Pastor in Ariel son receives purim gift that explodes moslems suspected

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Son of Ariel pastor injured in blast
By REBECCA ANNA STOIL
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The 15-year-old son of a prominent Christian pastor was seriously injured in Ariel on Thursday when an explosion shook his home. Police are investigating claims that the explosion was caused either by illegal Purim firecrackers or a malicious Purim gift basket.

Judea and Samaria Police Spokesman Ch. -Supt. Dani Poleg said that the police have not ruled out the possibility that the explosion was terror related.

The youth was home alone at the time of the blast and suffered shrapnel injures to his neck. 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