Talia's Joy

My perspectives on Israel and the Bible

Page 3 of 9

POST COVID?

April 13, 2021 /
Dark Clouded Yellow butterfly (Colias croceus), Alonei Yitzhak 31 March 2021

It is a cold, and blustery wintery day here in Israel – not at all the sort of weather we would expect at this time of year. Nevertheless Spring is here. All the spring wildflowers are flowering and the sharav (hot, dry east wind) season is upon us. Even though we are expecting a maximum of only 10 degrees C today, this past week we had two days where the temperature reached 30 degrees. These wild temperature swings are typical of Israel’s brief Spring. Also a sure sign of spring are the thousands of migratory birds and butterflies passing overhead on their way to Europe from Africa.

Painted lady butterfly, Poriya 16apr08

With the arrival of spring and the promise of summer ahead, Israelis are enjoying a sense of hope and freedom in contrast to the restrictions of the past year. Last year we celebrated Passover in strict lockdown, and had to sing together only from our balconies, but this year we were allowed to gather with extended family members up to 20 people. We are step-by-step coming out of lockdown. Schools and most businesses are functioning again and we can visit parks and the beaches once more, albeit still wearing masks. Restaurants, gyms and theatres are open only to a limited number of people, and those must have a ‘green tag’ – certification of vaccination or recovery from the disease. Some employers are permitting only vaccinated employees to come to work, even though the legality of such a ruling is in doubt. There are still regulations in place that limit gatherings indoors to 20 people and outside to 50, and masks must be worn. Churches, mosques and synagogues are reopening but under strict limitations. Our borders are still closed to non-Israelis, except a few who have special permission. Around 100,000 Palestinian day workers were vaccinated and are allowed to enter for work purposes only.

With around 54% of the total population now fully vaccinated (around 80% of the over-16s) we have seen daily new cases drop from a high of 8,000/day in January down to just 200 yesterday (9 April). There is a sense that we are now ‘post-covid’ and life can get back to normal, and herein lies the danger. I fear this may be a bit premature and more a result of ‘covid-fatigue’ than reality. With the disease still raging around us, especially in Europe, and problems with the supply of vaccine, there still exists the potential for another surge. No one knows how long the effects of the vaccine will last, nor whether it will be efficacious as new strains arise.

Adding to this risk, is the news that Pfizer is refusing to make further shipments of ordered vaccines to Israel because we have failed to pay for the last 2.5 million vaccines received. This is due to our chaotic political situation with various government ministers and officials all pointing the finger at each other. The danger is that if we do not pay up now, Israel will lose its place in the queue, so to speak. There is intense competition between countries to receive the limited supplies. Israel got in early to place its orders and , it is rumored, paid higher than the normal price, in order to get enough vaccines. According to the Jerusalem Post, “Coronavirus commissioner Prof. Nachman Ash told the Post that if Israel does not speedily sign the necessary contracts, it may not be able to vaccinate its children or provide citizens with booster shots against vaccine-resistant variants, or if immunity wanes” (1).

ELECTIONS

On the 23rd of March Israel held its 4th national election in the last 2 year period. Sigh!! Of course once more there is no clear winner. Binyamin Netanyahu’s Likud party won a total of 30 seats, a clear winner, but far short of the 61 seats needed to form a government. Below is a summary of the results.

Election Results Coverage

The PartiesSeats
Likud30
New Hope6
Yamina7
Religious Zionists6
United Torah Judaism7
Shas9
Israel Beitanu7
Blue and White8
Yesh Atid17
Meretz6
Labor7
Joint List6
Ra’am4
https://www.jpost.com/israel-elections

The President, Reuven Rivlin, has granted Netanyahu ‘first dibs’ at forming a government. His dilemma is that to do so he will have to include parties that are rabidly opposed to one another. Can he come up with a formula that all can agree on, and even if he does, how long would such a government manage to survive? If Netanyahu cannot put together a ruling coalition the left wing will have a chance but they would have to include the Arab list in order to get a majority, and there is a lot of opposition to the idea of granting the Arab Joint List so much power in the Jewish State.

The public are weary of all this political turmoil, and I have heard people saying things like “we just want a government, any government!”. I can empathize. So many things have been on hold for so many years because of our political paralysis. However such desperation is dangerous. We don’t need just any government, but a righteous and just government that has a genuine concern for the welfare of the nation. I cannot see how this can ever be accomplished. We need a totally different electoral system and I do not know what it would take to do this. With no government how could we reform the system, and no government that exists due to the system is going to undermine its own success. What we really need is the Messiah-King!

HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL DAY

Last Wednesday night I watched the opening ceremony of Israel’s Holocaust Memorial Day. As usual it was very sad and moving as we remember the horror that took place, when 6 million Jews (and at least 6 million others) were cruelly murdered by the Nazi regime. Earlier the same week I read that the world Jewish population now exceeds that of before the Holocaust. How amazing and what a victory. The Jewish people have not only survived but has thrived, in spite of all the many attempts to annihilate them throughout history. During the ceremony a number of Holocaust survivors told their stories. Every one of them is still plagued by memories, nightmares and flashbacks to that horrible time they experienced as children, but every one of them had chosen life, had married, had children, grandchildren and even great-grandchildren.

There was only one blight on the ceremony – Bibi Netanyahu’s speech which, in my opinion, was insensitive. He bragged about his own accomplishments in fighting the Covid-19 disease here in Israel, as if he alone had overcome the virus. However of the 180,000 remaining Holocaust survivors now living in Israel, all now in their 80’s and 90’s, 900 died of Covid , without the comfort of their families around them, and one in four continue to live in dire poverty. Benjamin Singer in the “Jerusalem Post” put it this way, “However, at the same time of the official speeches and ceremonies, on Yom Hashoah each year, we are reminded of the shameful fact that so many Holocaust survivors in Israel live in poverty. This year, the horrifying statistic is that one quarter – 48,000 out of 180,000 – of Israel’s Holocaust survivors now live below the poverty line and rely on food donations to avoid going to bed hungry.

A recent study by the Holocaust Survivors’ Welfare Fund showed that many Holocaust survivors were forced to give up essentials to be able to buy food. Forty-three percent didn’t have enough money for spectacles, 33% couldn’t afford dental care and 27% couldn’t pay for hearing aids” (2)

This is a shameful situation. How is it that we treat our survivors so poorly? Bibi has done much for Israel in the international arena, it is true, but his performance at home, especially in relation to caring for the elderly, the disabled, the sick and the needy in our society, has been close to zero. His ‘trickle down’ concept of the economy simply doesn’t work. The rich are getting richer, it is true, but the poor are getting ever poorer, and the Covid-19 crisis has served only to add to the number of the poor, and widen the gap even further.

MEMORIAL DAY (13-14th April)

In a few minutes the sirens will wail and we will all stand in silence to honor the fallen soldiers and terror victims. Forty-three soldiers and civilians were killed this year bringing the total to 23,928 since the founding of the State in 1948 (3). After the siren a torch lighting ceremony will take place at the Western Wall attended by President, Reuven Rivlin and the IDF Chief of Staff, Lt.-Gen. Aviv Kohavi. Tomorrow at 11AM the sirens will sound again and memorial ceremonies will take place at 52 military cemeteries throughout the country, the main ceremony being held at the Mt Herzl Military Cemetery in Jerusalem. At 1PM another ceremony will be held to honor the victims of terror. Throughout the day flags fly at half-mast and places of entertainment are closed.

Israel honours soldiers and terror victims at memorial events | The Jewish Weekly
Traffic stops and everyone stands to honor the fallen when the sirens sound.
https://thejewishweekly.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/1018316866-696×365.jpg

As I am writing I am reminded of another who gave his life for us, whom we, as a nation, still refuse to honor. I am talking about Yeshua (Jesus) of course.

And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up,  that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.  For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

John 3: 14-16

INDEPENDENCE DAY

The close of Memorial Day tomorrow at sundown, will herald the beginning of Israel’s 73rd Independence Day. The juxtaposition of the day of national mourning with the day of joyous celebration is an annual reminder to us all, that the prosperity and freedoms we enjoy in the Land of Israel today came, and is still coming, at great cost. So many of our best have given their lives for us. I think it is also an expression of the essence of the Jewish people, a people that has always found a way to chose life and find happiness, even in the worst of circumstances imaginable.

Last year, under the Covid lockdown, our celebrations were somewhat muted, but the traditional Air Force flyover passed over all the hospitals in order to honor the hospital staff and their work during the pandemic.

Hospital staff as the air force acrobatic teams flies overhead 2020 https://www.tv7israelnews.com/files/2020/04/Israel-celebrates-72nd-Independence-Day-amid-COVID-19-lockdown_flash90.jpg

This year we will be able to watch the flyover in greater freedom. We are still under some limitations but now will be able to gather for our traditional outdoor barbecues in parks and on the beaches. I have just spent the day cleaning up my garden and deck in preparation for a barbecue with many of my friends. It will be the first time we have gathered since the beginning of the coronavirus crisis.

When Israel was founded in 1948, there were only 806,000 residents but now the population stands at 9.3 million, about 74% Jewish, 21% Arab and 5% ‘ other’. About 78% of the Jewish population are native born. Since last year’s Independence Day, 167,000 babies were born, 50,000 people died, and 16,300 immigrated to the country (4).

Ethiopian Immigrants arrive in Israel as part of Operation Tzur Israel, March 11, 2021. (Olivier Fitoussi) https://www.timesofisrael.com/before-its-73rd-independence-day-israels-population-stands-at-9-3-million/

This tiny land is getting rather crowded and so is fulfilled the prophecy,

“For your waste and desolate places,
And the land of your destruction,
Will even now be too small for the inhabitants;
And those who swallowed you up will be far away.
 The children you will have,
After you have lost the others,
Will say again in your ears,
‘The place is too small for me;
Give me a place where I may dwell.’

Isaiah 49: 19-20

But we look forward to the day when we will praise the LORD saying:

You have increased the nation, O Lord,
You have increased the nation;
You are glorified;
You have expanded all the borders of the land.

Isaiah 26: 15

IRAN

In the meantime our enemies are still intent upon our destruction. Iran continues to threaten our existence and is busy enriching uranium to make nuclear weapons to destroy Israel and the USA. As the USA President Biden is attempting to find a diplomatic solution to the Iranian threat, and revive the 2015 nuclear deal, a war of attrition is taking place between Israel and Iran. Today (13/04) an Israeli-owned ship came under fire from missiles but there were no injuries or damage to the ship, which was able to continue its journey. This occurred as Teheran was threatening retaliation for the attack on its Natanz uranium enrichment facility, which they blamed on Israel. This attack targeted the power grid and the emergency backup power system at the facility and it also damaged some of the uranium enrichment centrifuges. Israeli authorities estimate this may have set back Iranian nuclear plans at least 9 months. Israel, as usual, has not accepted responsibility for this attack, but according to the Times of Israel, “An American official told the New York Times that Israel called the strike on Natanz a retaliation for the several attacks on Israeli-owned shipping vessels in recent weeks“(5). Today, Teheran announced that it will begin enriching uranium to 60% purity, ever inching closer to the 90% needed for a bomb. This tit for tat escalation is dangerous and of course could erupt into full-scale warfare at any time. There is one thing that is certain, Israel, with God’s help, will never allow Iran to have a nuclear weapon.

Happy are you, O Israel!
Who is like you, a people saved by the Lord,
The shield of your help
And the sword of your majesty!
Your enemies shall submit to you,
And you shall tread down their high places.

Deuteronomy 33: 29

REFERENCES

  1. https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/banana-republic-pfizer-outraged-israel-failed-to-pay-for-covid-vaccines-664140
  2. https://www.jpost.com/special-content/25-percent-of-holocaust-survivors-live-in-poverty-lechiot-bkavod-helps-feed-them-664483
  3. https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/remembrance-day-israel-bows-its-head-to-honor-23928-of-its-fallen-664950
  4. https://www.timesofisrael.com/before-its-73rd-independence-day-israels-population-stands-at-9-3-million/
  5. https://www.timesofisrael.com/israeli-owned-ship-said-attacked-off-uae-coast-amid-sky-high-tensions-with-iran/

WHAT DO YOU SEE?

March 6, 2021 /

I am sorry its been a long time since I updated this. It’s not because I haven’t tried. I have started it several times already. I will keep what I have already written but I will update.

Yesterday (some time in February) when I was out walking in the forest I saw that all the wild almond trees were bursting forth in all their pink and white glory. February is the depths of winter in Israel, our coldest and wettest month, but even so, it is the month that the almonds break forth into blossom. They signal to us that even though we are still in the darkest grips of winter, spring will come, and it will come soon.

The prophet Jeremiah also saw an almond tree, and to him it signalled that God was about to execute judgement both on the people of Israel for their idolatry, but also upon those who come against them.

Moreover the word of the Lord came to me, saying, “Jeremiah, what do you see?” And I said, “I see a branch of an almond tree.” Then the Lord said to me, “You have seen well, for I am ready to perform My word.” And the word of the Lord came to me the second time, saying, “What do you see?” And I said, “I see a boiling pot, and it is facing away from the north.”

 Then the Lord said to me:

“Out of the north calamity shall break forth
On all the inhabitants of the land.
 For behold, I am calling
All the families of the kingdoms of the north,” says the Lord;
“They shall come and each one set his throne
At the entrance of the gates of Jerusalem,
Against all its walls all around,
And against all the cities of Judah.
 I will utter My judgments
Against them concerning all their wickedness,
Because they have forsaken Me,
Burned incense to other gods,
And worshiped the works of their own hands.

Jeremiah 1: 11-16

We know that shortly after this word was given to Jeremiah, the armies of the Babylonian Empire attacked and conquered the Kingdom of Judah and carried off many of the people to Babylon. But it was not for ever that they were cast out of the Promised Land. Seventy years later the LORD brought them back to the Land of Promise, and the Babylonian Empire declined and failed.

A few days ago I saw the following headline: “Iran, Russia, China to conduct joint naval exercise in Indian Ocean” (1). It made me think of that passage in Jeremiah. The almond tree is in blossom. This alliance in the north is amassing their troops and preparing for war, and together these three armies represents a formidable military force second to none.

According to Israel’s military intelligence Iran is continuing to advance its nuclear program and could have sufficient enriched uranium to produce a nuclear bomb within two years (2). Israel will not stand by and allow that to happen. No one here wants war but there may come a time, and soon, when Israel will be forced to take pre-emptive action to defend itself. If Israel was to launch a major attack on Iran, the northern axis of Russia and China may well come to Iran’s defense propelling us all into a world war centered on Jerusalem, such as prophesied in the passage above.

Yesterday the Jerusalem Post reported that, ” IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi warned that he had ordered operational plans to strike Iran’s nuclear program to be ready if necessary, although whether to use those plans and under what circumstances was a decision for the political echelon. A week later, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Kochavi, the Finance and Defense ministers and financial and military officials took part in a large meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office to discuss the budget required for a potential strike on Iran if it is deemed necessary, according to KAN news“.

There are concerns here that the new US President, Joe Biden, will cause the US to rejoin the nuclear deal of 2015, although he has stated that he would not release sanctions until Iran stops enriching uranium. His administration is pushing for a longer and stronger agreement that prevents Iran from attaining a nuclear weapon and that also deals with Iran’s destabilizing activities in the region (2). Although Biden’s policy of diplomacy is the preferred option, it has almost zero hope of success given the adamant belligerency of Iran towards Israel and the US.

There is no doubt we are living in uncertain times with many threats hanging over us: wars, civil unrest, earthquakes, plagues and other natural and man-made disasters. Whether we find all this depressing, hopeless and frightening or see it as a hope that our redemption draws near, depends upon whether we can see the ‘almond tree’ or not.

God has promised that He will, at the end, send judgement on Israel first, and on all mankind, and then his redemption will be revealed. Nothing much has changed in Israel since the time of Jeremiah. We call good evil, and evil good. We are wise in our own eyes and reject the law of God. We are mighty at drinking wine and justify the wicked for a bribe, and take away justice for the righteous (Isaiah 5: 20-23). But these things God sees, and He will judge,

“Therefore the anger of the Lord is aroused against His people;
He has stretched out His hand against them” …

He will lift up a banner to the nations from afar,
And will whistle to them from the end of the earth;
Surely they shall come with speed, swiftly” (Isaiah 5: 25 – 26).

God will use the nations to bring judgement upon Israel, but they in turn will face judgement for this action, just as happened to the Assyrian and Babylonian Empires, not to mention the Greek, Roman and Nazi Empires. Every nation that rises up against Israel will be destroyed in the end. That judgement will be terrible, but it will herald the coming of the new heaven and the new Earth and redemption. We may be entering the darkest period of human history but the almond tree of promise reminds us of our great hope. According to the Book of Revelation, many wars, plagues and earthquakes and other terrible things will culminate in God’s final judgement on the world, the War of Armageddon, but after that comes the Millennium, the thousand year period in which the Messiah will reign on Earth leading up to the final defeat of Satan and the ushering in of the New Heaven and the New Earth.

Corona in Israel

In the meantime we continue our struggle against the Covid-19 virus. We have begun to come out of the latest lockdown which was imposed in mid- December. Shops, shopping malls and most businesses have reopened. Some schools have reopened for up to 4th grade and for 11-12th grade, and the rest of the grades are to be opened tomorrow (07 March). Theatres, gyms, pools, restaurants and other places of entertainment are now allowed to open but only for those who have been vaccinated or who have recovered from the disease. ‘Green passes’ have been issued for the vaccinated.

