Assyrians 4 Christ
Foreign Mission Board, SBC

ISRAEL - "Anti-missionary" Proposal

Previously Stated: We need to follow God's command and pray for peace in Jerusalem and Israel. An "anti-missionary" bill, as it is being called, is being processed through the Israeli government that would ban all vague acts of interfaith witness or conversion. As you'll read, this bill is insighting anti-christian actions even in violent ways. This is important! Don't ignore it! I will try to keep this list up-to-date as I can. Hopefully integrating all pertinent news.
Later Stated: PRAISE GOD! The same Antimissionary bill did not pass. The bill was changed though to prohibit unsolictied witness material being sent through the mail. The international response was sooooo great that the Knesset had to drop the harsh original version. This new bill does not eliminate persecution and leaves the door open for further restriction of rights. There is some hope for a complete removal of the bill by the prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He seeks an agreement on these matters and the Inter-religious Coordinating Council in Israel is drafting a document to say they will not try to alienate the Jewish people from their tradition and community. Nissim Zvili, coauthor of the bill, has stated that the signed agreement may be enough to satisfy him and he might drop the bill entirely. Proof reguarding any prosecution from this bill would prove difficult. Recipients would have to have substantial evidence to prove that the mail was solicited. Also, the determinations of encouragement vs. evangelistic witness are left wide open for speculations and interpretation either strongly or weakly. There is still danger left. There will still be a great need to pray.
MORE NEWS (Updated 6-23-1998): In May, Another bill with a hefty fine or jail sentence has passed the first reading. This bill penalizes those who verbally witness about Jesus the Messiah. As general as the bill is people could be prosecuted for preaching to a congregation or talking to a friend! This is a very dangerous bill! But like the bill before it, the latest bill has only passed some preliminary steps. Both bills are only bills, so far neither has been made a law. Danger abounds for our brethren in Israel. They need prayer and support. Pray for Israel through whom we came to find the Savior, Jesus Christ!! Pray for a change!!
Zapping for peace in Jesus' name!
Rusty Ivey (chat name: CrossStar)
Respond to crossstar@hotmail.com
"Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: 'May they prosper who love you. May peace be within your walls, and prosperity within your palaces.' For the sake of my brothers and my friends, I will now say, 'May peace be within you.' For the sake of the house of the Lord our God I will seek your good." Psalms 122:6-9

