Nevada (US), Oct 2 (ANI): Hindus and Jews were highly disappointed over Pope for not highlighting Roma apartheid during his September 26-28 visit to Czech Republic despite their repetitive pleas.
Rajan Zed, acclaimed Hindu statesman; and Rabbi Jonathan B. Freirich, prominent Jewish leader in Nevada and California in USA; in a joint statement in Nevada, said that they were hopeful that His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI would not stay apathetic to apartheid conditions faced by Roma people in Czech Republic and would strongly take-up their cause during this visit.
Hindu and Jewish leaders argued that it was almost sinful and morally unjustifiable for religious people to just ignore Roma face daily apartheid and not raise concern.
Pope being the world's largest and most influential religious leader would have been very effective in raising the issue of maltreatment of Roma of Czech Republic during this apostolic journey he took.eviticus 19: 33-34 says, "When an alien resides with you in your land, you shall not oppress the alien. The alien who resides with you shall be to you as the citizen among you. You shall love the alien as yourself, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God."
Rajan Zed, who is president of Universal Society of Hinduism, and Rabbi Freirich, argued that religion taught us to plead for the oppressed, stand with the poor, and seek justice for those whom God loved and too often the world overlooked. Pope Benedict should show his strong political will and come out openly against Roma apartheid.
Even the request of a Roma group for audience with Pope during this visit was reportedly turned down, who felt betrayed. (ANI)
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