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

STORM CLOUDS GATHER

HOLOCAUST DAY AND MEMORIAL DAY

It has been a month of ups and downs in Israel. On the 11-12th we marked Holocaust Remembrance Day remembering the 6 million Jews killed during the Holocaust, and on the 17-18th Memorial Day honoring the 23,646  killed in Israel's wars and terror attacks since 1860. These are solemn days and personal times of grief as every Israeli has been touched by these tragedies, by the loss of family members or friends. We are a small nation and at times like these there is a strong sense of family as we come together to mourn and support one another. In every town, kibbutz, moshav or city ceremonies of remembrance are held. The names those who perished are read out and torches are lit. When the sirens sound all traffic and activity stops and we as a nation stand together in silence as a mark of respect for those who have died.   

As the sirens blare motorists stop on the Ayalon Highway in Tel Aviv and stand at attention in respect on Holocaust Day
https://www.vosizneias.com/295226/2018/04/12/jerusalem-sirens-wail-as-israel-stands-still-for-holocaust-remembrance/

ISRAEL'S 70TH INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATIONS

The day after Memorial Day sorrow was replaced by the joy of celebrating Israel's 70th Independence Day on the 18-19th. We gathered for ceremonies, watched firework displays, and held street parties. Many enjoyed the annual Air Force flyover,  and joined friends and family for the traditional barbecue rejoicing in the perfect spring day in Israel's wonderful parks, forests and beaches. 

Independence Day celebrations
https://www.timesofisrael.com/somber-memorial-day-gives-way-to-israels-70th-independence-day-festivities/

 We can join King David who declared:

I will extol You, O Lord, for You have lifted me up,

And have not let my foes rejoice over me.

O Lord my God, I cried out to You,

And You healed me.

 

O Lord, You brought my soul up from the grave;

You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness,

 

To the end that my glory may sing praise to You and not be silent.

O Lord my God, I will give thanks to You forever.

You have kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit...

You have turned for me my mourning into dancing;

You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness,

 

To the end that my glory may sing praise to You and not be silent.

O Lord my God, I will give thanks to You forever.

Psalm 30: 1-3; 11-12 

A FEROCIOUS UNSEASONAL  STORM

 Last week Israel experienced a freak storm system with heavy thunderstorms, torrential rain and hail affecting the whole country. Usually by this time of the year the rains have more or less petered out and summer is getting underway. In my more than 35 years in Israel, I cannot remember a storm like this in April.  On Wednesday (25/4) there were floods in many places.  Two teenagers were killed in flash floods in separate incidents. One was swept away from near his home in a Bedouin encampment near Mamshit in the Negev, and the second while she was tending her sheep near Maaleh Amos south of Bethlehem. All over the country, roads turned into torrents of water and many vehicles were flooded or swept away. Many people had to be plucked from flooded cars, and some 62 school children had to be rescued from buses trapped by floodwaters while on school trips. In Rishon Lezion the roof of a shopping mall collapsed causing serious flooding inside. In Arad, golf-ball sized hail struck and in Jerusalem a number of streets flooded including Jaffa Road which resembled a river.  Here in Mevasseret we escaped serious problems, just catching the edge of the storm at its worst.  
https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5241033,00.html
https://www.timesofisrael.com/teen-killed-in-flash-flood-as-storm-hail-batters-israel/   https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5242124,00.html
https://www.sott.net/article/383914-Two-killed-as-flash-floods-hit-Israel-and-West-Bank

Israelis watch flooded water running through a valley blocking the main road along the Dead Sea in the Judean desert, near the desert fortress of Masada north of Ein Bokek, following heavy rainfall in the mountains on April 25, 2018. / AFP PHOTO / MENAHEM KAHANA

A flash flood in the Negev showing why they are so dangerous - they come down as a wall of semisolid mud and stones.
https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5242124,00.html

