New Antisemitism and Vatican-Israel Relations: A Presentation by Professor Matthew Ogilvie

Friends of Israel Western Australia invite you to a Presentation on

New Antisemitism and Vatican-Israel Relations.

Perth Hebrew Congregation,  7:30pm March 12th, 2024

Presenter: Professor Matthew Ogilvie, Chairperson, Friends of Israel Western Australia

"When Pope John Paul II visited Israel, wept at the Western Wall, and sought forgiveness for Catholic misdeeds against the Jewish people, he expressed solidarity with the Jewish people and legitimized their place in Jerusalem and the Holy Land. However, when Pope Francis visited the West Bank, he prayed silently at the security barrier beneath graffiti that read, 'Free Palestine.' He 'became an instant Palestinian icon' and legitimized the Palestinian cause." (Israel Journal of Foreign Affairs, Vol 17, 2023)

After Vatican II's radical reforms, it was hoped that the Catholic Church was finally free from antisemitism. However, since the 1960s, new forms of antisemitism have arisen in movements such as liberation theology. This presentation will explore those movements and their effect on the Vatican's relationship with Israel.

Matthew Ogilvie (PhD, USyd) is a Professor at University of Notre Dame Australia. He has also served at University of Dallas TX, Boston College MA, and several other Australian institutions. In 2023, the Israel Journal of Foreign Affairs published his research paper “Antisemitism in Catholic Theology and Its Effect on the Holy See’s Relationship with Israel.”

Admission by donation

Enquiries foiwa.chair@gmail.com