Date:                March 21, 2007

Every week for the past three years, the Messianic Jewish congregation in Arad, Israel has faced opposition from ultra orthodox Jews, according to a report received by The Voice of the Martyrs on March 20. The congregation, led by Yo-Yakim and Debbie Figueras, faces jeers and insults. They are spat upon and their homes are frequent targets for tomatoes and eggs. Noisy demonstrations are common, with the approval of the police.

The opposition turned violent on February 25, when a member of the church, Eddie Beckford, was beaten in the parking lot of his Chess and Bible Shop. The same shop was firebombed in 2005 by opponents to his evangelistic work. Rather than listen to eyewitnesses, police then arrested Beckford, an American citizen, and charged him in connection with the disturbance. The judge offered Beckford the option of forty-five days in prison or exile from the city for the same length of time. He opted to stay with friends outside Arad.

The opposition to the Messianic Jews continued with a large demonstration outside the home of one of the believers on March 14. Later that night, rocks were thrown at the home of Yo-Yakim. Then, on March 18, a registered letter was received from the city declaring their meetings in a private home illegal. They were ordered to file a request to change the status of the building.

Pray that Christians in Arad will be assured of God's faithfulness to them during this time of opposition (Psalm 143:1). Pray that those who oppose them will see that Jesus is the promised Messiah and receive the free gift of salvation (Hebrews 1:1-4, Ephesians 2:8,9). Pray that Pastor Yo-Yakim, Eddie Beckford and their wives will be encouraged as they provide leadership to the Messianic Jews in Arad.

For more information on the persecution of Christians in Israel, go to www.persecution.net/country/israel.htm.