Building bridges for Jews and Muslims
Rome (AsiaNews) The new Custos of the Holy Land, Franciscan Fr. Pierbattista Pizzaballa, says having the courage to hold no grudges, to forgive and reconcile with others is the only way to break the vicious circle of hatred and revenge that has bloodied the region for years now. This means both speaking and listening and thus acting as bridges of communication. It means serving as interlocutors between Palestine and Israel in fostering inter-religious dialog in way which combines prophecy with politics.
These were just some of the topics of discussion in our interview with Fr. Pizzaballa. During the interview, the new Custos also talks about his willingness to help erase Israel's image as a mere military entity in favor one of a civil society which is sensitive to other religions.
Fr. Pizzaballa also says that he hopes to help change Islam's reputation as well, in dispelling the common association of the Muslim faith as a hotbed for terrorism.
What have been your first impressions since being appointed Custos?
There is a lot of work to do. The situation in the Holy Land is not simple, but I have plenty of faith. My fellow brethren in the order have all expressed their sympathy and support. I trust that I will go forward with this necessary task.
How do you see the Franciscans' mission in the Holy Land?
It is a mission characterized by reconciliation and building bridges. For Franciscans in the Holy Land, our mission for the future is like that of its very starting point when St. Francis met with the Sultan (Melek-al-Kamil in 1219: see today's profile). Our mission, in addition to taking care of holy sites and breathing life into the spirit of the Christian community here, is also that of being a point of reference and example of reconciliation.
(This mission applies) to all of us, being part of an international community. It's not easy for an American to live along side a Palestinian. This happens even in our own homes.
Another aspect is fostering a climate of reconciliation in the very communities in which we live. I completely agree with the (pope's) World Day of Peace message in 2002, when he said, "There is no peace without justice and no justice without forgiveness."
When living in the Holy Land, among Israelis and Palestinians, you realize that there is vicious circle of violence of claims, revenge and retaliations going on. The only solution is found in putting your anger to the side, forgiving and reconciling (with your wrongdoers). You just have to look forward and not wrap yourself up in sorrow and pain.
How is this all put into practice? Franciscans are particularly tied to the Holy Land Christian community, yet this region is mostly populated by Muslim Palestinians
It is true that our history is linked to the Arab world. Yet we are also an international community. And there are many holy sites in Galilee, in Israeli territory.
There are Franciscans working in Israeli society, especially in cultural endeavors. For example, in Jaffa, a community of Franciscans receives visits from both Israelis and Arabs.
At the Convent of Sts. Simeon and Anne, in addition to being responsible for relations with Jerusalem's Jewish community, I developed rapports with various institutions. I went to explain Christianity universities and schools, when acting as tourist a guide and even (teaching) at a military academy.
Why teach Christianity at Israeli miltary academies?
Military service in Israel lasts 3 years. During this period soldiers do not just fire weapons, as people think in Italy. They must also study all the realities of their country. Before going to visit churches and holy sites, they desperately look for Christians who can explain Christianity to them in Hebrew. Then there are groups in the military who do continuing education course and seek Christian experts in the field of ethics.
In the West Israel is popularly seen as a nation that kills and destroys. Is this true?
Israel is not just an entity defined by armies or war or tanks besieging refugee camps. Israel is also a civil society, with problems just like any other. Yet is also a lively and rich one, from a cultural perspective.
We have the duty to be in contact with them (Israelis). Our internationality puts in a position to sympathize with other cultures, not just Arab ones.
Do you think you will be to get Israelis and Palestinians to talk to one another, despite being at war for nearly 100 years?
As religious we must stay out of politics. Politicians must concretize that which religious say in prophetic ways.
We must work especially hard at inter-religious dialog. Indeed, one cannot make distinctions between religions and society in Israel and the Holy Land. Yet we must limit ourselves to act within inter-religious, educational and cultural fields when arousing public opinion. And, wherever possible, we can inspire politicians to meet with each other.
