ISIS ON OUR DOORSTEP

http://www.prophecynewswatch.com/images/recent/ISIS_jewishthreat.jpg

At 10:54 PM on Wednesday the 8th February the Code Red Alert sirens sounded in the southern resort city of Eilat  as four rockets were fired towards the city from the Sinai Peninsula. As residents rushed to their shelters the Iron Dome anti-missile system shot down 3 of the rockets and the fourth landed in an open area. There were no casualties and no damage but shrapnel from the rockets landed in a hotel swimming pool. Eilat is a popular winter resort and at this time of the year the hotels are full of European tourists seeking respite from their long cold winter.  This incident could have ended with much more serious consequences.

 

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4919939,00.html

http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/224675

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/isis-israel-rocket-attack-latest-port-eilat-launch-egypt-resort-islamic-state-terror-group-a7570991.html

 

The following day ISIS (IS or Day'esh) claimed responsibility for the rocket attack.  According to Ynetnews, "The organization issued a statement saying: “A number of rockets were launched at Jewish centers in Eilat, known as Umm Rashrash. The Jews and Crusaders should know that the war of the apostles will not save them in any way.” http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4919939,00.html
 

 

As the world is preoccupied with the new American President and his activities, awareness of the threat of ISIS seems to have fallen off the radar to some extent. In Syria and Iraq ISIS is in retreat as local forces, backed by Russian, US and others, launch operations against them. Yesterday Iraq announced the beginning of an operation to free the last major ISIS stronghold in their country, in western Mosul.

 
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2017/02/19/iraq-forces-operation-western-half-mosul-islamic-state/98124940/
 
http://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/iraq-launches-offensive-re-take-part-mosul-isis-prime-minister-n722916

 

While ISIS may be in retreat in some areas it is quietly slipping into others and building strength there. One such area is right here on our doorstep in the Sinai Peninsula, where ISIS has an estimated force of some 800-1000 soldiers which fight against Egyptian forces there. Egypt has destroyed some six ISIS tunnels passing into Eygptian territory in just the last month. http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4919939,00.html

 

This Saturday (the 18th) the ISIS group claimed that an unmanned Israeli aircraft attacked one of their bases killing 5 of its operatives. http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4924789,00.html
 

On Monday (20 February) two more rockets were fired from the Sinai into Israel. They fell in open spaces. http://jewishnews.timesofisrael.com/two-rockets-fired-into-southern-israel-from-egypt/. ISIS has subsequently claimed responsibility. Meanwhile in the north Ynetnews reports that on the 21st " ISIS-affiliated groups opened a major offensive in the tri-nation border of Israel, Syria and Jordan, attacking various rebel factions and have managed to take control of four villages—Adwan, Saham al-Jawlan, Jalin and Tasil—in addition to the strategic southwestern suburb of Daraa, which is the capital of Hauran" http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4926370,00.html

ISIS TROOPS ADVANCE IN SYRIAN GOLAN
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4926370,00.html

 

In Gaza there are also changes in the power structure and this is ringing warning bells in Israel . Hamas has elected a new  leader, Yahya Sanwar, who is both a radical and extremely militant in his views and actions .

Sanwar is a convicted terrorist who was released from an Israeli prison in exchange for the release of Israeli soldier, Gilad Shalit some years ago. His appointment shatters any hope for a future prisoner exchange that would bring about the release of several Israelis currently being held in the Gaza Strip.

Mohammed Deif will theoretically become the head of the military wing of Hamas, but in reality, Sanwar will be both the political leader and the military leader, as the supreme commander of the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades.

This is not only bad news for Israel but also for the civilian population in the Gaza Strip. It means that now all of Hamas' resources will be subject to the needs of the military wing and their preparations for war with Israel - amassing arms, training combatants and digging tunnels.  The living conditions for the civilian population may well deteriorate even further.

Ismail Haniyeh, a Sunni Muslim, will take over from Khaled Mashal, as the Head of Hamas' political bureau. He seeks to improve  relations with Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the Gulf States
 in order to ease conditions for the people, but at the same time he wants tighter relationships with Iran, which funds military training and the military technologies.

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4922229,00.html

Ismail Haniyeh (L), Yahya Sanwar (center), Khaled Meshaal (R)
https://www.israelandstuff.com/khaled-mashal-replaced-ismail-haniyeh-ignored-after-hamas-elections-in-gaza/ismail-haniyeh-l-yahya-sanwar-center-khaled-meshaal-r

 

 Israel's chief of the IDF, Gadi Eisenkot,  had this to say about the situation: " the election of the radical Yahya Sanwar as the head of Hamas's political wing in Gaza proves that any distinction made in the past between the Gaza terror organization's political and military branches was now null and void."

 

He also noted that " that at present, he does not see willingness among enemies both on the northern front and in Gaza to initiate a military campaign against Israel."

 

Earlier this month Secretary-General of Hezbollah, Hassan Nasrallah threatened to attack Israel's nuclear reactor in Dimona and the ammonia tank currently located in Haifa in the event of a conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4923673,00.html

 

In response to this boast, Gadi Eisenkot, asserted that Nasrallah "was all bark and no bite as his threats against Israel come while his organization is deep in crisis", and that his threats "to fire rockets at the Haifa ammonia facility and the Dimona nuclear reactor were meant to create deterrence and maintain the status quo with Israel as he sees it".

