Israeli Elections

On March 17th, residents of Israel will go to the polls to elect a new government. Recently, in a survey, 51% of the citizens indicated that Benjamin Netanyahu is the most suited to continue as the Prime Minister while 28% preferred Isaac Herzog of the Labor Party.

Over the last few weeks, Israeli democracy has been under a sustained attack in a desperate effort to subvert the will of the people. This is being conducted by the mainstream media in an attempt to impose their minority world view on Israel. Sounds like "politics as usual" even in Israel.  

Rather than engaging in debates on how to conduct the affairs of their nation the Israeli media has attempted to oust a Prime Minister with petty attacks. They have also attacked Mrs. Netanyahu, certainly not a relative factor in determining the ability to govern. The media found it important to focus on who received a thousand dollars for recycled bottles, the cost of Sara Netanahju's hairdos and was the Prime Minister's garden furniture purchased within proper guidelines? The public trust in the media is among the lowest for any of the country's institutions.

All of this is happening while the nation is facing the possibility of a Nuclear Iran; ICIS is threatening Jordan; ICIS is taking over Iraq and Syria; Jihadist terrorists are dominating the Sinai; and anti-semitism is on the rise in Europe.

Earlier, it was mentioned the Labor Party probably is the Prime Minister's and his Likud Party's main opponent. They have traditionally supported turning over Judea and Samaria to the Palestinians thinking this will achieve peace. Prime Minister Netanyahu has continually stated he is "For Peace" but will not give up Judea and Samaria unless the Palestinians recognize Israel as a State which they say they will never do. Even more important, if Israel turns over Judea and Samaria to the Palestinians, the remaining geography of Israel will be almost impossible to defend.

Obviously, the residents of Israel need to seek the wisdom of our Lord God   in determining how to vote in the upcoming election. Our prayers on their behalf within the next three weeks is very important. Proverbs 3:5-7 would be a special way for us to pray for the Israelis, "Trust in The Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes."

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

Frank        

The Speech

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu speaking at the conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations raised the question, "If the emerging agreement with Iran is a good one, why hide the details?" Netanyahu raised this question the same day the United States decided to reduce the exchange of sensitive information about the Iran talks. Netanyahu continued, "Just as Iran knows what agreement is being offered, it is only natural that Israel should know as well since it is the most threatened by a Nuclear Iran."

Tensions have risen recently between Israel and the United States since the Speaker of The House of Representatives, John Boehner, invited Netanyahu to speak at a joint session of Congress about the threat of a nuclear Iran without involving the White House. Netanyahu has said he cannot guarantee his address to Congress will prevent world powers from signing a bad nuclear deal with Iran, but it is his obligation to go and make a case for Israel.

Last week, some Israeli politicians urged the Prime Minister to cancel his upcoming speech believing the speech would have a negative impact on United States - Israel relations. The Prime Minister has also been accused of using the speech to enhance his position for re-election since his speech is scheduled for March 3rd just prior to the Israeli elections.

As a result, all of this raises the question - Is the Prime Minister's speech worth it? Absolutely! Netanyahu continued in his recent message, "I don't see this issue in partisan terms. The survival of Israel is not a partisan issue. It concerns everyone, all the supporters of Israel from every political stripe. The fight against militant Islamic terror is not a partisan issue. The effort to prevent Iran from building nuclear weapons is not a partisan issue. Now, can I guarantee that my speech in Congress will prevent a dangerous deal with Iran? Honestly, I don't know?" 

We who love and support Israel can play a vitally important part during these difficult and challenging times.  1Timothy 2:1-2 says, "Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence." Additionally, in Ephesians 6 we are encouraged to "Put on the armor of God" and in verse 18 we should be "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints." Our Lord God makes a way for us to be victorious against our individual enemies but also desires for us to intercede for all leaders especially in Israel and the United States.

