Christian couple accused of converting a minor in Israel

A neighbour confronts 16-year-old
Donna Lubofsky about her faith.
(Photo: Compass Direct)

A Jewish Christian couple in Israel has been targeted by an ultra-Orthodox group for allegedly manipulating minors into converting to Christianity, reports Compass Direct News.

The Jewish extremist group, Yad L’Achim, recently lost a court case against Serge and Naama Kogen in which they accused the couple of proselytizing minors. Since then, a full-page ad in the local newspaper told residents that the Kogens were part of a missionary group that was “targeting” the community. The ad also disclosed the Kogen’s address and invited residents to protest outside their home on Sunday, June 26. Approximately 20 people attended the demonstration, denouncing the Kogens over megaphones for over an hour and a half.

Donna Lubofsky, 16, the alleged target of the couple’s “missionary efforts,” said all of Yad L’Achim’s claims were false and attempted to speak out during the protest.

Donna maintains that she has not converted to Christianity and the Kogens have also emphasized the fact that they never discussed religion with her. Donna expressed interest on her own to attend the Kogen’s congregational worship and received permission from her mother to attend religious meetings with the Kogens for two months.

Around the time of her attendance, Donna faced a family spat and spent the night at the Kogen’s. Donna’s family then brought charges against the couple. Police investigated the charges, found nothing illegal, and dropped the case.

To read the full report, click here.

Please pray for this situation.

• Pray Donna will see where the Kogen’s kindness comes from - the Saviour whom they serve.
• Pray the Kogens will have the courage to continue to serve Christ despite the opposition from Yad L’Achim.
• Pray the community will see Christ through this situation.