Intifada is an Arabic word, typically translated as “uprising, resistance, or rebellion,” and we tend to see intifada-type actions being taken by Palestinians in Jerusalem these days.  But are we seeing the birth of a true intifada?

In 1987, and again in 2000, Palestinians launched what are known today as the First and Second Intifadas in Israel, stemming primarily from disagreements over land, and Palestinian belief that they were being mistreated.  The same arguments are made today, and Palestinians have again taken action recently, such as brutally murdering 4 men at a Jerusalem synagogue, slamming cars into innocent pedestrians, and  inciting violence on Temple Mount.

However, while these attacks do seem to correlate in concept, one difference remains between the 1987 and 2000 uprisings and the current activity: the current attacks don’t seem to be “officially” planned and are not systematic.  Though Hamas, the PLO, and other terrorist organizations are praising the actions, it does not appear that they are specifically planning them.  Well-planned suicide bomber attacks and specific coordinated attacks were made in the First and Second Intifadas, whereas the attacks of today seem to be “lone wolf” attacks.

Nonetheless, security is high in Israel right now, and Hamas and the PLO are both inciting violence and terror.  For example, though heavily pressured by the US to condemn the synagogue attack, PLO president Mahmoud Abbas, in the next breath, accused Israel of aggression and called for “days of rage.”  It is believed that the bizarre competition between various Palestinian groups to create the most hostility towards Israel is a driving force right now.  When it comes to “defending al-Aqsa” (the mosque on Temple Mount), every group wants to be the hero.  Thus, fabrication of stories about the Jews planning to topple the mosque in order to build the Third Temple run rampant.

However, is Abbas truly interested in full-blown intifada right now?  In the midst of attempts to get the UN to recognize statehood for the Palestinians, would an intifada be a good idea?  Given the demise of Arab leaders during the Arab Spring, does Abbas want to risk being overthrown?  Is it possible that Abbas is simply advocating a steady, controlled uprising to keep tensions in Jerusalem high, while enjoying peace and quiet in Ramallah?

Meanwhile, due to the terror being perpetrated, security is tightening, roadblocks are being set up in certain areas, and Arab jobs in west Jerusalem (where they are free to work, and make good wages) may become scarce.  Sadly, the waves of violence and terror by Jerusalem Arabs may very well harm their own people the most.

Reasons to pray for the peace of Jerusalem are abundant.  Will you be part of the army of prayer warriors committed to pray as Psalm 122:6-9 commands?

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:
“May they prosper who love you.
May peace be within your walls,
And prosperity within your palaces.”
For the sake of my brothers and my friends,
I will now say, “May peace be within you.”
For the sake of the house of the Lord our God,
I will seek your good.