Talia's Joy

My perspectives on Israel and the Bible

Tag: demonstrations in Israel

ISRAEL IN CHAOS

March 27, 2023 /

Today, Monday 27 March 2023, will go down in history as the day Israel’s fate was sealed. We desperately need your prayers. Do not underestimate the power of your prayer. You can change history today.

The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months. 18 And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit.  James 5: 17-18

If you have turned on the news over the past few days you will see that Israel is in crisis, a greater crisis than any of the wars we have experienced or the terrorism we live with day by day or the Covid pandemic. Israel is imploding from inside. In the past hours our political crisis has reached a turning point and what happens in the coming hours will be decisive. I don’t want to go into all the political details as that would take a book and I don’t claim to know all of what has happened in the last months, however I will try give a brief rundown for you information.

The current government under Prime Minister Netanyahu is seeking to introduce a whole slew of laws and amendments, one of which , if passed would give the Knesset (Parliament) control over the appointment of Supreme Court judges and also the power to overrule any ruling of the Supreme Court, essentially putting the government over the Law. Although it is generally accepted that there needs to be some reform of the Judiciary, there is the feeling among many that this amendment to the Basic Law of Israel (the nearest thing we have to a Constitution) is being rushed through, without proper discussion and consensus, and stands to destroy Israel’s democratic system replacing it with a religious theocracy or even a dictatorship.

It is also generally believed that these amendments are being tabled primarily for personal reasons. Netanyahu is currently being tried on three counts of fraud and corruption, and if convicted, he not only would have to stand down from the Knesset, he would probably serve jail time. The leader of Netanyahu’s main coalition partner the Shas Party, Aryeh Deeri, who has already served a 4 year jail sentence for fraud and corruption, was also convicted of additional fraudulent activity about a year ago, and was only excused from serving additional jail time on the proviso he not sit in the Knesset, an agreement he has already clearly broken. The Supreme Court could have him removed and sent to jail, and this would bring down the coalition.

Needless to say, there is a great outcry on the streets. For 12 straight weeks there have been massive demonstrations against the Bill every Saturday night in all the major cities of Israel. There have also been other demonstrations during the week from time to time. These are the largest demonstrations ever seen in Israel. This last Saturday it was estimated that demonstrators numbered 250,000. For the most part these have been peaceful with only minor skirmishes with the police, as they have tried to keep control and prevent (unsuccessfully) the blockage of major roads.

This last Thursday night Netanyahu made a speech to the nation, hoping to calm the tension, but as the speech was deemed by many to be condescending and even insulting to those opposing the Bill, and as it containing factual inaccuracies, it actually had the opposite effect. In the speech he refused to heed the calls to put the law making process on hold so that proper discussions could be held and also to calm the people. On Saturday evening, one of his party colleagues, the Minister of Defense, Yoav Galant, broke ranks and made a public statement saying he was in favor of delaying the passing of the proposed law. The next day, yesterday, Netanyahu fired Galant, which has ignited much anger and protest. Last night thousands of people spontaneously went out on the streets of Israel to protest and blocked the main motorway through Tel Aviv, the Ayalon, for seven hours. To my eyes, many of the protestors this time were younger and more radical than in the earlier protests, breaking through the police cordon and setting fires in the roadway. Extremism breeds extremism!

The government planned to push through the second and third readings of this proposed Bill over the next couple of days. However in view of the outcry of last night, it was hoped that Netanyahu, in his expected speech this morning (Monday) would announce a ‘pause’ in order to calm the opposition. He has ‘delayed’ the announcement and as I write he and the other coalition leaders are in discussions. It appears that Deeri is threatening to leave the coalition, and so bring down the government, if Netanyahu makes such an announcement. Clearly, Netanyahu is no longer in charge.

In the meantime the leader of the Histadrut, the national labor union in Israel, Arnon Bar-David, made his own speech and called out an immediate, open-ended national strike. It is already starting. The airport is shutting down, with only landings permitted at the moment and I expect that landings will also stop once the planes in the air are safely on the ground. The hospitals have gone onto emergency services only, and even the major shopping centers and supermarkets are going on strike. Schools and universities are already out. It is going to be chaos if it isn’t stopped soon. We are only a few days away from the beginning of Passover and Easter, and Ramadan has already begun. Each day of strike will cost the country billions of dollars and threaten the economy which has already taken a serious hit.

The situation has now transcended politics. It is not a political ‘war’ it is a spiritual one. Satan is trying to derail God’s plan and the end time prophecies culminating in the return of the Messiah. If there is no Israel, then there is no return. I do not think God will allow this to happen of course, but if you are called by His name, you have responsibility and duty to pray against the rulers of the darkness that are coming against us to destroy us.

