World Youth Day 2008 organisers have hosted an information evening for more 15 Australian Jewish leaders.

Coordinated through Stepan Kerkyasharian AM Chairperson of the Community Relations Commission, the meeting followed the briefing sessions held for Australian Muslim leaders and those of other Christian faiths.

WYD08 Coordinator Bishop Anthony Fisher OP said the briefing was also a chance to consider ways that the Jewish community might collaborate with the Catholic Church sponsored event, to be held in Sydney from 15-20 July 2008.

"World Youth Day is an opportunity like no other for the renewal of every aspect of faith life in Australia," Bishop Fisher said.

"Although a Catholic initiative, World Youth Days have historically had a positive impact on all faiths in the countries where they have been held. This was one of the key messages we wanted to convey to the leaders."

Bishop Fisher said 15 people attended the briefing including several Rabbis and representatives from the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, Jewish schools and services.

He asked the leaders to inform their faithful about the event and help minimise any misunderstandings regarding World Youth Day.

"I also asked them to consider taking part in interfaith forums and volunteering facilities such as large halls. Above all, we sought to assure them that World Youth Day is an opportunity for interfaith cooperation and renewal for all people of goodwill.

"Peace and cooperation between people of faith - especially the three great monotheistic traditions of the Book - is an aspiration of most young people and given the tensions in our world, it is an urgent message for us all to hear. World Youth Day will be a wonderful demonstration of the potential of faith to unite rather than divide our world.

"We are also very grateful for al the work if the Community Relations Commission in assisting World Youth Day to be a time of celebration for the whole community."

Sydney will host the XXIII World Youth Day next year with up to 500,000 people are expected to take part in at least one event, including 125,000 international visitors. The event will also mark the first visit to Australia of Pope Benedict XVI