Israel’s faith leaders unite in prayer amid ‘dire situation worldwide’

Chief rabbis of Israel and religious leaders representing Christianity and Islam prayed together in Jerusalem on Wednesday in front of a huge home audience.

The first ever ‘Joint Global Prayer’ put together “in light of the dire situation worldwide” included Greek Orthodox Patriarch Theophilos III, Latin Patriarch Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Imam Sheikh Gamal el Ubra, Imam Sheikh Agel Al-Atrash and Druze spiritual leader Sheikh Mowafaq Tarif.

Representing Judaism was Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef, Rishon LeZion, Sephardi Chief Rabbi of Israel and President of the Chief Rabbinate Council, and Rabbi David Lau, Chief Rabbi of Israel and President of the Rabbinical Grand Court.

The religious leaders, whose joint prayer at the King David Hotel was broadcast live, said: “In these turbulent times, we continue to hear growing voices against entire communities.

“This new dire reality has affected all humanity, regardless of religion, gender and race. Out of true faith in solidarity, we now call on all citizens of the world to join forces and carry a joint prayer to health and unity.”

The initiative was supported by the Chief Rabbinate of Israel, the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Interior, the World Council of Religious Leaders, and numerous Jewish and non-Jewish organisations.