NEWS Israel and the Holy See: a stamp celebrating 25 years of diplomatic relations

By Pagine Ebraiche staff

Israel and the Holy See celebrated 25 years of diplomatic relations with a stamp jointly issued by the Israeli Philatelic Service and the Vatican Post Office.

The stamp, which depicts the Church of St. Peter and the synagogue of Capernaum in the Galilee, was presented last week by Jorge Bergoglio.

The delegation was joined by Israeli ambassador to the Holy See Oren David, the director of the Philatelic Service of the Jewish State Elhanan Shapira, the head of the Philatelic and Numismatic Office of the Vatican City Mauro Olivieri and Marica Fabris from the secretariat.

The State of Israel and the Holy See signed the Fundamental Agreement on December 30, 1993.

The occasion marked the beginning of a new phase, celebrated last June with a concert at the Tempio Maggiore in Rome.

“This special stamp symbolizes the unique relationship between Judaism and Christianity. On the 25th anniversary of the Agreement, we celebrate with great satisfaction the many results achieved,” highlighted David.

The diplomat remembered the visits of three popes to Israel, which included “memorable” stops at the Western Wall, at Yad Vashem, and before the tomb of the founder of Zionism Theodor Herzl. He also mentioned the visits to the Vatican of all the Prime Ministers and Heads of the State of Israel.

“The results achieved – said David – should be a starting point for bringing relations to an even higher level of friendship, dialogue and mutual understanding.”