
The church is currently shared by several congregations, including Ex-patriots, Russian Christians and Messianic Jews. In 1982, it was burned down by a group of Nationalist Jewish group and later rebuilt, said pastor Charles Kopp. Several years ago a fire bomb was thrown into a book store at the front of the church, but no one was ever convicted of the crime.
"We all still need to learn the lessons of tolerance and to accept the different among us," said Kopp, an American who grew up in Los Angeles. "We don't suspect anyone specific, but they were extremists for sure."
Contrary to earlier reports, no Bibles were burned in the fire. There were no threats received in previous weeks and there are to date no suspects. In response to the attack, the Israeli office of the Anti-Defamation League, which monitors hate crimes, called for tolerance.
"The ADL strongly condemned this arson and apparent hate crime," the New-York based organization said. "We urged authorities to do everything in their power to protect all religious sites and see that the perpetrators of the crime are brought to justice."
The quick response of the neighbors saved the church from certain destruction. “I’m very thankful for the graciousness of our friends and neighbors and the Israeli rescue teams were very quick to resond.” Mr. Broom said.
The following photos were taken by Shadia Qupty
All believers in the land should stick together and pray for each other and focus on the Lord Jesus-our Lord and redeemer.
May the lord be with as you continue wittnessing for His precious name in the city that He cried over and eventually was crucified and raised from the death in.
We pray for God's grace on your lives through theses difficult times.
Our prayers and love with you all.
in 1982 it took the Governemtn three years to approve a building permit