Chabad-Lubavitch Library
Chabad-Lubavitch LibraryIsrael news photo: Arutz 7

The Council of Europe has invited Russia’s Chief Rabbi and Chabad-Lubavitch emissary, Rabbi Berel Lazar, to speak to its parliamentary assembly in Strasbourg, France, next year.

The invitation was extended by the body’s president, Mevlut Cavusoglu, who is in Moscow this week on a diplomatic tour to promote dialogue between religious communities and the governments of Europe.

Cavusoglu visited Moscow’s Beis Menachem Chabad-Lubavitch synagogue and the city’s Marina Roscha Jewish community center, together with Lazar.

“This center brings light and hope to all the Jews of Russia,” he said, adding that its programs symbolized a resurgence of Jewish life in the region.

“It is essential to increase mutual understanding and respect between different cultures and religions by emphasizing the profound values that we have in common, mainly our respect for human beings and human dignity,” Cavusoglu added.

Cavusoglu also met with the Grand Mufti of Russia and chairman of Russia’s Council of Muftis, Sheikh Ravil Gainutdin, as well as Patriarch Cyril of Moscow and All-Russia.

The Council of Europe, which seeks to develop common and democratic principles throughout the continent, was founded in 1949, and includes 47 member nations.