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mid a diplomatic row between Indonesia and Israel that was sparked by entry permits, Yahya Cholil Staquf, a high-ranking cleric from Indonesia’s largest Muslim organization Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), has come into the spotlight for accepting an invitation by an Israeli organization to deliver a speech in Jerusalem.

Yahya, commonly known as Gus Yahya, was invited by the Israel Council on Foreign Relations to deliver a speech titled “Shifting Geopolitical Calculus: From Conflict to Cooperation” at the David Amar World North African Jewish Heritage Center in Jerusalem on Wednesday local time.

While the invitation sparked controversy in Indonesia because of the recent brouhaha between the two nations, Yahya only recently broke his silence to explain his visit and reiterate his stance in promoting peace for Palestinians.

“I stand here for Palestine. I stand here on the basis that we have to honor Palestine’s sovereignty as a free country,” the cleric said in a statement posted on NU’s official website, nu.or.id.

While being firm on his stance, Yahya also thanked the Israeli organization for inviting him to deliver the speech — a gesture he described as “being ready to listen amid a hostile atmosphere”.

“I don’t see any other hidden meanings except that you all have good intentions. You are being sincere for wanting a way out of these crises. You believe, or at least are willing to test your belief, on the hope of peace and a better future,” he said in his speech, as quoted in a statement obtained by The Jakarta Post on Tuesday.

During a discussion, which was held by the America Jewish Committee (AJC) Global Forum in Jerusalem, Yahya spoke of the Islamic concept of rahmah (affection for and awareness of others) as a solution for the ongoing conflict in the West Bank.

“Muslims and Jews have to find a new means to, first and foremost, understand the role of religion in real life and second, to find a new interpretation of religious morality that can guide followers in promoting harmony,” he said.

Yahya’s move followed the footsteps of his predecessor, the late cleric and former president Abdurrahman “Gus Dur” Wahid, who was invited to deliver a speech at the same forum in 2002.

Gus Dur was known for actively participating in efforts to push for peace between Israel and Palestine. He openly spoke of his vision to open relations with Israel in 1999 — a plan that included lobbying Tel Aviv to solve the issue and stop its occupation of the West Bank. The idea, however, quickly disappeared following massive objections from Muslims in Indonesia.

Yahya’s move has sparked controversy and drawn opposition at home, particularly amid Israel’s recent move to deny Indonesians entry to the country, a policy which will affect Indonesian pilgrims wishing to visit Jerusalem, home to holy sites for Muslims, Christians and Jews.

The move was seen by many as a retaliatory response to Indonesian immigration authorities’ decision to deny visas to dozens of Israeli citizens because of the ongoing violence in Gaza.

Israeli’s ban was supposed to take effect on June 9, but was postponed to June 26.

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has said he would summon Yahya, who serves as an adviser to the President, upon the latter’s return.

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi reiterated Indonesia’s stance on the issue on Palestine, saying it remains a priority in the country’s foreign policy, especially following Indonesia’s victory in securing a two-year term as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council on Friday.