J'lem church officials suspect extremist Jews behind arson

I am a Messianic believer and I am amazed at the anger coming from believers against the orthodox Jews! Jesus (Yeshua) himself said that we will be persecuted as He was persecuted and its a fact! We have to stir them to jeolousy according to Romans 11 which we have not accomplished yet next time you get a slap in the face turn the other cheeck and show them the love of Messiah how else will they clearly see Him!

Persecution on Messianic Jews is on the rise and it's a fact. Our messianic synagogue already had 3 drive-by shootings and once, a man walked into the sanctuary with a pistol, during a shabbat service. But my question to you is, what are you afraid of? Why do you persecute us? What is so wrong about practicing Judaism and believing in Yeshua? My brothers, the blood that run through Abraham, Issac and Jacob also run through our veins.

O true saints of Hashem, Rejoice that soon all this will be over and each shall receive justice form the Great Judge. Blessings to all. Sheli

In the 2nd paragraph there should be a "," after "you" and a "," after Glory. May His Word Bless and Keep us beneath His wing. Shabbat Shalom!

in the Name of the Lord! This incident is very sad indeed. I am believing more and more that the root of the problem with extremists of any faith is that of the issue of Glory and their unwillingness to give God ALL the Glory that is His alone. They misuse the Word of God to their own glory and are in need of much prayer. May His Word Bless you and Keep you and all who give The Holy One of Israel ALL the Glory beneath His wing. Amen It is only in attributing ALL GLory to God that they will see Messiah for who He is, the incarnate Word of God, as we aspire to become.

Incidently Rivka we visit with people in their homes at their request to discuss the Scriptures. We have on a number of occasions been attacked by those professing to know God. Do we understand this, of course. If Yeshua is the Messiah, and I have no doubt, based on the Scriptures, then we must expect to be treated the way He was. But more importantly, we need to conduct ourselves in His manner as well. We reach out not only to Jews but Arabs also. Once hearts are changed there can be a modicum of peace. Once again bless you.

Rivka hi. Im in complete agreement with you in terms of being antagonistic or whatever term may be used for "fighting". The God of Israel is a merciful God of love, not forgetting His righteousness which demands judgement. Anyone not displaying the qualities of patience, compassion and gentleness surely does not know the Lord. Those who share the love of God in Yeshua need to be sensitive in their evagelism. Jews died for proclaiming Yeshua Messiah, are we any better? Incidently Jews for Jesus, (who I do not belong to)have said they will 'make Jesus an unavoidable issue for all Jews.' I do though have great difficulty in understanding that a Jew may believe in anything, or not believe, yet the moment he/she comes to faith in Yeshua they cease to be Jews. No amount of logic or common sense can arrive at this conclusion. May the Lord bless you Rivka.

I think it's better if you read the bible[ot and nt].of course,just like us,the israelites were not immuned to sin.most of them rebelled against the God of Israel.I'm very sure,if you were there on those days,you would do the same thing.but you know what,the bible has spiritual meaning.you won't understand it unless you're a born again believer.you know why,in the o.t.,when a father did wicked things,God would punish him and the rest of his family by death.those innocent children who were killed in the o.t. were in the arms of God,He spared their lives.if they kept them alive,they might do the same thing what their fathers had done,and they might end up in hell.

just like us...you didn't mention the barbaric descendants of ishmael-they always warred against the jewish people,they were bad influenced to the israelites.you must be thankful there are still arabs alive today.king saul and some other israelites spared their lives-though God commanded the israelites to utterly destroyed them..........we're no longer under the old testament,we're under the new testament[no more stoning to death- when someone commits adultery or fornication or when a son or daughter disobeyed parents.your koran should have been revised too that muslim men can only have 1 wife,not four and no more honor killings and chopping off heads.the jews don't repeat the wicked things that their forefathers had done.if they really follow the old testament,your people are in big trouble........as God of Israel commanded them in the OT-utterly destroy all the amalekites[descendants of esau[he married his uncle's ishmael's daughters also].

Methusalah lived 900 years. Do I need to say more?

It seems you are intent to bounce this criminal act to Palestinians. You adamantly refuse to accept the fact that terrorists/settlers extremists/fundimentalists who are capable of doing such a heinous act could be jewish or Israelis if you like. Do you deny the Hebron Ibrahimi mosque massacre of 1994 when Baruch Goldstein massacared 29 moslems as they were praying inside. Do you deny that your people erected a commemorative monument for this criminal. Do you deny that, a few years before that incident, another one of your kind tried to burn Al Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem. If you do, then you are better off vacating Bat Yam and heading back to Lodz - Poland.

Are you prepared to condemn anybody of anything on the basis of the evidence presented? You sure Moslems like you and would not harm you? Would not,say want to see the flag of Islam flying over the Vatican or just kill a Nun for some cartoons?

Bandar, As a Jerusalemite and a Palestinian I would think that you know better than to state that the Baptists "deserve" it. Don't you know that there are several arab Baptist congregations in Israel, West Bank, and Gaza? Congregations that have done great humanitarian work on behalf of Palestinians. As for "supporting the occupation," who should the Baptists support? An independent Palestine? Like in Gaza, where the Baptist church has been fire-bombed and poor Rami Ayyad (a Baptist) was kidnapped and brutally murdered for being a Christian? Get a life. Quit hating Jews and blaming all of your miseries on them. When you let go of that hate, Jesus can truly set you free. Whether you know it or not, with all of its faults (and it has a number) Israel is much better for Palestinian Christians than their Muslims neighbors. Don't believe me? Turn in your Jerusalem ID Card and move to Nablus or Gaza City and see how that goes for you.

So at last Israel declares the 'War on Christianity'. It has been coming for years. Time for Islam and Christianity to unite against the common enemy.

Mafia does it for money, over there its done for other reasons, you sound little confused, broaden your scope a little, over here we call it tunnel vision

In my country, we have freedom of religion in our democracy. I thought Israel was trying it's play at being one too. My Bad! Buddy, your ignorance and smallness is showing.

Peter, I am a messianic Jew. We have a long history of being vandalized, having our buildings burnt down, etc. It has NEVER been an Arab Muslim who has done this. They may vandalize the church of the Nativity, but they usually do not touch Messianic congregations on this side of the green line. They have no reason, or if they would they would probably hit a syangogue first as there is much more of them. They would not purposefully pick out a building of messianic Jews no more than picking out a synagogue. The chances are of stumbling of one of our buildings by chance over other Jewish buildings are very very rare. However, Orthodox Jews vandalize our buildings all the time. We have had many buildings firebombed in Kiryat Yam, Jerusalem, Arad, Beer Sheva, Tel Aviv, etc. Its always been the ultra-Orthodox and always come with threats by the local Orthodox community.

including orthodox neighbourhoods so why not here?especially during the night? Would you stand up in court and present that as evidence to convict anyone? The article says contrary to your malevolent outburst"Relations between religions are generally good in largely Jewish west Jerusalem, and violent incidents are rare." Until you come up with evidence beyond reasonable doubt,which if this is your best shot,you obviously do not have,you are bearing false witness.

talk about a 5th column.

