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


               

MOMENTOUS DAYS

 Oh, that my head were a spring of water
    and my eyes a fountain of tears!
I would weep day and night
    for the slain of my people.

Jeremiah 9:1

Looking towards Jerusalem

Yesterday (14/04) was a glorious spring day in Israel and I took a walk in the forest nearby. It was so quiet and peaceful, and all I could hear were the singing of birds in the trees and the gentle sussuration of the breeze through the pine needles. At ground level there was  a colorful display of late-spring wildflowers. On such a seemingly perfect day it is hard to believe that very close by war is raging, with much hatred, killing and destruction. I always feel that if more people would take the time to take a walk in the forest (or desert or any wild place) the world would be a better place. 

My forest walk

Today 17/04 we are marking Memorial Day in memory of the 23,646 people who have fallen in Israel as a result of wars and terror attacks since 1860. This year 72 security personnel and 12 civilians were added to the list. Since Independence was declared in 1948, some 3,134 civilians have died because of enemy activity (1).  This evening, sirens sounded throughout the country and we all stood in silence in their memory. Last week the sirens sounded also, as we remembered the 6 million Jews who perished in the Holocaust.  It is fitting that both Holocaust Day and Memorial Day immediately precede Independence Day, in which this year we will celebrate the 70 years since the Declaration of Independence. It is because of the sacrifice of our soldiers and  other security personnel, in death and in service to the country, that any of us can celebrate the survival and success of the Israeli nation. May their memory be blessed. Please pray that no more will be added to this number in the coming year and that God will comfort all those who mourn, especially the thousands of family members and friends.  

Drivers observe a 2 minute silence on Holocaust Day 
https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5228133,00.html

THE KADISH PRAYER FOR MOURNING

May His great name be exalted and sanctified.
in the world which He created according to His will.
May He establish His kingdom
and may His salvation blossom and His anointed be near.
during your lifetime and during your days
and during the lifetimes of all the House of Israel,
speedily and very soon. And say, Amen.
May His great name be blessed
for ever, and to all eternity.
Blessed and praised, glorified and exalted,
extolled and honored, adored and lauded
be the name of the Holy One, blessed be He,
above and beyond all the blessings,
hymns, praises and consolations
that are uttered in the world. And say, Amen

Tomorrow evening we will pass from sorrow to joy as Memorial Day ends and the Independence Day celebrations begin. In the evening every town and neighborhood holds public gatherings with songs, music and of course, fireworks. Street parties abound. The next day we will see flyovers from the Air Force and El Al (the Israeli airline), and the whole country will head out to the forests, beaches and parks for 'al ha esh' - the traditional barbecue. My friends and I have opted to avoid the traffic and we will barbecue in the yard - much less crowded and frenetic. 

This year, the 70th Anniversary of the State is special and will be celebrated with great joy, but in the shadow of threat.  While we civilians are enjoying our barbecues with family and friends, our security forces will be watching our borders with a very high level of vigilance. 

On our southern border the Palestinians of Gaza are continuing their daily protests and acts of violence leading up to Nakba Day on the 15 March. After the Friday of Tires (see my previous blog) demonstrations continue to be a daily event. The latest weapon being used by the Gazans are incendiary devices attached to kites. Today a field of ripe wheat was set on fire in this way. Sources say that around 20-30 Palestinians have died and thousands injured during the protests which have been going on for around 3 weeks now. This week a Palestinian was shot and killed by Israeli forces as he tried to cross the border, and Israel suffered its first casualty when a tank guarding the border tipped over down a bank killing one of the soldiers inside and injuring three. Yesterday several Palestinians were injured when an explosive device they were preparing exploded. 

A few days ago a tunnel which stretched from the Gaza Strip, under the border and into Israeli territory was destroyed by Israeli forces. This is the 8th such tunnel destroyed by Israel in recent months. These tunnels are intended for use to penetrate Israel to carry out terror attack or mass incursions. They which costs millions of dollars  and huge quantities of cement and stones to build, precious resources that should have been used to rebuild homes and infrastructure in Gaza,  Some of the tunnels have been exploded but in this instance tons of concrete were poured into it by the IDF. 

Ynet news quoted Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman's  tweet about the incident, saying, "We've opened the week with an impressive intelligence and operational achievement with the destruction of another tunnel, the longest and deepest exposed thus far.

