Israel: Bishops protest as Rabbi describes Christians as vampires

Rabbi Gopstein

The Assembly of Catholic Ordinary Bishops of the Holy Land say that they are "dismayed" by anti-Christian public statements made by Rabbi Benzi Gopstein just a few days before Christmas. They condemn the Rabbi's statements and point out that they coincide with events celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Nostra Aetate conciliar declaration, which opened a new phase of relations between Jews and the Catholic Church.

Gopstein is the head of Lehava, or Organization for Prevention of Assimilation in the Holy Land, which opposes the integration of Jews and non-Jews.

"The Christian is no longer considered a threatening vampire, rather a pleasant, friendly tourist and partner in the Western culture that dominates our lives," he wrote. "The vampires can send a message of thanks to the government of Israel for making their work much easier."

"Christmas has no place in the Holy Land," he added. "Missionary work must not be given a foothold. Let's throw the vampires out of our land before they drink our blood again."

Denouncing Gopstein's statements as "insulting and totally unacceptable," the Holy Land's bishops said that "four months ago, to no avail, we filed a complaint against Benzi Gopstein. We therefore, once again, make a pressing appeal to the Israeli authorities: the intimidation and recurrent provocations represent a real threat to peaceful coexistence in the country." "You must denounce vigorously and take necessary measures in the interest of all citizens," the bishops added.

"Christians belong to the Holy Land, and will celebrate Christmas with joy, as they have always done," the Bishops said.

In the past, Rabbi Gopstein had justified the attacks and the burning of churches and mosques in the Jewish State as legitimate attempts to purge the land of Israel by idolatrous cults.

Source: Fides