ALLEGED BOMBER OF CHRISTIAN BOY TO STAND TRIAL

ISRAEL

September 3 MPBS247REPORT FRom CDN An Israeli man accused of planting a homemade bomb that almost killed the son of a Messianic Jewish pastor in Ariel, Israel has been declared competent to stand trial. Jack Teitel, 37, who in November was indicted on two charges of pre-meditated murder, three charges of attempted murder and numerous weapons charges, is expected to enter a plea on Sunday (Sept. 5). David and Leah Ortiz, parents of the teenage victim, said that the 10 months since the indictment have been difficult but their stance toward Teitel remains the same; they have forgiven him for the attack but want him to face justice before a judge and seek salvation from God. If nothing else, they said, they want him incarcerated to keep other Messianic Jews from being attacked either by Teitel or those following his lead. Sunday’s plea will open the way for a trial expected to start within weeks and last for more than six months. Officials at a hearing to be held this week, possibly the same day as the scheduled plea, will decide whether or not Teitel will be moved from the mental hospital where he has been held for most of his detainment. It is possible Teitel will enter no plea at all on Sunday. He has publically stated that he doesn’t “recognize the jurisdiction” of Jerusalem District Court. On March 20, 2008, Ami Ortiz, then 15, opened a gift basket that someone had left anonymously at his family’s home in Ariel; the ensuing explosion destroyed much of the Ortiz home and shattered Ami’s body. His father is well known in Israel, both for his activities in the Jewish community and for his efforts to expose Palestinians to the gospel. “He said the reason why he wanted to kill me was that I was the most radical in evangelism, so I had to be first,” said David Ortiz, who has seen transcripts of Teitel’s confessions.