A letter of support for Dr. Pipes

Submitted by Ken Besig (Israel), Jun 3, 2008 at 12:36

This is a letter from an Israeli Rabbi which appeared in the Jerusalem Post newspaper on June 2, 2008. I believe that support for Dr. Pipes position could not have come from a more authoritative and responsible source than Rabbi Riskin.

Pastor Hagee, my true friend

Sir, - Pastor John Hagee has defended our right to our historic homeland even when our enemies have attempted to disgorge us from our homes and drive us into the sea. He has organized Christian lobby groups for the only true democracy in the Middle East even when a former American president, and professors from Harvard and Chicago universities, have denounced our lobbying efforts as un-American and anti-democratic. Dare we, the recipients of his heart and goodwill, be silent now, when the political frenzy of primary elections seeks to defame one of the greatest voices on behalf of Christian-Jewish healing and cooperation?

No, for the sake of Jerusalem and of the God of love and peace, we must raise our voices in support of an individual who has never faltered in his friendship for us.

Does this mean I necessarily agree with all his theological positions? Not at all. True friendship means that I continue to love and even partner with my friend, despite disagreeing with him on even fundamental positions of theology and ideology - as long as his views do not threaten the life or limb of innocent human beings.

I continue to proudly shout from the rooftops that this rabbi in Israel stands firmly alongside his beloved friend, Pastor John Hagee ("McCain rejects support of controversial pro-Zionist pastor John Hagee. Televangelist said God sent Holocaust to bring Jews to Israel," May 25).

RABBI SHLOMO RISKIN
Efrat

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