Rabbi Joseph H. Ehrenkranz, executive director of the Center for Christian-Jewish Understanding was part of a host group to 12 cardinals and principal leaders and scholars from around the world. The World Symposium of Catholic Cardinals and Jewish Leaders was held in New York on January 19 and 20, 2004. Sponsored by the World Jewish Congress, with the largest known assembly of cardinals (outside of Rome) joining for a two-day symposium, the event was historic.

The purpose of the meeting was to bring together these leaders to discuss issues of shared concern — especially the rise of anti-Semitism and the constant threat of terror. The participants identified ways they could work together on improving interreligious understanding and promoting mutual respect between peoples and religions. This meeting coincided with the pope's meeting of the two chief rabbis from Israel in Rome.

Rabbi Ehrenkranz was asked to be a part of the group because of the leading role the CCJU has played in promoting Jewish-Christian relations around the world. Rabbi Ehrenkranz said, “This meeting was important because it continues the conversation that began in 1965 with the document, Nostra Aetate, which encouraged Catholics to work together with Jews to achieve God's plan of peace and to repair the world.”

Those attending the symposium included twelve cardinals, several Chief Rabbis, academic scholars, and religious and lay leaders from the United States, Canada, Europe, Latin America and Israel. The plenary sessions took place at the Museum of Jewish Heritage. There was also a memorial ceremony at Ground Zero to provide a moment of silence and personal reflection.

Rabbi Israel Singer is the chairman of World Jewish congress in New York.

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