• Letter of condolence from the Congregation Beth Jacob, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario

Following is the text of a letter received from the Congregation Beth Jacob in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario on the occasion of the death of His Holiness John Paul II:

Dear friends in the Roman Catholic community:

On behalf of the Jewish community of Sault Ste. Marie, please allow me to extend sincere condolences on the death of His Holiness, Pope John Paul.

In his life, John Paul did much to ensure a place of respect among the Jewish people. Notably, his abhorrence of Nazism and his sense of humanity lead him to save many Jewish people from the Nazi death camps, at great personal risk, during the Second World War. During his years with the clergy and as Pope he often spoke against the rise of Neo-Nazism. He was the first Pope to conduct an official visit to the modern state of Israel and to establish formal ties with Israel. His overall opposition to racism was noted by the Israeli government and by Jewish leaders in many countries.

At this time of your grief, may you have strength and hope. May your sadness become joy as you recall and celebrate the many contributions of John Paul's remarkable life.

Sincerely,
Jeff Arbus
President, Congregation Beth Jacob