Christian Churches Sue In Israel Challenging Discriminatory Property Tax Law

YNet News reported last week that 5 foundations representing Christian communities in Israel have petitioned Israel's High Court of Justice challenging changes made in 2010 to Jerusalem's municipal tax laws. Under those amendments, all the properties of synagogues, including space used for commercial purposes, are exempt from real estate tax. However, for other religions, only prayer halls are exempt. Other parts of their facilities, such as classrooms, offices and event halls, are taxable. The suit alleges that this unequal treatment violates Israel's Basic Law: Human Dignity and Liberty. The suit asks for the court to order the broad exemption applicable to synagogues to be extended to churches as well, or alternatively for the court to invalidate the broader exemption for synagogues. Two Knesset members, fearing that the court might take the latter route, have introduced legislation to expand the broad exemption to all religions. [Thanks to Joel Katz (Relig. & State In Israel) for the lead.]