Today as never before, Bible believing Christians worldwide are under spiritual attack. All believers are targets for those attacks. The devil is relentlessly attempting to draw us away from the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The evil one and his demonic hosts are trying very hard to lure us away from Biblical Truth with lies. Sadly, I fear that many have fallen away, and are following the wide road that Satan's world offers them.
That wide road exists in many forms including....all paths lead to heaven; ecumenism; prosperity promises; the good life now; feel-good religion; immorality; a loving God will not judge; no accountability; the Bible is not to be believed...and so much more. Every day people are selling their souls to the devil as they fall victim to his schemes.
In addition, many support the dividing of Israel - having no belief in, nor respect for, the everlasting covenant given by Almighty God to the Jewish people. The very thought of pagans driving God's chosen people from their rightful possession brings me to tears.
We are surrounded on all sides by the evil of this world - often presented using clever words from seemingly Godly men. The spiritual attacks we face each day are battles to the death. We must hold on to that which is good, but cannot do it alone. It is only through the power of God's Word...prayer...and a personal relationship with Him, that we can stand firm and be strengthened to guard our hearts and thoughts. Please study and memorize the following Scripture passages. With God in our corner, we have His sure promise that the devil will flee from us.
Don
Ephesians 6:10-18 KJV
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Peace Will Come Through Victory
Once again, Jan Willem van der Hoeven has a fantastic word that is so relevant for Israel today:
Elisha had become sick with the illness of which he would die. Then Joash the king of Israel came
down to him, and wept over his face, and said, "O my father, my father, the chariots of Israel and their horsemen!" And Elisha said to him, "Take a bow and some arrows." So he took himself a bow and some arrows. Then he said to the king of Israel, "Put your hand on the bow." So he put his hand on it, and Elisha put his hands on the king's hands. And he said, "Open the east window"; and he opened it. Then Elisha said, "Shoot"; and he shot. And he said, "The arrow of the Lord's deliverance and the arrow of deliverance from Syria; for you must strike the Syrians at Aphek till you have destroyed them." Then he said, "Take the arrows"; so he took them. And he said to the king of Israel, "Strike the ground"; so he struck three times, and stopped. And the man of God was angry with him, and said, "You should have struck five or six times; then you would have struck Syria till you had destroyed it! But now you will strike Syria only three times." (2 Kings 13:14-19)
So, what is the policy Israel's government is ready to implement in the event war breaks out?
Will Israel now forewarn the world, in no uncertain terms, that finding itself surrounded as it is with deadly enemies on all sides - despite all its concessions and proven willingness to secure peaceful coexistence - that if these enemies nevertheless, in their folly and hatred, should again attack Israel and cause thousands of civilian casualties, Israel will annex all territories she already has and those she will acquire as a result of this aggression against her state and people?
If the international community is opposed to such a dire outcome, Israel should serve the following notice: Tell the Arab nations now to desist from attacking us again or face the consequences of the war you initiate.
As Israel's outgoing chief of Military Intelligence just warned, the next war will unquestionably be more serious and bloody than all that have gone before. None of the thousands of Israeli civilian and military casualties will be able to be retrieved.
Israel's government should therefore, in preparation for this conflict, and in a serious bid to avert it, confront the whole world - including its hate-driven foes - with the dire consequences and outcome of this war. There will not be no more negotiations for false and unworthy peace agreements. Israel will make clear and announce now that, like the Allied forces in the last world war, Israel will this time fight until victory, and not until another ceasefire and endless negotiations. And the Jewish state will then, much as the Allied command did after its victory over the Nazis, dictate Israel's own conditions of peace.
Therefore, no Mr. Muallem, Foreign Minister of Syria, when you recently said, "There only will be losers as a result of the next war," I want to say to you, "No, there will be a winner and also there will be a loser. So don't start this war, Mr. Muallem!"
Jan Willem van der Hoeven, Director
International Christian Zionist Center
Baruch atem b'Shem, Yeshua
Friday, November 26, 2010
You are but Tenants in My Land
The land must not be sold permanently, because the land is mine and you are but aliens and my tenants. (Leviticus 25:23)When God brought Israel into the Promised Land He explained that they were His tenants, forbidden from selling or giving the land away (Lev 25:23).
He also commanded them to let the land rest for one year out of every seven (Lev 25:4), the so-called Sabbath for the Land. But for 490 years they failed to do it. So while the root cause of the 70-year exile to Babylon was their fall into idolatry (Jere. 25:7-11), its duration was determined by the number of times they had ignored the mandatory year-long Sabbath for the Land (2 Chron 36:21). 490 divided by 7 equals 70, so they “owed” His land 70 years of rest. True to His word, when the 70 years were ended He sent the Persians to defeat Babylon and release the Jews to return to their land.
An Everlasting Possession
The world would do well to remember that episode. In giving the land to Abraham’s descendants, God had made it their “everlasting possession”(Gen 17:18). But at Mt. Sinai He explained that in order to live there and enjoy its benefits they had to obey the covenant He was making with Moses.
Several times they’ve either lost their independence or been evicted for violations of this covenant, but only temporarily. He always restored them, and that’s the part of their deal with God the rest of the world seems to forget. The reason they’re in the land today is because He remembered His promise to their forefathers and brought them back (Ezekiel 36:22-24).
Evangelical Christians and Orthodox Jews bemoan the fact that Israel has agreed to trade land for the promise of peace … land the Bible says they have no right to trade. But if unbelievers, whether Jew, Arab or Westerner agree on anything, it’s that the provisions outlined in “some ancient book” are not going to govern their actions today. We’ll see.
Land for War?
A strong contingent among Israel’s neighbors has always opposed the Mid-East peace plan and tries do anything they can to stop it. They don’t want to share the land with Israel, they want it all. Every time this contingent has seen Israel trade land for the promise of peace they’ve reacted with violence. The more land involved the more violent they’ve become.
In his first term as Prime Minister, Binyamim Netanyahu slowed down the transfer of land begun under Yitzhak Rabin and continued with Shimon Peres, and the violence subsided. Under intense pressure from Bill Clinton, Netanyahu’s successor Ehud Barak agreed to give Yassir Arafat 97% of the land he wanted, including East Jerusalem, in return for peace. Arafat turned it down and then went home to start the 2000 Intifada. After Ariel Sharon was elected, Israel got tough again and the violence subsided once more.
Predictably, the result of Sharon’s abrupt abandonment of the Gaza Strip was an escalation of violence. Moreover, with the frightening array of war materiel now being smuggled into Gaza and Lebanon (also part of the original Promised Land) it’s hard to see how anything but total disaster can come of it. Incredibly, the world is now demanding that Israel trade more land for peace. How can they expect anything but war as a result?
The latest ruse being foisted upon the Jewish people is the claim that the US has offered some fighter aircraft (which won’t be delivered until 2020) and some future diplomatic support, but only after the two-state proposal has been successfully implemented, and then only for one year. Israel, of course, must agree to give up its land in advance. It’s still unclear whether the US actually made this offer, and even if it did, whether it would be acceptable to all parties.
But the contrast between levels of terrorism during conservative and liberal administrations is apparently lost on both Jewish and Gentile observers, because they seem unaware of the fact that agreeing to yield more land has always brought increased violence from Israel’s enemies. This time it will likely bring the fulfillment of Psalm 83.
God Is the Same, Yesterday, Today, and Forever
God has often used His enemies to accomplish His purpose (Jer. 25:9) and promises to do so again (Ezekiel 38-39). So, are we missing something here? I don’t pretend to be a political analyst or commentator. But I am a student of prophecy and delight in overlaying the proven strategies of our Lord upon current events. And in the current affairs of Israel, I see a definite pattern.
God is opposed to trading land for peace and I believe He’s using Israel’s enemies to say so. I believe He’s trying to dissuade Israel from giving away land that isn’t theirs to give, and to convince them that in their own strength, however formidable it may be, they are not equal to the task of defeating their enemies. The upcoming Psalm 83 scenario will initially appear to be a military success for Israel, but in truth it will only set them up for another even more forceful attack to follow.
