Ultra-Orthodox Group Launches Campaign Against Missionary Activity in Central Jerusalem

The ultra-Orthodox organization "Or LeAchim" has intensified its campaign against missionary activity in Jerusalem with a new outdoor advertising initiative targeting a café in the city center. The campaign features posters warning of "serious danger" due to missionary work, displaying images of the café owner, Yoel Ben David, alongside footage of a Christian baptism ceremony. These posters have been widely distributed in central Jerusalem neighborhoods, aiming to alert residents and visitors about the missionary activities linked to the café and its operators.

The campaign highlights the connection between the café and the Messianic Jewish organization "Jews for Jesus," which Ben David confirmed in a recent recorded conversation. He explained that while the café is owned by a company called "Ariel 23 Ltd.," the company's shares belong to the Messianic association. Both entities share office space in Tel Aviv. Ben David also noted that the café is open on Shabbat, which has previously sparked public controversy and protests, but he denied that the opposition is solely due to their religious beliefs.

Rabbi Binyamin Wolken, head of Or LeAchim's department combating missionary work and cults, emphasized the public's right to be informed about such activities in their community. He stated that the organization will continue educational and public efforts to prevent attempts at religious conversion among local residents. This development follows earlier tensions surrounding the café's operations and reflects ongoing disputes over missionary presence in Jerusalem's public spaces.