PRAISE THE LORD - but keep praying!
Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!
For His mercy endures forever.
Psalm 106:1
The week began on Saturday evening on an upbeat note for Israel. Our representative, Netta Barzilai, won the Eurovision Song Contest with her song " Toy ". You can see her winning song on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84LBjXaeKk4 Netta has risen from obscurity to become a world celebrity for her uniquely original style. She breaks many stereotypes and won our hearts with her humble and fun personality. All Israel (well most anyway) celebrated on Saturday night and street parties continued well into the next day. Her victory means that next year Israel will host the Eurovision contest, something which is already provoking controversy around the world. Netta's victory provided a light note on which to start what promised to be a fraught and dark week.
Netta (photo courtesy Netta Barzillai)
https://www.israel21c.org/israels-eurovision-song-entry-goes-viral/
On Sunday we celebrated Jerusalem Day, this year the 51st anniversary of the reunification of Jerusalem under Israeli control following the Six Day War. When the Western Wall was finally captured in 1967, General Shlomo Goren, Chaplain of the Israeli Defense Forces declared,
“I am speaking to you from the plaza of the Western Wall, the remnant of our Holy Temple. ‘Comfort my people, comfort them, says the Lord your God.’ This is the day we have hoped for, let us rejoice and be glad in His salvation. The vision of all generations is being realized before our eyes: The city of God, the site of the Temple, the Temple Mount and the Western Wall, the symbol of the nation’s redemption, have been redeemed today by you, heroes of the Israel Defense Forces. By doing so you have fulfilled the oath of generations, ‘If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, may my right hand forget its cunning.’ Indeed, we have not forgotten you, Jerusalem, our holy city, our glory. In the name of the entire Jewish people in Israel and the Diaspora, I hereby recite with supreme joy, Blessed art Thou, O Lord our God, King of the universe, who has kept us in life, who has preserved us, and enabled us to reach this day. This year in Jerusalem – rebuilt! “
The iconic 1967 photo of Rabbi Shlomo Goren holding a Torah scroll as he leads the first Jewish prayer session at the Western Wall since 1948, following the unification of Jerusalem (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)
More than 50 public events marked Jerusalem Day throughout the city, the largest being the 45,000-strong March of the Flags from Sacher Park and into the Old City through the Damascus Gate, passing through the Muslim Quarter and finishing at the Western Wall. Anticipating violence, the police budget was tripled for the March this year and some 2000 police, including mounted police, patrolled the route. Apart from some minor scuffles, there was no violence this year. Praise the LORD.
The following day, Monday, was the day of the official opening of the American Embassy in Jerusalem. In spite of fears of violence the ceremony passed peacefully. Another reason to praise the LORD! I was blessed by the ceremony as most of the speakers recognized Israel's eternal capital, Jerusalem, and quoted Scripture passages to support our claim. The Baptist Pastor who was invited to pray did so in the Name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. I saw the Rabbi standing next to him flinch but good on him, the pastor, for not watering things down. You can see the ceremony here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9jXnQBObxw.
Of course, the Palestinians were angered by the Embassy move, and the fact that the Opening was held on the Eve of Nakba Day, which they saw as a slap in the face. There were demonstrations, both in opposition and in support of the Embassy move, but they were quite small and passed without significant violence.
Tuesday was Nakba Day, a day of rage for Palestinians commemorating the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Arabs during the War of Independence in 1948. Palestinian leaders called for demonstrations and mass protests, which could easily have erupted into violent confrontations. Some demonstrations did occur here and there, a few were arrested, but again the day passed with no serious outbreaks of violence.
It was not so down at the Gaza Border, where Hamas had called for all the people of Gaza to gather and march on the border fence and storm Israel. They hoped for at least 100,000 people to come but, in the event, only about 45,000 turned up. This mob still presented a sizeable challenge for Israel. Using civilians including women and children, Hamas operatives planned to breach the fence and carry out terror attacks against the surrounding Israeli settlements. Diligent and careful planning by the IDF, and a consistent and careful application of force prevented this from happening. We again thank God for this success.