After all it was God Who said,
“If My people, who are called by My Name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My Face and turn from their wicked ways then I will hear from heaven and forgive their sin and heal their land” (2 Chron. 7:14).
You can almost hear Him repeating those words as He gives His people sign after sign that it’s time to stop giving away His land and come back to Him.
Will He Ever Quit Trying to Convince Them
Let’s ask Him.
This is what the LORD says, he who appoints the sun to shine by day, who decrees the moon and stars to shine by night, who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar — the LORD Almighty is his name:
“Only if these decrees vanish from my sight,” declares the LORD, “will the descendants of Israel ever cease to be a nation before me.”
This is what the LORD says: “Only if the heavens above can be measured and the foundations of the earth below be searched out will I reject all the descendants of Israel because of all they have done,” declares the LORD. (Jeremiah 31:35-37)
If those who subscribe to replacement theology (the heresy contending that after the cross the Church replaced Israel in God’s plan, and therefore there’s no place for the Nation of Israel in the world today) are correct, then the Lord has broken this promise to Israel, because the sun shines every day, and the moon and stars every night. And anyone near a seacoast can hear the constant roaring of the waves.
So What’s It Gonna Take?
One day in the not too distant future an international coalition of Moslem forces will attack a peaceful and unsuspecting Israel with overpowering force, and when that happens the King of the Universe will come roaring out of the Heavens with warfare on His mind and vengeance in his Heart, for whoever touches Israel touches the apple of His eye (Zech 2:8).
When the dust has settled the invading forces that had covered the land like a cloud will lie slain in their tracks, food for the vultures.
“I will display my glory among the nations, and all the nations will see the punishment I inflict and the hand I lay upon them. From that day forward the house of Israel will know that I am the LORD their God. (Ezek. 39:21-22)
All these things must come to pass because God has seen the end from the beginning and has revealed it through His servants the prophets (Amos 3:7) The fact that they seem to be coming soon is another sign that the End of the Age is upon us.
You can almost hear the footsteps of the Messiah.
IsraelNationalNews.com
Baruch atem b'Shem, Yeshua
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Jerusalem Should Be First on the Peace Agenda
Why not make Jerusalem the first issue to be dealt with, and not the last?
And it shall happen in that day that I will make Jerusalem a very heavy stone for all peoples; all who would heave it away will surely be cut in pieces, though all nations of the earth are gathered against it. (Zechariah 12:3)
First Palestinian Arab study groups, backed by their political and religious leaders, declared that there was no evidence that a Jewish Temple ever stood on the Temple Mount. Now, in a just-published study, the Palestinian Authority is insisting that the Western Wall, too, has no historical connection to the Jewish people.
With these outrageous lies, the Palestinian leadership is preparing to stake its claim to "East Jerusalem:" International pressure must be brought to bear on Israel to hand over these parts of the city, which "have no connection to the Jewish people," so they can be made into the exclusive capital of their Palestinian state.
As this Arab demand and condition for any peace agreement with Israel is a non-negotiable, Israel would be wise and do well to make Jerusalem the first item for discussion and not the last. Indeed, if it becomes clear there is no give and take on "East" Jerusalem, as certainly will become clear, then this city, as the Bible has already remarkably foretold, will become a stone too heavy for all the nations of the world to lift. After years of praying diligently to return to that place where their God made His dwelling between the cherubim in the Holy of Holies, the vast majority of Jews will refuse a peace that will see that place excluded from their territory.
For who can fathom a situation arising where indeed, for peace sake, a majority of Israelis will be willing to forfeit their ancient city and Temple Mount? Certainly the Muslim Palestinians will never, not even for peace sake, be willing to lay aside their claim - and this not withstanding the fact that Jerusalem is not mentioned even one single time in their Quran!!
Even if - God forbid - the unthinkable would happen, that Israel's will would crumble under the incessant demands of the Arabs, and the Jews would withdraw not only from all of the "territories" but also from the eastern side of their ancient capital - even this would not bring peace. Instead it would be readily used by the now radicalized Muslim world as a stepping-stone to further dismantle Israel.
Let us not forget that the PLO was formed in 1964 - three years before the outbreak of the Six Day War - not to liberate the then already Arab-controlled 'West Bank' but to "liberate" all of Israel!
Well, was it said, therefore, by the eminent military historian Dr. Uri Milstein, as quoted in Arutz Sheva on November 5, 2010:
The problem, Milstein says, is the left. "In the leftist bastions of Ramat Aviv and Kfar Shmaryahu, they are still convinced that peace will come if we give up Judea and Samaria and the Golan. They probably won't change their minds even if missiles rain down on Tel Aviv. The only way they will change their mind is if we do surrender these areas, and they find that the Arabs still make war against us."
Baruch atem b'Shem, Yeshua
And it shall happen in that day that I will make Jerusalem a very heavy stone for all peoples; all who would heave it away will surely be cut in pieces, though all nations of the earth are gathered against it. (Zechariah 12:3)
First Palestinian Arab study groups, backed by their political and religious leaders, declared that there was no evidence that a Jewish Temple ever stood on the Temple Mount. Now, in a just-published study, the Palestinian Authority is insisting that the Western Wall, too, has no historical connection to the Jewish people.
With these outrageous lies, the Palestinian leadership is preparing to stake its claim to "East Jerusalem:" International pressure must be brought to bear on Israel to hand over these parts of the city, which "have no connection to the Jewish people," so they can be made into the exclusive capital of their Palestinian state.
As this Arab demand and condition for any peace agreement with Israel is a non-negotiable, Israel would be wise and do well to make Jerusalem the first item for discussion and not the last. Indeed, if it becomes clear there is no give and take on "East" Jerusalem, as certainly will become clear, then this city, as the Bible has already remarkably foretold, will become a stone too heavy for all the nations of the world to lift. After years of praying diligently to return to that place where their God made His dwelling between the cherubim in the Holy of Holies, the vast majority of Jews will refuse a peace that will see that place excluded from their territory.
For who can fathom a situation arising where indeed, for peace sake, a majority of Israelis will be willing to forfeit their ancient city and Temple Mount? Certainly the Muslim Palestinians will never, not even for peace sake, be willing to lay aside their claim - and this not withstanding the fact that Jerusalem is not mentioned even one single time in their Quran!!
Even if - God forbid - the unthinkable would happen, that Israel's will would crumble under the incessant demands of the Arabs, and the Jews would withdraw not only from all of the "territories" but also from the eastern side of their ancient capital - even this would not bring peace. Instead it would be readily used by the now radicalized Muslim world as a stepping-stone to further dismantle Israel.
Let us not forget that the PLO was formed in 1964 - three years before the outbreak of the Six Day War - not to liberate the then already Arab-controlled 'West Bank' but to "liberate" all of Israel!
Well, was it said, therefore, by the eminent military historian Dr. Uri Milstein, as quoted in Arutz Sheva on November 5, 2010:
The problem, Milstein says, is the left. "In the leftist bastions of Ramat Aviv and Kfar Shmaryahu, they are still convinced that peace will come if we give up Judea and Samaria and the Golan. They probably won't change their minds even if missiles rain down on Tel Aviv. The only way they will change their mind is if we do surrender these areas, and they find that the Arabs still make war against us."
Jan Willem van der Hoeven, Director
International Christian Zionist Cente
Baruch atem b'Shem, Yeshua
Monday, November 22, 2010
BEHOLD THE BLACK HORSE
This past week I had a meeting with a banking officer where I have done my banking for many years. In the course of the meeting we talked about several things, including the dismal interest rates currently being paid on savings accounts, CD's, IRA's, etc.
I brought up the possibility that there are likely huge numbers of people (especially unemployed and seniors) who now have little or no income from interest earnings on money saved - if they even have anything saved. Then, add the fact that their retirement accounts and pension funds are evaporating, and Social Security is being reduced.
