 |
 |
 |
|
|
Rev. Malcolm Hedding of the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem: "Disappointed" by the Rabbinical decision
|
|
|
|
|
|
| By Israel Insider staff September 25, 2007 |
|
| |
 Bookmark to del.icio.us |
| |
 |
| The ICEJ-backed Jerusalem March, in a previous year (ICEJ) |
| |
Israel's rabbinic authorities are calling on Jews to refrain from participating in the upcoming Christian Pilgrimage event in Jerusalem, which attracts more than 6,000 Christians from more than 90 nations, according to the local press.
While welcoming Christian visitors to Israel, the rabbis are warning Jews that the conference includes missionary and messianic groups that aim to convert them to Christianity. Proselytizing is prohibited in Israel.
"According to information that has reached the chief rabbinate, there are participants in this conference who convert Jews to Christianity and perform missionary activity throughout the year," said Rabbi Simcha Hacohen Kook, the chief rabbi of Rehovot, who took part in committee discussions of the matter, according to the Jerusalem Post. "This is against the law, so the chief rabbinate is calling upon Jews not to take part in the conference."
Leaders of the participating Christian groups -- led by the International Christian Embassy in Jerusalem -- say they are disconcerted by the unexpected announcement regarding the event, which has taken place every year for 27 years.
"It is disappointing to learn that some rabbinic authorities are trying to discourage the Jewish public from participating in this traditional march," the Rev. Malcolm Hedding, the ICEJ's executive director said.
"We have to be wary of missionary activity," he said. "But after we know it and they [the Christians] know it and it's on the table, it is embarrassing to suddenly have a campaign against Christians. I don't know who is spearheading this. I hope the chief rabbis will explain this."
The influx of thousands of Christian tourists has consistently been a windfall for Israel's economy. The ICEJ expects that its Succot gathering will be the largest annual tourism event in Israel this year and is expected to infuse some $15-18 million into the local economy, accounting for over 16,000 hotel room nights.
"Our Feast pilgrims have a deep love and concern for Israel, bring much color and joy to the city of Jerusalem, and always receive a warm welcome from the Israeli people, particularly during the hugely popular Jerusalem March," said ICEJ's Hedding.
Latest developments
A high level meeting took place Tuesday between officials of the Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs and members of the The Chief Rabbinate Council's Committee for the Prevention of Missionary Work in the Holy Land. Jerusalem Councilwoman Mina Fenton was also present at the meeting.
The meeting was called by the Foreign Ministry in reaction to the complaints by the ICEJ and Christian Evangelical organizations abroad, distressed by the Chief Rabbinate's decision to proscribe Jewish participation in the week-long Christian Pilgrimage Feast of the Tabernacles.
Representatives of the Chief Rabbinate's committee, along with Councilwoman Fenton, and a representative for the counter-missionary group Lev L'achim, presented significant amounts of evidence in a lengthy meeting at the Foreign Ministry
The Chief Rabbinate issued a statement at the conclusion of the meeting which once again welcomed Gentile tourists, and expressed appreciation to those who wish Israel well, but the committee reiterated its ruling proscribing Jewish participation in Feast events in the strongest of terms.
|
|
 
|
|
|
|
Click on the blue headline to read a Talkback comment and respond to it. Click on the  icon to send a private email to the talkback writer. The icon appears only if the writer has decided to be contacted. If no popup window appears, please make sure your popup blocker allows israelinsider.com.
|
|
| |
|
|
