The Central Board of Jewish Communities in Greece – the country’s EJC affiliate – has called for the abolition of the “Burning of the effigy of Judas”, custom, which takes place in some areas of the country.
The Board noted that the custom perpetuates stereotyped perceptions against Jews and significantly, that the custom has almost been eliminated in the rest of Europe.
“In the past, we, the Central Board of Jewish Communities in Greece, have repeatedly proceeded with representations to competent bodies in order to stop the custom in our country. The fact that the Church of Greece, with its Synodic Circulars of 1891, 1910 and 1918, demanded that “these customs are expressly forbidden” is of particular significance,” the Board said in a statement.
“We believe that this custom not only offends the Greek Jewish community but also affects every effort towards the understanding and respect of common values that characterise Judaism and Christianity. We hope that everyone will eventually contribute to the abolition of this custom that does not serve the spirit of love and reconciliation which is conveyed during the days of Easter,” the statement concluded.
https://kis.gr/en/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=768:announcement-by-the-central-board-of-jewish-communities-in-greece-regarding-the-custom-of-the-burning-of-effigy-of-judas