As of 5 March, 4.9 million Israelis, about 80% of the eligible population, have received at least the first shot of the vaccine and 3.6 million are fully vaccinated. As a result of this and the rather ‘leaky’ lockdown, the daily infection numbers have decreased from a peak of more than 7,000 per day to less than 5,000. This is far less than hoped as a result of the fact that now most of the newly infected are infected with the more virulent UK variant. The other factor is a result of the failure of many to obey the lockdown regulations.

Below is a photo of one such instance, when around 10,000 ultra-Orthodox men attended the funeral of Rabbi Meshulam Dovid Soloveitchik (99), who had died from the virus. During the funeral it was announced that Rabbi Rabbi Yitzhok Scheiner, 98, had also died of the virus (3). Thousands also attended his funeral later that day. This was in direct disobedience to the lockdown rules which, at that time, limited outdoor gatherings to 10 people!

הלוויית ראש ישיבת בריסק הרב סולובייצ'יק
Blackened sepulchres ? Thousands attend funeral of Rabbi Soloveitchik
blob:https://www.ynetnews.com/11d31fcd-c3b5-453f-ab46-34c32da4f833
(Photo: Rafi Rudnick)

In this instance the police did little to try and stop this gathering, fearing that it could erupt into violence. There have been many incidents when violence has occurred. In the ultra-Orthodox city of Bnei Brak a bus was set alight by a mob of ultra-Orthodox demonstrating their opposition to government regulations. The driver barely escaped with his life.

A bus set alight by a mob in the city of Bnei Brak, January 24, 2021. (Israel Police)

The ultra-Orthodox are not the only ones who are violating regulations. Many young secular people are also guilty of gathering for parties and otherwise ignoring the government directives. As a result there has been an increase in the number of young people falling seriously ill.

The good news is that the vaccine seems to be working very well with a 98-99% success in preventing death and serious illness in those vaccinated. There is also around 93-95% success in preventing infection. No serious side effects have been experienced from the vaccine except for a few cases of people who experienced allergy reactions (but this was no higher than for other vaccines such as the regular flu shot). The government is cracking down on misinformation and conspiracy theories regarding the vaccine and carrying out education and offering incentives to those who are nervous about being vaccinated. We still do not have enough data to know if the vaccine is effective in preventing transmission by vaccinated individuals so we still have to wear masks in public places and maintain social distancing.

Our borders remain closed and only 200 Israeli citizens per day are being allowed entry and those are required to obtain special authorization. Flights are only entering from New York, London and Frankfurt. This means there are thousands of Israelis trapped in various countries unable to return home. (Update – as of tomorrow (07/03) up to 2000 citizens will be permitted entry per day). Of course, this also means that no tourists have been able to enter Israel for almost a year now, and this is causing much distress in the tourist industry.

There is a glimmer of light showing at the end of the tunnel but the end is still far off and there may be set backs especially if new strains prove resistant to the vaccines. We also do not yet know how long the vaccine will remain effective.

PURIM and PASSOVER

Last week we celebrated the festival of Purim. Traditionally Purim is celebrated by large gatherings of people in the synagogues and in street parades and parties. Last year, the Purim celebrations pushed the nation into the first lockdown which lasted around 6 weeks. This year, in an effort to prevent the same thing happening, the authorities put us into a nighttime curfew for the three days of celebrations. Sadly all that did was cause people to shift their parties to the daytime or to the day before or after. There were reports of large street parties happening in various places around the country (4). Towards the end of this month we will be celebrating Passover. Last year we were in lockdown and were not allowed to celebrate with anyone not in our own households. We are hoping that this year we will be able to meet together at least with family members and friends.

ECOLOGICAL TERRORISM?

A woman holds a dead sea turtle covered in tar from an oil spill in the Mediterranean Sea; in Gador nature reserve near Hadera, Israel; Saturday, Feb. 20, 2021. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)

Last week a large oil slick washed ashore in Israel and it is affecting 160 of our 190 km of Mediterranean coastline. It is also affecting the coast of Lebanon and the Gaza Strip. It is the worst ecological disaster that Israel has experienced. Huge numbers of marine creatures have died, including many sea turtles and a young whale that washed up on Palmachim Beach. The fishing boats cannot go out and the beaches are closed. Thousands of volunteers are doing their best to clean up the black tarry deposits and to rescue seabirds and turtles (5,6). There are other slicks out at sea and there is a possibility they may also come ashore in the coming days. The oil has been traced to an Libyan-owned oil tanker that set sail from Iran carrying pirated oil to Syria, in violation of the embargo on Iran’s oil exports. According to the Israeli Environmental Protection Minister, Gila Gamliel, “The vessel sailed through the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea without radio contact, switching its tracking devices back on before passing through Egypt’s Suez Canal …

It turned the devices off again before entering Israeli waters in the eastern Mediterranean, and it dropped oil into the sea February 1 or 2, she said, naming the vessel as the Panama-flagged oil tanker Emerald” (7).

Israel is accusing Iran of ecological terrorism but of course Iran denies all responsibility.

In the same week Israel and the US accused Iran of an attack on an Israeli-owned cargo ship in the Gulf of Oman. Explosions ripped two holes in the side of the ship, above the water line. Such damage is consistent with that caused by limpet mines, that can be attached magnetically to the hull of a ship (8). The crew was unhurt and the ship was able to return to a nearby port for repairs. Of course, Iran also denies responsibility for this attack.

ELECTIONS

On 23rd March Israel will hold its 4th round of national elections in the past two years. Polls show that Netanyahu’s Likud party is still well in the lead but Yair Lapid’s centrist Yesh Atid (There is a Future) party is gaining strength in second place. Netanyahu seems likely to win the most seats but the important question remains, will he be able to stitch together a coalition government with the ultra-Orthodox, religious, and far-right pro-settler parties, including the Otzmah Yehudit (Jewish Power) spiritually linked to the late Rabbi Meir Kahane (who was once banned from politics in 1980s because of his radical, anti-Arab stand). A potential coalition of a bloc of parties committed to ousting Netanyahu has a razor-thin lead, but it remains to be seen if they can agree enough to join forces. According to some commentators, Yair Lapid has at least a chance of being Israel’s next Prime Minister (9). A lot can happen in the two weeks before the elections and it is anyone’s guess what the result will be.

Israeli society has become increasingly fragmented and spiritually lost in recent years, and this is reflected in our political life. One cannot help but wonder if there is more than some truth in the words of French philosopher Joseph de Maistre who, in 1821, said “Every nation gets the government it deserves“. We can only keep on praying for a just and righteous government, and hope for God’s mercy. For a (not very) amusing and (only slightly) cynical take on the situation read https://www.jpost.com/opinion/israel-elections-is-god-giving-up-on-israel-opinion-661013

May the LORD bless us all!

References:

  1. https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2021/02/iran-russia-china-naval-drill.html
  2. https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-israeli-intel-iran-is-two-years-away-from-nukes-but-hasn-t-decided-on-breakout-1.9525099
  3. https://www.ynetnews.com/article/B1rBeZNl00 https://www.timesofisrael.com/thousands-expected-to-attend-funeral-of-ultra-orthodox-rabbi-killed-by-virus/ https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog-january-31-2021/
  4. https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/coronavirus-hundreds-attend-party-in-tel-aviv-ahead-of-purim-curfew-660120
  5. https://www.timesofisrael.com/several-people-hospitalized-following-tar-cleanup-operation-off-israeli-coast/
  6. https://www.timesofisrael.com/in-israel-mayonnaise-proves-a-miracle-for-tar-covered-turtles/
  7. https://www.voanews.com/middle-east/israel-accuses-iran-link-oil-spill-its-shores
  8. https://www.npr.org/2021/02/26/971854484/explosion-damages-israeli-owned-ship-in-gulf-of-oman
  9. https://foreignpolicy.com/2021/03/05/israel-yair-lapid-netanyahu-elections/

LOCKDOWN 3.5

January 20, 2021 /

“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.”

Philippians 4:8-9

The First Almond blossom 12 Jan 2021

18 January 2021. I am sitting by my window watching the precious, beautiful raindrops falling. At last, after 3 weeks of glorious but oh so dry winter weather, the rains have returned to refresh the land and bring life. My neighbor’s cat is drinking from a puddle on top of my stone fence. A special treat for him. My own cat is snuggled up in my warm and dry bed – he doesn’t like to get wet! I thank God for all these blessings. It is so easy these days to be overwhelmed with grey sadness as we are stuck in our homes in lockdown once again. How important it is to count all our blessings and meditate on the lovely things of this world. Paul knew that. Life in the Roman Empire was no picnic in his time, and Paul himself wrote the words above while in prison, waiting to learn if he would be executed or not. His advice to the believers then is still good advice for us now as we try to cope with the boredom and isolation of lockdown, the continuing threat of virus infection, economic difficulty, the political turmoil and the military threats of our time. I am deeply grateful for all the beautiful things of life, friends and family, my home, my cat, the flowers in the garden and the blossoms in the forest, and most of all for the sure hope of a better future in the Lord.

Update 20/01 : It is very cold today and it is still raining. There is even some ice amongst the rain. We may get some snow but the forecast is for snow only down to 900m. We are at an altitude of about 800m. It is snowing on Mt Hermon and some of the higher hills in the north. It is only 6 degrees C here right now (at noon) and it is expected to go down to around freezing point tonight. Brr! We are not used to such low temperatures.

LOCKDOWN 3.5

In the grips of a third wave of Covid-19 infection, Israel went into its third lockdown on December 27th, 2020. As the second week approached it became apparent the lockdown was too ‘leaky’ and the infection numbers were continuing to rise. Restrictions were therefore tightened on the 7th of January, leading to the dubbing of the current phase ‘Lockdown 3.5’. This lockdown was due to end on the 21st of this month but as the infection rate is still high, and hospitals are struggling to cope, the lockdown has now been extended until the 31st January at least.

Daily infections passed a grim milestone and reached a peak (I hope) of 10,021 on the 18th of January (1,2). That same day the total number of confirmed infections in Israel since the beginning of the outbreak stood at around 552,000 (5.5% of the population), and deaths have reached 4,006 (0.7% of cases). This comparatively low death rate can be attributed to our high level of testing and to the courageous and dedicated medical staff who have gone far beyond the call of duty in treating the seriously ill (In comparison, Sweden which has about the same population as Israel, and approximately the same number of reported infections, has experienced 10,323 deaths, more than 2.5 times that of Israel).

In spite of many mistakes, the dithering and zigzagging of government decisions and the lack of cooperation within of several sectors of the society, I think Israel is coming through this crisis reasonably well, compared to other countries. I believe our prayers do make a difference. Nevertheless it is not easy and there is a considerable cost in economic terms and in the mental welfare of the population. The statistics mask the human element of suffering. Our economy is still only ticking over at about 50% and unemployment is around 25% with many businesses, especially small businesses, going bankrupt. Social welfare services are reporting a sharp rise in families needing help, in people reporting symptoms of depression and a rise in suicide rates. My pastor, who is a practicing clinical psychologist and counsellor, also reports a similar rise even amongst believers. In these days we need to know how to draw on the deep wells of living water (John 4), rejoicing in the Lord and counting our blessings.

Israel is boasting of its success with the vaccination process which began around the 18th of December. We have vaccinated a greater proportion by far of our population than any other country. To date, 80% of our medical personnel and 75% of our over 60s have already received their first shot, and many their second shot as well. This represents around 22% of our total population. The full effects of the vaccination do not kick in until about a week after the second shot and therefore we are only just beginning to see results from the vaccination program. Infection rates in the elderly have dropped considerably, even after only receiving the first shot. We have now begun to vaccinate teachers and the over 45 age group. The limiting factor is the availability of vaccines but we are managing to vaccinate over 150,000 every day. Yesterday, 19/01, over 200,000 were vaccinated. One reason we can do this is because of the cooperation between the IDF Home Front Command and the Health Funds. Home Front medics are qualified to give injections and are manning many of the vaccination stations in addition to the Health Fund and hospital nurses. Because of our unique Health Fund system we can effectively gather statistics so Pfizer is using Israel as a massive trial to gauge the effectiveness and safety of the vaccine. This will provide valuable information for the rest of the world – just another way that Israel blesses the world.

Getting the second shot at the vaccination station in the Pais Arena in Jerusalem, 14 January 2021

Of course there are risks with such a new technology and a large percentage of Israelis are refusing to be vaccinated, or do not wish yet to be vaccinated. There are also many, especially amongst the ultra-Orthodox and Arab communities who are refusing vaccination because of religious, political or ethical reasons, or because of misinformation about the risks. Unfortunately many in these same communities are also violating the restrictions designed to limit infection and consequently it is in these communities that the infection rates are highest. About 30% of tests are coming back positive in ultra-orthodox towns compared to about 5% for the national average (3).

The video below shows hundreds of guests dancing at an ultra-orthodox wedding taking place in the ultra-orthodox town of Bnei Brak. In these communities, many synagogues, yeshivas (schools for Torah study) and schools are remaining open contrary to regulations and there have been outbreaks of violent resistance when police have attempted to arrest violators or break up gatherings. (Under current restrictions the gathering of more than 10 people indoors is banned and in addition masks must be worn and social distancing maintained).

It is not only the ultra-orthodox and the Arabs who are violating restrictions but also many of the secular youth. The video below shows a party taking place in the Yarkon Park in Tel Aviv, also contrary to regulations. The hospitals are reporting that they are seeing more and more young people amongst the seriously ill being admitted in this third wave.

Social distancing a la Tel Aviv – or why we should vaccinate the under 30s.

No one in Israel is being forced to accept the vaccination, but what is being introduced is the issuing of a ‘green passport’ in the form of a cell phone app which will grant those who have been vaccinated a pass to attend places of worship, theatres, restaurants, sports facilities and to also have a greater freedom to travel. I am somewhat concerned about the social tracking aspect of this ‘passport’, and the data being gathered through it, but since the security forces are already tracking us by means of our cellphone GPS systems, it probably is not a significant additional loss of privacy. On the positive side it will allow more sectors of our economy to begin to open up for business, especially the internal tourism and hospitality sector and the entertainment sectors. We may also soon be able to meet together in places of worship.

Many Messianic believers here, as in other parts of the world, also have objections to receiving the vaccinations. To address this I wrote an article that was published this week in the Kehila News online magazine. If you are interested you can read it here: https://news.kehila.org/to-vaccinate-or-not-to-vaccinate/

Many of the hospitals are reporting that they are reaching their capacity in the coronavirus wards. There is no lack of beds or equipment, but there is a limited supply of qualified doctors and nurses who can treat the seriously ill. A few days ago, the largest hospital in Jerusalem, Hadassah Ein Kerem, had to close its doors to non-Covid emergency admissions and some Covid patients were rerouted to other hospitals. Covid ward staff are suffering exhaustion and reporting many PTSD symptoms, which inevitably will sooner or later result in a drop in the quality of care and a rise in the death rate amongst the seriously ill. Hospital staff are being drawn in from other departments which decreases the care available to patients suffering from other illnesses or trauma.

We are all hoping that the vaccines will put the brakes on the Covid pandemic but there are still a lot of unknowns, especially with the rapid spread of new mutant strains. We already have both the UK and South African strains spreading in Israel and we are trying to keep the Brazilian strain from entering the country. No one knows if the vaccines that are being given will be effective against these new strains, which are much more infective than the older strains. We bade goodbye to 2020 with the hope that 2021 will be a much better year, but this is far from a certainty. It may yet prove to be an even worse year.

ISRAELI ELECTIONS AND AMERICAN POLITICS

Our coalition government was unable to agree on a budget within the required time and therefore the Knesset (Parliament) has been dissolved and new national elections must be held, according to the law. The election will take place on the 23rd March. This will be our fourth round of elections within the last two years. There is a great deal of electioneering taking place, with parties disintegrating, forming and reorganizing, and much wheeling and dealing going on. Polls suggest that Netanyahu and his Likud Party will once more gain the majority of the votes, largely because of the disarray in the opposition with the major left wing parties fragmenting into smaller parties. The Likud Party has lost the support of some of the more extreme right wing parties and so in recent days we have seen Netanyahu courting the votes of the Arab sector. In short, the new elections seem unlikely to result in the formation of a viable government as Israeli society is becoming more and more polarized and fragmented, and this at a time when, more than ever, we need to stand together and have a strong government. I thank God that He is still on His throne and ultimately in control. Please pray that He will raise up righteous men and women who will put the well-being of the nation before their own personal agendas, and who can unite us rather than divide.

Here in Israel we watch American politics closely. The USA is one of Israel’s best friends and whatever happens there affects us deeply. Many Israelis are dismayed that Trump is being replaced by a new president, Joe Biden. Trump did much to help Israel during his term of office, such as moving the American Embassy to Jerusalem, cancelling the flawed agreements with Iran, and helping to broker the Abraham accords. On the other hand, many are relieved that Trump is leaving office as he had become increasingly unstable and unpredictable in his actions. Against this, Joe Biden is as yet an ‘unknown quantity’. He does support Israel and at least 11 of his chosen cabinet are Jewish. We all hope he will consult closely with Israel in matters concerning Middle East policies, especially those relating to Iran.

The swearing in of the new president, Biden, will take place in just a few hours from now in Washington DC, under unprecedented security arrangements following the shocking riots that took place there a week ago. We are all hoping there will not be a repeat of the violence and bloodshed.