#1
From: WebServant@imb.org
FMB News Stories
Foreign Mission Board, SBC
Thursday, April 24, 1997
1. Israeli embassies feel pressure against anti-evangelism proposal
TEL AVIV, Israel (BP)--Israeli embassies in several countries are feeling pressure over a proposed law that could severely limit freedom of religion in Israel. Bill S757-1996 proposes to set a one-year jail term for printing, copying, distributing or sharing tracts, or advertising "things inwhich there is an inducement for religious conversion. "In Finland ... we have just heard of 7,000 signatures to a letter of protest, and of a planned interview with the Israeli ambassador there," said Baruch Maoz, a Messianic Jewish pastor helping rally forces against the bill. The governments of Norway and Denmark also have questioned the bill, he said. "The Israeli ambassador to Norway has written home to say that this proposed law could wreak intolerable damage on Israel's relations with friends in Norway," Maoz said. The bill was introduced as a "private member's bill" after it failed to win support from the government committee that represents the ruling coalition in the Israeli legislature, said Baruch Binah, minister-counselor for public and inter-religious affairs at the Israeli Embassy in Washington, DC. Binah said he understands from those knowledgeable about the bill that without endorsement from leaders in the ruling coalition, the proposal has only a remote chance of success. Maoz, on the other hand, dismisses the statements from Israel's Foreign Ministry. Embassies are simply "seeking to orchestrate a response that will lull protesters into believing that their concern has been addressed and appropriately resolved," he said. The coalition committee rejected the bill twice, probably "on its merits, "Binah said. "I'm pretty sure they simply looked at it and decided it's a bill that shouldn't pass. While we don't welcome proselytizing, it's not illegal." Though Jews in Israel generally resist evangelism -- and are even personally offended by it at times -- Israel has laws that protect free speech, Binah said. To validate such a law as the one proposed, legislators would have to change laws already on the books, he added. The proposal, passed in the first of four readings, now is under consideration by a legal committee that -- among other things -- checks proposed bills to conform with existing laws. But Maoz and other evangelicals fear this could be one of the dozen or so "private member's bills" -- from thousands introduced -- that do pass each year. Maoz said the government's own press office has reported 78 of 120 Knesset members have said they support the bill. He also charged that some of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's own staff, including the finance minister, has publicly backed the bill. Without diplomatic pressure from outside of Israel, Netanyahu might be unwilling to take a stance against the law since he depends on the Jewish Orthodox minority that backs the law to preserve his governing coalition. Messianic Jews fear the bill could curtail evangelism and might be used to ban even the Bible, severely restricting growth of some 60 Messianic Jewish congregations across Israel. Recent incidents already show effects of the proposed law, Maoz said. For example, a believer in Eilat recently received a ticket for distributing religious literature "as if this were an illegal activity," Maoz charged. "A judge issued an illegal search warrant, allowing the police to enter the home of a believer and confiscate religious literature. "Her grounds: 'Suspicion of a change of religion,' a crime nowhere mentioned in Israeli statute books."
For those interested in opposing the law via the Internet, the Knesset web site listing e-mail addresses of Knesset members is http://www.knesset.gov.il/knesset/mk/14/mkindex_eng.htm. The Israeli Embassy email address is ask@israelemb.org. Others may contact the Israeli Embassy at 202-364-5500, or 3514 International Drive NW, Washington, D.C. 20008.
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#2
From: WebServant@imb.org
Today's Prayer
Foreign Mission Board, SBC
Monday, May 19, 1997
ISRAEL.
Please continue praying about the proposed "anti-missionary bill" in Israel. The chairman of the Messianic Action Committee asks you to write to your senator and congressman to protest this bill, as well as the Israeli ambassador to the United States: Dr. Eliahu Ben-Elissar; Embassy of Israel; 3514 International Dr. NW; Washington, DC 20008. The chairman writes: "If the government is given reason to believe that once the initial wave of protest has rolled over them there will be no more action, you may be assured that the law will be enacted. Letters of protest should be firm but kind, and should never serve to give vent to anti-Israel feelings. Let them know that you are concerned and will not be put off with bland statements, platitudes and promises. You want to see this bill taken off the national Israeli agenda and to learn afresh that Israel is truly committed to maintaining a democratic society in which freedom ofspeech is vigorously protected, including freedom of religious speech."

#3
From: WebServant@imb.org
Today's Prayer
Foreign Mission Board, SBC
Tuesday, May 20, 1997
ISRAEL.
Never before has such an incident occurred in the mixed Christian-Muslim village of Turan. It began with children quarreling in the courtyard of the Greek Catholic Church on April 25, which was Orthodox Good Friday. Adults became involved and wielding rocks and knives began attacking passers-by in the bottleneck of the entrance to the village where the church is located. Saleh Salami, returning home from college, was randomly stabbed repeatedly while sitting in the traffic jam. He was able to drive himself home and identify his attackers before dying. He had attended the Turan Baptist Church daycare as a child and was a frequent camper at the Baptist village summer camps. Please pray for his family as they grieve over his loss. Pray for a member of the Turan Baptist Church who is secretary of the Turan local council, as the council meets to bring order to this village. This man is the only Christian among Muslims on the council. Pray that God would fill him with the words to help bring healing. May the Prince of Peace speak in a demonstrative way during this time of brokenness.

#4
From: WebServant@imb.org
Today's Prayer
Foreign Mission Board, SBC
Wednesday, May 21, 1997
ISRAEL
The mere proposal of the "anti-missionary" bill for which you have been praying has created an atmosphere in which the following has occurred: A believer has been arrested for distributing tracts, police interrupted two meetings and confiscated Bibles and evangelistic materials, a couple has had their passports withheld until they sign a statement saying they have no connections with evangelical organizations, a young man in the military was removed from his unit because it was discovered that he converted to Christianity. Please continue praying that this bill will not become law, allowing further incidents such as these.

