USA
HOLY LAND
October 2001
9’55
TEXT
Florida has a new theme park. Built just a few kilometers from Disney World and Universal Studios it could easily attract some of the 50 million visitors a year that come to Orlando to visit its tourist attractions.
00 :23
Right next to a six lane highway stand the walls of the newly constructed Old City of Jerusalem. This seven hectare Bible park is called Holy Land. Far removed from the bullets and bombs that scar the real city. Since its opening in February 2001, over a thousand visitors have flocked here for religious entertainment every day.
00 :58
Holy Land cost 16 million dollars to build. Visitors have to pay an entrance fee of 17 dollars. There are no roller coasters here just biblical history.
America, it seems, is searching for its identity. Bible groups, and those seeking salvation come here to see the light.
01:09
Here, believers can immerse themselves in the world of the bible. No Mickey-Mouse souvenirs are sold here. Instead visitors can by statues of Jesus, incence, nativity figurines, silver stars of David and even seven branched Jewish candlesticks.
1 :30
Behind Holy Land is an ultra- conservative religious community called ‘Zions Hope’ which mixes Jewish symbols with Christian beliefs. And it’s a thorn in the side of America’s rabbis. They say Jews are being converted to Christianity.
Indeed David Rosenthal an ordained Baptist minister, director of Holy Land; was himself brought up in the Jewish faith.
01:56
David Rosenthal, director Holyland Experience
We’re not here to bang anyone over the head and say,’You have to become our religious denomination.’ We’re a non-denominational organization. But we passionately believe in the Word of God. If you had the cure for a disease, what kind of person would you be if you didn’t freely share it with other people ? And we want to be able to share what we believe is a cure for the sinful condition of Man throughout the world.
02:25
Every 25 minutes, a high priest takes tourists on a historical tour through the Sinai desert where God instructed Moses, to erect a simple tent as a place for ‘God to dwell amongst them’.
02 :35
Here burns the seven branched candlestick, filled with olive oil. In the holiest part of the tent stands the Mercy Seat. In the finale the glory of God is revealed with the aid of modern technology : the holy spirit – a mixture of glycol and water - is shot towards heaven ; as the believers pray.
03 :08
In the Theatre of Life a lavishly made film called ‘Seed of Promise’ presents biblical history. In 25 minutes, Gods plan of Redemption for humanity is explained ; - all the way from the Creation of the World to the Second Coming of the Messiah.
03 :45
The end shows believers of all races, with the blond, longhaired Jesus in the clouds. At the same time, the audience are enveloped by artificial mist which comes from under their seats.
03 :53
This mixing of the old testiment with the promotion of Jesus has angered many Jewish groups. And American rabbis have called for a boycott of ‘Holy Land’.
04 :07 - Interview
Mark Powers
Jews for Judaism
The entire thrust of this park - and it really isn’t a park either, it’s really a church experience – is to promote Jesus, and, specifically, Zion’s Hope, which is the parent of the Holy Land Experience, is directed at converting Jews to Christianity, in a deceptive manner. And I think that’s the objection that we have – the deception involved here, and the method that they’re using in attempting to get Jews into Christianity.
04 :41
In the Etz Chaim synagogue a video is played to warn the viewers about being misled by this Christian religious group. It is claimed that 250,000 Jews mix Christian beliefs with Judaism.
04 :59 - Interview
Nosson Kaiser
Rabbi
Missionaries that are specifically targetting Jews in this country - and as Mark told us there are currently over 1100 groups that do exactly that in the United States alone…
As you know, as we’ve mentioned, missionary groups in the United States spend upwards of a quarter of a million dollars a year, in the United States, and that number’s very significant.
05 :21
But through their boycott the rabbis are indirectly helping the new park. Because the storm over Holy Land has been picked up by the media – saving the project hundreds of thousands of dollars in advertising.
05 :47
The whole history of Jerusalem is explained in 17 minutes with the use of this scale model.
06 :04
The next wave of controversy is soon to errupt. At a special Scriptorium in the American Holyland, thousands of rare and old religious manuscripts will soon be exhibited – including some 40 ancient Jewish scrolls.
06 :18 Interview
Mark Powers
Jews for Judaism
These are captive ‘tohas’. They are clearly not there for the reason that they were created, and that pains us terribly. A toha should be use in the manner in which it was designed – it should be used in a house of worship – a Jewish house of worship – and not be held captive in a Christian museum. »
06 :48 VO
In front of a plaster replica of Herod’s temple – more biblical history. Hymn singing in a multimedia spectacular.
07 :44 Interview
Tobi Jones
They’re doing a really good job, its a really good place to be. Bringing Jerusalem to Florida. It’s better for people who cant really afford to leave around here and go to Jerusalem and understand everything.
08 :00 Interview
Lucy Blonde
I had my glasses on because I was crying
08 :04 interview
Rose Jackson
Believe me I was. I love the singing I guess its a calling of mine. When I hear annointed singing it does something for my soul. You just feel so good. You feel this spirit that moves in your soul. You know.. I’m enjoying it.