During the cartoon riots. Where were you when Moslems decapitated a Buddhist Monk in Thailand recently. Did you call for open season on Mosques? Moslems?

Hey my fellow american! Now, where do we start, you are incorrect in your assertion that the west bank and gaza, (and by default East Jerusalem) was legally and legitimately acquired...it is still an illegal occupied territory, by international law standards and the UN, the same institution that legitimized the state of Israel. Hence, no country has their embassy, not even the good old US of A (best country in the world in my book) in Jerusalem. If Israel and its supporters, mainly American Jews, want to take the west bank and gaza and call it legally theirs then need to accept its inhabitants. Israel for 40 years now has wanted to take the land and not the people, I say make then citizens, equal under the law, but this middle ground that Israel chooses, denying natives self determanation while building up settlements is a joke, the problem is old growing. There are now more Pals. than Jews from Jordan to the sea and it will only increase.

"Jewish neighbors called the fire department and their quick response was what saved the structure, said Kopp," Does not sound like Jewish "fanatics" wanted the Church burnt down.

can't you understand. YOU have made a specific accusation.Where is your proof? Arabs invaded the Church of Nativity and used it as a fort. Arabs in Gaza desecrated a Church a few months back.

YES, Jerusalem is the Capital. Keep in mind one set of you are talking about the PHYSICAL part, and there are those of us that refer to the SPIRITUAL aspect. I consider Jerusalem the Capital. I give higher honor to the spiritual than the mundane, although I recognize the importance of the equilibrium of both.

I am not Rebecca btw, and I see we're having the same convo we had the other day (you and I) so just to keep that clear. Shek, no problem at all; you want to worship G-d anyway you wish, good luck have fun. The line is drawn when messianics start the prosletyzation. It's quite annoying at the very least and interferes with the path we're on. So this can be viewed that messianics are actually fightng us (therefore against G-d), not vice versa as you propose. There really is no need to fight by the way which is the irony of it. Within Noahide a place is set for anyone righteous, irrespective of their religious affiliation. So don't confuse the red carpet treatment with full blown authority to walk all over us. In any case, I am happy that you're worshipping G-d and not an Athiest.

regrding your comments that Jews are criminal who attack christian churches and christians are afraid o of punishment by the Jewish professionals. You are deliberately provocative and unbelievably ignorant (translated: you are plainly stupid). I pointed out in my response to your first post #108, that Christian countries like Italy or post Soviet Russia have their economic and political spheres infiltrated by Mafia or Russian Oligarch mobs run in Mafia style. That infiltration is widespread and by comparison Israel crime is miniscule in comparison. The arson in the christian Church has not been carried out "by our professionals" as you imply.In any case the Hasidic Jews wouldn't classify as "israeli mafia style professionals. I am astonished that you think that Christian woerld is afraid to complain about the fire in their church, least our professionals shut them up Mafia Style.Ironically,The church was not afraid to point a finger at Jews as the arsonists.Are priests in Mossad?

First Sharon tells the Knesset on October of 2001 that Israel controls America. Prior to that, Israel stole American military secrets and sold them to China. Then you have the Pollard affair where an American Jews sells American military secrets to the Soviets. Then of course you have the Israeli bombing of the U.S.S. Liberty. Now, you have Jews burning down churches. The American nation is a Christian nation. I can't believe they sit idle while the foundations of Christianity burn in Israel by Jews. The Americans are smart people, but their government are full of idiots. They need to stop supporting Israel and force Israel to get out of all the territories they occupy illegally. It's sad that only in Israel, the Middle East, and here in Europe we see these kind of events. These kind of incidents are hidden from the American press by the Jewish controlled American media.

Just as Jews in East Jerusalem spit on us when we go to Church services in Jerusalem, we're not seeing more attacks on churches. Yet all the Jews try to do is make a wedge between the Muslim and Christian Palestinian community. When the average westerner comes face to face with an Israeli settler in the occupied territories, including East Jerusalem, they'll realize our fight is a fight for survival and we'll never give up our right to our homelands.

First...no one burns down anything Jewish in this country (America), nor most Western countries...when Christians convert to Judaism. Should we burn down synagogues, mosques, etc....if a Christian converts to Judaism/Islam? Two...if one converts people/do other things one doesn't like...does one think that it's ok TO BURN IT DOWN? This is reasonable? If it is...then one is an Extremist, Cretin, Barbarian...at the highest level! And...what other kind of violence would one recommend? These People-- Are SICK! Further-- One's religion...is a matter between them & God (be concerned that they don't dominate your culture, do no harm to others & obey reasonable laws of the land). There's No Need-- To burn things down/do harm to others...to keep the Jewish State, Jewish; the United States/Others, Christian; & Muslim States, Muslim: ALL can do this & BE TOLERANT! Violence In The Name Of God/Religion & One's Holy Book, Etc.-- Is STUPID & unnecessary!!!!

Jewish neighbors called the fire department. Jewish firefighters put out the fire. Jewish police will prosecute the arsonists. Jewish leaders condemned the arson. This is all you can ask.

Kicking out the Neturei Karta would be a good place to start.

Hi, I'm from Germany and in the news here I have never read that incidents like this happen in Israel. In Germany I think it's a great shame that our police has to protect Synagogues and Mosques because of the stupid extremists we have here. I didn't know that there are extremists in Israel as well who attack the house of worship of other faiths. Was it only this church or did it happen in others as well ?

Your statement,"...since Rabbinic Judaism fails the LORD God of Israel in terms of being a 'light to the nations' does not explain the failure and reason for its failure. I am curious,since such teachings have influenced the essence of Christianity and Islam, particularly the latter.

Daily, I pass mosques that my Muslim neighbors use for worship and gatherings. That's enough for me to know if your moronic comments are factual or not.

We simply need to recognize that we are human, and that being human means making mistakes.

I fully agree with you that Jews are not free from sin and crime, and I agree that we have good ones and bad ones.In the Bible(Torah),the selection of the Jews by God was based on the covenant that Jews would spread the uniqueness of God( a single God) throughout the world and the justice that is associated with this belief and in return protection for the Jewish people and a homeland in Israel.Where do you get the belief that charges that the Jewish people " have alot of mafias", "...have terrorists and killers all over"?Many times the Israeli government has apologized for the casualties of innocent civilians resulting from their close proximity to the terrorists who were killed or injured in an attack. This sense of humanity that you speak of would be more applicable to those terrorists who insist on trying to destroy the Jewish state and kill as many Jews as they can find.I'm glad I live in a country where people of all faiths live in peace.