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4926181,00.html

 

 

Earlier this month the Haifa Local Affairs Court ordered the 12,000 ton Haifa ammonia tank to be emptied and relocated within 10 days.  This aging and dangerous tank, established in 1989,  stores all the ammonia imported by Israel. According to a report by researchers at the Haifa Technion Institute of Technology "an enemy strike on the facility and ammonia delivery vessels could bring catastrophe to the area.
While an attack on the container could lead to the deaths of thousands of residents, an attack on the ships conveying the ammonia to the region could kill hundreds of thousands, numbers that were inconceivable in any apocalyptic scenario ever described by the security establishment in the State of Israel,”  http://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Haifa-toxic-ammonia-gas-tank-ordered-emptied-in-10-days-481309.  The Haifa Chemicals company has applied for an extension and has been granted an additional 3 months to comply.

Haifa Bay’s 12,000-ton ammonia tank. (photo credit:MAX YELINSON/ MAARIV)
http://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Haifa-toxic-ammonia-gas-tank-ordered-emptied-in-10-days-481309.

 

The day after the rocket attack on Eilat there was a terror attack in the city of Petach Tikva.  A 19-year old Palestinian terrorist, from the Nablus area, opened fire with a homemade rifle outside the crowded market on Baron Hirsch St. Three people suffered gunshot wounds to their legs. Bystanders gave chase and two were injured, one sustaining a stabbing wound to his neck. The terrorist then entered a sewing machine shop where his gun jammed. His pursuers then neutralized him with a sewing machine ( that must be a first!) and he was captured.    http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4920284,00.html 

 

On the home front there are some serious social problems in Israel.  A little while ago a video, filmed by a hidden camera,  was released of elderly and infirm people in a nursing home being physically beaten and abused by their carers. This video shocked the nation, and brought to the fore the concern that the situation in many such institutions is similarly appalling. Health Minister, Yaacov Litzman, is calling for the urgent transferrance of funds to totally reform the system, which has 'no supervision, no standards and no budget ' .One wonders why it has taken him so long to take some action?
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4925540,00.html.  With the 'baby boomers' now reaching old age there is an urgent need to make better provisions for the  elderly.  It is not only nursing homes that need reform. The pension provisions are also far from adequate, forcing many elderly to live in substandard conditions and work in degrading and physically demanding jobs beyond their capabilities. Some are reduced to begging on the streets.

 

I, myself have been laid off my job and in June will be forced to retire. I will receive the princely sum of 1500 shekels a month from the government to live on, and this after paying national insurance (social security) for around 35 years.  With even the cheapest apartment in Jerusalem costing more than 4000 shekels a month, you can see that it is impossible to make ends meet, unless one has additional resources. For most of the generation now reaching retirement age it has been impossible to save for retirement as the cost of living in Israel is very high and salaries very low in comparison.  Most Israelis finish the month in minus, even if they are working. 

 

There is a serious need for financial reform as the current system favors the wealthy and penalizes the poor. This is something about which the Bible has much to say. Again and again God speaks out against the oppression of the poor, the widows and the orphans. When He gave Moses the Law on Mt Sinai He said:

Therefore you shall not oppress one another, but you shall fear your God; for I am the Lord your God.

Leviticus 25: 17

 

The oppression of the poor is one of the main reasons that God allowed Israel to be conquered by the Assyrians and the Babylonians,

 

"The people of the land have used oppressions, committed robbery, and mistreated the poor and needy; and they wrongfully oppress the stranger.   So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one.   Therefore I have poured out My indignation on them; I have consumed them with the fire of My wrath; and I have recompensed their deeds on their own heads,” says the Lord God."

Ezekiel 22: 29-31

 

 

Please pray for the protection of the LORD from all the enemies that surround us, but also pray for righteousness and justice within the nation.  Our national sin is much more dangerous than the enemies that surround us.  We will not find righteousness until we find our God again. We are like sheep without a shepherd. Pray for the salvation of Israel in Yeshua, the Messiah.   

 

Now to finish I want to share some images of the first intimations of spring in our beautiful Land:

 

 

Floods in Kiryat Yam (Photo: Tunnel flooded in Haifa (Photo: Haifa Coastal District Fire Department))
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4921150,00.html

 

 

Snow in Golan Heights Golan Heights (Photo: Lilach Ashter)

 

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4923639,00.html

                             

      

Anenomes on Har Hatormusim  (the Lupin hill)

Almond blossoms in Ein Kerem (the birthplace of John the Baptist)

Almond blossoms in Ein Kerem

Mountain lupin and white mustard at Har Hatormusin, Emek Elah (where David fought Goliath)

Wildflowers on Har Hatormusim

Mountain lupin

         

   Thank you so much  for standing faithfully with us and all Israel in your prayers.  We appreciate you so much and pray the God of Israel will richly bless you in return and faithfully keep you under the shelter of His wings.  

I have until now never asked for donations as I have been working full time, however now that I have been laid off my job and am being forced to retire, I am in need of additional finances to live.  If you would like to help out you can give an offering on-line through paypal, click on the donate button below:            

 

 

LIFE ON THE EDGE

Looking out over  Maktesh Ramon  (The Ramon Crater) at sunset

 

 

Life in Jerusalem is very intense and those of us who live here find the need to escape the pressures from time to time. Last weekend I decided to do just that and set off in my little car for Maktesh Ramon in the Negev Desert. As I left the lush pine and cedar forests of Jerusalem, passed through the rolling steppes north of Beersheva, at this time of year green from the crops of winter wheat that flourish there, and then  travelled on southwards into the true desert I was reminded of another trip I made years ago. On that occasion I visited a friend in Eilat and as I left her she prayed that the Lord would give me some revelation as I journeyed north. I was a bit skeptical when she prayed in that way, and I don't know what prompted her to do so, but as I travelled I did indeed receive a  revelation.  As I travelled northwards I was powerfully struck by the way the summer sere, brown desert quite suddenly gave way to the outskirts of Tel Aviv. I had not realized before just how close the desert was to the very heartland of Israel, and how tenuous is our existence here.