The greatest tragedy of the storm occurred however on the following day, Thursday (26/4).  Ten teenagers were killed when they were swept away by a flash flood in a wadi while they were on a school trip. Seventeen others were rescued by emergency rescue teams, suffering bruises and mild hypothermia, and two were hospitalized with light to medium injuries. The students were from the Bnei Zion pre-military academy school,  and were on a two-day bonding trip in the southern Dead Sea region. The question on everyone's lips is why were they hiking in a wadi, Zafit Stream, which has sheer canyon walls, when there were severe weather and flash flood warnings. Every Israeli should know how dangerous it is. Every year there are deaths because of flash floods in the desert. The trip should never have gone ahead. Police are investigating and already the Principal of the school and the senior guide have been arrested and may face charges of criminal negligence or negligent manslaughter. I have organized and led many school trips, and at times have had to cancel them for fear of flash floods, therefore I can identify with the staff of the school and the guides who must be suffering greatly as a result of this terrible incident. However it seems that bad decisions were made which put the students unnecessarily in danger and resulted in this tragedy. Pray for the parents, friends and fellow students as they grieve for the loss of these wonderful teenagers, the creme of the crop, who have been cut off before they blossomed into their full potential. One of the dead, Tzur Alfi, who dreamed of a career in search and rescue, could have saved himself but instead pulled several others out of the flood, letting them climb over him, until he himself was drowned. He died a hero but how many others would he have been able to save had his dreams been realized and not cut so tragically short. 

 The ten teenagers killed in flash flood
https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5243025,00.html

Searches are still continuing for a 13th victim of the flooding, the driver of a lorry found tipped over in flood waters in Nahal Zin. He is presumed dead and his body has probably been washed down to the Dead Sea or is buried under rubble and mud along the riverbed somewhere. 

Although the loss of life was terrible I think we can thank God it wasn't worse, considering the degree and ferocity of flooding. The rescue services were working full time to pull people out of flooded cars and rescue those trapped by rising water. In many places there were flash floods, and not just in the desert. In Jerusalem on Thursday afternoon,  20mm of rain fell in the space of 40 minutes turning one of Jerusalem's most famous streets, Nachalat Sheva, into a raging torrent. You can see it on this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=koXiSyBkgqk

As I am writing an easterly sharav wind is blowing in from the desert bringing temperatures into the 30's (Celsius), dust storms and I can hear thunderstorms to the south, probably bringing more flash flooding.  I hope there will be no more casualties. While sharavs are common in Spring it is very unusual to be still getting rain in May, but after a very dry winter every drop is needed and we are not complaining. 

WAR CLOUDS GATHER

Of more concern are the gathering of a different kind of cloud, the clouds of war.  Over the past weeks tensions with Iran have continued to grow and war could break out at any minute. For many years we have been warning the world that this is going to happen, and perhaps we have been seen as 'crying wolf' too many times. Even here in Israel there is a sort of unreality about it. We have lived so long with this threat it has become a normal background refrain that we don't quite believe anymore. Yet the signs are real enough and war does seem imminent and inevitable at this point. 

On Sunday the 1st of April (not an April Fools joke!) a military facility housing the 47th Brigade of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in Syria was attacked by missiles fired from F-15 planes. At least 25 military personnel were killed, the majority being Iranian military officials. According to the New York Times some 200 missiles were destroyed, including ground-to air-missiles supplied by Iran in preparation for an attack on Israel. Syrian rebels claim that some of the arms caches struck in the attack held chemical weapons. Most parties assume that it was Israel that carried out the attack but this has not been verified by the Israeli authorities (1). 

Since this attack tensions between Israel and Iran have increased with threats and counterthreats being exchanged on a daily basis. Iran is promising to attack Israel in retaliation at a time and place of its own choosing. If such an attack occurs, then Israel will be forced into a counter-attack which could throw the whole region, if not the whole world, into a vicious war. There is no way that Iran can back down without losing face and therefore such a confrontation seems inevitable. 

Any war between Israel and Iran will result in massive destruction and loss of life for both nations, and perhaps many others too. The Bible promises that any nation that attacks Israel will be destroyed, and this has held true throughout history. If Iran attacks Israel they are signing their own death warrant. No one wants that. Israel has no quarrel with the Iranian people who mostly are unaware of what their dictatorial government is doing and would not support it if they knew.  God said that 

 If at any time I announce that a nation or kingdom is to be uprooted, torn down and destroyed,  and if that nation I warned repents of its evil, then I will relent and not inflict on it the disaster I had planned. 

Jeremiah 18 : 7-8

Even now, if Iran will repent of its evil intentions its destruction can be prevented. God is moving by his Spirit in the nation of Iran and many there are being saved. Please pray for Iran that it can be saved before it is too late. Pray too for the courageous believers in Iran that they may be strengthened, and that their needs will be met. Perhaps God will have mercy on their nation. 

