Photo via assistnews.net

Son of Ariel pastor injured in blast in Israel

The 15-year-old son of a prominent Christian pastor living in the Samarian Jewish town of Ariel was seriously injured on Thursday, March 20, when an explosion rocked his home as he opened a Purim gift basket that was left on the family doorstep, reports Dan Wooding, founder of ASSIST Ministries.

Police are investigating claims that the explosion was caused either by illegal Purim firecrackers or a malicious Purim* gift basket.

According to a story written by Rebecca Anna Stoil of The Jerusalem Post, Judea and Samaria Police Spokesman Chief Supt. Dani Poleg said that the police have not ruled out the possibility that the explosion was terror related.

“The youth [Ami] was home alone at the time of the blast and suffered shrapnel injures to his neck,” said the story. “He was rushed to Petah Tikva's Beliinson Medical Center where he was listed in serious condition.

“The boy's parents, David and Leah Ortiz, were informed of the incident and were on their way to the hospital.

“The Ortiz family is well-known in Ariel, where they have been living for over a decade. An ordained minister, Ortiz works mainly with Palestinians living in the West Bank, encouraging them to embrace Christianity. Ortiz, said one acquaintance, has received death threats in the past from radical Muslims incensed by his missionary efforts. A number of his followers have been beaten up and jailed by Palestinian Authority officials.

“Ortiz has a close relationship with Ariel Mayor Ron Nachman who has actively pursued strengthening the town's connections with overseas Christian groups. David and his wife Leah, described by a neighbor as a Jewish believer in Jesus, also lead a small congregation of a couple dozen Christians in Ariel.”

A friend of the family said, “Ami has just gotten out of a five hour surgery with severe injuries all over his body. Doctors say his condition is “uncertain.”

“Please pray for Ami’s life and physical restoration. Please pray too for David and Leah for the Lord’s Hand to be upon them in a dramatic way at this time. They need His peace and grace right now! Please pray too that the church will rally around the Ortiz family at this time with prayer and support.”

* Purim is a Jewish holiday that commemorates the deliverance of the Jewish people of the ancient Persian Empire from Haman's plot to annihilate them, as recorded in the Biblical Book of Esther (Megillat Esther). According to the story, Haman cast lots to determine the day upon which to exterminate the Jews.

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[03/22/2008]

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