Public Slurs Taunt Israeli Messianic Jews

On September 12, the Israeli High Court heard a petition from an ultra-orthodox group, the Gur Hassidim, requesting permission to hold massive demonstrations outside the home of Polly Sigulim, a Messianic Jew.  Since April 2004, the group has been holding smaller demonstrations weekly outside her home in Asad.  The demonstrations included shouts and insults against Christians and Jesus.  The authorities banned the demonstrations when the harassment began escalating. 

Demonstration Against Messianic Jews
Bible Destroyed in Fire at Chess Club

Gur Hassidim has requested permission for a demonstration of 700 people.  The High Court President, Aharon Barak, suggested a compromise of a 250-person demonstration once a year.  He ordered the lawyers of the police and the Hassidim to discuss his idea, but they were unable to reach an agreement.  As a result, a ruling on this matter from the High Court is expected to be issued soon.  According to a September 21 report from Compass Direct, a Jewish girl became a Christian after reading a New Testament that was given to her by the Sigulim family.  After she turned eighteen and was baptized, ultra-orthodox Jews began to organize demonstrations in front of the Sigulim home.

Pastor Yakim Figueras
Demonstrations and harassment against Messianic Jews is prevalent in Asad.  A blog posting by Shmulik Eitan recounts the treatment of his sister and her husband, Yakim Figueras, pastor of the Messianic Jewish congregation in Asad.  Eitan claims that the family experiences abuse almost daily. Stones are thrown at their home and taunts are shouted at them, such as "Jesus the bastard," "Nazis" and "filthy Christians."  Last year, a chess club operated by a Christian couple, Eddie and Lura Beckford, was severely damaged after protestors broke in and lit the facility on fire.  On September 17, a demonstration at the chess club required police intervention after the demonstrators became unruly.  The crowd disbursed only after police threatened them with arrest.

Pray that the harassment against these families will cease.  Pray for the continued ministry of this congregation in the midst of this turmoil and adversity.  Video footage of the demonstrations being held outside of the Sigulim home can be viewed is available online.

For more information on difficulties facing Christians in Israel, click here.  Read Glenn Penner's September 19 weblog, "Caught in the Middle in the Middle East" for further commentary on the response of Western Christians to persecution in the region.

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  • Messianic Believers Targeted
    Hebrew graffiti - Photo: Middle East Concern
    Graffiti on the footpath outside a Christian home.
    Photo: Middle East Concern

    Messianic believers in Arad, southern Israel, have been targeted by the Gur Hasidim, a strict Orthodox Jewish sect. Recently, graffiti was written on the footpath outside the home of some believers, stating that "the mission" – a term used by Gur members in reference to the fellowship of Messianic Christians – was "a tragedy for the Jewish people."

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  • Arson Attack on Galilee Church
    The Sea of Galilee
    Photo: Flicker / nborun (cc)

    A suspected arson attack took place in June on a church near the shores of the historical Sea of Galilee, resulting in the injury of two people and causing serious damage to the church facility. An elderly monk and a German volunteer needed hospital treatment for smoke inhalation after the attack on the Church of the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fishes in Tabgha village. While there was minor damage to the main worship hall, other areas were badly affected. Graffiti was also painted inside the church during the attack with a warning: "The false gods will be eliminated."

    No one has been arrested in connection with the blaze but 16 Jewish youths were taken in for questioning before being released. In April of last year, young Jewish extremists desecrated crosses and an altar at the same church. Local bishops have called on Jews, Christians and Muslims to stand in solidarity against "violence and extremism." It is reported that attacks by extremists on churches and Christian-owned property are now common.

    The Galilee church was built in the 1980s on the site of ancient places of worship that commemorated the spot where Jesus fed the five thousand with loaves and fish. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the recent arson incident as "an attack on all of us," promising to bring the culprits to justice.

    Let's cry out for the nation of Israel, requesting peace within its walls so the people would remain secure, having no fear of harm (Psalm 122:6-9). May its citizens -- representing all faiths -- stand together against extremism and violence in this troubled region, promoting unity and religious tolerance. Ask God to work within the hearts of those perpetrating these hateful crimes so they will turn from evil and do good. Thank the Lord, who neither slumbers nor sleeps, for watching over Israel and its inhabitants (Psalm 121:4). He is ever faithful!

    Read more...

  • IS Militants Warn, ''Leave or Risk Being Killed''
    A city in the Middle East
    Pray for the safety of Christians in the Holy Land.

    Leaflets distributed recently in East Jerusalem are warning Christians to leave the city before the end of Ramadan on July 18th or risk being killed. The leaflets are attributed to a group its own members refer to as the "Islamic State in Palestine."

    While Muslim and Christian religious leaders have been quick to condemn the leaflets, alarmed Christians residing in Jerusalem have requested prayer. As recently reported in one of our previously posted prayer alerts, there have been a number of recent incidents targeting Christians in Jerusalem's Old City, as well as reports of mounting pressure on Palestinian Christians amid fears of local Muslims being radicalized. To review this earlier report, please click here.

    Please pray for our brothers and sisters in Jerusalem who are increasingly concerned over the threats made by militants against their Christian community. Ask God to grant them a greater awareness of His reassuring presence, peace, guidance and protection (Psalm 122:6-8). And for those who are in opposition of these faithful followers of Christ, pray that the reverential fear of our Lord will come upon them so they may repent and wholeheartedly turn to Him as their blessed Saviour!

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  • Rising ''Aggression'' Towards Palestinian Christians
    Pray for the peace and safety
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    Israeli Ministry of Tourism

    There is concern that a large number of Muslims residing in Palestinian territories and Israel have become "radicalized," creating deepening divisions between faith communities. Church leaders report that tensions between Muslims and Christians have risen since 2014, with some blaming the rise of Islamic State and extremist ideologies.

    After being the target of recent attacks and inflammatory speeches, Palestinian Christians are now feeling unsafe. In February, those residing in Nazareth were alarmed by the appearance of a billboard ordering them not to spread their faith or talk about Jesus in a way that contradicts the Quran. In East Jerusalem, an imam at the Al-Aqsa Mosque posted an online video urging Muslims to be in a constant state of war against the "polytheist enemy," namely Christians, and also against Jews.

    About one month ago, a mob attack took place in the Christian Quarter of Jerusalem, following a row between a Christian and a Muslim. In addition, an Ethiopian monastery was spray-painted with anti-Christian messages. Local Muslim leaders have since apologized for the mob violence and are reportedly working to halt the spread of extremism.

    Let us pray for God's peace and protection to reign over all the inhabitants of the Holy Land. May moderate Muslims unite with the targeted Christian members of their communities in the stand against extremism in its various forms, promoting religious tolerance and goodwill toward all humankind. Ask that the followers of Jesus be strengthened and encouraged as they continue to fulfill His call to be "salt" and "light" in our world, which includes the Holy Land.

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