 

If you look at a satellite image of the Earth you will see the great Saharan Desert stretching across North Africa blending into Arabian Desert to the east. Right on the edge of this huge band of desert lies tiny Israel. If the desert were to move just a few kilometers further north Israel would be engulfed. We are truly living on the edge.



 

Have you ever wondered why God chose this Land for the Israelite people? Why didn't he take Abraham further north into bounteous, well-watered Europe? Why did they have to live here where broiling summer temperatures bake the land for 8 months of the year giving way to cold, wet winters only briefly. Why did they have to scratch out a few acres of powdery soil from among the stones just to grow a few grains of wheat?

 

When God came down to rescue the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, he promised to bring them out  to a spacious land flowing with milk and honey.

 

And the Lord said: “I have surely seen the oppression of My people who are in Egypt, and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters, for I know their sorrows. ⁸ So I have come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up from that land to a good and large land, to a land flowing with milk and honey...

 

Exodus 3: 7-8

Surely, after wandering 40 years in the howling wastes of the Sinai and Negev, the land we now call Israel must have looked like paradise, green and lush in comparison the desert lands.  Yet the phrase 'milk and honey' does not refer to well-watered fertile soils but rather to marginal lands suitable only for the grazing of cattle (milk) in pastures of wildflowers (honey).

Meadowland in the Judean Hills in spring

So why did God bring us here, to a place where life is hard and tenuous? Do we not all wonder at times why our lives are so difficult? I do not have the whole answer but I can see at least part of the answer exemplified in the modern miracle of Israel. Difficulty is the mother of invention. Against all the odds, an arid marginal land with few natural resources, constant war and terror, Israel today is a successful modern nation which leads the world in many technological innovations, such as water engineering for irrigation and recycling, and the construction of desalination plants. Israel is also second only to the USA, and fast overtaking it, in the development of new hi-tech applications, computer software and medical apparatus. We have exported these technologies all over the world blessing many people - just as God promised Abraham our father so long ago:

And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”

 

Genesis 12: 3

In our housegroup we have lately been studying the book of Hebrews and one of the recurring themes is that of the need for perseverance.

And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end,  that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. For when God made a promise to Abraham, because He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself,  saying, “Surely blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply you.”^[ 

And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.

 

Hebrews 6: 11-15

In the letters to the seven churches, in the book of Revelation, it is  'he who overcomes  ... to the end' who will receive the prize (Revelation 2 and 3). One day last weekend when I was down in the desert I went on a solo hike. At one point I found myself in a narrow ravine picking my way through huge fallen boulders, with others just waiting to fall teetering above my head. It felt very threatening and I almost gave in to my fear and turned back, but then I saw ahead of me something I took to be the caves marked on my map, which indicated I was nearing the end of that section of the hike. That gave me the courage to keep on walking and soon I found myself out of that dangerous section and into a beautifully eroded chasm of white limestone worn smooth into beautiful swirling shapes. There I also found the caves I sought, and I had an amazing encounter with a flock of Arabian babblers ( a kind of bird), and got some wonderful photos.  Had I given into my fear I would have missed that amazing experience, and not only that, I would have been left with the bitter taste of failure in my mouth. Instead I finished my hike with a warm glow of accomplishment and great pleasure.



Fallen rocks



The limestone chasm

Hardship builds strength of character and makes us tough and strong. We often fear it but we should not. God allows it into our lives to make us into better people. I find those who have suffered little in their lives shallow and often not very empathetic towards others. On the other hand I have a number of friends who have gone through, and are still going through, great traumas in their lives and they exhibit a tremendous depth of compassion, understanding of others, and strong faith.  These are the overcomers.  So too the nation of Israel, which has suffered many such traumas, and still does, but I find here in her midst great faith, great strength and great hope. We can find encouragement to go on even in the midst of the 'valley of the shadow of death' by contemplating these things. It has been my experience too that God will often send us some signpost of encouragement along the way, just when we most need it.

Some of the things the nation is going through right now threaten to tear her apart. Last month an IDF soldier Sgt. Azor Azaria was convicted for manslaughter because he shot and killed an already neutralized (wounded) Palestinian terrorist, who had stabbed and wounded another soldier. This has been a very controversial court case as many believe our soldiers should have our unequivocal support since they daily put their lives on line for us all. It is also feared that this verdict might cause other soldiers to hesitate before shooting terrorists and this could cost lives.  On the other hand many think it is important that we maintain the moral quality of our army and  soldiers that disobey standing orders, and commit immoral and illegal  acts should be punished.  Azaria is due to be sentenced later this month. Whatever your position this case demonstrates the moral and ethical standards maintained by the Israeli army and our courts.

This week the Jewish settlement of Amona in the Benjamin Region of the West Bank, near Ramallah, was evacuated after the High Court ruled that this settlement built on privately owned Palestinian land was illegal. This settlement  was established in 1995 and was the home of some 50 families numbering around 200 people.

Amona

By יעקב - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=26170124

As unarmed police officers arrived to dismantle the settlement, some 1000 Israeli settlers confronted them and scuffles broke out in which some 13 police were injured.

