Jerusalem - Around 400 members of a grassroots Christian group prayed in Jerusalem's Old City yesterday, marking 900 years since Crusaders slaughtered Jews, Muslims and Orthodox Christians in the Holy City. Members of the Reconciliation Walk group have traced the path of Crusaders from Europe to the Middle East since 1996 in a tour of apology.
"No one has ever endeavoured to apologise for the Crusades," said Ms Lynn Green, one of the group's organisers. "We consider it a privilege, but also a responsibility and an obligation to do so today."
Israel's Chief Rabbi Yisrael Meir Lau welcomed the pilgrims at the Jerusalem Great Synagogue, saying: "Better later than never. "We want to live together in peace and in friendship . . . you are welcome in the name of the Lord. God bless you," he said.