During an international and interreligious gathering in Rome, Aruba’s local rabbi, Alberto (Baruch) Zeilicovich, participated in the commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the declaration on the Catholic Church’s relationship with non-Christian religions, known as Nostra Aetate, which means “In Our Time” in Latin.
Sixty years ago, Nostra Aetate marked a historic moment in Catholic-Jewish relations by recognizing the positive elements present in all religions and encouraging interreligious dialogue as a way to overcome stereotypes and prejudice. The 1965 document officially ended any Catholic hostility toward the Jewish people and affirmed that the Catholic Church “condemns hatred, persecution, and all manifestations of antisemitism directed against Jews at any time and by anyone.”
This year’s anniversary was celebrated through interfaith dialogue and presentations from different Christian traditions, as well as representatives of the Muslim and Buddhist faiths. Among the Jewish delegates were Rabbi Zeilicovich and his wife Graciela, representing the Beth Israel Synagogue of Oranjestad, Aruba.
During the event, Rabbi Zeilicovich presented Pope Leo XIV with a 50-cent Aruban coin—locally known as a yotin—as part of his message. He explained that just as the square-shaped Aruban coin is different from all others yet does not lose its value, the same principle applies to human beings.
He stated:
“Many people are different—they may have a different skin color, a different religion, or disabilities. But just because they are different, does that mean they have no value? Every human being has value despite their differences, just like the Aruban 50-cent coin. Please, Your Holiness, accept this coin as a symbol of the spirit of reconciliation, respect, and peace of Nostra Aetate
Photo Credits : https://diario.aw/categories/noticia/general/papa-leo-xiv-a-ricibi-un-yotin-di-aruba
Discussion about this post