"There is no shame to Jews for these actions. Whatever perpetrators committed the arson were no more Jewish (despite their claims to the contrary) than the nazis were Christian, than Bin-Laden is Muslim or Ghandi`s assassin was Hindu." The Nazi Party in 1939 expelled all members who were overt, i.e. committed, Christians, or members of the Christian clergy. The SS insignia did not carry the traditional insignia of the German army 'Gott mit uns", but rather "My Honor is Loyalty". The analogy you made falls flat. Bin Ladin is a fanatical Moslem, the assassin of Gandhi was a fanatical Hindu. By contrast, Hitler furiosly denounced and mocked Christianity, and mandated the creation of a new religion, the "Reichskirche", in which all Bibles would be replaced with Mein Kampf and all crosses with the sword. Hitler praised the Islamic ideals of submission and martyrdom and the emperor-worship of the Japanese religion. Go and learn some history!

I am not an Italian or vaticanese or russian chrisian to accept or reject the mafia type of arsons or other dirty work.I am not also a jew to accept or regect what Olmert or Sharon had done.As a humanbeing I disgust those who do it. Reading your comment I gather that you agree with this mafia type of actions because you may be one of them.Any dirty work in any house of God must be condemned not be defended.Nations with criminal deeds to humanity and good morals can never survive long.

The placement of the governmental institutions of Israel is not wishful thinking.Your statement that after WW2 land acquired by force is not legitimate is not correct. If land is acquired in a defensive war,it is,indeed,legal.Apply that to Jerusalem,for example,where Israel acquired the western part in the war of 1948 and the eastern part in 1967,such acquisitions are legal,despite the UN decisions to the contrary.When Israel acquired the western portion of Jerusalem in 1967,the city was finally opened to people of all faiths to come and visit and pray at whatever sites were important.Under Jordanian rule from 1948-1967,the eastern portion was barred to people other than Moslems and Christians.

The person who set the fire must face a harsh punishment for sure so others will learn. Fact is: 1- the chursh is burned. 2- The policy did not find the person. Dont acuse anyone before you got the man!!! Then we will apply the punishment inshalahh.!!

Bandar stop kidding yourself you are a believer in Yeshua the Jewish Messiah. Sounds like you are following Islams Jesus who never died, or the one Paul speaks about in 2 Corinthians 11, another Jesus. Your language betrays you. You need to come to the Jesus of the cross, die to self, Bandar.

For gods sake the Christian country,Italy, were the Vatican is located,is the mafia center of the world.President Andreotti of Italy was associated with Mafia.The bank of Vatican was run by people associated with the Mafia.Calvi's Banco Ambrosiano collapsed in one of Italy's biggest frauds, inciting the wrath of Mafia bosses who were owed money and didn't want to be named in the scandal. Now the Russian Mafia is out performing the Italian Mafia.So you have Eastern Ortodox country Russia run by Mob (Mafia) and the catholic Italy controlled by Mafia,Vatican finances connected to Mafia. By those standards we Jews and israel is quite respectable.We are not perfect but quite "kosher". OK Olmert did get some special discounts on his house,pushed through deals for friends while a minister.He is not crooked mafioso type.Just clumsy in covering his traks of rather small deals. Like wise Sharon was in a grey area.By Italian standards definitely not a big mafioso crook.

Your term 'new' is extravagant. I would not put a Jewish Faith totally based on the Tanach 2000 years old as new. It seems that since Rabbinic Judaism fails the LORD God of Israel in terms of being a "light to the nations" and evangelising them the LORD has raised up both Jew and Gentile to do this His way. Rabbi Gamaliel was a right. If it was not of the LORD it would go the way of other Jewish sects, fade away. Leave them alone he said or you could just be seen fighting God. It seems he was spot on.

Mr. Rabino, There is no shame to Jews for these actions. Whatever perpetrators committed the arson were no more Jewish (despite their claims to the contrary) than the nazis were Christian, than Bin-Laden is Muslim or Ghandi's assassin was Hindu. Their works bespeak their philosophy, not their words. Peace. Steve

There were but 2 embassies in Jerusalem,but they have since retired to Tel Aviv.At least two world leaders have recognized publically that Jerusalem is the capital of Israel:Presidents Clinton and Bush(present).International law generally states that land acquired in a defensive war,which was the case in 1948 and 1967,is legally acquired.Jerusalem is in that status.As I said before petrodollars by alot of votes in the UN.The US does recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel in legislation passed by Congress in 1995 and signed by the president, but allows for the president to waive moving the embassy to Jerusalem.Another example of petrodollars interfering in our political process.Gosh it must be tough to hate Israel.

Talking about bethlehem - have you read recently about the situation of the christian community? WHO actually is driving them out of town? I understand your christian zeal has been aroused by the mention of Jews and churches - just what haaretz wanted - but maybe look at your islamic brothers a little closer.

The police have not yet even a lead, let alone a suspect. Ha`aretz detectives, as usual, have already scapegoat - the usual haredim, and the usual rabble are roused at the thought of Jewish blood.

ODP, Gina, maybe you read a few of the earlier posts on this thread....

was the attack on the Jerusalem Church. A Mr.Broom of the Baptist Church spoke on Israel Television and was decent and most conciliatory over the whole ugly affair, explaining at the same time how inundated with kindly Jewish Sympathisers the Church was that day. Mr. Broom concurred that he believed it was 'the work of young vandals'.... but whoever, whatever the reason, such people should receive proper education together with the knowledge that Christianity was born from Judaism and as such the 'Two Religions' are after all invariably linked...... whether they like it or not.

AND? At this point in time it is in the hands of Israel, a sovereign country.

Even prior to 1967, most nations wouldn't allow their embassy's to be in W. Jerusalem. This is just the continuation of anti-Israeli bias and sucking up to the Arabs.

Anything can be blamed on the Jews rightly or wrongly and nothing will happen to the Church. If Muslims are blamed they expose themselves to endless deadly attacks.

The US has its embassy in Tel Avi, as does most, if not all of the western world. Heck, most of the world. " Jerusalem is the capital of Israel.The Knesset sits in Jersalem;official residences of the president and prime minister are in Jerusalem;the Supreme Court sits in Jerusalem;Bank of Israel and government ministries are based in Jerusalem" Yes, wishful thinking, Israel doing this won't make it so. You cannot, after world war 2, gain land by force and still be considered legitimate. Jerusalem is a divided city, Muslim/Christian and finaly Jew, and ethnically between the semitic Pals and the European/Asian Jews. PEACE

Despite its numerous security problems, Israel is in a great postion of strength. There is only one potential threat that would be devasting, and that threat is the loss of support among the american people, especially the evangelical christians of moderately conservative political tendencies. Israel must control its fanatics among the ultra-orthodox minority, and the israeli people must understand that this fanatic sub-group of the ultra orthodox are the only significant current threat to Israel's security, so they must be treated as such.