I believe it is more important than ever that the church distance itself from politics. One of the most serious mistakes of church history was the combining of state and church that occurred during the Roman Empire period. It led to heresy and the incorporation of paganism into the doctrine and practices of the church. We who follow Yeshua do not belong in the world, we are in the world but not of it (John 17:9-18), and our focus needs to be on spreading the word of the gospel and making disciples. If Christian or Messianic believers side with one political party or another, or one politician or another, we will rise or fall with them, alienate those on the ‘other side’, weaken the witness and bring the Name of God into disrepute. We need to ‘seek first the kingdom of God’ and look to the true ruler of Heaven and Earth. It is He who raises up kings and brings them down (Daniel 2:21). Someone sent me this song today and it seems apt:

(31) The Lord Reigns and One God with Lyrics – YouTube

SECURITY

Although our attention has been focused on the Corona crisis, this does not mean that the external threats to Israel have lessened. Iran is still breathing dire warnings every day and continuing to build up its arsenal of long range missiles capable of attacking all Israeli territory and US military installations in the Middle East. They are also threatening those Arab nations, which stand against them, namely Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates. These nations have drawn closer to Israel as a result and this has led to them forging economic and military agreements with Israel, known as the Abraham Accords. The latest country to open full diplomatic relations with Israel is Morocco. The economic advantages these accords afford Israel will go a large way to offset the losses we have experienced due to the Corona pandemic. The military implications are yet to be seen. Perhaps it will cause Iran to hesitate longer before attacking Israel, or perhaps not. Time will tell.

Meanwhile Iran is continuing to increase its uranium enrichment program and develop its nuclear and conventional weapon arsenal. It now has long range missiles capable of hitting any country in the Middle East and not a few in Europe. Not only that Iran continues to arm its proxies, Hezbollah in Lebanon and Syria, Hamas in Gaza, and the Houthis in Yemen. Iran recently showed off its vast array of missile and drone capability sending a clear threat and message to the USA, Israel and our allies.

The President-elect of the USA, Joe Biden, has stated that upon taking office on the 21st of this month, he will initiate talks with Iran in order to renegotiate a deal regarding its nuclear weapons development program. This is being regarded with some horror in Israel but it all depends upon whether any new deal struck will reign in Iran’s nuclear development program or not. In view of the ever rising tensions with Iran, Israel continues to strengthen its defensive and offensive capabilities. Additional anti-missile batteries are being set up around all major cities, including Eilat which is vulnerable to attack both from Yemen and from ISIS, which is now in the Sinai Peninsula.

The Corona crisis has resulted in a drop in internal terror attacks and in the year 2020 only two Israelis were killed in terror attacks. Disturbances on the Gaza border have also decreased but not stopped completely. Last night, for example, two missiles were fired from the Gaza Strip towards the Israeli city of Ashdod. They both landed in the sea, causing no harm. This morning Israel retaliated by attacking Hamas tunnels in Gaza. This follows a military exercise involving Hamas and other terror groups in Gaza during which missiles were fired into the sea and a mock tanks were attacked. It is believed this was intended to send a “clear message to the Zionist enemy” (4). The evening before the exercise Hamas attempted to fire a missile into Israel but it failed to cross the border. Two days earlier two rockets were fired into Israel, one of which landed near Ashdod and the other landed on Palmachim Beach south of Tel Aviv. Fragments of an Israeli Iron Dome interceptor rocket, which failed to hit the missile that was headed towards Palmachim beach, landed in Bat Yam causing some minor damage but no injuries (4).

Tensions are also high in the north. Last month the IDF released the information that in 2020 they had carried out around 500 attacks and a number of cyberattacks, aimed at countering the Iranian entrenchment in Syria (5).

IMMIGRATION

For the first time since the founding of the State of Israel, the Jewish population has dropped below 74% (6). In light of this it is good news that immigration has continued during the Corona virus pandemic, albeit at a slower rate than before. The Jewish Agency says that in 2020 some 20,000 people immigrated to Israel, mainly from the former Soviet Union and including some 1200 from Ethiopia (7). The first immigrants to arrive in 2021 were another 300 Ethiopians (8). They were part of the airlift dubbed “Operation Rock of Israel” intended to bring all the remaining Ethiopians waiting to come to Israel, many of whom have been waiting, separated from their family members, for 15 years or more. The International Christian Embassy in Jerusalem sponsored the flights of 1/3 of the immigrants in this latest airlift. Increased efforts are being made to bring the last of the remaining Jews from Ethiopia as conditions have deteriorated over the last year due to food shortages, the armed conflict in Tigray province and the coronavirus. This endeavor is being spearheaded by Aliyah and Integration Minister Pnina Tamano-Shata, who is an Ethiopian immigrant herself, and Jewish Agency chairman Isaac Herzog.

In December 2020 a group of 250 members of the Bnei Menashe from northern India also immigrated to Israel. The resumption of immigration to Israel by these descendants of the Tribe of Menashe which were exiled 2700 years ago was also the fruit of the efforts of MK Pnina Tamano-Shata. She was not alone. The Jerusalem Post noted that “This aliyah was also the fruit of efforts by a wide range of Christian Zionists and lovers of Israel around the world. International groups such as Christians for Israel, Bridges for Peace, Ebenezer Operation Exodus, the ICEJ and Shalom Israel Asia Pacific, as well as many Christians from Scandinavia to Seoul, poured out their hearts in prayer and provided support to carry the sons of daughters of the Bnei Menashe back to Zion just as Isaiah (49:22) foretold” (9). Some 6500 members of the Bnei Menashe are still waiting to come to Israel.

Indeed He says,
‘It is too small a thing that You should be My Servant
To raise up the tribes of Jacob,
And to restore the preserved ones of Israel…

Thus says the Lord God:

“Behold, I will lift My hand in an oath to the nations,
And set up My standard for the peoples;
They shall bring your sons in their arms,
And your daughters shall be carried on their shoulders…

Then you will know that I am the Lord,
For they shall not be ashamed who wait for Me.”

Isaiah 49:6, 22-23

REFERENCES

  1. https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/coronavirus-israel-registers-record-of-10000-new-cases-in-a-single-day-655930
  2. https://www.timesofisrael.com/record-high-of-nearly-10000-new-daily-cases-as-total-infections-pass-500000/
  3. https://www.timesofisrael.com/20-detained-as-ultra-orthodox-clash-with-cops-enforcing-lockdown/
  4. https://www.timesofisrael.com/two-rockets-fired-from-gaza-toward-ashdod-land-in-sea/
  5. https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/rise-in-israeli-strikes-in-syria-has-led-to-decrease-of-iranian-activity-651716
  6. https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/in-first-jewish-population-in-israel-drops-below-74-percent-654050?utm_source=spotim&utm_medium=spotim_recirculation
  7. https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/culture/20000-olim-from-70-countries-moved-to-israel-this-year-despite-pandemic-653508
  8. https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/300-ethiopian-immigrants-the-first-to-make-aliyah-to-israel-in-2021-654086
  9. https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/the-arrival-of-the-bnei-menashe-is-a-hanukkah-miracle-652437

JERUSALEMA

December 18, 2020 /

No, its not a typo. Jerusalema is the Zulu name for Jerusalem and the title of a South African song/dance that has swept the world. This song was released in South Africa in 2019 and was performed by an Angolan dance troupe in February this year, and it has since swept the globe. The official video release has been hit on 269,922,313 times to date! Below is a video of Jerusalem mayor, Moshe Lion, singing and dancing this song along with Holocaust survivors, elementary school students, youth from both the east and west of Jerusalem (Arabs and Jews), university students, and municipality workers. This song has swept through the world since it was released last year, because it touches a chord in the hearts of many people these days, those who long for the coming redemption of this world and the new Jerusalem, and those who are looking for hope in an increasingly dark world. The writer of the song, Master K.G. says it is a plea to God to take him to the holy city, Jerusalem. Translated into English the lyrics read:

Jerusalem, my home, Guard me, Walk with me, Do not leave me here.

My place is not here. I have no place here, My kingdom is nowhere near, Guard me, Walk with me.

God never sends calamities on the world just to punish. It is always done in the hope it will drive people to cry out to Him for salvation. When all is well we easily forget God and become caught up in our self-centered activities. When disaster strikes or danger arises there are few who do not call upon God for relief or protection. There is a saying here “There are no atheists in battle”.

Moshe Lion joins Jerusalemites to dance the Jerusalema

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.  For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling,  because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked.  For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life.  Now the one who has fashioned us for this very purpose is God, who has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.

2 Corinthians 4: 16-5: 5

Here in Israel life has slowed down this last year. We have had two, and are heading for a third lockdown. Many are stuck at home with little to do but watch videos on the internet. One Israeli Messianic ministry, One for Israel, is making the most of this God-given opportunity to reach out into the community using YouTube videos, in Hebrew, Arabic and English, to bring the good news of Yeshua (Jesus) and the hope that is in Him. They report that since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic they have received more interest and questions than ever before – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50bG0BJSb7E. This ministry is reaching into all corners of Israeli society with a powerful message. They have posted many fascinating and challenging videos to date. Please take a look at some of these videos and pray for this work. Pray too for the safety of the people doing this as they are taking a big risk in exposing their identities in this way.

It seems like Moshe Lion is not our only politician with hidden talents. Bibi Netanyahu demonstrated his pleasant baritone voice in recording a song “Yesh Bi Ahava” (I have love in me) with well-known Israeli singer, Eden Ben Zaken, for the charity, Ken LeZaken, which works with elderly in need. You can listen to it on this link:

blob: https://www.ynetnews.com/4b4ea0e1-5305-437e-85a8-bd1c42523fd4

(if you cannot open it, go to this article https://www.ynetnews.com/culture/article/SkSiww12v)

Perhaps we would all be better off if our politicians would stop their ‘politicking’ and just sing and dance instead!!

Our politicians are driving us crazy these days. They have perfected the art of the ‘zigzag’ – making a decision one day and reversing it the next. We do not know if we are coming or going. We don’t know what is open and what is closed, whether we can go to work or school, or must stay home. It is becoming impossible to plan more than a few hours ahead.

For example, last Monday (7/12) it was announced that from Wednesday(9/12) we would have a night time curfew until the 2nd of January. On that Wednesday morning the curfew was cancelled, and instead of increasing restrictions, they lifted them even further by allowing shopping malls to reopen, while at the same time warning us that Covid infection rates are reaching the level when a full lockdown is inevitable. Today (16/12) we are being told we will have another lockdown within the week. They have still not announced just when that will take effect and what will be open or not.

I think I want to be a cat. My cat gets up in the morning, stretches, goes outside for a pee, comes indoors again, eats breakfast and goes back to bed. What a life!! All I would have to do is find a human ‘mum’ and convince her to house, feed and care for me in every way. Sounds great, right? I do envy my cat’s lifestyle. No work, no worries, no commitments, no Covid, no economic crisis, no wars or terrorists to deal with a – just lots of sleep, food and cuddles. When I think about it though, I may not have a ‘mum’ but I do have a good shepherd who has promised to take care of my every need. He has promised never to leave nor forsake us. We do not need to worry or be anxious about tomorrow.

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?  Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?  Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?

“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin.  Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.  If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith?  So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’  For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Matthew 6: 25-34

One of the positive outcomes of the coronavirus crisis is that many people have been forced to reconsider their priorities. Israelis have been known to be consummate shoppers, often going into debt just to obsessively buy new things. With the shops closed and income limited, or even stopped, many have had to find new ways to find satisfaction and pleasure. People are reporting they have rediscovered the joy of spending time with their children and families are spending more time out in nature together. I even heard a report that many children who have been forced to ‘do school’ online for months are voluntarily leaving their screens and are going outdoors to play games. Of course there is a down side too. Many families are becoming very stressed, even traumatized, by having to spend more time shut up indoors together. There is an increase in the demand for help from social services and the incidence of depression, family violence and suicide rates are on the increase.

Many are glad that the year 2020 is drawing to a close. What a year it has been. For me it started off with being grounded for a few months after taking a nose-dive down a mountainside and injuring both shoulders, losing a lot of skin off one shin and dislocating a thumb (which still won’t bend). I am very thankful it was not any worse. I was just getting back to work and being able to swim again when the Coronavirus hit us. I managed to keep teaching online until the end of May, but since then our school has been closed down, and I have been out of work. We have been stuck at home during lockdowns and even when the lockdowns are lifted there is nowhere to go and nothing to do as all hotels, restaurants and places of culture and amusement are closed still. Wearing masks in public and social distancing have become the new norm. Life has become dreary and somewhat isolated. Our congregation has not met now for around 10 months, except for 2-3 times at one stage between lockdowns). I thank God for WhatsApp and Zoom. I also thank God that I have stayed healthy (at least from the Covid) as have all my friends and family. I still have a roof over my head, some food in the fridge and a little money in the bank, unlike so many around the world. I have so much to be thankful for.

Yesterday my housegroup met together face-to-face for just the second time in ten months. We had a picnic together at the Gazelle Park in Jerusalem. The weather was ‘British’ as someone remarked, overcast and threatening rain. But, it didn’t rain. It was just good to see friends face-to-face and be outdoors together. Two weeks ago we had our first picnic at the Sataf park near Mevaseret. Although we hadn’t met ‘in the flesh’ for a long time we have been meeting at least twice a week on Zoom and also informally in twos and threes. We are in constant touch with each other by means of WhatsApp and in many ways are sharing our lives more with each other than we did before the corona. We have also been able to reestablish ties with some of our former members who are now living in the States and who are again in daily fellowship with us online.

A few days ago I went for a long walk out in the forest. It was still overcast and cool but once more the rain held off. It was lovely to see some of the winter wildflowers beginning to appear and the landscape turning green.

Meadow saffron
Southern daisy

I have been making an effort to get out and about a bit between lockdowns. About three weeks ago I went up to Atlit with a friend to see the flamingoes that overwinter in the salt ponds there. It was a little difficult to get close to them to get a good photo. I did get the one below of the two flamingoes taking off in flight.

Walking on water? Flamingoes ready for takeoff. Atlit, November 2020
Flamingoes at the Atlit salt ponds 2008

Winter has truly arrived in Israel and we have had several episodes of heavy rain already, and, sadly, some severe flooding in the coastal towns. As I am writing (16/12) it is raining heavily again and there is again serious flooding in coastal regions. Streets, houses and many cars are being swamped as the rain overwhelmed the drainage system. During the earlier floods children had to be rescued from kindergartens, and in a first, even the IDF headquarters at the Kiryia in Tel Aviv was flooded out, as was the Glilot Army base which houses many intelligence units. After the first rain all the Mediterranean beaches were closed for swimming because of the pollution being washed into the sea all along the coast. At least the land is getting a good and much needed scrubbing. You can see some of the flooding in the articles referenced below (1). It seems that flooding is becoming more frequent and more serious in recent years. It doesn’t rain often here but when it does, it is very heavy and it just overwhelms the drainage systems. Ooh, that was a very loud clap of thunder. I am going to pause now and turn my computer off until this storm passes.

The wet November bodes well for the Sea of Galilee which, after last year’s abundant rain, is now only about 1 meter below its maximum level. It is expected to reach that maximum level this winter for the first time since 1992, and the water authorities are already preparing to open the Degania Dam to release water down the Jordan River to the Dead Sea (2). The Dead Sea has been drying up at an alarming rate of 1m per year for the last 30 or so years and this is creating thousands of huge sinkholes around the shoreline, threatening agriculture, roads and the tourist industry in the area. I can remember when the water would have lapped this rather poignant sign! What remained of the Dead Sea in 2013 is that thin blue-white line in the far distance. It is even further away now, so an addition of water from the Galilee would be very welcome. (Update 09/12 – a headline today in the Ha’aretz newspaper claimed that there are plans to pump water north from the Sea of Galilee instead of allowing it to flow south. Environmental agencies are opposing this as being too expensive and ecologically damaging (3).

The Dead Sea in 2013

COVID – 19 AND VACCINES

The first batch of vaccines purchased from Pfizer arrived in Israel one the 9th of this month. Since then there have been a number of additional shipments both from Pfizer and from Moderna. Medical and care personnel will be the first to receive it beginning this coming Saturday night. From Monday the Sick Funds will start vaccinating the over 60’s and those with high risk due to serious illness. Yesterday my Sick Fund, Maccabbi, announced that the people in these category could call their number to start making appointments. Within two hours the system overloaded and went down. It is still not working. This was a mistake. They should have done what they did with the flu vaccine which was to send out invitations to those eligible. I doubt they expected such an overwhelming response because polls have been saying that only 20% of Israelis are willing to receive the first batches of vaccine. However even just 20% is still a lot of people! I hope they improve their logistics.

HANNUKA

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Yesterday we lit the last candle of the Hannuka festival. It was a subdued affair this year with gatherings of more than 10 being banned. Of course some, particularly the ultra-orthodox ignored this and still gathered in large numbers.

Members of the Pnei Menachem community in Jerusalem celebrate Hanukkah without adhering to coronavirus restrictions, December 17, 2020 (video screenshot)
Members of the Pnei Menachem community in Jerusalem celebrate Hanukkah without adhering to coronavirus restrictions, December 17, 2020 (video screenshot) https://www.timesofisrael.com/hundreds-of-maskless-haredim-crowd-in-jerusalem-for-hanukkah-candle-lighting/

The word ‘hannuka’ means ‘dedication’. Hannuka is not one of the cycle of annual feasts prescribed in the Old Testament, since it commemorates events after the Old Testament period, but we know that it was celebrated from the period of around 150 years prior to Yeshua’s birth. In 167 BC the Greek ruler, Antiochus IV Epiphanes, ritually desecrated the Second Temple. Three years later, the Jews were able to take possession of it again during the Maccabean Revolt, but in order to dedicate the Temple to YHWH, special consecrated oil was needed. Some oil was found but it was enough only for one day. According to tradition, a miracle occurred and the oil burned for the whole eight days needed for the dedication process. For this reason the Festival of Hannuka is also known as the Festival of Light, and we traditionally light the Hannukiah, the 8 branched candelabra, adding one light each night for 8 nights. Today we continue this tradition and also celebrate by eating oily foods such as sufganiot (donuts) and latke (potato fritters), and playing with spinning tops (dreidels). Yeshua celebrated Hannuka, as we can read in John 10. He went up to Jerusalem during the Feast of Dedication (Hannuka) and went to the Temple. It was there the Jewish religious leaders confronted him demanding that he tell them plainly whether he is the Messiah (Christ).