#5
From: WebServant@imb.org
Today's Prayer
Foreign Mission Board, SBC
Friday, May 23, 1997
ISRAEL
The Messianic Action Committee (leaders of Jewish, Arab, and expatriate organizations and congregations) continues to meet for prayer and strategy regarding the proposed "anti-missionary bill" for which you have been praying. Pray that the Lord Jesus would give the spokesmen the right words to speak at the right time.

#6
From: WebServant@imb.org
Today's Prayer
Foreign Mission Board, SBC
Monday, June 02, 1997
ISRAEL
May 20 began the first day of legislation in the Knesset. Please continue to seek God's face regarding the bill being presented in the Knesset related to preventing evangelical work. If the bill is passed, it would make distribution of evangelical literature a "federal offense," punishable to up to a year imprisonment.

#7
From: WebServant@imb.org
Today's Prayer
Foreign Mission Board, SBC
Friday, June 13, 1997
ISRAEL
The "anti-missionary bill" has not yet entered the Knesset schedule. There seems to be no change of heart among the instigators of the bill. However, the local believers are very thankful for the many encouraging letters and prayers which have supported them during this struggle. Pray that the followers of Jesus Christ would be "as wise as serpents and as harmless as doves" as they confront this weighty issue.

#8
From: WebServant@imb.org
FMB News Stories
Foreign Mission Board, SBC
Friday, June 13, 1997
Netanyahu promises opposition to "anti-missionary" proposal
By Marty Croll
RICHMOND, Va. (BP)--Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has assured evangelical Christians his government will defeat a proposed bill to outlaw certain methods of evangelism. Dubbed the "anti-missionary law," it has triggered an outpouring of opposition from inside and outside of Israel. It was introduced as a private members' bill after the government committee that represents Netanyahu's ruling coalition refused to support it. It passed in its first of four readings with scarcely a fourth of the legislature, the Knesset, voting.
"The government strenuously objects to this bill and will act to ensure that it does not pass," Netanyahu said in a letter to Elwood McQuaid, executive director of the U.S.-based Friends of Israel. "Israel deeply values your support and that of Christians throughout the United States," he added.
Netanyahu's statement puts to rest the question of whether he actually intends -- on this issue -- to stand by internationally accepted standards of free speech and the Israeli declaration of independence. His resolve pits him against radical Jewish parties he needs in his government coalition to maintain a ruling majority. That still leaves open the possibility that, even without his support, proponents of the restrictions could garner enough votes on the floor of the Knesset to push the bill through. Or, as many insiders believe, Orthodox parties will use the proposal to test political waters, then later press such restrictions in the courts. Or they could even present the bill again during a future crisis of Netanyahu's government and require passage as a condition for their staying in and saving Netanyahu's majority coalition. The proposal touches the heart of a greater struggle in Israel today: a religious war waged by a minority of Jews to control a largely non-religious and secular-minded society. Another measure they have introduced would strip Reform and Conservative Jews of the status that Orthodox Jews hold within Israel. Israeli Orthodox parties have threatened to withhold support from Netanyahu -- and thus bring down his government -- if that bill is not approved.
The anti-missionary law would alter Israel's penal code to prohibit "inducement for religious conversion" and sets a one-year jail term for whoever possesses contrary to the law or prints or imports tracts or publishes things in which there is an inducement for religious conversion."
Further, the law would authorize the government to confiscate "any tract or advertisement in which there is inducement to religious conversion." An explanation accompanying the law states that "the state of Israel, in the framework of the existing laws, is opposed to any missionary seduction to convert religion ...." "Missionary" means any individual who tries to persuade others to change their religious viewpoint. The bill expands an "anti-bribery law" already on the books outlawing the use of material gain to induce a person to change religions. Human rights advocates oppose the bill because it disregards Israel's May 14, 1948, declaration of independence. In that document, written in the years after the Holocaust drove Jews from Europe, Israel promises to "uphold the full social and political equality of all its citizens without distinction of race, creed or sex," and to "guarantee full freedom of conscience (and) worship."

