Jesusland planned in Israel

This time it's not fiction: sure to delight believers and spark the ire of Islamists, evangelical Christians are partnering with Israelis to build a religious fun park, Galilee World Heritage Park, in the land where Christ is said to have performed the miracle of the loaves and the fish. Led by Pat Robertson, a consortium of Christian groups will spend a total of around $50 million to buy and develop a 125-acre plot that will eventually feature "a garden and nature park, an auditorium, a Holy Land exhibition, outdoor amphitheatres, information centre and a media studio."

But not all are thrilled. The Guardian reports:

However, the alliance has not been welcomed by all Israelis, including some who fear the ultimate aim of the evangelicals is the conversion of the Jews to Christianity rather than support for Israel...

The American Christian right, best known for television evangelism and its stars such as Mr Robertson and Jerry Falwell, has been among the strongest supporters of Israel in the US.

The primary reason is that according to the Old Testament, Israel was given to the Jews by God. Fundamentalist Christians believe that in order for Jesus to return, two preconditions are Jewish control of the land of Israel and the conversion of the Jews to Christianity.

Yossi Sarid, a former government minister and member of the Knesset, said he was wary of the friendship of the American Christian right and projects such as the Galilee centre. He said: "I am not enthusiastic about this cooperation because I have no desire to be cannon fodder for the evangelists.

"As a Jew, they believe I have to vanish before Jesus can make his second appearance. As I have no plans to convert, as an Israeli and a Jew, I find this a provocation. There is something sinister about their embrace."

(Thanks, Jim.)