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

Frank    

The Battle For Jerusalem

Many cities around the world are dearly loved by those who live in them. But few, if any, raise the kind of passion as does Jerusalem. The Jerusalem Covenant, drafted on the 25th Anniversary of the city's reunification says it well: We love you, O Jerusalem, with eternal love, with unbounded love, under siege and when liberated from the yoke of oppressors. We have been martyred for you, we have yearned for you, we have clung to you. Our faithfulness to you we shall bequeath to our children after us. Forever more our home shall be within you. 

Never has a people group, except the Jews, been separated from their homeland and then miraculously returned to live within those ancient borders once again. For thousands of years, the cry of Jewish people in all the nations has been, "Next Year In Jerusalem." Generation after generation wept as they read the words, "If I forget you, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her skill! If I do not remember you, let my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth - if I do not exalt Jerusalem above my chief joy." Psalm 137:5-6.

However, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu declared recently, "We are in the midst of a terrorist assault focused on Jerusalem. During morning prayers last November, as they were wrapped in prayer shawls and tefillin, four Rabbis were slaughtered. We will not tolerate this reality; we will fight terrorism and we will defeat it. We will restore law, order and security to the streets of Jerusalem. We are in a battle for Jerusalem, our eternal capital."

The final status of the city is a major point of contention in peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians. The Palestinians claim that the presence of two of their holy sites gives them legitimate  rights to half of Jerusalem. What matters is that the God of the Universe has promised to restore His people to the City of The Great King, never to be uprooted again. His word makes it clear it is His City and a very fitting capital for the people who are the apple of His eye. "You (Jerusalem) shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of The Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God." Isaiah 62:3.

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

Frank

"Never Again"

The past January 27th was the 70th anniversary of the closing of Auschwitz Concentration Camp. This day of remembrance coincided with the worldwide Day of Remembrance of the event of Holocaust in which six million Jews lost their lives. At this time every year, Jews throughout the world vow to "Never Again" allow something like this to happen.

Charles Krauthammer, well known syndicated Jewish commentator, wrote an article last week entitled "Soaring Anti-Semitism." The remainder of today's blog is a small portion taken from Krauthammer's message:

"The threat to the Jewish future lies not in Europe but in the Muslim Middle East, today the heart of global anti-Semitism, a veritable factory of anti-Jewish literature, films, blood libels and calls for violence."

Krauthammer continues, "The founding charter of Hamas calls not just for the eradication of Israel but for the killing of Jews everywhere. Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah welcomes Jewish emigration to Israel - because it makes the killing easier. 'If Jews all gather in Israel it will save us the trouble of going after them world wide.' And, of course, Iran openly declares as its sacred mission the annihilation of Israel."

In conclusion, Krauhammer continues, "On the 70th anniversary of Auschwitz, mourning dead Jews is easy. And, forgive me, cheap. Want to truly honor the dead? Show solidarity with the living - Israel and its six million Jews. Make 'never again' more than an empty phrase. It took Nazi Germany seven years to kill six million Jews. It would take a nuclear Iran one day."

AMEN, BROTHER CHARLES AND AGAIN I SAY AMEN!  

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

Frank

The Threat of Iran

Iran has apparently produced an intercontinental missile with a range that far exceeds the distance between Iran and Israel. Last week, satellite imagery taken by Israel's Eros-B Satellite showed a new missile launch site capable of firing an ICBM. On the launch site was a new 27 - meter long missile never seen before.

The missile and launch pad indicate Iran's Ballistic Missile Program is an important part of its Nuclear Weapons Program. As a result, Iran is not merely a threat to Israel but also to Europe and the United States.

Of equal concern for Israel is the diplomatic action taken by the Joint Plan of Action initiated by the United States, Germany, France, Great Britain, China and Russia. The Joint Plan signed with Iran in November of 2013 placed no limitation on Iran's Ballistic Missile Program. The agreement is supposed to limit Iran's enrichment of uranium. However, since the agreement, Iran actually has expanded its uranium and plutonium work. It appears now Iran has sufficient quantities of uranium to produce two nuclear bombs with a missile launch site.

