Arrest and Deportation By Israeli Authorities
Between 60 and 80 members of the group disappeared from their homes and jobs in Colorado in October 1998 and were the subject of a search. On January 3, 1999, they gained notoriety when they were arrested and deported from Israel as part of an Israeli effort to protect the Al-Aqsa mosque from extremist Christian groups, codenamed "Operation Walk on Water". According to Israeli police, the Concerned Christians were one of several independent groups who believed it must be destroyed to facilitate the return of Jesus Christ. The group members said that they were law abiding religious pilgrims there to await the return of Jesus but had no plans to participate in any illegal activity.
The group is said to currently reside in Greece or the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania area and its potential threat level has since been disputed.
Read more about this topic: Concerned Christians
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