Now it was the Feast of Dedication in Jerusalem, and it was winter.  And Jesus walked in the temple, in Solomon’s porch.  Then the Jews surrounded Him and said to Him, “How long do You keep us in doubt? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly.”

 Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in My Father’s name, they bear witness of Me. But you do not believe, because you are not of My sheep, as I said to you. My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand.  I and My Father are one.

John 10: 22-30

One of the best known Hannuka Songs is Maoz Tsur. It begins this way (in translation):

O mighty stronghold of my salvation,
to praise You is a delight.
Restore my House of Prayer
and there we will bring a thanksgiving offering.

This Hannuka, may many recognise just who is this Maoz Tzur, our Rock of Ages, and may His ‘house of prayer’ be established in our hearts.

Here is a modern rendition of the song.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mkOss8P5tg

CHRISTMAS

We do not really celebrate Christmas here in Israel but, since moving to Jerusalem, it has been my custom to go along to the carol service at Christ Church in the Old City on Christmas Eve. It’s usually a joyful evening of singing carols, meeting friends, eating home-baked Christmas cookies and supping on hot, mulled wine to keep out the cold. It is always very special as a lot of people wander in off the street too, just to see what is happening and to enjoy the music. It won’t be happening this year, but the Christ Church congregation will be broadcasting carol services online. You can join in via the link on their website – https://www.cmj-israel.org/christchurch (which also gives the times of the services).

Christmas celebrations have been cancelled in Bethlehem too, which is an economic blow to that city. I was saddened by the headline in one of our local online news sources which read, “Bethlehem Residents Light up the Christmas Tree with Little Comfort or Joy”. Perhaps the current restrictions give us a good opportunity to reflect on the real source of our comfort or joy, Jesus (Yeshua). God was incarnated as a baby, Jesus, born in Bethlehem to share in our human weakness, to suffer and die for our sins, so that we can have the comfort and joy of knowing that our sins are forgiven and we can have eternal life. That has never changed. Christmas is not about Christmas trees (a pagan tradition), Santa Claus, decorations, giving presents, eating massive meals- or even about gathering with our families. It’s about that little baby born (probably not on Dec 25) in Bethlehem in a humble manger. We have in Him so much comfort and joy. No virus can rob us of that.

No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven, that is, the Son of Man who is in heaven.  And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up,  that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.  For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.  For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

 “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.  And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.  For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed.  But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.”

John 3: 13-21

The Message And The Messenger | Northstar Church
https://faithbibleministries.files.wordpress.com/2015/12/jesus-birth.jpg?w=640

THE ABRAHAM ACCORDS

The Abraham Accords is the name being given to the agreements being forged between Israel and various Arab states, namely the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, Sudan and, just this week, Morocco. These accords are causing much excitement here as a whole raft of new business deals, trade and tourism opportunities are opening up. Already some 50,000 Israelis have visited the UAE. The video below shows Israeli goods on display in a large market in Dubai.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=opC8WZSvGKo

IRAN

On Friday the 27th November ‘someone’ assassinated top Iranian nuclear scientist, Mohsen Fakhrizadeh. Iran and most of the world is blaming (or congratulating!) Israel for this action. There has been no official statement of responsibility issued by Israel, as is normal policy with these matters. Nevertheless the loss of this scientist is seen as a severe blow to the development of nuclear weapons in Iran. The Iranians, of course, are convinced that the assassination was carried out by Israel. Apparently Fakhrizadeh was killed by a remote controlled drone. Iranian leaders are threatening payback and Israeli security is on alert.

Two days ago Israel in cooperation with the US successfully tested its new multi-tier missile defense system, which can shoot down a wide range of missile types, from long-range cruise missiles to rockets and mortars, and even drones. To date Israel is the only country to have such a capability. “Jonathan Schanzer, senior vice president for research at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, said the ability of Israel’s Iron Dome system to hit guided munitions is significant, “particularly as Iran increasingly seeks to arm its terrorist proxies with weapons that [have] evasive qualities. Has Israel developed tech to counter Iran’s lethal precision-guided munitions effort? It certainly seems so” (4).

Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
    but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.

Psalm 20 : 7

NEW ISRAELI ELECTIONS

This coming Tuesday midnight is the deadline for the approval of a national budget for the year 2020 (no kidding – we are nearly in 2021 already). If the Knesset cannot reach agreement, the Knesset must be dissolved according to law, and new elections held by March next year. If this happens, and it seems inevitable, it will be Israel’s 4th election in two year period, something we can ill afford at this critical time.

CHURCH OF ALMIGHTY GOD

Recently I became aware that the pseudo-Christian cult called The Church of Almighty God, also known as Eastern Lightning, is attempting to infiltrate Israel. I stumbled across music videos in Hebrew which promote their twisted doctrines, which claim that a Chinese woman, called Yang Xiangbin (pictured above), is the second coming of Christ and the incarnated Almighty God. This dangerous cult, as bizarre as it is, has attracted a following of millions all around the world. I consequently wrote an article warning of this cult in Kehila News and you can read it on Beware the Church of Almighty God / Eastern Lightning » Kehila News Israel.

There are so many other things I could write about but in the interest of (finally) getting this update published I must stop now. Please keep the matters mentioned in prayer. God Bless you all over the Christmas Season and in the coming New Year.

REFERENCES

  1. https://www.ynetnews.com/article/S1WE0GdqP flooding and pollution https://www.ynetnews.com/article/BJ3x00C2cw more flooding https://www.timesofisrael.com/heavy-rains-batter-central-israel-cause-flooding-in-cities-highways/

2. https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-wet-november-bodes-well-for-full-kinneret-1001351298

3. https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium.MAGAZINE-in-reversal-israel-might-pump-water-north-from-sea-of-galilee-1.9356871

4. https://www.defensenews.com/training-sim/2020/12/16/israels-launches-first-ever-multitier-missile-defense-test/

4. https://www.timesofisrael.com/daily-virus-case-count-jumps-to-over-1800-ahead-of-nightly-curfew/

My article https://news.kehila.org/beware-the-church-of-almighty-god-eastern-lightning/

A SEASON OF CHANGE

November 2, 2020 /
The first clouds of Autumn at Mevaseret Zion 13 October 2020
The harbinger of Fall in Israel – the Sea Squill – Mevaseret Zion 13 October 2020

It is still (26/10) hot in Israel but there are signs that autumn/fall is already here and winter is just around the corner. Recently, while walking in the forest behind my house, I saw these two signs – clouds and sea squill. I always love seeing the first clouds appearing after the months of baking heat with nary a cloud in the sky. Likewise the first flowers to bloom after summer are the sea squill, which are considered to be the harbingers of autumn here in Israel.

Last week Israel began to lift the strict lockdown we have been under for a month. We were not allowed to go more than 1000m from our homes, and everything except supermarkets and pharmacies were closed, so it rather felt like being under house arrest. Immediately the 1000m restriction was lifted my friend from upstairs and I set off last Tuesday (20/10) for a little holiday up in the Galilee. We stayed with friends, a great pleasure after being isolated for so long, and we had three glorious swims in the Sea of Galilee, something that had also been banned during the lockdown, all beaches, parks and swimming pools being closed down. The weather was hot, still in the high 30s in the Galilee, but the water temperature was just perfect and so refreshing. It was also lovely to see the lake full of water after around 10 years of drought. I felt we were celebrating the end of our hottest- ever summer under various levels of lockdown and restrictions, and hopefully the coming of better times. I live in hope anyway!

On the day we headed up to the Galilee (20/10) there was a very odd occurrence in the Jerusalem / Mevaseret area. A rogue cloud appeared in the sky and it rained for about 20 minutes (1). The meteorologists had not forecast its arrival, nor can they explain how it came about. My only guess is that someone was praying for rain. Normally we begin prayers for rain during the Festival of Succot, but this year our minds were on other things. Please don’t forget to pray for rain. We had an abundant rainfall last winter, but we still need a good wet season for the trees and nature to recover from the years of drought. How good it was to see the Sea of Galilee full again.

A satellite view showing the single cloud bringing a storm to Jerusalem on October 20, 2020.
(screen capture: Windy.com)
https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/rogue-cloud-treats-jerusalem-to-first-surprise-shower-of-season/

Perhaps you don’t understand why I am focusing so much on the weather. Surely there are more important things to talk about these days? It might be because I grew up on a farm and learned how important the weather is to agriculture and farmers. From an early age my father taught me to read the signs in the sky and how to predict the weather – something very important then, as the official weather forecasts were far less reliable than today. In Yeshua’s (Jesus’) time too, the people knew how to predict the weather from observing the signs in the sky.

When the Pharisees and Sadducees came to Yeshua looking for a sign, He answered them saying, “When it is evening you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red’;  and in the morning, ‘It will be foul weather today, for the sky is red and threatening.’ Hypocrites! You know how to discern the face of the sky, but you cannot discern the signs of the times.  A wicked and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign shall be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah.” And He left them and departed.” (Matthew 16 :  2-4).

Can I, can you, discern the signs of the times? Many Christians today run after signs and wonders, but miss the most important thing, proclaimed by the sign of Jonah who was in the belly of the whale 3 days and 3 nights, foreshadowing the death and resurrection of Yeshua for the forgiveness of sins. Many today are excited about the signs that seem to indicate that the second coming of Yeshua is imminent. I agree that this seems possible, even probable, but I am reminded that NOW is the time of salvation.

Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.

2 Corinthians 6:2

We need to get our priorities right. The accepted time of salvation may be running out. The ‘times of the gentiles’ may be drawing to a close.

“And Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled”.

 “And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring;  men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.  Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.  Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.”

Then He spoke to them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees.  When they are already budding, you see and know for yourselves that summer is now near.  So you also, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near.  Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all things take place.  Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.

Luke 21: 24b-33

CORONAVIRUS IN ISRAEL

The good news is that the strict lockdown in Israel seems to have worked. Daily new cases have dropped from a high of 11,316 on the 23rd September to just 721 yesterday (31/10) (1). The government is trying hard to avoid the mistakes made after our first lockdown and is easing restrictions in a slow and incremental way to avoid another upsurge in cases. Last week the pre-schools and kindergartens reopened and today 1st-4th grade students returned to school. The remainder of students continue to study online. Most businesses and shops remain closed as are gyms and swimming pools. I am pleased to see that there is a greater degree of compliance amongst the general public as the message sinks in that we have to be careful lest a third lockdown become necessary. Nevertheless, Israelis are not known for their patience and of course many people are desperate to return to work and receive an income. Many are disobeying the regulations, opening shops and businesses, not wearing masks or keeping social distancing. Some are holding demonstrations against the government policies.

Meanwhile here in Mevaseret we are taking the regulations seriously – even our sheep are wearing masks!!!

Needless to say this is all wreaking havoc on our economy, which is ticking over at only about 50% at present. Many businesses are going under as credit runs out and financial relief packages are slow to come, inadequate or just non-existent. It is also having a serious effect on mental health with a large increase in those suffering from depression and other issues, and an increase in the rate of suicide.

Today (1/11) Israeli researchers began human trials of a vaccine against Covid-19. If it is successful, then mass production will be started by next summer.

Please pray that God will have mercy upon Israel, not because we deserve it, but because we bear His name.

NEW ORDER IN THE MIDDLE EAST

While we have been distracted by the Covid-19 crisis many other important events have been taking place almost unnoticed. Perhaps one of the most significant is the realignment of power in the Middle East. In my last post I reported the signing of a normalization agreement between the United Arab Emirates and Israel on September 15. Since then Israel has signed a similar agreements with Bahrain and the Sudan. There are also talks occurring between Israel and Lebanon regarding offshore gas fields, and rumours of an imminent deal with Saudi Arabia, both of which would have been unthinkable just a short time ago. Today (02/11) reports speculate that a possible deal with Syria, Israel’s sworn enemy, might even be in the making (5).

These agreements sound the death knell for the Arab-Israel conflict and perhaps even the Israel – Palestinian conflict. After the 1967 rout of the Arab coalition armies by Israel, the heads of all the Middle Eastern states gathered in a summit in Khartoum, the capital of Sudan, to decide upon their response. They passed three resolutions:

  • No peace with Israel.
  • No recognition of Israel.
  • No negotiations with Israel (4).

Clearly the deals struck with the UAE, Bahrain and the Sudan violate these resolutions, and are indicative of a deep rift opening in the Muslim Middle East and a huge realignment of power.

These deals came as a big shock to the Palestinians who have long relied on the total support of the Arab Bloc. After the agreement between the UAE and Israel was announced a video conference of Arab League foreign ministers refused Palestinian pleas to denounce the deal (5). This came as a terrible blow to the Palestinian cause. The message is that the Palestinian cause has been sidelined. There are other issues that are more pressing and important for the Arab world, namely the threat of the Iran, Russia and Turkish alignment, and the internal dissensions relating to the rise of extremist Islamic movements such as ISIS.

The Sudan has been a particularly hostile, sworn enemy of Israel for a very long time. Under its former dictator, Omar Hassan al-Bashir, Sudan was an ally of Iran and Hamas, and the conduit for arms passing from Iran to Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Now under new leadership, Sudan has secured relations with Israel and therefore becomes part of a completely new axis of power which centers on Israel.

The Sudan is situated on the southern bank of the branch of the Red Sea which leads to the Suez Canal, and lies opposite Saudi Arabia and Yemen. It therefore has immense strategic importance for Israel should we need to go to war with Iran and its allies. This would be strengthened even further if Saudi Arabia were to also enter into a alliance with Israel. Saudi Arabia is already permitting commercial flights between the UAE and Israel to cross its airspace.

Apart from the military implications, these new agreements open a vast opportunity for economic growth for all parties involved. Flights are already scheduled between the UAE and Israel, and citizens from both countries can visit the other freely without the need for a visa. With the flights only lasting 3 hours each way, it will now be possible for Israelis to go to the UAE for a day’s shopping!! Business, tourism, and investment opportunities abound for all involved and could lead to even further strengthening of this coalition. In contrast, the members of the remaining Arab Bloc, lead by Iran, Russia and Turkey, are struggling economically because of sanctions against them, wars and inner turmoil. This does not mean they no longer represent a danger to Israel. Quite the opposite. Iran is still breathing dire threats against Israel and as the regime faces rising internal strife, economic collapse and high coronavirus infection rates, a war would serve as a distraction and means of reuniting the nation. The USA, irrespective of who wins the Presidential election, is planning to make another deal with Iran concerning its nuclear development, and there are fears it might be as weak and dangerous as the last one.

On the whole however this new realignment is a wonderful opportunity for Israel to compensate for the losses caused by the coronavirus and to strengthen its economy. and also its strategic and military power in the region. Strange as it may seem, it is also a great opportunity for the Palestinians. If they can only throw off their long-time enmity and tunnel vision, which has lead only to stalemate and suffering, and embrace this new order of things, they too could benefit enormously. They could become the Dubai of the Mediterranean. Sadly however, the Palestinians have never missed an opportunity to miss an opportunity.

Although I, like most Israelis, are surprised and delighted by this turn of events, there is a niggling doubt in the back of my mind. In the past, when Israel has relied upon treaties and the support of its neighbors, consequently losing its total reliance on the LORD, it has ended badly. The alliances that form, and break and reform constantly in the Middle East are driven by a mentality of pragmatism. These nations see relationship with Israel as beneficial for now, but what would happen if these benefits were to cease? They could quickly revert to enemy status. Loyalty, trust and true friendship are not in the picture. In the Middle East these values last only as long as it is expedient.

Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help,
And rely on horses,
Who trust in chariots because they are many,
And in horsemen because they are very strong,
But who do not look to the Holy One of Israel,
Nor seek the Lord!
Isaiah 31: 1

ELECTIONS IN THE USA

With only 2 more days to go, voting in the USA is in full swing. I do not want to enter into the political discussions about who to vote for. However this election will have deep consequences for Israel and the Middle East, apart from the United States itself. I think it is imperative we pray, but how to pray? I can only echo Jesus’ prayer,

“ Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
 Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.

Matthew 6: 9-10

WINTER HAS COME – 2 November 2020

Winter arrived last night with our first proper storm system of the rainy season. Even though I have lived in Israel nearly 40 years I am still surprised every year when winter arrives. One day it is summer and the next day it is winter. There is no gradual transition and no real autumn or fall. The seasons change very abruptly, even in the space of just a few hours. Last night we had a lovely sound and light show and heavy rain, and rain and thunderstorms are expected all over the country during the week.

If you live in a rainy climate you cannot appreciate how excited we get here when the first rains fall. When I lived on the kibbutz back in the early 80’s we literally went outside and danced in the rain, and would take the little children out to play in the puddles. Please pray for an abundance of rain, but not floods, this winter. We still need much rain to replenish the underground aquifers and allow the natural ecosystems to recover after the long drought and the many wildfires of recent years. Around half the acacia trees in the Negev have already succumbed to the drought.

