Interfaith response to terroism is urged by President Rivlin

Israeli President Reuven Rivlin met with European Catholic leaders at his residence in Jerusalem, urging an interfaith response to terrorism and stressing Israel’s commitment to freedom of religion and worship. 

“On the evening of Rosh Hashanah, Alexander Levlovitz, a Jerusalemite, a family man, was murdered when terrorists threw rocks at his car, forcing him off the road,” Rivlin told the Catholic leaders. “This bloody attack shows us once again that terror is terror—whether with rocks, guns, or other weapons—and it shows us we must act firmly against all terrorism.”

Rivlin also condemned the recent vandalism against Christian sites in Israel and said the Israeli government “stood together” with the Christian community.

Cardinal Peter Erdo, president of the Council of the Bishops’ Conferences of Europe, said he “admired the dynamism and the modern vitality” of Israel and its people. 

“Mutual knowledge and understanding are what is most important for constructive dialogue between people of different cultures and religions. … It is important that in all our countries [we] form a realistic and empathetic view of the history of the Jewish People and Israel,” Erdo said.