Letter: Pope John Paul II was transforming friend of Jews

Friday, April 8, 2005 | 9:03 a.m.

The Jewish Federation of Las Vegas/United Jewish Community joins with our fellow citizens in expressing our condolences to the Roman Catholic Church upon the passing of Pope John Paul II.

The pope was a courageous individual who championed human rights and dignity for all people. He dedicated his life to creating a more harmonious world and he will be greatly missed.

Throughout his papacy, Pope John Paul II cultivated a special relationship between Catholics and Jews. He was instrumental in transforming the church's teachings about Jews, by recognizing that the Jewish religious heritage was intrinsic to Christianity.

His legacy includes being the first pope to visit a synagogue. He was also the first pope to recognize the state of Israel as an affirmation of the Jewish people's right to a homeland. We will always remember his trip to the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem, where he spoke of the unique brotherhood between Catholics and Jews.

Throughout his service, this revered pope addressed the issues of the Holocaust and anti-Semitism, confirming his beliefs that these were sins of inhumanity. He also shared a common goal with the Jewish community in dispelling communist rule. His efforts were thus critical in bringing religious freedom to millions of people.

We will miss his friendship. Let us continue his work.

MEYER L. BODOFF

Editor's note: The writer is president and chief executive officer of the Jewish Federation of Las Vegas/United Jewish Community.