First Middle East Interfaith Summit with the Leaders of the Three Monotheistic Faiths

(Communicated by the Foreign Ministry Spokesperson)
January 20, 2002

An Israeli religious delegation headed by Sephardi Chief Rabbi Bakshi-Doron will depart today (January 20) for Alexandria, to participate in an Interfaith Summit with the leaders of the three monotheistic faiths.

The Summit, the first of its kind in the Middle East, is taking place on the initiative of the Deputy Foreign Minister, Rabbi Michael Melchior, and in cooperation with the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. George Carey (the head of the Anglican Church).

Prime Minister Sharon, PA Chairman Arafat, President Mubarak of Egypt and British Prime Minister Blair have welcomed this dramatic event. In addition, the President of Israel, Moshe Katzav, has sent a special blessing, on the occasion of the Summit. The regional leaders of the three monotheistic faiths will be attending the special meeting: The Sephardi Chief Rabbi Bakshi-Doron, Rabbi Melchior, Rabbi David Rosen, Rabbi Froman, Rabbi Brodman, Sheikh Mohammed Sayed Tantawi (the Grand Sheikh of Al-Azhar), Sheikh Taisir Tamimi (Chief Justice of the Sharia Courts in the Palestinian Authority), Sheikh Tal El Sider (Minister of State for the PA and one of the highest religious authorities in the PA) and the heads of the Churches in the region, headed by the Latin Patriarch - His Beatitude Michel Sabbah.

The Summit will last three days, and will conclude with a closing ceremony and a press conference, that will take place in Alexandria. On Tuesday morning, President Mubarak will receive members of the delegations at the Presidential Palace in Cairo.