Israeli government officials are troubled by the apparent deepening of Greece's involvement in the affair of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate in Jerusalem. Officials have complained that while Israel is holding off on deciding the fate of Patriarch Irenios I, who is no longer recognized by most of the Greek Orthodox world, it has given Greece an opening to intervene by funneling funds to sustain the paralyzed patriarchate and establishing regulations governing its continued functioning.

Lili Galili, Haaretz, July 12, 2005

Israel will have the largest Jewish population in the world by 2006, when it will surpass the United States for the first time in history, the Jewish People Policy Planning Institute said Monday.

Today about 5.28 million Jews live in the U.S., with 5.235 million living in Israel.

Haaretz, July 11, 2005

In the hopes of bringing about a positive transformation in the interactions between Christians and Muslims worldwide, the Arab Baptist School for Theological Studies (ABTS) has launched the Institute of Middle East Studies (IMES), the first institute of its kind in Lebanon.

By Jessy Chahine, Daily Star staff, Tuesday, June 28, 2005

A leading body for Anglican Christians urged churches on Friday to put pressure on firms that support Israel's presence in the territories, a measure some say could mean selling stock as a last resort.

Decision by Anglican Consultative Council follows up on anti-Israel divestment strategy of American Episcopal Church

By Reuters, June 25, 2005

After 9 years in Nazareth, executive director of Nazareth village D. Michael Hostetler and family will be leaving to Canada.

Mr. Hostetler, known by his friends as ?Mike?, was the living spirit behind the establishment of the replica of the first century village and museum created in 2000 in Nazareth.

Nazareth, June 22, 2005, Special for Come and See

The visit of "Athletes in Action" to Nazareth became a festival organized by the Nazareth Greek Orthodox club. They sent invitations for the match between the Basketball players from the USA and the local team and more than 700 spectators showed up for the game.

During half time one of the players shared his testimony. After the game Staff from Life agape and volunteers handed out some materials for everybody. Hundreds of Bibles, Jesus Film and other books were distributed.

Special for Come and See, June 20, 2005

Canon Suheil Dawani was elected at June 15, 2005 for the position of the Coadjutor Bishop of The Anglican Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem and the Middle East.

The coadjutor Bishop will work alongside the current Bishop the Rt. Rev. Bishop Riah Abu-Assal for a period of two years. Bishop Abu-Assal supported rival Kamal Farah.

Special For Come and See, June 15, 2005

The heated debate over the prospects for change in the Middle East has yet to provide us with a method to measure the progress towards democratic reform in the Middle East.

Leon Hadar proposes thinking outside the box - a novel multicultural approach ? one that includes monitoring the status of the large Christian minorities.

Antiwar web site, June 5, 2005

Senior US Christian leaders have met with the head of the Palestinian Authority following his discussions last week with President George W Bush. Their aim was to encourage further initiatives towards bridge-building in the Middle East.

Ekklisia, June 5, 2005