8. 20 April 2019 | Israel & Christians Today Adar II - Nissan 5779 April 2019 | Israel & Christians Today Adar II - Nissan 5779 C4I Happenings 8 Marijke Terlouw n Christians for Israel Netherlands Amazement, this is the word that best captures the recent Christians for Israel International Leaders Forum. Amazement about what is happening in Israel, amazement about what God is doing with the Jewish people. But also amazement about what the people involved in the Christians for Israel ministry are doing in support of Israel around the world. From thirty-five countries from all corners of the earth representatives of Christians for Israel came to Jerusalem at the beginning of March: Samoa, Nepal, Myanmar, Vietnam, Brazil, Ukraine, and many more countries. It felt like a family reunion; sometimes meeting family members whom you’ve never met before. We had the opportunity to encourage each other with our personal testimonies, and furthermore support and inspire each other in the tasks that we have in our own countries to bring the message about Israel into the churches. The Forum provided a lot of information – let’s call it a tool- box - that we could take home. We listened to Bible studies; had many interesting lectures; had meetings with Israeli leaders; and went on several fascinating excursions. Rev. Willem Glashouwer pointed towards the future and carefully warned to be cautious about predicting the future. “The Bible does not contain a detailed order in events; it is not a jig-saw puzzle that you can put in a certain order. But read your Bible, in its entirety, and watch what is happening in the world. Detailed timelines of events can block your view on what is happening, and on the meaning of prophecies.” The testimony of Arab pastor Steven Khoury touched a chord with many of the participants. From practical experience, he knows that believing in the God of Israel means to struggle and attack. “I thank God for Christians for Israel. From the beginning, there was room for the Arabs. And therefore there is room for the message of love and mercy. It is very important for the Arab community that you are in contact with Arabs and work together. This disproves the impression many have that people who love Israel hate the Arabs.” Steven Khoury was joined in an inspiring session by Rabbi David Nekrutman (Director of the Centre for Jewish- Christian Understanding and Cooperation), with whom he closely works to build Jewish-Christian cooperation and strengthen the Christian communities in Israel and the disputed territories. Together they testified to the importance of standing firm on God’s covenant faithfulness to the Jewish people, while remembering that the covenant of the land carries with it a responsibility to care for the non-Jews in the land. Christians for Israel International’s new Executive Director Cornelis Kant provided an insightful overview of ‘replacement theology’ - how and why the early church developed the idea that God had turned His back on the Jewish people and the church replaces Israel as God’s favoured people. This kind of thinking underlies the theology of many mainstream Christians today, and has inspired the proponents of Palestinian Liberation Theology. Christians for Israel’s International Advisor Andrew Tucker spoke about the legal and political battle for Jerusalem and ended with a warning. “In 1922 fifty-one nations in there League of Nations ratified the decision of the Principle Allied Powers in San Remo, Italy, in 1920, that the Jews were allowed to reconstitute their national homeland in what was then known as Palestine. A safe homeland was promised to them, but for the last hundred years, the nations have been doing everything possible to try not to keep that promise. God will judge the nations about this.” Anemone Rüger gave a moving account of her work caring for holocaust survivors in Ukraine together with our team Christians for Israel in Ukraine, and raising awareness of their plight in other countries, especially Germany. Today, many Jewish survivors of the massacres carried out on Ukrainian soil in WWII are living in poverty, too old to travel to Israel, and without family or loved ones to care for them. Bible teacher and scholar Johannes Gerloff led a tour to Ramallah and the Biblical heartland of Samaria. Many of the participants of the Forum gazed in amazement while our bus passed the ‘border’ of the ‘disputed territories’, Judea and Samaria, without any problem. The media paints a picture of endless queues, but the reality is more positive. Our Israeli bus was by no means the only Israeli vehicle in Samaria. It is hard to understand that there is a refugee camp in the middle of the city of Ramallah. Amidst their Palestinian brethren, but still no part of the society. The Forum was closed with prayer, a special time of intercession for each of the continents. For the challenges that people face in their countries. We all went home inspired and armed with lots of information and useful resources which we can share with Christians in our own countries: readers of the newspaper, people who come to listen to our lectures, conferences or other events in the time to come. Full of wonder we are waiting for what God will work in people’s hearts. And we pray that love for God’s people may continue to grow worldwide. Amazement at the C4I Forum The Christians for Israel 2019 Forum Delegates from Ivory Coast, Germany, Ukraine and Uganda meet with Dr Lilian Glaser (centre) during the reception held for relations in Israel. Dr Glaser is Director of the Organisation of Holocaust Survivors in Jerusalem. | Photo: Ralf Hermann. A recent Olim who has only been in Israel for three months, sharing her experience of emigrating (making Aliyah) to Israel | Photo: Ian Worby The participants visit Ammunition Hill in Jerusalem

10. 2 April 2019 | Israel & Christians Today Adar II - Nissan 5779 Hebrew Foundations of our Faith Mandy Worby Israel Tour Host and Radio Announcer for Vision Christian Media Walking In the Dust of our Rabbi – Part 1 Throughout the centuries different countries have pictured Jesus through the lens of their own culture. An artist in Peru would paint Him with dark braided hair and a poncho with a Peruvian face, while artists in Europe have painted Him with blond hair and blue eyes and the Ethiopians portray Him as a tall black man, none of them ever stopping to ask what a Jew from 2000 years ago looked like. We mentioned Leonardo da Vinci’s painting of the Last Supper in our last couple of programs, and much of Christendom was heavily influenced by it with regard to their understanding of that event, but most people are unaware of the fact that it’s culturally and Biblically wrong in almost every detail: • The ‘Last Supper’ was actuall y a Passover Feast but the painting shows the meal taking place during the daytime but Passover meals always take place at night • The people in the pain ting are white Caucasians instead of Semitic people with a darker skin with dark hair • There are none of the necessar y elements of the Passover meal on the table • There is ordinar y leavened bread like bread rolls instead of unleavened Matza and the meal of what appears to be grilled eels and oranges is completely non-kosher so wouldn’t have been eaten any time, and certainly not during a Passover meal. • They were sitting on chairs at a tabl e when during the actual event, they would have been reclining on soft cushions around a low table on the floor. It’s important for us to look at Jesus and what He said and did, through the Hebrew cultural eyes of those living in Israel 2000 years ago. Jesus’s teachings were life- changing, and to His first followers, what He taught was astounding. The disciples left all their earthly belongings and risked their relationships in order to follow Him but as earth-shattering as Jesus’ teaching was 2000 years ago in a Jewish cultural context, we modern readers react to His words and actions with a ho- hum attitude sometimes because we don’t understand the context and setting—we simply read words on a page, quickly passing over their significance. But what if we were to scrub away the past 20 centuries of western influence and thinking and look at the original context of what Jesus said and did? While His words won’t change, they’ll carry greater insight and significance. Jesus environment and cultural setting was of Rabbis, synagogues, nomads, farmers, despotic kings, brutal oppressive regimes and shepherds, traditions, rituals and ceremonies. The very first church birthed in Jerusalem had the best advantage because they were eye witnesses to all Jesus did and they knew the people involved in all that happened around Him. And, when you read the first chapters in the book of Acts you can almost feel their excitement and passion, their honesty and faith is very evident in their prayers. They were joyful when they met together and they were incredibly generous toward each other. Most people don’t realise that the very first church in the book of Acts was made up entirely of Jews and they continued to study Torah (remember the New Testament hadn’t been written at that time). They worshipped in the Jewish Temple, they maintained the celebration of the feasts and they recognised Jesus as the fulfillment of every aspect of them; and they kept the Sabbath. In fact, the church didn’t have any contact with Gentiles until Peter had his vision of the unclean animals in the sheet when he was staying in Jaffa, and then he promptly went to the house of the Gentile, Cornelius at Caesarea. That was almost a decade after the events listed in Acts chapter 2! When you compare the conduct of the Jewish congregations with Gentile congregations it’s obvious that the Jewish church was in a far healthier condition because they already had an amazing understanding of the Bible— they’d been raised in it their whole lives. The Gentile church at Corinth for example was a mess. They were selfish, greedy, immoral, self-indulgent and they were proud of it, but the Jerusalem church—all Jews—were for the most part, thoughtful, generous, selfless, moral and righteous in their behaviour. The Jewish church wasn’t given to the same level of worldliness that the Gentile church was because they already understood the precepts of God as laid out in Torah—the Jewish Scriptures. We’ll stop here and continue on in the next program about what it means to walk in the dust of our Rabbi. Shalom Mandy (These studies are based on the book ‘Walking In The Dust Of Rabbi Jesus: How The Jewish Words of Jesus Can Change Your Life’ by Lois Tverberg) _______________________________________ Mandy Worby is an experienced Israel Tour leader and also the popular radio host of ‘Night Vision’ featured on Australia’s national Vision Christian Radio network Monday to Friday 7-12pm. www.visionradio.org.au/foundations Most people don’t realise the very first church in the book of Acts was made up entirely of Jews PHOTO: This is My Body by James Seward James E. Seward recreated The Last Supper in this superb painting. All the disciples join Christ in the breaking of the bread, while the women serve the Passover meal. A much closer representation of what the scene may have looked like.

18. 10 April 2019 | Israel & Christians Today Adar II - Nissan 5779 Dr Ron Weiser AM Hon Life Pres of the Zionist Council of NSW Purim is over and we are moving into the final period before the Israeli elections. These elections are perhaps the most interesting in recent times, however there really only two candidates running. Prime Minister Netanyahu and Bibi. Who will figure more largely in the eyes of the Israeli electorate—the statesman also known as ‘Mr Security’, or the person under a corruption cloud with all of the attendant fallout? This election has nothing much to do with policies, but is centered on who is fit to lead? The Prime Minister wants to emphasise that he and only he is Israel’s real security cover. His main opponents are of course the Blue and White party led by Benny Gantz. Their leadership includes no less than three ex IDF Chiefs of Staff. In this manner they wish to counter the ‘Mr Security’ argument. However they are all untried in the political/diplomatic arena. And have so far not been able to demonstrate that they can come anywhere close to Netanyahu’s statesmanship. And of course the two qualities are intertwined, and together enhance Israel’s security. President Trump has in this case, ridden into the Israeli elections responding to a request from Netanyahu for the Golan Heights to remain part of Israel. It is important to note that Gantz and his Blue and White party have made it a central plank of their election bid to never cede the Golan. But without being able to say how they would do this. Along comes the statesman side of Netanyahu who is able to make a request of the US President and seemingly get a promise for the future, possibly even the near future. President Trump tweeted that: “After 52 years it is time for the United States to fully recognize Israel’s Sovereignty over the Golan Heights, which is of critical strategic and security importance to the State of Israel and Regional Stability!” This again emphasises that there is little daylight on security and neighborhood issues between Netanyahu and Gantz and both enthusiastically welcomed the US announcement. A consistent feature of this election campaign is the fact that those to the right of Netanyahu like Naphtali Bennett and his New Right party expressed some reservations with the Trump tweet, worrying still, that after the election when the ‘deal of the century’ is announced, Trump will yet extract a price for recognising Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, for tearing up the Iran deal and for the Golan announcement. The ‘right’ whilst believing in Netanyahu as the only viable candidate for Prime Minister, run on the platform that they are needed to ‘keep Netanyahu honest’ when it comes to policy. Two examples show what they mean. The recent Israeli response to the rockets from Gaza demonstrates what is widely recognised across the political spectrum in Israel—Prime Minister Netanyahu shows the most restraint when it comes to the use of the IDF. He is more likely to exhaust all other alternatives before utilising the full power of the IDF, than just about any previous Prime Minister. And when it comes to settlement building. In total 2,066 settler dwellings were commenced in 2018. By comparison with say Tel Aviv, whose population is only slightly larger than the Jewish population of Area C over the Green Line, there were 10,101 building starts— almost five times as many. And interestingly, even this low figure in 2018 marked almost a record for settler building starts under Netanyahu, being the third highest year of building starts in his current ten year tenure. Counterintuitively, Netanyahu’s record settlement starts occurred in 2016 during Obama’s US presidency, when there were 3,143 building starts. At the end of the day and in a practical sense, the elections will not come down so much as to who will win the most seats (as neither party will even come close to passing the 61 seats required for a majority in the Knesset), but to who will be best able to form a coalition. On current polling, Gantz cannot form a government without the overt or tacit support of the Israeli Arab parties—and he has repeatedly stressed that he would not bring them into his coalition formally. Gantz’s party has also said that they will seek to bring Likud into the next government, but only if Netanyahu is no longer its leader. On paper, only Netanyahu can form a government post-election. But what makes this election so hard to predict is that many smaller parties are polling borderline as to whether they will or will not pass the 3.25% voter threshold— approximately 4 seats—and be in the Knesset at all. So calculations about coalition building are dangerous. Another factor is that after the actual election, it falls to Israel’s president Ruby Rivlin to ‘invite’ the person he feels can best form government, to do so. Although he comes from Likud, he is an arch rival of Netanyahu’s and quite a maverick. Rivlin could surprise by inviting Likud under another leader to form government, forcing a Blue and White/ Likud coalition attempt, or even consider that because of the corruption cloud over Netanyahu, he is unsuitable for PM. Whilst the ultra orthodox Haredim and the parties to the right of Likud have stated that they will support Netanyahu for PM, one party—Zehut led by Moshe Feiglin—is completely unpredictable. Feiglin was effectively thrown out of the Likud by Netanyahu and whilst maintaining their far right polices, Zehut has a front line campaign to legalise cannabis. Although pundits automatically put Zehut in Netanyahu’s camp if they pass the threshold, this is not necessarily so. We are indeed in for some interesting times. ________________________________________________________ Dr Ron Weiser AM is a Life Member of the ZFA Executive, Past President of the ZFA and Hon Life Pres of the Zionist Council of NSW. At the end of the day...the elections will come down to... who will be best able to form a coalition. Israeli Elections for 2019 – Who is Fit to Lead? Opinion Piece PHOTO: President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shake hands during their joint press conference, Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2017, in the East Room of the White House in Washington, D.C. (Official White House Photo by Benjamin Applebaum). Flickr.com

