Ok. I see that, and much agree. Yet can't we see how, particularly in light of this dreadful article, the meanings could be honestly misunderstood?
As far as the rest of the editorial/polemical stuff --why? No. this is not an invitation to repeat the same sort of "how bad, and how much protestants are such ignorant haters" and all ---we've heard that only several hundred times by now.
How 'bout just sticking with careful unraveling of the misunderstandings? Ravasi's comment DID come at an inopportune juncture otherwise. Historical speaking, and in regards to the present human condition.
How would Israeli Jews know of previous Vatican pronouncements? They're supposed to be hanging on it's every word? Coming just after they may have felt themselves insulted (rightly or wrongly) by a less-than-well considered statement made by the Vicar General of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, in near-to off the cuff remarks he made in a telephone interview, coming hard on the heels of some Christian churches in Israel suffering graffiti vandalism (at the hands of Israeli bigots, it appeared)? They're supposed to notice only one side of the expressed bigotry, when for centuries they have been subject to "incoming fire" so to speak? They feel themselves just as militantly justified in all things, as the most hard-headed of any other religion, *some* of them do, anyway...
That Bishop did later provide revised & extended remarks, which satisfy me well enough, but still may leave some offended.
A brother offended is harder to win than a fortified castle. One's own "castle" may have fortified walls of some thickness...yet must we go out of the way to relentlessly lob [personalized] mortars at all perceived enemies?
But here I may be putting yourself into a similar (but quite miniature) situation comparable to what we both may be now asking for, from some Israeli's and other Jews. Asking for understanding, perhaps forgiveness for "misunderstandings".
Can you see how that it is, or could be a two-way street? How are the Israeli's supposed to take all of this (the article, other events, etc.)? How are other freepers supposed to take it, when it doesn't look so good on the surface, then they receive additional repeated insult? In the course of a "discussion concerning the issues". Folks are going to have opinions. We all have them.
Thank you for your wise and helpful comments.