Orthodox Jews Burn Hundreds Of New Testaments In Israel

Or-Yehuda, Israel (AHN) -- The torching of about 200 New Testaments near Tel Aviv has shed more light on a perceived persecution of Messianic Jews.

While reports differ slightly on whether or not Deputy Mayor Uzi Aharon meant for the religious text to be burned, what is clear is that he and a group of Jewish religious students went around town collecting materials missionaries had earlier distributed to many of the new Ethiopian immigrants who now live in Israel, because the Jerusalem Post reported Aharon said the information prompted recipients to "go against Judaism."

The Associated Press reported that while it is frowned upon for Christian missionaries to share their message with Jews, it is not illegal.

Reports of the harassment of Messianic Jews, or Jews for Jesus, of whom there are about 10,000 in Israel, have been more rampant as of late.

The Jerusalem Post quoted a religious leader as saying there was a war against Messianic Jews in Israel. Other reports mention the mailbox bomb sent to a Messianic Pastor's house, which his teen son intercepted, incurring serious damage. Last year a church used by Messianic Jews was set ablaze. Authorities say they think Jewish extremists were responsible.

Many Israelis are outraged by the book burning, saying it is both wrong and illegal, as there are two laws against desecrating any religious relics or texts, as CNN reported "One forbids the destruction or desecration of any religious icon or item that a group holds sacred. Another bans people from speaking publicly in a way that offends or humiliates a certain religion."

Others recall the burning of sacred Jewish texts by the Nazis and therefore deplore the act of destroying any religious items.

Accounts vary as to how many orthodox teens were involved with the burnings. One newspaper report said hundreds were involved. Aharon said only a few were responsible, and he was not present at the time.