MembersIsraeli Jewish Yeshua-Believers: Mega Trends

In the modern State of Israel, miraculously reborn 70 years ago, Jewish Yeshua-believers (JYB, most commonly referred to as “Messianic Jews”) are a controversial minority.

By Gershon Nerel | | Topics: MESSIANIC JEWS
David Lazarus
Photo: Gershon Nerel

But this marginal group is well-observed by many, like “a city that is set on a hill” and cannot be hidden (Matt. 5:14). Like their brethren overseas, Israeli JYB openly share their faith with others, and reject the “Catacomb mentality” that used to characterize diverse JYB in the past.

Unlike Nicodemus, the Pharisee who secretly approached the Lord Yeshua in the night (John 3:1-6), contemporary JYB freely expose their belief in the Son of God. They ordinarily serve in the IDF (Israel Defense Forces) and openly share their beliefs with others in uniform. Many of them are welcome within elite military units, even as officers. This reality contrasts the early years of the State of Israel, when the IDF was very suspicious toward JYB. Today, they are well-trusted as biblical Zionists. Children of JYB are welcome in Israeli public schools mainly as a moral asset, bringing positive values to their surroundings. Believing parents are raising a new generation that is well received in our heterogeneous society. JYB are part and parcel of the colorful mosaic of “Israeliness.”

Professors at Israeli universities...

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