(IsraelNN.com) The mayor of Jerusalem, Uri Lupolianski, met yesterday with the Armenian Orthodox Patriarch, Turkom Manuagian and the chairman of Archbishops in Jerusalem, Nora Manuagian.
The mayor condemned a recent incident in which an Orthodox resident of the capital spat at clerics, explaining he was taught to spit at Catholic priests and leaders of other faiths. Lupolianski condemned the young man’s actions which he called “despicable acts”.
“On behalf of myself and all the people of Jerusalem I apologize for the heinous act which I strongly condemn. As a representative of Jerusalem I’m ashamed and embarrassed by this act,” said the mayor.
Mr. Lupolianski added, “The spitting wasn’t just meant for you and the community you represent, it was a spit in the face of all the people of Jerusalem. Jerusalem, just like its name, is a city of peace that symbolizes peace and brotherhood between religions and it’s unfortunate that the wild thorns hurt us all. In the coming days I’ll appoint a special advisor for Christian Affairs, from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who will outline a broad and comprehensive plan to improve the relationships between religions and to restore Jerusalem’s status as a city of peace.”
The mayor also announced that he had talks regarding this issue with rabbi’s, which will condemn the incidents and prepare an educational plan for synagogues and community centers.
The mayor condemned a recent incident in which an Orthodox resident of the capital spat at clerics, explaining he was taught to spit at Catholic priests and leaders of other faiths. Lupolianski condemned the young man’s actions which he called “despicable acts”.
“On behalf of myself and all the people of Jerusalem I apologize for the heinous act which I strongly condemn. As a representative of Jerusalem I’m ashamed and embarrassed by this act,” said the mayor.
Mr. Lupolianski added, “The spitting wasn’t just meant for you and the community you represent, it was a spit in the face of all the people of Jerusalem. Jerusalem, just like its name, is a city of peace that symbolizes peace and brotherhood between religions and it’s unfortunate that the wild thorns hurt us all. In the coming days I’ll appoint a special advisor for Christian Affairs, from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who will outline a broad and comprehensive plan to improve the relationships between religions and to restore Jerusalem’s status as a city of peace.”
The mayor also announced that he had talks regarding this issue with rabbi’s, which will condemn the incidents and prepare an educational plan for synagogues and community centers.