4. 16 April 2019 | Israel & Christians Today Adar II - Nissan 5779 April 2019 | Israel & Christians Today Adar II - Nissan 5779 News 4 Olim At the beginning of February 2019, eighty-three Jews from Ethiopia arrived in Israel. These Jews already have relatives in Israel. The journey to Israel was one big family reunion for most of them. It is expected that a total of one thousand Ethiopian Jews will make Aliyah this year. | Photo: Flash 90 Virtual Embassy There is no chance yet of a real Israeli Embassy in the Gulf States. That is why Israel opened “Israel in the Gulf”, a campaign with pages on social media that are frequently used in the Gulf States. Via these pages, Israel talks about herself with articles, analyses, videos and images and thus Arabs can get acquainted with Israel in their own language. No chance project? With two million visitors per day, it doesn’t look that way! Anti-Semitism in 2018 The year 2018 looks like it was a tipping point in worldwide anti- Semitism, according to a report on worldwide anti-Semitism by the Israeli Ministry of Diaspora Affairs. Islamic anti-Semitism is no longer dominant. Anti-Semitism is being expressed by right-wing as expressed in such incidents as the attack on the Pittsburgh synagogue. In Eastern Europe, the old Jewish stereotypes are being used again in the political debate. Also, anti-Semitism is on the rise from the Left, mostly in the form of hostility towards Israel. A record number of incidents was reported. Direct Connection to Japan As from September, anyone who wishes to do so, can fly from Tokyo to Tel Aviv directly, or vice versa. The Israeli company Sun d’Or operates the flights. The Japanese national airline company is seriously considering setting up a direct connection with Israel as well. | Photo: Flash90 Short News William Echikson n Director | European Union of Progressive Judaism | Brussels European governments are rehabilitating World War II collaborators and war criminals while minimising their own guilt in the attempted extermination of Jews. The Holocaust Remembrance Project, a new report rating European Union countries on how they face up to their Holocaust pasts, finds Hungary, Poland, Croatia, and the Baltics are the worst offenders. Driven by feelings of victimhood and fears of accepting refugees, and often run by autocratic nationalist governments, these countries received red cards for revisionism. Some European countries led by Austria, France and Romania have made important progress in confronting their dark pasts. They have accepted that their police or army, not the Nazis, played an important role in deporting Jews and Roma to their death. They are returning art to their former Jewish heirs. And, in an attempt to prevent a repetition of the Holocaust, they are working hard to educate their citizens, and officials about their personal and official responsibilities to disobey illegal orders and confront evil. Unfortunately, though, history is often being forgotten or rewritten. The Hungarian government is minimising its country’s participation in the genocide, rehabilitating war criminals, and introducing anti-Semitic writers into the national curriculum. According to Paul Shapiro of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, the truth is that Miklos Horthy’s Hungary was the first European country after World War I to put in place ‘numerus clausus’ legislation which restricted Jewish participation in high education. Hungary passed racial laws similar to Nazi Germany in 1938 and 1939. With war came the systematic theft of Jewish property and mass murder. In 1944, Hungarian police identified and concentrated the Jews, loaded them onto trains, and delivered them into the hands of German SS units for execution at Auschwitz. Revisionism is often accompanied by a revival of Nazi-inspired hate speech. Hungary’s right-wing prime minister Viktor Orban has described the arrival of asylum seekers in Europe as ‘a poison’, saying his country did not want or need ‘a single migrant.’ Jaroslaw Kaczyński, head of Poland’s governing Law and Justice Party, has warned that migrants are ‘parasites’ that carry ‘very dangerous diseases long absent from Europe.’ In the same vein, French right-wing extremist Marine Le Pen called for the ‘eradication of bacterial immigration,’ proclaiming that immigration was causing an ‘alarming presence of contagious diseases’ in France. In his Mein Kampf, Hitler repeatedly refers to Jews as parasites. In 2018, the nationalist Polish government criminalised the term ‘Polish death camps.’ The same government is waging an offensive on the rule of law and freedom of expression, imposing new repressive bills to control the media and attacking the independence of the country’s courts. Anger is understandable when foreigners refer to Auschwitz and other extermination camps the Nazis set up in Poland as ‘Polish death camps.’ They were Nazi death camps. Along with three million Polish Jews, at least 1.9 million Polish gentiles were killed. Yet many Poles were complicit in the crimes committed on their land. When a Polish minister questions Polish participation in the murder of hundreds of their Jewish neighbours during a Holocaust-era pogrom, he is wrong. Like other countries conquered by Germany, Poland too must face up to all aspects of its World War II history – without the threat of sending historians to prison. Amid this heated atmosphere, memories of the Holocaust are fading. According to a CNN/ComRes survey taken in September 2018, 34 per cent of Europeans surveyed said they know just a little or have never heard of the Holocaust. A third of European said Jewish people use the Holocaust to advance their own positions or goals, according to the poll, for which 7,000 people across European were surveyed. Our study identifies new challenges. Germany has a growing Muslim population, with one million new migrants from Middle Eastern countries. They account for the largest group responsible for anti-Semitic incidents, according to Jewish participants in the Fundamental Rights Agency report. Will migrants adopt Germany’s values of tolerance and responsibility for its past? Our research questions whether these new arrivals are receiving sufficient education about the Holocaust. This is an edited version of an article published by Times of Israel on 5th March 2019: https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/holocaust-revisionism- on-the-rise-in-parts-of-europe/ Holocaust Revisionism on the Rise in Parts of Europe Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban | Photo: Getty Images

14. 6 April 2019 | Israel & Christians Today Adar II - Nissan 5779 Opinion Piece Stan Goodenough Journalist and an Israeli-accredited tour guide Will Australia, in the end, breathe on these bones? ‘Prophesy to the breath, son of man, and say, ‘Thus says the Lord God: “Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they may live.”’ (Ezekiel 47:9) ________________________________________________________ JERUSALEM, Israel – On these pages, back in April 2016, I described what I called “God’s fingerprints” that were left on the rock fortress of Masada, 1,946 years ago. Unearthed evidence revealed that, despite their impending doom, the zealots waiting for the Roman enemy to reach the mountain top had reason to hope in a future for their then dismembered nation. Preserved in a promise; recorded on a remnant – a scroll scrap from the Prophet Ezekiel foretold the future reconstitution of the Jewish people. Israel would rise from the dead. Prophesied, too, was the part Gentile nations would have the opportunity to play when the clock-hands of human history would tick into “the set time to favour Zion”, and we who would be alive would witness that the Lord had begun to “restore the Kingdom to Israel.” Our nations have been given the choice to help prepare the way by supporting the restoration of the Jews to their land and capital city, or by obstructing and opposing it. The bones began coming together in 1882 when the First Aliya (immigration) brought a wave of Jews to the land. Four waves followed before World War 2 and more would come flooding in after. Beginning in December 1979, 1.2 million Jews poured in from the former Soviet Union. Last year, 28,000 more Jews from numerous lands came home. Before our eyes, the ‘sinews and flesh’ are coming upon this nation; ‘skin is covering them.’ But as yet they have ‘no breath’. It will come, Ezekiel says, blowing from the four corners of the earth after the people are reconstituted as a nation in their Land. Will it come from every nation? Probably not. But it will come from the directions of “the four winds”. Standing atop the red-gold limestone fortress that is Masada, the Dead Sea shimmering far below, feeling on my face the heat of the sun in the Judean sky, I turn to the north and the south, the east and the west, eyes and ears straining. I am a watchman, watching for the ruach —the promised incoming breath of life. For the past two-and-a-half years it has been coming in strongly from the United States, from the west. Like no other leader in modern history, the maligned and detested Donald Trump has extended previously unimaginably strong support to the Jews in their land. Defying the world, he has approved Israel’s claim to Jerusalem as the capital of the Jewish state and placed his embassy there. Agreeing with Israel’s belief that Iran is using its nuclear agreement as a cover behind which to continue pursuing weapons of mass destruction, Trump unilaterally pulled his country out of that agreement, parting ways with his allies in the Five +1, re-imposing painful sanctions on the regime in Tehran and adding more. And just hours before this writing, the president flew once again in the face of international opinion when he issued a proclamation recognising Israel’s sovereign ownership of the Golan Heights. Yes, the wind is blowing strongly from the west. Turning to the south, sadness and disquiet come upon me. What about from there? What about the breath from the “Great Southlands of the Holy Spirit? Will Australia, in the end, not also breathe life into these bones? It had looked so promising. After celebrating over the last two years the centenaries of its exceptional leadership in liberating Israel’s Land in World War 1, Australia had the opportunity, first under Malcolm Turnbull and then under Scott Morrison, to send more blessings Israel’s way. Turnbull wouldn’t do it, but for a breathtaking moment it looked as if Morrison just might. Within days of assuming office last August the new prime minister—a professing Christian—indicated his willingness to consider recognising Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and moving Australia’s embassy there. We held our breaths, wanting the courageous statesman we hoped he would be to make the tough and only morally acceptable decision. Instead of thus being a blessing to Israel, Morrison quailed before the furious “progressive” tempest that was whipped up in response to his mere contemplation of this move. The breeze from Down Under faltered, then blew itself out. The moment passed. What, we were left wondering, would happen now? Australia will soon hold an election. How will it turn out? Will we see—as the polls seem to say— the humiliating defeat of the right despite Morrison’s effort to please and appease all sides? Will the Labor Party, whose senior echelon has loudly proclaimed its intention, if elected, to recognise the anti- Israel “State of Palestine” with “Eastern Jerusalem” as its capital, be put into that place of power? It’s about 14,000 km from Masada to Canberra. Painful as it is to admit, I’m afraid that even while praying here “please don’t let it happen” I sense in my spirit that over there, it might well. It’s an eventuality for which I feel we must prepare ourselves. For six years now, this non-Australian has been carrying Australia in my heart. Five times I have been down there, exhorting Christians to pray and act to help keep their nation from dividing up Israel’s land by recognising “Palestine”, and to get Australia to recognise Jerusalem and to move its embassy to that city. This July, God willing, I’ll fly to Australia once more. If the Liberal Party is returned to power, my hope will be to galvanise Aussies into action to get their prime minister to correct the error made in December, so that Australia will officially recognise a single, united Jerusalem as the eternal and indivisible capital of the Jewish State of Israel—and speedily move its embassy there. If the election is lost to the left, and the right- wing becomes the opposition, my fervent prayer and message will be that Christians Down Under must not be swept into surrender or resignation, or rendered useless through apathy; but that they would come to understand the gravity of the hour, and gird up their loins in the coming months to fight for the return of an effective right-wing government that will properly align Australia with God’s purposes for Israel. Only a government that in this way undertakes to “serve” Israel (Isaiah 60:10) can create the conduit through which Australia can meaningfully send currents of blessing to breathe upon the reconstituted nation of Israel, “that they may live again.” May our gracious God show mercy to Australia; bringing her into the destiny that multitudes of Aussies believe He has always purposed for her as part of the Great Southlands of the Holy Spirit. ________________________________________________________ Stan Goodenough is an Evangelical Christian (Gentile), a journalist and an Israeli-accredited tour guide. During the 30 years that Jerusalem has been his home, he has witnessed the unparalleled wonder of Israel’s ongoing restoration, and the growing global hostility and threat against her. www.jerusalemwatchman.org Our nations have been given the choice to help prepare the way by supporting the restoration of the Jews to their land

24. 24 April 2019 | Israel & Christians Today Adar II - Nissan 5779 April 2019 | Israel & Christians Today Adar II - Nissan 5779 Political Israel 12 Andrew Tucker n International Editor | Christians for Israel International There is no other state that continues to be the target of so much negative attention as Israel. Some refer to this as ‘lawfare’: the use of international law to undermine or attack the legitimacy and credibility of a state. The use of lawfare against Israel is a deliberate strategy adopted by those who deny its legitimacy, and it takes various forms. It is important to emphasise that Israel is not, and should not be, immune from criticism or challenges based on law. Like all states, Israel is subject to international law and should comply with the law. Lawfare, however, is the discriminatory, deliberately false or unfair application of the law, or the instrumental use of law to achieve what in fact are military goals – the destruction of the state in its current form. One means of ‘lawfare’ is proceedings (directly or indirectly) against Israel in international courts and tribunals. Other ways in which law is used to attack Israel include initiatives instigated by non-governmental organizations (NGO’s) using international law to challenge Israeli leaders visiting other countries; the use of international institutions, such as the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC), to investigate and make allegations that Israel is breaching international human rights law; the ‘Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions’ (BDS) movement, which calls on governments and private companies to boycott Israel or Israeli companies or divest from investments in Israel; and ‘soft law’ initiatives to delegitimise Israel, for example by calling it an apartheid state. The first of these is perhaps the most dangerous because decisions of courts and tribunals are seen as authoritative and binding. Currently, Israel is the subject of proceedings in the two main international law institutions in The Hague. The International Criminal Court The International Criminal Court (ICC) was established in 2002 in order to prosecute individuals for war crimes and crimes against humanity. In a way, it is a global manifestation of the Nuremberg trials against Nazi war criminals after World War II. Like the USA and several other states, Israel has never signed the Rome Statute which established the ICC and is thus not bound by the ICC. Nevertheless, Israeli leaders can be charged for war crimes committed on the territory of a state that is a party to the ICC Statute. In 2015 the ‘Government of the State of Palestine’ purported to accede to the ICC statute, and lodged a declaration accepting the jurisdiction of the ICC over alleged crimes committed in ‘Palestinian’ territory. Since then, the Prosecutor of the ICC Fatou Bensouda has been undertaking a ‘preliminary examination’ of whether to open investigations against Israel for crimes committed on ‘Palestinian’ territory. The Prosecutor’s approach is disturbing for many reasons. One is that the Prosecutor is adopting a wide definition of statehood that seems to go beyond the intention of the ICC Statute. Under international law, a state only exists when it manifests the legal characteristics of statehood, the most important being that it must have an eff ective governing authority that actually governs a specif ic territory. ‘Palestine’ hardly fits that definition, because the Palestinians themselves argue that their territory is controlled by Israel. The Prosecutor is examining two issues. The first concerns the question of whether Israel committed war crimes in the course of the 2014 Gaza hostilities (Operation Protective Edge). The second concerns the question of whether Israeli ‘settlements’ and other activities in the ‘Occupied Palestinian Territories’ constitute war crimes or crimes against humanity within the meaning of the Rome Statute. The latter claim is based on the view that (a) East Jerusalem and the ‘West Bank’ constitute occupied territory under international law, and (b) Israel has ‘deported or transferred’ its population into those territories since 1967. Both those views are highly controversial and problematic. Notwithstanding the fact that there are many other allegedly ‘occupied’ territories in the world, and blatant cases of population transfer (e.g. Turkey in Northern Cyprus and Russia in Eastern Ukraine) no other leaders have been prosecuted for transferring their population into occupied territories. This is a clear case of singling out Israel for special treatment. It is not yet clear whether the Prosecutor will open an investigation into these issues, or - if she decides to do so - when this will happen. The International Court of Justice The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is the highest judicial body in the United Nations organisation. The ICJ can hear and make decisions on disputes between states when all the states in question submit to its authority (so-called ‘contentious’ cases). The ICJ also can issue an ‘Advisory Opinion’ when asked to do so by a UN body, such as the General Assembly or the Security Council. One of the court’s most famous Advisory Opinions was the Opinion issued in 2004 when asked to do so by the UN General Assembly on the legality of the security barrier erected by Israel to defend itself against terror during the second intifada. One of the proceedings currently before the ICJ concerns the city of Jerusalem. Following the attack of Israel by its neighbours in 1948, East Jerusalem, as well as Judea and Samaria (the ‘West Bank’), were illegally occupied by Jordan. When Israel took back control of these territories in 1967, it decided to apply Israeli law to the whole of the city. In 1980 it declared Jerusalem to be the undivided capital of the State of Israel. The Security Council denounced this move as illegal and demanded that all states remove their embassies from Jerusalem, which they did. In 2017 President Trump announced the intention of the USA to move its embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv back to Jerusalem. The US embassy was actually moved in 2018. ‘Palestine’ has brought proceedings alleging it has a dispute with the USA under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, under which diplomatic missions (i.e. embassies) must be located ‘in’ the host state’s territory. ‘Palestine’ alleges that Jerusalem is not ‘in Israel’. The Palestinians argue, amongst other things, that Jerusalem is a ‘corpus separatum’ pursuant to the UN General Assembly’s 1947 Partition Plan. This, of course, is a false claim, because that plan never came into effect. But first, the court must decide if Palestine is a state, as the court can only determine disputes between states. The court is expected to make a decision on this question in early 2020. Israel on Trial Israel’s Story in Maps Map 2 | Map of Israel Today Israel’s demarcated borders, reached following peace agreements with Jordan and Egypt, and the internationally recognised border with Lebanon. NB: This map does not show the 1949 Armistice Lines (’the Green Line’). Sovereignty over the territory between the Green Line and the Jordan River (the recognised border with Jordan) is disputed. Negev Judea Samaria Golan Heights Tel Aviv Jaffa Galilee Beersheba JERUSALEM Ashkelon Ashdod Haifa Nazareth Sinai Peninsula Eilat Map 3 | Map of Biblical sites Judea & Samaria - The Land of the Bible The ‘Derekh Ha’avot’, or ‘Road of our Patriarchs’, runs along Israel’s central mountain range from Beersheba in the south through Hebron, Jerusalem up to Shechem and other Biblical sites. Abraham walked along this road on his way to sacrifice his son Isaac. More than 80% of the Biblical events took place in areas along this road. The major cities and towns in Judea and Samaria have existed for over 4000 years, since Biblical times. Yafo Jerusalem Biblical and Historical Landmarks Pre-1967 cease-fire lines Jerusalem municipal boundaries Road of the Patriarchs Megiddo Ta’anach Dothan Sebaste Shechem Sartaba Shilo Gilgal Beit El Mitzpeh Jericho Qumran Bethlehem Solomon’s Pools Herodium Hebron Carmel Susya Maon Beersheba The International Court of Justice (ICJ). | Photo: Shutterstock

