Question
What is the prevailing view in Israel regarding the Christian Zionist movement coming out of American Evangelical churches?
Answer
Regarding donations to Israel expressly called Christian donations, like the Keren Ley’didut, there is a difference of opinion among rabbis, whether to accept or not. Most leading halachic authorities who have voiced their opinion, strongly oppose accepting the millions that they offer, or even one penny, as Rav Shlomo Aviner has written extensively. On the other hand, Rav Yitzchak Grossman of Migdal HaEmek, Rav Riskin, Rav Stav and others say that the Keren Ley’didut does not have any missionary or evangelist intentions, and accordingly, their donations are kosher. Nevertheless, if the motive is evangelism, to convince, convert or bring Jews closer to Christianity, obviously, all oppose receiving such donations.
