Jewish leaders angry at clash with Yom Kippur
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Jewish leaders have protested strongly in private over the timing of an address by Pope Benedict XVI to the Houses of Parliament.
They are angry that the event is due to end just before the start of prayer and fasting to mark Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the faith's calendar. Observant Jews are required to be at synagogue at sunset the night before Yom Kippur. Yet the papal address to 1,800 parliamentarians and faith leaders in Westminster Hall is due to end barely an hour before dusk on 17 September.
The timing will prevent the Chief Rabbi, Lord Sacks, and other Jewish leaders from being in the audience for the speech on reconciliation of faiths.
Attempts to soothe the row resulted in a compromise under which the Chief Rabbi would attend a lecture by the Pope earlier in the day. In a statement, Lord Sacks insisted that he did not regard the timing as a "slight" on the Jewish community.
However, The Independent understands that feelings ran high among Jewish leaders over the timing of the address. One source said: "They were not just angry – they went thermonuclear. There's an irony that the Pope is speaking about trust and reconciliation, but representatives of a major faith will be not there to hear him.
"No one is going to trust to luck with London Underground in the hope that they can get back home in time for sunset."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments