Israel Matzav

Mujahideen's Army threatens Pope with suicide attack; Rabbi blames Muslim hypersensitivity

The Jerusalem Post is reporting that the Mujahideen's Army in Iraq has threatened Pope Benedict XVI with a suicide attack:

As security was beefed up around Pope Benedict XVI on Saturday night, the Mujahideen's Army movement in Iraq threatened to carry out a suicide attack against the Pope in revenge for his comments about Islam and jihad.

On a website used by rebel movements in Iraq, a message posted by the Mujahideen's Army said members of the organization would "smash the crosses in the house of the dog from Rome."

Meanwhile, Rabbi David Rosen, who is in charge of inter-faith relations at the American Jewish Committee, is blaming Muslim hypersensitivity for all of the problems.

Rabbi David Rosen, in charge of interfaith at the American Jewish Committee said in response that the reaction showed the hypersensitivity of the Muslim world.

"It is very sad that the pope cannot even make a reference to a historical text without it leading to violence," said Rosen.

"I believe that the violence against churches in the Holy Land is not from Muslim leaders. Rather, it was initiated by the people. Normally, Muslims are much more tolerant."

...

"Reacting violently without first looking beyond a newspaper report is not responsible," said Rosen.

"Objectively, this was a gross overreaction." Rosen theorized that the Muslim reaction was a result of an inferiority complex.

"Somebody who feels wounded and humiliated results in the denigration of the other. At the same time, the West sees itself as the wounded party. This creates a cycle of mutual injury."

I hope Rabbi Rosen has a good security detail. Unfortunately, he will probably need it.

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 3:22 AM