Some see this evacuation as a victory for the Palestinians but, just hours before, the government had approved the building of some 3000  new housing units in the West Bank Jewish settlements, bringing the total approved to 6000 since US President Trump was inaugurated. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jan/31/israel-west-bank-settlement-homes. Today right wing, Education Minister, Naftali Bennet claimed that the Amona evacuation will eventually lead to the annexation of the West Bank. On Monday new legislation will go to  a final vote in the Knesset (Israel's Parliament) which will end the court-led actions in the West Bank and "retroactively legalize some 4,000 settler homes built on what the courts have ruled is private Palestinian property in Area C of the West Bank". http://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Bennett-Amona-evacuation-will-lead-to-Israeli-annexations-in-West-Bank-480223


There is growing distance between the extreme right and left wings of Israeli society. Alarmed by the increasing boldness of the extreme right following Trumps appointment, left wing activists are becoming more vocal. Last night there was a march and a rally of around 4000 people in Tel Aviv. Protestors, "including Jews and Arabs, called for an end to incitement and racism" and for “Jews and Arabs to cease being enemies.” http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4917537,00.html
 Another issue that is hitting the headlines here is the possibility that Trump will bring the American Embassy to Jerusalem, as he has promised. I don't think anyone can foresee the implications of such a move, but for sure it will ignite passions among  both Jews  and Arabs, not to mention the international community.

As you can see there are many things 'on the boil' here and any one of them could 'overflow the pot' at any moment.  It is hard to know how to pray for these matters. The issues are so complex and the moral and ethical issues confusing, not to mention the spiritual ones.  Please pray that God's Will will be done here on Earth as it is in heaven, and that our government will make righteous decisions. It is comforting to know that God is in control but he is looking for intercessors who will stand with him in the spiritual battle in which we are all embroiled, wherever we might live in this world. As we pray we must let the Holy Spirit lead us and intercede for us with groaning. Words are not always necessary.

Finally here are some of my photos from Machtesh Ramon. These photos are copyrighted and please do not use them without my permission.

Nubian ibex - the patriarch

A porcupine enjoying the sun

Fat sand rats

The floor of the Maktesh

The Maktesh from the rim

Nubian ibex grazing at the spring

 Ibex watching me from a safe height

A female wheatear checking me out

Arabian babbler

HAS A LINE BEEN CROSSED?

 

The nations have sunk down in the pit which they made;
In the net which they hid, their own foot is caught.
The Lord is known by the judgment He executes;
The wicked is snared in the work of his own hands.

The wicked shall be turned into hell,
And all the nations that forget God.

 

Psalm 9: 15 - 17

 

It has been quite a while since I updated my blog and during that time some momentous events have occurred. It is hard to know where to start, but I will try. 

Paris Peace Conference - a "Damp Squib"

On the 15th of January the so-called Paris Peace Conference took place with representatives of around 70 nations present. The intention was to exert pressure on both the Palestinians and the Israelis to return to negotiations promoting the 'two state solution' .   Israel refused to participate in the conference and the Palestinians claim they were consequently 'un-invited'. Whatever the truth, the fact is the conference took place without the presence of the two main protagonists, and as a result the concluding statement was considerably watered down from the intended resolution. The full text of the statement can be read here http://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/1.765207. 

http://www.jpost.com/HttpHandlers/ShowImage.ashx?id=367025&w=898&h=628

Many Christian believers both here and elsewhere entered into fervent prayer against this move, and it would seem that God heard our prayers. It appears to me that this conference achieved precisely nothing. The Al Jazeerah headline read " Paris peace conference: A damp squib" http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2017/01/paris-peace-conference-damp-squib-170115080656426.html and  according to CNN, the Israeli Prime Minister, Netanyahu, said it was "useless".   http://edition.cnn.com/2017/01/15/middleeast/paris-peace-conference-israeli-palestinian-conflict/.  Thank you to all who prayed about this. Men may make plans but God will always have the final say.

 

Why do the nations rage,
And the people plot a vain thing?...

He who sits in the heavens shall laugh;
The Lord shall hold them in derision.
Then He shall speak to them in His wrath,
And distress them in His deep displeasure:
 “Yet I have set My King
On My holy hill of Zion.”

Psalm 2: 1, 4-6

Ironically, even while the conference was going on in Paris, the Israelis and Palestinians were quietly working together to produce a major agreement to reinstate the Joint Water Committee and give the Palestinian Water Authority authorization to complete some 97 water distribution, storage and sewerage projects throughout the West Bank, aimed at improving the quality of life of the Palestinian population. This follows earlier agreements on electricity, water, mail and 3-G cell phone coverage. It also shows that Israel and the Palestinians can and do work together, contrary to image presented in much of the media. http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Israel-gives-Pal-Authority-limited-water-autonomy-in-West-Bank-478672

Is the 'two-state' option still viable (if it ever was)? I think most Israelis now believe it is not possible nor desirable, yet an alternative is still yet to be found. Most also believe that the Palestinians have never wanted it in any case. They have, after all, never recognized the legitimate right of existence of the Israeli State, and repeatedly proclaim their desire to 'push the Zionist entity (Israel) into the sea'. They have turned down many opportunities to bring into existence a Palestinian State, holding out for always 'a better deal', one that would better promote their ultimate aim of destroying Israel. The issues are very complex, and both sides have issues on which they are not prepared to compromise, and consequently we have arrived at an impasse. For a summary of the situation read the article https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/dec/28/the-two-state-solution-in-the-middle-east-all-you-need-to-know.  If you want to delve into this further I would recommend reading the series of excellently researched and expressed articles by Hannah Weiss https://kehilanews.com/2017/01/19/the-paris-peace-conference-deja-vu-part3/- on this page you will also find links to parts 1 and 2.