Video of an attempt by Palestinians to breach Israel's border https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DpMLtKZP7lQ
Sadly some 63 Palestinians were killed on that day mainly by Israeli sniper fire. There has been much outcry around the world against Israel's perceived use of 'disproportionate force' and the 'massacre' of Palestinians. I wonder what other country would have shown the restraint of our forces in the face of such a threat? In most countries the army would just have mown them down indiscriminately with a barrage of gunfire, or declared all-out war. Israel on the other hand carefully selected targets, attempting as much as possible to avoid civilian loss of life, and no sniper fired without the express command of his commanding officer who was standing beside him at all times. That ONLY 63 Palestinians died, and the fact that of these, 55 were Hamas operatives (according to Hamas sources) and several others belonged to Islamic Jihad, is testimony to Israel's restraint and humanity. The death toll could have been much higher. Israel should be praised for this and not criticized by hypocrites. Israel has a right to defend its borders and its civilian population, just like any other nation.
If blame is to be apportioned it should rest squarely on the shoulders of Hamas. They called the civilians to the front line in an attack on Israel, cynically using them as human shields. Some blame also should rest on those who answered this call, coming to the border area fully knowing the risks. If children or minors were killed, one must ask why their parents permitted them to be present. That surely must be one of the worst forms of child abuse - allowing your child to be used as a human shield.
One Palestinian baby girl was said to have been killed in the violence but even Palestinian sources are calling into question whether she died as a result of Israeli tear gas or whether she died of natural causes. This girl suffered from a hole in the heart and was actually in the process of being screened for transport into Israel to receive life-saving surgery. It appears the girl was brought to the area by her brother who was trying to reach his mother, whom he erroneously thought was at the demonstrations. Whatever the truth of the story, the damage has been done with the worldwide media running headlines about Israeli 'massacres'.
On Tuesday also there was another event, the March of the Nations in which some 2000 Christians from 44 countries were joined by Israelis in a march through Jerusalem to celebrate the 70th Anniversary of Israel's statehood, to show their love for the Jewish peoples and to honor Holocaust survivors. This March is organized by the March of Life organization, and most of the marchers were descendants of the Nazi Wehrmacht, SS and the German police force. The March was part of a three-day conference which culminated in a "Festival of Life" event broadcast on God TV and held in the Sultan's Pool just outside the Old City walls. One thousand Holocaust survivors were the guests of honor (https://kehilanews.com/2018/05/16/march-of-nations-honors-israel-holocaust-survivors-in-jerusalem/).
Wednesday marked the beginning of the Muslim month of Ramadan and there were some minor outbreaks of violence around the country, but less than expected. Friday too, the first Friday of Ramadan, passed without any major outbreaks of violence. I think the Palestinian population as a whole are beginning to realize that the violence harms them more than Israel. They are as sick of it as we are. I hope, for their sake as well as ours, that they will turn from this culture of anger, hatred and violence and begin to build for themselves a better future, one that Israel would be more than happy to assist them to attain. We are beginning to hear young Palestinians saying that it is time to put the 'Nakba' behind them and concentrate on building a better future. This is an encouraging trend. We need to pray for those brave enough to speak out so that more and more will follow them.
On Wednesday too, Guatemala officially opened its Embassy in Jerusalem and today, Monday, Paraguay also opened an Embassy here. Praise God for these nations who are willing to take the risk of supporting Israel, alongside the USA. May God bless those nations for their courage. May other nations also follow their lead. Pray for your own country for if they will stand with Israel, they will bring blessing down on your nation too.
The week ended with the British royal wedding of Prince Harry to his beloved Megan Markle. This happy occasion was broadcast live on Israel's main TV station. I was happy that in his sermon the Episcopalian pastor, the Rev. Michael Curry, powerfully preached the gospel of love through faith in Yeshua. This was broadcast to billions around the world, and I give thanks that, even in this way, the good news is getting out - even here in Israel. May God be blessed and may the royal couple be blessed and find salvation in the love of Yeshua also.