Additionally, since the agreement Iran has repeatedly refused to allow the International Atomic Energy Agency access to its nuclear installations. The United States and its partners do not know for sure what nuclear installations Iran has or what nuclear development work it has undertaken.

How do the leaders of Israel, the United States and Europe respond to the news of almost immediate danger from Iran? They all need the wisdom of God! In the book of Deuteronomy, Moses renewed the Old Covenant given at Mt.Sinai in three messages. The first message in Chapters 1-4 proclaim obedience brings blessings from God. Chapter 4  verses 1,6,7, and 8 say, "Now, O Israel, listen to the statutes and the judgments which I teach you to observe. . .therefore be careful to observe them; for this is your wisdom . . .For what great nation is there that has God so near to it?. . .And what great nation is there that has such statutes?" The leaders mentioned earlier will receive blessings and especially wisdom as they obey His statutes. 

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

Frank      

French Jews Making Aliyah

After the recent terrorist attacks in France, I read three editorials with the same message - "Jewish people living in France are moving to Israel at an accelerated pace." Can we possibly blame them? France has become extremely anti-Semitic. Caroline Glick, a journalist with the Jerusalem Post, wrote an article entitled, "The Answer To French Anti-Semitism." Most of what I share with you today is from this article.

Early live reports from France during the hostage taking situation at the Kosher Supermarket did not even mention the hostages were Jews. It is believed Marseilles will be the first Western European city with a Muslim majority population. The overwhelming sentiment among French elites is hostility toward Israel. French President Hollande told Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu not to attend the anti-terror march in Paris on January 11, 2015. Prime Minister Netanyahu and other Israeli leaders are now calling for the Jews living in France to make Aliyah by moving back to Israel.

The threat of Aliyah is the only subject that causes French authorities to speak directly against anti-Semitism. The year 2014 saw a 50% increase in French Aliyah and it is anticipated 15,000 will move to Israel in 2015 with the number increasing each year. This will have a dramatic negative effect on the French economy. By the way, there are over 700 verses in the Word of God indicating the Jewish people will move back to Israel.

Our Lord God in Genesis 12:3 said to Abram, "I will bless those who bless you (Israel), and I will curse him who curses you." I believe this Word of our Lord God is now coming to fruition in  France.  Are you in agreement with me?

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

Frank   

    

Hypocrisy Toward Israel

We are all saddened and in prayer for the victim's families after hearing about three terrorist incidents in Paris this past week. A Jewish market was invaded and four patrons killed while preparing for the start of Shabbat. The most severe attack was the invasion and killing of 14 employees of the Charlie Hebdo Magazine. It appears Jihadist terrorists were attempting to destroy "Freedom of Speech" in France.

How does the incident at Charlie Hebdo Magazine affect Israel and especially where is the hypocrisy toward Israel? It is well known that Western Europe and especially France have become extremely Anti-Semitic within the last few years. How ironic and hypocritical this is since Israel is the only state in the Middle East with free elections, freedom of speech, political opposition and independent press, equal rights and protections for minorities and women.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu recently observed, "There is a standard for dictatorships, there is a standard for democracies and there is still a third standard for the democracy called Israel." What other country gives medical treatment to terrorists and their children? What other country gives refuge to a Hamas convert to Christianity? 

What is happening to Israel will eventually come to the West since Israel is an extension of the West.This past week in Paris is an illustration of this principle. Now this extremely important question arises - will Western Europe and especially France now change its stance toward Israel?

My prayer this day for all peoples in these challenging times is that we all proclaim like Moses just before his death about the one true God, "For I proclaim the name of The Lord: Ascribe greatness to our God. He is The Rock, His work is perfect; for all His ways are justice. A God of truth and without injustice; righteous and upright is He." Deuteronomy 32:3,4.

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

Frank