I told her that in my opinion there must be hundreds or even thousands of people in our small community who are in serious trouble and near desperation. Then, I asked her, "As a bank officer, where do you think this is headed, and what is going to happen?"
She responded by saying there are positive signs indicating that improvement is beginning to happen, and that things will turn around soon. I then said, "Okay…that was your programmed, authorized response as a banker. Now, tell me about the inside information you really know."
At that point she hesitated a moment, then said, "It's really bad out there. No, that's not right...it's horrible, and getting worse. The truth is...I'm scared to death!"
She went on to say that she often goes home from work in tears because she must turn down pleas for loans from good people who have nothing left...no job with no meaningful prospects...no insurance...house payments overdue...bills piling up...no savings...family to feed...and those folks have no way to repay loans.
In her opinion, what we are experiencing with the economy today is the "new normal", and, if or when it ever improves, it won't happen for a very long time - perhaps not in our lifetime. The bank official went on to say that our country is essentially bankrupt - as are many other countries. She believes changes will soon happen world-wide that will affect everyone, and nobody will like the changes.
I left the meeting surprised that she, an experienced banker, would share that kind of pessimistic information with me. She was visibly moved as she was talking, and, in my opinion, was being truthful.
Perhaps she was a Bible believing Christian - I don't know. But, if not, she displayed amazing insight because Scripture predicts the very same things she mentioned that will take place in the end times during Daniel's Seventieth Week.
Everywhere, we see people who are suffering in so many ways. Many are crying out for help, and asking the question, "What in the world is going on?" Their lives are in a state of turmoil with uncertainty all around them. They see their hopes and dreams vanishing right before their eyes. People just don't know which way to turn in a world that seems to be falling apart and ready to self-destruct at any moment.
Today we see the poor becoming destitute, the middle class becoming poor, and the rich becoming richer. The middle class is rapidly diminishing as a majority category, and will soon join the growing ranks of those who, in order to survive, must succumb to government controls. My meeting last week with the bank officer went a long way toward confirming those things. The horseman on the black horse of Revelation 6:5-6 is preparing to ride. The black horse will bring starvation, malnutrition, disease, and a total lack of purchasing power. Also, Revelation 6:6 clearly represents the two extremes of the society we see forming today.
The first four seal judgments of Daniel's Seventieth Week as described in Revelation 6:1-8 will be opened soon. The four horsemen of the Apocalypse riding the four horses (the white horse of false peace; the red horse of war; the black horse of famine; the pale horse of death) are only the beginning of twenty one judgments that will fall on the unbelieving world. None of the horsemen have arrived yet, but we can hear the approaching hoof beats.
It’s no coincidence that today we see increasing efforts toward Globalism and the formation of a New World Order, a One World Government, a One World Economy and currency, a One World Religious system, and more. The Bible predicts all of those things, plus, a controlling world leader will emerge during the last days.
We see storm clouds gathering all around Israel with nations committed to the destruction of her and the Jewish people. We hear of feverish negotiations and schemes underway to further divide Israel and Jerusalem - the apple of God's eye. The nations involved seem to be obsessed in their efforts to divide Jerusalem, with many determined to destroy Israel – that the name of Israel be remembered no more. Sadly, the USA is forcefully leading the way toward those efforts.
Relentless peace negotiations underway with Israel indicate that the white horse is saddled and ready to go. Preparations for devastating war in the Middle East and the world are at an all time high, strongly suggesting that the red horse is prepared as well. Is the black horse almost ready, too? Yes, I believe it is very likely. Following close behind them, the pale horse of death will certainly appear as well.
The things we are witnessing today are only warnings and precursors for the actual events. They ought to be clear signals that Messiah...Jesus Christ...the Prince of Peace is coming soon for all who have placed their faith and trust in Him. Is He your Savior, your Lord, and the Master of your life? You must be very sure!
Don
I brought up the possibility that there are likely huge numbers of people (especially unemployed and seniors) who now have little or no income from interest earnings on money saved - if they even have anything saved. Then, add the fact that their retirement accounts and pension funds are evaporating, and Social Security is being reduced.
I told her that in my opinion there must be hundreds or even thousands of people in our small community who are in serious trouble and near desperation. Then, I asked her, "As a bank officer, where do you think this is headed, and what is going to happen?"
She responded by saying there are positive signs indicating that improvement is beginning to happen, and that things will turn around soon. I then said, "Okay…that was your programmed, authorized response as a banker. Now, tell me about the inside information you really know."
At that point she hesitated a moment, then said, "It's really bad out there. No, that's not right...it's horrible, and getting worse. The truth is...I'm scared to death!"
She went on to say that she often goes home from work in tears because she must turn down pleas for loans from good people who have nothing left...no job with no meaningful prospects...no insurance...house payments overdue...bills piling up...no savings...family to feed...and those folks have no way to repay loans.
In her opinion, what we are experiencing with the economy today is the "new normal", and, if or when it ever improves, it won't happen for a very long time - perhaps not in our lifetime. The bank official went on to say that our country is essentially bankrupt - as are many other countries. She believes changes will soon happen world-wide that will affect everyone, and nobody will like the changes.
I left the meeting surprised that she, an experienced banker, would share that kind of pessimistic information with me. She was visibly moved as she was talking, and, in my opinion, was being truthful.
Perhaps she was a Bible believing Christian - I don't know. But, if not, she displayed amazing insight because Scripture predicts the very same things she mentioned that will take place in the end times during Daniel's Seventieth Week.
Everywhere, we see people who are suffering in so many ways. Many are crying out for help, and asking the question, "What in the world is going on?" Their lives are in a state of turmoil with uncertainty all around them. They see their hopes and dreams vanishing right before their eyes. People just don't know which way to turn in a world that seems to be falling apart and ready to self-destruct at any moment.
Today we see the poor becoming destitute, the middle class becoming poor, and the rich becoming richer. The middle class is rapidly diminishing as a majority category, and will soon join the growing ranks of those who, in order to survive, must succumb to government controls. My meeting last week with the bank officer went a long way toward confirming those things. The horseman on the black horse of Revelation 6:5-6 is preparing to ride. The black horse will bring starvation, malnutrition, disease, and a total lack of purchasing power. Also, Revelation 6:6 clearly represents the two extremes of the society we see forming today.
The first four seal judgments of Daniel's Seventieth Week as described in Revelation 6:1-8 will be opened soon. The four horsemen of the Apocalypse riding the four horses (the white horse of false peace; the red horse of war; the black horse of famine; the pale horse of death) are only the beginning of twenty one judgments that will fall on the unbelieving world. None of the horsemen have arrived yet, but we can hear the approaching hoof beats.
It’s no coincidence that today we see increasing efforts toward Globalism and the formation of a New World Order, a One World Government, a One World Economy and currency, a One World Religious system, and more. The Bible predicts all of those things, plus, a controlling world leader will emerge during the last days.
We see storm clouds gathering all around Israel with nations committed to the destruction of her and the Jewish people. We hear of feverish negotiations and schemes underway to further divide Israel and Jerusalem - the apple of God's eye. The nations involved seem to be obsessed in their efforts to divide Jerusalem, with many determined to destroy Israel – that the name of Israel be remembered no more. Sadly, the USA is forcefully leading the way toward those efforts.
Relentless peace negotiations underway with Israel indicate that the white horse is saddled and ready to go. Preparations for devastating war in the Middle East and the world are at an all time high, strongly suggesting that the red horse is prepared as well. Is the black horse almost ready, too? Yes, I believe it is very likely. Following close behind them, the pale horse of death will certainly appear as well.
The things we are witnessing today are only warnings and precursors for the actual events. They ought to be clear signals that Messiah...Jesus Christ...the Prince of Peace is coming soon for all who have placed their faith and trust in Him. Is He your Savior, your Lord, and the Master of your life? You must be very sure!
