In Reply to: Israeli says it's not true posted by Acheick on March 27, 2006 at 19:36:17:
I just checked out this American gov't link:
http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2003/24453.htm
and discovered:
A 1977 anti-proselytizing law prohibits any person from offering or receiving material benefits as an inducement to conversion; however, there have been no reports of the law's enforcement during the period covered by this report.
Missionaries are allowed to proselytize, although the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) voluntarily refrains from proselytizing under an agreement with the Government. During the period covered by this report, some missionaries complained of difficulties renewing their visas, although their complaints eventually were resolved.
However, a Christian site, http://www.persecution.org/Countries/israel.html while quoting the above law and agreeing that converting Jews is not illegal also states:
November 1999 末 Another bill was proposed in order to restrict missionary activity. The bill stipulates a 5-year prison sentence for soliciting or persuading another person to change his or her religion. A 3-year sentence would be handed down to anyone soliciting through advertisement and those convicted of holding such an advertisement without lawful justification would be sentenced to 1 year in prison.
July,1999 覧 Orthodox Jews protested, verbally assaulting the Messianic Jewish Grace and Truth Congregation in northern Galilee. This is because the pastor, Baruch Maoz baptized 13 adults. Attendance was significantly low at the event as rioting prevented busloads of attendees from reaching the sight of the baptism.
April,1999 - Another attempt to curtail evangelical activities by outlawing any attempt to convert another person was dropped due to the retirement of a member of the Israeli Knesset who was promoting the bill. This bill called for three years imprisonment or a fine of 50,000 shekels ($12,500 USD) for any attempt to change another's religion.
Easter 1999 末 Fighting broke out between Muslims and Christians in Nazareth. For almost a year Muslims had been protesting a proposed plaza for Millenium Christian pilgrims. The Muslim community wished to expand a nearby mosque. Fighting between the groups began around 3am when Muslims claim that Christians coming from Mass threw rocks and empty bottles at their protest tents. Christians, on the other hand, said they were attacked first. Some Muslims smashed car windshields and crosses with clubs. Seven people were injured.
November 28, 1998 覧 Some 1000 ultra-orthodox Jews attacked a Christian and Missionary Alliance Church in Beersheva. The approximately 40 members inside had to be evacuated by police while the mobs threw rocks and spit at them. The Jews claimed that the Christians were planning to baptize Jewish children.
November 11, 1998 覧 Three Christian women from Switzerland were attacked at their home being accused of missionary activity.
November, 1998 覧 An American couple in Keryat Malachi were attacked and accused of missionary activity.
Ongoing--There have been reports of Orthodox individuals harassing missionaries that are working in Israel.