JERUSALEM (JTA) — A far-right member of Knesset decried the upcoming Israel visit of Pope Benedict XVI.
Michael Ben Ari of the National Union Party reminded his fellow lawmakers Tuesday that the pope was a member of the Hitler Youth. Ben Ari reportedly said during a Knesset session that "A state welcome for the pope would be turning our backs on the millions of Jews who were killed in the shadow of the Christian religion of grace and mercy," Ha’aretz reported.
Ben Ari asked the Knesset to reconsider the pope’s upcoming visit, scheduled for May 11-15, which is being called a "Bridge for Peace."
The Knesset House Committee rejected the request to hold a discussion on the matter. Ben-Ari has filed an appeal.
