FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Aliza Wells
In Israel: 052-801-6347
In the US: 310-402-2282

JEWS FOR JUDAISM TO OPEN JERUSALEM CENTER IN RESPONSE TO
MISSIONARY ACTIVITY

Jerusalem, Israel January 2008 —

 In response to an unprecedented increase in missionary activity and influence of the Messianic movement in Israel, Jews for Judaism has expanded its international efforts by opening a branch in Israel.

Rabbi Bentzion Kravitz, founding director of the international Jews for Judaism counter-missionary organization, announced today the appointment of Penina Taylor as director of its Jerusalem center.

Kravitz believes that Penina Taylor’s passion, experience and dedication make her uniquely qualified to lead the response to missionaries in Israel who target Jews for conversion.

In recent years, the number of Christian missionary groups stationed in Israel has grown to alarming proportions. Groups like Jews for Jesus have also made substantial inroads. According to a Channel 2 investigative report, Israel is now home to more than 15,000 Messianic Jews who have successfully established over 130 congregations serving as missionary centers.

Jews for Judaism’s center in Jerusalem is led by an individual who is incredibly well-suited to meet these challenges. Penina has unique first-hand knowledge of missionaries. Born Jewish she embraced Christianity in her teens and was involved for 17 years before returning to her Jewish faith. She has now become a leading activist in responding to missionaries and cults.

Jews for Judaism's founder Rabbi Bentzion Kravitz will visit Israel as part of the inauguration of the new Jews for Judaism branch. He will meet with community leaders and officially launch the Jerusalem office with a 7pm community town-hall meeting on Sunday, February 3, 2008, at the Israel OU Center in Jerusalem. The inspirational evening will include presentations from both Rabbi Kravitz and Penina Taylor who will share their insights, experience and concerns about proselytizing in Israel.

For more information, contact Aliza Wells or email Jews for Judaism at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it