08 :28 VO
‘Joseph’ is really a William, and ‘the Virgin Mary’ a Tammy. Both have been in showbusiness for years- poached from Disney World. Is it all just a show ?
08 :45 Interview
(Mary) – Tammy Georgine
These were real people in time, and it’s much more of a challenge to make sure that I myself am portraying characters in the right way.
09 :02 Interview
(Joseph) - William Gunn
A lot of people think of it as a theme park, but this is actually a ministry. It ‘s like any other church organisation would do, you know, we employ only those that are Christians.
At the end of the Via Dolorosa under the olive trees and date palms lies a replica of Christs tomb. The virgin Mary sings for his resurrection. Surrounded by 180 men and women who work here for little money in the hope that they are doing good.
In Holy Land; with its strange mix of religion, kitch and commerce. All honest God Fearing American Christians can now live their dreams.
Ends
Extra info :
Introduction
In America, anything is possible.
In February this year, a new theme park called the Holy Land Experience opened its doors to the public in Orlando, Florida. Holy Land is located between Disney World and Universal Studios and now tourists, within a small radius, can buy all the Mickey Mouse and film industry souvenirs they want – along with Jesus, Mary and Joseph trinkets. At the Holy Land Experience actors sing and dance extracts from biblical history at this so-called living museum. Jewish and Christian history is mixed up. Holy Land is founded by an ultra-conservative religious group, Zion’s Hope which would like to convert Jews into Christians. Jews have called for a boycott of Holy Land.
This magazine has a world wide mission to help the spiritually hungry, give light for those in darkness, bring Christian belief to the Jews and bring the Jewish in the bible to Christians. »
Before Holy Land was built, Zion’s Fire was sent to 85’000 members. Now, circulation has doubled. Next year the believers of Zions Hope, believe circulation will reach 200’000 copies.
This is what Holy Land will look like in a couple of years. It’s going to cost another 9.6 million dollars to build the Scriptorium. The Caves of Qumrum where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found, will be open next year.
For Zions Hope believers, evolution is also the work of the devil. They believe criminals should be given lethal injections. And the Jews, well, they’ve simply missed the Messiah. For Zions Hope it’s clear the Messiah will come again and only for them, the real believers. Unbelievers, will face a terrible end.
music used in "Holyland":
AKM: Jesus Christ Superstar
Starring Paul Nicholas
The 20th anniversary album
CD 02-10180 Nr. 10 Superstar
30 Sek.
HOLY LAND
October 2001
9’55
TEXT
Florida has a new theme park. Built just a few kilometers from Disney World and Universal Studios it could easily attract some of the 50 million visitors a year that come to Orlando to visit its tourist attractions.
00 :23
Right next to a six lane highway stand the walls of the newly constructed Old City of Jerusalem. This seven hectare Bible park is called Holy Land. Far removed from the bullets and bombs that scar the real city. Since its opening in February 2001, over a thousand visitors have flocked here for religious entertainment every day.
00 :58
Holy Land cost 16 million dollars to build. Visitors have to pay an entrance fee of 17 dollars. There are no roller coasters here just biblical history.
America, it seems, is searching for its identity. Bible groups, and those seeking salvation come here to see the light.
01:09
Here, believers can immerse themselves in the world of the bible. No Mickey-Mouse souvenirs are sold here. Instead visitors can by statues of Jesus, incence, nativity figurines, silver stars of David and even seven branched Jewish candlesticks.
1 :30
Behind Holy Land is an ultra- conservative religious community called ‘Zions Hope’ which mixes Jewish symbols with Christian beliefs. And it’s a thorn in the side of America’s rabbis. They say Jews are being converted to Christianity.
Indeed David Rosenthal an ordained Baptist minister, director of Holy Land; was himself brought up in the Jewish faith.
01:56
David Rosenthal, director Holyland Experience
We’re not here to bang anyone over the head and say,’You have to become our religious denomination.’ We’re a non-denominational organization. But we passionately believe in the Word of God. If you had the cure for a disease, what kind of person would you be if you didn’t freely share it with other people ? And we want to be able to share what we believe is a cure for the sinful condition of Man throughout the world.
02:25
Every 25 minutes, a high priest takes tourists on a historical tour through the Sinai desert where God instructed Moses, to erect a simple tent as a place for ‘God to dwell amongst them’.
02 :35
Here burns the seven branched candlestick, filled with olive oil. In the holiest part of the tent stands the Mercy Seat. In the finale the glory of God is revealed with the aid of modern technology : the holy spirit – a mixture of glycol and water - is shot towards heaven ; as the believers pray.
03 :08
In the Theatre of Life a lavishly made film called ‘Seed of Promise’ presents biblical history. In 25 minutes, Gods plan of Redemption for humanity is explained ; - all the way from the Creation of the World to the Second Coming of the Messiah.
03 :45
The end shows believers of all races, with the blond, longhaired Jesus in the clouds. At the same time, the audience are enveloped by artificial mist which comes from under their seats.