These naive baptists have blindly supported the occupation, payed the settlers, helped even indirectly the process of ethnically cleansing the Palestinians and mainly the Palestinian Christians from the Holy Land in order to self fulfill what they think is a prophecy. These Baptists are pathetic depressed people who support the evil in Israel just thinking they are fulfilling some higher order. They should get a life, and I wouldn't go as far as saying they deserve it, but they definitly should wake up and become more objective, and open their minds from their fanatic way of life. Bandar Michaels. A Jerusalemite Palestinian Christian.

Barukh ha ba Yankele. See below: Yaakov sends email after email to online publications bashing Israel. "Israel is doing all it can at the moment to strengthen the Palestinian radical groups so that any peace plan will be undermined and they can continue with their settlement expansion and land confiscation..." He also commented on and justified the rising anti-Jewish harassment and physical attacks upon European Jewry, "It is exacerbated by the conduct of the Israeli military in the occupied territories." How interesting and telling is it that he excuses Muslim attacks upon European Jewry because of Israel's harsh treatment of rampaging Arab "Palestinians" terrorists and their supporters yet never points out that European Jews are not attacking Europe's Muslims as payback for Arab/Muslim terrorism against Israelis!

the authorities. I hope the arsonists are discovered and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. "American" and "Peter XM" posts are both Khalid's.

That's an idiotic comment. If mosques are still standing in the US despite 9/11 and barbarians jumping up and down with signs that state "behead those who insult Islam", why would synagogues be burnt down?

Of course blame the Jews without proof. The church seems to forget undr arab control there was no free worship in the old city - only under Israel was the old city opent to ALL PEOPLE and control of the church's turned over to each religion/group of religions ifiliated with the site. EXCEPT OF COURSE JEWS - WHO ARE STILL BARED FROM WORSHIP ON THE TEMPLE MOUNT - can't risk having the owners upset the tenants.

'2. The Christians will take revenge and start burning down the synagogues all over the world. I really hope I don`t have to explain to anyone why ONLY the first option is the right one." For some reason, I don't see #2 happening.

We all know that jews are not angels,purists, free from sin and crime.You are like any global people,have good and bad ones.Unfortunately you put a mask on your eyes and never admit that and feel you are the God,s selected nation.The christians know that you have lot of mafias in every corner,have terrorists and killers allover the world,but do not announce that because they are afraid of punishment by your proffecionals. It is good time that your Govt.apologizes to the christian world,it may also do the same to the palestinians for the daily casualities your IDF leave behind them.Lets have a sense of humanity for a change.

and what is written in the holy books of the Christians? "The greater is in you!". And moreover you may find in their holy texts that man is able to explore the depth of the godhead. So, what is holy on those books and what are they worth if those reading the texts are only able to brabble over them??? Remains the fact of a criminal act. Arsonist expected to be extremist Jews, what is this? Not worth to be mentioned in the press at all. Hope it wasn't for the reason to denounce the Christians as bad citizens?

It's alarming that in the past couple weeks, Rami Ayyad, a Gazan Christian, was kidnapped and murdered by extremist Muslims for being Christian. It's even more alarming that less than two weeks later, my church in Jerusalem, who does amazing humanitarian work in the country of Israel and other places, is burned by extremist Jews. At the heart of all three monotheistic religions is a love for God - practice that love by showing love to your neighbors, no matter what they might do to you. Practice love. Forgive and continue to show love through mitzvot, feeding the poor, healing the sick, taking care of orphans and widows. Practice love of God in this way.

We are sick and tired of having to share room with these newly-interprets of our Torah. We are not asking them to come. They can help if they want, but we are not obliged to them.

This is a hilul HaShem. We Jews have suffered so much persecution at christian hands; we must rise ABOVE such actions, not stoop to this low level. Burning down a church isn't in any way being a light to the nations.

Which countries of the world formally recognise the status of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel? How many embassies are there in Jerusalem? How many world leaders publically and repeatedly state that Jerusalem is the capital of Israel? Nothing to do with Petrodollars everything to do with the illegality under international law of Israel's occupation of Jerusalem. Even so Israelis living in Jerusalem are attempting to ethnically cleamnse Jerusalem of Christians. Is that acceptable behaviour? The United States does not recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. The United States say that Jerusalems status is disputed. Nice try.

Apparently this Christian group does outreach and shelter work at their compound, which means that some rough types with psychological pressure from the street life pass through on a regular basis. None of us talkbackers is a member of the investigative team. None of us is a direct witness to the event. All your outpourings of "obviously it was..." and "of course it was..." scenarios at this point are so much hot air.

You are competely wrong regarding Jerusalem. Jerusalem is the capital of Israel.The Knesset sits in Jersalem;official residences of the president and prime minister are in Jerusalem;the Supreme Court sits in Jerusalem;Bank of Israel and government ministries are based in Jerusalem;the United States recognizes Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.Muslims dispute this,and nearly all countries(perhaps all) do not have their embassies in the Jerusalem.This speaks more about the influence of petrodollars than the reality of it being the capital of Israel.

Thanks, Yoram. There are good and bad people everywhere. God bless Israel.

What you said

the purpetraters were sent by some rabis with incitefull attitudes

So, no group should be discounted as suspects at this stage. Incidentally, Ultra-Orthodox groups in Israel have supported handing over parts of the country to the Arabs in the past. During Rabin and Barak's PM tenure, Shas championed the return of the Golan Heights to the Syrians (just to remind everyone, the Maccabees fought the Syrians, not Greece; in fact, they were allied to the Spartans). So the bottom line is: if you follow Shabbetai Zvi or Jacob Frank or Menachem Mendel Schneerson as moshiach, you are still a bona fide Jew, even if you worship Shiva, Vishnu, or Buddha, but say the "J" word and you are cut off from the book of life.

Islam you are entering a debate way beyond your present comprehension to understand. Yes you do need to say more and give us a biblical exposition of why these things happened. The God of ISRAEL, of the JEWS, was showing that He could not condone sin and would not tolerate it. Stop worrying about Israel and start being concerned about your state before the Holy God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

Okay, a church was set afire, obviously by some Jewish extremsits. So there are 2 options now: 1. The Israeli police will launch an investi- tation, bring those responsible to justice and double their efforts to make sure that no Christian worshippers will be harassed in Jerusalem. 2. The Christians will take revenge and start burning down the synagogues all over the world. I really hope I don't have to explain to anyone why ONLY the first option is the right one. P.S. I really wonder why it took me 3 attempts to get through with my message (too moderate ?)