"Millions of dollars were invested in its excavation," the defense minister added, "money that would have been better served mitigating the plight of residents but has now sunk into the sand. Gaza residents, Hamas is frittering away your money on tunnels leading nowhere. We will get to them all." (2)   

The tunnel that was destroyed this week.
https://www.idf.il/en/minisites/hamas/the-idf-thwarts-a-hamas-terror-tunnel/

It is interesting to note that many Arabs in Israel, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and  other Arab countries have voice opposition and 'backed Israel's side of the conflict and lambasted Hamas for its exploitation of the inhabitants of Gaza, who they rule." (3)

The Gazan protests have been somewhat sidelined by events in the north. Following the terrible gas attack which killed around  70 civilians in Doum in Syria, the USA, the UK and France carried out last Saturday a combined missile attack on several sites within Syria aimed at giving a message to Syrian President Assad that the use of gas weapons would not be tolerated by the international community. There has been no retaliation from Syria or Iran since then but it may still come. 

 Perhaps of more concern here was a missile attack on the T-4 military base which killed 14 military personnel including 7 Iranian officers,one of whom was the commander of the Revolutionary Guards Drone Force. Israel is suspected to have carried out the attack but has not admitted responsibility.  This has led to a volley of threats from Iran to attack Israel. The newspaper, the Times of Israel , claims that  

"Ahead of Israel’s Independence Day, the military was preparing for the possibility of a direct attack by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps’ air force in response to a strike on Iran’s air base in Syria earlier this month."  (4)

The newspaper YnetNews said this:

"Amid foreboding Iranian omens of impending reprisal for alleged Israeli attack on T-4 Airfield in Syria, Quds Force leads move that may take place in near future using drones, even rockets launched at Israel. Iranian airmen now stationed at 5 Syrian airfields, ready to direct such attack at Israel. ..

 "According to Israeli assessments, Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)'s Quds Force Qasem Soleimani is planning a retaliatory attack that would be launched out of an Iranian base in Syria using precision-guided missiles or armed drones—to be launched directly by the Revolutionary Guards rather than by proxies, as they have done before... The IDF will do everything to ensure Independence Day will be quiet, and that the citizens of Israel are able to enjoy the holiday. The IDF is prepared for a wide variety of scenarios, so the citizens of Israel can properly celebrate the 70th Independence Day," a security official said."  (5)

Please pray that Independence Day will pass peacefully and that our forces will be alert and ready to counter any such attack on that day or any of the coming days.  

References:

1.   https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5229185,00.html

      https://www.timesofisrael.com/at-least-3-palestinians-said-hurt-by-israeli-fire-at-gaza-border/

2. https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5232918,00.html          https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5230863,00.html

3. https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5225041,00.html

4. https://www.timesofisrael.com/idf-prepares-for-iranian-revenge-to-include-missile-attacks-drone-strikes/

5. https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5230863,00.html

FRIDAY OF TEARS

"Israel is set apart (lit:consecration or holiness) to the LORD,

      the first fruits of His harvest.

All that devour him shall offend,

     evil shall come upon them," said the LORD.

Jeremiah 2:3   

Most English translations of this verse put it into the past tense, saying for example 'Israel was holiness to the LORD" (NKJV), but this is an interpretation influenced perhaps by replacement theology, which holds that Israel is no longer heir to the promises and covenants of God and has been replaced by the church.  The Hebrew text however is not in the past tense and I have given a more accurate rendering in my literal translation above. Israel has not been replaced by the church. It is still heir to all the covenants and promises of God. It still has a role to play in redemption and is still holy to the LORD as the Apostle Paul made abundantly clear in his letter to the Roman church (Romans 9-11). The principle expressed in this verse still holds true. All who seek to devour Israel will suffer God's judgment, as has held true throughout all of history.

In the last couple of weeks we have seen yet another attempt to harm Israel. The Hamas terror organization that rules Gaza called for a popular uprising or protest along the 40 km long border fence with Israel. Last Friday (30th March) was Land Day for the Palestinians and is intended to begin a 6 week continuous protest leading up to Nakba Day (14th April). Last Friday some 30,000 Palestinians gathered to stage what was supposed to be a 'peaceful' protest along the Israel-Gaza border. This number fell far short of the mass uprising that Hamas hoped for. The protest was no peaceful as many used the 'innocent civilians' as a cover to approach and attempt to breach the border fence. Israeli troops fired tear gas and water cannons at the crowds and snipers shot dead some 12-15 (? reports vary) individuals, mostly Hamas operatives, who attempted to break through the fence. The fence was not breached.

The pro-Palestinian press has made much of the fact that one of those killed was only 16 years old, a minor. If you look at the images or videos (google it) of the protests you will see many children present. There was even an incident when a 7 year old girl was sent forth towards the Israeli border, no doubt in the hope she would be shot by Israeli troops, which would then be used as a propaganda coup by Hamas. Instead the Israeli soldiers returned the girl unharmed to her parents. One must ask what kind of people send their children into a dangerous war zone knowing there is a chance they will be killed or injured. This must be child abuse of the most serious kind. Surely a people cannot stoop lower than that!

