Soho Rep. Gala Evacuated After Building's Support Beam Cracks [Last Updated On: April 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 1st, 2014]
- Synagogue textile stolen by Nazis returns to Czech Republic after it was discovered in US [Last Updated On: April 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 1st, 2014]
- Synagogue seeks court sanctions against Jewish groups [Last Updated On: April 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 1st, 2014]
- Synagogues, Shuls & Temples - Home | Jewish Virtual Library [Last Updated On: April 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 1st, 2014]
- Hundreds flee historic synagogue after column cracks [Last Updated On: April 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 1st, 2014]
- 2014 03 29 Islam Is A Joke - Video [Last Updated On: April 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 1st, 2014]
- Jewish Rabbi Against Anti-Muslim Preaching in Synagogue - Video [Last Updated On: April 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 1st, 2014]
- Man brutally beaten by NYPD for sleeping on a couch in a synagogue - Video [Last Updated On: April 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 1st, 2014]
- Gospel of Jesus Shared in Israel Synagogue! - Video [Last Updated On: April 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 1st, 2014]
- synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie - Video [Last Updated On: April 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 1st, 2014]
- Cops Beat Man Asleep in Synagogue - Video [Last Updated On: April 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 1st, 2014]
- A Rabbi, A Synagogue in Israel, & THE GOSPEL! - Video [Last Updated On: April 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 1st, 2014]
- Fouilles la Synagogue de Thann - Video [Last Updated On: April 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 1st, 2014]
- No 6 La Synagogue de Capernaum - Video [Last Updated On: April 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 1st, 2014]
- Purim Spiel @ Beit Shofarot Messianic Synagogue 2014 - Video [Last Updated On: April 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 1st, 2014]
- TRIBECA SYNAGOGUE GALLERY - Lisa M Zilker - Video [Last Updated On: April 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 1st, 2014]
- Russian Protestants sings so beautifully in the synagogue at Masada, Israel - Video [Last Updated On: April 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 1st, 2014]
- Synagogue of jerusalem the law walter veith - Video [Last Updated On: April 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 1st, 2014]
- DOB: Former Synagogue Forced to Evacuate Monday Will Remain Vacant for Now [Last Updated On: April 2nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 2nd, 2014]
- Church restores Cape Girardeau synagogue after years of abandonment [Last Updated On: April 2nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 2nd, 2014]
- Synagogue Sponsors Smashing Walnuts Walk-A-Thon Sunday [Last Updated On: April 2nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 2nd, 2014]
- Cantor Haim Ischakis sings Psalm 130 in the Synagogue of Ioannina, Greece - Video [Last Updated On: April 2nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 2nd, 2014]
- Myanmar's last synagogue becomes a top tourist attraction - Video [Last Updated On: April 2nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 2nd, 2014]
- Cantor Haim Ischakis sings Psalm 14 in the Synagogue of Ioannina, Greece - Video [Last Updated On: April 2nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 2nd, 2014]
- Cantor Haim Ischakis sings Psalm 121 in the Synagogue of Ioannina, Greece - Video [Last Updated On: April 2nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 2nd, 2014]
- Dohony Synagogue Tour Guide Budapest Hungray - Video [Last Updated On: April 2nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 2nd, 2014]
- Dohony Synagogue Tour Guide Budapest Hungary - Video [Last Updated On: April 2nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 2nd, 2014]
- Who is the Synagogue of Satan??? - Video [Last Updated On: April 2nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 2nd, 2014]
- A Rabbi, A Synagogue in Israel & THE GOSPEL! - Video [Last Updated On: April 2nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 2nd, 2014]
- Brooklyn's Congregation Beth Elohim Lays Off 12 Amid Fiscal Crisis [Last Updated On: April 3rd, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 3rd, 2014]
- Mosque, synagogue partner for Inn From the Cold community meal [Last Updated On: April 3rd, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 3rd, 2014]
- Cantor Haim Ischakis sings Psalm 83 in the Synagogue of Ioannina, Greece - Video [Last Updated On: April 3rd, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 3rd, 2014]
- Rabbi Yoshiyahu Pinto's New York Synagogue Faces Foreclosure [Last Updated On: April 3rd, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 3rd, 2014]
- Derek Korff-Korn, You Raise Me Up, Park East Synagogue Part 2 - Video [Last Updated On: April 3rd, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 3rd, 2014]
- The Mosaic Zodiac of Zippori Synagogue - Galilee Israel - Video [Last Updated On: April 3rd, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 3rd, 2014]
- Bloomfield Synagogue Welcomes Hungry To Seder Meal [Last Updated On: April 5th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 5th, 2014]
- Elizabeth and Paul's Ezra Bessaroth Synagogue Wedding - Video [Last Updated On: April 5th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 5th, 2014]
- pt2 Who is the Synagogue of Satan??? - Video [Last Updated On: April 5th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 5th, 2014]
- mosque and synagogue side by side in paramaribo- surinam - Video [Last Updated On: April 5th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 5th, 2014]
- CONCERT REVIEW: The Internet at Sixth & I Historic Synagogue - Video [Last Updated On: April 6th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 6th, 2014]