When I was at university in the mid-70’s I remember learning about global warming and climate change, and I remember clearly the prediction that the Sahara Desert would expand northwards. I, even then, feared what that would mean for Israel. Now it is happening. Since I first arrived in Israel 40 years ago weather patterns have changed from being somewhat predictable to erratic, with summers being much hotter and rainfall sparse. As I am writing this some people are outside harvesting the olives from the trees in the little park at the end of the road. I have never seen them bother to do that before as the olives there are small and dry. The olive harvest is in full swing but it is very, very poor this year because of a severe heat wave that struck in the spring just as the olives were flowering.

Some years ago, I was visiting a friend in Eilat and as I was leaving to return home my friend prayed with me and asked the Lord to give me a revelation as I travelled. At the time I thought that rather a strange thing to pray for, but as I drove northwards through the desert, I realized that it wasn’t until I was nearly in the outskirts of Tel Aviv that the landscape started to turn green. It struck me then how vulnerable Israel is, located right on the northern edge of the desert that stretches from the Sahara and across the Arabian Peninsula.

The Bible describes Israel as a land of milk and honey. This does not mean it is lush and fertile, as you might think, but a land of milk and honey is a marginal land where cattle graze and bees gather nectar from wild meadows. Why didn’t God take the people of Israel just a little further north where the land is well watered and the soil arable? I think it was because he wanted us as a nation to know our dependence upon God. When we are rich and comfortable, it is easy to forget God. Just before the people of Israel entered the Promised Land, Moses warned them, saying;

So it shall be, when the Lord your God brings you into the land of which He swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give you large and beautiful cities which you did not build,  houses full of all good things, which you did not fill, hewn-out wells which you did not dig, vineyards and olive trees which you did not plant—when you have eaten and are full—  then beware, lest you forget the Lord who brought you out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage.

Deuteronomy 6: 10-12

Please pray that God will supply all our need as a nation, but that we will never forget on whom we rely. May the current coronavirus and all the other difficulties we encounter serve to turn our hearts back to our God and seek his help, as Yeshua prayed,

Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
As we forgive our debtors.
 And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one.

Matthew 6: 10-13

References:

  1. https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/rogue-cloud-treats-jerusalem-to-first-surprise-shower-of-season/
  2. https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/country/israel/
  3. https://www.haaretz.com/middle-east-news/syria/.premium.highlight-is-trump-working-on-a-syria-deal-that-includes-normalization-with-israel-1.9279382
  4. https://www.israeltoday.co.il/read/is-this-the-end-of-the-arab-israeli-conflict/
  5. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/9/9/arab-league-ministers-agree-not-to-condemn-uae-israel-deal

LOCKDOWN II and the HIGH HOLY DAYS

October 12, 2020 /

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!  Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4: 4-7

Rosh Hashana in Netanya Day 1 of Lockdown II 19/09/20
https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-goes-silent-as-it-marks-rosh-hashanah-with-2nd-lockdown/#gs.gkuprm

LOCKDOWN II

In case you are wondering – yes, I am still here and doing well. It’s been a while since I have written for two reasons: there is not much new to say and, in spite of all, I do seem to be keeping quite busy – although at a fairly slow pace. Today (09/10/20) marks the end of the third week under the second lockdown in Israel, and there is still no announcement about it ending. Only in the last few days have there been a few cautious statements indicating that the rate of infection may at last be dropping, albeit more slowly than was hoped, and that the lockdown is actually working. There are some signs that the tight restrictions may begin to be lifted in another week or so, but it will need to be managed carefully and incrementally if we are not to have a third lockdown in future.

Personally I do not mind so much being under ‘house arrest’ but I am starting to fear I might get to like it too much and turn into a hermit. I have only been out of the house for the odd trip to the supermarket or the pharmacy, and the occasional stroll in the forest. I am looking forward however to being able to just visit a friend or go for a drive somewhere for a change of scenery. I am longing for the swimming pools to reopen so I can get a bit more exercise too. I do not complain however as I and all my friends here have somehow, by the grace of God, stayed healthy. I have my friends upstairs to talk to, my housegroup to fellowship with, and a nice apartment and garden to live in. There is much to be thankful for.

It has been strange to celebrate the High Holy Days under lockdown. These are times when people usually gather together for mass prayers and extended-family meals. Prayers were limited to a maximum of 10 indoors, and 20 outdoors and we are supposed to gather only with those who normally live in the same house. I am grateful that I have not been alone and have been able to share meals with my friends upstairs. Still, we miss being able to invite others and celebrate together. My friends upstairs have even been separated from their sons who have been under quarantine in their hostels during most of the feasts.

Although most people have been taking the restrictions seriously, a large number of people are refusing to do so, which is having the effect of prolonging the lockdown for us all. Some of the ultra-orthodox have continued to have mass prayer gatherings and other mass events. This together with the fact they live closely together and have very large families, often in small apartments means that they now are suffering 40% of the infections even though they make up only around 12% of the population. At least 1 in 3 people are testing positive in some of the ultra-orthodox towns and suburbs.

Ultra-Orthodox Jews attend the funeral of Pittsburgh Rebbe Mordechai Leifer in the city of Ashdod on October 5, 2020. https://www.timesofisrael.com/chaos-as-police-break-up-large-haredi-funeral-in-jerusalem-arrest-11/

Another group that persistently disobey regulations and gather in large numbers are the protestors that gather around the country, mainly on Saturday nights. These protests have been going on for some months and until recently were permitted under the proviso that participants wore masks and kept 2m apart. They did not do so. There is a growing anger amongst the general public against these protestors and the government is now finally beginning to clamp down on them. They are now only allowed to come if the site of the protest is no more than 1000 m from their homes. This means the protests have broken up into smaller gatherings scattered around the country. More fines are being handed out for non-compliance and some arrests are being made, particularly when violence is involved.

Normally tens of thousands gather at the Western Wall for the Shlichot prayers for forgiveness before Yom Kippur but this year numbers were strictly limited and social distancing enforced. Permission to attend was granted by ballot. Compare these photos.

The Shlicot prayers last year 2019
On night before Yom Kippur, pandemic lockdown keeps Western Wall mostly empty | The Times of Israel
The Shlicot prayers 2020
https://www.timesofisrael.com/on-night-before-yom-kippur-pandemic-lockdown-keeps-western-wall-mostly-empty/

It is sad to see the emptiness at the Wall but perhaps the LORD has sent us this pandemic to wake us up to the emptiness of the traditions and religious observances made by man, which sometimes serve only to mask the emptiness in our hearts. Perhaps now we can pause to consider the real meaning of these Festivals and examine our hearts before God.

UPDATE ON THE CORONA LOCKDOWN (12 October 2020)

As we enter into our 4th week of the second lockdown we are beginning to see some decrease in the number of new cases. In the last 24 hours there were only 827 new cases recorded, down from a maximum of 7,731 cases on October 1st. This indicates that the lockdown has been effective in spite of all those who are disobeying the regulations. As of today there has been a total of 290,000 cases recorded, and of those 229, 000 have recovered and 2016 have died. This does not include a large number of cases which have been treated secretly by ultra-orthodox doctors and not reported – a disturbing fact which has just come to light today (12/10).

The government has drawn up a 6-step plan for bringing us out of the lockdown. Each step will take at least two weeks, but the timing depends on the infection rates. The implementation of this plan may begin next week with the opening of preschools and businesses that do not receive the public. The government is trying to prevent the necessity of yet another lockdown with this cautious approach but the public is growing impatient and already there is much talk of defiance. I can no longer listen to the news as there is just so much fear and anger being expressed as more and more people are reaching desperation. Many businesses will not survive and unemployment is around 24% again. The economy is ticking over at about 50%. Unless the government injects a large amount of money into the economy, especially into the private sector, there are going to be a lot of people going hungry and living on the streets this winter. In addition to the economic crisis families can only cope for so long having the children at home with nothing to do. Mental health problems and domestic violence are on the rise.

Please pray for Israel and that we can come through this crisis which is the greatest threat we have faced as a nation, worse than any of the wars we have experienced. Wars tend to bring us together but this crisis is tearing us apart. The fabric of society seems to be unravelling.

US ELECTIONS

I normally do not comment on political matters but I think it is necessary with the US elections looming and the events occurring in the USA. Whatever happens in those elections will have a serious effect on Israel and the Middle East. I am not a big fan of Trump, but he has at least been a good friend to Israel. Biden is another matter and has already said he will reimplement the Nuclear Deal with Iran, which would upset the new balance of power that is developing in the Middle East. All I can really say is “may the LORD’s will be done on earth as it is in heaven”. I do believe however that we, as God’s children, have a responsibility to pray into this situation even if we are not American citizens. What happens in this most critical of US elections will impact the whole world.

UAE AND ISRAEL

Today (12/10) Israel’s Knesset (Parliament) reconvened for its winter session and the Cabinet ratified the agreement made with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in September. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he and Abu Dhabi’s Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan, agreed to meet ‘soon’ (3).

Also today we saw another historic event unfold. The first cargo bound for Israel from Abu Dhabi arrived in Haifa Port on the merchant ship, MSC Paris. Eight containers with electronic and fire fighting equipment, cleaning supplies and iron were unloaded – the first trade items between the UAE and Israel. Just two months ago any import from the UAE would have been unthinkable.

PRAY FOR RAIN

It is during the Festival of Succot that we here in Israel traditionally begin to pray for rain. We have endured the hottest summer on record and it seems reluctant to leave. Temperatures have this week begun to decrease slightly, especially at night, but are still over 30 degrees most days. There is still no sign of rain and not even a cloud in the sky.

On October the 9th temperatures in the high 30s and strong, dry winds put the fire risk into the extreme and some 250 fires broke out around the country, some natural, some caused by arson. Some 10,000 people had to be evacuated mainly from Nof Hagalil (Nazareth Ilit), Kfar Oranim (near Modiin) and Bat Hefer. Many fled with only the clothes on their backs and dozens of homes were lost (1,2). It is at this time of year the risk of fires is greatest as the hot, dry sharav winds start blowing. After the abundant rain last winter there is a lot of dry brush and undergrowth in the forests.

View of the damage caused to a house during a wildfire in Kfar HaOranim, near the city of Modiin, on October 9, 2020 (Yossi Aloni/Flash90)
https://www.timesofisrael.com/firefighters-continue-to-battle-blazes-that-forced-thousands-to-flee-their-homes/

DERECH HAMELECH

Now some good news – just for a change. At last our congregation is preparing to open our new learning center which we are calling Derech HaMelech (the King’s Highway). A couple have been appointed as administrators for this center and a number of teachers recruited. We plan to offer a wide range of language courses and courses on other subjects as demand and the availability of teachers permit. We hope to start in the near future and are currently putting together a website and preparing our marketing. It is all being done very professionally. I will be teaching an Intermediate English course and an Academic English course initially. Please pray that we will get sufficient students to run these courses. It is unclear yet whether we will be able to have actual classes or will have to do the courses online, but we are preparing for both eventualities.

QANON AND CONSPIRACY THEORIES

I recently published an article in the Messianic News. Here is the link:

QAnon, Conspiracy Theories and the Coronavirus

The Prophet Joel prophesied at a time of great national crisis, a terrible locust plague, and this was God’s advice to the people at that time. It seems appropriate for our day also.

“Even now,” declares the Lord,
    “return to me with all your heart,
    with fasting and weeping and mourning.”

 Rend your heart
    and not your garments.
Return to the Lord your God,
    for he is gracious and compassionate,
slow to anger and abounding in love,
    and he relents from sending calamity.
 Who knows? He may turn and relent
    and leave behind a blessing

Joel 2: 12-14

References:

  1. https://www.timesofisrael.com/firefighters-continue-to-battle-blazes-that-forced-thousands-to-flee-their-homes/
  2. https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/fire-breaks-out-near-modiin-illit-houses-burn-and-residents-evacuated-645138
  3. https://www.ynetnews.com/business/article/rk1vGT11Dv

IN THE FURNACE

September 16, 2020 /
Raindrops frozen in time, Timna (near Eilat) March 2015

See, I have refined you, though not as silver;
    I have tested you in the furnace of affliction.

Isaiah 48:10

HEATWAVE

It’s hot!! Israel seems to have been thrown into a ‘furnace of affliction’ in these days. We are in the middle of a very long heatwave which has lasted 13 days already already and there is no end in sight. On Friday (04/09) Jerusalem recorded a maximum temperature of 42.8 degrees Celsius (109 F), the highest ever recorded here (1). It was even hotter around the Sea of Galilee and in the Jordan Valley, with Tiberias recording 51 degrees (124F) (1). In Eilat the thermometer reached 48.9 C. The day before had been only one degree cooler. Since then the temperature has been hovering in the mid to high thirties here in Jerusalem. Temperatures have been slightly lower along the coast but, with the high humidity there, the heat stress is similar, if not higher. At least two people have died from heat stroke and hundreds treated for dehydration or heat stroke.

Every day I thank God for my little apartment which seems to stay amazingly cool thanks to its semi-subterranean location, thick concrete and stone walls, and surrounding shade trees. I have only rarely needed to turn on the air conditioning. I am also glad that I have been able to stay indoors most of the time. I am also thankful we here have had no power cuts, though there have been some elsewhere. Needless to say the electrical system is at times overloaded as everyone is running fans and air conditioners.


How Jerusalemites cope with the heat at a natural spring in the mountains/
August 30, 2020. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)https://static.timesofisrael.com/www/uploads/2020/09/F200830YS09-640×400.jpg

As unpleasant as this heat is, it is nevertheless the least of our worries these days.

CORONA CHAOS

Today (16/09) Israel broke another record, the highest number of confirmed new infections of the Covid-19 virus in a single day, 5,523. This brings our total number of cases so far to nearly 166,794 and our death toll to 1,141 (2). Our infection rate per capita is now the highest in the world!! Last week someone put 1019 empty chairs in Rabin Square in Tel Aviv to represent the death toll at that time, and the people who will not be joining their families for the High Holy Day celebrations this year (2). It’s a sobering sight.

An aerial view shows chairs installed at Tel Aviv’s Rabin Square to symbolize the 1,000 coronavirus deaths in Israel, on September 7, 2020 (JACK GUEZ / AFP) https://static.timesofisrael.com/www/uploads/2020/09/000_1X16XO-640×400.jpg

A new word has been added to our Hebrew vocabulary of late – l’zigzag – meaning to zig zag! It is used to describe our government’s policies regarding the corona virus outbreak. One day they make a decision and the next day they reverse it. This vacillation has reduced our faith in the government to near zero. No one knows what the regulations will be at any specific time, and this makes running a business or even a home, never mind a whole country, very tricky.

Last week for example, it was announced that some 10 towns would be put into total lockdown in view of their high infection rates. Most of these towns were either predominantly ultra-orthodox or Arab, and many of their residents felt they were being unfairly singled out on the basis of prejudice. Consequently the religious factions pressured Netanyahu who zigzagged and cancelled this decision. A new decision was announced which put some 40 towns or suburbs under a night-time curfew instead. This curfew means that from 7PM to 5PM the following morning people cannot move more than 500 m from their homes and all businesses are closed. Although the curfew is still under effect in these areas, compliance is very low. The intention is to stop all weddings and other large gatherings from taking place, and police have begun breaking up such gatherings and fining those organizing or hosting them. According to the current rulings gatherings of more than 10 indoors and 20 outdoors are banned, but many people, especially the ultra-orthodox and Arab sectors have been holding gatherings of hundreds of people, which is likely to be at least one of the reasons their infection rate is so high.

DEMONSTRATIONS AND ANARCHY

One group that continues to ignore the regulations are the 10-15, 000 mostly secular people who gather each Saturday night in Jerusalem, outside the Prime Minister’s home, to protest the government’s handling of the crisis, the economic situation, violence against women, racial prejudice, and a whole raft of other causes. Smaller numbers also demonstrate in other parts of the country. These demonstrations have been ongoing for 12 straight weeks so far and at times have degenerated into violence, between demonstrators, the counter-demonstrators and the police.

I find it hard to understand why they are allowed to demonstrate in large numbers contrary to regulations while it is not allowed for others to pray together, or hold weddings or other gatherings, in numbers greater than 10 indoors and 20 outdoors. Why is the democratic right to demonstrate held in higher regard than the right to pray? Such inconsistencies also serve to undermine public faith in the government and the rule of law. We are seeing a disturbing rise in lawlessness and anarchy in Israeli society, as is occurring elsewhere too.

Although most of the issues raised by the demonstrators are legitimate concerns and need to be addressed, I do ask if this is the way to do it? It is easy to criticize but what solutions do they offer? You can bring down a government but what will you put in its place? Anarchy?

I would also like to ask them that with all their supposed social conscience, why have they so little consideration for the people who live in the area who suffer from the noise, the closure of roads and the disruption to access to their homes week after week? Not only that, they blame the government for the mishandling of the crisis, but it is not the government directives that have failed, but our failure to obey them, that has brought us to this point. The protestors themselves are gathering in large numbers, without masks or social distancing, against the governmental guidelines and they themselves are creating the conditions that promote the spread of the virus. This is just hypocrisy.

