Israel is passionate about its statehood and those who made it possible.  As important as patriotism is in America, I’m not sure it reaches to the level of reverence it does in Israel.  Less than a week ago, Israel commemorated Holocaust Remembrance Day (Yom HaShoah) and today they commemorate Yom HaZikaron (day of remembrance for fallen soldiers).  About an hour ago (8:00pm in Israel) sirens throughout Israel went off and the nation stood still for moments of silence (just as they did on Yom HaShoah).

According to a reliable source I just read, Israel is paying tribute to 23,169 casualties of war and terror, 57 added since the 2013 commemoration.  Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon sent a letter to bereaved families that said in part: “Israel will mark its 66th year of independence this week, but unfortunately, we have not reached the end of our travails and we have not reached tranquility.  We will not be deterred.  We’ll continue to seek peace, but we’ll cut off the hand of those who seek our demise.”

Indeed, many seek Israel’s demise.  As believers, Scripture exhorts us to bless Israel (Genesis 12:3) and to pray for the peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122).  Today, will you join me in those endeavors?  Learning about, and being supportive of Israel blesses Israel!  And every one of us can pray (which also blesses Israel!)

BTW – Israel will also soon celebrate Yom Ha’atzmaut….Independence Day!  Just as the prophet Ezekiel predicted (Ezekiel 36-37), Israel was re-born on May 14, 1948.  In our study together we’ll look at that amazing prophecy, so stick with me!  (I’ll be posting our next study portion later today.)

For Israel:  יום עצמאות שמח   (Happy Independence Day!)