All this is taking place when we are already facing many security threats from Iran and its proxies, Hizbollah and Hamas, a rising level of deadly terror attacks and at the especially tense time of Ramadan, which this year coincides with Passover and Easter. I am sure our enemies are rubbing their hands in glee at our perceived weakness at this time, however should they stage an attack, I have no doubt that we would all come together and they would see how, deep down, we really are united in one thing at least – our survival.

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Ephesians 6: 10-13

The Body of Yeshua, made up of Jewish, Arab and Gentile believers, is also under direct attack. Last week two United Torah Judaism Members of the Knesset, Moshe Gafni and Yaakov Asher, tabled a proposed amendment to the Penal Law of 1977, which would make it illegal to solicit a person, directly, digitally, by mail, or online in order to convert his religion, the punishment being one year imprisonment; and if the person was a minor, the punishment is two years imprisonment.” For a full English translation of the proposal see (1) below.

This is not a new proposal. It has been tabled before every government since around 1990, but in the past, it was always quashed by the Supreme Court as it contravenes the Basic Law. When word got out to the evangelical world and caused an outcry especially in the USA, Netanyahu made the statement (2) on Twitter saying, “לא נקדם שום חוק נגד הקהילה הנוצרית. We will not advance any law against the Christian community.” I am not sure who constitutes the ‘we’ he is referring to. Gafni also tweeted on Twitter, saying

“הצעת חוק המיסיון הונחה כבכל תחילת כנסת ולא מקודמת בשלב זה, כך שהעיסוק בה כעת הוא לא רלוונטי. ( “The proposed ‘mission law’ was tabled as it has been at the beginning of every (new) parliament, but it is not being pushed forward at this stage, as it is at this time not relevant“- my translation)

Many believers here and around the world heaved a sigh of relief at these words, but I think we need to realize that Netanyahu is not really holding the reins in this government, and secondly we must not ignore those little words in Gafni’s statement – ‘at this time’. I suspect they will wait until our attention is directed elsewhere and sneak it through when we are not looking (as indeed they tried to do this time). If the proposed changes to the Supreme Court Law go through, then the Court could no longer block it as they have done in the past. Thank you for your prayers about this and please keep praying against it. Here we have the feeling that time is short for the gospel to go out freely here in Israel. Pray for us that we can make the most of the time remaining for us.

Satan is also trying to destroy the Body here causing division and dissension. Families are especially under attack. Last week there was a terrible event in Haifa that has rocked us all. The son of a well-known believing family attacked and killed his wife, while their three small children slept in the room next door. He turned himself into the police and is now in custody. It seems he was under the influence of alcohol at the time, but there had been previous violent incidents that had come to the notice of the police and social services. I have been a believer now for 53 years and I cannot remember a murder in our midst. We all ask how this could have happened. I do not know all the details, but please pray for the families involved. The sister of the man was killed during the Intifada in a bus bombing in Tel Aviv. She was only 14 years old. This family has suffered much.

There has been a huge surge in violence in Israel, particularly violence against women, with 24 women having been killed by their spouse in the last year. There was a Bill tabled in previous government which would have made it mandatory for a man convicted of domestic violence to wear an electronic ankle bracelet so he could be tracked. The current government, more interested in protecting men’s rights than women’s safety, had the Bill quashed a couple of weeks ago.

Another incident is causing division in the Body here is one involving a well known leader who has been a key figure in the One for Israel video outreach. He was fired last week after it was discovered he was dating another member of the team, just one month after his divorce had gone through. People are taking sides in this issue and it could cause a lot of division.

The writer of I Thessalonians had this to say regarding how we should live in the last days,

Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.

 And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you,  and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves.

Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all.  See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.

 Rejoice always,  pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

 Do not quench the Spirit.  Do not despise prophecies.  Test all things; hold fast what is good.  Abstain from every form of evil.

I Thessalonians 5: 11-22

Please pray for all the believers in the Land, that we will love one another, comfort one another and abstain for every form of evil. Pray especially for our leaders and their families.

But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief.  You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober.

I Thessalonians 5: 4-6

References

  1. https://allisrael.com/full-text-read-the-english-translation-of-the-newly-proposed-legislation-to-outlaw-sharing-the-gospel-message-in-israel
  2. https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-735162

PURIM 2023

March 11, 2023 /
Almond blossom, Ein Sataf, 21 Feb 2023

I have been somewhat remiss in updating my blog lately. I could say it is because I have been too busy (true) but it is largely because so much has been happening, it has seemed an impossibly daunting task. But here goes, I will try.