27. 27 April 2019 | Israel & Christians Today Adar II - Nissan 5779 April 2019 | Israel & Christians Today Adar II - Nissan 5779 Our Projects 15 Marijke Terlouw & Carmen Ullersma n Christians for Israel International Rita Schweibes (pictured left) was born 30 August 1936 in Tulchin, Ukraine. Many people who have travelled to Ukraine with us have met her and heard her story about how she survived the hardships of the Holocaust in the ghetto of Pechora. You can read more about her life in this interview. “I remember the first time Christians for Israel visited with food parcels ten years ago. The buses drove up and stopped in front of the museum. The busses were packed full of food parcels, humanitarian aid, toys and clothing. Ten years ago there were a lot more Jews than there are now. More Holocaust survivors were still living.” Before the War “I can’t remember much of the period before the war. I was just five years old when it started. There was a large Jewish community in Tulchin, in addition to the Polish and Ukrainian communities. There were ten synagogues in total. My mother stayed at home, and my father worked in the sewing factory. I had two brothers. One joined the army, and one went to the Pechora ghetto with us. Life was different in the Soviet period. There was no place for religion. But at that time, before the war, people were kinder to Jews. Right before the war started, my parents were able to acquire their own apartment. They didn’t even have time to furnish it. The bombardment of Tulchin started, and they bombed the building where my parents had the apartment. Part of the building survived and the other part was completely destroyed. After that, we stayed in other people’s foyers, hallways or storage rooms. Each day we stayed somewhere else. People took turns feeding us: someone else every day. Return to Tulchin “When the war started, my father helped with the evacuation of the Jewish community. Because of this, we were the last to leave. We hired a horse and wagon and my parents, brother, grandmother and I left in the direction of Dnepropetrovsk. Six kilometres before the city we saw that the road was blocked off by German and Italian soldiers. We had to turn around. When we got back, we saw that the house we had left from was empty. The table was gone, the beds were gone; everything had been stolen. I was five years old at the time. I saw that the neighbour girl had my doll. I started to cry and said, ‘Give my doll back.’ I can still remember that.” In December 1941 Rita and many other Jewish children were driven together into the Jewish school. The Romanian occupiers and the Germans gave the children injections. The injections did not contain vaccines against diseases, but the diseases themselves, so that the children got tuberculosis and typhus. Afterwards, the prisoners had to walk forty kilometres through the freezing cold to the concentration camp in Pechora. Many died due to the extreme hardships. Rita was imprisoned in Pechora for years. The conditions were horrendous. There were no gas chambers, but the prisoners were tortured, raped, and systematically starved. Rita’s father was murdered by the German soldiers. One month later her mother died of sickness, hunger and sorrow. As a young girl herself, Rita cared for her younger brother who became crazy with sorrow and suffering. Tending a Mass Grave “The mass grave is a wound that always aches. Sixty-two thousand Jewish people are buried there. They were not only Jews from Tulchin but also Moldavia, Romania, Mogolov- Podolski and other places. As long as I live, I will care for it. I make sure that someone mows the grass there. I am thankful for the people who have helped me to place a monument for my mother on the mass grave. Now I can walk to her grave. It was a difficult time, our life during and after the war. I wouldn’t wish it on anybody. I am thankful to the Almighty that despite everything I survived. The Almighty gave me the strength to continue. Now I have a family, children [of my own]. Indifference “It seems like more and more people are indifferent towards what happened during the war. My children and grandchildren know what happened. They know the whole story. But that is not always the case with outsiders. I have two neighbours. They know that I am an elderly woman and they know about my past. One of them helps me when needed, but the other doesn’t and is indifferent. Regardless of when or where you live, there are always some people who are very selfish. There is a lot of jealousy. But I thank God for everything. I have a place to live in. I am not hungry. Praise God. All that I ask of God is health. I don’t want to be a burden to anyone. As long as I can stand on my own two feet, I’m alright. I do have someone who helps with cleaning around the house. She is a kind, honest woman.” His Blessing “God is everything to me. There was a time in my life when I thought, ‘This is the last day of my life.’ But God has blessed me with another seventy years. I live for Him and love Him. We are all sinful, but one day I promised Him something. If He keeps me alive, I will tell people about the past. And that is what I am doing now. I have kept my word to Him. This is my calling and that this is what brings me to the mass grave. My mother and the other Jewish people are buried there.” Tending a Mass Grave The mass grave at Pechora | Photo: Christians for Israel There he is, sitting at one of the tables eating his dinner, as he does every day. Calmly. He is not in a hurry. “I am here for the sake of company”. Quietly he continues to eat. He is here to be sociable, and occasionally he will speak about his life experiences. His story speaks of poverty that calls for his appeal to Hineni’s soup kitchen. “I was working in the computer business in those days when I lived in America. I was keen on going to Israel. I didn’t know the language, but I thought everybody speaks English, don’t they? And I am well educated. But once in Israel it actually proved to be really different. Everything causes problems here. Everything is expensive. An ordinary connection for heating that is just not ‘ordinary’. Everything is complicated, takes a long time and demands another approach – usually more impudence – than I am used to.” Later, Benjamin Philip (left), Hineni’s director in Jerusalem, tells us that this man – his name is Dan - is really poor. “He says he can afford to pay, but the fact of the matter is that he is poor – and too proud to admit it. You think you can manage in Israel, but the workaday reality is hard. Quite often people from western countries just wait too long to call in help. We from Hineni are there for these people too.” Christians for Israel supports the work of Hineni in Jerusalem. If you would like to support Hineni, you can fill out the coupon on the back page. A Quiet, Safe Place to Socialise Special bonds are created between volunteers and patrons in the restaurant

13. 5 April 2019 | Israel & Christians Today Adar II - Nissan 5779 Historical Perspectives Barry Rodgers, OAM Australian Light Horse Association In recognition of Aboriginal Troopers of WW1 This year on September 25th a full size statue to honour Aboriginals of WW1 will be unveiled at Semakh, Israel. This exciting event is mainly a result of Christians for Israel’s generous offer of meeting dollar for dollar donations given for the memorial. Of particular interest the artist, Jennifer Marshall from Warwick has used as the model for the statue John Pollard the grandson of Jack Pollard who fought at Semakh. Jack was a member of the 20th reinforcements for the 11th Light Horse Regiment. The 20th reinforcement contingent was unique in that all but three of them were Aboriginal. They were mainly from Queensland and most from either remote outback stations or missions such as Yarrabah and Barambah. Many including Jack, gave their next of kin as “c/o Protector of Aborigines,” much of which could be said about this organisation, but that it is outside the scope of this article. The prevailing wisdom by army authorities at the time was that Aboriginals would not cope with the discipline of army life and would not make good soldiers. How wrong, how very wrong they proved to be. That statement was doubtless coloured by the systemic racism that existed at the time. However, many of the more insightful recruiting officers who would have been aware of their legendary prowess as stockmen realised the value of these men. No doubt the desperate need for men to replace the huge casualties that were mounting, also caused some to turn a blind eye. They were great soldiers. Major Munro of the 11th Regiment gave this account of the Aboriginal Troopers in an article for the RSL Reveille magazine; “when the mounted troops, Australians and New Zealanders charged through the Turkish lines in the Jordan Valley .... I remember seeing some of the Aborigines well in the frontline of the advance.” On September 7th, 1918 the Regiment was issued with swords in case another charge was required as swords were more effective than the bayonets they had used in the charge on Beersheba. Not long after midnight on the 25th of September Jack rode silently and apprehensively with “A” squadron towards the important but heavily fortified railway station at Semakh. E.W. Hammond the official historian for the 11 LHR wrote; “We had scarcely settled into the saddle when the stillness of the night was shattered by a terrific burst of machine gun and rifle fire. Fortunately, the gunners mistook the range and the bullets flew low over our heads like the rustle of an immense flight of swallows. In the distance we saw tiny pin-points of light dancing along the muzzles of the guns like the flicker of lightning.” The order was given to form a Troop Line and charge, and into that cauldron of fire thundered 200 horseman, their drawn swords glinting menacingly in the lurid moonlight. Horse after horse went down in that frantic gallop, many due to many pitfalls in the inhospitable landscape, many to bullets as the enemy adjusted their sights. One hundred and fifty yards from the station Trooper Jack Pollard dismounted and fixing his bayonet to his rifle attacked the station. Against overwhelming odds the battle ebbed and flowed in a most ferocious manner for nearly two hours before the ANZACS prevailed. Nineteen troopers paid the supreme sacrifice over 60 were wounded and over 70 horses lost. A few weeks later the war would be over but not for Jack, he contracted the worst form of malaria, malignant malaria. He was repatriated to hospital for treatment before recovering enough to rejoin his Regiment dealing with a policing action in Egypt. The 11 LHR much to their disgust at having to put down a riot instead of returning home, nevertheless carried out their distasteful task with success. One year later on September 22, 1919 almost a year after the epic battle at Semakh, Jack finally returned home. Jack participated often in the ANZAC day marches where he always spoke up for all soldiers marching side by side and uniting as one people of Australia. His grandson, a proud member of the 11th Light Horse Memorial Troop, will be riding with three other Indigenous descendants, Ray Minniecon and Eujene Ghee, grandsons of Trooper James Lingwoodock, and Elsie Amamoo great granddaughter of Trooper Frank Fisher in this years ANZAC parade. Jennifer Marshal has been working steadily on the project, see below for progress of the model so far. Saddle, reins and gravesite mound yet to be added. If you would like to make a donation towards this project, use the form on the back page or you can give securely online at www.c4israel.com.au/semakh-statue NOTE: C4I will match every donation received up to a maximum of $15,000. Barry Rodgers has just released his new Book and DVD Documentary on the Australian Light Horse Association members remarkable journey in the footsteps on the 1917 Australian Light Horse. You can read and watch the experiences of these men as they reflect on the legacy our brave ANZACs left both Australians and Israeli’s alike - writing themselves into the historybooks. Details of these resources can be found on page 7. NEW!

