http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/485930.html
And, in a somewhat similar and related vein, I'm going to put in here the actual text - WORD FOR WORD IDENTICAL - from a poster that has been plastered all over the country. Mary told me about it, and I honestly didn't believe her at first. But then I saw it, read it, believed her, and stole one off a public bulletin board. Here goes: (are you ready for this?)
Visitors to Israel:
We extend a warm welcome to you on behalf of the Jews of Israel, and say that we greatly appreciate your visit to our country during this particularly difficult time.
However, we wish to share with you our deep concern over a growing number of incidents in which Christian missionaries have come toIsrael under the guise of innocent tourists and then actively engaged in converting Jews to Christianity.These missionaries seek out poor and disadvantaged Israelis, and then offer them financial support on condition that they adopt Christian beliefs and religious practices.
As such, the Jews of Israel regard missionaries as enemies of theJewish people, and their financial contributions as lethal bait with which to achieve their evil goal of destroying the noble religious heritage of the Jewish people.
Therefore, it is important to emphasize that missionaries are persona non grata in Israel, and that every legal action to stop them can and will be taken.
The Jews of Israel say:
Yes to Tourism!
No to Missionaries!
Intense, huh? I thought so. It actually freaks me out a bit. I have a HEAP of thoughts I'd love to share about both the article (the link above) and the poster, but honestly, am not entirely sure it would be a good or safe thing to share them here. Freaky, huh? I think so. Anway...please - the reason I'm sharing both the article and this poster here is because I'm curious as to your response. So please share - either comment or email me. I'm looking forward to hearing your thoughts!
2 comments:
Hmmm...both of these articles/items are interesting...thought provoking. First, I read the poster. I find it interesting, but maybe not shocking..why? you might ask, as I am in the United States and you are among these people...because nothing of this matter shocks me anymore. It is a terrible thing that Jews support terrorism, but it is not shocking. I was at the Bush rally in jax today and i saw a sign that said "jews for bush"...i was kinda surprised at that...but then again im not sure they have much of an option...bush or a flip flop. Anyway, it is a sad thing, but maybe those posters are there to bring a fear that is really not as prevalent as they want it to seem. I think 'shock tactics' are on their way out...what have you heard the locals say, or have you? Is Christianity hush-hush where you are or is it something that can be shared?
Two...the article. Amazing, sad, disturbing, and too a degree unbelievable especially to those who never think or step out of their box. Unfortunately, this is probably true of so many people in foreign countries...especially where war is ever present. I have a cousin who has been through some of the worst stuff ever with suicides and death and health issues with almost everyone in his immediate family...and we tend to ask "why?" it's just human nature. Why him and not me? you? Because he can bear it...I probably would have jumped off the nearest cliff by now...but it kinda relates to where you are and all that you've been through...if you look through my warped view...you wonder why you are where you are not knowing anything (can you tell I've been reading your posts?..trying to get caught up)...as I told my friend who is considering taking a missions job in Thailand in January....we will never be prepared in our eyes and if that is what is keeping us from going or making us want to run home...we are not answering 'the call' on our lives...we are running..God throws us into situations so we can learn...be prepared...to face the unknown, to make it no matter what...yes, it is sad, and yes, i feel bad for him, but i think he is a shining example because he has endured through it all...his peers should be proud that he has continued to flourish despite his hardships...he continues to rebuild when others become bitter as his sons did, he has accepted it as a way of life, even if he doesn't really understand it.
Well..that's my take on it all....love and miss ya! Stupid Moment Girl
First response: Holy Crap. Are they friggin' nuts or what? What, are they going to kill missionaries or just ban them from the land?
Second: Of course, they are blinded by their perceived position in the will of God. {I know this is up for debate, as eschatology is not a concretely established dogma. We do not have hindsight!} But, they still believe they are God’s people, right? They believe anything other than Jewish heritage equates “Gentileism” [not to be confused with genteelism. And, yep, made it up]. To convert from “Judaism” [practicing orthodox or assumed by association to some old guy with a beard] must be an unpardonable sin. In my opinion they are really hung up on themselves. They think they are more important than life itself. Relatively sickening really. The undertone [or should I say overtone] to the message reflects the culture – violence, terrorist threats against anything or anyone that thinks independently of them, and a total lack of character that reflects anything of YAHWEH. It is a clearly misguided attempt to maintain some heritage that is no more theirs than it was Hitler’s. “We must be pure, untainted by the world. Do not bring your dog religion to our land, pig fecal!” They think that they are in the promised land, and they are the chosen people. Such ignorant arrogance leads to hatred of others.
Okay, so what if they offer them financial support? What’s the big deal? Oh, yeah, that means they listen to someone else. Gortcha! We can’t lose control, now can we? And, who do you give money to? Do you give money to people that support you or forego some of their idiosyncrasies for a common goal? Do you give people money that adhere to an opposing worldview or have a different agenda? No, you do not, bub! What frustrates me on a personal level is all the whining about fair treatment, and they turn around with this…
They need to see the truth. However, they are not willing, as they are obstinate/lost/hateful. They are not willing because God has closed their eyes. He has hardened their hearts that they may not believe. He has shown His grace to the "pig fecal." They are mad about that, aren't they?
Do you think there is any validity to the covert nature of some missionary work though? I have a few thoughts, but they are not written in stone, and I would like to hear yours.
NeiL
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