Caspari Center Media Review – October 14, 2009
During the week covered by this review, we received 2 articles on the subject of Messianic Jews and Christians in Israel.
1 dealt with Messianic Jews
1 dealt with Christians in Israel
This week’s sparse Review included a response to last week’s article on Yad L’Achim’s ties with the Ministry of the Interior.
Messianic Jews
Haaretz, October 9, 2009
In response to last week’s article reporting Yad L’Achim’s involvement with the Interior Ministry, Gideon Engler from Rechovot wrote: “Yuval Azulai’s piece … about the harassment and conflict with ‘Messianic Jews’ was shocking. The worst part of such actions is not the harassment and plotting of the Orthodox organization Yad L’Achim but the fact that they inform on Messianic Jews to the Interior Ministry – which in turn collaborates with the organization and keeps files on those whom it suspects of being Messianic Jews. A top official within the Interior Ministry even accused the latter of activity against the Jewish people through missionary work. Even if there are those within the Messianic community who disseminate literature about their faith, this is their right in a democratic country, because in doing so they are not forcing their opinion on anyone. Rather, it is the Interior Ministry who is doing so by investigating Israeli citizens with regard to their beliefs and lifestyle – something which unfortunately recalls the agenda of the Inquisition.”
Christians in Israel
Haaretz, October 9, 2009
This report looked at the Christian community living at Bethel, which has been the subject of several pieces in the Israeli media (see previous Reviews).