#9
From: WebServant@imb.org
FMB News Stories
Foreign Mission Board, SBC
Wednesday, August 06, 1997
Oppression in Israel reaches new intensity
By Marty Croll
JERUSALEM (BP)--Spiritual oppression against faith in Jesus has reached an intensity in Israel unknown in modern days, according to a Southern Baptist International Mission Board worker. When John Anthony came to the Holy Land 24 years ago, "one or two" struggling congregations of Jews who believed in Jesus as the Messiah were meeting for worship, he said. Now the number of such Hebrew-speaking congregations has grown to 52 -- and 11 are in Jerusalem. At least 5,000 Messianic Jews are thought to be living in Israel.
Anthony said he believes Satan is causing increased Muslim and Jewish Orthodox fundamentalism in the region to stop God's movement in drawing lost Jews to himself. Violence brought by religious extremists in the country reflects not only political struggle but also supernatural opposition against Jesus as Messiah, he said.
The most recent incident of Islamic extremism came July 30 when two suicide bombers detonated 22 pounds of explosive and sharp metal shrapnel in Jerusalem's bustling Mahaneh Yehuda vegetable market. The terrorists, later tied to the militant Palestinian Muslim group Hamas, walked to opposite ends of the market and blew themselves up. The market is just a five-minute walk from Baptist House Center, site of Jerusalem Baptist Church, where Anthony is pastor. Besides the bombers, 13 people were killed. Eighty-two others were hospitalized, including 18 in critical condition.
"A number of our friends shop at this location on a regular basis, not to mention the occasional visits we make there," said Anthony. "I guess it just gets closer all the time."
One of Anthony's friends, Petra Heldt, was hospitalized in the attack with burns on her face and arms. She directs the Ecumenical Theological Research Fraternity in Jerusalem. "Like most everyone else, she was simply there buying some groceries," Anthony said.
"There is a supernatural element of the enemy that is moving against believers in Israel right now. Read the book of Mark ... read about the demonic activity. The book of Mark is alive and well today in many ways in Jerusalem," he explained.
Anthony and his wife, Connie, have watched "waves" of spiritual oppression sweep across Israel. From 1972 to 1982, people bashed out windows at the Baptist center 10 or 12 times and bombed it twice. "We were threatened, harassed, spit at, demonstrated against, and our church was burned down. I thought I was going to be killed several times. My wife was attacked twice on the street by Muslims. That was a real oppressive time," Anthony said.
Still, opposition then came from a few extremists. And for the next five years even that seemed to dissipate. The number of Jewish believers in Jesus continued to multiply. Then in 1987 Palestinians launched the "Intifada," an uprising against the Israeli government. Violence again became commonplace. And it presented a new obstacle for the gospel.
In 1994, the process to bring peace between Israel and the Palestinians seemed to offer a return to normalcy. But in late 1995 a Jewish fundamentalist assassinated Prime Minister Yitzak Rabin in an attempt to derail the peace process.
"With the assassination until now we're in a whole new season of satanic oppression," Anthony said. "What's happening right now is that with the rise of Jewish Orthodox fundamentalists and their growing power, there is persecution openly against believers in the Messiah. It has never happened before in such a great amount of vast comprehensive oppression."
A proposed law working its way through the Israeli legislature would limit evangelical work among Jews. The law has received wide publicity and is considered by many Jews to be undemocratic. Its ultimate passage or rejection will be a partial test of fundamentalist Orthodox Jews' power to influence Israeli society today.
Orthodox Jewish fundamentalists are more scared than ever about the growing number of Messianic Jews, Anthony said. "They're (Messianic Jews) becoming a threat. They're not whimpering with their tails between their legs. They're standing up and fighting for their rights, and witnessing in the streets," he added. "Please pray for Israel and the peace of Jerusalem."

