This morning (24 January) two representatives of the Bible Society in Israel went to the court, prepared to give testimony, but the judge was sick and the hearing has been postponed – date as yet unknown.
The court case concerns the Bible Society bookshop in Tel Aviv, which has been in the same premises for 55 years and should have protected tenant status.The owner, however, is claiming that the Bible Society has changed the designated purpose under the rental agreement and that the main use of the shop today is as a centre to manage or advance missionary activity instead of the commercial sale of books. The owner claims that therefore they have violated the conditions of the rental agreement and forfeited their protected status as tenants.
A second claim is that the Bible Society changed the identity of the renting party by adding another partner in violation of the rental agreement.
The Bible Society in Israel categorically renounces and rejects both claims.
The delay is frustrating for those concerned, but the director of the Bible Society in Israel affirms that God is in control and thanks everyone for their prayers and encouragement.
Prayer Request
Please continue to pray that when the hearing takes place, the conflict will be dealt with fairly and that the bookshop in Tel Aviv will be able to continue to function.
