October 4, 1999

MESSIANIC ACTION COMMITTEE UPDATE (excerpts from recent bulletins received from Israel)

FREEDOM REPORT NO. 66 ======================

*   Jerusalem: Ro'eh Yisrael - Harassment
                      Narkis Street Congregation - Building Defacement

*   Tel Aviv: Dugit Bookstore - Yad L'Achim
                  
 *  Nazareth: Church Break-in

*   New MAC Website


LEGISLATION WATCH

We are happy to report that, as we continue to monitor the Knesset for introduction of anti-Messianic legislation, there are no signs of current legislative sanctions.


ONGOING PERSECUTIONS

Jerusalem:  Ro'eh Yisrael - Harassment

In the previous month, the Ro'eh Yisrael Congregation in Jerusalem was again the target of Orthodox vigilante activity.  They began by passing out tracts to deter people from attending.  When this failed to deter those who had come out for worship, a photographer was engaged to intimidate members with the possible loss of jobs, etc.  This stopped no one from their determination to attend.  Pamphlets were distributed outside the meeting place which quoted New Testament passages out of their context and thereby sought to characterize the New Testament as anti-Semitic.

Narkis Street Congregation - Building Defacement

The Narkis Street Congregation in Jerusalem is regularly the target of vandalism and was again the victim in July of black paint and tar on the outside of the building.

Tel Aviv:  Dugit Bookstore - Yad L'Achim ("Anti-Missionary" Activists)

The Dugit Bookstore in Tel Aviv continues to be a regular target of "anti-missionary" harassment.  The Dugit staff consistently uses such obstructions as opportunities for evangelism from the Scriptures. Recently, Yad L'Achim has begun using young women in front of the store to focus on women, while men of their group try to persuade men against this Messianic bookstore.


Nazareth:  Church Break-in

Nizar Touma of our Committee reported that the church in Nazareth was recently broken into for the third time this year.  Although the motive may only have been monetary, it is an example of disdain resulting in crime. It would be interesting to compare lootings of churches with that of synagogues.

We cannot report on many such low-level persecutions that are no longer considered newsworthy.  The public has come to accept uneven treatment of religious issues as expected.  The good part is that we are sometimes seen as victims rather than culprits; we are referred to as Messianic Jews rather than Christians (who are seen as foreigners); and we are called upon by the media as friendly, knowledgeable sources on New Testament subjects.

NEW MAC WEBSITE

For your convenience, a new website has been initiated.  The site will Serve as a source of up-to-the-minute information, especially as new legislation may come along.  We take this opportunity to thank the anonymous supporter who has made this possible on behalf of the Messianic Movement.

         http://www.macisrael.com


CHANGE OF BANK ACCOUNT

Please update your records to reflect the MAC's own bank account below. As we are in wait-and-see posture, any contributions received will make it possible for us to move quickly should a new legislative crisis develop.

The positive results of the last legislative struggle were beyond
anything we had initially thought possible.  This Body-wide effort was an instance where Israel became the responsibility of New Covenant believers of all stripes.  The prayers and participation sent a loud and strong message to the believers in Israel, which said, "You are not alone".  We feel stronger because of it.  May the Lord bless you always for your interest and putting your shoulder to the wheel when it was needed.



MESSIANIC ACTION COMMITTEE

Paul Liberman, Chairman
Noam Hendren
Charles Kopp
Marvin Kramer, Esq.
Nizar Touma
Daniel Yahav


Wires:  Bank Leumi, 32 Maskit Street, Herzliya Pituach, Israel
Telephone:  972-9-970-6333, Fax No. 972-9-970-6355
Branch/Account No.: 864-12986
ABA Number = SWIST CODE = LEUMILIT864


e-mail or postal address:

P.O. Box 5462,  Herzliya   46100   Israel
Telephone/Fax:   972-9-951-6118
E-mail: themac@netvision.net.il

See also:

AMFI's Religious Liberty in Israel Update Page

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