Thousands mass outside Netanyahu's Jerusalem residence in latest protest | The Times of Israel
Demonstrations outside the Prime Minister’s Residence https://static.timesofisrael.com/www/uploads/2020/07/F200723OF09.jpg

LOCKDOWN AGAIN

At the end of this week the High Holy Days begin, with Rosh HaShanah (Feast of Trumpets), followed by Yom Kippur and then Succot (the Feast of Tabernacles). It is customary for extended families and groups of friends to gather together for celebratory meals at this time, and large numbers to gather at synagogues to pray. It is also the time, in normal times, when many take their annual holidays and travel abroad. This year it will all be different. In view of the rapid increase in infection rates we are experiencing the Cabinet has now approved a three week lockdown for the whole country over the High Holy Days, starting this coming Friday at 2:00 PM, the Eve of Rosh Hashanah, until the end of Succot. There will be no large gatherings for prayers, no extended family meals, no trips abroad and no internal tourism either.

The specter of another lockdown is very depressing. We spent Passover this year in lockdown and now it looks like we will also spend the coming High Holy days also in lockdown. Its a bit like saying to people in the West that Christmas, Thanksgiving and Easter are cancelled this year. However this is the price we are paying for the public’s refusal to take the virus seriously and obey the regulations. It is also the price we pay for the politicization of the crisis which has led to the failure of politicians to listen to the health professionals, even the government-appointed “Corona Czar”, and the tendency to put self-serving electioneering considerations before public welfare.

With the number of new cases skyrocketing, I have noticed that people are being much more careful about infections. At the supermarket today, I saw that a number of people were for example wearing latex gloves again as we did during the first wave. The supermarket was crowded with people stocking up on food and supplies both for the upcoming Rosh Hashanah holiday and for the lockdown, but there was no panic buying and no shortages as occurred in the first lockdown. Are we getting used to this new way of life?

I do pray that we, the public of Israel, will obey the government restrictions and directives this time around. If not, then it will all have been for nothing. The lockdown is perhaps our last chance to get this outbreak under control and the alternatives are horrendous. May people realize that it is not a punishment but an attempt to protect us all. May the LORD have mercy on us all.

CONSPIRACY THEORIES

We must no longer be children, tossed to and fro and blown about by every wind of doctrine, by people’s trickery, by their craftiness in deceitful scheming.

Ephesians 4:14

All the uncertainty, confusion and hardship engendered by the situation creates a high level of anxiety and a strong desire to ‘make sense of it all’, a recipe for the spread of conspiracy theories. A conspiracy theory is a belief that some covert but influential organization, with malign intention, is responsible for a circumstance or event. These offer an alternative to the mainstream explanations and are unsubstantiated by any facts or evidence, and often promoted by anonymous persons citing anonymous sources. They often appeal to those attracted to the idea that they possess secret knowledge not known to the masses.

The danger of conspiracy theories is that they spread as if they were fact, and in today’s world, all the faster because of our social media. It concerns me greatly that many Christians or Messianic Believers are buying into such theories. We should be the ones setting an example, not repeating slander or gossip, not giving into anxiety and fear, and instead basing our beliefs and opinions on fact and truth. We need to exercise sound discernment based on the Bible and its teachings. Unfortunately many today do not know what the Bible says and neglect to study it. Such people are prey to every teacher or preacher of every wind of doctrine and every theory. What is more, conspiracy theories lead to a break down of law and order, and encourage the non-compliance with the government directives that are intended to slow or stop the spread of the virus, thus exacerbating the problem. Some churches have become the center of virus outbreaks because they refused to obey governmental directives. What kind of witness is this? The Bible clearly teaches that we should obey the authorities, the only exception being if they try to stop us preaching the gospel.

Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.  Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 

Romans 13: 1-2

Someone recently sent me a video (4) made by a pastor of a church in the USA and he claimed that the corona virus pandemic was not a pandemic since it had killed far fewer people than at first predicted. Clearly he does not understand the meaning of the word ‘pandemic’. It is not to do with the number of fatalities, it is defined as ” the worldwide spread of a new disease”. Clearly the current covid-19 outbreak has spread to nearly every country in the world, and therefore by definition is a pandemic.

There is also a disconnect in thinking in his kind of reasoning. He, and others like him, say that because the number of deaths (so far anyway) is way below that originally feared, then the pandemic is either not real (and just some conspiracy) or not as serious as was first thought. This is illogical since it may well be that it is the lockdowns and other measures taken, such as the wearing of masks and increased hygiene, that have limited the seriousness of the pandemic to date. No one knows what would have happened had we not taken these defensive measures, and furthermore we may yet see a huge increase in the spread and effects of the virus. It is not over yet and many countries, like Israel, are seeing a serious increase in the infection rate as a second wave hits. What is more, if the rate of infection continues to rise, as it is doing in most parts of the world, and the hospitals become overwhelmed we will yet see a large increase in the number of fatalities. In Israel two major hospitals are already at capacity and have closed their doors to new corona cases. It is not the lack of beds or equipment, we have plenty of those in Israel, but it is the lack of trained doctors and nurses that is the limiting factor. Many of the corona ward personnel are on the verge of collapse from exhaustion, and some are falling ill themselves.

I believe the only hope to regain control of the situation is if people comply to the lockdown and other measures that are designed to protect us, but unfortunately the spread of conspiracy theories, the governmental zigzagging, and the selfishness of the “Me – first and only” generation(s?) are working against us.

THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR

Here in Israel the new school year began for most schools on the 1st of September. Only kindergartens and grades 1-3 are functioning on a normal schedule. In the higher grades, students are attending school two days a week and alternating that with online learning at home. No more than 18 students may be in a classroom at a time. I am so glad I am no longer teaching. I cannot imagine how hard it must be for the teachers trying to juggle classes and online learning at the same time. Now the schools are all going to be closed from tomorrow for at least a month.

Schools to open in September, with classes capped at 18, education minister says | The Times of Israel
A high school in Israel with classes capped at 18 students

https://static.timesofisrael.com/www/uploads/2020/07/F200708ZEL04.jpg

THE NEW MIDDLE EAST

Recently, even in the midst of all this corona chaos, a new middle east reality is emerging. On the heels of the horrendous explosion in Beirut, the fall of the government there and the consequent undermining of support for Hezbollah in that country, a surprise announcement was made recently of the signing of a peace treaty between Israel and the United Arab Emirates. What is more, even as I am writing our prime minister is in the USA to formalize an agreement between Israel and Bahrain. Who would have thought this could happen? Will Oman and the Sudan be next? What about Saudi Arabia, which although they say they will not sign any such agreement, has already permitted direct flights over its airspace between Israel and the UAE. Not only is this realignment strengthening Israel’s military presence in the Middle East it is opening up lucrative markets for all the countries involved. This might go far in redressing the economic losses we have experienced due to the corona virus.

The Palestinians are furious. They called for a meeting of the Arab League to denounce the agreement but it failed to do so. This was a serious blow for the Palestinian cause, and probably signals its defeat. Whatever the case, these agreements shatter the myth of Arab Unity and the Middle East is realigning into two power blocks, an US/Israel led coalition of ‘moderate’ Sunni states in opposition to a Russian/Iranian/Turkish led coalition. Last night, even as the US, Israel, the UAE and Bahrain were signing the new accords, the Palestinians in Gaza fired a volley of 13 rockets into Israel, striking a shopping mall in Ashdod. Two Israelis were injured, one of whom, a 62-year-old man is now in serious, but stable, condition. In retaliation Israel bombed a number of Hamas military installations in the Gaza Strip. It will be interesting to see what happens next.

THE COMING OF THE LORD

In times of turmoil, crisis and upheaval such as the whole world is now experiencing it is natural to ask whether this is the beginning of the end times, the time prophesied in the Book of Revelation. I have heard recently many teaching one thing or another, often contradicting each other, regarding the interpretation of events. I, like many others, feel that things are indeed coming to a climax but want to sound a word of caution. Do not be easily shaken. Keep calm and study the word of the LORD. Contrary to some of the teachings and prophecies that are abounding these days, the coming of the Lord Yeshua will not happen at a time of a worldwide restoration or revival in the church, but rather it will be preceded by a time of apostasy in the church. Many will fall away and be led into delusion and will believe the lies of Satan. I suspect we are living in these times as predicted by Paul in his letter to the Thessalonians,

Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, 2 not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come. 3 Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, 4 who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.

5 Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things? 6 And now you know what is restraining, that he may be revealed in his own time. 7 For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way. 8 And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming. 9 The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, 10 and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, 12 that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

II Thessalonians 2: 1-12

Please pray against the forces of deception and the lies. We here in Israel are not exempt. Many are being led into strange doctrines that contradict what is written in the Scriptures. May we all cling close to God in these times and pray that the Holy Spirit will help us rightly interpret the Word and the times, and we will be protected from the delusion that is coming, and already is, in the church.

References:

  1. https://www.timesofisrael.com/hottest-day-in-israeli-history-as-eilat-and-jerusalem-record-unprecedented-highs/ https://www.ynetnews.com/article/HJFIaOFQP https://www.timesofisrael.com/jerusalem-bakes-under-record-setting-temperatures-with-more-on-the-way/
  2. https://www.timesofisrael.com/schools-to-close-a-day-early-as-over-5500-virus-cases-confirmed-in-24-hours/#gs.fr7b8l
  3. https://www.timesofisrael.com/1019-empty-chairs-placed-in-tel-aviv-square-to-protest-coronavirus-dead/
  4. https://youtu.be/CdZbS0xC9q4

5. https://www.timesofisrael.com/israels-lockdown-rules-effective-from-september-18-at-2-p-m/#gs.folk5l

BLUE SUMMER

August 27, 2020 /
At the Jerusalem Rose Garden

Today I said ‘goodbye’ to another friend who is leaving the country and I feel blue. It feels like the story of my life – saying goodbye. Its part of living in Israel – people come and people go. Yes, of course some stay, but there are just way too many goodbyes.

As I sit at my desk and look outside I can see the sky and it is strangely blue. It has been a strange summer in many ways, but the blue sky is a hauntingly beautiful reminder of just how strange it is. Normally the sky in Israel in summer is a yellowish beige color or at best an insipid pale blue, but this year, with almost no air traffic passing over, the sky is a deep, rich blue day after day, something we would normally only see a few days in the winter.

CORONA IN ISRAEL

Five months have passed since we first went into lockdown because of the corona virus. We are no longer under strict lockdown but life is still far from normal here in Israel, as in many other parts of the world. We continue to have around 1500-2000 new cases of covid-19 every day, and two days ago (24/08) we passed the 100,000 mark of confirmed cases, and now (26/08) have 107,341 confirmed cases, and the death toll has reached 867. With one of the highest infection rates in the world, we still cannot meet indoors in gatherings of more than 20 people, and 30 people outdoors. We must wear masks outside our home and there are many other restrictions and changes. Our congregation and our housegroup are still meeting on Zoom and life seems to have become somewhat dreary, and the simplest tasks, like going to the bank or the doctor, much more complicated.

The school year is due to start on the 1st of September and there are fears that this will precipitate another upsurge in cases. It is still unclear how schools are going to operate. It seems likely that smaller children up to grade 3 will go to school as before but from grade 4 and upwards children will go to school only twice a week and learn online the remaining days. The older children will have to sit at least 2m apart and wear face masks. It is not at all clear if this is a workable solution or even can be implemented in practice.

About two weeks after the beginning of the school year we enter into the period of the High Holy Days – Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and Succot. These are times when large family groups normally gather for special meals and even larger groups congregate to pray. There is talk now of calling a full lockdown over the High Holy Days to try prevent yet another upsurge in corona cases. This year we ‘celebrated’ Passover and Shavuot under lockdown, it would be very sad to have to celebrate the High Holy Days in lockdown also.

Even if a new lockdown is instituted I am not sure it will be obeyed. Many people are defying, or just ignoring, even the current regulations, although in recent weeks more have been observing the requirement to wear a mask in public areas, probably because of the large fines being imposed for those who get caught not doing so. People are more anxious and are to some extent policing each other, something we didn’t see at the beginning.

Traditionally at Rosh Hashanah some 30,000 religious Jews gather at the grave of Rabbi Nachman de Breslev, the founder of the Breslev Hassidic movement, in Uman in the Ukraine. In view of the risk of spreading the corona virus Israel has asked the Ukrainian government to assist in preventing Jews from travelling for this pilgrimmage but already some have managed to slip through the net and are gathering in Uman.

Ukraine chief rabbi: Crucifix at Jewish pilgrimage site a 'provocation' - World Jewish Congress
Breslev Hassidim at the grave of Rabbi Nachman de Breslev in Uman, Ukraine https://www.tabletmag.com/sections/news/articles/tensions-build-in-advance-of-hasidic-pilgrimage

PROTESTS IN THE STREETS

At a time when it is forbidden to gather for prayer, weddings, and funerals in large groups the courts have persisted in upholding the democratic ‘right’ to demonstrate. For weeks now a noisy and large crowd of around 10,000 demonstrators have gathered outside Benjamin Netanyahu’s house in Jerusalem every Saturday night, and in smaller numbers also during the week.

What′s behind Israel′s growing protests? | Middle East| News and analysis of events in the Arab world | DW | 06.08.2020
Street protests in Jerusalem
https://www.dw.com/image/54444283_303.jpg

Demonstrations have also occurred in Tel Aviv and at other places around the country. The demonstrators are protesting a wide variety of issues, including the poor handling of the corona virus epidemic by the government (ironically), the corruption in the government, the ongoing court case of Benjamin Netanyahu, the economic crisis (more than 20% unemployment), environmental issues, violence against women and a whole plethora of other complaints. Most of these complaints have some validity but I really question their methods. Disrupting the lives of all the people who live in the area, the extremely loud noise and the blocking of roads, week after week, is inconsiderate and antisocial to say the least. The lack of any ‘social distancing’ and the fact that many are not wearing masks, belies any concern they might be expressing about the poor handling of the epidemic, and represents a serious risk for spreading the virus further. It is so easy to complain but I do not see these people suggesting any workable solutions to these issues!

Of course the protests have generated counter protests and this has resulted in some violence between protestors, counterprotestors and the police trying to control the crowds. There have been many arrests but the protests continue, week after week. Although these people are still a small minority I am concerned that they represent a growing social shift towards anger, anarchy and social breakdown. This video reveals the spirit that lies behind it all. (Hint: these people are NOT praying to the God of Israel!!)

THE NEW MIDDLE EAST

In spite of the pandemic, life goes on and we have seen some very significant events in the Middle East over the past few weeks, and an interesting realignment of power.

MYSTERIOUS FIRES IN IRAN

Iran, struggling with a high rate of coronavirus infection, economic collapse and the embargoes against it, has been struck by a whole series of mysterious fires breaking out in important installations and infrastructure such as at its nuclear research facilities, ports, oil refineries and power stations. At first, Iran claimed these fires were just accidents, but there have been so many of them this claim can no longer be sustained and they are now admitting the fires are probably the result of sabotage, perhaps carried out by means of cyber attacks. Who is carrying out these acts of sabotage? There are a lot of candidates, internal resistance groups, anti-regime resistance groups in Turkey and elsewhere, and of course Israel and the USA. No one is claiming responsibility and even Iran seems reluctant to point the finger at this stage.

EXPLOSION IN BEIRUT

As I hit the “publish” button on my previous blog, literally at that same moment (4th August), a fire followed by a massive explosion occurred in Beirut, destroying large swathes of the city, killing at least 180 people, injuring 6,000 and making around 300,000 homeless. The explosion was so loud it was heard in Cyprus. We didn’t hear it here probably because of the high mountains between us and Beirut.

We will probably never know for sure what caused this explosion but there does seem to be growing evidence that somehow Hezbollah was involved. Videos published indicate that a fire in a ‘fireworks’ or munitions store spread into the storehouse containing 2700 tons of ammonium nitrate which then exploded. Was it just negligence and a terrible accident, or was it sabotage? I do not know but I do believe that Lebanon will never be the same. There is a growing groundswell of discontent and anger directed towards Hezbollah, which is undermining its power. Will it be enough to bring down this powerful terror organization, backed by Iran? Not unless the international community is willing to raise up and support an alternative government in Lebanon, and this is not likely to happen in today’s atmosphere. The Lebanese government resigned after the explosion leaving a power vacuum. Who will fill it? Will there be another civil war there? Those Lebanese who can are fleeing the country. Once a majority of the population, the relatively wealthy Christians represent only around 10% of the population today.

UAE MAKES PEACE WITH ISRAEL

Last week we were all surprised by the announcement that the United Arab Emirates had signed a peace treaty with Israel. This is a huge step linking the two strongest economies in the Middle East with mutual trade ties and shared interests. I think it has come about for two reasons:

  1. A recognition of the mutual economic benefits. “Israel’s Economy Ministry has estimated that the normalization of ties between Israel and the United Arab Emirates could be worth hundreds of millions of dollars a year to Israel in trade and investments. According to figures compiled by the Ministry, based on various scenarios, exports to the UAE, which are currently at around $300,000 a year, could jump to an annual $300 million-$500 million “(1). For Israel this could help offset the massive economic losses sustained by the lack of trade and tourism due to the corona crisis. It will also open up markets in the far east. The UAE will also benefit from tourism from Israel and our technological know how in things like desert agriculture and water management.
  2. A case of ‘the enemy of the enemy is my friend’. We share a mutual enemy – Iran- and have a vested interested in working together against that enemy. Just take a look at the map:

United Arab Emirates political map
https://geology.com/world/united-arab-emirates-satellite-image.shtml

The UAE lies on the peninsula which juts out to form the strategically important and vulnerable Straits of Hormuz in the Persian Gulf, adjacent to Iran. If Saudi Arabia and Israel also form a coalition, as has been rumored, this would create a land connection between Israel and the doorstep of Iran, a great strategic advantage. Already Saudi Arabia has granted permission for civilian flights to cross its territory and airlines are offering a 3 hour flight from Israel to the UAE starting from next week!! We will be literally be able to fly to Dubai for a day’s shopping (well, the more wealthy among us anyway). There are rumors that other countries such as Sudan, Oman and even Lebanon are also secretly negotiating with Israel, although they are officially denying this.

