FM PERES' REMARKS IN KNESSET
(Communicated by Foreign Ministry Spokesman)
The following are remarks made by Foreign Minister Shimon Peres in the
Knesset on Sept. 7, 1993:
Israel has always highlighted the religious importance and significance of
Jerusalem to members of the monotheistic faiths. Israel will continue to
respect the unique value of the city and its sites for the spiritual and
daily life of Jews, Muslims and Christians. In the words of the Prophet
Isaiah: "For My house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples."
We have been, and remain, committed to freedom of worship and to the
proper functioning of the various existing religious institutions which
operate in the city. We will continue to respect the aspects relating to
the existence of free religious life in the city, and we will aspire to
broaden the dialogue which we conduct with the institutions of the various
religions.
As in the past, we will refrain from taking any step or action which might
harm freedom of worship and freedom of access to the holy sites, or the
feelings and sensibilities of members of the various communities. This
commitment relates both to residents of the city and to visitors, as well
as to the holy sites in it.
Jerusalem is a city of many faces, religions and cultures. Jews, Muslims
and Christians live in it together, while each community seeks to preserve
its cultural heritage, its unique character, and its social and religious
institutions, including its own educational system.
Coexistence in Jerusalem is a matter of mutual respect between all
residents and of the proper functioning of the relevant institutions and
systems.