Trial of Rabbi Starts

Extract from a report by Arni and Yonit in Israel (from a circular sent out by Herschel Raysman of Beit Ariel, Sea Point).

“The “anti-missionary” organization Yad L'Achim became aware of it, informed the Chief Sephardi Rabbi of Beer Sheva, Yehuda Deri, that there was to be a mass baptism of Jews and ten tour buses full of people were coming to participate.Rabbi Deri passed the information to eight other Rabbis in Beer Sheva. As a result, around 400-500 haredim (ultra-Orthodox Jews) descended on the Beer Sheva congregation. They destroyed property, accosted several of the believers, and even fought with a number of the 70 policemen that came to quell the riot”.

The judge agreed that "a very serious and terrible incident" had indeed occurred. This is already a miracle. One must remember that in 2007, an Orthodox man left a bomb at the doorway of a Messianic Pastor. His son, Ami Ortiz, opened the gift wrapped box and was almost killed by the exploding bomb, but for the grace of God. Even though there was a camera that proved it was someone from the Orthodox community that planted the bomb, no arrests have been made and the police seem to be unenthusiastic about solving the case.

The court sits again on 21 June, 2009. The lawyers now have to prove that Rabbi Deri (personally) and Yad L'Achim are linked to this “very serious incident” and are essentially responsible for the riot and consequently liable for the damages.

Rabbi Deri's lawyers contend that he had nothing to do with what happened. Notwithstanding the fact that he came in the latter part of the protest, and admitted disseminating the information about what was to take place, he is claiming that he called for a prayer gathering and not a protest.

Marvin Kramer, the chief counsel for the Messianics, began receiving threats even before the case was actually filed. He does not consider them to be empty words designed to just scare him off, as the bomb delivered to the Ortiz family illustrates. Pray for Marvin and Kevork and their families, as well as their law offices.

There is a tape of a radio interview Rabbi Deri gave the day after the riot. It is very incriminating! The judge needs to issue a court order for the tape to be released. This is a major point. Pray that this tape will be entered in as evidence.

The lawyers' cross-examination of the accused will of a certainty do great damage to their case. Pray that their lawyers will not be able to undo or cover over what is brought to light. Pray that the Judge Iddo Ruzin will have the clarity and boldness to render a just decision. Consider where this trial is taking place. Beer Sheva is the city of the Patriarchs. Its spiritual roots and wells are the very foundation of our identity as a people.

Furthermore, in 1917 Beer Sheva was the site of a battle that marked the end of Turkish rule over the Land, paving the way for the re- establishment of the nation of Israel. If a principal earthly authority standing against truth is bound on earth, so will the spiritual authority be bound in heaven. When this takes place, knowing the historical spiritual significance surrounding Beer Sheva, it is not a far stretch to expect that this will release a wave of light and revelation to our people along with a commensurate blessing on the believing community in the nations (the church).

We are praying that God would be glorified, that the truth would be made known, that the hidden things in men's hearts would be revealed, and that this case would fulfill its purpose in God's plan in preparing the way for Yeshua's return. May the Holy Spirit allow us to see what our Father in Heaven is doing and give us the grace and strength to manifest His will on earth. It's a great day to be alive. May God bless you from Zion!

Your servants… Arni and Yonit