#10
From: WebServant@imb.org
Today's Prayer
International Mission Board, SBC
Thursday, August 21, 1997
ISRAEL. A believer in Jesus has been taken to jail and is reported to have been badly mistreated. Two other believershave not shown up at work for several days. Their whereabouts are unknown. Pray for the protection of these men, and pray that they may have a steadfast, pure testimony of Christ before their oppressors.
Late Aug/(saved on Sept. 8)Early Sept
ISRAEL. Baptist representative John Anthony writes: "We continue to rely upon the protection of the Lord and your prayers. Pray for God's protection of your Baptist families, their children and the singles serving in the Holy Land. What about the peace process? Man-made peace is just that; it is made by man. Eternal peace in the midst of terror only comes from knowing Yeshua as Messiah, Jesus as Christ. Pray that more people in this land will find true peace in Him."

#11
From: WebServant@imb.org
Today's Prayer
International Mission Board, SBC
Wednesday, February 25, 1998
ISRAEL. Pray for the safety of Christians in Nazareth. There have been attacks on churches and Christians in local villages, and many are leaving the villages to live in larger cities in northern Israel, such as Nazareth.

#12
From: WebServant@imb.org
Today's Prayer
International Mission Board, SBC
Friday, April 03, 1998
ISRAEL. Last spring, you prayed about a proposed "anti-missionary" bill that would prohibit evangelical activity in Israel. A revised bill, similar to the previous one, has been submitted and will soon be brought for a preliminary vote. Join others on April 3 in a day of prayer and fasting about this matter.

#13
From: WebServant@imb.org
IMB News Stories
International Mission Board, SBC
Wednesday, April 08, 1998
Religious censorship bill in Israel loses sponsor
TEL AVIV, Israel (BP)--The lawmaker who introduced a controversial religious censorship bill in Israel promised April 1 to actively oppose it after some 25 Christian groups pledged to "respect the identity and integrity" of Jews.
The bill will remain on the legislature's agenda, and another even more restrictive proposal is expected to be introduced.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has told foreign leaders he will reject restrictions, but has not yet made such a public announcement in Israel. To maintain control of the government, he and other members of his party need the support of Orthodox politicians, who favor religious censorship.
Messianic Jews and other Christians in Israel had been lobbying hard for more than a year against Zvilli's proposal to outlaw possessing, printing, importing, copying or distributing literature of any kind "in which there is any form of an effort to persuade another to change one's religion."
Zvilli had sponsored the proposal in the Knesset with Moshe Gafni of the ultra-orthodox United Torah Judaism Party. But forces inside and outside of Israel have pressured him to kill it to preserve democracy in Israel.
Zvilli finally backed down after a coalition of Protestant and Roman Catholic groups in Israel issued a public statement which pledged -- among other things -- to refrain from activities intended to alienate Jews from their tradition and community. The groups agreed not to exploit economic, social or psychological needs in Israel for denominational interests.
The United Christian Council in Israel (UCCI), which represents the Baptist convention and much of the evangelical community, declined to support the statement, as did the Messianic Action Committee, which represents much of the Messianic Jewish
community.
Those groups sought to include a clear commitment to evangelism and free speech, fearing the statement could be misinterpreted without such language. That concern proved valid when press reports claimed Messianic and evangelical congregations had agreed to shun evangelism.
The UCCI responded publicly April 1: "It has been incorrectly reported in the media that the evangelical Christian community in Israel has agreed not to proclaim its faith. While
we have no wish to encourage, or be involved in, any form of insensitive or unethical evangelism, we nevertheless fully intend to continue proclaiming and sharing our faith in Jesus. To do anything less would be a denial of who and what we are."
During a meeting with Zvilli, "it was clarified publicly that in no way did Christians renounce the right to share their faith, as was implied by fallacious press leaks the day before," said veteran Southern Baptist worker David Groseclose.
A statement on evangelism and Jews had been in the works for some eight months. The MAC had accepted an earlier draft stating that Messianic Jews would continue to "proclaim our faith." But the MAC declined to support a version of the statement that would have sought an alternative to "proclaim."
Messianic Jews are zealous in evangelism and have grown steadily in recent years. They insist their allegiance to Jesus as Messiah makes them no less Jewish. Orthodox Jews say Messianics are Christians and no longer Jews.
"The MAC believes that the situation can best be redeemed by making a public and emphatic declaration that we will continue to exercise our right and duty to proclaim Yeshua (Jesus) to our people, and will do so without apology," said MAC member Noam Hendren.
Foreign evangelical workers are allowed in Israel, but their presence is a constant irritation to Orthodox Jewish eaders. But the real spark triggering the restrictive bill was
a mass mailing to Israelis by California evangelist Morris Cerullo. Flyers sent to hundreds of thousands of homes in Israel urged acceptance of Jesus as the Messiah in a way many Israelis -- including the MAC -- found insensitive and exploitative.
Some Christian leaders said the proposed law could not have prevented the repeat of such mailings, but would have reduced freedom in Israel.

