Below is a recap of Israeli President Reuven Rivlin’s remarks to the EU parliament. Following that address, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas responded with anti-Israel, anti-peace remarks including:

“…the Palestinians are “against terrorism in whatever form it may take,” stating that an end to Israel’s “occupation” would make terrorism “disappear” and as a result there will be “no more terrorism in the Middle East, or anywhere else in the world.””

Ever since Israel became a nation again in 1948, the Palestinians (and other Arab nations and people groups) have promised peace to Israel if they will give up land. Despite Israel’s agreements to do so on occasion (such as the Partition Plan put forth in 1947-1948), the Palestinians have never actually agreed to a “land-for-peace” deal. What makes one think that terrorism throughout the world will stop if only Israel will agree to give Palestinians land? Doing so would not bring peace, but would put Israel in an indefensible position against attacks from the very ones who promise peace.

Please pray that the EU, the UN, and other world organizations will not fall prey to the Palestinians deceptive attempts to bypass negotiations with Israel and unilaterally (with the support of organizations such as the EU and UN) declare statehood in territory that rightfully belongs to Israel.

Beyond that, however, pray that Israel and the worldwide body of Christ will awaken to the realization of God’s specific purposes for each: World redemption through the Jews (the blessing spoken of in Genesis 12:3), and drawing the Jews to jealousy through Christians (Romans 11).