Pope walks out after Muslim cleric accuses Israel of 'slaughter'

by 158 | May 11, 2009 at 05:16 pm

404 views | 53 Recommendations | 33 comments

Sheikh Taysir al-Tamimi
was stupid to insert politics
and anti semitism into a
religious conference.

stressing that Islam and Christianity must unite against "the Israeli occupation and bring about an independent Palestinian state.""Israel destroyed our home, exiled our people, built settlements, ruined the Muslim holy sites, and slaughtered women, children and senior citizens in Gaza,

In doing this he just

makes Muslims look

like fanatics.

The speech was delivered in Arabic, without simultaneous translation, but after the pope was informed of the political nature of al-Tamimi's speech, he left the conference. ,

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Paschen

at 18:05 on May 11th, 2009

It makes the Sheikh look like an idiot or fanatic, not Muslims though.

tikun

at 08:56 on May 12th, 2009

He is the official Palestinian Authority representative. Either he represents the views of the PA or he should be fired. As of now, just total silence. Enough of your apologies.

158

at 20:14 on May 12th, 2009

That was my point. As an official representative his words carry more weight.

Paschen

at 20:10 on May 12th, 2009

Why would I apologize Tikun? We have just as many Israeli leader with such extreme views and yet when ever one of them speaks in the same manner, I do always say the same thing as here, "It is not the Jews, but X,Y, or Z."

So do calm down and be objective here, please.

tikun

at 11:49 on May 13th, 2009

Hi Paschen,

Thanks for the "calm down". The Iman represents the OFFICIAL Palestinian Government. There is NO one in the Israeli government in an offical capacity that has ever made these kind of remarks. It is one thing to say it as a private citizen. Even in the opposition. But not as an offical. I will be the first to blast any Israeli official that would make these kind of remarks while representing Israel.

Blue Crush

at 20:24 on May 11th, 2009

I agree, it just makes him look bad, not Muslims. Reuters is reporting that he was the last speaker.

A spokesman from the Vatican says, "We hope that such an incident will not damage the mission of the pope aiming at promoting peace and also interreligious dialogue."

valeroni (not verified)

at 00:08 on May 12th, 2009

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158

at 08:12 on May 12th, 2009

Interesting.

158

at 07:52 on May 12th, 2009

Yes, he was the one who should be blamed but the headlines all say Muslim cleric. He was a representative of Palestine Muslims at the conference.

I in no way claim that he represents all Muslims.

Maireid Sullivan

at 00:22 on May 12th, 2009

This history-in-the-making needs to be put into perspective.

Many Irish patriots have said the very same thing. Do you think the Irish are fanatics when they remember the 8 million people who were evacuated from their homes, or died under English colonization - to re-phrase the Shiekh's statement: "England destroyed our home, exiled our people, built settlements, ruined the Irish holy sites, and slaughtered women, children and senior citizens in Ireland.

By walking out on a a official conference contributor's speech, the Pope, quite rudely in my opinion, indicated that it is acceptable to overlook the historic facts:– "Israel destroyed our home, exiled our people, built settlements, ruined the Muslim holy sites, and slaughtered women, children and senior citizens in Gaza."

You say the Muslims are fanatics for pointing out that they continue to be victims of genocide at the hands of Zionists. Do you think the Jews are fanatics for constantly reminding everyone of their genocied at the hands of the Nazis? What about the Tibetans today? the list is endless. We need to realize that genocide is inexcusable.

nyctuber

at 01:41 on May 12th, 2009

Israel has been under attack since day one, it's amazing it still exists. The willingness of people to buy into the antisemitic rallying cry of 'Zionism' and label a people defending themselves from constant attack as 'genocidal' highlights the pervasive and very real existence of antisemitism. I wonder how you would feel if your country was constantly shelled by terrorists and you were labeled a genocidal "___ist' for defending yourself.

Paschen

at 19:29 on May 12th, 2009

The war commenced upon the termination of the British Mandate of Palestine in mid-May 1948 following a previous phase of civil war in 1947–1948. Where Palestinian did not accept expropriation from the new European settlers. The war was declared by the Arabs, after their rejection of the 1947 United Nations Partition Plan for Palestine (UN General Assembly Resolution 181) that would have created an Arab state and a Jewish state. The war was fought mostly on the former territory of the British Mandate and for a short time also on the Sinai Peninsula and southern Lebanon[citation needed]. The war concluded with the1949 Armistice Agreements, but it did not mark the end of the Arab-Israeli conflict.

158

at 19:38 on May 12th, 2009

Thanks for the history.

The fact is there are two, or three, states in Palestine and none will go away so a way must be found to live in peace.

Paschen

at 21:16 on May 12th, 2009

We could also say as MS did above, the British have been under attack ...

However, the question should be, why have they been under attack?

