Jews commend European Parliament for dialogue with Hindu statesman Zed

In a remarkable interfaith gesture, Jews have applauded European Parliament (EP) President Hans-Gert Pottering for inviting acclaimed Hindu statesman Rajan Zed for a dialogue.

Rabbi Jonathan B. Freirich, prominent Jewish leader in Nevada and California, in a statement at South Lake Tahoe (California, USA), said, "I commend the President of the European Parliament, Hans-Gert Pottering, for extending an invitation to the prominent Hindu statesman, Rajan Zed, to introduce Hindu perspectives and create dialogue on diversity issues in Europe."

Rabbi Freirich further stated, "I applaud the efforts of President Pottering, the European Parliament, and the European Council for promoting cultural and religious diversity in Europe, as the minority populations of European countries continue to grow. Rajan Zed makes an articulate and passionate ambassador to spread the peaceful message of Hinduism, and to encourage collaboration amongst diverse populations".

During 2008 as a part of European Year of Intercultural Dialogue, various religious leaders were invited to address the European Parliament plenary, including Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomew, Grand Mufti of Syria and Chief Rabbi Jonathan Sacks. The EP consists of 785 elected members from 27 countries representing 492 million people.