The Saga in the Anglican church in the Holy Land continues: After the ruling of the court that prevented Bishop Riah Abu Assal from entering the school named after his name, Bishop Abu Assal sends a letter to friends and leading clergy abroad.

In his letter Bishop Riah says that the new Anglican Bishop in Jerusalem did not honor what was agreed namely “Dignified Silence” and went ahead issuing statements with the intention of undermining the work and achievements of his predecessor”.

Come and See obtained a copy of the letter through the PalestinianChristians group where this letter was distributed. We bring the letter here to you.

Special For "Come and See", Feb 9, 2008

A pro-Israel evangelist group from the US has decided to "adopt" Barzilai Medical Center in Ashkelon.

A few months ago, the group contacted the hospital, which copes with victims of Palestinian terror bombings from Gaza and sick Gazan civilians on a regular basis.

By JUDY SIEGEL-ITZKOVICH, The Jerusalem Post, Jan 30, 2008

The magistrate court of Nazareth issued a decision today (the 22nd of January) to prevent the retired Bishop Riah Abu Assal and all members of the non profit organization he formed from entering the campus of “Bishop Riah educational campus” in Nazareth until the end of the proceedings. The decision also prevents them from handling any issues related to the school, especially financial ones.

By that, Judge Nabila Dali Mussa accepted the request of the Anglican Episcopalian church and of Bishop Suhail Diwani that was discussed in court last Friday with both bishops and most pastors of the dioceses present in an unusual setting.

Special For "Come and See", Jan 22, 2008

A few weeks ago, a senior Greek Orthodox clergyman in Israel attended a meeting at a government office in Jerusalem's Givat Shaul quarter. When he returned to his car, an elderly man wearing a skullcap came and knocked on the window. When the clergyman let the window down, the passerby spat in his face.

By Amiram Barkat, Haaretz, Nov 23, 2007

The Narkis Street Baptist Church in Jerusalem was set on fire late Tuesday night, police said.

There were no injuries reported in the midnight blaze at the Baptist Church, but the interior of the downtown Jerusalem church was lightly to moderately damaged by the fire, Jerusalem police spokesman said.

Special For "Come and See", Nov 24, 2007

A major Christian TV network that runs missionary advertisements targeting Jews has filed a petition with the Israeli Supreme Court after the country’s cable television company decided to pull the plug on the station.

The petition calls the decision by the HOT Cable System “a severe violation” of freedom of expression and freedom of religion, according to the Jerusalem Post.

“You cannot close down this station just because it is a Christian station,” argued Israeli attorney Amir Vitkon in July when HOT made the decision to drop Daystar TV Network. According to the petition, the decision came one month after HOT renewed their contract.

By Joshua Kimball, Christian Post Reporter, Sep. 19 2007

Excitement was certainly high on Sunday evening, September 23 2007 as members of the Association of Baptist Churches in Israel flocked from such places as Cana, Rama, Haifa, Acco, Eilabenn, Toraan, Ramle and other regions to Nazareth Evangelical Baptist Church to witness the arrival of David Coffey, the current leader of the Baptist World Alliance. Space was limited, as the beautiful sanctuary was full to capacity with the faithful who assembled from across Galilee for a time of worship and praise before Rev. Coffey’s scheduled appearance. Worship leaders led the congregation in several moving songs that had everyone singing full voiced and lifting hands in praise.

Special For "Come and See", Sep 24, 2007

Appearances to the contrary, however, the cross project so far consists mainly of a glitzy Web site, considerable hype and a taint of corruption. To date no architect has been hired, no other investors have been recruited and no ground has been broken in the hollow below Nazareth's YMCA.

Another shadow hanging over the project is the hint of questionable business practices, despite a phalanx of reputable attorneys and accounting firms that Boulos says are involved in ensuring the endeavor's integrity.

The Boulos family's many business endeavors include a brief foray into a casino ship and Chapter 11 filings. Then there is Riah. The former Anglican bishop of Jerusalem is under investigation by a diocesan committee on charges of corruption and nepotism

By CRAIG NELSON, Cox News Service, Monday, September 03, 2007

On Monday, 27th of August, “Fondazione Milan” introduced the project in favor of The Holy Family Hospital in Nazareth, in a ceremony held in Nazareth and attended by the former Brazilian national team player Leonardo. The hospital, founded in 1882 by the Fatebenefratelli monks, serves as a housing facility for people diseased or in need.

AC Milan Web site, Aug 27, 2007

Ministry of Tourism officials met with Rev. Nizar Shaheen and the 85 pastors and laymen joining him on a Church Leaders' Spiritual Tour from Canada.

Nizar Shaheen is founder and host of Light For All Nations. He was born in Nazareth and grew up in the nearby town of Cana of Galilee. Today he resides in Canada and works closely with many churches of different denominations in Israel and Canada.

Israel Ministry of Tourism Website, Aug 2007