Speech of Sholomo Amar, Chief Sephardic Rabbi of Israel

Dear Mr. President,
Dear representatives of all religions,
Let God inspire you the spirit of truth,

These days we gathered here to talk with each other sincerely. President Nazarbayev made an effort to organize this representative and honorable Congress. I am delighted with the courage of this man, his active international activity aimed at the welfare of the world, strengthening of friendship and cooperation between peoples. I'd like to note the marvelous peace reigning in Kazakhstan. All religions enjoy here the equality and respect, including 40 thousand of Jewry, who live under the protection of the President and respect him infinitely.

Today we have gathered together. We stand not only opposite each other but in front of God. If we are able to reach the fact that each leader including spiritual leaders will take into account all needs of the world, then God will bless everybody. If the leader has an opportunity to prevent bloodshed, any evil and hate between nations, then it will be the report not only in historical plan, where his acts will be remembered, but God himself will challenge him.

God never forgives evil I'd like to say that any leader has an influence upon his people, religious figures. In the book of ancestors' precepts is cited: "Wise men, be careful in your speeches.

In Moses Pentateuch chapter it was cited: "Extort from your heart the root of any evil, may be the root of all evil is evil in the world. Let your heart never be cruel. Strive for the peace. God will not forgive a man who does not strive for peace."
Dear my brothers,
Any word said inappropriately can bring to evil". A person, who is excited, feels evil and can say a wrong word. Who knows the result of it, what his listeners will think, the congregation which follows him. When a person says a word of peace, love and unity, these words brings conciliation for those who listen to these great words. They increase love and peace all over the world. That is why I notify in advance that we must be careful in saying our words. Moreover, deep in our thoughts we must be careful too, because our words are the result of the thoughts, which we think. If in our hearts we think well, then our words are good too.

We respect other opinions, other religions, because the prophet said: "Let each peoples follow the words of God", and we will follow for the sake of God. Let each people follow their religion, respect their religion and thoughts. We also will respect opinion of our and other religions.

I am thankful to all of you and President. I hope for God, that practical benefit of our meeting, it will bring peace, God be praised, long live to mankind. Let it be so, let everything happen due to God's words.