The Ambassador of Israel: "A New Dialogue with the Holy See. We Accept Criticism"

A gigantic poster wraps the facade of the building that, among the residential streets of Rome, houses the Embassy of Israel to the Holy See. It displays the faces of the hostages captured by Hamas on October 7, 2023, calling for their release. "We greatly appreciated the Pope's appeals for the release of our prisoners. His high moral authority words have global significance and testify to his personal commitment. His condemnations of anti-Semitism are equally important. Both the Pope and the Catholic Church play an important role and bear responsibility in this matter." Yaron Sideman is the new Israeli diplomatic representative to the Vatican. Having arrived in the capital last summer, he presented his credentials to the Pope in September. It was his first meeting with Francis. Another one took place in November when he accompanied a delegation of Israeli former hostages and families who still have relatives held hostage by Hamas. "One of the three meetings the Pope had with the hostages' families. These gestures have a universal echo and, in themselves, carry a message." A pause. "More than speaking, the Pope listened. Heartbreaking stories like that of a father who learned only after the release that his family had been massacred. Then we prayed together for the liberation of all. As of today, 76 hostages remain in Gaza."

A graduate in political science, psychology, and philosophy, Sideman had previously served in the United States. Though only a few months in Italy, he didn't hesitate to strongly object to the Pope's words on the possibility of a Palestinian genocide in Gaza, as had his predecessor. "We need to be honest – he explains to Avvenire – the Jewish-Catholic dialogue faced a setback after October 7 and suffered. When it was most needed, it froze. That’s why we need to learn from the past and ensure it resumes in a positive way, committing to not let it fail again." This is the mission he has set for himself as an ambassador: to bring relations with the Holy See back to a level of cooperation and productive dialogue, which the wars in the Middle East have frayed. "I firmly believe in dialogue, which should be encouraged in the right context and in the correct manner. If this happens, it will truly be beneficial for everyone." There is a premise, however, that the diplomat considers crucial. "It is artificial to completely separate dialogue with the Jewish people from dialogue with Israel, the Jewish state. In fact, on one hand, half of the Jewish people today live in Israel. And, on the other hand, Jewish identity regards affiliation with the land and the state of Israel as crucial."

In 2025, it will be the sixtieth anniversary of the conciliar declaration "Nostra aetate," which "opened" the Church to other faiths, starting with Judaism. Can we start from here?

"The anniversary must be celebrated solemnly because it’s an investment in interfaith dialogue, a path to peace as it calls for respect, tolerance, and coexistence with the other. 'Nostra aetate' represents a historical turning point that changed the perspective toward Jews: from suspicion, which often spilled over into hatred, to respect and reconciliation. I see it as a milestone that has borne broad fruits: I only cite the issue of anti-Semitism. It has contributed to establishing relations between Israel and the Holy See."

With Israel, there have been tensions during the war months, despite the celebration in 2024 of the thirtieth anniversary of diplomatic relations between Israel and the Holy See.

"Today, we have a unique opportunity: to renew dialogue. In fact, I would add that it needs to be expanded both in content and in participation. Indeed, it’s especially in complex moments that interfaith dialogue becomes more important and can help point the way to solutions that allow us to build a future with a new face."

How can we relaunch relations?

"Israel is a world leader in many sectors, some of which are also supported by the Pope and the Church. I mention, for example, climate change or water security. If we combine Israel’s experience and expertise with the universal message of the Church, we could do good for the human family together. After all, this cooperation between the State of Israel and the Catholic Church already exists locally. I recall the project our embassy in Myanmar carried out with the nunciature to supply a village with water using Israeli technology."

Can one criticize the Netanyahu government’s decisions without being accused of being against the Jewish people or the existence of the State of Israel?