The oft-cited excuse for the failure of the 'two state solution' is the existence and growth of  Jewish settlements in the West Bank, which Palestinians claim  'contravene International Law'. The Palestinian propaganda machine has successfully convinced many that this is the real issue, ignoring the fact that their rejection of a negotiated peace and their adoption of the tactic of terror long pre-dated Israel's settlement activities which only began after 1967. Also one must ask, what is International Law? It is no more than voluntary agreements made between countries, and enforcement exists only by consent of the parties: 

The immense body that makes up international law encompasses a piecemeal collection of international customs; agreements; treaties; accords, charters (i.e. the United Nations Charter); protocols; tribunals; memorandums; legal precedents of the International Court of Justice (aka World Court) and more. Without a unique governing, enforcing entity, international law is a largely voluntary endeavor, wherein the power of enforcement only exists when the parties consent to adhere to and abide by an agreement.
https://www.hg.org/international-law.html

One of the articles that is often cited in the claim that Israel has acted contrary to International Law is the UN Charter  article 2(4) which states;

All Members shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, or in any other manner inconsistent with the Purposes of the United Nations.

The United Nations was constituted after World War II with the intention of preventing any new wars precipitated by the occupation by force by any member nations. Israel has never attacked another country with intention to occupy or annex its territory. In 1948 and 1967  it was Israel that was attacked by its neighbors, and the occupation was a result of their aggression, not Israel's. Israel therefore did not contravene this article.  

 

  More Terror in Armon Hanatziv
At least twice a day I drive past the lookout point at the top of the Haas Tayelet (Promenade) on Yanovsky St in Armon Hanatziv, the neighbourhood of Jerusalem in which I live.  From this lookout there are stunning views of the Old City and its surroundings, and  each day it is visited by many busloads of tourists and locals. Groups of soldiers are also brought to this lookout to learn about the city of Jerusalem, its geography and history. On the 8th of January I had just driven down this road when only minutes later, a busload of IDF officer cadets arrived at the Tayelet and were gathering on the lawn beside their bus. Without warning a  passing truck accelerated towards them, mounted the kerb and ran into the group. Not satisfied with that, the driver then reversed back over the fallen and injured soldiers. Four of the soldiers, three women and one man - were killed and 15 others injured, some very seriously. This attack was captured by surveillance cameras and you can see it on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-LOHj4oIqo0/ (warning: content may be distressing).




Police remove bodies after the attack. The truck involved is in the background
http://cdn.timesofisrael.com/uploads/2017/01/000_JP47S.jpg

 The four soldiers killed were all in training to become officers in the IDF. These young people, all in their early twenties, were the crème de la crème of Israeli youth. Their names are, clockwise from top left,  Lieutenant Yael Yekutiel (20), Second Lieutenant Shira Tzur (22), Lieutenant Shir Hajaj (22), and Second Lieutenant Erez Orbach (20). May their memories be blessed.

https://www.all4israel.org/

The driver of the truck was killed by bystanders.  He was from the adjacent village of Jebel Mukaber, from which many of the terror attacks of the last 18 months have originated.

This brings to four the number of terror attacks involving fatalities over the last 18 months just in my neighborhood alone. Many other attacks were thwarted. Over the past few months there has been a drop in the number of successful terror attacks in Jerusalem, however that does not mean that our enemies have given up trying.  Israel faces hundreds upon hundreds of planned attacks every year, but most of these are thwarted.  The Shin Bet (Israel's equivalent to the FBI in US) foiled over 400 'significant' attacks in 2016, and this does not include the thousands of spontaneous or 'low level' attacks. http://www.israeltoday.co.il/NewsItem/tabid/178/nid/30831/Default.aspx

The Bedouin of the Negev

Another police officer, Sgt. Major Erez Levi (34) was   killed  on the 16th January during violent clashes in the Bedouin village of Umm al-Hiran in southern Israel, when police and other security forces arrived in the village to carry out a demolition order against illegally constructed homes. The  illegal settlement was being cleared in order to build a new Israeli town.  Needless to say there was a lot of anger in the air and scuffles broke out between police and local Bedouin protesting the demolitions.  Somehow in the midst of the tension a car driven by the head of a local school on his way to work, aroused the suspicion of police who opened fire and wounded the driver, who then ran down and killed Sgt Major Erez Levi.  Whether it was an intentional attack or a tragic accident is still under investigation, but whatever the motivation two men are dead.

Police and Local Bedouin scuffle as illegal homes are demolished.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C2cT2IJXUAAls2T.jpg

This tragedy has highlighted the intolerable situation of the Bedouin in the Negev, who number some 250,000 and at least a third of those are living in so-called illegal settlements in ramshackle shacks and tents, without power, water or sewerage treatment. Most of the children do not attend school.Their population is growing very fast because of their high birth rate. The driver of the car  was the husband of 4 wives and the father of 25 children.  The Bedouin of the Negev hold Israeli citizenship and have been loyal supporters of Israel. Many of them serve bravely and with distinction in the IDF and Israeli police, but incidents like this are changing all this. There is growing anger and dissatisfaction. Please pray that we will treat these friends of Israel with  the respect, compassion and justice they deserve.  I hope that out of all this Israel will work harder to meet their legitimate needs for housing, health care and education. You can read more about the Bedouins of the Negev on http://www.iataskforce.org/issues/view/2.