What kind of Looney Tunes are you? You call the Jews in Hebron "terrorists",then you assert that the Christians helped create the Jewish state, and finally, say that Jews spit "in the face of Christians".Regarding the Jews of Hebron,if there were terrorists among them,they wouldn't be Jewish.While some Christians did bravely helped in the creation of the state of Israel,it was Jewish blood and treasure that won the day.You simply ignore the facts of this article to attack the Jews.Reread the article and think about what it says regarding the arson attack.

you dont get it it is about antimessianisme or antichristian attitudes and you still call haaretz antisemitic? the way how they report on this? maybe we could add the incitement by the jerusalem council member mina fento stop your stupid campaign against christian lovers of sion! you are hurting the allready blurt image of israel in the media you will never overcome that love with despictable hate filled acts started with incitement

If you are going to use the same name as I have for some time now, please add something to be more distinctive, because I believe we have some different viewpoints-

How do you know a Jew has commited this act of arson? Why blame anyone without the facts.No one has been charged and brought to trial? If a Jew has been brought to trial by an Israeli court and found guilty, does that mean every Jew has to pay for the misdeeds of this person?What kind of nut are you?

Horrors!! The church shows how the prophecies regarding the Messiah were fulfilled in Jesus!!!But---one day all of God's people will come to the realization of this. In the meantime, yes, we pray for our Jewish brothers to learn the truth. At least we do not cut off their heads for refusing to believe!!

"They happen to be in a sovereign country that does not belong to you......" You are mistaken, Lynn. They are not in Israel. They are in Jerusalem.

Don't you believe in investigation,charges being brought against alleged perpetrators and trial, or do you feel it would be much simpler to merely charge the individual/s and convict the person/s without the trouble of going through the normal judicial process of Israel?

And this was a Messianic Jewish congregation. Therefore, cheap Haaretz polemics and weasel words, as well as Gentile haters of the Jewish people, should not try to jump on the bandwagon of this incident to say that this is a "Jewish attack on Christianity" or on gentiles. So, this is an internal matter. On the other hand, we have a serious problem here. Messianic Jews support Israel at least as much as any mainstream Jewish group. In the United States, it was a messianic synagogue that organized a rally to counter a Neo-Nazi rally. As it was the Sabbath, the mainstream synagogues did not attend. And Haaretz, change you cheap inciteful title to reflect that this was Messianic, not Gentile Christian, congregation.

walk and work all accross Jerusalem East, West, North and South.There is no fence or wall deviding Jeruslame old City.There are thousand of Hasidic Jews walking and rirding buses.Yuo think police stops Chusid and checks his identity? Hasidic Jews do not set fires to churches.I am simply saying that there is no proof that Jews did it. Don't be so cock sure. A possibilty of an Arab resident doing it is there.

Jews killing Jews in Bible: 3,000 brothers and children Exodus 32:21-28 250 Levite princesses Num. 16:1-40 14,700 Israeli protesters Num 25:4,9 70,000 Israelis for sinning 2 Samuel 24:10-17 Do I need to say more?

If your think Jewish extremism, which no doubt exists, the the catalyst for extremism throughout the world, you'll need to explain why there is so little of the former and so much of the latter. Moreover, by in large, though not enough for my liking, you will have to explain why Jewish extremism is such a powerful force, given the lack of support it gets in the Jewish community. Not only is there an absence of support but there is intolerance, not enough but intolerance, condemnation and punishment for crimes. If you are genuine in your belief, you are naive, unconnected with the facts and have lots of explaining to do.

Just imagine when all the Hebron Jews come home, it is in Israels interest to nip this in the bud.

Narkis Street is lined with apartment buildings that are populated with retired anglos from the US, Great Britain, and South Africa, as well as wealthy Parisian retirees. The "Church" is really a compound of several buildings, and once had a Christian bookstore that faced Narkis. On the other side the compound abuts the Bezelel Art School. The Christians there are quiet and innocuous. Sometimes the sound of their guitar playing services can be heard on Shabbat, but only just as you pass by. The recent JP pictures of the "cross bearer" who was ejected from the Jerusalem march were taken at this compound. Maybe it will be found that heredim were involved, but this article insinuates too much.

a synangogue is burned in Europe or Russia.

You are clearly do not understand the teachings of Yeshua the Jewish Messiah and Savior of ALL men. Jew and Gentile. You probably do not know the scripture, "Vengence is mine, I will repay says the LORD." Romans 12:19. Maybe read it and Hebrews 10:30. It will do you good if you claim to be a believer.

It is exactly this kind of Christian hating Jews that are now in Hebron and all over the west bank. Most Christians in Israel and Palestine are Palestinian and are treated awfully. How can the state of Israel support terrorists in places like Hebron and then are schoked when they turn on the only people they have left, the Christians. If for example, there was a rivalry with the Christian world, a real one, like with the Muslim world, Israel would lose. Christians help create the state of Israel post world war two, and have sustained it since, to have this happen is a spit in the face.

Berech et Oyvecha! AMEN! Yeshua, we stand up and bless these people today. Avinu Sh' B'Shamayim, anu mvakshim, we ask that you would pour out your ruach on these people to feel your love for them. Lord, just as Shaul persecuted the first believers and you showed yourself to him, so can you here. We bless these people and forgive them. Anu solchim... Amen.

You need to understand Biblical teshuva or conversion. Nobody can force anyone to convert. If a man can persude you of some belief that is not truly of the LORD, another man can do the same and lead you elsewhere. If there is true conversion by Jews to their Messiah Yeshua it is because God has done a work in their hearts. Nobody will rob them of that, and certainly not this type of cowardly attempt of persecution.

A very good point,simple and true.It it were a perfect world I would be out driving my Rolls Royce but I,m not.

Thanks for the concern, Mary. We are in another Messianic Fellowship not far away. The visiting Pastor was in fact with us yesterday, Antony and I, and we just bumped into him on the street five minutes ago. They will have to look at some security I suppose. Certainly one understands "love your enemies" much bettr when these things happen to believers. It will get worse I believe world wide to true believers in Yeshua. Bless you too.

American, There wont be a tit for tat, because messianic Jews do not believe in violence, nor have they ever participated in violence towards another religion. In the history of Messianic Judaism, we have no violence! Besides this, don't use the word "Jews" on this, because most of us Jewish people (notice I use "us"), are good people. There are few minority radical elements, but most do not promote doing this. Most Zionists are against this. The Jews doing this are not Zionist that do not serve in the army. Most Zionists like messianics, and most messianic Jewish believers in Jesus are also Zionist Jews.

I'm neither anti-semite nor anti-islam nor anti-anything, but I feel in my heart that jewish extremism is the core and catalyseur of extremism in all religions in the whole world.

From your statements you are not much better.

At least don't try to put it on the mantle of a liberal western democracy, hypocracy, if you use the Saudis as example of other states that are doing the same, then surely Israel has sunk very low.

if your faith is so strong why are you afraid? If its ok to do this, then why is it wrong to destroy synagogues all over the world? Trust me in this tit for tat game the jews will lose, too many of them living in Christian lands, and israel is too dependent on the Christians, as the Muslim world hates them.

