Israel-Vatican Relations Established

By: 12th House - 12/20/93

As the home of three of the great world religions, it's hard to believe that it would be more than 40 years after the inception of the State of Israel for the Vatican to establish diplomatic relations. As a result of the Madrid Peace Conference and the beginning of the Arab-Israeli peace talks, the Vatican moved to being diplomatic relations with Israel.

Background: Israel Vatican Relations Formed

On July 15,1992, Israel and the Vatican agreed to a framework and agenda for negotiations. On July 29th, the Vatican decided to establish a Bilateral Permanent Working Commission to explore common areas of interest with the goal of normalizing relations.

After a year of negotiations, a fundamental agreement was signed in Jerusalem calling for full diplomatic relations. Israel committed itself to maintain and respect the status quo in the Christian Holy Places and the right of the Catholic Church to carry out its religious, educational, moral and charitable functions in Israel.

In July 1994, full diplomatic relations were established with the exchange of ambassadors and diplomatic staff. This agreement, although limited to state-to-state relations, was a major landmark event in international Jewish-Christian relations.

Event Ideas:

1) The Jewish-Christian Connection - When we consider the extension of formal diplomatic relations between the Vatican and Israel, what we have is an opportunity to explore joint programming with other campus ministry groups.

Programs dealing with Jewish-Christian relations in a local or international context would be ideal. The goal is not to defend our faith or try to convert others, but to better understand each other's faith.

2) Religious Bliss - Israel is the birthplace of the three great religions.” Muslim's and Christian's interest in Israel are as great as Jewish interest when it comes to the holy sites. There is a great opportunity to do collaborative programming with other religious groups on the religious and historical importance of Jerusalem and Israel.

Beyond the normal speakers and panel discussions, here is a place where imagery can be highly effective. An art exhibit or photo exhibit may help emphasize the points of the discussion and illustrate the beauty of these locations. Another possibility is to submit an editorial series to your campus paper offering a non-political perspective regarding religious freedoms in Israel.

Resources:

Cultural Affairs, Israel Embassy or Consulates, Information Department, Israel Embassy or Consulates, Foreign Ministry, Government of Israel