Hindus have thanked the residents and regional government of Castrillo Matajudios (“Fort Kill Jews”) village in Spain for its reported name change to Castrillo Mota de Judios (“Jew’s Hill Fort”).
Distinguished Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, said it was shocking to learn that such a village name existed in the contemporary Europe.
Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, pointed out that despite our seriously different faiths; we needed to learn to live together in peace, mutual loyalty and trust. Existence of different religions showed God’s munificence and goodwill.
Rajan Zed further said that as we were headed in the same direction, we should live in harmony with each other. A true relationship with the Divine could take place in all the world’s esteemed religions.
The controversial name of Castrillo Matajudios village reportedly dating back to 1627, founded in 1035 by Jews fleeing persecution, still carried a Star of David on its official seal although it has no Jewish residents.
Zed also came out in support of Jews asking France to change the name of its “Death to Jews” (La Mort aux Juifs) hamlet, about 60 miles from Paris.
Rajan Zed urged French President Francois Hollande to immediately look into changing name of this hamlet. If France refused to change it, European Commission should intervene; Zed stressed, and added that France needed to show some maturity.
What was more baffling that even the religious elite of Europe had not come out openly against these unacceptable names, Zed wondered, and urged His Holiness Pope Francis to speak on this issue.
Rajan Zed also urged another village Valle de Matamoros (Kill Moors valley) in southwestern Spain to change its name.