President Trump and The American Embassy

Two days ago Trump was sworn in as the President of the U.S.A. Trump is seen to be a true friend of Israel and Netanyahu and Trump are scheduled to meet already during the first week of February.  This meeting is "expected to touch on big issues such as regional conflict, settlement construction, the Iranian nuclear deal, resumption of sanctions against the Islamic Republic and the issue of relocating the American embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. The meeting will be crucial to the design of American government policy towards Israel and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict". http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4910865,00.html

During his election campaign Trump promised to move the American Embassy to Jerusalem, and he seems anxious to do this as soon as possible. Today the incumbent Ambassador, David Friedman, announced his intention to reside in his own home in Jerusalem. http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4910967,00.html Although this is not an official move it does seem to indicate an intention. Today Netanyahu and Trump spoke by phone and they entered only into the beginning stages of talks. However President Abbas of the Palestinian Authority and the King of Jordan, King Abdullah II, also met today and agreed to fight together against this move. Moving the Embassy to Jerusalem is tantamount to recognizing Jerusalem as the legitimate capital of Israel, and the political and security repercussions of such an act will likely be significant, and an increase in violence seems probable. Please cover this in prayer.

Judgment of the Nations

There seems to be an endless number of developments occurring,  almost as fast as I can type, but I will end this update by reminding us all to pray fervently for our own nations. As I discussed in my previous blog nations will be judged according to the way they have treated Israel, the apple of God's eye. It has been brought to my attention that the 7.9 earthquake that struck New Zealand shortly after midnight on the 14th of November, took place just a few minutes after John Kerry and the then Prime Minister of New Zealand concluded the secret talks, in which they are presumed to have finalized plans for the submission of the resolution against Israel to the UN Security Council
http://i.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/86402437/US-Secretary-of-State-John-Kerry-meets-with-John-Key-in-Wellington-with-the-future-of-TPPA-on-the-line .
You may think this was just a curious co-incidence but a study of history will show that every nation that has risen up against Israel has been destroyed.  

For behold, in those days and at that time,

When I bring back the captives of Judah and Jerusalem,

I will also gather all nations,

And bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat;

And I will enter into judgment with them there

On account of My people,

My heritage Israel,

Whom they have scattered among the nations;

They have also divided up My land…

Joel 3: 1-3, 12-21,

 

 

 

 

The Wheat and the Tares

THE WHEAT AND THE TARES

Winter has finally arrived here in Israel much to our relief. However we all had to laugh when our pastor remarked the other day, "There is no people like we Israelis who long so fervently for the arrival of the rains, but when they do arrive, have so little idea what to do with them!"  Oh so true.

Well at least here are a couple of guys who got it figured out

https://framasphere.org/camo/

This week brought deluges of rain mainly along the coastal plain and in the north, where flooding occurred in many places. At least two people died, one of hypothermia when his car got trapped in a flooded tunnel in Haifa, and another when a wall collapsed on him on a building site.  Here in Jerusalem we didn't get so much rain but the temperatures suddenly dropped to single figures, and we had to scrummage around in our closets for appropriate clothing. 

On these cold, wet nights, as I snuggle gratefully into my warm bed my thoughts and prayers turn to those less fortunate, the homeless, the soldiers and police on duty, and most of all this year, the refugees in freezing tents or survivors huddling in the mud and dirt of the devastated ruins of Aleppo and other cities in Syria.

Refugees from Aleppo

http://www.20read.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Refugees-fleeing-the-northern-Syrian-city-of-Aleppo.jpg

One wonders how this boy can still manage a smile. How grim it must be, cold , wet, muddy, hungry and homeless. My heart goes out to these people, especially the children, the elderly, the injured and the sick. Please pray for them and for all the brave people desperately trying to help them.

Its rather hard to get into a celebratory spirit this year with so much suffering right here on our doorstep, not only in Syria but also here at home. Figures released a few days ago say that some 21% of Israel's population are living below the poverty line, that is 1.7 million people. Compared to other OECD nations, Israel has the highest poverty rate of any of the developed nations. This is shameful for there is much money in Israel, it is just poorly distributed. The gap between rich and poor is inexcusable. 

An elderly homeless woman begs for food on the street.

http://failedmessiah.typepad.com/.a/6a00d83451b71f69e20167689178dc970b-600wi

For many of us the end of the calendar year prompts us to pause and review the passing year. This is also true for many organizations. On the official website of the BDS (Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions) movement is one such review.   They claim that "Throughout this year, BDS has grown stronger and stronger, " and then they go on to detail all their successes. It makes for sobering reading. In 2016 the BDS movement has garnered the support of many companies, organizations, nations and, sad to say, churches.

https://bdsmovement.net/news/2016-bds-impact-round-up

http://spme1.chaptersync.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2016/03/Divestment-Sign-Christians-620x428.png

In  the latest edition of "Israel Today" (1) Ryan Jones had this to say:
" For decades after its modern rebirth, Israel enjoyed overwhelming support from Evangelical Christians. And that followed nearly a century of strong Christian involvement in helping the Jewish people return to and reclaim this land in the first place. But as a younger generation of Evangelicals , the so-called 'millennials' have come of age and taken their place among the Church leadership, many of the more traditional and conservative doctrines - like viewing modern Israel as a fulfillment of Biblical prophecy - have fallen out of favor or been renounced altogether".

Claude Ezagouri, pastor of Morning Star Fellowship in Tiberias, in the same article quoted above, put it this way:
" There needs to be a wake-up call, based on both Scripture and experience, proving that the topic of Israel in God's plan is exciting and will bring blessing, even if it seems to counter mainstream thought".