17. 9 April 2019 | Israel & Christians Today Adar II - Nissan 5779 Commentary Ron Ross Author and Middle East correspondent and commentator ICEJ. Jealous for Jerusalem! Recently the International Christian Embassy of Jerusalem (ICEJ) moved their international headquarters from Jerusalem to the nearby Talpiyot business district. The move is temporary until a more permanent home can be secured in Jerusalem. For the past forty years ICEJ has worked to bring comfort and support to Israel and the Jewish people. An article published in 1993 summed up the ICEJ goals: • To show concern for the Jewish people and the reborn State of Israel, by being a focus of comfort. • To be a cen tre where Christians can gain a biblical understanding of Israel, and learn to be rightly related to the nation. • To presen t to Christians a true understanding of what is taking place in the Land today so that world events may be interpreted in the light of God’s Word. • To remind and encourage Christians to pra y for Jerusalem and the Land of Israel. • To stimulate Christian l eaders, churches and organisations to become effective influences in their countries on behalf of the Jewish people. • To encourage Jewish people to return to their homeland. • To be a channel of fulfilment of God ’s promise that one day Israel and her Arab neighbours will live in peace under the blessing of God, in the middle of the earth. • To begin or assist projects in Israel, incl uding economic ventures, for the well being of all who live here. • To take part thr ough these activities in preparing the way of the Lord and to anticipate His reign from Jerusalem. ICEJ was formed in September 1980. Local Christians already celebrated the Feast of Tabernacles (Leviticus 23:33-44). In 1980 they were joined by more than a thousand Christians who came from 40 nations. In that year the Israeli parliament declared the city of Jerusalem to be the undivided, eternal capital of the State of Israel, an edict established by King David 3000 years earlier. Protest around the world was immediate. An Arab oil embargo was threatened and thirteen embassies moved out of Jerusalem and relocated to Tel Aviv. By the end of their week-long festival these bold pioneers decided to open a ‘Christian Embassy’ in Jerusalem. This was an act of comfort and solidarity with the Jewish nation and the people in their ancient claim and connection to the Holy City. Their decision flew in the face of the angst towards Israel. What moments highlight the ICEJ history? In 1982, the ICEJ organized one of the first media tours of Lebanon for the foreign press corps in Jerusalem in the wake of Operation Peace for Galilee. In 1985, the ICEJ organized sponsor ed the first of four International Christian Zionist Congresses, with the initial one held in Basel, Switzerland in the same venue as the original Zionist Congress of 1897. In 1986, the ICEJ began sponsoring efforts to assist persecuted Jews leaving the Soviet Union for Israel via Budapest and Vienna. For the next two decades, the ICEJ’s Wallenberg Center in Budapest operated as a key respite and transit point for Soviet Jews on their way to Israel. After the fall of the Iron Curtain in late 1989, the ICEJ began sponsoring charter flights for tens of thousands of Russian-speaking Jews bound for Israel. Among the aliyah routes pioneered by the ICEJ in the early years of the mass Soviet Jewish emigration, thousands of Jews came through Helsinki, often staying in the homes of Finnish Christians before flying on to Israel. After Israel brought thousands of Ethiopian Jews home in an emergency airlift in May 1990, the ICEJ began operating the first ever mobile medical clinics in Israel to treat these new immigrants as well as many Bedouin communities for various diseases. In 1991, the ICEJ was first on the scene with aid f or the 5,000 Israeli civilians in Ramat Gan who were left homeless when Iraqi Scuds were falling in the Tel Aviv area during the First Gulf War. In May 1997, the I CEJ moved its global headquarters to the landmark building at 20 Rachel Imeinu in the German Colony neighborhood of Jerusalem. In September 2000, the ICEJ presen ted to Israeli leaders results of a global petition which garnered signatures and endorsements representing the support of millions of Christians worldwide to keep Jerusalem united and under Israeli sovereignty. In 2002, the ICEJ donated an armored school bus to the community of Efrat to protect students from terror threats, in just one example of emergency assistance to Israelis during the violent Second Palestinian Intifada. The Christian Embassy also sponsored tours in Israel and the nations of the musical drama The Covenant, a production which proved to be very encouraging to the tens of thousands of Israelis during the darkest days of the second intifada. In 2004, the ICEJ was closel y involved as a founding honorary member in the launch of the Knesset Christian Allies’ Caucus. In 2005, the ICEJ enter ed an official partnership with Yad Vashem to establish a Christian Desk at this revered Israeli institution and to open up the Christian world to Yad Vashem’s message on the universal lessons of the Holocaust. In 2005/06, the ICEJ pr ovided special assistance to hundreds of Israeli families evacuated from Gaza during the Disengagement, most notably by building playgrounds for children in the new communities where the evacuees were housed. In September 2008, the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem delivered a global petition to United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon signed by over 55,000 Christians from more than 120 countries worldwide demanding that Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad be indicted for incitement to genocide against Israel. In 2009, the ICEJ began delivering mobile bomb shel ters to Jewish communities along the Gaza border which were suffering under relentless Hamas rocket attacks from Gaza. To date, the ICEJ has provided 75 portable bomb shelters to these embattled towns and villages. In 2010, the ICEJ partnered with a l ocal Israeli charity in Haifa to open Israel’s first and only assisted-living home solely dedicated to housing and caring for destitute Holocaust survivors. Today, there are nearly 80 survivors living in the home, with additional apartments being renovated for additional residents. In 2014, the ICEJ moved its annual F east of Tabernacles celebration from the Jerusalem Convention Center to the new Jerusalem Payis Arena , marking the first international event in the new facility. In 2016, the ICEJ launched a successful campaign to flood UNESCO offi ces with thousands of Bibles in protest of the UN bodies’ passage of a resolution denying any Jewish connection to Jerusalem and the Temple Mount. The offensive language was dropped from relevant UNESCO resolutions in subsequent years. In 2016/17, the ICEJ successfully l obbied the Trump administration to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and to move the US Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, which finally occurred in May 2018. In 2017, the ICEJ sponsored fligh ts for 1300 Ethiopian Jews coming home to Israel in a renewed wave of Ethiopian Aliyah. In summer of 2018, the ICEJ donated 17 firefigh ting trailers to Israeli communities on the Gaza periphery to help them cope with a rash of fires deliberately ignited by incendiary devices sent over from Hamas operatives in Gaza. Today , the Christian Embassy has branch offices and representatives in some 95 nations and supporters drawn from more than 170 countries worldwide, thus making the ICEJ the world’s largest pro-Israel Christian organization. The full- time sta ff in the Jerusalem headquarters numbers around 40, coming from nearly 20 nations and speaking 21 languages. _______________________________________ Ron Ross worked as a newsman in Jerusalem, broadcasting Middle East reports internationally. He is the Middle East correspondent for Vision Christian Radio and a popular speaker. www.ronross.org | ronandyvonne@mac.com ICEJ has supporters drawn from more than 170 countries worldwide, making it the world’s largest pro- Israel Christian organization. ICEJ supporters attennding a march in Jerusalem, 2018 celebrating the Feast of Tabernacles ICEJ celebrating the Feast of Tabernacles at the Jerusalem Pais Arena.

1. 13 April 2019 | Israel & Christians Today Adar II - Nissan 5779 Johannes Gerloff n Theologian, Journalist, Lecturer and Author The people of Israel will vote on 9 April to elect the 21st Knesset (Parliament) of the State of Israel since its establishment in May 1948. About six million Israelis are eligible to vote. Israel has a proportional representation system. Inevitably it will be necessary to form a coalition government, so all the main contending parties are preparing for possible partnerships. According to the website of the Central Electoral Committee of the Knesset 43 political parties are standing for election. For the first time, Labor is no longer a serious contender, and may not even meet the threshold of 3.25% of the votes required to have a seat in the Knesset. Two new parties have recently been established challenging Likud’s dominance of the political scene. The first is the New Right Party (HaYamin HeHadash), a right-wing political party established in December 2018 by Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked and Education Minister Naftali Bennett. The party has recently been joined by Jerusalem Post columnist Caroline Glick, author of the book ‘The Israel Solution’, who advocates Israeli annexation of the West Bank. The other main rival to Likud is the new ‘Blue-White’ party led by former Chiefs of Staff Benny Gantz, Gabi Ashkenazi and Moshe Ya’alon. ‘Blue-White’ has been joined by former journalist, former finance minister and leader of the centrist-party Yesh Atid, Ya’ir Lapid. Israelis may also vote for parties with names such as ‘New Horizon with Dignity’, ‘Responsibility for Founders’, ‘Social Security’, ‘Social Justice’, ‘Real Democracy’, ‘Hope for Change’, ‘Unity of the Sons of the Covenant’, ‘Eternal Covenant’, ‘the Pirates’, ‘Bridge’, ‘Identity’, ‘Education’, ‘Reform’, ‘Human Dignity’, ‘Protective Shield’, ‘Simply Love’ and ‘You and I’. For months the main media platforms in Israel have been occupied primarily with one question: who can oust Benjamin Netanyahu? At 69 years of age, Benjamin Netanyahu is vying for his fifth term as Prime Minister. He is the longest-serving prime minister in the history of the modern state of Israel, and the most popular head of government Israel has ever had. Allegations of corruption and breach of trust threatened to topple Netanyahu but are barely an issue any more. Although the Attorney-General has announced that Netanyahu will be charged, a final decision on indictment has been postponed until after the elections. To the chagrin of all Netanyahu-doom- prophets, all coalition partners of the Likud have announced that they would be ready to continue the coalition even if Netanyahu were charged. Under Israeli law, a Prime Minister who is charged is not obliged to resign. Interestingly, the issue that Europeans, in particular, find so important – the relationship with the Palestinians and the two-state solution – is not really an issue in this election campaign. The positions of those parties likely to be part of a coalition government are virtually indistinguishable in this regard. One Nation 2 Israel Goes to the Polls Understanding Israel and world events from a Biblical perspective www.c4israel.com.au | info@c4israel.com.au & Christians Today ISRAEL AUSTRALIA April 2019 nissan 5779 Amazement at C4I Forum 8 Passover - A Joyful Time 11 Exodus from India 16 Workers prepare ballot boxes for the upcoming Israeli election. | Photo: Flash90 Israel & Christians Today is the premier publication of Christians for Israel AUSTRALIA

16. 8 April 2019 | Israel & Christians Today Adar II - Nissan 5779 Enoch Lavender Pastoral leader of Shalom Israel and Assistant Pastor at Living Way Christian Network. Paul declares that marriage is the; “beautiful design of the Almighty, a great and sacred mystery—meant to be a vivid example of Christ and his Church” (Eph 5:32, The Passion). Marriage is meant to be a picture of the Messiah’s love for His bride, and in this article, I will draw on my own love story with my wife to speak about the longing, the promise and the hope of our Messiah’s return. A Romance 14 Years in the Making It all started back in 2004 when I visited an evening Church service in Box Hill, Melbourne. As the service was drawing to an end, I asked the Holy Spirit to speak to me—and was surprised by what I heard! I felt His gentle voice say to me—‘are you ready for marriage?’. Being only 20 years old at the time, I replied ‘Lord, prepare me!’. In my mind, I thought preparation wouldn’t take long—and immediately and expectantly began to keep my eyes out for that special someone. Little did I know the journey that would lie ahead! I didn’t meet that special someone that week, nor the next week, nor the next month or even the month after that. As the years slowly went by, I kept looking for the right one, only to have my hopes dashed again and again. At times I got so despondent, that I even had to put aside the vision of marriage! In November 2011—after seven years of this journey—I wrote down a prayer about my future wife which I began to pray regularly. The years continued to go by, and God’s promise of marriage seemed as far away as ever. Little did I know that during this very time— November 2011—God was at work on the heart of a young lady named Sarah on the Gold Coast. She had just lost her Dad to cancer, and when she visited Church on the day of his death, she asked God for a new vision to sustain her for the time ahead. To her surprise, she felt God speak to her about getting married. “You’re not really saying marriage are you Lord?”, she asked. The next day, a friend of hers—not knowing the situation—came visiting and told Sarah “I feel to give you this”. It was her wedding veil from her own wedding more than 20 years earlier. Being assured of God’s promise, Sarah too had a journey of waiting, hoping and believing— intertwined with moments of despair and frustration as she waited for the promise. The years seemed to go by for her as well, and her hopes of various guys along the way also came crashing down. However, ultimately, the hope Sarah had in her heart sustained her through the journey. It even caused her to buy a wedding dress—5 years before we met! Finally—on the 9th of March, 2018—Sarah and I met and hit it off quite quickly. As I learned of Sarah’s journey, I realised that from the very time I began to pray in Melbourne, God had been at work answering that prayer. It was only now—6 years later—that I could see the answer to prayer sitting right in front of me! God is truly faithful to answer prayer and keep His promises! We ended up getting married on the 11th of November—7 years to the month since I had first begun praying and since God had begun speaking to Sarah. Waiting for the Promise Many of us have been waiting for God’s promises to come to pass in our personal lives. Perhaps we have been praying for our loved ones for years, with seemingly little or no change. As the months and years have passed, the promises have seemed further away than ever. May our story encourage you today that our God will keep His Word! Although the promise may seem afar off, don’t despair and don’t lose hope. Truly He will bring about His Word in its season—and when it comes to pass, you too will be able to look back and see how God has been at work all along to fulfil His Word and answer your prayers. The Promised Heavenly Wedding The Church has a tremendous promise from Jesus—that He will one day return for us— for His beloved bride. As the years have gone by, we too have got our hopes up at times. For example, back in the 80’s, a book was written called ’88 Reasons Why Jesus will Return in 1988’. After He failed to return in ’88, a new book was written with 89 reasons why He would return in 1989! Unfortunately, the church’s expectancy of His return on those dates, only led to disappointment and discouragement. Just as I at times put aside the vision of marriage, so much of the Church has put aside her expectancy of the Lord’s soon return. I believe Jesus has given us His promised return for a reason—not that we should put it aside, but that we should embrace the hope. Hope sustained Sarah and I during our difficult moments and during the long journey of waiting. I am convinced that the hope of the Lord’s return for us—His chosen Bride—is likewise crucial to sustain the Church in the dark days that lie ahead. Hope causes us to live differently. Hope gives us a sense of expectation and excitement. Just as hope caused Sarah to buy a wedding dress 5 years ahead of time, so the hope of the soon return of the lover of our souls causes us get ready with the excitement of an expecting bride. I believe it is time for the Church to hope again. Time to hope that God has heard our prayers and will fulfil His promises to us on a personal level. Time to hope again that He will indeed return soon for His Beloved Bride. And time to look forward with the riveting excitement of a bride—to that great Heavenly wedding which is to come. ________________________________________________________ Ps. Enoch and Sarah Lavender Enoch is the Pastoral leader of Shalom Israel and serves as Assistant Pastor at Living Way Christian Network. Sarah is a graduate of the Caleb Company training program and has led a ministry tour to Israel and been involved in many aspects of local church ministry. I believe Jesus has given us His promised return for a reason... that we should embrace the hope. The Great End Time Wedding Biblical Perspectives HaYovel – Serving Israel’s farmers If you are looking for a way to put hands and feet to your love for Israel, you’ve found it! HaYovel is a non-profit organization that brings Christian volunteers from all over the world to serve Jewish farmers in Israel. Come to Israel with HaYovel, volunteer in the vineyards of Judea and Samaria, and connect to the place where prophecy meets reality. Volunteering with HaYovel is much more than just working the Land – an average week with HaYovel offers: • Vol unteering 4 days per week in the vineyards and olive groves • Touring 2 days per week in the ar eas of Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria, meeting the local people and hearing their stories • Experience an Israeli -style Shabbat (rest day) every Saturday. Staying on Har Bracha (Mt of Blessing), nearly every evening, volunteers hear from influential speakers, like members of Knesset, rabbis, pioneers, and heroes of Israel’s history. By the time volunteers arrive back home, they are educated ambassadors, ready to be advocates on behalf of Israel and the restoration unfolding in the Heartland. The following opportunities are available in 2019: Summer Trip 3 Weeks, 16 July to 6 August Harvest Trips 2 Week grape harvest, 13-27 Aug 3 Week grape harvest, 28 Aug - 17 Sep 5 Week grape harvest, 18 Sep - 22 Oct 2 Week grape/olive harvest, 23 Oct - 6 Nov We welcome volunteers of all ages to join us for one of our many family- friendly volunteer trips. Go to www.HaYovel.com for photos, videos, and information about how to join us. HaYovel actively supports and advocates for Israel in a multitude of ways, including the Joshua and Caleb Report, a film series dedicated to telling the stories of the people and places of Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria. Deon Van Baalen, HaYovel’s Advocate in Australia, would love to connect with you to tell you more about HaYovel’s work in Israel, or to speak at your church or congregation. Contact Deon at Deon@HaYovel.com or 0487 090 882 .