Don
Thursday, November 18, 2010
A Visit to an Israeli "Settlement"
November 18, 2010
Shalom,
I read the news like everyone else, and often get consumed in the political situation in the Holy Land. I follow the peace talks, noting the outrageous demands put on Israel to make painful sacrifices for peace and the anti-Israel rhetoric Palestinians and other Arab leaders engage in when western media outlets aren't looking. The latest demand upon Israel came from the U.S., for a 90-day construction freeze on Jewish "settlements" in what is technically disputed territory – the West Bank (biblical Judea and Samaria) and East Jerusalem.
All this was on my mind as last week I visited some Fellowship-sponsored projects in the Samarian settlement of Ariel. I was completely amazed at what I found. Inside the town of 25,000 people as well as in the surrounding area, there are ancient biblical ruins where the Israelites lived over 3,000 years ago. Along the security fence which was built to keep out Palestinian terrorists from the Jewish city, historic Jewish villages lay in ruins, a reminder of what once was. Just a stone's throw away – on the other side of the fence – waves a Palestinian Authority flag, representing to many residents of this embattled town the deep desire of Israel's enemies to rid the Holy Land of her Jewish inhabitants and take it for themselves.
The great Jewish prophet Joshua is buried just five minutes away from Ariel, together with his father, Nun. Yet Jewish people are unable to visit this holy site because there is now an Arab village built around the graves. Although Arabs often work in Jewish towns and are free to enter at will, Jews are completely banned from Arab villages and face the threat of violence or arrest if they attempt to enter. How sad I felt when I was turned away from praying at my ancestor's grave which rests on the holy soil of Israel!
To many people, the settlement freeze the U.S. is proposing seems like a small sacrifice to bring peace to the region. Yet to Israelis, demands like this indicate that the world questions Israel's sovereignty. If Israel rightfully belongs to the Jewish people, we should be able to build as necessary to accommodate our growing population. In my opinion, and in the opinion of many Israelis, too many steps are now being taken – even by Israel's allies – to ostracize the Jewish state.
So often I get discouraged by reading news about Israel. On a practical level, there are times when it seems to make sense for Israel to make sacrifice after sacrifice to satisfy her Arab neighbors. But we know that those sacrifices have never resulted in real peace. And, on a spiritual level, we are anything but discouraged – in fact, we have more hope than anyone in the world. God promised this land to us, and His word is stronger than any man's. My faith lies in the Bible and God's word, which keeps me strong, willing, and faithful in the face of adversity. As the famous Jewish saying confidently declares, Od Avinu Chai, Am Yisrael Chai – our forefathers' legacy lives, and the nation of Israel will live forever.
With blessings from the Holy Land,
Yael
Baruch atem b'Shem, Yeshua
Shalom,
I read the news like everyone else, and often get consumed in the political situation in the Holy Land. I follow the peace talks, noting the outrageous demands put on Israel to make painful sacrifices for peace and the anti-Israel rhetoric Palestinians and other Arab leaders engage in when western media outlets aren't looking. The latest demand upon Israel came from the U.S., for a 90-day construction freeze on Jewish "settlements" in what is technically disputed territory – the West Bank (biblical Judea and Samaria) and East Jerusalem.
All this was on my mind as last week I visited some Fellowship-sponsored projects in the Samarian settlement of Ariel. I was completely amazed at what I found. Inside the town of 25,000 people as well as in the surrounding area, there are ancient biblical ruins where the Israelites lived over 3,000 years ago. Along the security fence which was built to keep out Palestinian terrorists from the Jewish city, historic Jewish villages lay in ruins, a reminder of what once was. Just a stone's throw away – on the other side of the fence – waves a Palestinian Authority flag, representing to many residents of this embattled town the deep desire of Israel's enemies to rid the Holy Land of her Jewish inhabitants and take it for themselves.
The great Jewish prophet Joshua is buried just five minutes away from Ariel, together with his father, Nun. Yet Jewish people are unable to visit this holy site because there is now an Arab village built around the graves. Although Arabs often work in Jewish towns and are free to enter at will, Jews are completely banned from Arab villages and face the threat of violence or arrest if they attempt to enter. How sad I felt when I was turned away from praying at my ancestor's grave which rests on the holy soil of Israel!
To many people, the settlement freeze the U.S. is proposing seems like a small sacrifice to bring peace to the region. Yet to Israelis, demands like this indicate that the world questions Israel's sovereignty. If Israel rightfully belongs to the Jewish people, we should be able to build as necessary to accommodate our growing population. In my opinion, and in the opinion of many Israelis, too many steps are now being taken – even by Israel's allies – to ostracize the Jewish state.
So often I get discouraged by reading news about Israel. On a practical level, there are times when it seems to make sense for Israel to make sacrifice after sacrifice to satisfy her Arab neighbors. But we know that those sacrifices have never resulted in real peace. And, on a spiritual level, we are anything but discouraged – in fact, we have more hope than anyone in the world. God promised this land to us, and His word is stronger than any man's. My faith lies in the Bible and God's word, which keeps me strong, willing, and faithful in the face of adversity. As the famous Jewish saying confidently declares, Od Avinu Chai, Am Yisrael Chai – our forefathers' legacy lives, and the nation of Israel will live forever.
With blessings from the Holy Land,
Yael
Baruch atem b'Shem, Yeshua
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Be Informed--US Promises to Israel Deceptive!!!
by David Lev 
Contrary to reports in the media that portray the U.S. as giving Israel a “package” of “benefits” for another three months of building freeze in Judea and Samaria, Washington is actually demanding a lot more for its largesse – far more than Israel can safely agree to, said Infrastructures Minister Uzi Landau.
Landau, along with other ministers and Knesset Members – including many Likud and Yisrael Beiteinu ministers, and coalition chairman Ze'ev Elkin – are up in arms over the proposed renewal of the building freeze in Judea and Samaria, and have vowed to fight it with all means at their disposal.
Part of the fight, Landau said in a Voice of Israel Radio interview Tuesday morning, was changing the perception of the “deal” the United States. had ostensibly offered Israel for the freeze extension.
According to Landau, the conditions for the deal are far different than those being portrayed in the Israeli media, which is telling Israelis that in exchange for a “small” Israeli gesture of an additional three month freeze, Jerusalem will receive a bundle of benefits, including additional advanced F-35 fighter jets, and an American guarantee to veto any anti-Israel proposals at the United Nations and other world bodies – and to similarly smash any attempt by the Palestinian Authority to seek U.N. approval for a declaration of independence for an Arab state in Judea and Samaria.
But the United States doesn't just want a three month extension, said Landau. When asked why he was opposed to so much benefit for “only” three more months of a building freeze, Landau responded, “Israel has failed to learn from the past. President Obama is ignoring previous promises, also written in a letter, that President Bush presented to Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. Those promises, too, were portrayed as a great diplomatic achievement.
"All the American promises share a similar characteristic – they lack specifics, and are not carried out if they are found to be damaging to American interests.” That was the case with the 2003 letter Bush presented Sharon, ostensibly recognizing Israel's right to retain the “settlement blocs” in the event of a deal with the PA; in the end, that American promise has been rescinded by President Barack Obama because he has decided it is in American interests to do so.
“Here too, with the Obama promises, we must see the structure of the deal – and you see that the Americans are demanding that we come to a full agreement with the PA in order for the benefits to kick in,"Landau explained. "You only get the benefits in the event of a final-status agreement – only when everything is over.” Given the history of Israel-PA negotiations, the likelihood of that happening is “very low,” he added.
Perhaps even worse, Landau said, the understandings between Israel and the United States – which included American opposition to a unilaterally declared PA state – are apparently no longer extant, and have instead been turned into a “sword of Damocles,” to be held over the head of Israel.
