AJC Radio Message: Celebrating Catholic-Jewish Relations

February 20, 2007 - New York - American Jewish Committee Executive Director David A. Harris, in his national radio commentary, discusses the great progress in Catholic-Jewish relations during the past four decades, with a special focus on the Center for Catholic-Jewish Studies, co-sponsored by AJC and Saint Leo University in Florida. Harris delivers weekly messages on the CBS radio network, airing during the Osgood File. All AJC radio commentaries since 2001 are available at www.ajc.org.
The full text of this week's commentary follows:

In these challenging times, we need symbols of hope.

I just attended an event sponsored by Saint Leo University and the American Jewish Committee. The focus was on the Center for Catholic-Jewish Studies, which they jointly created.

Imagine: Catholics and Jews getting together to increase mutual understanding and respect.That might not have happened a while back. But in 1965, the Second Vatican Council changed Catholic teaching and opened a new era in relations with the Jews.

Since then, much has occurred. Some observers say there's been more progress in Catholic-Jewish ties in the last 40 years than the previous 1900.

AJC has been involved in this worldwide effort, joined by like-minded Catholic partners. While proud of our respective religious faiths, we recognize the need to break down barriers and build friendships.

In today's world, religion too often divides. The close link between Saint Leo University and AJC offers a symbol of the hope we need.

Visit ajc.org.

This is David Harris of the American Jewish Committee.