5. 17 April 2019 | Israel & Christians Today Adar II - Nissan 5779 April 2019 | Israel & Christians Today Adar II - Nissan 5779 News 4 Olim At the beginning of February 2019, eighty-three Jews from Ethiopia arrived in Israel. These Jews already have relatives in Israel. The journey to Israel was one big family reunion for most of them. It is expected that a total of one thousand Ethiopian Jews will make Aliyah this year. | Photo: Flash 90 Virtual Embassy There is no chance yet of a real Israeli Embassy in the Gulf States. That is why Israel opened “Israel in the Gulf”, a campaign with pages on social media that are frequently used in the Gulf States. Via these pages, Israel talks about herself with articles, analyses, videos and images and thus Arabs can get acquainted with Israel in their own language. No chance project? With two million visitors per day, it doesn’t look that way! Anti-Semitism in 2018 The year 2018 looks like it was a tipping point in worldwide anti- Semitism, according to a report on worldwide anti-Semitism by the Israeli Ministry of Diaspora Affairs. Islamic anti-Semitism is no longer dominant. Anti-Semitism is being expressed by right-wing as expressed in such incidents as the attack on the Pittsburgh synagogue. In Eastern Europe, the old Jewish stereotypes are being used again in the political debate. Also, anti-Semitism is on the rise from the Left, mostly in the form of hostility towards Israel. A record number of incidents was reported. Direct Connection to Japan As from September, anyone who wishes to do so, can fly from Tokyo to Tel Aviv directly, or vice versa. The Israeli company Sun d’Or operates the flights. The Japanese national airline company is seriously considering setting up a direct connection with Israel as well. | Photo: Flash90 Short News William Echikson n Director | European Union of Progressive Judaism | Brussels European governments are rehabilitating World War II collaborators and war criminals while minimising their own guilt in the attempted extermination of Jews. The Holocaust Remembrance Project, a new report rating European Union countries on how they face up to their Holocaust pasts, finds Hungary, Poland, Croatia, and the Baltics are the worst offenders. Driven by feelings of victimhood and fears of accepting refugees, and often run by autocratic nationalist governments, these countries received red cards for revisionism. Some European countries led by Austria, France and Romania have made important progress in confronting their dark pasts. They have accepted that their police or army, not the Nazis, played an important role in deporting Jews and Roma to their death. They are returning art to their former Jewish heirs. And, in an attempt to prevent a repetition of the Holocaust, they are working hard to educate their citizens, and officials about their personal and official responsibilities to disobey illegal orders and confront evil. Unfortunately, though, history is often being forgotten or rewritten. The Hungarian government is minimising its country’s participation in the genocide, rehabilitating war criminals, and introducing anti-Semitic writers into the national curriculum. According to Paul Shapiro of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, the truth is that Miklos Horthy’s Hungary was the first European country after World War I to put in place ‘numerus clausus’ legislation which restricted Jewish participation in high education. Hungary passed racial laws similar to Nazi Germany in 1938 and 1939. With war came the systematic theft of Jewish property and mass murder. In 1944, Hungarian police identified and concentrated the Jews, loaded them onto trains, and delivered them into the hands of German SS units for execution at Auschwitz. Revisionism is often accompanied by a revival of Nazi-inspired hate speech. Hungary’s right-wing prime minister Viktor Orban has described the arrival of asylum seekers in Europe as ‘a poison’, saying his country did not want or need ‘a single migrant.’ Jaroslaw Kaczyński, head of Poland’s governing Law and Justice Party, has warned that migrants are ‘parasites’ that carry ‘very dangerous diseases long absent from Europe.’ In the same vein, French right-wing extremist Marine Le Pen called for the ‘eradication of bacterial immigration,’ proclaiming that immigration was causing an ‘alarming presence of contagious diseases’ in France. In his Mein Kampf, Hitler repeatedly refers to Jews as parasites. In 2018, the nationalist Polish government criminalised the term ‘Polish death camps.’ The same government is waging an offensive on the rule of law and freedom of expression, imposing new repressive bills to control the media and attacking the independence of the country’s courts. Anger is understandable when foreigners refer to Auschwitz and other extermination camps the Nazis set up in Poland as ‘Polish death camps.’ They were Nazi death camps. Along with three million Polish Jews, at least 1.9 million Polish gentiles were killed. Yet many Poles were complicit in the crimes committed on their land. When a Polish minister questions Polish participation in the murder of hundreds of their Jewish neighbours during a Holocaust-era pogrom, he is wrong. Like other countries conquered by Germany, Poland too must face up to all aspects of its World War II history – without the threat of sending historians to prison. Amid this heated atmosphere, memories of the Holocaust are fading. According to a CNN/ComRes survey taken in September 2018, 34 per cent of Europeans surveyed said they know just a little or have never heard of the Holocaust. A third of European said Jewish people use the Holocaust to advance their own positions or goals, according to the poll, for which 7,000 people across European were surveyed. Our study identifies new challenges. Germany has a growing Muslim population, with one million new migrants from Middle Eastern countries. They account for the largest group responsible for anti-Semitic incidents, according to Jewish participants in the Fundamental Rights Agency report. Will migrants adopt Germany’s values of tolerance and responsibility for its past? Our research questions whether these new arrivals are receiving sufficient education about the Holocaust. This is an edited version of an article published by Times of Israel on 5th March 2019: https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/holocaust-revisionism- on-the-rise-in-parts-of-europe/ Holocaust Revisionism on the Rise in Parts of Europe Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban | Photo: Getty Images April 2019 | Israel & Christians Today Adar II - Nissan 5779 Israel & the Region 5 Jonathan Spyer n Middle East Analyst, Author and Journalist The Islamic State proclaimed by the Iraqi jihadist Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi at the al-Nuri Mosque in Mosul on June 29, 2014, is about to cease to exist. But while the demise of the brutal jihadi quasi-state is surely to be welcomed, it is also important to place it in perspective. This is so for two reasons. Firstly, because the demise of the caliphate does not mean the end of the organisation that established it, we are likely to be hearing again from the nucleus of Iraqi Sunni jihadists who launched this enterprise. And secondly, because for all its many and terrible cruelties, Islamic State was only a single manifestation of a larger crisis still underway across the entirety of the land area comprising Iraq, Syria and Lebanon. This crisis is ultimately one of state fragmentation and sectarian war of succession. In this context, there is something else worth noting: The title of most brutal enterprise, at least in terms of verifiable body counts, belongs not to Islamic State but to the Assad regime and its allies. At some point in recent weeks, the ISIS leader made his exit, almost certainly to somewhere in Sunni central Iraq. This was where the Islamic State as a movement was born. It is already clear that its leaders intend this to be the space in which it will be reborn. ISIS came out of Iraq, and throughout the time of its existence as a quasi-state, it remained, in essence, an Iraqi entity. The core leadership of the movement was Iraqi throughout – Baghdadi himself, Abu Ayman al-Iraqi, Samir al-Khlifawi and many other names, most of them now dead. ISIS indeed came into being, it is worth remembering, as a result of a power struggle in late 2013 in which Iraqi jihadist s sought unsuccessfully to impose their own leadership on the Syrian franchise of al-Qaeda. This effort was unsuccessful, leading to the emergence on Syrian soil of two rival Salafi jihadi projects – Islamic State and the Syrian-led Jabhat al- Nusra, now known as Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. As of now, once the final battle at Baghouz is concluded, ISIS looks set to concentrate on preserving and developing its networks of support in its heartland of Sunni central Iraq. ISIS still has around 30,000 fighters available to it across Iraq and Syria. It also does not lack for funds. ISIS has access to hundreds of millions of dollars deriving from its four-year taxation of the caliphate’s inhabitants, it's looting of the banking system when it entered Mosul in June 2014, and its trade with both the Assad regime and rebels during the course of the war. It also has existing networks of support. Even as the global media watch the last stand of the diehards at Baghouz, ISIS has already shifted its own focus. The intention is to build an infrastructure that will then, at the opportune moment, strike again in the cities of Iraq, and Syria, too. The reason this, or a rival Sunni Islamist project, is likely to once again emerge to prominence is that the final twilight of the caliphate at Baghouz will not settle any of the issues that led to its emergence, and of which it was a symptom. The main butcher of civilians over the last decade in the area in question has been the Assad regime. The air strategy of the regime and its Russian allies involved the deliberate and systematic targeting of civilians. All this reveals a brutality on a level of scale and system beyond the more primitive savagery of the Islamic State. Islamic State and the Syrian Sunni Arab rebellion are defeated. But in both Iraq and Syria, the Sunni Arab population remains. Both countries are fractious and divided. The Assad regime rules over only 60% of Syria. Even within its area of control, Iran and Russia have the final say on key issues. The Turks and their Sunni Islamist allies control 10% in the northwest. The Kurds and their Western backers control an additional 30%. In each of these areas, a slow-burning insurgency is growing, supported by one of the other players. The regime, and Turkey, and ISIS are all active in the Kurdish-US zone. The Kurds are active in the Turkish zone, seeking to counter and take vengeance for the crimes of the Turks and Sunni rebels against the Kurdish population in Afrin. And in parts of the regime-controlled area, in particular, Deraa province, there is simmering Sunni unrest at the regime’s closing of accounts with the population. In Iraq, while central government authority is nominally stronger, there remains a Kurdish population in the north almost entirely in favour of separation from Baghdad and prevented from splitting away only by force. There is also a Sunni Arab population in the centre now subject to the whims of the Shia militias that are officially part of the state security forces. It is among this population that ISIS will now seek to implant itself. Fundamental questions of borders, state legitimacy and ethnic-sectarian estrangement remain unanswered in Syria and Iraq. Add to this the penetrated nature of these spaces, with foreign powers, including Russia, the US, Turkey, Iran and Israel, active within them, and it becomes clear how little will be settled when the smoke over Baghouz clears. Jonathan Spyer is a Middle East analyst, author and journalist specialising in the areas of Israel, Lebanon, Syria and broader issues of regional strategy. He is a Senior Research Fellow at the Global Research in International Affairs (GLORIA) Center, and a Fellow at the Middle East Forum. This is an abridged version of an article originally published in the Jerusalem Post on 8th March 2019. No New Beginnings in Sight for Ravaged Syria Photo: Shutterstock Photo: Shutterstock Photo: Unsplash

