Israeli Lawmaker Apologizes to Christians

Former Minister of Religious Affairs say Christians are Israel’s “great supporters” and shouldn’t be yelled at by anyone.

By Israel Today Staff | | Topics: CHRISTIANS
Former Religious Affairs Minister Matan Kahana says Christians deserve respect when visiting Jerusalem. Photo by Yonatan Sindel/Flash90
Former Religious Affairs Minister Matan Kahana says Christians deserve respect when visiting Jerusalem. Photo by Yonatan Sindel/Flash90

Evangelical Christian groups participating in the global Isaiah 62 fast for Israel gathered in the Israeli capital this week for the Jerusalem Prayer Breakfast.

In a Wednesday session at the Knesset hosted by opposition lawmaker and former Minister of Religious Affairs Matan Kahana, he apologized for an anti-Christian demonstration by ultra-Orthodox Jews outside the Temple Mount a day earlier.

“A few days ago, some extremists, demonstrators shouted at a group of visitors to the holy places,” Kahana was quoted as saying by All Israel News. “I would like to emphasize that shouting at the people who are the great supporters of Israel is counterproductive. I would like to take this opportunity to apologize for this behavior on behalf of the Knesset.”

The demonstration near the Southern Stairs of the Temple Mount, where the Christians held a worship service, decried what the Orthodox Jews called “missionary activity” aimed at “converting” Jews to Christianity. They had reportedly been triggered by a description of the Isaiah 62 fast as a campaign for the “salvation of Israel,” by which the Orthodox Jews know Christians mean faith in Jesus.

See: “Christians, Go Home!” Shout Orthodox Jews at Temple Mount

Kahana is fully cognizant of the importance of Evangelical Christian support for Israel.

A month ago he traveled to the US and urged American Jews to support Israel as vigorously and unconditionally as the Christians do.

“I had a very important meeting with Christians and Evangelicals who support Israel,” he told Israel’s Kan public broadcaster while in the US. “This is a very important strategic relationship for the State of Israel – 70 million enthusiastic supporters of the country.”

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