Church leaders praise Arafat; ADL talks of legacy of terrorism

Published: 2004-11-11

JERUSALEM (CNS) -- Church leaders in Jerusalem said Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat supported the rights of Holy Land Christians in a region often hostile to them, but the Anti-Defamation League said Arafat's legacy "is one of terrorism and failed leadership." Father Shawki Baterian, chancellor of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, said, "Arafat was always there for us and (handled) any conflicts within Palestinian society. He especially had good contacts with the leaders of the churches, and they could contact him any time." He said, "He was always open to our ideas. Even for the constitution, Arafat asked our opinion and formed a committee to follow up with us on that." Although the draft constitution envisioned a lay state, it also declared Islam the official religion. In New York, Anti-Defamation League national director Abraham Foxman said that Arafat "focused on ways to destroy the Jewish State of Israel." Foxman said, "There will undoubtedly be many eulogies and tributes focusing on Arafat's accomplishments. Such eulogies should not and cannot whitewash Arafat's responsibility for the death of thousands of Israelis, Jews, Palestinians and others and his lifelong commitment to the use of terrorism to further his political goals."

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