Muslims say Israel is intollerent, Christian cry ‘hypocrisy’

Israel (MNN) — Muslim leaders, over the weekend, led protest rallies against the Jewish state in which they claimed Israel “disrespects other religions’ holy sites” and “fuels an atmosphere of intolerance” that led three members of an Israeli family with a history of problems to set off fireworks Friday at the Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth.

Christian leaders balk at the charges pointing out Christians have fled previously Christian-dominated cities such as Nazareth and Bethlehem en masse due to persecution and holy site desecrations by Muslims.

“It’s outrageous that the Muslims are protesting intolerance and blaming Israel for disrespecting Christian sites,” according to one leader who fears retaliation by Muslims. “It is the Muslims who are leading a campaign against us to the point that most of the Christian population from Bethlehem and Nazareth had to run away.”

In Palestinian held areas, Muslim radicals have made good on threats to attack a Bible Society building in Ramallah in a fire bombing last week. The Palestine Bible Society building in Gaza has also been threatened.

Despite the threats, there is a remnant evangelical church and evangelism is moving forward carefully.