Jerusalem’s ‘Beautiful Mosaic’ of Cultures Celebrated by Religious Leaders

Jerusalem’s Mayor Moshe Leon on Tuesday night held a traditional reception for the heads of the city’s religious communities at City Hall.

By: Aryeh Savir, TPS

A special reception for Jerusalem’s various religious communities was held on Tuesday night and was attended by Chief Rabbi of Jerusalem Rabbi Aryeh Stern, the Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem Theophilus III, Father Francesco Patton of the Catholic Church, Chairman of the Council of Muslim Leaders in Israel Sheikh Muhammad Kiwan, the heads of the city’s churches, Muslim community leaders, ambassadors and consuls.

The traditional event, which has been the city’s custom for over three decades, highlights tolerance and coexistence among members of all faiths in Jerusalem.

All those who spoke at the event emphasized their commitment to promoting the constructive interfaith dialogue of coexistence and tolerance, alongside the preservation of freedom of worship and the status quo.

Leon stated that “Jerusalem is a beautiful mosaic of different religions, communities, and cultures. Just as every colorful stone has a place and all of them create a unique picture – so does Jerusalem. All of its lovers have a place and all together create a picture of the most unique city in the world – Jerusalem.”

Referring to the recent relocation of several embassies to the capital, Leon vowed that “every country that transfers its embassy to the capital of Israel, Jerusalem, will receive close guidance in the process from me and from the Jerusalem municipality.”

Rev. David Parsons, Vice President and Senior International Spokesman for the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem attended the event and told TPS that the gathering symbolized the importance of having religious leaders come together annually to emphasize tolerance and coexistence in the holy city.