03 :53
This mixing of the old testiment with the promotion of Jesus has angered many Jewish groups. And American rabbis have called for a boycott of ‘Holy Land’.
04 :07 - Interview
Mark Powers
Jews for Judaism
The entire thrust of this park - and it really isn’t a park either, it’s really a church experience – is to promote Jesus, and, specifically, Zion’s Hope, which is the parent of the Holy Land Experience, is directed at converting Jews to Christianity, in a deceptive manner. And I think that’s the objection that we have – the deception involved here, and the method that they’re using in attempting to get Jews into Christianity.
04 :41
In the Etz Chaim synagogue a video is played to warn the viewers about being misled by this Christian religious group. It is claimed that 250,000 Jews mix Christian beliefs with Judaism.
04 :59 - Interview
Nosson Kaiser
Rabbi
Missionaries that are specifically targetting Jews in this country - and as Mark told us there are currently over 1100 groups that do exactly that in the United States alone…
As you know, as we’ve mentioned, missionary groups in the United States spend upwards of a quarter of a million dollars a year, in the United States, and that number’s very significant.
05 :21
But through their boycott the rabbis are indirectly helping the new park. Because the storm over Holy Land has been picked up by the media – saving the project hundreds of thousands of dollars in advertising.
05 :47
The whole history of Jerusalem is explained in 17 minutes with the use of this scale model.
06 :04
The next wave of controversy is soon to errupt. At a special Scriptorium in the American Holyland, thousands of rare and old religious manuscripts will soon be exhibited – including some 40 ancient Jewish scrolls.
06 :18 Interview
Mark Powers
Jews for Judaism
These are captive ‘tohas’. They are clearly not there for the reason that they were created, and that pains us terribly. A toha should be use in the manner in which it was designed – it should be used in a house of worship – a Jewish house of worship – and not be held captive in a Christian museum. »
06 :48 VO
In front of a plaster replica of Herod’s temple – more biblical history. Hymn singing in a multimedia spectacular.
07 :44 Interview
Tobi Jones
They’re doing a really good job, its a really good place to be. Bringing Jerusalem to Florida. It’s better for people who cant really afford to leave around here and go to Jerusalem and understand everything.
08 :00 Interview
Lucy Blonde
I had my glasses on because I was crying
08 :04 interview
Rose Jackson
Believe me I was. I love the singing I guess its a calling of mine. When I hear annointed singing it does something for my soul. You just feel so good. You feel this spirit that moves in your soul. You know.. I’m enjoying it.
08 :28 VO
‘Joseph’ is really a William, and ‘the Virgin Mary’ a Tammy. Both have been in showbusiness for years- poached from Disney World. Is it all just a show ?
08 :45 Interview
(Mary) – Tammy Georgine
These were real people in time, and it’s much more of a challenge to make sure that I myself am portraying characters in the right way.
09 :02 Interview
(Joseph) - William Gunn
A lot of people think of it as a theme park, but this is actually a ministry. It ‘s like any other church organisation would do, you know, we employ only those that are Christians.
At the end of the Via Dolorosa under the olive trees and date palms lies a replica of Christs tomb. The virgin Mary sings for his resurrection. Surrounded by 180 men and women who work here for little money in the hope that they are doing good.
In Holy Land; with its strange mix of religion, kitch and commerce. All honest God Fearing American Christians can now live their dreams.
Ends
Extra info :
Introduction
In America, anything is possible.
In February this year, a new theme park called the Holy Land Experience opened its doors to the public in Orlando, Florida. Holy Land is located between Disney World and Universal Studios and now tourists, within a small radius, can buy all the Mickey Mouse and film industry souvenirs they want – along with Jesus, Mary and Joseph trinkets. At the Holy Land Experience actors sing and dance extracts from biblical history at this so-called living museum. Jewish and Christian history is mixed up. Holy Land is founded by an ultra-conservative religious group, Zion’s Hope which would like to convert Jews into Christians. Jews have called for a boycott of Holy Land.
This magazine has a world wide mission to help the spiritually hungry, give light for those in darkness, bring Christian belief to the Jews and bring the Jewish in the bible to Christians. »
Before Holy Land was built, Zion’s Fire was sent to 85’000 members. Now, circulation has doubled. Next year the believers of Zions Hope, believe circulation will reach 200’000 copies.
This is what Holy Land will look like in a couple of years. It’s going to cost another 9.6 million dollars to build the Scriptorium. The Caves of Qumrum where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found, will be open next year.
For Zions Hope believers, evolution is also the work of the devil. They believe criminals should be given lethal injections. And the Jews, well, they’ve simply missed the Messiah. For Zions Hope it’s clear the Messiah will come again and only for them, the real believers. Unbelievers, will face a terrible end.
music used in "Holyland":
AKM: Jesus Christ Superstar
Starring Paul Nicholas
The 20th anniversary album
CD 02-10180 Nr. 10 Superstar
30 Sek.