Many of us are wondering what all this means? Of course Iran, and its allies, Russia, Turkey and China are not at all happy about the realignment of loyalties taking place. But should we be? I am reminded of another period in Israel’s history, prior to the Babylonian conquest, when Israel put its trust in a worthless peace treaty with Egypt rather than putting its trust in the all powerful God of Israel. Are we making the same mistake? Of course peace in itself is a good thing, and we should strive to live in peace will all men, as far as it is possible, but there is only one who is totally trustworthy and that is our God, YHWH.

It is interesting that the pact between the UAE and Israel created little outcry amongst the Arab nations, especially the more ‘moderate’ ones. It is a sign that the Arab world is getting fed up with the Palestinian issue and it is now being sidelined by the much more dangerous issue of the Iranian threat. There is a growing feeling across the Middle East that the Palestinians need to move on, put the past behind them and start thinking about their future. They need to recognise Israel and stop brainwashing their children in a culture of hate and violence. They have basically lost their cause, the destruction of Israel, and now have nothing to lose and everything to gain by working together with Israel.

It seems clear to me that all the things that are happening in the world today indicate that we are already in the end times. Everything seems to be getting set in place for the great war that will precede the setting up of a one-world government and the tribulation period. Just exactly where these events fit into the Scriptural scenario is not clear yet, though many have their own ideas about that, but the important thing is that we each individually are prepared. That means we need more than ever to check our walk with God. Are we in fellowship with him. Do we truly KNOW him in Jesus? If so, we need to stay close to Him, studying the Scriptures, avoiding error and deception and praying as never before.

Jesus warned that towards the end there would be many false prophets and false teachers who would deceive many, and a time of apostasy in the church. It seems to me that we are already experiencing this time of apostasy as the church is being infiltrated by many false teachings and practices, and believers seem to have little interest in sound teaching and the study of the Scriptures. Here is a link to an article I recently published in Kehila News, the Messianic magazine produced in Israel, confronting just one of the many false teachings going around at present.

COVID-19 and Prophecy: Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing

HEATING UP IN GAZA

Over the past few weeks we have had another upsurge in the release of arson balloons, some of which are carrying explosive devices. Every day there have been tens of fires ignited in the fields, nature reserves and towns surrounding the Gaza Strip. Most of these fires are quickly extinguished but many acres of crops and natural areas are being destroyed and the people living in constant fear. The IDF has developed a laser gun that can track and shoot down these balloons but the sheer number of balloons coming over is overwhelming. In addition to the baloons there have also been a number of rockets fired into Israel over the last couple of weeks. Israel is continuing its policy of retribution and is bombing Hamas installations in Gaza every day, but is careful not to escalate the situation more than is necessary. No one wants all out war at this point. Israel has also shut down the border crossings, prevented fishing boats from going beyond a certain point and stopped the supply of fuel for the power stations in Gaza. Consequently the citizens of Gaza are now getting only 4-6 hours of electricity a day – and this in the middle of summer and in the corona crisis. There is no doubt this is causing severe suffering to the population of Gaza.

Unfortunately Hamas has learned that it can escalate the situation to such a degree that it can ask for various concessions and get them. It is like rewarding a child with sweets whenever it throws a tantrum. One might ask why they are doing this at this time. One reason is that Qatar stopped sending money to Gaza and now they are demanding, not only these handouts be resumed, but doubled. They also are demanding an extension of the fishing zones and the opening of Israel’s borders to allow more workers to enter Israel. Gaza has an unemployment rate of around 60% but if they come to work in Israel there is a strong likelihood they will bring the infection from Israel into the Strip.

Until now Gaza has been spared serious levels of infection by the corona virus with only a few cases brought in by returning residents. However this week members of a family in the al-Maghazi refugee camp in the Strip were found to be infected, the first incidence of community transmission. As a result today the entire Gaza Strip has been ordered into strict lockdown for 48 hours (now extended for several more days). Perhaps this will give us a respite from balloon attacks? (Nope – didn’t!!) However if the virus spreads further in Gaza it will be a catastrophe as the poor health services and the dire economic situation in the Strip means they will not be able to cope. Hamas has already threatened a massive rocket attack on Israel should the virus spread significantly in the Strip – this in an attempt to pressure Israel to help them fight it. They have obviously never learned ‘not to bite the hand that feeds you‘!

TENSION ON THE NORTHERN BORDER

On July 20th a Hezbollah fighter was killed in an air strike against an Iranian military installation near Damascus in Syria. Blaming Israel, Hezbollah has threatened reprisals and will not be satisfied until at least one Israeli soldier is killed in revenge. There have been several attempts to carry out such an attack but none have been successful. We thought that perhaps, with the Beirut blast and its aftermath, the Hezbollah would have more important things on its mind, but apparently not. Last night they fired on Israeli troops operating near the border. None were hurt but Israel will not tolerate such an attack and this morning Israeli aircraft crossed into Lebanon airspace, for the first time since 2006, and fired on Hezbollah observation posts there. Flares illuminating the scene ignited some fires but no casualties have been reported. This means that tensions in the north are once more high, with some Israeli communities being ordered to stay indoors near safe rooms.

NEW ELECTIONS POSTPONED

According to the law, failure to pass a national budget by August 25th would have automatically required a new election here in Israel. Just two hours before the deadline the Knesset passed a bill allowing for an extension of 120 days, thus postponing the requirement for new elections. I hope our government can lay aside their politicking and squabbles long enough to pass some kind of a budget soon. It is difficult for government departments to continue functioning and to meet the new challenges facing us, without a budget.

IMMIGRATION TO ISRAEL

In spite of the coronavirus crisis there has continued to be a steady trickle of new immigrants arriving in Israel. Aliyah and Integration Minister, Pnina Tamano-Shata, Israel’s first Minister from the Ethiopian community, has put forward her plans to bring 4,500 members of the Falash Mura community still in Ethiopia to Israel by the end of the year, and the remainder of those 8000 waiting in compounds in Addis Abbaba by 2023. Some of these people have been waiting for 10 years, in poor conditions and separated from close family members already living in Israel. MK Tamano-Shata has recently been diagnosed with the virus and is currently in isolation.

SEXUAL VIOLENCE

This week the country has been shocked and disgusted by reports of a gang rape of a 16 year old girl by 30 men in a hotel in Eilat. So far only 11 have been arrested in addition to the manager of the hotel. This follows a similar event in Cyprus when a British woman accused a group of Israeli youths, aged between 15-22, of gang raping her last summer. She was pressured into recanting her accusation and the boys were acquitted and returned home to what almost amounted to a hero’s welcome.

Before I came to Israel I thought there was an enlightened attitude towards women in Israel. After all, one of Israel’s first Prime Ministers, Golda Meir, was a woman and woman worked alongside the men in the kibbutzim and served in the IDF from its earliest days. It didn’t take me long to realize I was very wrong. Women are regarded as sex objects and are given little respect in the Middle East in general, and this attitude also permeates some sectors of Israeli society. There is much violence against women and the number of women murdered by their husbands, or other family members, is alarming. Rape is also becoming more common as so many young people reject the moral restraints provided by faith or even religion. Only one in ten rape cases result in a conviction and only a tiny percentage of rape complaints make it to the courts in the first place, or are even reported to the police.

References:

  1. https://www.timesofisrael.com/as-israel-uae-ties-come-out-of-closet-businesses-are-abuzz-with-excitement/
  2. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/aug/25/fears-of-catastrophic-covid-outbreak-in-gaza-after-first-cases-outside-quarantine-emerge
  3. https://www.timesofisrael.com/israeli-aircraft-strike-hezbollah-observation-posts-after-shots-fired-at-troops/
  4. https://www.ynetnews.com/article/JK5LX4FYK
  5. https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/minister-proposes-bringing-4500-falash-mura-to-israel-by-years-end-639171?utm_source=spotim&utm_medium=spotim_recirculation
  6. https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/gang-rape-of-teenager-in-eilat-sheds-light-on-sexual-violence-in-israel-639846

CORONA CHAOS

August 4, 2020 /

How can it be that another month has passed? Time is flying by. We are now into the 6th month of the corona crisis and there is no end in sight. I seem to have adjusted to the ‘new normal’ staying at home mostly, not going out to work and seeing most of my friends only on Zoom. It is a strange life but it is life and I seem to still be keeping plenty busy. I am grateful that I and all my close friends and family are still healthy and that I still have a roof over my head and food on my table. I am so much better off than so many. It is good to count our blessings in such times – it helps us keep our balance.

Police clear off protesters who blocked a main road during a protest against Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu outside his residence in Jerusalem early Sunday, Aug 2, 2020. (AP/Oded Balilty)
Social distancing – Israeli style!!
https://static.timesofisrael.com/www/uploads/2020/08/000_1W68MH-640×400.jpg

Covid-19 in Israel

Here in Israel we are experiencing the ‘second wave’ of the virus amidst economic and political chaos. As of today (04/08) Israel has had a total of 74,430 confirmed cases of Covid-19 and 546 deaths. A week or so ago, the rate of new infections per day was exceeding 2000, the fifth highest per capita in the world, even higher than the USA. The graph below shows the number of new confirmed cases per day in Israel since the beginning of the pandemic.

As you can see there have been many more cases in the ‘second wave’ than in the first but, compared to other countries, our death rate has remained very low, now standing at 546 in total, less than 0.1%. The curve showing the total number of confirmed cases per day (see below) appears to be flattening over the last few days, but this could be misleading as the number of tests carried out has also dropped. As you can see yesterday (03/08), the number of new cases jumped by over 1800 but the number of tests carried out doubled over the previous day. The steep drop for 04/08 reflects that it is still only midday and many more may be reported as the day goes on.

A better indicator of the situation is the graph below that shows the total number of confirmed cases since the end of February. As you can see the graph may be showing a levelling off, but it is way too soon to know for sure.

https://corona.mako.co.il/

You might be wondering how it is that Israel, which did so well at containing the first wave, has failed so dismally in this ‘second wave’. In the first wave, restrictions and a lockdown were quickly implemented and there was a high degree of cooperation by the general public. However, Israeli patience is short, and as soon as restrictions began to be lifted we immediately lost all discipline and many people began to act as if it were all over, gathering in large groups and ignoring government guidelines. It didn’t help that the opening of the lockdown coincided with a severe heatwave that sent thousands to the beaches and other open spaces contrary to restrictions at the time. Schools were also immediately reopened and it proved impossible for them to maintain the restrictions, especially in the heat. Some schools became centers of infection and had to be closed down. In the weeks that have followed the government has zigzagged on restrictions, changing their minds every day or so, until the general public became totally confused about what was allowed and what not, and they lost faith in the government. This of course has sent all the politicians scrambling for survival, as the government teeters on the edge of collapse and the possibility of new elections looms. The dire situation has sent thousands to the streets to protest the perceived failure of the government in ongoing demonstrations, which have at times devolved into violence between demonstrators and counterdemonstrators, and the police trying to keep order. Needless to say, the demonstrators are not keeping social distancing rules nor wearing masks, and it seems to me they pose a greater threat to us all than the weak and confused government.

Thousands of protesters chant slogans and hold signs during a protest against Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu outside his residence in Jerusalem, Saturday, Aug 1, 2020. (AP/Oded Balilty)
10,000 Protestors outside the Prime Minister’s residence in Jerusalem, 01/08/20
https://static.timesofisrael.com/www/uploads/2020/08/AP_20214647095172-640×400.jpg

Violence at a protest in Tel Aviv

Of course all this is having a detrimental effect on the economy and people are getting angry and scared as the months tick by and still no money is coming in. There are still around 800,000 unemployed, more than 20% of the workforce. Many sectors, the tourist, hospitality and entertainment industries especially, are still totally shut down and these represent a huge part of the Israeli economy. This week the government is making a cash payment to every Israeli in an attempt to cool the anger, appease complaints and stimulate the economy. This payment is however very controversial as a flat sum is being paid out irrespective of income and means, which means the rich and very rich, who do not need it at all, get the same payment as the desperately needy, while the payout is costing the country around 1.9 billion dollars which we will have to borrow. This may not be so easy as Israel’s credit rating is deteriorating because it has been unable to pass a National Budget in spite of 3 elections and a unity government. If a Budget is not passed by 25 August, we will automatically have to go to new elections – something we need like a hole in the head. While I will be grateful for the 750 shekel handout they promise me as a single individual, this amount will cover perhaps two trips to the supermarket and will not significantly help in the long term. I cannot see this move will in any way stimulate the economy.

The situation is bleak and the future is uncertain. Recently the Director General of the World Health Organization put it this way:

“The pandemic is still accelerating,… We know that the pandemic is much more than a health crisis, it is an economic crisis, a social crisis and in many countries a political crisis… The greatest threat the world faces is the lack of global solidarity and global leadership” (1).

The end result of this pandemic could yet result in the destabilization of many governments and nations, social chaos and world-wide economic collapse, the conditions just perfect for the establishment of a one-world government under the control of a strong, charismatic leader, the Antichrist, as the Bible predicts will occur in the end times.

Then I stood on the sand of the sea. And I saw a beast rising up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and on his horns ten crowns, and on his heads a blasphemous name.  Now the beast which I saw was like a leopard, his feet were like the feet of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion. The dragon gave him his power, his throne, and great authority.  And I saw one of his heads as if it had been mortally wounded, and his deadly wound was healed. And all the world marveled and followed the beast.  So they worshiped the dragon who gave authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?”

 And he was given a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies, and he was given authority to continue for forty-two months.  Then he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme His name, His tabernacle, and those who dwell in heaven.  It was granted to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them. And authority was given him over every tribe, tongue, and nation.  All who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

Revelation 13 : 1- 8

“I will punish the world for its evil,
And the wicked for their iniquity;
I will halt the arrogance of the proud,
And will lay low the haughtiness of the tyrants.
 I will make a mortal more rare than fine gold

Isaiah 13:11-12

Hospitals in Crisis

We are in the midst of the worst medical crisis to hit Israel and our hospitals are to be congratulated on the excellent care provided to the ill which has resulted in a very low death rate. However hospital authorities are warning that this could all change if the government does not do something to help them out. Yesterday some of the largest hospitals in Israel warned that they would have to start laying off staff as they can no longer pay their salaries, and this comes at a time when we are desperately short of doctors and nurses. Since the beginning of the corona crisis only 19 new hospital beds have been made available. A couple of weeks ago, the exhausted nursing staff went on strike for two days, pleading for help, and especially the hiring of additional staff. The government did say it would hire another 2000 doctors and nurses, but it is not clear where these highly trained people are going to come from, and who will pay them. Hospitals are warning they are close to collapse. If the rate of serious corona cases continue to rise we will soon be unable to treat those needing ventilation and we will see a sharp rise in the death toll. Please pray that a solution to this situation will be found.

Corona ‘Czar’

פרופ' רוני גמזו מציג את התוכנית שלו
Prof. Roni Gamzu giving his first press conference as the new coronavirus czar
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/rkCpm60lv

One ray of hope in this situation is the appointment two weeks ago of Professor Ronni Gamzu as the Corona ‘Czar’, an experienced medical professional in the public health field and a non-political figure, tasked with stopping the chain of infections and he has authority in testing, epidemiological investigations and quarantines. Gamzu lost no time in addressing the public and calling upon us to cooperate and work together with him and the government to fight this outbreak. He is working to present a logical and sensible plan of attack. A central part of his new plan will be the involvement of the IDF (Israel Defense Forces) to implement the epidemiological tracing of the infected, a somewhat controversial move as it involves the tracing of individuals by means of their cell phones, a serious infringement of privacy, but one temporarily sanctioned by the government under the emergency law.

No doubt there will be much controversy yet but at least now there is someone taking charge who seems to know what he is doing and has no personal political interests. Ynetnews put it this way, ”

At long last someone has decided to put his professional and personal ego aside in an attempt to create a consensus among all those who want to see Israel emerge from this mess. Gamzu’s opening moves are cause for optimism, and even if success is not guaranteed, we can finally see light at the end of the tunnel. If Israelis pitch in with Gamzu and his plan, there just might be a chance the country can defeat the virus without another lockdown and normal life can slowly resume. If not, all that await us are failure and disaster (2).

Please pray for Gamzu. He has terrible responsibility on his shoulders and needs all of God’s wisdom to make good decisions. Please also pray the politicians will not undermine his efforts. We need someone to reunite us as a people, and who will encourage us to pull together to get out of this mess.

With the school year about to start, at the beginning of September, there is talk of a possible total lockdown being imposed again towards the middle of this month. Although all effort is being made to avoid this happening, it may be deemed necessary to decrease the level of infection prior to the beginning of the school year. Decisions about schools opening, and under what conditions, have still not been reached. This is creating a high level of uncertainty and anxiety for students, parents and teachers.

Tension in the North

Two weeks ago a Hezbollah operative was killed by an attack on Iranian installations in Syria and Israel has been blamed. Hezbollah promised to avenge this killing and last week a group of Hezbollah operatives penetrated the Israeli border but were chased back by IDF forces who spotted them. Thus frustrated, another attempt was made, this time from Syrian space, and four operatives tried to plant explosive devices in an abandoned IDF base. They were killed by IDF fire and an aircraft. Yesterday morning the Imam Ali base near the town of Abu Kamal, in eastern Deir Ezzor region close to the border with Iraq, was attacked by unidentified aircraft and 15 Iranian-backed militiamen were killed. A number of positions, bases and weapons stores were destroyed (3). Israel has not admitted to carrying out this attack but has an ongoing policy of attacking Iranian supply lines, installations and weapons stores in Syria.