You can see the sermon on this link: https://www.today.com/video/royal-wedding-see-rev-michael-curry-s-full-sermon-1237513283662
All in all, we have much to thank God for this week. In the midst of darkness, anger and violence, His light has gone forth and His protection has been over Israel. Things have been quieter over the last few days but do not be deceived, the Enemy is just preparing for the next round against us. Iran is no doubt preparing for its promised attack on Israel. Hamas is thrashing about in its death throes and may yet provoke more violence. Turkey has thrown out Israel's ambassador and is hotly criticising Israel's actions in Gaza. The UN is busy passing resolutions against Israel and trying to raise an international force to 'keep the peace' on the Gaza border. The BDS movement and antisemitism is growing all around the world. Many are our enemies but our friends are greater. I thank everyone who supports us, but the bottom line is that our God is greater than all our enemies together. He will protect and keep us. Please keep praying for God's protection over Israel, our borders, our security personnel, our citizens and our leaders. May Israelis call upon their God in repentance and faith. May they honor Him for what he is doing in our day. May God's will be done - on Earth as it is in Heaven.
The following day, Monday, was the day of the official opening of the American Embassy in Jerusalem. In spite of fears of violence the ceremony passed peacefully. Another reason to praise the LORD! I was blessed by the ceremony as most of the speakers recognized Israel's eternal capital, Jerusalem, and quoted Scripture passages to support our claim. The Baptist Pastor who was invited to pray did so in the Name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. I saw the Rabbi standing next to him flinch but good on him, the pastor, for not watering things down. You can see the ceremony here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9jXnQBObxw.
Of course, the Palestinians were angered by the Embassy move, and the fact that the Opening was held on the Eve of Nakba Day, which they saw as a slap in the face. There were demonstrations, both in opposition and in support of the Embassy move, but they were quite small and passed without significant violence.
Tuesday was Nakba Day, a day of rage for Palestinians commemorating the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Arabs during the War of Independence in 1948. Palestinian leaders called for demonstrations and mass protests, which could easily have erupted into violent confrontations. Some demonstrations did occur here and there, a few were arrested, but again the day passed with no serious outbreaks of violence.
It was not so down at the Gaza Border, where Hamas had called for all the people of Gaza to gather and march on the border fence and storm Israel. They hoped for at least 100,000 people to come but, in the event, only about 45,000 turned up. This mob still presented a sizeable challenge for Israel. Using civilians including women and children, Hamas operatives planned to breach the fence and carry out terror attacks against the surrounding Israeli settlements. Diligent and careful planning by the IDF, and a consistent and careful application of force prevented this from happening. We again thank God for this success.
Video of an attempt by Palestinians to breach Israel's border https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DpMLtKZP7lQ
Sadly some 63 Palestinians were killed on that day mainly by Israeli sniper fire. There has been much outcry around the world against Israel's perceived use of 'disproportionate force' and the 'massacre' of Palestinians. I wonder what other country would have shown the restraint of our forces in the face of such a threat? In most countries the army would just have mown them down indiscriminately with a barrage of gunfire, or declared all-out war. Israel on the other hand carefully selected targets, attempting as much as possible to avoid civilian loss of life, and no sniper fired without the express command of his commanding officer who was standing beside him at all times. That ONLY 63 Palestinians died, and the fact that of these, 55 were Hamas operatives (according to Hamas sources) and several others belonged to Islamic Jihad, is testimony to Israel's restraint and humanity. The death toll could have been much higher. Israel should be praised for this and not criticized by hypocrites. Israel has a right to defend its borders and its civilian population, just like any other nation.
If blame is to be apportioned it should rest squarely on the shoulders of Hamas. They called the civilians to the front line in an attack on Israel, cynically using them as human shields. Some blame also should rest on those who answered this call, coming to the border area fully knowing the risks. If children or minors were killed, one must ask why their parents permitted them to be present. That surely must be one of the worst forms of child abuse - allowing your child to be used as a human shield.
