It is a sad part of Christian history when we reflect on how anti-semitism often manifested itself among both Catholics and Christians at large. It is important that we keep this in mind when we dialogue with the Jewish community and advocate for them. Cardinal O’Connor was deeply impacted by the experience of visiting Dachau. This experience shaped his soul as he worked tirelessly for healing and respect for the Jewish people. At the dedication of the Holocaust memorial in New York City, he addressed the crowd gathered, beginning with a humble apology for all the damage Christians had done to the Jewish people. This is the attitude that we need to have as we work for dialogue and mutual respect.