“Until now, it was understood that the U.S. would veto” sanctions against Israel, or a non-negotiated settlement of the Middle East conflict. Apparently that has changed, Landau said. “The veto was promised and taken as a matter of course, as long as progress was being made and negotiations were continuing. No 'gestures' were required to expect it. Now, the American veto is being used as a threat against our negotiators, pressuring them to surrender our positions. If in a year there is no deal – and it's unlikely there will be – the threat will descend like a sword on our heads, and the U.S. will blame us” and vote against Israel, Landau said.
“That's why the Likud is presenting this deal as a 'honey trap.' They are right, but we're much more likely to fall into the trap than to enjoy any honey,” Landau added.
Agreeing to this arrangement would only hurt Israel, Landau said. “We always want to make a deal, but our basic interests are now starting to be harmed. Sometimes, in order to make progress, you have to say 'no.'” Israel has already given up on several points it once held dear –first amont them, agreeing to a Palestinian state, which “the Palestinians did not appreciate, and they even refuse to recognize Israel as a Jewish state – and even worse, PA chief Mahmoud Abbas has declared that 'no Jew will live among them.'”
Similarly, for its trouble in declaring a unilateral building freeze, Landau said, Israel did not get a peace deal with the PA, or even “credit” from the U.S. - just more pressure to continue the freeze, Landau added. “Instead of asking the Palestinians to make similar 'gestures,' the U.S. comes back to us.” Concessions only bring more concessions, Landau said, with the biggest concession of all – the setting up of a state by the PA without any compromise whatsoever on Abbas' part – just around the bend.
These are the consequences of making concessions, Landau said – and he intends to do whatever is possible to ensure that this concession does not take place.
Baruch atem b'Shem, Yeshua
Contrary to reports in the media that portray the U.S. as giving Israel a “package” of “benefits” for another three months of building freeze in Judea and Samaria, Washington is actually demanding a lot more for its largesse – far more than Israel can safely agree to, said Infrastructures Minister Uzi Landau.
Landau, along with other ministers and Knesset Members – including many Likud and Yisrael Beiteinu ministers, and coalition chairman Ze'ev Elkin – are up in arms over the proposed renewal of the building freeze in Judea and Samaria, and have vowed to fight it with all means at their disposal.
Part of the fight, Landau said in a Voice of Israel Radio interview Tuesday morning, was changing the perception of the “deal” the United States. had ostensibly offered Israel for the freeze extension.
According to Landau, the conditions for the deal are far different than those being portrayed in the Israeli media, which is telling Israelis that in exchange for a “small” Israeli gesture of an additional three month freeze, Jerusalem will receive a bundle of benefits, including additional advanced F-35 fighter jets, and an American guarantee to veto any anti-Israel proposals at the United Nations and other world bodies – and to similarly smash any attempt by the Palestinian Authority to seek U.N. approval for a declaration of independence for an Arab state in Judea and Samaria.
But the United States doesn't just want a three month extension, said Landau. When asked why he was opposed to so much benefit for “only” three more months of a building freeze, Landau responded, “Israel has failed to learn from the past. President Obama is ignoring previous promises, also written in a letter, that President Bush presented to Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. Those promises, too, were portrayed as a great diplomatic achievement.
"All the American promises share a similar characteristic – they lack specifics, and are not carried out if they are found to be damaging to American interests.” That was the case with the 2003 letter Bush presented Sharon, ostensibly recognizing Israel's right to retain the “settlement blocs” in the event of a deal with the PA; in the end, that American promise has been rescinded by President Barack Obama because he has decided it is in American interests to do so.
“Here too, with the Obama promises, we must see the structure of the deal – and you see that the Americans are demanding that we come to a full agreement with the PA in order for the benefits to kick in,"Landau explained. "You only get the benefits in the event of a final-status agreement – only when everything is over.” Given the history of Israel-PA negotiations, the likelihood of that happening is “very low,” he added.
Perhaps even worse, Landau said, the understandings between Israel and the United States – which included American opposition to a unilaterally declared PA state – are apparently no longer extant, and have instead been turned into a “sword of Damocles,” to be held over the head of Israel.
“Until now, it was understood that the U.S. would veto” sanctions against Israel, or a non-negotiated settlement of the Middle East conflict. Apparently that has changed, Landau said. “The veto was promised and taken as a matter of course, as long as progress was being made and negotiations were continuing. No 'gestures' were required to expect it. Now, the American veto is being used as a threat against our negotiators, pressuring them to surrender our positions. If in a year there is no deal – and it's unlikely there will be – the threat will descend like a sword on our heads, and the U.S. will blame us” and vote against Israel, Landau said.
“That's why the Likud is presenting this deal as a 'honey trap.' They are right, but we're much more likely to fall into the trap than to enjoy any honey,” Landau added.
Agreeing to this arrangement would only hurt Israel, Landau said. “We always want to make a deal, but our basic interests are now starting to be harmed. Sometimes, in order to make progress, you have to say 'no.'” Israel has already given up on several points it once held dear –first amont them, agreeing to a Palestinian state, which “the Palestinians did not appreciate, and they even refuse to recognize Israel as a Jewish state – and even worse, PA chief Mahmoud Abbas has declared that 'no Jew will live among them.'”
Similarly, for its trouble in declaring a unilateral building freeze, Landau said, Israel did not get a peace deal with the PA, or even “credit” from the U.S. - just more pressure to continue the freeze, Landau added. “Instead of asking the Palestinians to make similar 'gestures,' the U.S. comes back to us.” Concessions only bring more concessions, Landau said, with the biggest concession of all – the setting up of a state by the PA without any compromise whatsoever on Abbas' part – just around the bend.
These are the consequences of making concessions, Landau said – and he intends to do whatever is possible to ensure that this concession does not take place.
Baruch atem b'Shem, Yeshua
Monday, November 15, 2010
Abbas reaffirms:Jerusalem Their Capital-Right of Return
Read Abbas' statements HERE
When I read, in the November 12, 2010 edition of The Jerusalem Post, what Abu Mazen (aka Mahmoud Abbas) sees as the bottom-line for ending the conflict with Israel, I wonder why in the world Western leaders and propagators of the decennia-long "peace process" are consistently criticizing Israel's "obstructions to peace." They should be telling the Arabs that, if this really is their "bottom-line" then they, and they alone, are obstructing the realization of peace. For no reasonable person can support Israel committing political suicide in its efforts to reach such a peace with its neighbors.
Why, then, do Mr. Obama and Mrs. Clinton not call a spade a spade, telling the Palestinian and Arab leadership that if Abu Mazen's reported remarks are really indicative of where the Palestinian Arabs are today, peace will never come to the Middle East.
Statements Abu Mazen is quoted as having said at a rally in Ramallah on November 11, as reported by the Post's Khaled Abu Toameh, include:
"The Palestinian position remains unchanged - a Palestinian state free of settlements with Jerusalem as its capital and the right of refugees to return to their homeland."
Abbas added that he wouldn't recognize Israel as a Jewish state, for fear that such a move would harm the status of Israel's Arab minority and deprive Palestinian refugees of the right to return to their former homes. He said that since 1988 the Palestinians haven't relinquished any of their main demands.
After all the years of negotiating with Israel this, then, remains their final goal: a Palestinian state and the return of all refugees to "Israel proper. No one - unless they support the eradication of the Jewish state - can expect Israel to so dismantle itself and commit national suicide.
The peace proces is dead, therefore, because of Arab, not Israeli, intransigence. How many times has Israel demonstrated - often painfully - a willingness to compromise - to no avail. The Arab side has not budged. As it was in with the founding of the PLO and before, the bottom line for most Muslim Arabs is that the Jewish state will be dismantled piece by piece. This is the "piece process" they believe in in their hearts.
Where is the outcry from this hypocritical world? Where is recognition of the demonstrated historical reality of Israel's readiness to constantly make concessions versus the intransigent unwillingness of the Palestinians to respond in kind?
