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:].

Your gift is crucial in helping us provide this vital chronicle of Israeli Messianic history. Please click here to make a contribution, and specify that your donation is for the Media Review. Or send your contribution to our U.S. office at Caspari Center, PO Box 147, Wheaton IL 60187. (Tax deductible in the U.S.)

Complete archives of the original articles are available in the Caspari Center library. To request copies of original articles, or for any other correspondance, please contact us.

During the week covered by this review, we received 2 articles on the subjects of Messianic Jews and Jewish-Christian relations. Of these:

1 dealt with Messianic Jews

1 dealt with Jewish-Christian relations

One of the two articles covered in this week's Review reported on the Bible Society in Israel's efforts to disseminate Christian material among Christian refugees in Tel Aviv.

Zman Tel Aviv, January 22, 2010

According to this report, videos, New Testaments, and booklets in Arabic are being distributed in the area around the old Tel Aviv bus station "not by a Christian body seeking to convert Muslim Arabs but by the 'Bible Society in Israel,' run by Messianic Jews who are Israeli citizens, which focuses on providing religious aid to Christian Sudanese refugees, hundreds of whom live in south Tel Aviv. Why is this material being disseminated in Arabic? Because this is the language spoken by most of the Sudanese, both Muslims and Christians ... In addition to the literature, the organization also distributes food and basic items necessary for the refugees' survival. People at the Bible Society stated, 'The Bible Society in Israel does not perceive any problem in the fact that Messianic Jews help Christian refugees.' According to Victor Kalischer, the director of the organization, 'We disseminate Scripture - the Tanakh and New Testament in all languages. We also have contact with Christian workers from the Philippines, Thailand, and Nepal.'"

Back to top

Haaretz, January 19, 2010

Negotiations are continuing between Israel and the Catholic Church regarding the latter's property in Israel. According to this report, "Israel wants to keep the 'status quo' on ownership, ensuring its sovereignty, while reaching a settlement over debts accrued over years of taxes owed to the state by the church ... The Vatican seeks recognition of its 'historic rights' to tax exemption, and to set rules for protection of religious sites and the return of what it calls lost church property. The negotiators met this month but failed to reach a deal, and agreed to meet again. Though only a handful of sites are being discussed, the outcome may have an impact on future transactions, particularly in Jerusalem, where religious institutions are huge land owners ... Israel reserved the right to appropriate property especially to build infrastructure for public safety, while guaranteeing it won't harm the holy sites. The Vatican wants to prevent this. Neither side would give details of the negotiations - such as the amount of tax involved or when a deal might be concluded."

Back to top