Most Jewish Israelis Want to Stop Church Growth in Jerusalem
A vast majority of Jewish Israelis want their government to bar Christian organizations from buying land to construct new churches in Jerusalem, a new survey revealed.
Three out of four Israeli Jews said they believe the state should not allow Christian groups to purchase land in Jerusalem for the purpose of building churches, according to the survey conducted by the Jerusalem Institute for Israel Studies and the Jerusalem Center for Jewish-Christian Relations.
The study found that only 50 percent of Israeli Jews agreed with the statement that the city of Jerusalem is central to the Christian faith, according to Israel-based Haaretz newspaper.
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But Israeli Jews in general do not have negative feelings toward Christians living in their country. Only about a quarter of respondents see Christians as "missionaries" or are bothered when they see a Christian wearing a cross.
Also, 41 percent believe Christianity is the closest religion to Judaism, with Islam the second closest religion (32 percent) to their faith, according to the survey.
When the survey separated secular and religious Jews, the results showed sharp divisions on their views concerning the Christian church.
Eighty percent of secular Jews believe they are permitted to visit churches when abroad. In contrast, 83 percent of religious Jews believe visiting churches is forbidden.
In another stark contrast between the two Jewish groups, 78 percent of religious Jews believe Christianity is "idol worship" while 66 percent of secular Jews disagree.
The survey was conducted on 500 Jewish adults in Israel. It was released last Thursday amid the Christian uproar regarding a late-night show sketch that mocked Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary. The show's host has publicly apologized for the offensive satire, but Christians in the Holy Land are asking Pope Benedict XVI to cancel his planned trip to Israel in May in protest to the disrespect for Christianity.