We have just celebrated the Festival of Purim in which we commemorate the events recorded in the Book of Esther. It is generally a fun time when children and adults dress up in costumes, eat Haman’s Ears cookies, and the Book of Esther is read in congregations amidst much noise-making and laughter. In some Orthodox circles there is even an injunction to ‘drink until you do not know’, though most people do not take this too literally (thankfully). This tradition however carries over to the so-called ‘Adloada’ (which translates as ‘until you don’t know’) which is a procession or street carnival held in almost every town, city and settlement in Israel on Purim.

Queen Esther leads the Adloada in Mevaseret Zion, 2023

This is the first time we have had an Adloada in Mevaseret since the beginning of the Covid Pandemic. It was lovely to see the families out having fun. For all that, it seemed to me that the joy was a little forced and the mood somewhat somber this year.

This is not surprising. Israel is facing what is probably the greatest threat to its existence since the founding of the State 75 years ago. We have survived many wars, two Intifada’s, missile and arson attacks, and innumerable terror attacks perpetrated by our enemies, but now we are facing the threat of self-destruction. There are even some who are warning of the possibility of a civil war.

For weeks now there have been around the country massive demonstrations, blocking roads and at times breaking out in scuffles with police. Demonstrators are expressing their opposition to the moves of the current government which they see as threatening the democratic system and human rights of Israel’s citizens, especially of women and minority groups. The central issue is the new Bill, that has already passed two readings in the Knesset, and which would give the government the power to appoint Supreme Court judges, and the ability to override Supreme Court rulings, essentially putting the government and Knesset members above the law. Israel’s democracy has been based on the independence of the judiciary as a check and balance on the government, and this Bill would seriously undermine this. There are many other issues too. It is too complex to go into all of them here.

With both sides accusing the other of undermining democracy and creating chaos and anarchy, there seems to be no way forward. The President of Israel has put forward an ‘outline’ of a compromise which he claims has the support of most of the Knesset ministers and the opposition, but the exact nature of this ‘outline’ and who supports it, is not clear.

Netanyahu is in an impossible situation. He can only remain in power if he has these small, extreme ultra-religious parties as coalition partners, and they will only stay in the coalition if Netanyahu keeps his promises to them. This means Netanyahu cannot back down on any of their demands without putting himself out of power. I don’t know how long the coalition can survive in such an atmosphere, but with no united opposition, the alternative is yet another election or anarchy.

Some have asked me how to pray into this situation. Here are some suggestions:

  1. Pray that God will raise up godly politicians and leaders who truly have the welfare of the nation at heart and not their own personal power and wealth.
  2. Pray that civil liberties will be maintained, especially the freedom of worship and the freedom to gather that we now enjoy. Currently believers in Yeshua can legally proselytize adults (over the age of 18), but that could all change under the current government.
  3. Pray that the political divisions in our society will not cause division in the community of believers in the Land.
  4. Pray against violence and the possibility of a civil war.

Iran

There is a danger that our enemies may see our internal struggles as a sign of weakness and might see this as an opportune moment to attack. If they do, they may get a surprise. If there is one thing that can unite Israelis, it is the imminent threat or an actual attack from outside.

Iran now has enriched uranium to 84%, just a step away from the 90% needed to make a nuclear warhead. The clock is ticking. The attempts to revive the 2015 Nuclear Deal with Iran have failed. The world has been distracted by the war in Ukraine and other matters. Iran has used this hiatus to strengthen its position. The Iranian regime is under attack at home and may see a war with Israel as a way to regain respect and status in the Muslim world, and the support of its people.

The US and Israel have been cooperating with preparations, and carrying out drills, for a military offensive to destroy Iran’s nuclear installations. Netanyahu has intimated that Israel is close to readiness for such an operation. He may see this too as a way to distract us from our internal dissension, and to maintain his hold politically.

Terrorism and the West Bank

The past months have seen a serious increase in terrorist attacks in Israel. At least 15 Israeli civilians have died in terror attacks since the beginning of the year. Just last evening (09/03) there were two attacks: one in which 3 young men on their way to a friend’s wedding were gunned down from behind at nearly point blank range in downtown Tel Aviv, and a bomb was planted in a bus in the town of Beitar Illit. Two of the young men suffered life-threatening wounds to the neck and spine and are still fighting for their lives. The third was shot in the face. The bomb on the bus was discovered in time and it was detonated by security forces without injury.

The number of attacks gives a false idea of the threat. Israeli security forces have managed to prevent thousands of potential and even imminent terror attacks. For months now they have been combing the terror nests of the West Bank arresting and at times killing those preparing attacks, and confiscating weapons.

