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April 30, 2002

The Honorable George W. Bush
President, The United States of America
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20500

Re:  Israel’s Refusal to Recognize Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem

Dear Mr. President:

The news story in the New York Times (April 26, 2002, A11; col.5) (click here) regarding Israel’s refusal to recognize the Greek Orthodox  Patriarch of Jerusalem, Irineos, is most disturbing.  As the article reports, Patriarch Irineos "was elected by the bishops of the Jerusalem patriarchate in August" 2001.  His election follows a thousand year old procedure that involves both laity and clergy of the See of Jerusalem.  Patriarch Irineos was enthroned on September 15, 2001 "as the leader of the oldest and largest church in The Holy Land." 

As the Times stated: "The situation prevents Patriarch Irineos from carrying out many normal functions, including holding a bank account or obtaining a visa for travel."

This is a matter of religious freedom, pure and simple.  Why is the government of Israel even involved in this matter?  The Times article stated: "Under Ottoman laws that Israel still follows, a new Patriarch must be approved by the state."

What kind of religious freedom is this?  Why is Israel following Ottoman laws?  Such laws are violative of religious freedom, the United Nations Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The Times reported that Prime Minister Ariel Sharon: "recently said he was prepared to go ahead and recognize the patriarch....But the minister of religious affairs, Asher Ohana, a member of the Shas religious party, and other conservative ministers objected saying Mr. Sharon had not consulted the cabinet...Mr. Sharon agreed to reopen the question...and the cabinet voted to suspend his decision and not grant a letter of recognition."

It should be noted that the motives of Minister Ohana and the Shas religious party are well-known.  In 1997, a group of Israeli settlers, associated with Shas, forcibly and illegally occupied a building in the Old City (St. John’s Hostel) belonging to the Patriarchate.  The settlers refused to leave and the Patriarchate then went to an Israeli court to seek eviction of the settlers.  Refusing "recognition" to the new Patriarch Irineos, who, as Patriarch is the plaintiff, prevents him from actively contesting the case in court.

Mr. President, we urge you on the grounds of religious freedom and tolerance to protest the Israeli government’s refusal to grant Patriarch Irineos recognition and to protest any law which requires state approval of a religious leader.

                                     Respectfully,

                                     Eugene T. Rossides

cc: Vice President Richard B. Cheney
Secretary of State Colin L. Powell
National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice
The Congress

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