Israeli President Reuven Rivlin. Photo: Wikipedia.

JNS.org – Israeli President Reuven Rivlin hosted several religious leaders from East Asia for an interfaith dialogue at his residence on Monday.

The delegation included representatives of the Buddhist, Hindu and Sikh communities of India, Japan, China, Myanmar and South Korea. The event was sponsored by Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in concert with the American Jewish Committee and the World Council of Religious Leaders.

In a statement, Rivlin said the interfaith community must unite in order to face modern challenges and avoid days like the September 11 tragedy, which are “created directly by distorted religious belief.”

“Our traditions have much in common,” Rivlin continued. “We all share a deep concern for human life and dignity. We all believe that this planet does not belong to us, but we belong to it — and we must take good care of it.”

At the meeting, the president of the Buddhist Association of China, the Most Venerable Xue Cheng, said that he believes “we can make true friends, and really build mutual respect and understanding, and make a harmonious world.”

“We can build common recognition as an example for the whole world, contributing to peace in the whole world,” Cheng added.