FAITH ON THE FAULT LINE: Mission Work in Israel

Written by Mike Burnard: Analytical Strategist at dia-LOGOS.

There are about 1 billion Evangelical Christians in the world today, with guestimates suggesting that tens of millions hold pro-Israel views. According to the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, in America alone, about 13% of the population, which translates to roughly 44 million people, believe Israel plays a key role in biblical prophecy and end-times theology, leading to strong political and financial support for the country.

However, Israel does not necessarily share the same religious affinity with Christians. Jews do not seek Jesus, nor do they want Jesus or even see Christians as “serving the God of Israel.”

Although considerable progress has been made in the last 30 to 40 years in Jewish-Christian relations, there is still a lack of understanding in much of the Jewish community as to who Evangelicals are and why they stand with Israel. The two questions that Jews ask are:

“Do Evangelicals only profess to love and support Israel as a cover for an underlying agenda, such as the desire to convert Jews to Christianity?”

and

“Are Christian Zionists only excited about the restoration of the State of Israel because of their belief concerning the End Times, which says that the regathering of the Jews to their ancient homeland is a necessary prerequisite for the return of the Christian Messiah?”

These are two legitimate questions that ring true for most Pro-Israel supporters. There is often a Christian agenda behind the seemingly love for the Jewish nation.

What many Western Christians do not understand is that, because of this, missionary work in Israel is not only frowned upon, unwelcome and opposed, but in some areas illegal and banned. The love for Israel by many Evangelical believers is NOT a reciprocal one.

No, Israel does not appreciate the efforts nor the prayers of Christians to introduce them to Jesus. Statements by pro-Israel movements proclaiming that “God is raising up 100 million intercessors for Israel to be restored and saved” deeply offend the Jewish community. Deeply! They might appreciate the humanitarian efforts to provide ambulances, but they are not impressed by the agendas that accompany them.

THE WESTERN MINDSET

Some Western Christians often romanticize mission work in Israel, viewing it through a lens of spiritual destiny, biblical prophecy, or personal calling rather than the complex realities on the ground. Here are a few ways this happens:

1. Idealized Biblical Connection – Many missionaries see Israel as the “Holy Land” and feel a deep spiritual connection, sometimes overlooking the legal restrictions and cultural sensitivities surrounding missionary work.

2. Messianic Expectations – Some believe their efforts contribute to end-times prophecy, which can lead to overly optimistic views about their impact.

3.Underestimating Resistance – Christians may not fully grasp the strong opposition from Jewish communities, who often see Christian outreaches as a threat to Jewish identity.

4. Ignoring Political and Social Realities – Some Christians focus on spiritual transformation while downplaying the geopolitical tensions and legal barriers that make mission work in Israel challenging.

Historically, American missionaries in Israel have faced unexpected obstacles, leading to a gap between their initial expectations and the realities they encounter. Some Messianic Jewish groups continue missionary efforts but often face legal and social resistance.

THE JEWISH MINDSET

An article on the B’nai B’rith International website, a staunch defender of the State of Israel, states that opposing Christian missionary activities should be one of the top priorities for the Jewish community. It references several statements made by American missionary groups such as Jews for Jesus, Israel365, Fellowship of Israel Related Ministries (FIRM), the Oral Roberts University, and politicians including Mike Pompeo, Nikki Haley, and Mike Pence, who advocate outreach efforts in Israel.

The article cites an essay by Yeshayahu Press, who warns that Christian missions could threaten Jewish community integrity and ranks battling missionaries as the second “most important activity” undertaken by the Jerusalem lodge, preceded only by the lodge’s significant efforts to revive the Hebrew language.

It then adds that “The incremental, hushed infiltration of Israel by aggressive Christian missionaries posing as Jews, Zionists or both might have continued under the radar, unnoticed except by a handful of courageous and dedicated Don Quixotes.”

