Yad L’Achim Calls on IDF Chief to Stop Holding Events at Missionary Hall
Yad L’Achim has called on the IDF Chief of Staff to stop holding military events at a conference hall in Yerushalayim that belongs to the Messianic Jews missionary sect • Read More
Yad L’Achim has called on the IDF Chief of Staff to stop holding military events at a conference hall in Yerushalayim that belongs to the Messianic Jews missionary sect.
In a letter sent this week to the IDF chief, Yad L’Achim said it was inconceivable that the Israeli army would provide income and prestige to those working to convert Jews. The letter was sent in response to a conference held for a combat engineering unit, known as Hamapatz 607, at the Pavilion hall.
Yad L’Achim notes that the hall is regularly used for Christian prayers and worship by the Messianic community. The rent money for the hall provides financial support and legitimacy to a group engaged in missionary activity.
Last week’s event was in blatant violation of a previous IDF commitment not to frequent such venues.
The letter to the IDF Chief of Staff, a copy of which was also sent to the Chief Military Rabbi, states: “We are turning to you on a matter of deepest concern after learning that IDF units, most recently Hamapatz 607, are holding events for soldiers in the Pavilion hall in Yerushalayim. The military officials who approved these events are apparently unaware of the true identity of the complex: the Pavilion hall belongs to the Messianic Jews, which regularly holds Christian services there, and conducts missionary activity targeting Jews.”
According to Yad L’Achim, the danger is twofold. “First, this is a serious blow to mitzvah-observant soldiers, as halachah strictly prohibits entering a church or place of Christian worship. A religious soldier is forced to choose between observing halachah and participating in an event being held for his unit, with all that implies. This violates the IDF’s own commitment not to place religious soldiers in such quandaries.
“Second, the IDF is supporting and giving legitimacy to missionary activity in Israel by holding its events in a place like the Pavilion. It goes without saying that this prompts shock and pain among the broader Israeli public, which cares deeply about preserving the spiritual integrity of the Jewish people in their country. It is unthinkable that the IDF would, even inadvertently, be a source of income and honor for those working to convert Jews,” the letter states.
Yad L’Achim concluded the letter with a demand that the Chief of Staff “immediately cease the holding of IDF events in this compound and in any compound belonging to missionary bodies.”
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