Passover 2015

Passover is a special time of the year in Israel as God's covenant people remember how they were freed from slavery in Egypt and returned to their God given land. They also look forward to the future and at the challenges and security threats facing Israel. As they are celebrating Passover 2015 with their families, the following appears to be the main security threats.

The Egyptian Border - There is an increase in terrorists activities since 2010 with a peak last year. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have built a new security fence between Israel and Egypt. The main concern is that terrorists will try to attack IDF forces on the border. 

The Gaza Strip - Hamas and Islamic Jihad are working hard to rebuild their military capabilities. Hamas is spending large amounts of money in restoring its stockpile of weapons and its tunnel networks. As a result, the re-construction of civilian facilities is a low priority. 

Judea and Samaria - There are regular arrests of terrorist cells planning to kill civilians. Morning prayers at a synagogue were suddenly stopped when two terrorists carried out a massacre. Car ramming attacks have killed numerous citizens.

The Syrian Border - Two rockets have been shot into Israeli territory out of Syria. There have also been explosions along the border injuring Israeli civilians. Additionally, Syrian military aircraft have been seen flying over Israel. 

The Lebanese Border - Hezbollah is a strong force in southern Lebanon, one of their missile attacks killed two IDF soldiers on the Israeli side of the border. Hezbollah maintains 30,000 soldiers and 170,000 rockets pointed at Israel able to reach any location.

All of this does not even include the threat of a nuclear Iran which will be addressed in our message next week.

Last Monday as part of Passover, thousands of Jews joined together at the Western Wall to receive God's blessing for themselves and their nation from hundreds of priests. These blessings occur three times a year as part of Passover, Pentecost and the Feast of Tabernacles when Jewish men come up to Jerusalem.

The Priestly Blessing reads, "The Lord Bless You And Keep You; The Lord Make His Face Shine Upon You, And Be Gracious To You; The Lord Lift Up His Countenance Upon You, And Give You Peace." Numbers 6:24-26. How special and important it would be if all of us would pray this blessing over Israel and our families each day.

May The Lord Bless You And Keep You This Day And Each Day,

Frank