25. 25 April 2019 | Israel & Christians Today Adar II - Nissan 5779 April 2019 | Israel & Christians Today Adar II - Nissan 5779 Israel Today 13 Itamar Marcus n Director of Palestinian Media Watch If you want to know why Palestinian children believe that killing Israelis is model behaviour, all you have to do is look at what might be the worst chapter in all their schoolbooks. Schoolbooks of the Palestinian Authority (PA) have been criticised ever since Palestinian Media Watch wrote the first report in 1998. However, one chapter published in 2017 stands out in its toxic message. This chapter appearing in the 5th grade Arabic Language book serves as a window to understanding the PA leadership’s fundamentally twisted values. Heroes The chapter starts innocently by stressing the importance of heroes to national identity and national pride: “Heroes have an important position in every nation... the people – even if they are divided over many things – they all agree regarding the pride in their heroes...” The Palestinian child learns that all Palestinians - though they might disagree about politics - all agree about ‘pride in their heroes.’ The schoolbook continues by stating that feeling pride is not enough. The PA takes numerous active steps to honour its heroes: “[We] sing their praise, learn the history of their lives, name our children after them, and name streets, squares, and prominent cultural sites after them...” PA society assures children that heroes are never forgotten. They might have lived in the past, but by naming streets and squares after them and singing their praise, those heroes remain in the people’s consciousness. The next message is probably the most important. The children are taught that those heroes are to be role models: “Every one of us wishes to be like them.” Palestinian children are instructed to want to become like PA society’s heroes. Role Model While so far this messaging is not problematic, all that changes when the schoolbook presents the ten people who PA educators promote as role models who Palestinian children should ‘wish to be like.’ The list has no scientists, no doctors, no engineers, no singers, no athletes, nor any artists. There have been three Muslim winners of the Nobel Prize in science and two in literature - but they are not on the list of Palestinian heroes. Who are the Palestinian heroes? 10 Muslim combatants from the first century of Islam (the 7th century) through to the 21st century. Moreover, the most horrific name on this list of role models is terrorist murderer Dalal Mughrabi, who led the hijacking of a bus in 1978 and murdered 25 adults and 12 children. Among those murdered by Mughrabi was a young Israeli woman Rebecca Hohman and her two sons Ilan age 3 and Roi age 6 when Mughrabi threw a hand grenade at the bus they were travelling in. Murderer Mughrabi is the person Palestinian educators are telling children to see as a role model, someone ‘everyone wants to be like.’ Martydom After naming the ten heroes, the PA schoolbook stresses that there is no one better than these fighter killers: “These heroes are the crown of their nation, they are a symbol of its glory, they are the best of the best, the best of the noble people.” And that’s not all. There is one additional horrific message for the kids. Mughrabi was killed during her terror attack and others on the list were killed in battle. The PA schoolbook focuses on their deaths and glorifies their willingness to die: “They took their lives in their hands and threw them at the dangers, without losing their determination and without weakening and surrendering. Some of them died as Martyrs, some of them died on the way to fulfilling their obligations, as heroes.” Palestinian children are taught that ‘heroes’ are willing to die as martyrs. In the final sentence of the chapter they are informed exactly what this means for them if they don’t want to die as a martyr: “Bravo to the heroes, and scorn to the cowards!” ‘Kill an Israeli’ This is the depraved value system that Palestinian leaders have lived by since the PLO’s founding in 1965, and upon which they have indoctrinated PA children since 1994. It is not surprising that so many of the Palestinian terrorists in recent years, including the recent murderer of Ari Fuld, were teenagers. The Palestinian leadership has been transmitting its ‘kill an Israeli - be a hero’ message for decades. Now it is clear: tragically Palestinian children have been listening. And so, the sum total of the message Palestinian children have been internalising is: ‘If I, a Palestinian child, am willing to be a Martyr and kill Israelis, I will be ‘the best of the best, the crown of my nation, streets will be named after me’ and I will be a Palestinian hero. And if not I am a coward.’ If you were a Palestinian child which path would you choose? Palestinian Schoolbooks Worst Chapter Palestinian children march with thousands of activists in support of Palestinian rights | Photo: Shutterstock Shin The 21st letter of the Aleph-Beit is the shin/sin. In most cases, it is pronounced as a ‘sh’ (like in shalom), but in some words it is a sharp ‘s’ as in Yisrael, or sameach (joyous). The difference can be marked by putting a dot on top of the right-hand side of the letter for the ‘sh’ ( שׁ ), and on the left-hand top for the ‘s’ ( שׂ ). The original sign is associated with a tooth – shin means ‘tooth’. From this original letter the later shin developed, as well as the Greek sigma ( Σ ) and our ‘S’. The numerical value of shin is 300. The letter shin is depicted on the tefilin, the phylacteries that are worn on the head in two forms: on one side the ordinary shin with three lines, on the other side with an additional fourth line. The phylacteries on the arm, too, are knotted into the form of the shin. This refers to Shaddai, meaning the Almighty God, one of the names of God. In the ‘Aleph-Beit song’ in the Talmud, the shin represents the Hebrew word sheqer, meaning a lie. If you pay close attention, you see that the letters of this word in the Aleph-Beit follow each other: qof, resh, shin. Unfortunately, all too ofte n we encounter lies and deceit. The shin also contains positive aspects, some of which are as follows: The three lines of the shin remind us of the patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, whilst the four lines of the other shin on the phylacteries bring to mind the four matriarchs, Sarah, Rebecca, Leah and Rachel. When you look closely, you see the letter shin also appears between the four lines, according to Jewish tradition, the Ten Commandments were engraved on the stone tablets. The shin also represents shuva – penitence, return to God. Thereby we think of Yom Kippur, the day of Atonement. The numerical value of the word kapper (atonement) is 300 (shin). Penitence is a change for the good. Change in Hebrew is shinnuy, with a shin! It is a return to the ways of the patriarchs, who each embody a specific connection with God: Abraham (love), Isaac (awe), and Jacob (mercy). Letters of the Aleph-bet By Kees de Vreugd Tel Aviv was ranked as the best city in the Middle East and the 21st best in the world by the Time Out magazine. Time Out magazine surveyed 34,000 city- dwellers to rank the best cities in the world and presented a list of its 48 best cities in the world for 2019. The cities were graded for their ‘food, drink, culture, nightlife, community, neighborhoods, overall happiness and other factors, such as their city’s beauty, affordability and convenience.’ “Welcome to the city that never stops. Tel Aviv – the contemporary hub of Israel, the cultural capital, a culinary mecca and a beach bliss,” Time Out writes. The magazine also wrote that Tel Aviv “has a notorious reputation” as a “non-stop city with a great nightlife and music scene.” New York was ranked the best city in the world, followed by Melbourne and Chicago. Turkey’s Istanbul came in number 48. Tel Aviv Ranked Top City Photo: Flash90

26. 26 April 2019 | Israel & Christians Today Adar II - Nissan 5779 April 2019 | Israel & Christians Today Adar II - Nissan 5779 The Biblical Heartland 14 Rev Henk Poot n Christians for Israel Netherlands In this article, Rev Henk Poot continues his journey through Judea and Samaria - the Biblical Heartland. We leave Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal behind us and continue the trail of the patriarchs. It is an age-old route that winds south through the hills of Israel’s heartland. Near the crossroads, at Kfar Tapuach you can make a left turn and descend towards the Jordan Valley. We drive through a couple of Arabic villages and see a couple of farmers coming home from their fields, a school going out and children walking home along the road. This is ‘B-area’. Israel watches the security of the road, and on both sides of the road, autonomous Palestinian territory is extending. Tabernacle And then we arrive in the valley of Shiloh. We read the names of the Jewish villages scattered across the hills: Re’im, Ma’ale Levona, Givat Har-El and Shiloh of course. We see fields and olive trees and rich and ripe vineyards. Besides modern Shiloh, we can also visit the ancient place we know so well from the Bible. A couple of years ago visitors were still welcomed in a wooden structure with a wobbly table with a replica of the tabernacle on top of it and a short film that related the tabernacle’s story. That has changed. Major archaeological excavations have been carried out at the foot of the hill of Tel Shiloh and tourists are now finding this to be a wonderful place to visit. You can now drink coffee and buy wine and oil, as well as view a beautiful film that tells everything. On the site of the ancient town of Shiloh, we can see the outline of where the tabernacle was located”. Samuel The tabernacle stood there for 369 years. This is where Elkanah and his wife Hannah went every year. In their time the number of pilgrims diminished because the sons of the high priest desecrated the sanctuary and people didn’t value the ceremonial service (1 Samuel 2:18). But Elkanah’s family went up. Here Hannah prayed intensely for a child. And still, following Hannah, women come here and pray exactly that. Here, where I walk right now, once Samuel walked. Here he heard the voice of the Lord and grew up into one of Israel’s greatest prophets and judges. Witnesses On the way back from the Tel (hill) you find a small exhibition of potsherds. Thousands of them were found on the slopes around the sanctuary, silent evidence of the thousands of pilgrims who celebrated their feasts here and had their meals. Here in Shiloh, Joshua called on the seven remaining tribes to get possession of their heritage, make haste with it and to rely on God (Joshua 18). God’s loyalty Ultimately the Philistines would destroy Shiloh. War was on its way, Hophni and Phinehas were cut down in battle, and the ark they took with them in the battle was robbed. Eli fell off his chair and died when he heard the moaning in the city and learned what had happened. Shiloh fell into oblivion, and with Shiloh, the valley became a wilderness. And yet, also here we realise God’s loyalty. The prophets would speak of new vineyards (Jeremiah 31:5) and about a time when the valley would bloom again. And if you now look around you at the place of the tabernacle you see the vineyards. They haven’t been there very long yet. Kibbutzim Innovating The original Israeli ‘kibbutz’ was designed for simplicity and communal living. There are still many kibbutzim where this is still the case. But most kibbutzim today allow for private ownership of property and have exchanged socialist principles for economic ones. In 2018 the kibbutzim in Israel invested substantially in Israeli start- ups: around twenty-seven million euros. That is 45% more than the previous year. | Photo: Flash 90 Motorcar Calls Ambulance The first motorcars in Israel are equipped with a system that not only calls an ambulance itself but also reports the severity of the accident. What was the speed, is the car upside down and how severe are the passenger’s injuries. So far the system is 100% accurate in detecting accidents and 92% accurate in predicting the severity of accidents. The system uses already built-in sensors in new motorcars. The application comes from an Israeli start-up, together with Magen David Adom. Hope for Coral Global warming has serious consequences for coral reefs worldwide. Warmer seawater is more acidic causing coral to die off. In numerous places, formerly colourful underwater life has faded as a result of dying coral. But not in the Gulf of Aqaba, near Eilat. Israeli scientists have discovered that the coral in the Red Sea can better resist warmer water temperatures and a higher degree of acidity. They hope that the results of their research can be applied in other places to protect coral and save it. | Photo: Flash90 Short News The contemporary village of Shiloh | Photo: Flash90 The museum at the archaeological excavations near Tel Shiloh | Photo: Flash90 New vineyards in the valley of Shiloh | Photo: Flash90 Shiloh Jerusalem The Valley of Shiloh

23. 23 April 2019 | Israel & Christians Today Adar II - Nissan 5779 April 2019 | Israel & Christians Today Adar II - Nissan 5779 Theology 11 Kees de Vreugd n Theologian | Christians for Israel International & Editor | Israel and the Church Pesach (Passover) may well be the most central feast on the Jewish calendar. It celebrates the exodus from Egypt (Exodus 12), not just as something that happened in the history of Israel, but as a reality of life. In the Haggadah (the Passover liturgy), it is said that everyone should celebrate Pesach as if he, or she, at this moment is leaving Egypt. That is a core Jewish understanding. By remembering the exodus, you participate in it, experiencing yourself the liberation from Egyptian slavery. Like all Jewish feasts, it is first and foremost celebrated in the family. The children play an important role, not just during the family meal on the eve of Pesach, but also in the preparations before the feast. Preparations start right after Purim. One of the central features of the feast is that, for seven days, one is allowed to eat only unleavened bread, the matzah. Anything leavened (bread or beer) is banned. After Purim, which is four weeks before Pesach, everybody starts to clean the house, to do away with all leaven. On the last day before Pesach, the children search the house with a candle and collect the last little crumbs, which are then burnt. Of course, this has a deeper meaning: to clean yourself and your life from sin (1 Corinthians 5:6,7). Pesach means to pass over. The Bible tells that in the night of the exodus, all firstborn males of Egypt were killed. But the angel of death passed over the houses of the Israelites that had the blood of the Passover lamb on the doorposts. The Passover lamb was eaten by the family. Today, according to Jewish tradition, since there is no temple, it is no longer possible to slaughter the Passover lamb. On the seider table, there are only references to the sacrifice in the temple. The central event is the Pesach meal on the eve of Pesach. It is called the seider, meaning ‘order’, since it follows a fixed order. Special foods are eaten, and the story of the exodus is recounted and discussed in all its various aspects. The recounting is called the Haggadah (meaning ‘telling’). Over the centuries, the Haggadah has grown and developed into a fixed text. The basic structure, however, dates back to the time of the second temple and has also left its traces in the New Testament account of the last supper. At the seider table, though, each one can share his or her own experience of liberation. Important elements are the four cups of wine, each marking a stage in the celebration, the matzah, and bitter herbs, recalling the bitterness of slavery. The youngest child asks the important question of what is different this night from all other nights, as we do so many unusual things. Father answers: we were slaves in Egypt, but now we are free. The celebration concludes with the wish: next year in Jerusalem! Passover - A Joyful Time for Family Rev Willem Glashouwer n President | Christians for Israel International Although the ‘birth pains’ in the end times will be intense and painful, according to the words of Jesus in Matthew 24 the outcome will be glorious for Israel. Because these ‘birth pains’ ultimately will lead to the birth of the ‘baby’: the Kingdom of Peace and Righteousness on earth led by the King of kings and the Lord of lords, the Messiah of Israel. All the prophets of the Bible speak about it. Simeon prophesied in Luke 2:25-31 : “Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the Temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for Him what the custom of the Law [Thora] required, Simeon took Him in his arms and praised God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as You have promised, You may now dismiss Your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen Your salvation, which You have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to Your people Israel.” All is well that ends well. Revelation 11:15 triumphantly says, when looking towards the future: “The kingdom of the world has become the Kingdom of our Lord and of His Messiah, and He will reign for ever and ever.” The ‘Kingdom of Heaven’ on earth - meaning the Kingdom on earth, given by the Heavens, given by God, Matthew 3:2; 4:17; 6:10 - develops in stages. First the signs of the Kingdom in Israel performed by Jesus the King Himself, as pockets of light in a surrounding darkness. Then the signs of the Kingdom in the whole world by the power of the Holy Spirit during the preaching of the Gospel of the Kingdom to all the nations of the earth, Matthew 24:14. Again, signs and wonders, as pockets of light in a surrounding darkness. And ultimately the Kingdom of peace and righteousness worldwide, when the Messiah King will again be among us and will sit on the throne of His father David and rule over the House of Jacob - Israel - and peace will flow forth from Jerusalem into the whole world and the nations will train for war no more, Luke 1:31-33 and Isaiah 2:2-4. And of His Kingdom there shall be no end, because He was resurrected from the dead and lives forever. All Covenants made with Israel will have their final fulfilment in that Kingdom to come. Then all the Promises made to Abraham will be fulfilled. Then the Promised Land will have its Promised borders. Then the Priesthood of Levi will function again. Then the Kingship of the House of David will be established forever. Then Jerusalem and the Temple will be the centre of the world. Then the New Covenant will be fully implemented for Israel. Then the Covenant of Peace will be fully operational. Then the wisdom of Torah will be the guiding light for all nations. Israel is Heading Towards a Glorious Future An Israeli family seen during the ‘passover seder’ on the first night of the 8-day long Jewish holiday of Passover. | Photo: Flash90