During this past week the protests continued but numbers present were comparatively small. On Friday (6th April) numbers swelled again after Muslim prayers, but did not reach anything like those of the preceding Friday. Estimates are  that between 15-20,000 gathered. That Friday has been dubbed "Friday of the Tires" as Gazan protestors burned some 10,000 tires at sites along the border to act as a smokescreen to shield themselves from sniper fire as they tried to breach the border. The wind was blowing from the west but only very lightly. The toxic smoke mostly went straight upwards and probably caused more harm to the protesters than to Israeli soldiers. The weather conditions also minimized the ecological harm caused by the release of toxins into the air. Nine Palestinians were killed during this Friday's protests, including two more children, aged 13 and 15, and a journalist.  

Some images of the Friday of the Tires:

https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5221844,00.html

"Peaceful (!)" protest at Gaza border

The true face of Gaza?  Threading onions onto a tire to be burned.

This morning I have been studying the first few chapters of Jeremiah. Jeremiah prophesied after the Assyrian conquest of the northern kingdom of Israel and immediately before the Babylonian conquest of Judah and Jerusalem. His prophesies refer to that time and were fulfilled in part by the Babylonian conquest, however it is clear from the text that the prophesies also and perhaps primarily, refer to a future time, the 'times of the end'. I believe that time is now. Already we have seen part of this prophecy coming to fulfillment:

At that time they will call Jerusalem The Throne of the Lord, and all nations will gather in Jerusalem to honor the name of the Lord. No longer will they follow the stubbornness of their evil hearts. In those days the people of Judah will join the people of Israel, and together they will come from a northern land to the land I gave your ancestors as an inheritance.

“I myself said,

“‘How gladly would I treat you like my children

   and give you a pleasant land,

   the most beautiful inheritance of any nation.’

I thought you would call me ‘Father’

   and not turn away from following me.

But like a woman unfaithful to her husband,

   so you, Israel, have been unfaithful to me,”

declares the Lord.

Jeremiah 3: 17-20

God is regathering the remnant of the peoples of Israel and Judah to the 'pleasant land' (the land of the gazelle), Israel, but they do not yet call  the LORD 'Father'. In fact the although the majority of Israelis do believe in God, they do not take God's law or his warnings seriously. They think that God does not see or punish sin. They do not recognize God's hand in the restoration and protection of Israel, or if they do, they presume upon it.

God told Jeremiah to :

“Go up and down the streets of Jerusalem,

   look around and consider,

   search through her squares.

If you can find but one person

   who deals honestly and seeks the truth,

   I will forgive this city.

Although they say, ‘As surely as the Lord lives,’

   still they are swearing falsely.”

Jeremiah 5: 1-2

When I read these words, my stomach tightens. It is just so true of Jerusalem and Israel today. When I do business in this land I am often cheated or tricked by dishonest dealers. Theft, bribery, and fraud are all too common. The people think that God does not see. They do not make the connection.

“Among my people are the wicked

   who lie in wait like men who snare birds

   and like those who set traps to catch people.

Like cages full of birds,

   their houses are full of deceit;

they have become rich and powerful

and have grown fat and sleek.

Their evil deeds have no limit;

   they do not seek justice.

They do not promote the case of the fatherless;

   they do not defend the just cause of the poor.

Should I not punish them for this?”

   declares the Lord.

“Should I not avenge myself

   on such a nation as this?"

Jeremiah 5: 26-29

This year the winter rains were very light. We have been in drought conditions for many years now and the Sea of Galilee and the underground aquifers, on which we depend for our water supply, are dangerously depleted. We build desalination plants, recycle our water more than any other nation, the religious call for prayers but we do not as a nation recognize the link between our sin and the lack of rain. There is no national repentance. God told Jeremiah,

"You have defiled the land

   with your prostitution and wickedness.

Therefore the showers have been withheld,

   and no spring rains have fallen".

Jeremiah 3: 2b-3a

Modern day Israel has been regathered from the nations, planted and prospered in the Land of the Gazelles, Israel, but there is no national repentance for her many sins. There is no fear of the LORD.

But these people have stubborn and rebellious hearts;

   they have turned aside and gone away.

They do not say to themselves,

   ‘Let us fear the Lord our God,

who gives autumn and spring rains in season,

   who assures us of the regular weeks of harvest.’

Your wrongdoings have kept these away;

   your sins have deprived you of good.

Jeremiah 5:23-25

So God instructs Jeremiah thus:

“Announce in Judah and proclaim in Jerusalem and say:

   ‘Sound the trumpet throughout the land!’

Cry aloud and say:

   ‘Gather together!

   Let us flee to the fortified cities!’

Raise the signal to go to Zion!

   Flee for safety without delay!

For I am bringing disaster from the north,

   even terrible destruction.”

