Hindus and Jews ask Pope to uphold ‘Christian values’ on Roma ‘apartheid’ in Europe

NEVADA - Hindus and Jews have portrayed His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI as ‘un-Christian’ for not strongly supporting the cause of the Roma who face ‘apartheid” conditions in Europe.

Rajan Zed, acclaimed Hindu statesman; and Rabbi Jonathan B. Freirich, prominent Jewish leader in Nevada and California in USA; in a statement issued in Nevada today, said that the condition of the Roma had most of the signs of ‘apartheid’ and that it was happening right under the Pope’s nose in Europe.

Hindus and Jews had repeatedly appealed him in the past to openly embrace the Roma cause and come up with a White Paper on their plight but without any success.

Zed and Rabbi Freirich quoted from The Bible: “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd (Matthew 9:36).”

“The Lord builds up Jerusalem; he gathers the outcasts of Israel (Psalm 147:2).” “For I will restore health to you, and your wounds I will heal, declares the Lord, because they have called you an outcast (Jeremiah 30:17).”

“Behold, at that time I will deal with all your oppressors. And I will save the lame and gather the outcast, and I will change their shame into praise and renown in all the earth (Zephaniah 3:19).” “…let the outcasts of Moab sojourn among you; be a shelter to them from the destroyer… (Isaiah 16:4).” “Whoever says, ‘I am in the light,’ while hating a brother or sister, is still in the darkness (First Epistle of John 2: 9).”

“…Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another (Gospel According to John 13: 34).”

Rajan Zed, who is president of Universal Society of Hinduism, and Jonathan Freirich, argued that Jesus Christ clearly told the world to help the helpless, defenseless and downtrodden and love them, and He showed the way.

The Pope, being the acclaimed representative of God on earth, should raise his voice against continuous Roma maltreatment.

The Pope should act like a shepherd for a shepherd-less flock of Roma, just as Jesus Himself said that He had sheep from other pastures.

The Pope should recognize, acknowledge and affirm the Roma as children of God who deserved to be treated like all other people-as equals.

As the Vicar of Christ, the Pope should offer the Roma protection, compassion, and love. In the case of the Roma, the Pope should act as God wanted him to act, as distinctly defined in The Bible. (ANI)