South Africa, Chief Rabbi Goldstein

South African Chief Rabbi slams Pope and Archbishop; says they abandoned biblical values

Christian leaders face harsh criticism for their positions on Israel and the Palestinian territories, as South African Chief Rabbi warns of threat to Western values and freedom.

Pope Francis (Photo: Shutterstock / Riccardo De Luca - Update)

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.


0 Comments

Do not send comments that include inflammatory words, defamation, and content that exceeds the limit of good taste.

Outrageous and disgraceful

Brussels schools boycott Holocaust Memorial over Gaza War  

Avi Nachmani | 09.01.25

The only time we fast on Friday

When the Fast of 10th of Tevet Falls on Friday: A Practical Guide

Gila Isaacson | 09.01.25

Baruch Dayan HaEmet

Tragedy Strikes: Jewish Teen Dies in UK Crash Days Before Bar Mitzvah

Gila Isaacson, JFeed Staff | 09.01.25

Rescued from the flames

Torah scrolls rescued as wildfires rage throughout Los Angeles 

Avi Nachmani | 08.01.25

Parents Demanded Separate Davening

First Conservative Solomon Schechter School in North America Becomes Orthodox

Gila Isaacson | 08.01.25

Best universities going down the tubes

Sarah Lawrence under fire: Federal probe into anti-semitism allegations 

Avi Nachmani | 08.01.25

The farce continues

Ireland officially enters Hague proceedings against Israel

Avi Nachmani | 07.01.25
Get JFeed App
Download on the App Store
Get it on Google Play