Messianic Leader Eitan Bar Faces Prison Time Amid Trial Targeting Christian Outreach in Israel
by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Correspondent
Tel Aviv, Israel (Worthy News) – Eitan Bar, a well-known Messianic Jewish evangelist and former leader at ONE FOR ISRAEL, announced on social media that he could face up to six months in prison as a result of an ongoing legal case targeting his evangelistic work in Israel.
Bar, who played a prominent role at ONE FOR ISRAEL’s nonprofit organization and Bible college, revealed that hearings are set for today (Tuesday) in a trial brought forward by a religious Jewish organization and several Orthodox individuals. The plaintiffs allege that past evangelistic outreach conducted by the ministry deliberately targeted underage minors—an accusation Bar strongly denies.
“Converting from Judaism to Christianity is completely legal in Israel, as is proselytizing,” Bar wrote in a Facebook post. “The issue at hand pertains solely to minors, whom they falsely claim we deliberately targeted.”
While evangelism in general is protected under Israeli law, proselytizing minors without parental consent is prohibited. The case hinges on whether ONE FOR ISRAEL’s outreach crossed that line.
Bar emphasized the broader implications of the trial. “I cannot overstate the significance of this trial — not only for Jewish-Christian relations but for the future image of Christianity in Israel,” he wrote. “This matter goes far beyond affecting a single ministry or movement.”
The verdict could potentially impact the legal and social standing of Christian missions across Israel and may reverberate through interfaith dialogue and public opinion for years to come.
Bar is expected to testify in court on Tuesday and has asked for prayers from the international Christian community, noting the weight of what’s at stake.
“This outcome will influence public trust, interfaith dynamics, and the credibility of the Christian witness for years to come,” he concluded.
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