“Pave The Way Foundation” praises Pope

(May 22, 2009) An organization that promotes interreligious dialogue has praised Pope Benedict XVI for the "courage and strength" he demonstrated during his trip to the Holy Land earlier this month. Gary Krupp, president of the New York-based Pave the Way Foundation, sent a letter to the Pope this week in which he expressed his sincere and heartfelt gratitude for initiating and completing a most successful pilgrimage to the Holy Land. The president, himself a Jew, lamented much of the criticism that was aimed at the Pontiff during his May 8-15 trip, explaining that it came from people or institutions "with opposing agendas." Krupp admitted that in a region separated by political, religious and cultural differences, walking a thin line to carry the message of God's peace to all who seek it requires enormous courage and strength. "It is only those who try to walk in everyone's shoes that succeed in truly understanding the needs, the fears, and who can empathize with the pain of all of the people in the region," Krupp said. "Unfortunately, there are those with opposing agendas who are quick to criticize and undermine your valiant efforts in the name of peace,” he added.