"Israel is a democratic country with a pluralistic society. And it is a strong democracy. One of the cornerstones of democracy is freedom of expression. So, yes, one can criticize this or that political choice. A diversity of opinions is more than legitimate. What we cannot accept is for the only democracy in the Middle East to be equated with the worst theocracies in the world or countries that deny human rights. That is not criticism, but prejudice against the Jewish state, which thus jeopardizes its right to exist. I see organizations claiming to defend human rights, but in fact persecuting our country."

After the October 7 attack, the Pope recalled that "it is the right of those who are attacked to defend themselves." But during the conflict, he lamented the killing of thousands of Palestinians.

"We too suffer for the innocent victims of wars. Every innocent victim of war is a tragedy, whether they are Israeli or Palestinian. The question is: who is responsible for all this? In the case of these months, I say it is Hamas. Our country did not start this war. But it was attacked by a genocidal and jihadist entity determined to destroy the Jewish state, which infiltrated the civilian population of Gaza to make the civilians themselves be killed. We saw Hamas militants hiding in mosques, schools, UN positions, hospitals. Israel defended itself against those who seek to eliminate our state and the Jewish people itself."

Do you think the ceasefires with Hamas and Lebanon will hold?

"Much depends on the other side, whether it will respect what was agreed. But the agreements will hold if Hamas and Hezbollah are no longer able to be a threat to Israel. Regarding Gaza, all hostages must be released and Hamas must not remain as a military and civilian entity in the Strip. For Lebanon, Hezbollah must not have weapons or any other presence in the buffer zone from which it attacks Israel. Let’s not forget that for a year, 130,000 Israelis cannot return to their homes near the border with Lebanon. Israel wants peace, also for the people of Gaza because, once freed from Hamas, it will be able to invest resources in education or medicine, not in terror tunnels. And it envisions a future for Lebanon that is not hostage to Hezbollah."

Two peoples, two states, the Holy See also asks. Will this ever be possible?

"Israel has made peace, for example, with Egypt, Jordan, and the UAE. This shows our desire for peace and the willingness to compromise to achieve it. But we cannot allow our security to be compromised. It is premature to say what formula will be possible with the Palestinian people. However, there is a need to remove the obstacles preventing it, such as Hamas and Hezbollah, which destabilize the entire Middle East through Iran."

You come from the US. What are Israel's relations with the Trump administration?

"Relations with the United States are based on shared values and interests. Therefore, they remain strong and stable both under a Democratic administration and a Republican one."

Fratelli tutti, the Pope repeats. Jews, Christians, and Muslims in the Middle East?

"In Israel, there is already coexistence between Jews, Muslims, and Christians. But all those elements who do not want such coexistence or who, like Hamas, are driven by a vision of domination over others must be addressed and eliminated."

The Pope continues to fight against anti-Semitism and repeats: never forget the horrors of the past, like the Holocaust.

"After the October 7 attacks, acts of anti-Semitism grew by 400% worldwide. An alarming figure. Sometimes, using Israel as an excuse, an unchecked hatred toward the Jewish people is fostered. It is a social disease that threatens values common to all humanity and must therefore be eradicated for the good of the world."

Are Christians a part of the dialogue in the Middle East?

"In Israel, the Christian minority is growing. Interfaith dialogue marks our society. Then we have a small territory, and we can only coexist together. Just walking through the streets of the Old City of Jerusalem, you can see how Jews, Christians, and Muslims interact. The Christian community is a key element in the Israeli mosaic. It is fully integrated and central to the economy, politics, and culture. At Christmas, for example, Christians have never had difficulty celebrating the holiday, as happens in other parts of the Middle East."

Yet international reports highlight anti-Christian incidents in Israel.

"This is a very marginal phenomenon that I have always condemned. But these events are becoming less frequent. And every act of disrespect toward anyone, whether Jew, Christian, or Muslim, is despicable."

You invite pilgrims to return to Israel during the Holy Year.

"Certainly. I would like to reiterate and spread the call from Cardinal Pizzaballa and Father Faltas. The Holy Land is safe. And the Christian community must feel at home in the places it considers the most sacred to its faith. Pilgrims are always welcome, especially during the Jubilee."