Please pray this escalating tension will ease. The last thing anyone in this region needs right now is a war.

Tension in the South

The southern border is relatively quiet but there have been a number of rockets being fired into Israel over the last weeks and also at least one incendiary balloon. With the fire risk season approaching its peak we do not want to see a resurgence of the balloon warfare we experienced over the last few years.

Wildfires

Fire season is upon us. Yesterday there was a major wildfire across the valley from here near Ein Kerem (the birthplace of John the Baptist). Some buildings and public buildings were threatened and around 200 severely handicapped children had to be evacuated because of the risk of smoke inhalation. Fire fighting planes and firefighters succeeded in extinguishing the fire. It served however as a warning that as temperatures rise and the late summer winds increase, the wild fire season is once more upon us.

Iran

Iran is also battling a serious crisis with the coronavirus, but lately it has also been hit by a string of explosions and fires at both civilian and military strategic installations. At first they tried to say these were accidents but the number and nature of these events clearly indicate that they are attacks. Israel is of course being implicated but there are a number of other possibilities too . Foreign or domestic organizations opposed to the regime may well be responsible.

Where is God in all this?

The situation is grim but I believe that God is still in control and has a purpose in all this – namely to call the unsaved to consider their lives and confront the possibility of death. God desires that no man, woman or child would die. He has provided a solution through the death and resurrection of Yeshua (Jesus), who has conquered death and promised eternal life to all who will follow him.

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

John 3:16

This is the message that needs to be proclaimed to all mankind today. There is hope, certainty and safety in Yeshua if we are willing to follow Him. Without him there is only doubt, turmoil and darkness.

Please pray that this message will go forth loudly and clearly here in Israel. Congregations have not been able to meet face-to-face for nearly 6 months now and we are all being challenged to find new forms and ways to fellowship together and to proclaim the gospel effectively and clearly. One way this is being done is through the internet. I can recommend the videos being produced by OneforIsrael – just google them. Though they are in Hebrew , English subtitles are provided. Some of these videos have reached more than 500,000 Israelis and there is much fruit. Please pray for this ministry and especially for their protection (they have received death threats) and that they can continue their work. Pray too for other internet releases. Below is a fun one based on the story of Noah, produced by the Messianic Jewish Alliance and performed by the Music and Media School in Jerusalem.

Finally here is another video, produced by OneforIsrael which exposes the basis of the spiritual bankruptcy of Rabbinical Judaism as it is practiced today.

‘My people have committed two sins:
They have forsaken me,
    the spring of living water,
and have dug their own cisterns,
    broken cisterns that cannot hold water.

Jeremiah 2: 13

Broken cisterns

References:

  1. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/news/article.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=12345574
  2. https://www.ynetnews.com/article/rkCpm60lv
  3. https://www.timesofisrael.com/15-said-killed-in-mystery-airstrikes-on-iranian-backed-militias-in-syria/

IN THE SHADOW

July 2, 2020 /

Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me,
    for in you I take refuge.
I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings
    until the disaster has passed.

Psalm 57: 1-2

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
    will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
    my God, in whom I trust.”

 Surely he will save you
    from the fowler’s snare
    and from the deadly pestilence.
 He will cover you with his feathers,
    and under his wings you will find refuge;
    his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
 You will not fear the terror of night,
    nor the arrow that flies by day,
 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
    nor the plague that destroys at midday.

Psalm 91

I woke up this morning (30 June) with a heavy sense of sadness for all that is happening in the world. I made the mistake of turning on the TV news which only heightened my sorrow. The pandemic is strengthening its hold in many parts of the world and we here in Israel are once more facing an alarming resurgence of cases, and restrictions are being reimposed. Riots here and there around the world threaten anarchy and the break down of civilization as we know it. Wars rage and refugees starve. It is a bleak picture.

Also on the news was a report of the celebration of the summer solstice here in Israel and the opening of a Yoga center at the Indian Cultural Center in Tel Aviv. My heart was torn by the widespread embrace of pagan and satanic religions and practices here in Israel. I then started watching something online and was confronted by the state of the church worldwide and the false and distorted teachings that are gaining ground. My heart was very grieved and I felt like the flood gates of evil have been opened and wickedness was flooding the earth. I asked God “How long?” I turned to the Holy Scriptures and was much comforted when I read Psalm 92, which says,

O Lord, how great are Your works!
Your thoughts are very deep.
A senseless man does not know,
Nor does a fool understand this.
 When the wicked spring up like grass,
And when all the workers of iniquity flourish,
It is that they may be destroyed forever.

Psalm 92: 5-7

I see that this is a time when we who love God must take shelter in His wings, keep in close to Him, for evil is being unleashed on the earth for a period, but the time will come soon when all iniquity will be judged and the enemies of God destroyed. It is a time when we who follow Yeshua (Jesus) must exercise discernment and hold tightly to the Truth as revealed in the Bible, lest we are led astray into error by the false teachers among us.

“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.

 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thorn bushes or figs from thistles?  Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.  A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them.

Matthew 7:15-20

THE SUMMER SOLSTICE

Today (22 June) is the summer/winter solstice, the longest day in the northern hemisphere and the shortest in the southern. This year it has coincided with a solar eclipse being seen in many parts of the world, from West Africa to the Arabian Peninsula, India and southern China. Here in Israel we just experienced a slight dimming of the light as only 40% of the sun was covered by the moon.

Pagan and new age religions, and Satan worshippers celebrate the solstices and many others read much into the signs in the skies. Someone forwarded this invitation to me today from the Jerusalem Branch of the Disciples of Lucifer calling for a march at the Western Wall today. Here is a copy of their invitation:

Public  · Hosted by Disciples of Lucifer Jerusalem, Disciples of Lucifer Palestine, Disciples of Lucifer Israel, Disciples of Lucifer HQ and Jeff Shalit Satanic Commander of Lucifer’s ArmyGreetings citizens of Jerusalem,We are the Disciples of Lucifer. And we are here to fulfill the Prophecies of Revelations and start the foundation of forming a One World Government. We are calling on every citizen of Earth to stand in support of the formation of The One World Government. So on June 21st, 2020 we’re calling on every citizen of the Earth to start marches all over the place in support of forming a one world government. Where does it start it starts with you how can you help create your own chapter in your town plan marches and spread the word of forming a one world government tell your friends your family your co-workers and random people on the streets the time to form a One World Government is now the time to fulfill the prophecy is now. Help do your part to support the formation of a One World Government make events for June 21st, pass out flyers and tell everyone you know to support the formation of the One World Government.
We are calling on every Palestinian and Israelite to come to the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem on June 21st at 2 P.M. we will fulfill the prophecy and build the new Temple of Solomon and this new Temple of Solomon will be for everyone Palestinian Israelite and any outsider the only way for the Palestinian Israelite conflict to end is for a one world government to be initiated all Palestinians and Israelites are invited to the luciferian March for a one world government do your part to help out with the One World Government.

Lucifer is Love. Lucifer is Life

Identical invitations have been published on Facebook in many cities all over the world. As far as I can see these ‘Disciples of Lucifer’ are not a well organized, sophisticated cabal of Satanism actively plotting to take over the world and I do not expect that these called-for marches will draw huge numbers of people today. However behind them is a darker entity, whom we call Satan, who is actively preparing the world, and human minds and hearts for the prophesied One World Government of the Book of Revelation. His methodology is not new. He will by various means such as wars and pandemics create such chaos and suffering that the world will cry out for ‘a strong leader’ (heard that before?) who will unite us in a one world government and bring peace. The video below explains this better than I can.

(30 June) I wrote the above on the eve of the summer solstice, before the event. Many Christian and Messianic believers had been praying against this demonstration and some had gone to the Wall to share the gospel with these Satan worshippers. I am very glad to report that only about 10 of Lucifer’s disciples turned up at the Western Wall in response to this call to establish this one world government. Nevertheless I see this as a sign of the times, that groups like this are now bold enough to come out in the open and preach their blatant satanic lies. That even 10 people would come to the most Holy Place of YHWH in the name of Satan is an abomination indicative of the spiritual lostness in Israel.

Of course this should not surprise us. Satanism is deeply entwined in some streams of modern Judaism, especially in the teachings of the Kabala, which is also becoming very popular in Israel and elsewhere. OneforIsrael, a Messianic organization devoted to spreading the gospel in Hebrew online, has published an expose of certain rabbinical teachings which are clearly satanic and pagan in nature. It is no wonder that John the writer of the Book of Revelation made reference to the “synagogue of Satan” (Revelation 3:9).

THE SECOND WAVE OF COVID-19

The month of June has seen a steady increase in the number of new Covid-19 infections. The graph below shows the cumulative number of those with a positive diagnosis of covid-19 infections in Israel, from 28 February until yesterday, 29 June. As you can see the graph leveled off for a while but as soon as restrictions began to be lifted, the number of cases began to rise again, and growth is now approaching exponential levels.

https://corona.mako.co.il/

Update 2 July – in last 24 hours another 980 new confirmed cases, the highest daily increase in Israel since the beginning of the pandemic. There have now been 26,021 cases since the initial outbreak, 8,271 of them currently active. The death toll is now 321 (3). The Health ministry is pushing for strict lockdowns in dozens of cities but the government is resisting this as it could result in economic disaster. As of tomorrow the Palestinian Authority is enforcing a strict lockdown throughout their region with all businesses closed for 5 days except for grocery stores and pharmacies (4).

This alarming trend has caused the so-called ‘Coronavirus cabinet’, the group of government ministers tasked with making decisions regarding the pandemic, to rule the reimposition of some of the restrictions that were earlier lifted. Under the latest ruling,

“ imminent events scheduled to take place by July 9 will be limited to 250 participants.

For the rest of July, from July 10 to 31, outdoor weddings and bar mitzvahs will be limited to 250 participants while indoor ones will face stricter limits: a maximum of 100 participants or 50 percent of the space’s fire-safety capacity, whichever is lower.

Other family gatherings, such as circumcisions and funerals, are limited to 50 attendees.

All houses of worship are limited to gatherings of 50 people.

Universities and colleges were ordered to switch to online exams wherever possible.

Government agencies have been instructed to send 30 percent of their employees to work from home“(1).

It seems to me unlikely that these new restrictions will be sufficient to reverse the trend, but the government is trying to balance this need with the economic necessity of keeping businesses functioning and enabling people to cope financially. It is a delicate balancing act and one that could fail on both counts. Israel still has an official count of around 21% unemployment, which does not take into account the self-employed who have lost their livelihoods and others who do not qualify for the unemployment benefit. This means that at least 1 in 4 Israeli workers are out of a job at present. The government has announced a large aid package to try and keep the economy afloat but it is not yet clear if it will be sufficient. I suspect there will be many people going hungry and homeless this winter.

ANNEXATION OF THE JORDAN VALLEY

The other headline today (30 June) is the question of the annexation of territory in the Jordan Valley by Israel. Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has repeatedly claimed that the annexation will begin tomorrow, the 1st of July. Will this happen? It seems doubtful. According to the Times of Israel,

“Netanyahu has repeatedly promised to declare annexation over all of Israel’s West Bank settlements and the Jordan Valley from the July 1 date permitted by his coalition deal with Alternate PM and Defense Minister Benny Gantz, subject to American approval. But earlier this week, he told settler leaders the non-settlement areas might have to wait. Well-placed sources told The Times of Israel last week that the joint mapping committee tasked with delineating the contours of the annexation move still had weeks if not months of work, and the IDF has not been told precisely what Netanyahu has in mind” (2).

Although the annexation, slated for the 1st of July, was part of the coalition agreement with the Blue and White Party headed by Benny Gantz and the first step of the so-called Peace Plan touted by the USA, both Gantz and the US seem to have cooled in their support. Another spanner in the works is that yesterday, after refusing to come to talks regarding the Peace Plan, the Palestinian Authority, in conjunction with Hamas and Islamic Jihad, suddenly announced that they are now willing to enter into negotiations regarding a limited land swap. This well-timed ploy makes it almost impossible for Israel to go ahead with a unilateral annexation. The Kingdom of Jordan is threatening to annul the Peace Treaty with Israel and the Palestinians are threatening a third intifada should the annexation proceed, though a mass rally in Ramallah this week failed to draw many people, indicating a degree of battle-fatigue and a loss of faith in their leaders amongst the Palestinian population. So we will wait with baited breath to see what will happen tomorrow. “May God’s will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven.”

(Update: 2 July. As expected no annexation occurred and now Netanyahu is fudging it saying that it was never intended to occur of 1 July, only that the process of deciding would begin then)

SHELANU TV STATION

The Messianic TV station, Shelanu, which was broadcasting in Hebrew has now been silenced as its license to broadcast was withdrawn by the Israel Broadcasting Authority as a result of pressure from the religious authorities. It was claimed that Shelanu had violated their agreement not to proselytize. It seems to me that in broadcasting Christian/Messianic content it is impossible not to be seen to be proselytizing, and therefore it was perhaps unwise of the organization to make such an undertaking in the first place, if indeed they did. Having said that, it is not illegal to proselytize in Israel, except to children under the age of 18. However the rabbis are very afraid of the growing Messianic movement here and there is a widespread belief in the general population that Christianity is responsible for all the persecution of the Jews in Europe, including the Holocaust. The Israel Broadcasting Authority and the religious authorities have no problem with the broadcast of a channel devoted to the teachings of Kabala, the several pornographic channels that are available, nor the promotion new age and pagan practices on our TV channels. This issue highlights the situation here in Israel that it is OK to worship Satan, practice witchcraft and sorcery, worship pagan gods and promote new age practices, but if you want to be a disciple of the Messiah Yeshua and a follower of YHWH you are outcast and considered a traitor to the Jewish people. How sad that is. How I long for the day when this veil is lifted.

But their minds were blinded. For until this day the same veil remains unlifted in the reading of the Old Testament, because the veil is taken away in Christ.  But even to this day, when Moses is read, a veil lies on their heart.  Nevertheless when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 

2 Corinthians 3: 14-16

SCIENCE AND GOD

When I was a small child I believed in God with that childish faith that all children have. Then I went to high school and began studying science and somehow I came to believe that God did not exist and I believed in only what I could see and touch. Fortunately my heart still hungered after Truth and God found me, drew me to Himself and eventually, when I was in my final year at school, revealed Himself to me. As I went on to study Science at university a number of people have since asked me how I can call myself a born-again Christian and study science. This question has always puzzled me as I see no contradiction between my faith and science. How can you love the Creator and not love his creation? God put in us the capacity to understand, learn and discover, and a curiosity and drive to do so. Why would He not want us to use this God given ability? Yet to this day I find many believers who have a fear of Science because of the perception that at least some of the findings of science contradict the Bible. I can honestly say that in the nearly 50 years I have studied both the Bible and science I have found no contradiction and the things I have learned about God’s creation have only served to strengthen my faith. Louis Pasteur, the founder of microbiology and immunology, best known for his discovery of penicillin, said this:

“A little science distances you from God, but a lot of science brings you nearer to Him”.

The problem is that most of us only have a little science. But those who study in depth find the fingerprint of God. Science is all about finding cause and effect relationships and if you trace these relationships far enough back you will find the primal cause, God. For this reason many of the worlds greatest scientists have had to admit that the best explanation for the universe is the existence of a transcendent God.

If this topic interests you please join my 3 part online seminar, which starts on the 17 July, and explores the relationship between God, the Bible and Science in some depth:

YOU ARE INVITED TO A THREE-PART ONLINE SEMINAR

GOD AND THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING

HOSTED BY TALIA VOICE

BSc(Hons) Zoology, MSc(Hons) Natural Resource Management

Shemen Sasson Congregation, Jerusalem, Israel

Friday 17th July, 2020 : The Revelation of God in Nature

The Bible and Science, God’s revelation in Nature, Fact vs Faith, and the Nature of Science

Friday 24th July, 2020: The Big Bang, Space-Time and Creation

The size of the universe, the timeless dimension and the theory of everything

Friday 31st July, 2020: The Age of the Earth, Life and Evolution

The age of the Earth, the creation of mankind, life and evolution

All sessions 9:00 – 11:30 AM (Israel time)

In English only

To attend please contact Talia at tgood37@gmail.com for the Zoom link and password

If you cannot attend at those times, you can request the link and password for the web-based recording, which will be sent to you after the seminar.

Participation is free of charge, but donations will be gratefully received via PayPal to the above email address.

FINAL WORDS

There is so much I could write about but in the interests of actually getting this published I will stop for now. I want to close by sharing with you two more videos produced by OneForIsrael, which expose some of the lies preached by some streams of rabbinic Judaism.

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Isaiah 40:31

References:

  1. https://www.timesofisrael.com/as-infections-rise-ministers-impose-new-restrictions-on-weddings-public-events/
  2. https://www.timesofisrael.com/netanyahu-to-initially-annex-3-settlement-blocs-not-jordan-valley-officials/
  3. https://www.timesofisrael.com/980-new-virus-cases-diagnosed-over-24-hours-in-highest-daily-tally-yet/
  4. https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/pa-territory-to-enter-full-lockdown-starting-friday-due-to-coronavirus-633473
  5. https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-israel-pulls-plug-on-god-tv-christian-channel-spreading-gospel-of-jesus-to-jews-1.8953019
  6. https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/israel-cancels-evangelical-christian-channel-god-tv-633054
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