Mission not accomplished: the response of the State of Israel and NGOs to Christian missionary activity, 1966–1986

Abstract

ABSTRACT In the broader context of missionary activity during the period of colonialism and post-colonialism, this contribution explores the relationship between Christian mission and Israel as a modern Jewish democratic nation-state. After the founding of the modern State of Israel in 1948, some Protestant churches and missionary organisations continued to seek conversions of Jews to Christianity. The State of Israel has officially opposed proselytising among Israeli Jews yet wished to maintain the commitment to freedom of religion stated in its Declaration of Independence. It has also sought not to damage relations with ‘Christian’ nations, to minimise the harm resulting from historical hostility towards Jews, and to reinforce positive trends within Christianity vis-à-vis Judaism and the Jewish State. We focus on the years 1966–1978, and consider the attitudes of Israeli NGOs to the mission as well as the Israeli Knesset’s numerous attempts to enact laws to prevent missionary activity, plus efforts to prevent missionaries from entering the country and to ban Jewish pupils from attending Christian schools. We can conclude by pointing to the persistent tension between the democratic character of the Jewish state and its wish to protect Jews from the perceived spiritual and physical harm of Christian proselytising activities.