Ruben Israel, outspoken traveling street preacher, dies.
Street preacher Ruben Israel visits the D.L. Moody Shoe Store in Boston, Massachusetts, in a video posted to YouTube on May 2, 2023. | Screengrab: YouTube/RUBEN ISRAEL
Ruben Israel, a well-known traveling street preacher who made headlines by pursuing and winning a free speech lawsuit after an altercation with Muslim protesters in Michigan, has died suddenly.
On his official Facebook page, Israel's family announced Sunday that the Los Angeles, California native unexpectedly died last Saturday at 5 a.m. but did not disclose the cause of death. He was 62.
"We are shocked and devastated by the loss of our beloved husband, father, brother and uncle," they stated. "Yet, we take comfort in knowing that he was a dedicated servant of God, and we find peace and solace in understanding that he is now in God's loving arms."
Israel was a traveling street preacher for over three decades, often working through the Evangelical Christian organization Bible Believers, which he founded and led. Israel was also involved with the organization Street & Open Air Preachers of America.
He was known for his inflammatory rhetoric and large signs and banners calling for repentance. He also didn't mince words when it came to his beliefs about hot-button issues like Islam, sexuality and abortion. CP.