Having said that, any kind of repentance on a national scale in Iran seems unlikely and we must prepare for war. Reports are that the IDF is making preparations and is watching the situation intensely. I am somewhat concerned though that there seems to be little preparation on the home front in Israel. Prior to previous wars we were supplied with gas masks and instructed to prepare shelters and lay up provisions. With the exception of Haifa (perhaps the most likely first target), we have received no such instructions, nor have gas masks been distributed. Please pray that the Home Front Command will prepare the general populace appropriately. Pray we will all take this seriously and make provision on a personal level, making sure our shelters are cleared of junk (they tend to be used as storage spaces), and our homes stocked with water and food.  Perhaps more importantly, please pray we will be ready spiritually.  The passage in Jeremiah that I quoted above is actually addressed to Israel (although the principle applies to any nation). If Israel will repent of her sin and turn to her God, then God will stop this coming disaster. There always remains hope. 

CAPTURED IRANIAN ARCHIVE REVEALED

By the 12th of May  U.S. President Trump is expected to make a decision on whether to withdraw from the current agreement with Iran regarding its development of nuclear weapons. Two days ago Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, made a presentation on national television revealing that the Israeli intelligence organization, the Mossad, had acquired a huge repository of archived Iranian files which clearly show that Iran has consistently lied to the world about its nuclear program in claiming it was not developing nuclear weapons. The huge cache of files clearly show otherwise. You can see the whole presentation ( 20 minutes in length), in English, on 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_qBt4tSCALA

THE OPENING OF THE US EMBASSY IN JERUSALEM, NAKBA DAY AND RAMADAN

Reports are that President Trump will come to Israel for the official opening of the American Embassy in Jerusalem which is to take place on the 15th of May. The timing is significant and perhaps ominous. It is the same day as the 70th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence of Israel according to the Julian Calendar, and therefore also Nakba Day, the day Palestinian Arabs express their rage and protest. It is also the start of the Muslim month of Ramadan, the annual fast period.  

For five weeks now there have been protests along the border fence with Gaza threatening to penetrate the fence and invade Israel. Although the numbers of people participating in these demonstrations have decreased with time, the violence and attempts to penetrate the fence are escalating. This last Friday dozens broke through the fence and entered Israeli territory less than a kilometer from Kibbutz Nahal Oz. Some of these Gazans were carrying guns and at least two of them opened fire on Israeli troops. Israeli forces responded with rubber bullets and sniper fire, and four Gazans were killed, bringing the death toll to 45 and the number of injured to around 1500 since the protests began, according to the Gazan Health Ministry. No Israelis have been seriously injured or killed to date (4). 

The intensity of the Gaza border protests can be expected to rise and reach a climax as we approach the convergence of the US Embassy move, Nakba Day and the beginning of Ramadan on the 15th of May. Hamas is planning a mass storming of the Gaza border fence, with the intention of breaking it down and invading Israel on that day (4).  Please pray that this will not succeed, that there will be no further casualties on either side and that peace will reign along our border. Pray too for the safety of our forces and the civilian population in the area. 

It looks like May 2018 will be an interesting month and perhaps one that will change world history. Please be diligent in prayer and particularly pray for Israel at this time, that God's Will will be done;

Your kingdom come.

Your will be done

On earth as it is in heaven.

Matthew 6:10.

1. https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5248205,00.html
2. https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5248271,00.html
3. https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5247970,00.html
4. https://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Israel-uses-tear-gas-on-Gaza-protesters-amid-UN-condemnation-552903


               

RAMADAN IN JERUSALEM

Around 40% of the residents of Jerusalem are Muslim Arabs and therefore it is impossible for us living here to ignore the month of Ramadan. During this month most Muslims over the age of 8, whether very devout or not, fast during the daylight hours, taking neither food nor water, something not at all easy as our summer temperatures are now reaching the 30s. After sundown, families and friends gather together for the often-sumptuous Iftar meals allowed during the night hours, a time to celebrate and enjoy quality time together.  

An Iftar Meal
http://timesofoman.com/uploads/images/2015/07/27/169178.JPG

Every year Israel eases the restrictions on West Bank Arabs allowing them to come in and out of Israel more freely, pray at the Al Aqsa mosque (on the Temple Mount), make family visits and even travel abroad. Unfortunately this always results in an increase in tension in the city, necessitating an increase in police surveillance, and sometimes an increase in terror attacks.  

Ramadan prayers outside the El Aksa mosque
http://12pv0y13xwog68iq81ecagfw.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/3050124067.jpg

This year has been no exception. The relative calm that we have been enjoying lately was shattered on Friday evening as three young Palestinians carried out a shooting and knifing attack near the Damascus Gate of the Old City. A 23-year-old, border policewoman, Hadas Malka was stabbed multiple times in the neck and back, and later died of her wounds in hospital.  Five others were also injured. The three terrorists were shot and killed by other police in the area. 

