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The bombing triggered a flood of media attention. Initially, Messianic Judaism was branded as a cult. But Ron Nachman, the mayor of Ariel, publicly set the record straight that the Ortiz family were a positive influence in Ariel. Five of the six Ortiz children have served in the army, and later, one of them publicly forgave the bomber in a national media interview.

About four weeks later, Messianic Jews achieved a stunning legal victory. Overturning previous decisions, the Supreme Court of Israel ruled that the state could not discriminate against Messianic Jews and deny them citizenship based on their religious beliefs, provided they are descended from Jews on their father's side (and thus not Jewish according to Jewish ritual law). James Sibley, a former missionary to Israel and now a college professor in Texas, told Baptist Press that he "can't help but believe" the high-court ruling was influenced by the terror bombing.

David Ortiz said Israelis have responded differently to the family's offer of forgiveness for the bombing. "For some, it's illogical. They were shocked. This never has been heard of before," he told CT. "Others see the face of Jesus."

He said the rarely discussed context for this attack is the persistent growth of new believers among Israeli Jews. "There is a wave not of American or European Jews, but of homegrown Israeli Jews turning to Yeshua." These individuals do not suddenly become Baptists, Methodists, or Presbyterians. Most of them intensify their Jewish identity and commitment to Israel.

As Israel moves past its 60th birthday, both evangelical Christianity and Messianic Judaism inside Israel are growing with unexpected strength. If religious liberty and equality are also allowed to grow, the odds for meaningful reconciliation and justice improve dramatically—for everyone. As a result, Israel will further live out God's covenant to be a light to the nations, a maker of just peace, and a blessing to all.

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June 2008, Vol. 52, No. 6