MOSCOW - The president of the Russian Jewish Congress called for all religions to increase cooperation in the fight against terrorism and xenophobia.
"It is extremely important to preserve ancient traditions of mutual respect, good-neighborliness and tolerance to all confessions, as we can only counteract international terrorism and fight xenophobia and anti-Semitism by joint efforts," Vladimir Slutsker said in a statement read to participants at the 32nd World Union for Progressive Judaism conference in Moscow.
Slutsker said the conference is "convincing evidence of the favorable changes that have taken place in Russia in recent decades."
The conference, which runs through Tuesday, involves more than 400 delegates from 24 countries. Discussions are covering education, a revival of spiritual and moral values, and the fight against extremism and international terrorism, as well as peacekeeping and charity activities.
The World Union for Progressive Judaism was founded in London in 1926 and today has more than 1.5 million members. The world's foremost Reform Judaism organization, it unites more than 1,200 reformist, progressive, and liberal communities in 41 countries.
Reprinted by permission of RIA Novosti, Russian News Agency