Jurgen Buhler, the Executive Director of the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem, went on to note that "While support for Israel in the West is in decline, other parts of the world are waking up". This year, two thirds of the participants in the Feast of Tabernacles in Jerusalem were not from the so-called Christian West but from Latin America, Asia and Africa.

There seems to be a watering down of the gospel in the West and a lack of in-depth study of the Scriptures. Even in Bible Schools and Seminaries, the place of Israel in the God's plan, is ignored. A few years ago I was invited to speak in a tiny country church in New Zealand on a icy-cold, winter evening. I was surprised to see so many braving the conditions. After I finished my talk several men came up to me to thank me for opening their eyes to what the Bible had to say about Israel. They had never heard such teaching before, they said. I was astounded. They were all Presbyterian ministers! How is it they had never heard it before? It is nothing new. It is clearly written in the Bible (I taught on Romans 9-11) - there for all to read.

Many Bible teachers either ignore the passages relating to Israel, or teach their hearers to substitute the word 'church' whenever the word 'Israel' appears. This is a subtle form of replacement theology, which holds that the Church has replaced Israel in God's plan. This is nothing less than a lie of the Enemy. The Church (the Body of true believers) and Israel both have a pivotal role to play in God's plan to redeem the world. Neither is 'disposable'. To deny the place of either is dangerous heresy.

There are some very good reasons why Christians should care about what happens in the Middle East, and specifically to Israel.  Our lives are intimately linked to Israel whether we know it or not. What has happened in Israel in the past has determined who and what we are today. What will happen in the future with respect to Israel will directly determine, not only our personal fate as believers, but also the fate of the entire world.  Day after day, year after year, this tiny, seemingly insignificant nation of around only 8 million people, constantly features in the world's headlines. It's as if even the world intuitively knows and understands the importance of Israel. If they have ‘got it’ all the more reason that we Christians should grasp it too, and what is more, we need to go further, grappling with it until we find understanding far beyond that of the world's.

In Hebrews 5:12-6:2 it is made clear that after we are saved we are expected to mature, come to desire the solid food of the Word of God, and progress beyond the elemental principles of repentance, salvation, judgment and the resurrection of the dead. I believe that part of that 'growing-up' involves understanding the revelation given us regarding the redemption plan of God, its outworking in human history and coming to a clear understanding of our role and responsibility in working alongside God to bring about its fulfillment and completion.

What is more, in the words of I Peter 3:15 we are exhorted to “always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you”. What is the basis of our hope? Surely it lies largely in the demonstration of God's love, faithfulness and power as it has been demonstrated throughout history in the fulfilling of his promises to Israel as recorded in the Bible.

I would therefore propose that a clear understanding of the place of Israel in God's redemption plan, his dealings with her, and how this all relates to the events in the Middle East today, is essential for the Christian believer for at least four reasons:

·                 It gives us the 'big picture', which forms the context of our individual salvation and faith. The historical record of God's workings in relation to Israel and the nations around her is one of the most powerful testimonies to His existence and character. It increases our knowledge of God himself, his nature, his love and his power. It encourages and builds faith.

·                 Knowledge of God's promises and plans provides stability and builds courage. It provides us an anchor, and an antidote to fear and anxiety, in the perilous times in which we live. Christians need to be strong and calm in the face of turmoil, so that we can give light, strength and comfort to those around us.

·                 We have responsibility to participate with God in the outworking of his Redemption Plan, which is intimately linked to the fate of Israel. Our first responsibility is to pray, but also to speak out and act in our own area of influence, as He leads and empowers.

·                 What is more, if we claim that we love Jesus, how can it be that we do not love those He loves? In the flesh, Jesus was an Israelite, through and through, and he is the King of Israel, past, present and future. We can glimpse Jesus' love and compassion for Israel as he cried out in lament over Jerusalem saying, “How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings...” (Matthew 23: 37). Jesus loved Israel so much that he was willing to suffer crucifixion and death that she might be saved. The Holy Scriptures are saturated with declarations of God’s love for Israel.  For example, in Zechariah 2:8 Israel is described as the “apple of His (the LORD’s) eye” (my insert).

I believe that at this present time the battle lines are being drawn up for a very great battle. I do not know whether this will be one of the final battles prophesied in Scripture or not, but surely the present troubles are leading in that direction and each day takes us closer. Israel has never had to confront so many or such powerful enemies as she does today. When I look at the sheer magnitude of hatred directed towards her, and the sophistication of the weapons aimed in her direction, listen to the rhetoric of the leaders of her enemies and consider the weakness and ambivalence of her friends, I tremble. In the natural, there is not much hope that she can survive. Yet I believe she will, for God is greater than all of these. He has promised in Scripture that Israel will be established in the end, with the Messiah as her King and Jerusalem as her heart (Revelation 21 and 22). I believe that every Christian believer has a role to play. We must decide whether we are for God or against Him. There will be no neutrality - no sitting on the fence. It is therefore imperative that we each decide on which side we are, and to make such a significant decision we need to be informed and have a clear understanding of Scripture.

The Bible teaches that judgment begins with the house of God. Let us be found on the right side of the battle between Good and Evil. I don't mean to suggest that Israel is 100% 'good' and our enemies 100% 'evil'. Its not that simple. However the Enemy Satan is doing everything possible to derail God's plan for redemption and one way he is doing this is to attack Israel by every means possible, by direct physical warfare and terror, by polluting the doctrines of the church, by undermining her economy and reputation by means of lying propaganda and movements such as the BDS. If you are for God, then you need to be very careful you are standing firmly on His side.

