World Jewish News

US Jews Impressed By Russian Experience Of Inter-Religious Cooperation

The delegation of the American Jewish Congress-Council for World Jewry, currently in Russia, and its leader Jack Rosen met with chairman of the spiritual department of European Russia's Moslems, Mufti Sheikh Ravil Gainutdin. Chief Rabbi of Russia Berel Lazar and President of the Federation of CIS Jewish Communities Lev Leviev also attended the meeting.
Yesterday the American Jewish Congress-Council for World Jewry and the Federation of CIS Jewish Communities signed a memorandum on cooperation. Moreover, the members of the US delegation met with Russian Culture and Mass Communications Minister Alexander Sokolov.
During the talks with Mufti Gainutdin the US delegation was especially interested in the experience of cooperation between Moslems and Jews accumulated in multi-confessional Russia. According to Jack Rosen, this experience is unique in modern history. Representatives of different religions have lived together for centuries and people's wisdom helped them work our various forms of cooperation, Mr. Rosen said. During the Soviet times when religion was being attacked all believers had to defend their interests which contributed to the creation of the atmosphere of mutual trust, Mr. Rosen noted. Representatives of the Federation confirmed his words.
Chief Rabbi of Russia Berel Lazar and Lev Leviev proposed that Jack Rosen invite Mufti Gainutdin to the United States to present a sample of moderate and constructive Islam denying extremism and living in peace with representatives of other nations and religions.
The sides also discussed the situation in the Middle East. According to Mufti Gainutdin, Russian Moslems support Israel's right to peaceful and safe existence and condemn terrorism.
The meeting was also attended by the US delegation Mr. Phil Baum Executive Director of the American Jewish congress, Mr. David Twersky Director of the Council for world Jewry and FJC executive Director Avraham Berkowitz.

Источник: http://www.fjc.ru/news/newsArticle.asp?AID=264946