NEWS FROM ISRAEL

You're dead, Bill

On Wednesday, December 26th, the Knesset Constitution, Law, and Justice Committee convened to discuss a draft Bill presented to the Knesset by Ultra-Orthodox Knesset member, Moshe Gafni. The bill sought to outlaw the distribution by all and any means of any materials that could be used to persuade someone to change his religious convictions.

A Private Members' Bill, it had successfully undergone the test of the first (preliminary) reading among four to which all Private Members' Bills are subject. Needless to say, the passing of such a Bill would severely damage Israel's reputation in the world and deal a blow to its democratic freedoms. Local believers were asked to pray for the meeting of the Committee, held on Wednesday, December 26th.

The Government opposed the bill and the Committee, following discussion, decided, by a majority of seven to five, to recommend to the Knesset that it be removed from its agenda. This recommendation probably spells the death of the Bill in its present stage of evolution.

MK Gafni announced his intention to have the Government discuss his draft in order to enlist its support for his next effort to outlaw freedom of religious expression in Israel.

Baruch Maoz was invited to attend the Committee session but declined to do so. We have utter confidence in the Messianic Action Committee (MAC), that was also invited to represent the concerns of local evangelical and Messianic communities. The MAC's delegation, comprised of Noam Hendren, Daniel Yahav and Chuck Kopp. The latter also represents the United Christian Council in Israel. MAC members were accorded ample opportunity to express their reservations, and did so persuasively.

The Knesset has now to vote to accept the Judicial Committee's recommendation. Traditionally, all such are traditionally unchallenged by the Plenum.

PROJECT PROCEEDS APACE

By the end of December the court will have decided whether there is a case for us to answer regarding the building permit for the ne church. The plaintiffs have submitted their extended arguments in writing, to which we have responded. The court is now reading the material.

While awaiting the court's decision, Yad Le'achim has reiterated their request that the court issue a restraining order that would forbid us to continue construction. The court refused.

The skeleton of the building is now complete except for a small part of the roof, which is to be cast by the end of the month. Over the last three months, God has shown his goodness to us in that, as we have paid our bills, our bank account has been replenished, so that our balance is slightly higher than it was three months ago!

We are presently negotiating contracts for major parts of the building. Because we do not have the means to negotiate an overall contract, we are negotiating details piecemeal and proceeding accordingly. Naturally, this raises our costs considerably, but we are greatly encouraged by the progress achieved.

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