The historian’s comments follow the Feb. 3 attack on Dormition Abbey abbot Father Nikodemus Schnabel and an increase in attacks by Orthodox and nationalist Jews in Jerusalem against Christians.
Following the spitting attack On a Feb. 3 Benedictine abbot in Jerusalem, a Jewish historian called such incidents reprehensible and called for an end to hatred.
“Especially in Jerusalem, Orthodox activists consider themselves exemplary Jews when they spit on or even beat Christians or Muslims,” Michael Wolffsohn wrote in the daily. Judische Allgemeinea Jewish weekly published in Berlin on February 8.
“These Orthodox Jews immerse themselves in Torah, Talmud and tradition for hours, day after day, but elementary Judaism is obviously not part of their curriculum,” noted Wolffsohn, an Israeli-born German historian and former professor at the University of Jerusalem. University of German Armed Forces.
“We Jews have rightly complained about hatred toward Jews for thousands of years. Hatred by Jews against Christians or Muslims is equally reprehensible,” he said.
“I always pray for the perpetrators”
The historian’s comments follow the February 3 attack against the abbot of the Dormition AbbeyFather Nikodemus Schnabel and a increase reported in the attacks by Orthodox and nationalist Jews in Jerusalem against Christians.
“Normally I am used to people spitting on me. It is a very daily experience, especially at Mount Zion (where the monastery is located),” explains Father Schnabel. told CNA a few days after the incident.
“I have no hatred,” said the German monk. “I prayed for the two guys who harassed me, as I always pray for attackers. It is the DNA of my being as a Christian.
The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem condemned the “unjustified and shameful attack” against the abbot in a statement on.
“The prosecution of such hate crimes is an important tool of deterrence and to strengthen the sense of security of the Christian clergy in the Holy Land, particularly in Jerusalem,” the text states.
Concern for communities and pilgrims
Patriarchs and heads of Jerusalem churches expressed solidarity in letter to Benedictine abbot published on February 10 on X.
The letter said: “We are aware that this is not the first assault of this type that you have faced, but your incidental recording of this assault has revealed to the world the reprehensible behavior that you and many of our leaders and parishioners have engaged in. had to endure over the past few years. years, especially recently.
The patriarchs also wrote that they prayed that “legal action against the perpetrators will not only serve to highlight the unacceptable nature of these attacks, but also lead to constructive dialogue between our interfaith communities, facilitating the promotion of mutual respect, peace and goodwill. between all those who live in the Holy City as well as with those who come here on pilgrimage.
