March, 1999
MESSIANIC ACTION COMMITTEE UPDATE (excerpts from recent bulletins received from Israel)
FREEDOM REPORT NO. 59 March 9, 1999
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* Molotov Cocktails Hurled at Home of Messianic Jews
THREE FIREBOMBS
The following article appeared in the “Maariv” Newspaper:
Felix Frish
March 8, 1999
MOLOTOV COCKTAIL HURLED AT HOUSE OF MESSIANIC JEWS
Assailants threw three firebombs Sunday at a house in Moshava Migdal near the Sea of Galilee. Police speculate that the reason for the attack is that members of the house belong to a Jewish messianic sect.
Michal and Tirtze Shevenberg and their eight children are members of a Jewish messianic community that believes Jesus and the New Testament are direct continuations of Judaism.
On Sunday night somebody tried to harm them. “I heard the windows break and saw the fire spread at 03:30,” recalled the eldest daughter, Hadassah, yesterday. “I called everyone and we extinguished the fire. It’s a genuine miracle from God that the house didn’t burn down and that nothing happened.” The front of the family’s car was also burned by a firebomb.
Tiberias Police Commander Major Ya’akov Zigdon ordered an investigation into the incident. Shevenberg family members said this wasn’t the first time that they were attacked: two years ago assailants cut their car’s tires.
We wish to make a statement to the Israeli government and public by paid advertisement that violence against Messianic Jews must not be tolerated. Funds for this purpose are needed now.
In Israel there exists a Fellowship of Leaders of Messianic Congregations (known in Israel as the Kenes Artzi). It is a truly representative group of the Messianic elders in the Land. On March 5, 1999, the group accepted the subordination of the MAC. Following is text describing the agreed-upon formulation of this relationship:
“ . . . As envisioned, the Kenes Artzi would designate three individuals from among its seven-person coordinating committee for this purpose, other than those who are also serving on the MAC. When the MAC would consider major changes in structure, direction or policy, the Advisory Committee would be invited to attend MAC meetings and would be requested to advise and make recommendations to the MAC. There will be a report to the Kenes Artzi by the Advisory Committee and/or the MAC. The MAC will submit to any determinations made by the Kenes Artzi.
The MAC has consisted of up to seven members, two of which have been appointed by the United Christian Council of Israel. The remainder would be elected each year by the Kenes Artzi to serve for one year from the date of appointment . . .“
The Pinchasi Bill (passed preliminary reading on May 20, 1998): “Prohibition on calling for a change of religion” -- 174c: “ Anyone who preaches with the goal of causing any other person to change his religion is liable to three years’ imprisonment or a 50,000 Shekel* fine.” *approximate value of US$12,500
MESSIANIC ACTION COMMITTEE
Paul Liberman, Chairman
Noam Hendren
Charles Kopp
Marvin Kramer, Esq.
Nizar Touma
Daniel Yahav
NOTE: Please make wires and checks payable to "HaGefen Publishing--Freedom". Checks: direct to
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ABA Number = SWIST CODE FIRBILITXXX
Please make notification to the MAC via the following fax number or e-mail/postal address:
P.O. Box 5462, Herzliya 46100 Israel Telephone/Fax:
972-9-951-6118
E-mail: themac@netvision.net.il
Wires: Account No. 500046, First International Bank of Israel,
Rishon LeZion
Branch (No.32). NOTE: Please make wires and checks payable to
"HaGefen
Publishing--Freedom".
See also:
AMFI's Religious Liberty in Israel Update Page
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