NEW YORK, Jan. 12/PRNewswire— USNewswire/The International Jewish Committee for Interreligious Consultations mourns the passing of Ambassador Shmuel Hadas. Known widely, and appropriately celebrated as Israel’s first Ambassador to the Holy See, Ambassador Hadas played a vital role in the advancement of Jewish-Catholic relations both during his time as Ambassador and in numerous capacities thereafter.

Ambassador Hadas utilized his respected role to smooth the way for the progress in Catholic- Jewish relations that followed the Second Vatican Council, serving as an informal advisor to leaders in both communities. He also was an invaluable consultant to IJCIC for many years, regularly helping to organize meetings of the International Catholic-Jewish Liaison Committee (I LC) and of the ILC Steering Committee. His knowledge of the Latin American community enabled a groundbreaking ILC meeting in Argentina to address issues of pervasive poverty, which impacted both communities during the dark days of economic crisis on the South American continent.

Rabbi Richard Marker, Chair of IJCIC, noted: ‘“We in IJCIC are in Ambassador Hadas’ debt for his invaluable wisdom and his diplomatic acumen. There is no question that the trusting relationship we have had with our Vatican counterparts for these many years is due in no small part to the quiet but effective role of Ambassador Hadas. We shall miss his guidance and steadying presence.”