#14
From: WebServant@imb.org
Today's Prayer
International Mission Board, SBC
Monday, May 11, 1998
ISRAEL. The anti-missionary bill is still being considered
by the government. Please continue lifting this situation
to the Father.

#15
From: WebServant@imb.org
IMB News Stories
International Mission Board, SBC
Wednesday, May 27, 1998
Israeli lawmakers clear new anti-witnessing law
By Marty Croll
JERUSALEM (BP)--A bill proposing a three-year jail sentence or $13,700 fine for people who verbally witness about Jesus the Messiah cleared a first reading in the Israeli legislature May 20. But the bill, like other restrictions on free speech and religious freedom, faces an uphill battle against international opposition.
Among those voting in favor of the bill was Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, though U.S. diplomatic sources said his vote was largely "a political exercise" to maintain affirmation from conservative Jews.
Still, the bill represents the fourth attempt to curtail free speech in religious matters in Israel during the past 21 years. A bill passed in 1977 banned persuading someone to change their religion for the broad and ambiguous motive of "financial gain." Three more restrictive bills during the past two years have sought to drop the requirement to prove that motive.
Netanyahu has promised evangelical leaders inside and and outside of Israel that he will not allow the passage of any bill to restrict religious freedom. Israeli embassy sources say the proposed laws all have been "private member's bills" that have no chance of passing.
A statement from the Messianic Action Committee, which has lobbied overseas leaders to oppose proposed restrictions, says the new bill will soon find its way to the top of the legislature's agenda for another vote because of its strong Orthodox support. An earlier bill to restrict Christian activity -- also passed in its first reading -- awaits action after losing a key sponsor.
The stakes are higher than ever in Israel's fight over religious freedom. A bill before the U.S. Congress proposes to use trade sanctions as punishment against nations who persecute people on the basis of faith. The White House is closely watching developments relating to the law, staying in touch with knowledgeable Americans in Israel.
"Prime Minister Netanyahu is well aware of the billions of dollars in U.S. aid he receives and the fact that the passage of a law such as this would erode his support in the U.S.," said a U.S. State Department source.
Evangelicals are troubled, however, that in an Oct. 5, 1997, letter Netanyahu told his Jewish Orthodox minister for construction and housing he would support "an appropriate bill that will reflect the suitable balance between the preservation of the freedom of religion and of expression on the one hand, and the worthy war against missionary activity on the other.Not only do I not support missionary activity, but the opposite is true: I oppose any such activity," his letter continued.
The prime minister is attempting to preserve his coalition and please as many voters as he can, the State Department source said. "There is a fair bit of sentiment that is against proselyting." Netanyahu needs the support of fundamentalists in the Knesset to maintain a majority for his coalition.
But even if Netanyahu does hold back extremists, evangelicals have another fear: Would a future leader be less sympathetic to evangelicals and allow passage of the law, if extremists can keep it alive long enough?
John Anthony, pastor of Jerusalem Baptist Church and a representative assigned to Israel for 25 years by the Southern Baptist International Mission Board, believes Jewish fundamentalists are working to wear down the opposition. The Messianic Action Committee, which solicited letters and faxes opposing the bill from throughout the world, is running out of money, he said.
Messianics -- Jewish believers in Jesus as Messiah -- are growing in number and strength, and becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.
"I'm asking that we pray there will continue to be religious freedom in the land of the Bible," Anthony said. "Please ask Baptists to pray that these proposed laws will never pass -- nor anything like them."

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