From the tip of Chile to the the horn of Africa, reciprocate, from the bells of Rome to the square in Moscow. :) It is really sad, if and when a Synagogue gets burned for whatever reason in the future, see how the ADL and the jews react, oh woes is me! oy vey! they love it, makes them feel special...but then they do it to Christians too...see, given the power, the jews would treat others in the same way they are and were treated...from the Palestinians to now the Christians.

We tried to follow the Torah once and that got us kicked out of the land because we couldn't do it. What makes you think we can do it again? Besides, how many Israelis do you know that can follow the Torah peferctly on a daily basis? And there are no more sacrifices because there is no Temple. So what do you do when you break the Torah? Orthodox Jews are not even following the Torah, but what their or other Rabbis have said in the past. Maybe you should think about what the Torah is before you make a statement like that.

As I have stated, there are extremists in ALL religions, and they do cause many problems with their intolerance. Having said that, my statement still holds true, no one knows exactly who was responsible for the arson and I am willing to reserve judgement and prejudice until we do know. Could have been juveniles with too much time on their hands or a ticked off parishioner, we don't know.

Peter, there is no reason whatsoever for revenge. If there are people who are feeling powerless when they see that Jews are tricked into believing something that does not give them a good feeling, that might become quite disturbing. Don't dramatize it too much please. It is not necessary.

Don't you think these people might need a little understanding? Shouldn't it be better to offer them an ear that listens? I don't say it is good to make fire, but what lies underneath?

There are troubled people in every group no matter how the group is composed. We need to learn what troubles these 'Ultra-Orthodox Jewish residents' and try to understand why they need to impose their way of life on the neighbourhood. But solving all problems is impossible.

Not even close!! An arson is a big bunch different then having rockets and mortars fired at people on a daily basis.

lynn, Do you know the plight of the messianic Jewish community in Israel? They are one of the most persecuted groups in Israel. I am a messianic Jew, and I have never seen a Muslim burn down one of our buildings. I have never seen a Moslem picket our houses. I have never seen a Moslem burn down our greenhouses of a local messianic farmer and write "get out missionaries". I have never seen a Moslem bring a mob and try to tip over a bus full of messianics in Arad. I have never seen a Moslem break into one of our congregations with a mob of 200 people and throw chairs all over everyone. Those who doubt watch these: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=2776412947454666321 Or this: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6985238613573695293&q=Arad+Persecution&total=23&start=20&num=10&so=0&type=search&plindex=0

A very interesting response. Israeli Jews are moving towards denying the right for Christians to practice their religion in Israel. So what is so different about Israel from Saudi Arabia and the Taliban then?

How do you know it was a Jew? Could have been a Catholic or a Methodist or Israeli Arab. There are definitely some over the top Christians as well as Jews or Muslims. Point is Peter, you don't know who did the arson, you're only guessing.

You might like to opress minorities and their rights to freedom of speech and freedom of religion, but until the Messiah returns... you can dream on buddy! Most Israelis think you are a Wahabist!

The goverment should hunt down those terrorests and aprehend them

In principle, I am in favor of not denouncing any faith. In principle I believe everyone has the right to worship God. What I am not in favor of is rushing to judgement. No, I do not believe an International Force should be sent to Israel. this is a crime of arson. You have no idea who did it. Therefore, judge not lest ye be judged.

Title:Saudi Arabian Arabic-speaking Church in Saudi Arabia burned down. Come on. What`s it doing there in the first place in the middle of Saudi Arabia? It`s a center for converting Moslems to Christianity. I can`t believe it`s even there in the first place.

This happens to be a Jewish country with Jerusalem as its Jewish capital. I believe that we jews should live our lives according to Jewish law. That may mean that christians and other gentiles have to live according to the rules set by the Jewish people as received from Ha Shem through Moshe at Sinai. Now if you are not able to comply then I suggest you move to one of the 70 non-jewish lands of this big wide world, and practice your religion there in peace.

Peter, You have no idea of what you are talking about. The govt of Israel cant control the Orthodox violence against both traditionals, messianics, and seculars-- and even the Orthodox violence against other Orthodox Jews not like themselves or their own sect (like the story of the sephardic jews setting fire to the ashkenazi jews wig store). These guys are a tiny tiny tiny radical minority who is a pain in the rear and deserve to be deported from Israel. They are not even Zionist!

No one should use violence against any other religion. Extremists of any religion are a plague, sigh. I am a Christian who would like to say THANK YOU to the Jews who reported the fire and helped to save this church.

Yoram, We, the messianic Jewish community, always forgive. It doesn't mean we do not speak the truth about the violent situation and ideology. Messianic Jews have never been involved in any type of violence in our history. We have never sought revenge. We do use the court systems to fight an ideology, but leave the results to the court systems and do not take the law in our hands. I love being Israeli, and the majority of Israel (from the right-wing and the left-wing) are good, moral, and respectful people who do not bother our minority, but befriend us. However, you have these few radical people who do not serve in the army and the Yad L'Achim terrorists. Thank you for your kind words!

The judeojihadists have been torching and vandalising churches in Jerusalem for decades, both in the Old City and the new. This protestant chapel I know its location. It is near the bastion of heredim. This lot thqt thrives on hatred of the other has beeen supplemented by the kahanist ilk. What Arab in his right mind would be abler to make it alive inbto West Jerusalem and go about setting fire to a Church. If the Israelis could have blamed it on an Arab, they would have eagerly already done so.

let's forbid all other religions and religious activity here. maybe so, if judiasm is so fragile, we should follow the example of the ululating jihadists and prove we are no better or different than them by banning, harassing, and persecuting everyone who thinks otherwise. great idea!!

As s retired journalist, I wonder whether it is AP or Haaretz who said "extremist Jews" were the culprits. Apparentl;y, no other newspaper says this, I assume it has not appeared in police reports, otherwise there would be some attribution and reports elsewhere. It seems a reporter made the assumption and, given both the AP and Haaretz's views, I would not know who to blame for sloppy and prejudicial journalistic news coverage.

As our good friends #29-30 have shown us, freedom of speech is not important, Jewish Sharia law should be established with no other religions being allowed to speak but their own. While they stand on the side of the corner and pass out Shabatt candles and coerce people to wear tefillin, nobody else should have the right to do this, even if they do not coerce people like they themselves do. This people belong together with the Islamic Jihadists and if it were up to them a Jewish Sharia law where the Christians/Messianic Jews are tolerated (possibly with a jizya), but not allowed to speak with threats of vandalism like that in Arad.

And according to Barak that entitles the judeojihadists to burn them out, torch them, deface them, scorn them, spit on them, kick them, vandalise them and on and on. So what? How many converts have they won over? And those they have have left Judaism preciseley becquse of acts like this that you condone and rationalise as being ok because "they are out to convert the Jews". Repulsive.

