MK Ben Ari
MK Ben AriFlash 90

The Knesset Ethics Committee decided Monday to reprimand MK Michael Ben-Ari (Otzma Leyisrael) for tearing up a copy of the Christian bible in his Knesset bureau and publishing photos of the act in the media.

MK Michael Ben-Ari reportedly said after the event that he is not sorry for tearing up the copy of the Christian bible, which was sent to his office.

The bible was sent to all MKs in July by the missionary group, the “Bible Society in Israel,” and included a letter to MKs stating, “We are happy to grant you his book of the testaments that casts light on holy writing and helps you understand…to see the link between Biblical writings and the New Testament."

MK Ben Ari slammed Knesset speaker Reuven Rivlin for criticizing him. "The Knesset Speaker’s obsequiousness to the missionaries crosses all red lines,” he accused.

He also criticized the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) for its criticism of his actions. “It’s strange that we didn’t hear that organization speak out against arson attacks on synagogues and the desecration of Jewish graves,” he said. “They have proven themselves to be a hypocritical, self-righteous group.”

Ben-Ari said that the Christian bible “led to the murder of millions of Jews in the Inquisition and throughout history,” he said. “Those who sent the book to MKs wanted to trample the bodies of the millions of martyrs who were murdered for being Jewish.”