Another parable He put forth to them, saying: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field;  but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way. But when the grain had sprouted and produced a crop, then the tares also appeared. So the servants of the owner came and said to him, ‘Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have tares?’ He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ The servants said to him, ‘Do you want us then to go and gather them up?’ But he said, ‘No, lest while you gather up the tares you also uproot the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest, and at the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, “First gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn.”

Matthew 13: 24 - 30

http://www.creationliberty.com/images/trib28.jpg

For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God;

I Peter 4 : 17

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.

2 Corinthians 5:10

1. Jones, R. "Has Christian Liberalism Harmed Support for Israel?" in Israel Today, January 2017

1.

We must then ask

–

does God take sides in the Middle East? This

very idea is repugnant to most Western Christians. After all, isn

’

t God

a God of justice, fairness and love? How can He take sides? As one

who believes that God loves all men, women and children equally,

how then can He favor one nation over others?

To answer these difficult questions we must turn to the Scriptures. In

writing this book I seek to expose the spiritual roots of the conflicts

between Israel and her enemies, outline the outworking of this enmit

y

through history and come to a clearer understanding of the

true

nature of the present hatred and violence. Once this foundation is

laid

we can each begin to define our own position and response, and

identify our role and responsibility in God

’

s eternal plan. In so doing

we each need to confront the question of where we, as Christian

believers, should stand in all this? Should we take sides? Whose

side? Does it matter in the great eternal plan? Why should we car

e

anyway?

There are some very good reasons why we Christians should care

about what happens in the Middle East, and specifically to Israel.

Our lives are intimately linked to Israel whether we know it or not.

What has happened in Israel in the past has determined who and

what we are today. What will happen in the future with respect to

Israel will directly determine, not only our personal fate as believ

ers,

but also the fate of the entire world. Have you never wondered why

day after day, year after year, this tiny, seemingly insignificant na

tion

of around only 7 million people, constantly features in the world's

headlines. One dies in Israel in a terror attack and it is major news,

while the death of thousands in another part of the world barely gets

a passing mention. It's as if even the world intuitively knows and

understands the importance of Israel. If they have

‘

got it

’

all the more

reason that we Christians should grasp it too, and what is more, we

need to go further, grappling with it until we find understanding far

beyond that of the

‘

World

’

.

In Hebrews 5:12-6:2 it is made clear that after we are saved we are

expected to mature, come to desire the solid food of the Word of God

and progress beyond the elemental principles of repentance,

salvation, judgment and the resurrection of the dead. I believe that

part of that growing-up involves grappling with the revelation g

iven us

regarding the redemption plan of God, its outworking in human

history and coming to a clear understanding of our role and

responsibility in working alongside God to bring about its fulfillment

and completion.

What is more, in the words of I Peter 3:15 we are exhorted to

“

always

be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for

the hope that is in you

”

. What is the basis of our hope? Surely it lies

largely in the demonstration of God's love, faithfulness and power as

it has been demonstrated throughout history in the fulfilling of his

promises to Israel as recorded in the Bible.

I would therefore propose that a clear understanding of the place

of

Israel in God's redemption plan, his dealings with her, and how this

all relates to the events in the Middle East today, is essential for th

e

Christian believer for at least four reasons:



It gives us the 'big picture', which forms the context of

our individual salvation and faith. The historical record of

God's workings in relation to Israel and the nations

around her is one of the most powerful testimonies to His

existence and character. It increases our knowledge of

God himself, his nature, his love and his power. It

encourages and builds faith.



Knowledge of God's promises and plans provides

stability and builds courage. It provides us an anchor,

and an antidote to fear and anxiety, in the perilous times

in which we live. Christians need to be strong and calm

in the face of turmoil, so that we can give light, strength

and comfort to those around us.



We have responsibility to participate with God in the

outworking of his Redemption Plan, which is intimately

linked to the fate of Israel. Our first responsibility is to

pray, but also to speak out and act in our own area of

influence, as He leads and empowers.



What is more, if we claim that we love Jesus, how can it

be that we do not love the things he loves? In the flesh,

Jesus was an Israelite, through and through, and he is

the King of Israel, past, present and future. We can

glimpse Jesus' love and compassion for Israel as he

cried out in lament over Jerusalem saying,

“

How often I

wanted to gather your children together, as a hen

gathers her chicks under her wings...

”

(Matthew 23: 37).

Jesus loved Israel so much that he was willing to suffer

crucifixion and death that she might be saved. The Holy

Scriptures are saturated with declarations of God

’

s love

for Israel. For example, in Zechariah 2:8 Israel is

described as the

“

apple of His

(the LORD

’

s)

eye

”

(my

insert).

I believe that at this present time the battle lines are being drawn up

for a very great battle. I do not know whether this will be one of the

final battles prophesied in Scripture or not, but surely the present

troubles are leading in that direction and each day takes us closer.

Israel has never had to confront so many nor such powerful enemies

as she does today. When I look at the sheer magnitude of hatred

directed towards her, and the ever growing sophistication of the

weapons aimed in her direction, listen to the rhetoric of the leaders of

her enemies and consider the weakness and ambivalence of her

friends, I tremble. In the natural, there is not much hope that she can

survive. Yet I believe she will, for God is greater than all of these. He

has promised in Scripture that Israel will be established in the end,

with the Messiah as her King and Jerusalem as her heart (Revelation

21 and 22). I believe that every Christian believer has a role to p

lay.

We must decide whether we are for God or against Him. There will be

no neutrality - no sitting on the fence. It is therefore imperative t

hat

we each decide on which side we stand, and to make such a

significant decision we need to be informed and have a clear

understanding of Scripture.