A just and durable peace in the Middle East is a prize that people of good faith of all religions will hold dear. Such a peace will have to include Jerusalem and its Holy sites and pay proper attention to that city's special religious significance and status. It is a peace that cannot and must not be lost in more violence and bloodshed. Of that there has been too much already, and our hearts ache for the victims and their families.

The different communities of the region are blessed with deep reserves of spiritual strength and fortitude. We must draw on them now in the cause of peace.

In the name of all that we share as Jews, Muslims and Christians, including Jerusalem itself, I pray that all those involved in this crisis will come together in true holiness to overcome enmity and promote reconciliation and forgiveness.