Rabbi Zion Cohen's speech at the joint press conference with Mr. Adnan Oktar

MR. ADNAN OKTAR: Rabbi Cohen, please go ahead.

RABBI ZION COHEN: My name is Tzion Cohen. I was born in Morocco. I was the Rabbi of Sederot, until recently, actually I am still connected to the [Sederot] municipality as part of my responsibilities as Rabbi of Sha'ar HaNegev, which is the neighboring on Gaza. More recently I have been chosen to be Rabbi of Ohr Yehuda.

We as Jews... The nation of Israel is made up of twelve tribes. The nation of Israel is called after the name of the tribe of Judah. The essence of the nation of Israel is Yehudah, which is derived from the word Hoda'ah (which means to give thanks). We wish to express our thanks to Mr. Adnan for the wonderful hosting together with all the team of people which accompanied us and continue to assist us in such a wonderful way.

The Turkish people, in general, has had a beautiful history, a tradition spanning many years of taking care of guests, of a very special nature. From inviting those who had been expelled by Spain to the Holocaust during WWII, even continuing until today.

God created wonderful world, with all its families, from one person, Adam. Why did he create just one person? He could have created millions of people from the beginning. In this there is a central and important message, that each of us have the same genes, so that no one can claim superiority over another.

The key to peace, for positive interpersonal communication... to increase love, brotherhood, peace and fellowship requires a positive communication: both in written communication (newspapers, etc) and electronic communication, thus the broadcast station that Mr. Adnan has set up, that speaks about peace and love among people and religious communities, that works against violence of any form, is very important indeed.

MR. ADNAN OKTAR: I also thank you.

RABBI ZION COHEN: "[One of] the names of God is Shalom (peace)". There is no glorification of God like... Someone who loves God has to increase love, brotherhood, peace and fellowship in the world, this is especially true with spiritual leaders. They have to be able to give guidance and warning to those who are still learning. They have to be careful. They must be careful in their talk, in their deeds, to be a personal example to others. To be someone that others can emulate. They have a obligation to the public and to the nation. They must be careful do deeds which are practically applicable, that will increase love, brotherhood, peace and fellowship. I take this opportunity to Mr. Oktar to assist in the request of Deputy Minister Ayoub Kara, to do everything in his power towards the release of Gilad Shalit. I again acknowledge the kindness of Mr. Adnan and his entire wonderful team that pleasantly surprised us.