Hadas Malka, on duty outside the Damascus Gate: a selfie sent to friends to wish them a Happy Sabbath, just minutes before she was killed.
http://www.timesofisrael.com/friends-mourn-hadas-malka-stabbed-to-death-near-old-city-as-a-true-wonder-woman/

Once again the world's news media have been guilty of reporting this incident in a biased anti-Israel manner. The BBC headline read " Three Palestinians Killed after Deadly Stabbing in Jerusalem". There was no mention of the murder of Hadas Malka, nor that the three Palestinians were killed because they had attacked her and were attacking others at the scene. They were killed to prevent further casualties.  

The BBC has since published a clarification and an apology but already the damage is done. Many people read only the headlines and never read the small print, nor the corrections. This apology was only offered after a widespread outcry and protest from the Foreign Ministry and the  Israeli Ambassador to the UK, who also criticized the BBC for its policy of never using the word 'terror' in relation to attacks on Israelis (2).  

In spite of the tensions Ramadan is also a time when both Arabs and Jews reach out to each other in friendship. Ynetnews, a major Israeli newspaper, reports that "Jewish settlers in Gush Etzion have taken to hosting nightly break-fast meals for Muslim celebrating the Ramadan, taking the opportunity to talk about co-existence and build relationships with their Arab neighbors." (1) These nightly shared meals are taking place just 200m from the Gush Etzion Junction, to the south of Jerusalem, which has been the scene of many stabbings, shootings and vehicular attacks against Israelis, and where Palestinians have to submit to humiliating searches and security checks daily.  One rabbi said that he attended these gatherings to " deal with a type of emotional sickness that I think we all—Israelis and Palestinians—have". This sickness is the fear and distrust that separates us even though we live and work, pray and socialize, in the same spaces, shoulder to shoulder. It is good to see there are still those, on both sides, who long for a time when we will be able to heal those wounds, and forget the fear and anger.  Sadly though this is still seems far off, but I believe it will come, when Yeshua (Jesus) returns to restore all things. He will heal it all when he fills our hearts with love and forgiveness. 

That may sound like an empty platitude but I have seen with my own eyes the love that exists between Jewish and Arab believers in Yeshua when they yield to the Holy Spirit within them. It can happen, and it will, when Yeshua returns.  

In the meantime many Arabs are turning to Yeshua across the Muslim world. We hear many reports of miracles, dreams and visions, and many being born again by the Spirit of the Living God. According to Sharia Law any Muslim who turns away from Islam to another faith, especially Christianity, must be killed. Sadly many Christians have already been martyred because they would not renounce their faith. Those who remain have amazing courage, standing firm and proclaiming the gospel. Here is a song that touched my heart - such beauty and courage and joy - as some Egyptian Christians refuse to bow down to fear, even as they pick through the blood stained remains of their Church that had been attacked by Muslim extremists. Here is the link- take 5 minutes to watch and be encouraged:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OzNsRCQGE4I

Take a few more minutes to read about the background to this video - 

https://www.sat7uk.org/egypt-worship-show-prays-persecutors-victims/

My prayer request in this blog is that you will take time to pray for these amazing brothers and sisters all over the Muslim world, who often feel forgotten by the Western Church, and who are living daily in fear of their lives, Many have had to flee their homes and are living in refugee camps. They could teach us much of courage and victory, but they need our support too.  

 Pray also that the veil will be lifted from the eyes of more and more Muslims , especially as extremism and violence is revealing Islam for the evil lie that it is. Already there is a stirring of the Spirit of the LORD in these lands such as there has never been since the rise of Islam. Soon we will see this prophecy of Isaiah fulfilled:

 In that day there will be an altar to the Lord in the heart of Egypt, and a monument to the Lord at its border.  It will be a sign and witness to the Lord Almighty in the land of Egypt. When they cry out to the Lord because of their oppressors, he will send them a savior and defender, and he will rescue them.  So the Lord will make himself known to the Egyptians, and in that day they will acknowledge the Lord. They will worship with sacrifices and grain offerings; they will make vows to the Lord and keep them.  The Lord will strike Egypt with a plague; he will strike them and heal them. They will turn to the Lord, and he will respond to their pleas and heal them.

 In that day there will be a highway from Egypt to Assyria. The Assyrians will go to Egypt and the Egyptians to Assyria. The Egyptians and Assyrians will worship together.  In that day Israel will be the third, along with Egypt and Assyria, a blessing on the earth. The Lord Almighty will bless them, saying, “Blessed be Egypt my people,Assyria my handiwork, and Israel my inheritance.”

Isaiah 19: 19-25

1. https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4976783,00.html
2. https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4977323,00.html