12. 4 April 2019 | Israel & Christians Today Adar II - Nissan 5779 Commentary Piece Keith Buxton Former National Director for Bridges for Peace Australia Australia and Israel — Fascinating Parallels Having just returned from a fruitful trip to Israel to participate in the biennial Christians for Israel Forum 2019 and Post-Forum tour, I have been reflecting on the many ways in which there have been parallels in the development of our two nations. Of course, Israel is immensely smaller in land size than Australia, being just one-third the size of Tasmania—but we know well that Israel is huge in the heart and purposes of God. The parallels I am referring to are noted in the introduction to a fascinating booklet, ‘Australia and Israel: A Pictorial History’ , given to me several years ago by the then Australian Ambassador to Israel. The respective national struggles of both peoples, one to establish a distinctive identity as an already sovereign nation, and the other to attain sovereignty as a people with a strong and deep sense of their historic identity, were played out in the cauldron of war. The parallels are fascinating indeed, as stated in the booklet: “Both peoples pursued their national goals with an irrepressible confidence, resourcefulness and optimism, and a knack for improvisation. The immigrant experience, the development of land in a harsh environment, and a pioneering spirit of adventure have continued to feature prominently in the history of both nations. More profoundly, the early Zionist pioneers and the Australian diggers of both world wars shared an ethos of social egalitarianism, and a healthy irreverence for authority.” Australia’s extraordinary military contribution to the ending of Ottoman rule in Palestine in World War I in 1917 is an epic story that was remembered in a momentous way in 2017 during the 100th anniversary celebration of the Charge of the 4th Light Horse Brigade at Beer-Sheva, an event that I attended and which will ever be etched in my memory. Australia’s diplomatic support 30 years later in 1947 for the UN plan to partition Palestine into Arab and Jewish states initiated strong political relations between the two countries which were formalised when Australia extended official recognition to the State of Israel in January 1949. As the decades have unfolded, Australia’s vibrant Jewish community has contributed to a wide range of people-to-people contacts between Australians and Israelis. Trade relations between the two nations have also grown, especially in recent years as Australia seeks to benefit from Israel’s amazing advances in the field of scientific and medical research and technological innovations. Back now to the theme of parallels, this time with regard to God’s relationship both to Israel and the Jewish people and to the Christian church. Indeed, we are both a blessed covenant people! You will be encouraged as like me you turn to the Bible and reflect on these similarities, and sense the importance of Aussie Christians reaffirming their support of Israel as never before. Firstly, both Israel and the church have been called uniquely and sovereignly by God to be a blessing to the world. To Abraham, and through him to his seed, God declared; “In you all the families of the earth shall be blessed” (Genesis 12:3). This calling finds expression in Isaiah 49:6— “I will also give you as a light to the Gentiles”. In similar fashion, Jesus says to His followers, “You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14). What a privileged calling! Secondly, as covenant people called by God, we are both a humanly insignificant people. In Deuteronomy 7:6 we read; “The Lord did not set His love on you nor choose you because you were more in number than any other people, for you were the least of all peoples”. Similarly, Paul reminds his readers in Corinth that “not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called” (1 Corinthians 1:26). Rather, he has called the foolish, the weak, and those who are least, so that all glory may go to Him. Thirdly, we are both at the receiving end of opposition, hate and even persecution. Said Jesus to His disciples (John 15:18-19); “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.” In Deuteronomy 28:65, Moses warns the Israelites that when scattered among the nations; “you shall find no rest, nor shall the sole of your foot have a resting place; but there the LORD will give you a trembling heart, failing eyes, and anguish of soul.” In these days we are witnessing a global spike in anti-Semitism, and we need to take every opportunity of showing our Jewish friends that they are not alone. And now an uplifting fourth parallel—God is with and is watching over His covenant people! In John 6:33 Jesus said to His disciples; “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” To the Roman believers (in Romans 8:38) Paul declared that nothing “shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Similarly in Psalm 121:4, the psalmist reminds His people that “He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.” May we be unwavering in standing faithfully with Israel and the Jewish people through our support, our prayers, and our giving. ________________________________________________________ Keith Buxton is the former National Director for Bridges for Peace Australia. www.bridgesforpeace.com PHOTO: 31 October 2007. The 90th anniversary re-enactment of the Charge of the 4th and 12th Australian Light Horse Regiments at Beersheba by members of the ALHA You will be encouraged as like me you turn to the Bible and reflect on these similarities

21. 21 April 2019 | Israel & Christians Today Adar II - Nissan 5779 April 2019 | Israel & Christians Today Adar II - Nissan 5779 C4I Happenings 8 Marijke Terlouw n Christians for Israel Netherlands Amazement, this is the word that best captures the recent Christians for Israel International Leaders Forum. Amazement about what is happening in Israel, amazement about what God is doing with the Jewish people. But also amazement about what the people involved in the Christians for Israel ministry are doing in support of Israel around the world. From thirty-five countries from all corners of the earth representatives of Christians for Israel came to Jerusalem at the beginning of March: Samoa, Nepal, Myanmar, Vietnam, Brazil, Ukraine, and many more countries. It felt like a family reunion; sometimes meeting family members whom you’ve never met before. We had the opportunity to encourage each other with our personal testimonies, and furthermore support and inspire each other in the tasks that we have in our own countries to bring the message about Israel into the churches. The Forum provided a lot of information – let’s call it a tool- box - that we could take home. We listened to Bible studies; had many interesting lectures; had meetings with Israeli leaders; and went on several fascinating excursions. Rev. Willem Glashouwer pointed towards the future and carefully warned to be cautious about predicting the future. “The Bible does not contain a detailed order in events; it is not a jig-saw puzzle that you can put in a certain order. But read your Bible, in its entirety, and watch what is happening in the world. Detailed timelines of events can block your view on what is happening, and on the meaning of prophecies.” The testimony of Arab pastor Steven Khoury touched a chord with many of the participants. From practical experience, he knows that believing in the God of Israel means to struggle and attack. “I thank God for Christians for Israel. From the beginning, there was room for the Arabs. And therefore there is room for the message of love and mercy. It is very important for the Arab community that you are in contact with Arabs and work together. This disproves the impression many have that people who love Israel hate the Arabs.” Steven Khoury was joined in an inspiring session by Rabbi David Nekrutman (Director of the Centre for Jewish- Christian Understanding and Cooperation), with whom he closely works to build Jewish-Christian cooperation and strengthen the Christian communities in Israel and the disputed territories. Together they testified to the importance of standing firm on God’s covenant faithfulness to the Jewish people, while remembering that the covenant of the land carries with it a responsibility to care for the non-Jews in the land. Christians for Israel International’s new Executive Director Cornelis Kant provided an insightful overview of ‘replacement theology’ - how and why the early church developed the idea that God had turned His back on the Jewish people and the church replaces Israel as God’s favoured people. This kind of thinking underlies the theology of many mainstream Christians today, and has inspired the proponents of Palestinian Liberation Theology. Christians for Israel’s International Advisor Andrew Tucker spoke about the legal and political battle for Jerusalem and ended with a warning. “In 1922 fifty-one nations in there League of Nations ratified the decision of the Principle Allied Powers in San Remo, Italy, in 1920, that the Jews were allowed to reconstitute their national homeland in what was then known as Palestine. A safe homeland was promised to them, but for the last hundred years, the nations have been doing everything possible to try not to keep that promise. God will judge the nations about this.” Anemone Rüger gave a moving account of her work caring for holocaust survivors in Ukraine together with our team Christians for Israel in Ukraine, and raising awareness of their plight in other countries, especially Germany. Today, many Jewish survivors of the massacres carried out on Ukrainian soil in WWII are living in poverty, too old to travel to Israel, and without family or loved ones to care for them. Bible teacher and scholar Johannes Gerloff led a tour to Ramallah and the Biblical heartland of Samaria. Many of the participants of the Forum gazed in amazement while our bus passed the ‘border’ of the ‘disputed territories’, Judea and Samaria, without any problem. The media paints a picture of endless queues, but the reality is more positive. Our Israeli bus was by no means the only Israeli vehicle in Samaria. It is hard to understand that there is a refugee camp in the middle of the city of Ramallah. Amidst their Palestinian brethren, but still no part of the society. The Forum was closed with prayer, a special time of intercession for each of the continents. For the challenges that people face in their countries. We all went home inspired and armed with lots of information and useful resources which we can share with Christians in our own countries: readers of the newspaper, people who come to listen to our lectures, conferences or other events in the time to come. Full of wonder we are waiting for what God will work in people’s hearts. And we pray that love for God’s people may continue to grow worldwide. Amazement at the C4I Forum The Christians for Israel 2019 Forum Delegates from Ivory Coast, Germany, Ukraine and Uganda meet with Dr Lilian Glaser (centre) during the reception held for relations in Israel. Dr Glaser is Director of the Organisation of Holocaust Survivors in Jerusalem. | Photo: Ralf Hermann. A recent Olim who has only been in Israel for three months, sharing her experience of emigrating (making Aliyah) to Israel | Photo: Ian Worby The participants visit Ammunition Hill in Jerusalem April 2019 | Israel & Christians Today Adar II - Nissan 5779 Analysis 9 James E Patrick n National Representative | Christians for Israel UK Brexit has stirred up strong emotions throughout the UK. As we watch and pray, we can take lessons from Israel’s ancient history and legal principles recorded in Scripture, from Jewish minorities in Britain, and the example of the modern State of Israel. Government and National Unity Brexit has exposed deep divisions in the UK and highlighted the importance of Scotland and Northern Ireland particularly. Israel’s ancient history as recorded in the Bible has important lessons to teach modern states also, about how to preserve internal national unity between regions divided by geography, culture, history, ethnicity or language. The most pertinent example is the competition between the northern and southern tribes, represented by Ephraim and Judah respectively, which endured throughout the monarchic period. The relevant stories can be found in the books of Judges, Samuel, Kings and Chronicles. King David went to great lengths to unite his divided nation by means of politics, religion, infrastructure, military and economy. Although his son Solomon followed David’s example to an extent, his imposition of unfair burdens on the northern tribes led to their rebellion and subsequent independence (1Kings 11–12). Solomon’s failure is also connected to his personal accumulation of economic, military and diplomatic power (1 Kings 10:11-25, 25-29; 12:1-4). These are warned against by the Law of Moses, lest leaders lose touch with both their countrymen and their common spiritual heritage (Deut 17:16-20). Legal Foundations The foundation of British common law, which sets apart the legal system of the UK and related nations from other legal systems in the rest of Europe, can be traced back to King Alfred the Great’s Doom Book in the late ninth century AD. This English legal code was prefaced with Alfred’s own translation from Latin into English of the Ten Commandments and Exodus 21–23, the core of the ancient Jewish law code of Moses. Britain’s law is underpinned by Israel’s law. The current widespread British resistance to unelected EU lawmakers can also be understood as a direct consequence of the distinctive legacy of Magna Carta, signed by King John in 1216. One of its most influential principles, that even kings are subject to the law of the land, was inspired by explicit statements to this effect in the Law of Moses (Deut 17:14-20). Yet equally, the concept of universal human rights, established partly in response to the horrific anti-Jewish events of the Second World War, is also ultimately based on the principle from Genesis 1:26-28 and 9:6 that mankind and individual humans are created ‘in the image of God’. Jewish biblical texts have contributed much to the values of justice and accountable government that underpin the British legal system. Ethnic Minorities The Jewish people are the most longstanding and emblematic minority group in the British Isles, and it is to our shame that we were the first European nation to expel them officially in 1290, welcoming them back only after the civil war under Cromwell in 1655. It is therefore vital that we recognise their huge contribution to the flourishing of this nation past and present. Not only that, but they are a model of thorough integration into their host country (‘Seek the welfare of the city’ – Jer 29:7) while at the same time maintaining their distinctive and precious traditions in a thoroughly respectful way towards others. We have a duty to resist strongly all racist and xenophobic behaviour in the wake of Brexit, and this must begin above all with the Labour Party, whose struggles with widespread antisemitism even at the highest levels have repeatedly hit the headlines over the past few months and years. Managing Immigration The modern state of Israel offers a very valuable example of a nation that has been inundated with vast waves of immigrants at different times in its recent history, and yet has managed to create a remarkably cohesive and resilient society and infrastructure, especially through mandatory national service. At the same time, it has preserved and gone to great lengths to integrate the ethnic and religious minority groups that make up more than one-fifth of its total population and does so under more intense scrutiny than any other country on earth. It faces continuous pressure from citizens who advocate terrorism and from vocally disloyal minority members of parliament, as well as from some of the majority population with strong personal prejudices or religious aversion to unity. Yet Israel’s determination to integrate both immigrants and minorities within its own recognised territory, and its methods of creating a surprisingly homogeneous society from such diverse elements, have much to teach the UK. International Relations In terms of international trade, Israel offers an instructive illustration of a nation in a decidedly marginal situation within its own geographical region, which has consequently been able to establish trade deals independently with nations and common markets all across the world. Its emphasis on start-up companies, innovation, and research makes it an influential player in the global markets far out of proportion to its size and population. Like the UK, it too has connections of history and culture with people in many other nations widely separated by geography, and it ensures that these connections are strengthened and celebrated in every way possible. In the current period of uncertainty, as the UK strives to define a vision of hope for its future, it would be well advised to look to Israel and the Jewish people for instruction. The Relevance of Israel for Brexit The State of Israel conveyed its condolences to New Zealand following the massacre of 50 Muslims worshipers at mosques in Christchurch by a white supremacist. Following news of a horrific massacre at two mosques in New Zealand, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu responded, “Israel mourns the wanton murder of innocent worshipers in Christchurch and condemns the brazen act of terror in New Zealand.” “Israel sends its condolences to the bereaved families and its heartfelt wishes for a speedy recovery to the wounded,” he said. Foreign Minister Israel Katz stated that “Israel expresses condolences to the government and the people of New Zealand and to the families of those killed after the hate crime in the mosques in the city of Christchurch.” “We condemn all forms of terrorism, hatred and violence. The harm to innocent people in a prayer house is unacceptable,” he added. The Israeli Embassy in New Zealand tweeted: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of the terror attacks in Christchurch. A tragic and sad day for New Zealand. Our hearts go out to all those affected by this terrible event.” Israel’s Foreign Ministry Spokesman Emmanuel Nahshon stated that Israel’s “thoughts are with the families of the victims of the terrible shooting against mosques in Christchurch. We express full solidarity with New Zealand and its people. We should never let hatred, violence and terror win.” Ata Alian, a software engineer from the Abu Dis neighborhood in Jerusalem, was one of the victims in the massacre. He was married and had a two-year-old daughter. His father, Dr. Muhammad Alian, was also injured in the shooting and is still being treated in an intensive care unit while in serious condition. Israel to New Zealand: We Stand With You Photo: Getty Images