The West views the Holy Land as blessed region, but also as a nucleus of many of the world's problems Is it correct to say it is also a bridge to the Arab world?
The Israeli-Palestinian war is not a nucleus for all the world's evils. What is happening in the Holy Land is the result of many conflicts existing in the world.
Nowadays there is much talk about (links between) Islam and terrorism. It is because of this very bias, brought on by fear and ignorance, that the only constructive position is still that of St. Francis.
During the height of the Crusades, when the Sultan was (Christianity's) number one enemy, St. Francis went out to speak to him -risking his very own life. This is difficult, since speaking also means listening and trying to understand the other person.
All this requires a lot of time. Yet it is the only way. There is no other alternative.
Have you received congratulatory messages from Israeli and Palestinian politicians?
Yes. I have received congratulations from politicians of both sides.
You have vast experience with Hebrew-speaking Catholics. These Catholics do not have an easy life in Israeli society just as they don't in Christian-Palestinian society. Do you think a mission of reconciliation is in order for them, too?
I believe this is still impossible. These are communities which are very small and too young from an ecclesial perspective.
Only now, since the bishop's nomination* they are gaining some sort of structure. Of course, they are important as future interlocutors. Even the Church considers a community in the Hebrew tradition to be fundamental.
Why is it important to have Catholic community of Jewish tradition and language?
From an historical and theological point of view, I believe it is important because the very first Christians were composed of faithful from Jewish families and heritage.
As time passed the Church lost this sensitivity toward the very Jewish society from which we originate. Having people with Jewish mindsets, just like Jesus had, is very important in the Church. This so when theologically understanding the bible.
One year ago, I read the New Testament together with a group of Jewish clergy. It was fantastic. They found a parallel to rabbinic literature in almost passage. You could understand quite well the context in which Jesus spoke.
You said that Holy Land Franciscans have so far worried too much about helping Christians build homes, find work perhaps in the tourism industry. Are these days over for this type of assistance?
My pastoral experience has been spent more with the Jewish community that with Palestinians. However, my impression that there is too much concern about barriers in the Holy Land rather than the need to evangelize, educate and evangelize again -which is very difficult.
We have given much importance to places and buildings and this is very important but life is not just about homes and work. People live for future prospects and hopes as well. Life needs meaning and not just physical points of reference.
Education is used to create a future, too. And yet people are fleeing and emigrating (from the region).
People are not just leaving because of the war. There has always been tension in the Holy Land, even if there is more today than ever. We need to help people understant that being in the Holy is a mission in itself.
You are a senior official who can speak in Hebrew to Israeli politicians. What do you say when meeting with them?
I speak to them about all our problems. But especially about those concerning visas for religious, which is the most urgent matter to resolve. Then there those which have been left idle since the Israeli-Vatican commission has ceased talks, which I learned would be taken up again next month.
They (Israeli authorities) must still take up fiscal issues concerning the church's lawful existence and so forth. Sooner or later this will be cleared up.
These days Cardinal Kasper is in Jerusalem meeting with religious and political heads. What relation is there to his work and yours?
This is not the first time Cardinal Kasper has visited the Holy Land. He comes frequently and his trips are received with great interest. These first meetings of his are encouraging for us who work with Muslims, Jews and Christians of the region. Sometimes one feels all alone in Jerusalem.
What can the world and Christians do for the Holy Land?
They should do in the world what we do in the Holy Land: work for peace and reciprocal understanding while overcoming their fears
On a wider level of relations (between nations) we must point out two things: we mustn't stop at our current problems and conflicts. We must not allow conflict to define our history.
In order to do so, we must have hope and certainty. I am a Christian and I believe in Christ who rose from the dead. This is my certainty and the foundation for my faith.
*Fr. Pizzaballa did not say which bishop he was referring to.
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24/06/2016 13:47
11/07/2017 20:03
