Benedict XVI reaffirmed the Church’s support for Nostra Aetate, the declaration published by the Second Vatican Council which outlines dialogue between Catholics and Jews.

He did this during an audience with a group of Jewish leaders from the Chief Rabbinate of Israel in preparation for his upcoming trip to the Holy Land. 

BENEDICT XVI 
The Church recognizes that the beginnings of her faith are found in the historical divine intervention in the life of the Jewish people and that here our unique relationship has its foundation.

Jewish leaders praised the Vatican’s response to the controversy over Bishop Richard Williamson that strained Jewish-Catholic relations.  They considered the matter resolved. 

Rabbi Shear Yashuv Cohen
Chief Rabbi of Haifa (Israel)  
I must say that we couldn’t expect a stronger commitment to continue dialogue and warm friendship between the Jewish people and Judaism and Christianity, and a pleasant and warm atmosphere that we had this morning in the audience.  It was not just another meeting, it was really a turning point that starts again the relationship. 

Rabbi Cohen also said that the episode gave the Holy See an opportunity to strengthen its position against anti-Semitism and the Holocaust.  He also recommended to the Pope that the Church include teaching about the Holocaust and anti-Semitism in Catholic schools.  

Rabbi Shear Yashuv Cohen
Chief Rabbi of Haifa (Israel)  
That policy should be a main subject of teaching and understanding, which I believe is going to happen. 

The members of the delegation all said they were looking forward to the Benedict XVI’s upcoming trip to the Holy Land, and that he would be warmly received during his visit. 

DDS