Russia – Russia chief rabbi Berel Lazar agreed on cooperation with the head of the recently established Russian Association of Islamic Accord (All-Russian Muslim Board), Mufti of Stavropol Muhammad Rakhimov.
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On Friday meeting in Moscow they discussed inter-ethnic relations in Russia and exchanged opinions on interreligious dialogue in the country, rabbi’s press secretary Andrey Glotser told Interfax-Religion.
During the discussion, Lazar noted that “many positive changes in the field of religion” take place today in Russia, “unique relations among all the country’s traditional religions” are established and “foreign countries have things to learn from Russia in the field.” Rakhimov expressed hope that such relations in Russia would further develop.
The mufti also asked the Russia’s chief rabbi to help Muslim pilgrims visit Jerusalem on their way back from Mecca when they go on hajj and Lazar promised “to spare no effort for it.”
“We’ll be glad if people come in Jerusalem, if they learn more about holy places of the world religions. Lack of knowledge often give reasons for conflicts. If people strive to learn more about other religions, it will give them a chance to better understand believers of other religions,” the rabbi is convinced.
If true, this is an amazingly universalist position on Berel Lazar’s part, perhaps even more significant that Rebbe Schneerson’s efforts at promoting Noachidism. The real question, in my mind, is whether or not the Israelis will be willing to play ball after decades of essentially mistreating — under the imperative of necessity — Arabs as security suspects. Can the Israelis create and maintain a comfortable, desirable environment for Moslem tourists while at the same time subjecting its own Moslem populations to a security regime of checkpoints and off-limits zones?
If Israel can accomodate this brilliant Russian peace overture, I think that will go far in the way of providing to the Palestinians an example of how they are expected to peacefully co-exist. Since Catherine, Russia has really been the expert on playing the nationalities game. Perhaps they have some lessons to teach us that have so far eluded the somewhat less experienced policy wonks of Washington.
when people meet and talk and discuss, there is less conflict.