Israel withdrew first from big parts of it own biblical homeland - Gaza and Jericho in 1993/94; then 99 percent of the Palestinian-occupied parts of Judea and Samaria. Israel withdrew, unilaterally, without any Arab quid pro quo from South Lebanon. Then Israel uprooted 10,000 of its own people and pulled out of the Gaza Strip. Again no quid pro quo. Instead, thousands of rockets were rained down on Israel from Lebanon and Gaza - both of which have become bastions of terror in the hands of a modern-day Hitler called Ahmadinejad.
And now? Now Israel again has to do this - under the direction of self-deluded and blind-to-the-facts politicians, both inside and outside Israel - by giving these fanatic Islamic forces the opportunity to set up a third terrorist-directed Arab entity (a Palestinian state) 20 kilometers away from Ben Gurion airport and Tel Aviv; from there able to use Iran-supplied shoulder-launched rockets to bring down every incoming plane to Israel?
Even Israeli Arabs, with all the rights afforded to them by the Israeli government and Knesset - of which they themselves are a part - slam Abu Mazen as a stooge of the Americans and Israelis because of any hinted willingness on his part to make even the slightest concession. If this is in the hearts of these Arab citizens - who are often inclined to support the more extreme views and goals of Hamas, Hizbollah and Syria despite all the rights they enjoy in this democracy - then there is no chance at this moment for peace with the Palestinians.
Jan Willem van der Hoeven, Director
International Christian Zionist Center
Baruch atem b'Shem, Yeshua
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Prager University: The Middle East Problem
In this six minute video, Dennis Prager presents a most simple and concise explanation on what is happening in Israel.
The video is short, but very informative. Note: There might be intermittent loading pauses during play.
Don
View video here
The video is short, but very informative. Note: There might be intermittent loading pauses during play.
Don
View video here
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Netanyahu to Obama: Jerusalem is not a settlement
Exchange between Israel, US continues; State Dept. says both parties responsible for creating conditions for successful negotiations.
The peace process threatened to spiral out of control Tuesday over Israeli plans to advance 1,345 housing units in Jewish neighborhoods of east Jerusalem.
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu had flown to the US Saturday night hoping to break the impasse in the stalled peace talks. Instead, US President Barack Obama publicly reprimanded him as the Palestinians reissued their threats to seek unilateral statehood.
“The international community must respond to Israel’s unilateral measures by instantly recognizing a Palestinian state along the 1967 borders,” said chief PLO negotiator Saeb Erekat.
Speaking about the Jerusalem homes at a press conference in Indonesia, Obama said, “This kind of activity is never helpful when it comes to peace negotiations.” He added that such “incremental steps can end up breaking down trust between the parties.”
Netanyahu, in turn, sharply defended Israel’s right to build in Jerusalem, which it claims as its eternal united capital, even as the Palestinians claim the eastern party of the city as the capital of their future state.
“Jerusalem is not a settlement. Jerusalem is the capital of Israel,” the Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement on Tuesday, adding that the government had never agreed to place any restrictions on construction in Jerusalem, which has 800,000 residents.
Although much of the international community equates construction in east Jerusalem with that of West Bank settlements, Israel makes a sharp distinction between the two. From November of last year to September, it halted new settlement construction in the West Bank, but during that time it continued to issue new tenders for building in east Jerusalem.
“Israel does not see any connection between the peace process and the policy of planning and construction in Jerusalem, which has not changed in 40 years,” the statement continued. “For the last 40 years every Israeli government built in every part of the city. During that period, peace agreements were signed with Egypt and Jordan, and for 17 years direct negotiations were held with the Palestinians. These are historical facts. Construction in Jerusalem has never interfered with the peace process.”
The statement went on to say that for the past 40 years, Israel and the US had disagreed over the status of east Jerusalem, but that Israel hoped to overcome these differences and stay focused on the peace process. It added that Netanyahu was hopeful that his meeting Thursday with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton would advance the peace process.
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Complete story here
I don't believe Jerusalem will be be divided until the great tribulation period, when according to Zechariah 14:2, the Lord gathers all nations against Jerusalem to battle and the city shall be taken. That Scripture tells us that, at that time, half of the city shall go forth into captivity, and the residue of the people shall not be cut off from the city.
Then in Revelation 11:2, John was told to not measure the temple, for it is given to the Gentiles and will be trampled for forty two months.
Those Scriptures tell us the city will one day be divided.
Until then, Jerusalem will continue to be a burdensome stone as prophesied in Scripture. It will not be simply handed over to the Palestinians as Obama and others are trying to accomplish. More than that, the world wants Israel to be gone...wiped off the map, but that will never happen.
The good news? Jesus will return soon, then, all negotiations will come to an abrupt end!
Don
The peace process threatened to spiral out of control Tuesday over Israeli plans to advance 1,345 housing units in Jewish neighborhoods of east Jerusalem.
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu had flown to the US Saturday night hoping to break the impasse in the stalled peace talks. Instead, US President Barack Obama publicly reprimanded him as the Palestinians reissued their threats to seek unilateral statehood.
“The international community must respond to Israel’s unilateral measures by instantly recognizing a Palestinian state along the 1967 borders,” said chief PLO negotiator Saeb Erekat.
Speaking about the Jerusalem homes at a press conference in Indonesia, Obama said, “This kind of activity is never helpful when it comes to peace negotiations.” He added that such “incremental steps can end up breaking down trust between the parties.”
Netanyahu, in turn, sharply defended Israel’s right to build in Jerusalem, which it claims as its eternal united capital, even as the Palestinians claim the eastern party of the city as the capital of their future state.
“Jerusalem is not a settlement. Jerusalem is the capital of Israel,” the Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement on Tuesday, adding that the government had never agreed to place any restrictions on construction in Jerusalem, which has 800,000 residents.
Although much of the international community equates construction in east Jerusalem with that of West Bank settlements, Israel makes a sharp distinction between the two. From November of last year to September, it halted new settlement construction in the West Bank, but during that time it continued to issue new tenders for building in east Jerusalem.
“Israel does not see any connection between the peace process and the policy of planning and construction in Jerusalem, which has not changed in 40 years,” the statement continued. “For the last 40 years every Israeli government built in every part of the city. During that period, peace agreements were signed with Egypt and Jordan, and for 17 years direct negotiations were held with the Palestinians. These are historical facts. Construction in Jerusalem has never interfered with the peace process.”
The statement went on to say that for the past 40 years, Israel and the US had disagreed over the status of east Jerusalem, but that Israel hoped to overcome these differences and stay focused on the peace process. It added that Netanyahu was hopeful that his meeting Thursday with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton would advance the peace process.
.
.
.
Complete story here
I don't believe Jerusalem will be be divided until the great tribulation period, when according to Zechariah 14:2, the Lord gathers all nations against Jerusalem to battle and the city shall be taken. That Scripture tells us that, at that time, half of the city shall go forth into captivity, and the residue of the people shall not be cut off from the city.
Then in Revelation 11:2, John was told to not measure the temple, for it is given to the Gentiles and will be trampled for forty two months.
Those Scriptures tell us the city will one day be divided.
Until then, Jerusalem will continue to be a burdensome stone as prophesied in Scripture. It will not be simply handed over to the Palestinians as Obama and others are trying to accomplish. More than that, the world wants Israel to be gone...wiped off the map, but that will never happen.
The good news? Jesus will return soon, then, all negotiations will come to an abrupt end!
Don
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Obama's Downfall was Divine "Measure for Measure!"
The stunning Democratic defeat in this year's elections wasn't the result of the rise of the Tea Party, voter anger at the TARP plan, or any other particular political development, says National Union chairman MK Yaakov Katz ("Ketzaleh"): It was Divine “payback” for an American president who went out of his way to disrespect Israel and the Jewish people.Obama said that he did not need America's best friend and ally, Israel,” MK Yaakov Katz told Israel National News. “So G-d told Obama that the U.S. doesn't need him and his party.” The drubbing faced by the Democrats was an excellent example of the principle of “measure for measure,” in which the enemies of the Jewish people eventually get their comeuppance.
