The History of Messianic Judaism in the State of Israel 1948–2008

Abstract

In the sixty years between 1948 and 2008, Israel’s relationship with the movement of Messianic Jews developed in light of changes in Israeli society. Although wide circles of Israeli Jews consider Messianic Jews to be converts to Christianity, Messianic Jews describe themselves simply as “Jewish believers in Jesus (Yeshua).” Israeli religious discourse often identified them with Christian missionaries, and in some cases, missionary organizations were indeed transformed into congregations of Messianic Jews, at times operating directly through their organizations and at other times indirectly. Israeli authorities worked to prevent the spread of the movement and its activities in the country. The “Jewish believers in Jesus” in Israel faced various forms of defamation and harassment, administrative obstacles, and legal restrictions including a denial of the right to apply for Israeli citizenship through the Law of Return, a right guaranteed to all Jews.