The animosity between the Christian world and Jews went through centuries. While one hand it was the clash of philosophies though both hail from the same root or are Abrahamic religions or monotheistic faiths, there have been struggles on the basis of properties too. However, it seems that after struggles of centuries both of them have reached the saturation point and are enjoying perpetual mental calm through philosophic contemplation and conviction. There is the need of self-assessment hence and both are getting flexible.
In this regard the officials from Vatican and Israel have met recently and made progress in talks. What’s the subject? They are trying to achieve a bilateral agreement on matters related to property. Many are terming this epochal since these meetings have been rare in history. Well, a statement has also been released after the historic (?) meeting. According to its assertion, the meeting of the Bilateral Permanent Working Commission between the Holy See and Israel took place Wednesday at the Israeli Foreign Ministry.
It is to be noted that the diplomatic relations between Vatican and Israel, in the modern context, got established only 15 years ago brushing aside the horrendous past. But several discrepancies marred the relation even after that, especially over tax issues regarding Church property in Israel as well as visa restrictions on Arab-Christian priests. What has been the fallout of this recent meeting then? The statement stated, “The meeting was characterized by great cordiality and a spirit of cooperation.” “Progress was achieved, and the delegations renewed their joint commitment to conclude the agreement as soon as possible.”
Nevertheless there is the need of more meetings and the next meeting of the working-level commission will take place April 7 - one month before Pope Benedict XVI is scheduled to visit Israel.
The approach, summit, its positive fallouts and the need to have more meetings is the specimen of a new beginning, according to many.
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