The Media Review is an English-language synopsis of articles that were originally published in the Israeli press. The articles, most of which were written in Hebrew, focus on Messianic Jews and Christianity. This synoptic translation is a Caspari Center exclusive. The Media Review reports what was said in the press irrespective of its accuracy, and the information does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Caspari Center. On occasion the editor includes explanatory matter in brackets, preceeded by the words [Editor’s note:].

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During the week covered by this review, we received 6 articles on the subject of Messianic Jews and attitudes towards Jesus.

2 dealt with Messianic Jews

1 dealt with the Pope and the Vatican

1 dealt with Christians in Israel

1 dealt with Christian sites

1 dealt with Christian Zionism

This week's Review includes some previously-covered topics as well as a feature on the inhabitants of a monastery.

HaShavua B'Petah-Tikva, August 14; Yated Ne'eman, August 14, 2009

HaShavua B'Petah-Tikva (August 14) included the story "Missionaries incite against Yad L'Achim," covered in the August 18 Review.

Yated Ne'eman (August 14) included a feature on the Pnina Pie kashrut controversy, also covered in previous Reviews.

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Jerusalem Post, August 25, 2009

In "Vatican to stay out of proselytizing conflict between US bishops and Jewish groups," the Jerusalem Post (August 25) reported on a statement by the US Conference of Catholic Bishops and Jewish leaders' response. The statement said that "interfaith dialog with Jews should be used to invite Jews to become Catholics." A response signed by the ADL, the American Jewish Committee, and various rabbis said, "'A declaration of this sort is antithetical to the very essence of Jewish-Christian dialogue.'" The Vatican's decision to stay out of the conflict is "connected to the trend toward decentralization in the Church that began after the Second Vatican Council."

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Shopping Mekomi - Modi'in, August 20, 2009

"In the name of the Father," a feature article in this local paper, is an interview with Father Antonia, head of the Beit Jamal monastery near Beit Shemesh. In it he is asked various questions about his personal past and life as well as monastic life and the monastery itself; following are various quotes: "We are aware that in contrast to most people, we don't start families. ... Everyone is missing something in life. Sometimes it's by choice, and sometimes reality is forced on us. ... We chose to be monks and are content with that. ... I love this country [Israel]. ... When I was a boy, it was hard to understand the complexity of a Jewish nation in the heart of the Middle East. ... Since being here I am learning to understand the reality better. ... We are aware that we are not wanted by the Orthodox Jews ... [but] we don't take part in missionary activity and don't believe in it. Everyone believes what he wants. ... The people who visit here are open-minded. These are mostly non-religious people ... they like to listen to us and treat us well. ... Don't view us as a foreign body. We are part of the area and want to serve it."

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Haaretz, August 21, 2009

This feature on recommended day tours for families included Ein Kerem, including the Church of the Annunciation.

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Maariv, August 20, 2009

This article on the troubles encountered by Ethiopian immigrant schoolchildren, who will not receive the textbooks they need until the middle of the school year, includes a mention that the director of an after-school club helping these students has in the past received help from "Christians for Israel."

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