PRAISE THE LORD - but keep praying!

Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!

For His mercy endures forever.

Psalm 106:1

 We here in Israel have much to praise the LORD for this week.  It has been a tense week which could have easily ended in disaster, but the LORD has once more protected Israel.

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/).

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/

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.  

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.

 Blessed be the Lord God of Israel
From everlasting to everlasting!
And let all the people say, “Amen!”

Praise the Lord!

Psalm 106: 4-5, 47-48

HIGH ALERT

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:
    “May those who love you be secure.
 May there be peace within your walls
    and security within your citadels.”
 For the sake of my family and friends,
    I will say, “Peace be within you.”

Psalm 122:6-8

I have just been out for a walk in the forest overlooking the outskirts of Jerusalem. There was an almost eerie hush on the streets today, and the forest paths unusually empty of people. It may be partly the weather, which is cool and windy, but I rather feel that many people are resting up in preparation for the week ahead which promises to be a difficult one - the lull before the storm, so to speak.  

This past week has also been a tense one. A few weeks ago, on the 9th April, Israel attacked an Iranian base in Syria killing some 7 Iranian military personnel.  Since then Iran has been threatening to retaliate. On Tuesday US President Trump announced his decision to withdraw from the Obama Agreement with Iran and to re-impose sanctions. As we watched his speech on TV, news came in that orders had been received to open public bomb shelters  in the Golan, because 'unusual activity' had been spotted at a missile launching site in Syria.  As the evening drew on the sound of fighter jets overhead made it clear, even here in Jerusalem, that something was happening. Later we heard that 'someone' had attacked the Iranian missile launching site at Kisweh, south of Damascus, and destroyed it. At first Israel did not respond to accusations that it was responsible but yesterday Israel did. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights at least 15 militants were killed in this attack, including 8 Iranians (1).

The next day life resumed as normal in the Golan and even the schools were open. In the evening, however, code red sirens sent residents in the Golan into their shelters. The roar of jets once more filled the air here, but it was much quieter than the previous night so I went to bed and slept peacefully. It wasn't until the morning, when I opened my computer, that I discovered that shortly after midnight 20 Grad missiles and Fadjr-5 rockets, had been fired towards Israel by the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Quds force from positions in Syria. Four of those missiles were shot down by our Iron Dome anti-missile defense system and the other 16 fell short in Syrian territory (!!!). In response, Israel attacked and destroyed some 50 Iranian military installations in Syria, killing 27 militants, including 11 from the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Quds Force. There were no Israeli casualties nor damage to property. 

Prior to that attack, on Wednesday morning, Israel's PM Trump met with Russian President Putin and Russia apparently agreed not to interfere in the current confrontation between Iran and Israel. Russia is playing something of a double game in Syria. They want the Iranians there to do the 'dirty work' of getting rid of all the rebels so that the Assad regime can consolidate, but they do not want war between Israel and Iran, nor do they want the Iranian army entrenched there. Russia also announced this week that it would back out of their earlier deal to sell advanced, long-range S-300 missiles to Iran.  The USA, the UK and other countries have expressed disapproval of Iran's actions in attacking Israel, and supported Israel's right to defend herself. 

Israel has, again and again, made it very clear that it will not tolerate the entrenchment of Iranian troops and the build-up of Iranian missile sites in Syria, especially along our border area. The only reason these installations are there is to attack Israel, and we will not wait for that to happen. Iran is constantly proclaiming its intention to totally destroy Israel. 

According to Israel's Defense Minister, Avigdor Liberman, Israel "has hit almost all of Iran's Infrastructure in Syria" (2). This is undoubtedly a set back for the Iranians but no one here thinks that this is end of the story. We may have won this battle but it is only the beginning of the war.  Already Iran is threatening to demolish Tel Aviv and Haifa in retaliation.  I think most of us think it is only a matter of time before Iran tries a new attack. In the meantime, the IDF and all Israelis remain in a state of high alert.

 Having said that, I believe that war is not inevitable and could still be prevented should the world unite against Iran. Sadly many, especially in Europe,  seem blissfully unaware of the threat, not only to Israel but to themselves and the world as a whole. The situation is very similar to that preceding the outbreak of World War II. I couldn't help but wonder if the exchange of fire on Wednesday night will prove to constitute the opening shots of World War III. It is interesting that that evening, the 8th May, was the anniversary of the signing of the surrender of Germany to the Allies at the end of WWII. 

