Rabbi calls for expulsion of Christians from Israel
December 23, 2015
The Assembly of Catholic Ordinaries of the Holy Land has condemned a recent article by Rabbi Ben-Zion Gopstein calling for the expulsion of Christians from Israel.
Gopstein is the head of Lehava, or Organization for Prevention of Assimilation in the Holy Land, which opposes the integration of Jews and non-Jews.
“The Christian is no longer considered a threatening vampire, rather a pleasant, friendly tourist and partner in the Western culture that dominates our lives,” he wrote. “The vampires can send a message of thanks to the government of Israel for making their work much easier.”
“Christmas has no place in the Holy Land,” he added. “Missionary work must not be given a foothold. Let’s throw the vampires out of our land before they drink our blood again.”
Denouncing Gopstein’s statements as “insulting and totally unacceptable,” the Holy Land’s bishops said that “four months ago, to no avail, we filed a complaint against Benzi Gopstein. We therefore, once again, make a pressing appeal to the Israeli authorities: the intimidation and recurrent provocations represent a real threat to peaceful coexistence in the country.”
“You must denounce vigorously and take necessary measures in the interest of all citizens,” the bishops added. “Christians belong to the Holy Land, and will celebrate Christmas with joy, as they have always done.”
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Further information:
- Reactions of ACOHL to Rabbi Gopstein’s statements (Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem)
- Head of extremist Jewish group calls Christians ‘blood-sucking vampires’ (The Times of Israel)
- Holy Land’s bishops file police complaint after rabbi calls for burning of churches (CWN, 8/10)
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