Category Archives: Holocaust/Antisemitism

by

Answering Key Questions about Israel

Image result for why israel matters

This week, the goal is to provide reasons why Israel matters.  We’re taking a look at specific things that confirm to us why it is important to stand with Israel.  I hope you are encouraged to know and understand the truth about Israel, as you won’t hear it in the media!

Today and tomorrow, we’ll answer specific questions, so pull up a chair and join us at the virtual study table!

Is Israel Friendly toward Christians?

This is an important question, particularly given the centuries of antisemitism perpetrated in the name of Christianity.  (ie – Holocaust, Spanish Inquisition, crusades, etc)  However, I can report to you that significant bridges have been built between Jews and Christians in Israel, and the general atmosphere is pleasant between the two.

Israel is the only safe place for Christians in the Middle East.  While over 1 million Christians have been murdered in the Middle East over the past 10 years, Israel preserves the rights of Christians and allows freedom of religion and worship.  Christians in the Jewish state vote, hold office and serve in the military.

Is Israel a Racist State?

Often accused of such in the media, Israel is far from a racist state.  All citizens, including Arabs, Palestinians, Druze, Bedouins and others, vote and have representation in the Israeli Knesset.  They hold elected office and serve in other government positions such as Supreme Court justices and leadership of the Border Police.  They receive school funding and state benefits, besides having better paying jobs and greater opportunities in Israel than in any other country in the region.

In Israel, you will find Arab doctors, attorneys, entrepreneurs, teachers, scientists, journalists and even a former Miss Israel!

Is the UN Fair to Israel?

Well, you decide!  Of the 193 member states, none have come remotely close to the number of sanctions leveled upon Israel.  For example, in 2014, Israel was sanctioned 20 times, while all others (including North Korea, Syria, Iran, etc) were sanctioned only 6 times (collectively)!  The same is true year-after-year.  Historically, the UN has been a tool in the hands of those who wish to delegitimize Israel, and has denied them the right to defend its citizens.  Double standards abound, but praise God for the resolve of US Ambassador to the UN, Nikki Haley, who stands firm in defense of Israel!

Is Israel the Obstacle to Peace in the Middle East?

Image result for carter preeminent obstacle to peace is Israel'sIf you take former President Jimmy Carter’s word for it, apparently so!  But, let’s not jump too quickly to take that opinion!  Despite many wars since Israel’s rebirth, not once has Israel instigated any of them.  They have been consistently attacked.  Furthermore, at least 5 times since 1917, the Palestinians have been offered land, including East Jerusalem as their capital.  They have said “no” each time.  As the famous quote says, “The Arabs never miss an opportunity to miss an opportunity!”  But Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said it best:

Image result for netanyahu if arabs put down their weapons

 

Indeed, Israel gets an unfair rap, yet they press on!  Pray for Israel.  As Christians, its our obligation…and our joy!  Join us again tomorrow as we finish off this week’s study!

 

by

Israel Responds to Explosive Device Planted on the Border

Screen Shot 2018-05-27 at 10.42.44.png

IDF destroys an explosive device near their border

Earlier today, the Israeli Air Force carried out additional airstrikes in the Gaza Strip after discovering an explosive device near the security fence.  That followed the infiltration of four Palestinians who damaged the fence as part of the violent protests that have been taking place since March 30.

Not only was the explosive device detonated by an IDF robot, but airstrikes were carried out on Hamas targets such as an observation post, underground infrastructure and naval installations.  Hamas controls the Gaza Strip and the IDF holds them responsible for the violent acts carried out specifically by Hamas, or by Palestinian citizens.

An IDF spokesperson stated:

“IAF fighter jets struck military targets in a Hamas compound in the southern Gaza Strip. The strike was conducted in response to the incident that took place earlier today, in which suspects infiltrated Israel & attempted to damage security infrastructure. Additionally, the strike was carried out in response to the continued attempts to sabotage security infrastructure during Hamas-led riots.”

“The IDF views these ongoing attempts with great severity, specifically Hamas’ daily attempts to damage security infrastructure & threats to the safety of Israelis. The IDF is determined to fulfill its mission to protect and ensure the safety of Israeli civilians.  The Hamas terror organization is responsible for all threats originating from the Gaza Strip, & will bear the consequences of its actions against Israeli civilians & Israeli sovereignty.”

We’ll plug these and other current events into Scriptural context in Why Israel Matters.  The 12-week study will take place at CalvaryPHX, beginning Sunday June 3 at 11:00 am in Room 209 (Central campus).  Click here for more info and directions.

If you are in the Phoenix area, come join us!

by

Hamas’ Determination to Demonize Israel

Last week, as many of us celebrated the opening of the US Embassy in Jerusalem, Hamas was busy with an agenda of their own.  It isn’t a new agenda, but one they have implemented and advanced for decades now.  In fact, their charter of 1988 makes their purpose clear:

The Islamic Resistance Movement, also known as the HAMAS, is an extremist fundamentalist Islamic organization operating in the territories under Israeli control. Its Covenant is a comprehensive manifesto comprised of 36 separate articles, all of which promote the basic HAMAS goal of destroying the State of Israel through Jihad (Islamic Holy War).
~The Covenant of Hamas

Hamas recruited Palestinian citizens (mostly jihadist rebels) to riot at Israel’s borders, leading up to Nakba Day, the day Palestinians remember the “catastrophe” of Israel’s rebirth.  Thus, we have witnessed significant violence as Hamas ordered Palestinian people to storm the border.

The predominately liberal media has sympathized with Hamas, but is seemingly (though gradually) beginning to see a little more clearly.  Even the ultra-liberal Washing Post ran an editorial by Israeli Ambassador to the US, Ron Dermer, last week.  In it, Dermer exposes the lies perpetrated by Hamas.

The article is informative, and also includes a 3-minute interview with Dermer.  You will find the article and video here:

Stop Demonizing Israel for Defending Itself

In addition, Hamas leader, Yahya Sinwar just admitted that Hamas is coordinating with Hezbollah and Iran!  Indeed, it is Iran working the puppet strings of both Hamas and Hezbollah, and Iran who is likely directing the riots at the border between Gaza and Israel.  Click here to watch Sinwar’s admission.

Continue praying for truth to be made known, and the lies of Hamas revealed.  It is important, during this time of increased respect for Israel, to grow roots of strength in standing for Israel.  Ultimately, the day will come when doing so will be more difficult.  May your roots grow deep in knowledge and resolve!