“In the end, anyone who opposes and oppresses Israel and the Jewish people is brought to his knees, and Obama is no different,,” the MK said. “We all remember the pictures of Obama sitting with his feet on the desk while talking to Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, and his attempts to embarrass and shame him. And now he himself has been embarrassed and shamed.”
On the other hand, Obama should not be expected to be more “religious” than Israel's leaders – who have consistently refused to demand the honor due them as Jews and Israelis. “If we want Obama and the rest of the world, we have to respect ourselves – our promises, our land, our people. If we ourselves institute building freezes, we should not be surprised when the nations of the world demand that we retain those policies,” he continued.
Israel, too, has suffered from its leaders refusal to stand up for the country's interests, Ketzaleh says – but with Obama cowed by the Democrat loss, Netanyahu now has an opportunity to set things right. “He must correct his ways, and to do so he must tell the Americans that Israel belongs to the Jewish people, and that he intends to act accordingly. We aren't looking to embarrass Obama or anyone else, and Netanyahu can find a nice way to say what he thinks. But say it he must,” says Ketzaleh.
“And now it's never been easier for Netanuyahu to do what he must,” Ketzaleh said. “The last few weeks have proven that his Defense Minister, Ehud Barak, is a broken reed, and that Labor is not a party, but essentially 13 different parties. He can now easily return to his original coalition of 65 Mks and carry out the policies he promised before the elections, the policies that the people of Israel voted him into office to carry out.” The chances that Kadima is likely to replace Labor in the government are extremely small, says Ketzaleh. “According to their polls, they believe they are going to surpass the Likud in the next elections, which they are looking forward to. So it's unlikely they would join a Netanyahu government.
“This is Netanyahu's chance to do the right thing, to say he was mistaken in his Bar Ilan speech announcing two states for two peoples,” Ketzaleh concluded. “This is his responsibility, and if he does so, there is no doubt that G-d will send His blessings down to us.”
“In the end, anyone who opposes and oppresses Israel and the Jewish people is brought to his knees, and Obama is no different,,” the MK said. “We all remember the pictures of Obama sitting with his feet on the desk while talking to Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, and his attempts to embarrass and shame him. And now he himself has been embarrassed and shamed.”
On the other hand, Obama should not be expected to be more “religious” than Israel's leaders – who have consistently refused to demand the honor due them as Jews and Israelis. “If we want Obama and the rest of the world, we have to respect ourselves – our promises, our land, our people. If we ourselves institute building freezes, we should not be surprised when the nations of the world demand that we retain those policies,” he continued.
Israel, too, has suffered from its leaders refusal to stand up for the country's interests, Ketzaleh says – but with Obama cowed by the Democrat loss, Netanyahu now has an opportunity to set things right. “He must correct his ways, and to do so he must tell the Americans that Israel belongs to the Jewish people, and that he intends to act accordingly. We aren't looking to embarrass Obama or anyone else, and Netanyahu can find a nice way to say what he thinks. But say it he must,” says Ketzaleh.
“And now it's never been easier for Netanuyahu to do what he must,” Ketzaleh said. “The last few weeks have proven that his Defense Minister, Ehud Barak, is a broken reed, and that Labor is not a party, but essentially 13 different parties. He can now easily return to his original coalition of 65 Mks and carry out the policies he promised before the elections, the policies that the people of Israel voted him into office to carry out.” The chances that Kadima is likely to replace Labor in the government are extremely small, says Ketzaleh. “According to their polls, they believe they are going to surpass the Likud in the next elections, which they are looking forward to. So it's unlikely they would join a Netanyahu government.
“This is Netanyahu's chance to do the right thing, to say he was mistaken in his Bar Ilan speech announcing two states for two peoples,” Ketzaleh concluded. “This is his responsibility, and if he does so, there is no doubt that G-d will send His blessings down to us.”
By David Lev
IsraelNationalNews.com
Baruch atem b'Shem, Yeshua
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Report: Obama's post-election agenda calls for a Palestinian state or else
WASHINGTON — With the mid-term elections over, President Barack Obama is expected to resume heavy pressure on Israel, a report said.
The Center for Security Policy asserted that Obama would threaten U.S. relations with Israel after the Democrat Party's loss in congressional elections on Nov. 2. The Washington-based institute said Obama would press for the establishment of a Palestinian state over Israel's objections.
"Once the 2010 elections are behind him, it is a safe bet that President Obama will revert to form by once again exhibiting an unmistakable and ruthless determination to bend Israel to his will," the report, authored by Frank Gaffney, said.
Gaffney, a former Defense Department official, said Obama plans to increase pressure on Israel to unprecedented levels after his party's historic defeat in congressional elections. He said the president had eased pressure on Israel in response to Democrat candidates who feared a Jewish backlash.
"Unfortunately, what the president has in mind for Israel after the election will make his previous treatment of the Jewish state look like the good old days," the report, titled "Obama's Not-so-hidden Agenda," said on Oct. 26.
The report echoed previous assessments by the Israeli government and intelligence community of a crisis with the United States in the aftermath of the U.S. elections. The Israeli assessment envisioned that Obama would accelerate efforts to establish a Palestinian state in the West Bank regardless of Israeli concerns.
"Worse yet, he will be able to take advantage of a vehicle for effecting the so-called 'two state solution,' no matter how strenuously Israel and its friends in Washington object," the report said. "The Palestinians will simply unilaterally declare themselves a state and ask for international recognition — and Mr. Obama will accede to that request."
During the spring of 2010, U.S.-Israel relations were said to have dropped to one of their lowest points in more than 50 years. Gaffney said Obama vilified Israel and forced it into territorial, political and other concessions to the Arabs.
"To be sure, ties between the United States and Israel — far and away America's most important and loyal friend in the Middle East — have improved lately from the nadir to which Mr. Obama plunged them since he took office," the report said. "That has nothing to do, however, with a change of heart or agenda on the part of the president and his administration."
Gaffney said Obama could provide U.S. recognition to any unilateral declaration of Palestinian independence. Another option was that the president abstain from a resolution in the United Nations Security Council that would recognize a Palestinian state.
"The truth is that, either way, Mr. Obama will have dealt Israel a potentially mortal blow," the report said. "Without control of the high ground and water aquifers of the West Bank, the Jewish state is simply indefensible and unsustainable."
The report said Obama could also agree to deploy U.S. forces in the West Bank in wake of a declaration of Palestinian independence. Gaffney warned that international forces, including Americans, would soon protect Israel's enemies in a policy similar to that of the UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon.
"The same is certain to eventuate in the West Bank as paramilitary forces the United States has foolishly trained and equipped become a standing army and fall under the sway of Hamas," the report said.
Story source:
http://www.worldtribune.com/worldtribune/WTARC/2010/ss_israel1087_11_03.asp
Okay...this is not looking good at all!
The story uses some disturbing statements such as: "increase pressure on Israel to unprecedented levels"..."exhibit an unmistakable and ruthless determination"..."bend Israel to his will"...and more.
What exactly is the "or else" threat in the story? Is it forcing the 'two state solution' simply by declaration and recognition in spite of Israeli objections?
The statement most offensive to me was "bend Israel to his will." Obama's will??? Who does he think he is? Perhaps Obama should re-think his position...or else!
Hebrews 10:31
It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
Don
The Center for Security Policy asserted that Obama would threaten U.S. relations with Israel after the Democrat Party's loss in congressional elections on Nov. 2. The Washington-based institute said Obama would press for the establishment of a Palestinian state over Israel's objections.
"Once the 2010 elections are behind him, it is a safe bet that President Obama will revert to form by once again exhibiting an unmistakable and ruthless determination to bend Israel to his will," the report, authored by Frank Gaffney, said.