One Palestinian baby girl was said to have been killed in the violence but even Palestinian sources are calling into question whether she died as a result of Israeli tear gas or whether she died of natural causes. This girl suffered from a hole in the heart and was actually in the process of being screened for transport into Israel to receive life-saving surgery. It appears the girl was brought to the area by her brother who was trying to reach his mother, whom he erroneously thought was at the demonstrations. Whatever the truth of the story, the damage has been done with the worldwide media running headlines about Israeli 'massacres'.
On Tuesday also there was another event, the March of the Nations in which some 2000 Christians from 44 countries were joined by Israelis in a march through Jerusalem to celebrate the 70th Anniversary of Israel's statehood, to show their love for the Jewish peoples and to honor Holocaust survivors. This March is organized by the March of Life organization, and most of the marchers were descendants of the Nazi Wehrmacht, SS and the German police force. The March was part of a three-day conference which culminated in a "Festival of Life" event broadcast on God TV and held in the Sultan's Pool just outside the Old City walls. One thousand Holocaust survivors were the guests of honor (https://kehilanews.com/2018/05/16/march-of-nations-honors-israel-holocaust-survivors-in-jerusalem/).
 |
| Thousands of Christians march at March of the Nations 2018 event in center of Jerusalem, May 15, 2018. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90) https://www.timesofisrael.com/cheering-israels-70th-descendants-of-nazis-march-in-jerusalem/ |
On Wednesday too, Guatemala officially opened its Embassy in Jerusalem and today, Monday, Paraguay also opened an Embassy here. Praise God for these nations who are willing to take the risk of supporting Israel, alongside the USA. May God bless those nations for their courage. May other nations also follow their lead. Pray for your own country for if they will stand with Israel, they will bring blessing down on your nation too.
I will bless those who bless you,
And I will curse him who curses you;
And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.
Genesis 12:3
The week ended with the British royal wedding of Prince Harry to his beloved Megan Markle. This happy occasion was broadcast live on Israel's main TV station. I was happy that in his sermon the Episcopalian pastor, the Rev. Michael Curry, powerfully preached the gospel of love through faith in Yeshua. This was broadcast to billions around the world, and I give thanks that, even in this way, the good news is getting out - even here in Israel. May God be blessed and may the royal couple be blessed and find salvation in the love of Yeshua also.
You can see the sermon on this link: https://www.today.com/video/royal-wedding-see-rev-michael-curry-s-full-sermon-1237513283662
All in all, we have much to thank God for this week. In the midst of darkness, anger and violence, His light has gone forth and His protection has been over Israel. Things have been quieter over the last few days but do not be deceived, the Enemy is just preparing for the next round against us. Iran is no doubt preparing for its promised attack on Israel. Hamas is thrashing about in its death throes and may yet provoke more violence. Turkey has thrown out Israel's ambassador and is hotly criticising Israel's actions in Gaza. The UN is busy passing resolutions against Israel and trying to raise an international force to 'keep the peace' on the Gaza border. The BDS movement and antisemitism is growing all around the world. Many are our enemies but our friends are greater. I thank everyone who supports us, but the bottom line is that our God is greater than all our enemies together. He will protect and keep us. Please keep praying for God's protection over Israel, our borders, our security personnel, our citizens and our leaders. May Israelis call upon their God in repentance and faith. May they honor Him for what he is doing in our day. May God's will be done - on Earth as it is in Heaven.
Remember me, O Lord, with the favor You have toward Your people.
Oh, visit me with Your salvation,5
That I may see the benefit of Your chosen ones,
That I may rejoice in the gladness of Your nation,That I may glory with Your inheritance...
Save us, O Lord our God,
And gather us from among the Gentiles,
To give thanks to Your holy name,
To triumph in Your praise.
And gather us from among the Gentiles,
To give thanks to Your holy name,
To triumph in Your praise.
Blessed be the Lord God of Israel
From everlasting to everlasting!
And let all the people say, “Amen!”
From everlasting to everlasting!
And let all the people say, “Amen!”
Praise the Lord!
Psalm 106: 4-5, 47-48