The foreign press often carries headlines emphasizing the number of Palestinians killed by Israeli forces in the West Bank. They fail to point out that nearly all those killed have been in the process of preparing terror attacks on Israelis, and they opened fire on IDF soldiers who were trying to arrest them. Sadly, some civilians were also caught in the crossfire. They also fail to mention that the Palestinian terrorists intentionally target civilians, men, women and children. The IDF, on the other hand, tries very hard not to kill civilians and only targets known terrorist cells.

The West Bank is devolving into anarchy as the relatively ‘moderate’ President Mahmoud Abbas, is now aged 87 and ailing. When he resigns or dies he will leave a power vacuum. The Palestinian Authority is now very weak, and the terror organization, Hamas, which currently controls Gaza, is preparing to take over, with the support of Iran. It is infiltrating into Palestinian society and spreading its insidious ideology of mindless hatred and fear of Jews especially among the young and disaffected. They brainwash the young with inflammatory lies and propaganda and even run military training camps for children. These young people are then encouraged to carry out terror attacks and become martyrs, having been promised a reward in heaven. In the month of February, children as young as 13 and 14 carried out three terror attacks in Jerusalem using knives and guns. This is child abuse at its most extreme. Pray for these children, a whole generation, that are being brainwashed and for those who send them out to be killed in the name of Allah. They are all the victims of a Satanic lie.

Israeli Terrorists

Recently two young Jewish men travelling home by car through the Palestinian town of Huwara in the West Bank were attacked and killed. Later that night, hundreds of Israeli settlers attacked the town of Huwara, throwing stones into houses, and burning houses and cars, over a period of 5 hours. That this pogrom was carried out by Jews is shameful and deeply saddening. Afterwards, the far-right National Security Minister responsible for the Jewish settlements in the West Bank, Itamar Ben-Gvir responded to this attack saying, “I understand the hard feelings, but this is not the way, we don’t take the law into our hands…The government of Israel, the State of Israel, the IDF, the security forces – they are the ones who have to crush our enemies” (1) . Though Ben-Gvir has since tried to retract his statement, it is clear that his ultimate goal is to eradicate the Arab presence in the Jewish homeland.

The Earthquake in Turkey and Syria

I cannot finish without mentioning the terrible earthquake in Turkey and Syria. The horrendous level of destruction and the scale of the suffering is difficult to comprehend. That the earthquakes occurred during our worst winter storm of the season, with heavy rain and snow falling, and subzero temperatures, added to the suffering of survivors and hampered rescue efforts. Within hours Israel had sent a teams of search and rescue volunteers and a fully equipped and staffed field hospital, together with food, water and medical supplies. There are even reports that Israeli aid went in to the affected areas of Syria, but of course the Syrian government has to deny that, since we are still technically at war. Christian and Messianic aid organizations and churches in Israel have sent tens of thousands of blankets, coats, food and medical supplies.

The earthquake was felt strongly here in some areas, particularly in the north and along the coast. I saw a video taken in a 9th floor apartment in Hadera and the hanging lamp was swinging at least 1 meter each way. I didn’t feel it here near Jerusalem. As always, when these earthquakes hit our region, there is much talk about how unprepared we are for such an earthquake in Israel. It could have easily been us this time. According to the historical record we are overdue for a large earthquake so it is not a matter of ‘if’ but ‘when’. Following the earthquake in Turkey we had a series of tremblors here raising some concern. Things seem to have settled down for now. However should we get hit by an earthquake of comparable intensity we would see many of especially our older buildings crumble and fall and much loss of life. According to a report of the State Comptroller there are at least 600,000 buildings in Israel that would collapse in a significant earthquake. Buildings constructed before 1980 were not required to be built to withstand earthquakes.

Weather woes

The past months have seen many examples of extreme weather all around the world, floods, snowstorms, hurricanes etc. Israel has been blessed in that we have not experienced any weather related natural disasters lately. Our winter has been warmer and drier than normal. So far we have had only one significant storm system this winter. Here in the Jerusalem area we have had only 70% of our annual average rainfall so far and the rainy season is drawing to a close. There are signs of spring everywhere.

Almond trees in the mountains of Judah, from Ein Sataf, Feb 2023

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:
    “May those who love you be secure.
 May there be peace within your walls
    and security within your citadels.”
 For the sake of my family and friends,
    I will say, “Peace be within you.”
 For the sake of the house of the Lord our God,
    I will seek your prosperity.

Psalm 122: 6-9

References:

  1. https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2023-02-27/ty-article/.premium/israels-ben-gvir-vows-to-crush-enemies-after-settlers-west-bank-revenge-riot/00000186-9262-db08-a986-de76609a0000

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

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