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Rabbi David Yosef Condemns Pope Francis Over Gaza Remarks, Calls for Accountability on Antisemitic Violence
Edited by: Fern Sidman
Sephardi Chief Rabbi David Yosef has issued a sharp rebuke to Pope Francis following the pontiff’s comments suggesting that Israel’s actions in Gaza may warrant investigation as potential genocide. According to a report on the Vois Es Nais web site, the Pope’s remarks, which are set to appear in an upcoming book, have ignited controversy and raised questions about the framing of responsibility in the Israel-Hamas conflict.
“It’s very interesting that the Pope doesn’t call for an investigation of the terrible slaughter of Jews last year on October 7,” Rabbi Yosef stated in a video message. VIN reported that his comments refer to the brutal attacks carried out by Hamas on that date, which resulted in the barbaric slaughter of 1200 Israeli civilians and others. “It’s interesting that he doesn’t call for an investigation of the incitement against Jews across Europe, overt antisemitic incitement.”
Sephardi Chief Rabbi David Yosef blasts Pope Francis’s suggestion that Israel might be committing genocide in Gaza, saying the pontiff is taking the side of murderers and not the victims.
“It’s very interesting that the Pope doesn’t call for an investigation of the terrible… pic.twitter.com/W6MaEvfwbF
— Netanel Worthy – נתנאל וורתי (@NetanelWorthy) November 20, 2024
The Pope’s book reportedly includes the statement, “According to some experts, what is happening in Gaza has the characteristics of a genocide. It should be carefully investigated to determine whether it fits into the technical definition formulated by jurists and international bodies.” This language, while measured, has drawn intense scrutiny for its implications amid the volatile dynamics of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Rabbi Yosef has urged the Pope to retract the statement and issue a formal apology, underscoring the importance of addressing violence and incitement targeting Jewish communities worldwide, as per the information contained in the VIN report. His critique highlights a broader issue: the imbalance in international discourse that often magnifies Israel’s actions while downplaying or ignoring antisemitic violence.
The VIN report noted that Rabbi Yosef’s remarks are not merely a defense of Israel but a call for equitable scrutiny of all parties involved in the region’s strife. The rabbi’s comments resonate with Jewish communities concerned about growing antisemitism, particularly in Europe, where hate crimes have spiked in recent years.
The Pope’s decision to include such a sensitive statement in his book reflects the increasingly polarized narratives surrounding Gaza. While calls for investigations into Israel’s military operations are not new, the invocation of the term “genocide” carries significant weight. Legal experts and international jurists have long debated the term’s applicability to various conflicts, and its use often stirs intense emotional and political reactions.
Rabbi Yosef’s response points to a clear-cut double standard. He stressed the need for accountability in antisemitic violence, including the events of October 7, which he described as a “terrible slaughter of Jews.” His criticism sheds light on a broader frustration within segments of the Jewish community regarding a lack of proportionality in global condemnations.
The dispute also highlights the complex role of religious leaders in political discourse. Both Pope Francis and Rabbi Yosef wield significant moral authority within their respective communities, and their statements carry implications far beyond their immediate audiences.
As the controversy unfolds, Rabbi Yosef’s critique serves as a reminder of the urgent need for balanced discourse in international conflicts. His call for accountability on antisemitism—both in terms of violent acts and the rhetoric that fuels them—raises important questions about global priorities and justice.