Gaffney, a former Defense Department official, said Obama plans to increase pressure on Israel to unprecedented levels after his party's historic defeat in congressional elections. He said the president had eased pressure on Israel in response to Democrat candidates who feared a Jewish backlash.
"Unfortunately, what the president has in mind for Israel after the election will make his previous treatment of the Jewish state look like the good old days," the report, titled "Obama's Not-so-hidden Agenda," said on Oct. 26.
The report echoed previous assessments by the Israeli government and intelligence community of a crisis with the United States in the aftermath of the U.S. elections. The Israeli assessment envisioned that Obama would accelerate efforts to establish a Palestinian state in the West Bank regardless of Israeli concerns.
"Worse yet, he will be able to take advantage of a vehicle for effecting the so-called 'two state solution,' no matter how strenuously Israel and its friends in Washington object," the report said. "The Palestinians will simply unilaterally declare themselves a state and ask for international recognition — and Mr. Obama will accede to that request."
During the spring of 2010, U.S.-Israel relations were said to have dropped to one of their lowest points in more than 50 years. Gaffney said Obama vilified Israel and forced it into territorial, political and other concessions to the Arabs.
"To be sure, ties between the United States and Israel — far and away America's most important and loyal friend in the Middle East — have improved lately from the nadir to which Mr. Obama plunged them since he took office," the report said. "That has nothing to do, however, with a change of heart or agenda on the part of the president and his administration."
Gaffney said Obama could provide U.S. recognition to any unilateral declaration of Palestinian independence. Another option was that the president abstain from a resolution in the United Nations Security Council that would recognize a Palestinian state.
"The truth is that, either way, Mr. Obama will have dealt Israel a potentially mortal blow," the report said. "Without control of the high ground and water aquifers of the West Bank, the Jewish state is simply indefensible and unsustainable."
The report said Obama could also agree to deploy U.S. forces in the West Bank in wake of a declaration of Palestinian independence. Gaffney warned that international forces, including Americans, would soon protect Israel's enemies in a policy similar to that of the UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon.
"The same is certain to eventuate in the West Bank as paramilitary forces the United States has foolishly trained and equipped become a standing army and fall under the sway of Hamas," the report said.
Story source:
http://www.worldtribune.com/worldtribune/WTARC/2010/ss_israel1087_11_03.asp
Okay...this is not looking good at all!
The story uses some disturbing statements such as: "increase pressure on Israel to unprecedented levels"..."exhibit an unmistakable and ruthless determination"..."bend Israel to his will"...and more.
What exactly is the "or else" threat in the story? Is it forcing the 'two state solution' simply by declaration and recognition in spite of Israeli objections?
The statement most offensive to me was "bend Israel to his will." Obama's will??? Who does he think he is? Perhaps Obama should re-think his position...or else!
Hebrews 10:31
It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
Don
Monday, November 1, 2010
Sands of Blessings
Heartland Heartbeat
by Margy Pezdirtz
Comforters of Israel
Five years ago my husband and I stood at the foot of our bed and stared through streaming tears, as the television set bore witness to the Jews of Gush Katif (the united communities of Gaza) being removed from their homes and synagogues by Israeli soldiers and police. We were in dismay and shock. Like those amazingly wonderful Jews, we believed God would come through, even at the last minute, and stop this nightmare and the Disengagement would not happen. Prayers were issued; Jews and Christians had worked together for months trying to prevent the unimaginable. A fifty-five mile human chain, layers deep, from Jerusalem to Gush Katif born witness to the strength and intensity of staying on the once barren land. Even that didn’t work. The corrupt government of Ariel Sharon and Ehud Olmert had their way and nearly 10,000 weeping Jews were moved – some forcefully – from their homes, their lives, their jobs, their neighbors. They were put on buses and sent into the dark with illicit promises from the Israeli government… promises that were never fulfilled. Not only were their homes destroyed by Israeli bulldozers, but so were their lives as they watched the terrifying scenes of destruction on television over the next week. Only rubble and vacant synagogues, which were quickly defiled by Arab Gazans using them as latrines, remained.
Some of those amazing pioneers were sent to the southern tip of the Negev (Israeli desert) between the lower strip of Gaza and Egypt where they made the courageous decision to start over. Stooped by the heaviness of broken hearts, they picked up their hoes, their shovels, and their trowels and began again. They cleared and smoothed the very rugged landscape, and they built greenhouses. Their beautiful villas were only memories in their minds while they and their sometimes very large families managed to hang onto each other in the confines of caravans, which are really not much more than glorified cargo containers. They prayed. They worked. They prayed. They cried. They worked. They prayed.
Now, five years later, the promises of God are, once again, being fulfilled as this formerly barren wasteland blooms and brings color, life and hope to the rugged desert. These are Jews. They’ve been kicked out of their homes for generation upon generation, but they are resilient. They hang onto their God, their traditions and their promises. They work hard and they don’t wait on their government to bail them out.
This year presented their first crop of pomegranates raised on their new land. Pomegranates, one of the healthiest of all fruits, bring hope and blessings. Tradition tells us the 613 seeds contained in the juicy fruit represent the 613 laws of Torah given by God to Moses on Mt. Sinai, and that may well be. I do know, the traditional Jewish New Year’s blessing is “may your blessings this year be as numerous as the seeds of this pomegranate.” Yes, may they be. May these Jews who have been so rudely uprooted, be blessed in their new location and may those blessings never be ripped from them again. Shorashim
by Margy Pezdirtz
Comforters of Israel
Five years ago my husband and I stood at the foot of our bed and stared through streaming tears, as the television set bore witness to the Jews of Gush Katif (the united communities of Gaza) being removed from their homes and synagogues by Israeli soldiers and police. We were in dismay and shock. Like those amazingly wonderful Jews, we believed God would come through, even at the last minute, and stop this nightmare and the Disengagement would not happen. Prayers were issued; Jews and Christians had worked together for months trying to prevent the unimaginable. A fifty-five mile human chain, layers deep, from Jerusalem to Gush Katif born witness to the strength and intensity of staying on the once barren land. Even that didn’t work. The corrupt government of Ariel Sharon and Ehud Olmert had their way and nearly 10,000 weeping Jews were moved – some forcefully – from their homes, their lives, their jobs, their neighbors. They were put on buses and sent into the dark with illicit promises from the Israeli government… promises that were never fulfilled. Not only were their homes destroyed by Israeli bulldozers, but so were their lives as they watched the terrifying scenes of destruction on television over the next week. Only rubble and vacant synagogues, which were quickly defiled by Arab Gazans using them as latrines, remained.
Some of those amazing pioneers were sent to the southern tip of the Negev (Israeli desert) between the lower strip of Gaza and Egypt where they made the courageous decision to start over. Stooped by the heaviness of broken hearts, they picked up their hoes, their shovels, and their trowels and began again. They cleared and smoothed the very rugged landscape, and they built greenhouses. Their beautiful villas were only memories in their minds while they and their sometimes very large families managed to hang onto each other in the confines of caravans, which are really not much more than glorified cargo containers. They prayed. They worked. They prayed. They cried. They worked. They prayed.
Now, five years later, the promises of God are, once again, being fulfilled as this formerly barren wasteland blooms and brings color, life and hope to the rugged desert. These are Jews. They’ve been kicked out of their homes for generation upon generation, but they are resilient. They hang onto their God, their traditions and their promises. They work hard and they don’t wait on their government to bail them out.
This year presented their first crop of pomegranates raised on their new land. Pomegranates, one of the healthiest of all fruits, bring hope and blessings. Tradition tells us the 613 seeds contained in the juicy fruit represent the 613 laws of Torah given by God to Moses on Mt. Sinai, and that may well be. I do know, the traditional Jewish New Year’s blessing is “may your blessings this year be as numerous as the seeds of this pomegranate.” Yes, may they be. May these Jews who have been so rudely uprooted, be blessed in their new location and may those blessings never be ripped from them again. Shorashim
Baruch atem b'Shem, Yeshua
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