Shalom Achim,

This Friday, the Maariv will carry a story about our lawsuit.  This is the first such article as news that the Israeli media is doing!  Other newspapers, such as the HaAretz, which did a major article recently about/against Yad L’Achim and their activities against the Messianic believers, have not covered this story even though a significant chief Rabbi of a major city in Israel is being sued for illegal acts done under his authority.  I contacted the writer of that story, yet received no response.

For those following our case, we did offer Rabbi Deri [only] another opportunity to issue a public apology, and to pay what amounts to about 1/2 the court and legal expenses, before he must give testimony in court on Monday, Nov 23.  He refused it, just as he did at the beginning.  Although he says that he is ‘against violence’, and knows that ‘pleasant ways’ produce better results, he has no regrets about the violence and unpleasant ways against us, and he denies any responsibility for them.

Attached are directions for getting to the Old House, the Beit Kehilat Nachalat Yeshua, for those coming down sometime during the day on Sunday, Nov 22, to intercede and to worship together.  We will begin at 12:00 noon, and continue until at least 19:00.  A number of people will even be sleeping there.  Anyone else who would also like to sleep there, please notify me in advance so that we can make some [very informal and flexible] arrangements.  There is a full kitchen and also showers.

On Monday, Nov 23, we would again ask that only those who have sufficient understanding of Hebrew try to sit in the very small courtroom.  The doors of the Beer Sheva Magistrate’s Court open at 0830; the trial is scheduled to begin at 0930.  For those who hope to get a seat, it is advisable to arrive at the court building by 0815, in case the supporters of the defendants should also want to get into the court room.  The case will be heard in Room 44, 4th Fl, of Beit Mishpat Shalom, located at the intersection of Itzhak Rager Blvd and Henrietta Szold St.For those who do not know enough Hebrew, and for those who are unable to get a seat inside the court room of Judge Iddo Ruzin, you can remain quietly in the foyer of the 4th floor, without entering into any disputes with those who support the defendants.  Or, from 9:00 till 11:00 at Ha-MaKoM (located within walking distance at the intersection of Herzl St and Rambam St in the Old City).   We do not know how long the day in court may be, but the Judge has said that he wants to conclude it that day.

WE WOULD VERY MUCH BE ENCOURAGED TO HEAR FROM THOSE WHO ARE NOT COMING BUT ARE STANDING WITH US IN SPIRIT.  And if there are any who still feel that our action is improper, you can also speak up so that we can humbly take all things into account as we come before the Lord.

For the true peace in Jerusalem and upon all Israel,
Howard, and Kehilat Nachalat Yeshua/Amutat Nichalim BaNegev