What Israeli Jews think about Christians and Christianity

The vast majority of Israeli Jews does not have negative feelings toward Christians living in Israel, but nearly the same proportion believes the state should not allow land to be used for constructing new churches in Jerusalem, according to a study published Thursday.

The survey, carried out by the Jerusalem Institute for Israel Studies and the Jerusalem Center for Jewish-Christian Relations, 74 percent of respondents do not see Christians as "missionaries," and 76 percent are not bothered by encountering a Christian wearing a cross. Furthermore, 41 percent believe Christianity is the closest religion to Judaism, with Islam coming second at 32 percent.

However, the study suggested that most Israeli Jews are considerably less tolerant when Jerusalem is concerned. Only 50 percent of the sample agreed that Jerusalem was central to the Christian faith, and 75 percent believe the state should not allow Christian organizations to purchase land to construct new churches in the city.

The survey noted sharp divisions between secular and religious Jews. Eighty percent of secular Jews believe they are allowed to enter churches, and even visited churches when abroad, while 83 percent of religious Jews believe visiting churches is forbidden. Seventy-eight percent of religious Jews believe Christianity is "idol worship," while 66 percent of secular Jews disagree.

Furthermore, 56 percent of secular Jews believe that Christian soldiers in the Israel Defense Forces should be allowed to use the New Testament for giving the oath, but 62 percent of religious Jews think only the Torah should be used.

The survey was conducted by Dr. Amnon Ramon among a sample of 500 men and women, believed to be representative of the adult Jewish population within Israel.