- Derek Korff-Korn, You Raise Me Up Part 1, Park East Synagogue Dinner Kick Off Party - Video [Last Updated On: April 6th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 6th, 2014]
- Rabbis Issue United Call To Establish Synagogue On Temple Mount! - Video [Last Updated On: April 7th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 7th, 2014]
- La Jolla synagogue exec guilty of fraud [Last Updated On: April 8th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 8th, 2014]
- Radlett synagogue given defibrillator by bridge club donations [Last Updated On: April 8th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 8th, 2014]
- Shul shopping for a Tampa synagogue? [Last Updated On: April 8th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 8th, 2014]
- Anti-Semitic Salute: French court convicts Moroccan for quenelle salute outside synagogue - Video [Last Updated On: April 8th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 8th, 2014]
- How to Say or Pronounce Synagogue - Video [Last Updated On: April 8th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 8th, 2014]
- Jewish congregation keeps century-old schoolhouse alive [Last Updated On: April 9th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 9th, 2014]
- Ex-synagogue leader faces 20 years for embezzlement [Last Updated On: April 9th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 9th, 2014]
- Neighbors: Northbrook synagogue violates city code [Last Updated On: April 9th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 9th, 2014]
- Ex-synagogue head admits to embezzlement [Last Updated On: April 9th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 9th, 2014]
- Former official at La Jolla synagogue admits theft [Last Updated On: April 9th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 9th, 2014]
- Jesus in Nazareth synagogue - Video [Last Updated On: April 9th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 9th, 2014]
- New archaeological excavations below the Ohel Yitzchak Synagogue (Muslim Quarter, Jerusalem) - Video [Last Updated On: April 9th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 9th, 2014]
- Judge rules synagogue services can be held in North Dallas home [Last Updated On: April 10th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 10th, 2014]
- pt3 Who is The Synagogue of Satan? & It's Covered By Witchcraft!!! - Video [Last Updated On: April 10th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 10th, 2014]
- AJN TV: Orphaned Land: 'A big synagogue of rock and roll' - Video [Last Updated On: April 11th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 11th, 2014]
- Conflict in the Synagogue // - Video [Last Updated On: April 12th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 12th, 2014]
- Synagogue a spiritual respite on St. Thomas [Last Updated On: April 14th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 14th, 2014]
- More from the Synagogue. - Video [Last Updated On: April 14th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 14th, 2014]
- The Way of Yah Synagogue: Bro Brandon Impromptu performance - Video [Last Updated On: April 14th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 14th, 2014]
- Synagogue lawsuit - Video [Last Updated On: April 14th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 14th, 2014]
- Jewish Wedding at Western Marble Arch Synagogue & Renaissance St Pancras | Bloomsbury Films - Video [Last Updated On: April 14th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 14th, 2014]
- Passover brings hope and renewal [Last Updated On: April 16th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 16th, 2014]
- Central Synagogue - Pesach: Go Down Moses - Friday, April 11th, 2014 - Video [Last Updated On: April 16th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 16th, 2014]
- Judge Rules Synagogue Services Can Be Held In Dallas Home - Video [Last Updated On: April 16th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 16th, 2014]
- La Grande Synagogue de Budapest - Hongrie - Video [Last Updated On: April 16th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 16th, 2014]
- Man pleads guilty to shooting at Salt Lake City synagog [Last Updated On: April 17th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 17th, 2014]
- Salt Lake man pleads guilty to 2012 attack on synagogue [Last Updated On: April 17th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 17th, 2014]
- The Way of Yah Synagogue: Bro Duval performs "Yah you are my Nutrition". - Video [Last Updated On: April 17th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 17th, 2014]
- Rabbi Shlomo Riskin - Shabat HaGadol Drasha - Jerusalem Great Synagogue April 12 2014 - Video [Last Updated On: April 17th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 17th, 2014]
- Join Us for Earth Day 2014: Learning to "Green" Your Synagogue - Video [Last Updated On: April 18th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 18th, 2014]
- A Whole Heart: Living in the New Testament Synagogue - Video [Last Updated On: April 18th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 18th, 2014]
- Church and synagogue share sacred traditions [Last Updated On: April 21st, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 21st, 2014]
- Keneseth Eli Yahoo Synagogue, Mumbai, India - Video [Last Updated On: April 21st, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 21st, 2014]
- Ukrainian synagogue firebombed [Last Updated On: April 21st, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 21st, 2014]
- 2014 04 18 F.U.B Concubine of Bethlehem-judah Parallels With Yeshua - Video [Last Updated On: April 22nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 22nd, 2014]
- 2014 04 17 F.U.B The Greater Light Rules The Day - Video [Last Updated On: April 22nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 22nd, 2014]
- 2014 04 17 F.U.B The Lamb Is The Light Thereof - Video [Last Updated On: April 22nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 22nd, 2014]
- Tampa Conservative synagogue Mekor Shalom celebrates move to new space [Last Updated On: April 23rd, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 23rd, 2014]
Comments