Iran seems to be trying to figure out how strong it really is and can stay; Hezbollah is trying to recover from losing Syria as a transit point between itself and Iran; and the entire region is trying to establish a new political reality. But while Arab nations are evaluating how Assad's exit affects the region, Israel has spent the last 24 hours destroying Syrian weapons and targets so that they cannot be used against Israel by enemies of Israel...some of whom may end up running Syria. Israel airstrikes hit over 100 military targets on Monday (no civilian facility or casualties), including at least 3 major Syrian army airbases that housed dozens of helicopters and jets. With over 250 strikes since Sunday, Western officials believe that if the strikes continue at this pace, the Syrian Air Force will be entirely destroyed in a matter of days... ensuring that the rebel groups and any future government will be unable to threaten Israel from the air, B"H.

But a different type of attack happened over the last few days...this one from the Vatican. The Vatican's Nativity Scene was dedicated by the Pope. But instead of the typical baby in the manger scene;- this one has the baby Jesus laying a Palestinian keffiyeh scarf. This modern symbol of terrorism, Jew-hatred, and war is swaddling the "prince of peace" in a clear (and admitted) political statement suggesting that Jesus was a Palestinian (not a Jew). The scarf was given by the Palestinian Authority for this purpose, and is yet another example of Pope Francis' distaste for Israel; whom he has, in the past, suggested might be committing genocide in Gaza. Jewish leaders from Rome to Israel and around the world have pointed out how problematic it all is for Jewish/Catholic relations;- but the Vatican has doubled down and unapologetically defended its decision.

In 1965, Nostra Aetata was established as part of Vatican II; and Jewish/Catholic relations officially changed to be more respectful. This was one of, if not the most important theological documents of the 20th century. Among other things, it stopped the Church from accusing modern Jews of the centuries-long libel of the deicide of killing Jesus.

In combination with the Subsequent Notes in 1974, it radically affected inter-faith relations, and ushered in a golden era of dialogue between the faiths. It should be no surprise to anyone that the great tzaddik, Rabbi Abraham Heschel z"l, was instrumental in the formation of the document through his relationship with one of its main authors, Cardinal Augustin Bea, a German Jesuit priest.

All too often in recent years, Francis has, through his words and actions, hurt Catholic/Jewish relations. Although he has always spoken of how he is a great friend of the Jews, in recent years, the 88-year-old Pontiff has said things that have hurt Israel and interfaith relations... and this latest action of a terrorist scarf wrapping the baby Jesus is problematic on many levels.

But Nostra Aetate still stands as official Catholic doctrine. We all need to have faith that the Church will balance itself, and be a partner with Judaism in repairing this world.

And as Jews, it is good to remember that even (and especially) if we don't agree with Catholic theology... since God accepts how we all pray differently... maybe we should accept each other in this world that we share together.