So it should be against the law to proselytize. There already is a law against proselytizing minors, forced conversions, and bribing. I agree with this law 100 percent, only that the ultra-Orthodox are the ones breaking it! Speaking about anyone's faith, and even passing out pamphlets explaining one's faith, is part of the right of freedom of speech. Do you think us Jewish people are too stupid to think for ourselves? If you want to defend this act by saying they were talking about their faith to others.... go live in Saudi Arabia and join the Wahabists who dont allow the Bible. If you want to take the law in your own hands for persecuting another faith, even if it proselytizes, go join Islamic Jihad.

Israelis seem to be inclined towards acting like terrorists. See; Occupation of civilians, indoctrination of Israeli youth to serve in an occupational force, countless acts of land & water theft, general acts of collective punishment onto non-jews.

Being religious and a criminal means you're still a criminal, whether you're a Jew or a Christian or a Moslem or an atheist or just another human animal. Please don't excuse them on the basis of Judaism. You demean us all. XM you're a racist for blaming us all. Chris you're still a disgrace as a teacher, unable to judge objectively.

Read what I said. The article does not say that any suspect has been single out. Why then infere that far right Jewish extremists set the fire? My posts is based on, that a number of bus bombings in Jerusalem were committed by Palestinianterrorists disguised as Haredi Jews.That way they blended in with the passengers on the buses in Haredi neighbourhoods or in the market.Can you cathegorically exclude this possibility? Arabs have at times exploited situations trying to insert a wedge between Jews and Christians. Recall that Syrian President Bashir Assad said to Pope Paul II, during Popes visit to Syria:"..and the Jews killed Jesus Christ". Bythe way I am a Jewish atheist who was educated in secular Jewish culture,Peretz High School in Lodz Poland.My parents and uncles were Communists who later recognized the fallacy of communism and remained socialists typically voting for Mapai and Labour. By contrast you remind me of brainwashed doctrinaire incapable to think outside the box

Just a few weeks ago the Chief Rabbinate pronounced yet another ban on Christians having any interaction with Jewish people. In so doing, they encourage violence. They have taken an official position that any Jewish person who decides that Jesus (Yeshua) is the coming Messiah of Israel instantly ceases to be Jewish. That is religious intolerance of the highest order. It is also outrageous by their own standards. I believe the blame for this crime should fall on them in part if not completely.

The truth is that Haredim are not much different from Hizbollah. They aren?t shooting yet only because they haven?t got weapons in their hands?.

do such a thing to our neighbors. I hope the police find the people responsible for this act and bring them to justice as soon as possible, and I hope the Christians affected will find it in their hearts to forgive the rest of us for having such people amonst us.

So because you do not agree with the action of the church, it makes it alright to destroy it then? I'll remember that next time a synagogue or jewish cemetry is destroyed. How does, The Jews murdered our lord and saviour Jesus Christ and continue to deny he was the son of God, therefore they deserve to be punished sound?

It is interesting to read so many talkbackers protesting the fact that all Jews are being accused of this henious arson attack. I find it interesting because those same familiar talkbackers (Efox for example) have no problem pointing an accusing finger at ALL MUSLIMS when an isolated crime is committed by a Muslim individual. Hypocrisy & double standards? You decide!

So in principal you are in favour of refusing Christians the right to pray in the Church of the Holy Sephulcre or at the birth place of Jesus Christ our lord and saviour in Bethlehem? I say again if the Israeli government are unwilling or unable to act against fundamentalist Jews and their attacks on Christians and their places of worship, then an international force needs to be sent to Jerusalem to protect those rights. Christians should demand the same rights in Israel and the occupied territories as Jews demand in their countries. That is a fair an equitable solution isn't it Lynn Christians having the same rights in Jerusalem as Jews have in say London?

what I am against is unfounded accusations. Whoever committed this crime should be caught and punished. Not, as you suggest to boycott and get extreme. As for Christian Holy Sites, they happen to be in a sovereign country that does not belong to you. And, frankly speaking, it is by that country's good graces that anyone is allowed to visit them. Imagine, if you will, that those Holy places were in Iran or the Sudan.

You mean you and your like were involved in setting the fire? Is this an admission?

So what you are saying is that Jews should be allowed to attack places of Christian worship without Christians showing any sign of disgust and anger. We must defend Jewish places of worship whilst allowing Jews to destroy Christian places. OK I apologise this is what I shall do in future. Allow Jewish attacks on Christianity unquestionly.

Just to clarify, it was a female soldier who the ultra orthadox physically attacked on a bus last week, not only endagering her life but those of other pasengers, because they decided it wasnt appropriate for her to sit next to a man and wanted her to move to the back of a bus.So yes i think if you are a female and a gang of ultra orthdox decide to attack you it could be pretty scary.

"And for PeterXM in Melbourne, you need to a lesson in WWII, to say that we bring it on ourselves is a disgraceful thing to say until you know who is guilty," Doesn't this sound similar to what many say about the blockade of Gaza - that the Gazans brought this upon themselves by electing Hamas AND therfore deserve to be collectively punished?

Come on. What's it doing there in the first place? It's a center for converting Jews to Christianity. I can't believe it's even there in the first place.

Notice that other churches don't get attacked.

YEP!!! People like Linthwaite, Durson, Dutch want a reason to destroy. This type of incident is criminal, but not a reason to blame a whole society. I am reminded of the Mosque at Sammara and what the damage to it caused in Iraq between Sunni and Shiite.

Your saying it was Muslims, as much as I do not like Islamic ideals, is nonsense. I love Israel and am of a right-wing opinion. I believe this is the land of the Jewish people! However, go google "Arad Messianic" or "Kiryat Tam Messianic" or "Beer Sheva Messianic Persecution", and you will see videos of the religious Jewish terrorists acting like crazy men while persecuting messianic Jews. Based on history... it was the Orthodox religious Jewish fanatics!

You have your point of view I have mine. This arson attack is just the latest attack that has occured between Christians and Fundamentalist Jews in Jerusalem. The fundamentalist jews are trying to drive Christians out of Jerusalem. Do you accept that this should happen? Do you think that Christians should acede to these terrorist attacks? If the occupation forces of Israel are unable or unwilling to protect Christians and their places of worship then, surely requesting an International force to do so is not an outrages idea, and is certainly not anti-semetic. It is protecting the right for Christians to worship in the most important sites in Christendom. Are you against the principal of Christians praying in their holy sites?

What you alluded to is reprisal and revnge. May I remind you of this small saying, "Revenge is mine sayeth the Lord".

MUST? You are a ridiculous little man.

Peter has an extremist view. to threaten and declare violence against any religious institution is just wrong. I don't think his response is justified at all. I think arson is a crime and the perpetrators, when caught, should do a lot of jail time.

