Jerusalem, 24 December 2001
Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's Greetings to the Christian Communities for the Holiday Season
(Communicated by the Prime Minister's Media Adviser)
On behalf of the Government of Israel, I extend warm greetings to
the people of the Christian faith in Israel and worldwide at this
holiday season.
In the spirit of our Declaration of Independence and as a
democratic nation, the State of Israel has always championed
religious freedom and guaranteed free access to its holy sites
for members of all religions. The State of Israel always has -
and always will - adhere to these principles.
The Government of Israel welcomes all those who have come here to
celebrate Christmas. As the 4000 year-old People of the Book who
have again returned to their homeland, we recognize the sanctity
of this land to members of other religions, and will do
everything in our power to ensure freedom of worship for all
visitors to Israel.
During this festive season, symbolizing the yearning of the
Christian world for peace, we hope that the new year will bring
the victory of light and freedom, over the forces of darkness and
terror, which threaten the free world today.
From Jerusalem, the eternal and united capital of the Jewish
people, the city of peace, I pray that the coming year will be
one of peace, prosperity and security for all nations the world
over.