Ref. Ares(2019)4429872 - 10/07/2019
Brussels, 20th February 2019
Visit of Jan Figel to Israel and Palestine, 12th – 16th of February 2019
Jan Figel, Special Envoy for the Promotion of Freedom of Religion or Belief outside the EU, was in
Jerusalem, Nazareth and the Mount Tabor, Ramallah and Bethlehem and visited the the Baha’i
International Centre in Haifa. The mission was constructive and generated interesting contacts (see
programme in annex). Together with
in Tel Aviv, he met representatives of the MFA
of Israel - including
,
of the Bureau of World Jewish Affairs and World Religions and
,
for European Affairs. The meeting with
Minister on
European Affairs of the Palestinian MFA,
, was constructive, she informed that the PA
would welcome the Pope to call an interfaith initiative on Jerusalem. Both sides noted that religion is
more and more present in politics - “explosive mix”- and firmly expressed interest to see an EU
engagement in this area.
The visit was warmly received by Jewish, Muslim, and Christian religious leaders and influential
figures.
Rabbi
welcomed the SE very warmly and invited him to join the next
meeting of the Council of Religious Community Leaders. Promising contact were made with Rabbi
and the “Religious Peace Initiative”, supporting innovative work in the area of interreligious
cooperation, building trust and working with extremist groups on both sides.
Imam
and
,
of Waqf,
Many interlocutors from both sides voiced serious concerns around the Basic Law on Jewish Israel as
the Nation-State of the Jewish People, described as “racist and deeply discriminatory”. All agreed that
religious actors “could do more” for FoRB, for interreligious cohabitation and for peace. Issa
Kassissieh, Palestinian Ambassador to the Holy See,
FoRB seems to be in relatively good shape in Israel, the MFA
Christian minority in Palestine has been traditionally well integrated in society and in politics and
positively discriminated by the Authorities. However, trends around freedom of religion in Palestine
are not all rosy. Similarly to other Arab countries, FoRB in Palestine is essentially freedom to worship.
Conversions are only accepted for Christian women converting to Islam, interreligious marriages are
rare and contested. Palestinian “senior” voices argue that Christian and Muslim continue to “share
life” peacefully (“we are Palestinian first”). But all “younger” interlocutors and other voices see
prejudices and divisions growing. There is fear and anxiety about the “other”. Christians represent
today only 0.8% of the population and the islamisation of society is inevitable. The big question is
which type of Islam will prevail. Many voices noted that “global fanatism” blows across Christians
and Muslims also in Palestine. Christian schools and other social institutions are seen by all as key
protectors of pluralism and integration. Many also noted that radicalisation is fuelled by recent
regional developments including western interventions.
The recent Declaration of the Pope and Grand Imam Al Tayeb in the Emirates raises hope and is seen
as very relevant.
All in all, with the development of religious Zionism, political Islam in Gaza, and the weight of
American evangelicals, religious motivations play an increasing role in the conflict. All interlocutors
agreed that this dimension - traditionally excluded from reflections and peace discussions– deserves
attention and an open and constructive dialogue.
J. Figel thanks colleagues in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem for the very good cooperation. Details on
selected meetings will be integrated in the full report.
Noted by
,
of Jan Figel