Again this week religion played a key role in violence between Israelis and Palestinians. The violence began weeks ago over rumors that Israel was plotting to take over the site known to Jews as the Temple Mount and to Muslims as the Noble Sanctuary. This week, the UN’s cultural heritage agency, UNESCO, condemned what it called “Israeli aggressions…against Muslims’ access to their holy site.” The Israeli government and several Jewish groups strongly criticized the statement. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu further stoked tensions when he suggested that the Mufti of Jerusalem helped convince Hitler to exterminate Jews. That suggestion was denounced by many experts. International political and religious leaders continue appealing for calm. Pope Francis urged both sides to show “great courage and strength” to work for peace.