Shas Faction Proposes Outlawing Evangelism

Rabbi Ovadia Yosef
Photo from YNet News
Protest against missionaries in Arad
Photo from YNet News
In a further sign of increasing opposition to evangelistic activity in Israel, the theocratic party known as the Shas faction, which is headed by MK Yakov Margi, proposed a bill on March 13 stating that Israel's laws against proselytism should be strengthened. Backed by six other faction members and in concordance with Shas' spiritual leader, Rabbi Ovadia Yosef's instructions, Margi proposed the sentence for preaching conversion should be one year imprisonment, according to a March 14 story written by Neta Sela in http://www.ynetnews.com/.

Currently, under Israeli law anyone offering money or material products in exchange for conversion faces five years in prison or a monetary fine. The person on the accepting end of the offer also faces punishment. Anyone acting in favor of, or conducting a conversion ceremony on, a minor faces six month in jail. The law, however, does not address attempts to convert adults over the age of 18, making it completely legitimate.

Shas members claim that the current law does not deter proselytizers. The new proposal claims that the weaker populations, such as Ethiopians and new immigrants, were more susceptible to missionary persuasion. Margi's proposal would completely forbid preaching and proselytism altogether.

Similar bills have been proposed in the past by ultra orthodox groups and have been defeated. Pray that this proposal will face a similar fate.

For more information on the persecution of Christians in Israel, click here.

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Israel News

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    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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    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."

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    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!

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    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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