According to the proposed bill introduced by United Torah Judaism’s Moshe Gafni and Yaakov Asher, Christians could face up to one year in prison for encouraging conversion to their faith. The punishment for such solicitation is “one year imprisonment; and if the person was a minor, the punishment – two years imprisonment.” The legislation specifically mentions the Christian faith, saying that “recently, the attempts of missionary groups, mainly Christians, to solicit conversion of religion have increased.” The bill would also proscribe Christians from engaging in religious discussion with Jews. The bill would apply to anyone who would attempt to persuade someone to change their religious beliefs. The bill is titled Proposed Penal Law: Amendment – Prohibition of Solicitation for Religious Conversion – 2023. The bill would make it illegal for followers of Jesus (“Yeshua” in Hebrew) to explain why they believe that Jesus is both Messiah and God with the hope that Israelis might consider following Him. The bill would also make producing and publishing online videos explaining the Gospel to Jewish or Muslim people in Israel illegal. It is important to note that the bill is still a proposal and has not yet become law.
Citations:
[1] ISRAEL: Christians will face jail in Israel for proselytising under proposed bill https://hrwf.eu/israel-christians-will-face-jail-in-israel-for-proselytising-under-proposed-bill/
[2] Israel New Legislation: Talking About Jesus Can Send You To Prison? – YouTube https://youtube.com/watch?v=oE4wFDrLvuw
[3] Christians will face jail in Israel for proselytising under proposed bill – Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230322-christians-will-face-jail-in-israel-for-proselytising-under-proposed-bill/
[4] Despite PM’s assurances, Christian Zionists bedeviled by anti-missionary bill https://www.timesofisrael.com/despite-pms-assurances-christian-zionists-bedeviled-by-anti-missionary-bill/
[5] Israel’s Christian proselytization bill, explained – YouTube https://youtube.com/watch?v=ZGtrcvNMjio
[6] EXCLUSIVE: Two Knesset members propose legislation to outlaw sharing the Gospel in Israel and send violators to prison – could it become law? https://allisrael.com/exclusive-two-knesset-members-propose-legislation-to-outlaw-sharing-the-gospel-in-israel-and-send-violators-to-prison-could-it-become-law
What is the reaction of the christian community in israel to the proposed bill
The proposed bill against Christian proselytizing in Israel has caused alarm among the Christian community in Israel and around the world. Many Messianic believers are concerned that the bill could be used against them once passed. They fear that if made law, such legislation would make illegal almost every evangelical activity in Israel and seriously affect the continued vitality and effectiveness of believers in Israel. Yossi Ovadia and Garry Delinger, two Messianic Jewish leaders, warned in a letter to congregations and home groups across Israel that the bill would make it illegal for followers of Jesus to explain why they believe that Jesus is both Messiah and God with the hope that Israelis might consider following Him. The bill would also make producing and publishing online videos explaining the Gospel to Jewish or Muslim people in Israel illegal. Christian Zionists living in Israel said that the bill would not shake their support for the country, or their openness about their faith. However, they are concerned that the bill could create hostility towards Christians. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tweeted a promise that Israel will not legislate against Christians after a draft bill from a member of his coalition generated controversy overseas.
Citations:
[1] Israel’s Christian proselytization bill, explained – YouTube https://youtube.com/watch?v=ZGtrcvNMjio
[2] Proposed law poses threat to Bible, witness in Israel | Baptist Press https://www.baptistpress.com/resource-library/news/proposed-law-poses-threat-to-bible-witness-in-israel/
[3] Israeli lawmakers introduced a new bill in Israel that would punish Christian believers for sharing the gospel of Jesus with prison time : r/worldnewsvideo – Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/worldnewsvideo/comments/122rtio/israeli_lawmakers_introduced_a_new_bill_in_israel/
[4] Palestinian Christians say anti-missionary bill is Israel’s latest attempt to squeeze them out https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/israel-palestine-christianity-proposed-bill-conversion-latest-target
[5] PM forced to clarify: We won’t pass bills that harm Christians in Israel https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/pm-forced-to-clarify-we-wont-pass-bills-that-harm-christians-in-israel/
[6] Despite PM’s assurances, Christian Zionists bedeviled by anti-missionary bill https://www.timesofisrael.com/despite-pms-assurances-christian-zionists-bedeviled-by-anti-missionary-bill/
Israel are putting Christians to prison for believing in Jesus.
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