Israel

The "Jewish terrorist" who tried to murder members of an Israeli Messianic family on account of their faith has been declared fit to stand trial.

A hard-line Jewish ultra-Orthodox group in Israel has launched a campaign against Christian missionaries and Jewish Christians, known as Messianic Jews, who they view as a security threat.

Representatives of a Messianic Jewish community in the southern Israeli town of Arad said Monday, March 21, they face "increased persecution" by ultra-Orthodox Jews who accuse the believers of missionary activities and want them to leave Israel.

Israeli authorities continue to investigate an arson attack on a Jerusalem church building that church officials say has long been a focal point for anti-Christian sentiment in a Jewish ultra-Orthodox-leaning neighborhood.