LETS NEVER FORGET THE USE OF THE NEW TESTAMENT AS TOILET PAPER/URINATION IN THE CHURCH OF NATIVITY INCIDENT WHEN MUSLIM TERRORISTS UNDER ARAFATS CONTROL TOOK OVER THE CHURCH.OR THE BURNING AND LOOTING OF JOSEPHS TOMB IN NABLUS WHEN THE INTIFADA STARTED.OR THE TALIBAN IN AFGHANISTAN.

Fox sees nothing wrong with burning down places of worship just as long as they are Christian places of worship. Which is exactly what is the thinking behind these fundamentalist jews. Who are no better than Osama Bin Laden. If this continues Christians will have to stand up to these Jews, or lose the right to pray in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Or the right to visit Bethlehem. These Jews are a direct threat to Christianity and must be confronted.

Unlike the Moslem countries surrounding it, Israel maintains a reputation for incredible tolerance for the religious institutions and symbols of other faiths. So this outrageous, stupid and criminal bejavior, by extremist Jews, is not just an unwarranted, offensive anti-Christian act; it is a challenge to the Israeli society itself. I suspect the difference between this occurrence and past Christian and Moslem destruction of Jewish buildings, graveyards and symbols will be that this one will not go unpunished. In a sense, its very worst aspect is that it unleashes the loons like Linthwaite who are ready to make blanket assumptions about Jews or Jerusalem and demand useless "boycotts" yet again.

Sick and stupid.

I bet you were laughing in the streets when the Lebanese were burning Churches in Australia last year. Maybe you will be laughing when they burn your Churches down next year too. Don't expect any sympathy from me next time they rape your wives on the buses because they were not dressed "Modestly Enough" for Sharia.

If a Soldier is afraid of a few Haredim on a Bus I would hate to see her facing Hezbollah.

Sorry didn't realise that WWII was the reason that an attempt was made to burn down a church in Jerusalem last night. I thought it was because a group of Jews want to deny Christians the right to worship in Jerusalem. Wasn't aware either that I had called for the burning down of Synagogues in Europe either. What I did elude to was Jewish complaints when their holy places are vandalised. Well I am sorry these complaints will now ring a bit hollow unless these Jews are caught and prosecuted, preferably by sundown tonight.

I look forward to the day when your family is executed under Sharia.

They don't and all the idiots who are are rushing to lynch Jews over this accusation will be rushing to burn Christians next. Militant Atheists hate Jews, but they Hate Christians even more.

Jerusalem is becoming an increasingly dangerous place for followers of the Christian as a direct result of the actions of Jews who illegally occupy the city. It is not unsusual for Christian clergy and pilgrims to be verbally attacked spat at and physically attacked by Jews in Jerusalem. Moves must be made at the UN to ensure freedom of religion in Christendom's holiest city. If Israel cannot guarantee freedom of worship, then the UN must consider the placing of an International police force to ensure it. Meanwhile Christians must boycott Israel, and companies that do business with Israel.

As usual the Ultra Orthadox are up to their usaul tricks this time adding burning churches to their list of credentials, i mean how do they find time in between collecting their handouts to assulting female soldiers on buses to find time to burn churches down?

This is a situation where the church structure in Jerusalem usually mouths platitudes and homilies about loving your fellow man, yadda, yadda. Pretty much self-defeating. Yes, there are lots of Jews around, so you might not be particularly brave, but you don't show a yellow spine, either. Peter has a strong response, and a human, understandable one. It would be the same shoe on the foot were Islamists destroying Jewish synagogues, temples or other holy areas. Oh, yes, I guess this website does apply, then: http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=58300

Please STOP!!!! First before you start pointing the finger find out who really did it...And for PeterXM in Melbourne, you need to a lesson in WWII, to say that we bring it on ourselves is a disgraceful thing to say until you know who is guilty, should the Jewish people be attacked in Europe because of what happened I do no think so you are a small minded man...so if an aussie burns a Shool down in your country OZ, does that entitle us to burn down and persecute all of you...Of course not get a life you intolerant looser...

You are an idiot, simple as that. "May a protest every time the pray"? Are you kidding me? Messianic Jews reserve the right to pray how this wish and wherever they wish in Israel. Yes, they will be scrutinized but those are the consequences. I would prefer the Messianic Jews, who give back to this country, pray for this country, and even serve in the army for this country over those who take advantage of the Tal Law and try to run away from their service to their nation. NOW THATS BUSHA, EIZEH CHUTZPA, TITBAYESH http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3sEBAldf4L0

accused Jews of kidnapping Christian kids to use their blood for Passover Matzo. I am not religious but the the pointing finger at extremist Jews is hard to accept. Is it possible that some Moslem resident in Jerusalem dressed up as a Haredi Jew and broke in. If nobody got cought how can anyone accuse jewish extremists? Where is the beef?

Dear Brothers in Christ, are u alright? any of your friends/relatives affected in this baptist church arson? May the Gracious L-RD watch over u all daily in this unpeaceful CITY OF PEACE. "forgive them, for they know not what they are doing". this is what JESUS meant by turning the other cheek; GRACE.

From Kiryat Yam burning, to the Arad burning, to slashing of tires, to the Tifrach burning, to the firebomb in 1970's of a messianics apartment, to nearly tipping over a messianic bus, to the Beer Sheva vandalism and violence against messianics, to the burning of the Bible Society in Beer Sheva... to more... The US Embassy has a bad check mark on Israel's religious Jews for religious persecution... and you wonder why you are listed on the US government as someone who persecutes minority religion!

in the place where Jesus Christ our lord and saviour was put to death to atone for our sins. Israel cannot be seen as a responsible stable occupation force of Jerusalem. If these people are not caught by sunset tonight, please do not complain when synagogues are attacked in Europe. You have brought it upon yourselves.

Find the arsonists and put them in a cell together with other terrorists. This scum must be to taught a good lesson!

Burning a church is not acceptable. Quite simple as that. But something ought to be done against the messianic jews - they really are a cult & they trick unsuspecting Jews into their group. Maybe a protest every time they pray. But to burn a church? No way.

If these Jewish people feel it is their duty to deny others their respective right to worship G-d (the same G-d that we worship) then they should too be denied from attend Shule. It disgusts me that such people are so quick to criticise the Gentile world at the slightest of remarks/actions that could be REMOTELY anti-Semitic yet they hold no shame in imposing the same, more blantant "anti-ness" on everyone else. Shame on you!!!!

Haaretz writes "The church had been set afire in the past. It is located on Narkiss Street, a main road in central Jerusalem that runs near ultra-Orthodox Jewish neighborhoods." This is the most disgusting piece of anti-semitic reporting. Imagine what the reaction in Israel would be, including in Haaretz, if the New York Times ran a news item about a fire in a church in New York noting that the church is located in a main road in Brooklyn that runs near ultra-Orthodox Jewish neighborhoods. Haaretz editors, you are a disgrace.