A lion has come out of his lair;

   a destroyer of nations has set out.

He has left his place

   to lay waste your land."

Jeremiah 5: 5-7

And who is this lion who is coming out of his lair to destroy Israel? I believe it is a confederation of nations from the north, namely Iran, Iraq, Russia and Syria. Already we see this confederation forming and drawing up battle lines. With the backing of Russia, Iran has created a corridor through Iraq and Syria to Lebanon, and is supplying arms and personnel to its proxies along the way. Russia is also backing Assad in Syria who is taking back control from the rebels and ISIS. He is growing bolder and more evil by the day.

This last weekend, on Saturday night (7th May), reports came in of another atrocity committed by Assad's forces against the people of Syria. It appears his forces dropped barrel bombs (banned internationally) on the rebel-held suburb of Doum in eastern Damascus. These bombs were loaded with chlorine and nerve gas and many people died or were injured as a result. Estimates are as high as 200 dead. This has resulted in threats from the USA to retaliate, just as the US was announcing its plans to withdraw from Syria within 6 months. Earlier today 8 missiles were fired at a Syrian air base, 5 were shot down but 3 hit their target killing a number of Syrian military personnel. The USA is denying responsibility and Russia and others are claiming that Israel was responsible. As is our usual policy, Israel is making no comment, but we have carried out similar attacks in the past in order to stop the transfer of missiles to the terror organization, Hezbollah, in Lebanon.

If the USA carries out its threat to punish Syria, it will bring it into confrontation with Russia, something that could lead to a world war. If it fails to do so it will appear weak and irresolute. If the USA retreats from the Middle East it will strengthen the Russian presence and power in the region, which could encourage our enemies to attack Israel. Already we see Russia's support of the rogue regimes here, Iran and Syria in particular, causing those regimes to become bolder and more aggressive in their threats to destroy Israel. There is no way that Israel, as strong as she is, could alone withstand  a coordinated attack from such a confederation. We are depending on the USA to support us but this support is not necessarily going to be forthcoming. God may allow Israel to be defeated in such a war, as is prophesied. However when all is lost I believe God will step in and rescue Israel, and it is at that time that Israel will know her God, repent and accept her Messiah, as is prophesied in Zechariah,

The Lord will save the dwellings of Judah first, so that the honor of the house of David and of Jerusalem’s inhabitants may not be greater than that of Judah. On that day the Lord will shield those who live in Jerusalem, so that the feeblest among them will be like David, and the house of David will be like God, like the angel of the Lord going before them. On that day I will set out to destroy all the nations that attack Jerusalem.

 

“And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for him as one grieves for a firstborn son.

Zechariah 12: 7-10

Although the land will once more be ruined and many will die, God will not  allow Israel to be completely destroyed and He will punish those who attack her. God will save a remnant of the people of Israel who will repent and be restored spiritually, just as the nation has been restored physically. God will breathe the spirit of life into the people at that time, thus fulfilling the prophecy of Ezekiel 37.

I looked, and the fruitful land was a desert;

   all its towns lay in ruins

   before the Lord, before his fierce anger.

This is what the Lord says:

“The whole land will be ruined,

   though I will not destroy it completely.

Therefore the earth will mourn

   and the heavens above grow dark,

because I have spoken and will not relent,

   I have decided and will not turn back.”

Jeremiah 4: 26-28

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Pray that the people of Israel will turn from their wicked ways and truly repent and seek God. If they will do that then these things would not happen  (see Jeremiah 4: 1-2);
2. Pray for the believers in Yeshua who dwell in the land, that we will speak out with a bold voice so that many can be saved and the nation warned. Pray too that we can withstand the continuous and fierce attacks of our spiritual enemy, Satan, who is trying to destroy many, especially through broken family relationships, serious diseases and disunity within and between congregations;
3. Pray for the leaders of the nations, especially those of Israel, the USA, Russia, Iran and Syria,  that they will repent and seek God's wisdom and the good of all peoples;
4. Pray for the believers in the Middle East. Many are receiving divine revelation and coming to faith in Muslim countries. They need our prayers so that they can grow, mature and stand faithfully in a very dangerous situation. Pray to those who faithfully work amongst them often at great personal risk;
5. Pray that many in Israel will also hear the gospel or receive revelation so that they will be saved;
6. Pray that Hamas' call for the people of Gaza to rise up and storm the border fence with Israel will not come to fruition. Pray that our borders will not be breached. Pray for the safety of the kibbutzim and towns close to the borders;
7. Pray for the safety of our soldiers and all security personnel, especially for those believers in the IDF.

References:

https://www.yntnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5221724,00.html

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-43667947

(PS. Lately the links have been sabotaged. If they don't work, just type in the URL)