South African Chief Rabbi Warren Goldstein has launched a scathing critique of Pope Francis and the Archbishop of Canterbury, accusing them of betraying biblical values in their stance on Israel and the Palestinian territories.
In a fiery statement posted on social media, Rabbi Goldstein declared, "At a time when Europe's future hangs in the balance, its two most senior Christian leaders have abandoned their most sacred duty to protect and defend the values of the Bible."
The rabbi's comments come in response to Archbishop Justin Welby's endorsement of a recent International Court of Justice ruling that deemed Israel's presence in "occupied Palestinian territories" unlawful. Goldstein also criticized Pope Francis for maintaining neutrality during Israel's conflict with Hamas in Gaza.
Goldstein passionately argued that the world is embroiled in a civilizational battle of values, threatened by terrorism and jihad. He called on religious leaders to defend Western values and freedom, accusing the Pope and Archbishop of remaining silent on the murder of Christians in Africa and the threat of terrorism in Europe.
In a pointed question directed at the Archbishop, Goldstein asked, "Does the archbishop believe the accounts of the Bible are mere myths?" He challenged Welby's stance, stating, "How can anyone who believes in the Bible say that Israel is an illegal occupier of the Temple Mount?"
The South African rabbi also reminded the Archbishop that "Jerusalem existed before London and was the capital of Israel before anyone heard of Britain."
He warned that denying Israel's biblical claims to the Land of Israel poses a threat to both the UK and Europe, especially in the face of rising Islamic extremism. He also urged his fellow religious leaders to "go back to the Bible," asserting that "Jihadist ideology that seeks to destroy Israel is a clear and present danger to the future of Europe and its value system."
In a stark finale to his critique, Goldstein cautioned, "If Israel is abandoned to jihadi forces, Europe is next."
* JNS contributed to this article.