Well, maybe they attacked and colonized, expropriated the Irish and striped them of their rights as well as their land and holy sites.

Sounds familiar? Happened in several places around the globe. Sadly the Colonizing powers play to be the victims when in fact they have been the perpetrator.

Ireland is free today, at least the South of Ireland is of it! Maybe one day we will see a free Palestine as well. Maybe they will even be generous and let Israel be in part of that territory as a humanitarian gesture of sorts.

158

at 08:39 on May 13th, 2009

But England ruled Ireland for 900 years. Do Palestinians want to fight for 900 years or discuss a settlement.?

158

at 19:37 on May 12th, 2009

The issue is not what he said but the settig in which he said it. This was a unity cnference of three religions, to find common religious ground, not a political rally.

It is like a republican leader attaching Obama over abortion at a conference on improving education.

tikun

at 09:03 on May 12th, 2009

Maireid Sulivan,

Your hatred of Jews and Israel has gone beyond the pale of decency. You owe all ZIONISTS, JEWS, and Israelis an open apology. You can not play this obscene game of using Zionism to mask your hatred and anger at Jews. Shame on YOU.

What we need are people that know the truth and stop generalizing when it comes to Jews and their fate. We do not need your sympathy. Your ancestors have done enough to liquidate most of European Jewry. Thank goodness there is an Israel.

Also, Your accusations and outright lies are also a pathetic attempt at trashing our people. I resent your nonsense and prejudice. A sad day for truth coming from half way around the globe wearing rose-colored glasses of prejudice.

Maireid Sullivan

at 16:46 on May 12th, 2009

Don't be hasty, tikun, If you read my note again, you may revise your opinion.

I don't hate Jews, and I don't hate the English either. I am saying that genocide, no matter who is responsible, brings unspeakable shame on all humanity. It is totally unforgivable!

tikun

at 11:55 on May 13th, 2009

Maireid,

There has been no genocide committted by Israel. In spite of the propaganda by anti-Zionist, anti-Israel organizations. This is just nonsense. Plain and simple. Even the suggestion is an insult to the integrity of the people of Israel and the situation on the ground. If anybody is committing attrocities just look around in the neighborhood and you will not have to strain yourself for too long.

Paschen

at 20:05 on May 12th, 2009

What truth would that be Tikun? Like the Video you posted the other day claiming that Israel is the Only Democracy in the Middle East?

Or the fact that Israel has refused UN peace keepers to help solve the problem caused by the European settlers in Palestine?

I think you may be feeling a little on the edge.

tikun

at 12:08 on May 13th, 2009

Paschen,

You seem to think that I am afraid of the truth. But the reality is I live here and see the truth as it unfolds daily. I am not on edge. I am no apologist for the Israeli government or its officials. What I am annoyed at is the propaganda, mean-spirited wise-arse remarks such as "European settlers in Palestine". This is an ignorant statement and if you really cared to be truthful you would do some serious research as to how many Jews have lived here for ages and are NOT of European orgin. Most of which were massacred during WW II.

As far as the UN is concerned, they have been a bias and corrupt organization that has no serious intent to help the situation except create more havoc in a place that already has its share. UNWRA a clear example. Besides, take a serious look at the organization and the huge amount of corruption with in the halls of the UN and ALL of the officials and the nepotism that never ceases to amaze.

Israel is the only democracy in this region. That is just the truth. I wish there were more but it just isn't so at the moment. Why is it so hard for you to cease regurgitating all the knee-jerk anti-Israeli responses to every move or action by Israel? The UN is no friend of ours and no friend of any free and democratic country. It has cease to be relevent a long time ago.

158

at 08:02 on May 12th, 2009

I never said Muslims are fanatics. I said his bringing in politics at a religious conference reflects badly on Muslims.

And saying Zionist in referring to Jews is the same as saying fanatic.

nyctuber

at 08:43 on May 12th, 2009

158 I know where you're coming from. I was addressing someone else's comments :)

158

at 08:56 on May 12th, 2009

Thanks. So was I.

Barbara McPherson

at 08:49 on May 12th, 2009

Reading these divergent comments underlines to me how important it is to work together for a better future.

158

at 08:57 on May 12th, 2009

I totally agree with you.

Robert Tice (not verified)

at 17:34 on May 12th, 2009

The Catholic Church never liked truth. Here he had a chance to face and comment on the cruelty and inhumanity of a nation, not a religion, but typical of the political Catholic Church, chose not to address reality.

158

at 18:43 on May 12th, 2009

What you mean is the Pope chose not to support the Hamas terrorists.

René

at 07:05 on May 13th, 2009

Actually the Pope did not walk out on the Sheikh's speech but after the speech and after he shook the hand of the Sheikh. See the CNN video. Guess that's the spin, tho.