Civilian life in Israel continues as normal but most people are very aware of the situation. It is certainly not true that Israelis are fleeing the country by the thousands as is being erroneously reported by Arab media who are waging now a propaganda war against us. The reverse is actually true. Thousands of tourists, mostly Christian believers, continue to flood in, undeterred by the risk of war, to celebrate with us the 70th Anniversary of the State.   

This evening marks the beginning of Jerusalem Day, during which we celebrate the 51st anniversary of the reunification of Jerusalem following the '67 War. Around 50 public events will take place in the streets of the city and its suburbs, the largest being the March of Flags, in which tens of thousands are expected to participate and which begins at 4PM tomorrow (Sunday). 

On Monday the opening ceremony of the American Embassy in Jerusalem will be held. Around 800 dignitaries have been invited to participate. The timing of this event, sandwiched between Jerusalem Day and Nakba Day, increases the potential for violence. It is probably a good thing that Trump will not be coming. 

On Tuesday the Palestinians mark Nakba Day, commemorating the displacement of thousands of Arabs preceding and during Israel's war of Independence in 1948. It is a day of anger and bitterness, and is usually marked by riots and violence. The unrest is expected to be especially serious this year, in view of the opening of the American Embassy in Jerusalem and the concurrence of other events such as the beginning of the Muslim month of Ramadan on Tuesday. 

The violence at the Gaza border is continuing unabated.  All week there have been riots and attempts to penetrate the border into Israel. Last week the Gazans began using a new weapon against us - kites carrying incendiary devices. The prevailing westerly winds carry the kites into Israeli territory and they have set on fire many acres of ripe wheat and other crops, and large areas of forest land.  For some days we had no answer for this weapon but to fight the fires. Today, however, the army began to use model airplanes to cut down the strings of the kites with good success.  

Today Hamas militants set fire to the Kerem Shalom border crossing and ignited the gas pipeline that brings gasoline into Gaza from Israel, causing at least 30 million shekels worth of damage. Kerem Shalom is the main border crossing through which most of the humanitarian aid and supplies pass from Israel into the Gaza Strip. This is a clear example of Hamas once more shooting itself in the foot!  No doubt they will blame Israel when the gas pipes run empty and the lights go out! The border crossing has had to be closed until repairs can be made. This could take some time. 

 Hamas is calling for a million Gazans to storm the border and invade Israel this week their so-called "Great March of Return" reaches its climax.  Over the last weeks, the number of people participating in the 'March' has been dwindling, but we are expecting an increase this week as we approach Nakba Day and the start of Ramadan. As I write reports are coming in that in response to the Keren Shalom attack the Israeli Airforce is attacking targets in Gaza, including a tunnel built by Hamas into Israel. 

Friday is the first Friday of Ramadan and thousands of Muslims are expected to go up onto the Temple Mount to pray, yet another potential flash point this week.  

The concurrence of all these events will ensure that this week is a tense and 'interesting' one. We are all bracing ourselves for whatever will happen. I do know one thing however, God IS still in control and he IS still watching over Israel. I also know it is imperative that all who follow Him are praying into the situation. It is sometimes difficult to know how to pray but I think we can do no better than echo Jesus' prayer:

 May your kingdom come. 

May your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. 

Matthew 6: 10 

On a happier note, next Monday is the last of the annual cycle of Jewish feast days, Shavuot or Pentecost, a time of great celebration. 

Tonight most Israelis are glued to their television sets as the final of the Eurovision Song Contest takes place. Israel's representative, Netta Barzilai, is one of the most likely contestants to win. Her original style of music, dress and singing has captured the hearts of us all and her lively, warm and fun personality has won her favor not just in Israel but all over the world. As she herself said in an interview today, whether she wins the contest or not it doesn't matter, because she has already won in that she has broken many stereotypes and has represented her country with honor. If she does win, Israel will get to host the competition next year, which would be marvelous. 

Well, I must go and watch her sing too. God bless you all and keep praying - especially this week. May we all get through somehow and assign all victory to the LORD who surely is watching over us.  

References and Links

1. https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5255557,00.html

2. https://edition.cnn.com/2018/05/09/middleeast/israel-rockets-syria/index.html