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What are the Torah's boundaries regarding selling or giving land in Eretz Yisrael to non-Jews, and does this apply to allowing embassies or other non-Jewish institutions to own property in Jerusalem?
Asked on September 8, 2026
Answer
Audio Answer
The Torah absolutely forbids selling or giving land in Eretz Yisrael to non-Jews, based on "lo techanem" (Devarim 7:2). Eretz Yisrael is exclusively for the Jewish people; gentile ownership, especially by Christian institutions, is a profound spiritual and physical danger, facilitating missionizing and undermining Jewish control, as seen with embassies and the Pope's stance on Jerusalem. This prohibition is absolute, far outweighing any financial benefit, and is considered a graver sin than eating pig. While renting is permitted, outright selling is strictly forbidden. Violators face severe condemnation, including being deemed heretical and placed under a communal ban for risking the Jewish people.