Hagee Clarifies Views on Jews, Holocaust
June 13, 2008
The Brody File has just received two important letters.
The first is from Pastor John Hagee. It is addressed to Abraham Foxman, the national director of the Anti-Defamation League.
In the letter, Hagee clarifies and explains his recent controversial comments about Jews and the Holocaust. Hagee says, "My commitment to eradicating anti-Semitism, including its historic antecedents in the Christian community, has been central to my ministry."
He also states, "In the heat of a campaign season, some have attempted to use my words to divide us. The stakes for Israel and its allies are too great for us to allow this to happen. So please accept this heartfelt expression as the first step towards our working together to promote a dialogue between Christians and Jews based on reconciliation and mutual respect."
The letter was warmly received by Foxman who replied with a letter of his own, thanking Hagee for "clarifying" his "views on Jews and the Holocaust."
Foxman tells Hagee, "We appreciate your regret over the pain caused to any in the Jewish community by your statements. We value your acknowledgement that the Holocaust was a tragedy unique in its evil and horror and the limits of our understanding in seeking to comprehend the mind of God."
Read both letters by clicking here.
I spoke with a source close to the Hagee situation earlier today about the purpose of this letter. I was told that Hagee wanted to make sure there were no hurt feelings or pains in the Jewish community.
As I've told you in an earlier post, Hagee has always been a good friend to the Jewish community. He has spent tireless hours strengthening Christian-Jewish relations. In fact, at the recent AIPAC conference, the mere mention of Hagee's brought a standing ovation.
The letter, I am told, is Hagee's way of saying he plans to be more sensitive in the future. But, there has been very little fallout from the recent events involving McCain's endorsement and retraction.
Hagee will host the summit Christians United For Israel Washington-Israel next month. We will see how it goes.
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