Historian Natan Efrati, writing in the journal Cathedra, discusses B’nai B’rith’s Jerusalem Lodge protocols, emphasizing its dedication to actively resisting Christian missionary influence. This effort included preventing Jewish children from being registered in Christian schools and setting up clinics and hospitals as alternatives to Christian-operated healthcare facilities.

THE ISRAEL LAW

Joshua Pex, Attorney, and member of the Israel Bar Association since 2009 authored an insightful article on the limits on Missionary Activity in Israel.

In Israel, people are free to express their beliefs with strict limitations. There are legal limits on certain types of missionary activity. These rules are part of what is known as the “Missionary Law,” which is actually two sections of Israel’s criminal code.

1. Offering Rewards for Religious Conversion – It is illegal to persuade someone to change their religion by giving them money or any other benefit (Penal Code, Section 174).

2. Influencing Minors – It is also illegal to try to convince a person under 18 to change their religion or to perform a religious ceremony for a minor to convert without the approval of both parents (Penal Code, Section 368).

HOW IS THIS LAW ENFORCED

Most enforcement happens through immigration controls. The Ministry of Interior has restrictions that limit the entry or residence of missionary activists or those suspected of missionary work.

Israel’s border officials have the power to allow or deny entry to foreign visitors. They can refuse entry based on several reasons, including suspicion of illegal immigration, working without a visa, or security concerns. In July 2017, Israel officially added missionary activity as a reason for denying entry.

Visitors to Israel with a B-2 tourist visa are usually allowed to stay for up to three months. However, some tourists may be arrested by immigration police if suspected of missionary activity. If detained, they are sent to an immigration tribunal, given an expulsion order, and quickly flown back to their home country.

Most cases involve tourists who take part in missionary campaigns that draw public complaints. Even if the accusations are false, stopping the expulsion process is extremely difficult once it begins.

The Ministry of Interior is especially strict regarding Christians and Messianic Jews applying for aliyah (immigration to Israel). Since Christian proselytizing is illegal, those involved in missionary work are almost always denied the right to immigrate.

Under the Law of Return, Jewish individuals (or their descendants up to the third generation) can immigrate to Israel unless they have converted to another religion. Messianic Jews are generally seen as Christians by Israeli authorities, making it exceedingly difficult for them to qualify for aliyah.

FAITH AND MISSIONS IN ISRAEL – A COMPLEX REALITY

Israel’s religious landscape is diverse. While 73.5% of the population identifies as Jewish, a significant 65% consider themselves non-religious or atheist, according to polls. Additionally, 18.1% of Israelis are Muslim, reflecting the country’s varied demographics. An article in Haaretz, a leading Israeli news source, describes Israel as one of the least religious nations in the world, with less than a third of its people identifying as religious—lower than the Western European average.

THE DILEMMA FOR CHRISTIAN MISSIONS

This reality presents a deep dichotomy, a contrast, for missions in Israel. Should Christians continue to view Israel as the nation of God, even when most Jews reject Him? Should they offer blessings, even when those blessings are met with resistance? Should Christians continue to reach out to a nation that rejects the very core of the One they confess and believe in?

Instead of seeing Israel as fundamentally different, should missions approach the country as they would any other unreached group, with no special status but a commitment to equal outreach?

CONCLUSION

The challenge is not just in faith but in understanding Israel’s complex cultural, political, and historical dynamics. Engaging with Israel requires wisdom—balancing love, respect, and realism.

Pro-Israel Christians should be realistic in their approach to supporting the Holy Land. Their loyalty may not be reciprocated and, in some cases, may not even be acknowledged. Within Jewish communities, Christians are often seen as outsiders or pagans, and while standing with Israel during times of war might be appreciated, it does not necessarily translate to deeper acceptance or alliance.

Christian support for Israel should therefore be guided by understanding rather than expectation, valuing solidarity without assuming deeper recognition or favour in return.

https://www.bnaibrith.org/israel-has-a-missionary-problem/

https://lawoffice.org.il/en/missionary-activity-in-israel/