A Channel 2 report about a Nigerian priest who banishes spirits and demons and wishes to transfer his church to Israel has sparked sharp criticism from viewers.
ZAKA director Yehuda Meshi-Zahav dismissed the criticism, stating that the priest represents hundreds of thousands of followers and must therefore be treated with respect.
Meshi Zahav added that ZAKA had cooperated with the priest on humanitarian projects and discovered that he has 3 million Facebook followers, numerous adherents and the leading television network in Africa. Meshi Zahav also claimed that he had turned the priest into an ardent supporter of Israel.
Meshi Zahav also said that the priest did not intend establishing a church but rather a spiritual retreat for his believers who would visit Israel as tourists. He also noted that the priest had no missionary intentions.