MK (Ichud HaLeumi) Dr. Michael Ben-Ari earlier this week held an unusual ceremony in Knesset, tearing up a copy of the New Testament. Copies of the book were received by MKs from a local publishing house and while most of the elected officials simply ignored it or instructed staff to return it, Ben-Ari felt the appropriate thing to do was to destroy it.

Ben-Ari stated one cannot simply ignore the historical inaccuracies in the book and felt it an obligation to act, to erase the lies and draw attention to the pain and suffering caused to the Jewish People. He tore up the copy received and tossed it into his garbage can.

Meretz leader MK Zahava Gal-On expressed outrage over the fact “a person like him is permitted in Knesset”. She equated it with extremist politicians in other countries doing the same with the Tanach, explaining “we would be outraged at such an act”.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)