20. 12 April 2019 | Israel & Christians Today Adar II - Nissan 5779 Commentary Analysis Rev. Kameel Majdali, PhD International Bible teacher and Director of Teach All Nations We continue—and conclude—a 7 part series about Jerusalem and the Christian pilgrim. Part 01: We learned that Christians have been visiting the holy city of Jerusalem since the beginning of the church. Christians of all stripes constitute 60% or more of incoming visitors to Israel. Part 02: The effect of worldwide tourism on overall pilgrim numbers. Part 03: After the 1967 Six Day War, number of visitors to Jerusalem increased due to the ‘tradition of pilgrimage’ and the innovation of modern tourism. Part 04: When is a Christian visitor a ‘tourist’ and when is he/she a ‘pilgrim.’ Part 05: A continuation of identifying the Christian visitor as ‘tourist’ or ‘pilgrim.’ Part 06: The nature of today’s Christian visits to Jerusalem. Now, in this 7th and final part , we will finalise the identity and nature of Christian visits. First, when you contrast modern tourism with traditional pilgrimage, a Christian visitor, coming on a tourist visa, can still be a fully bona fide pilgrim. Just because there is a strong tourist element, similar to many secular tours, does not mean the journey lacks faith or inspiration. As we learned, being a pilgrim is less about activities and more about faith in the heart. Like in the early years of the church, there are parallels with visits today. There is less an emphasis on visiting shrines or conducting liturgy, especially since Protestants, evangelicals, and Pentecostals constitute a high-number of visitors to Jerusalem. This is ironic, since these categories of Christians do not have a strong tradition of pilgrimage. In Europe, where Catholic shrines number in the 100s, Protestant pilgrim sites are only 10 continent-wide. Today’s Christians visit sites that are non- classical, non-traditional, educational, etc. For example, many tours which spend a limited amount of time in Nazareth may elect to visit Nazareth Village, an educational site that recreates the Nazareth of Jesus’ day, rather than visit the Church of the Annunciation (the largest church building in the Middle East) and nearby Mary’s Well. Conferences, study breaks, religious marches, visits to non-Christian or non- Biblical sites, are some of the other ‘non- traditional activities’ they may partake. A couple of major differences between ancient pilgrimage and today: Modern pilgrims usually spend less time— significantly less—in the City of the Bible than the ancients. This is understandable: ancient people endured a long journey to get to Jerusalem and felt a long sojourn of several weeks, months, or years, was in order. Today’s visitor may spend no more than 10-14 days on tour nation-wide, not just in Jerusalem. Second, the pace was very different —the ancients tarried and spent time in devotion. Modern visitors are eager to see as much as they can—as quickly as they can—and it can make for a superficial coverage of the given site. A third and major difference—even a painful one—is that ancient pilgrims had significant and meaningful interaction with local Christians, often times worshipping and/or boarding with them. This is much less the case with modern pilgrims. Many are often unaware that there are local Christians with whom to fellowship. Even if they are aware, they may be uninterested in connecting due to denominational or even political differences. Besides, the touring schedule is ‘tight’ and many barely have time to breathe, let alone slow down enough to meet with local Christians. The danger of this approach is treating the holy land like Disneyland, altogether forgetting Jerusalem is not an amusement park, but a vibrant city where a variety of people live. Another possibility that can cause pain and division is politics. Modern Israel is highly politicised on all sides. One has to be very deft on avoiding any political entanglement. The June 2018 visit of HRH Prince William was a case in point, the first official of the royal family in 70 years. British royals have to be scrupulous to convey political neutrality wherever and with whomever they may be. Visiting Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and the West Bank put Williams’ regal upbringing to the test. By all accounts, he successfully walked the tight-rope, stayed above the fray, and managed to pleased most everyone. Summary First, the pattern and nature of Christian visits to Jerusalem have changed since the June 1967 (Six Day) War. Instead of drawing from mainly local Middle East Christians, the post-1967 visitors are worldwide, including from countries that have no diplomatic relations with Israel. Overall numbers of Christian visitors have steadily risen in most recent decades. Second, it has been argued that a Christian, with faith in his or her heart, is a ‘pilgrim,’ not just a ‘tourist.’ A pilgrim is a person of faith on a long journey to a sacred destination. The journey itself is a ‘pilgrimage’ and the person making the journey is a ‘pilgrim.’ It doesn’t matter what they do—visit Christian or Biblical sites, or conduct liturgies and services or not—as much as who they are. The Bible teaches that our entire earthly life is a pilgrimage, travelling on a journey to a sacred city, whose builder and maker is God (Hebrews 11:10). So since our earthly life in faith is a pilgrimage, then visiting the City of the Bible, mentioned 811 times in Scripture, has to be a pilgrimage, too. In recognition of the ‘faith-based’ nature of Christian visits, combined with a strong element of mass tourism, perhaps we can offer a unique title: Biblical Tourist. ________________________________________________________ Rev. Dr. Kameel Majdali is Director of Teach All Nations. ‘Jerusalem Christian Pilgrimage’ was the subject of his PhD thesis at Melbourne University. He teaches and preaches God’s Word worldwide. ANNOUNCEMENT: The 5th annual, Australia-Wide, ‘Understanding the Times’ Tour with Dr. Kameel Majdali and Vision Christian Media , will take place from August-October 2019. Topic: ‘A Tale of Four Cities: Washington, London, Canberra, and Jerusalem.’ For further information, please contact leanne@tan.org.au and tan.org.au The danger of this approach is treating the holy land like Disneyland... forgetting Jerusalem is not an amusement park Jerusalem: A Magnet for Christian Visits - Part 07

9. Dear faithful readers & friends (chaverim), Shalom and welcome, to our all new look and expanded April—May edition of Israel and Christians Today National Australian Newspaper. We hope you like the freshened layout and the extra four pages of international content that will be a permanent addition taking the paper to 24 pages—12 of international content and 12 of national content—from a uniquely Australian perspective. This reflects the overall increase in our ministry activities happening both in Israel and the Christian Church communities that are standing with Israel around the world in an increasingly more hostile, and dare I say, growing anti-Israel culture. It also reflects our confidence that you and our many loyal, faithful readers and supporters appreciate the unique content, news, teachings and expert commentaries by our trusted variety of commentators and theologians. They are continually adding value by bringing a positive alternative to the mainstream media and those who hold to views contrary to God’s Words and principles concerning Israel and the Church in the last days prior to the return of the Messiah. My wife Mandy and I and a small delegation from our office have just returned from the Bi Annual Christians for Israel International Forum and Post Forum Study Tour in Jerusalem and Israel. We also assisted a number of new leaders from our affiliates in the Islands and Asia to attend and be affirmed for service in their respective nations to establish a C4I chapter back home. For many it was their first time in Israel and the Holy Land and for me it was such a joy to see their faces as they stood in the very locations where many familiar Bible stories and events took place. Our time cruising the Sea of Galilee and also standing on the Mount of Olives looking over the ancient city of Jerusalem were very impactful, both spiritually and geo politically. To stand where Jesus walked and will return is very special. Another place we enjoyed was up on the hilltop of the ancient ruins of Azeka looking over the Valley of Ellah where the young shepherd, David fought Goliath, the giant champion of the philistines 3000 years ago (1 Samuel 17). It was spring time and the days were sunny, cool and fresh and the hills were lush, green and filled with yellow, blue and red wildflowers. To stand in these amazing locations and read the Scriptures really brings the Bible to life. From just black and white text to living 3D colour images that will be forever imprinted in our hearts and minds. We also travelled to the disputed territories of the so called West Bank (the Biblical heartlands of Judea and Samaria). We had expert political commentators give us a very different understanding of the real facts on the ground as apposed to the biased narrative we generally hear from the main stream media. We inspected some of the projects that C4I supports including Henini Soup Kitchen in Jerusalem—where we enjoyed an authentic Jewish Sabbath meal after our prayers at the Western Wall. On a different occasion we travelled down to Ashkelon to visit a special children’s hospital and hear from a Jewish doctor. Her story of how they treat many children from Gaza and the Arab Palestinian settlements while at the same time living under the constant threat of rockets being rained down indiscriminately on the community was very moving. I hope to bring some special reports and photos in the next few issues to share some of the highlights with you. We also hope many of the teaching sessions which were videoed will be made available (we will keep you posted). We launched our new Christians for Israel Australia mobile app for the forum delegates to see, and we hope that this will soon be made available for the international groups as well. Over 7 Billion mobile devices are in service globally so mobile apps are a very good and cost effective way to make our content available free of charge. You can down the the app for yourself by going to the iPhone app or google play stores, (search C4I Australia and download the free app). The app will give you news updates, archived copies of our Newspaper to read. Plus you can also listen and watch a variety of teaching resources and have quick and easy access to our online store and much more. There are a number of speaking events happening across the country Including the return of popular tour guide and prophetic provocateur, Stan Goodenough - see page 11. Also Dr Ron Wieser from the Zionist Federation of Australia is giving some updates and analysis on the impact of the coming Israeli Elections—see his article on page 10 and his event details on page 11. Plans are underway for possible dates to bring our International president and author Rev William Glasshouwer to Australia and to the Solomon Islands to speak in July – see next issue for further details. We have also been keeping a close prayerful eye on the ongoing developments in America with president Trump’s second historical announcement—this time recognising the sovereignty of Israel over the Golan heights. Closer to home we have also seen the back and forth of our own government leadership concerning the status of Jerusalem and whether we will move our Embassy. There was the horrific events surrounding the massacre in the Christchurch mosques by an Australian gunman with extreme prejudice against the muslim community and its increasing levels of immigration. Christians for Israel joined the Prime Ministers of New Zealand and Australia and the rest of the international community in condemning this heinous act of hatred and violence. We were very saddened to see a spokesperson from the Islamic community this week in Christchurch blame Israel and Mossad for funding the attack. Without drawing any sense of moral equivalence, it is also disconcerting that there does appear however to be a blindness and silence by the mainstream media and certain national leaders about escalating events of similar terroristic hate crimes against Christians and Jews in Africa, Europe and the Middle east. Finally I wish to draw your attention to the special monument appeal we are supporting for the erection of a Statue of an indigenous Australian light horseman at the historic restored train station in Semakh at Galilee. A very strategic battle took place there in September 1918 as part of the final push by British, Australian and New Zealand forces to remove the control of the 400 year Ottoman Islamic occupation of Palestine (later to be renamed Israel). This was the preparation of the restoration and rebirth of Israel just as proclaimed by a number prophetic texts in the Bible. See Barry Rogers article on page 5 with a picture of what the statue will look like. Christians for Israel Australia has pledged a dollar for dollar matching gift appeal up to $15,000. We desire to see this statue commissioned and established for generations to come which will commemorate this historic and indeed Biblically significant event in which our ancestors and indigenous forbears had an important role. Please consider making a generous donation in securing this important monument. We’re promoting Barry’s new Book and accompanying DVD as a fundraiser for this important project as well. See details further inside this edition on page 7. We have already received some donations but still need a lot more. See the back page for details on how you can give. During our visit to Israel we also meet some of the Olim who had recently made Aliyah to Israel from the Ukraine, with help from our generous supporters. Their stories were heart touching indeed. I was very proud to deliver our annual report during the recent forum in Jerusalem to our International leadership showing a 25% increase in your generous support for Aliyah and the other humanitarian projects. However our general donations does need to increase to cover the operational expenses moving forward. We wish to continue growing the readership of this publication and keep it available without charge, but we’d rather cover the costs by donations. So, here is my gentle request. If you haven’t considered making a donation to help cover the printing and postage of this newspaper we would appreciate any gift you feel lead to give. This year Passover makes a rare occurrence at the same time as Easter. I would encourage you to participate in celebrating passover and how Yeshua (Jesus) was our passover lamb, as we read in I Corinthians 5:7. Remember its about the Lamb of God and not the bunny. (smile) Thanks again for your continued prayerful and generous support. Every Blessing in the strong and mighty Name of Yeshua Ha Meshiach ___________________________________ Ian Worby National Leader & Regional Director for Christians for Israel Australia & Oceania. April 2019 Report From Our National Leader Comforts Informs Inspires by Ian Worby – National Leader and Regional Director for Oceania Ian Worby C4I Australia National Leader and Regional Director for Oceania

15. 7 April 2019 | Israel & Christians Today Adar II - Nissan 5779 by Barry Rodgers OAM | PAPERBACK by Alex Ryvchin PAPERBACK | 500 pages by Matthijis de Blois & Andrew Tucker PAPERBACK | 500 pages by Chan Siew Fong PAPERBACK | 500 pages Riding into History: Beersheba 100 Years On The Anti-Israel Agenda Israel On Trial 70 Questions About Israel Study and Teaching Resources Order on page 12 or c4israel.com.au/store B a s ic V esion CTZ Logo M in im u m V esion CTZ Logo Mens Watch SKU: 2092GFT Ladies Watch SKU: 173GFT A gift your loved ones will treasure for a lifetime! RRP $125ea $100 * our gift to you for your gift of: “...for such a time as this.” ORDER ONLINE: WWW.C4ISRAEL.COM.AU/STORE *Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer or general donation. FREE POSTAGE SAVE WITH BUNDLE PACKS: 2 Books for $60 4 Books for $100 SAVE WITH BUNDLE PACKS: 2 DVDs for $40 Book + DVD for $50 $35 $25 $30 $46 $25 This book tells the story of the 175 members of the Australian Light Horse Association (ALHA) who followed the steps of their forebears in October 2017. The four countries visited included Egypt, Turkey Israel and Jordan. The ALHA members reflected on the training and tradgedies the ANZACs would have faced 100 years ago—culminating in the great charges at Beersheba and later at Semakh. Their sacrifices, along with the hardships they faced, are in comparable to the challenges the ALHA faced in completing this pilgrimage; yet, just as it was a century earlier, the triumphs outweighed the trials. Bringing together the finest minds devoted to the Arab-Israeli conflict, including Alan Dershowitz, Alan Johnson, Col. Richard Kemp, and Hillel Neuer, this powerful and timely expose is essential to understanding war and conflict in today’s Middle East. This book reviews international law regarding self-determination, statehood, territorial sovereignty, human rights and the right to self- defense. It argues the two-state solution is not legally required and the historical context of the creation of the State of Israel, especially the Mandate for Palestine, is too often ignored. This easy-to-read book is for Christians who want to understand Israel’s Biblical significance and why the Church should stand with her. Replete with illustrations and maps, readers will gain a Biblical, historical, political and legal perspective, equipping them to pray for the Peace of Jerusalem and stand alongside the nation of Israel with conviction. by Christian’s for Israel MAGAZINE | 112 pages Israel 70 Years: 1948–2018 $12 50 After ages of diaspora, the Jewish state was reborn in 1948. A true miracle. This limited commemorative edition magazine celebrates Israel’s 70th Anniversary as a nation. It is beautifully illustrated, with in-depth articles, inspiring interviews, photos, facts, time-lines and much more. HURRY!!! Limited time pricing finishing very soon. While stocks last. This feature length documentary is the perfect companion the Barry Rodgers latest book, ‘Riding into Beersheeba’. A century after the last great cavalry charge in history, members of the Australian Light Horse Association embarked on an epic journey across the Middle East. From Gallipoli to Egypt, Jordan and finally Israel, they experienced the ‘sacred sites of service’ of the Anzac Mounted Divisions. October 31, 2017 – the centenary of the Charge of Beersheba, and the climax of the trip. After a triumphant parade through the city streets, the riders traversed the same ground that the 800 Light Horsemen rode 100 years ago—to the minute. by Barry Rodgers OAM | DVD The Light Horse Century NEW! NEW! NEW! Here is a great way to show your support for Israel and the Jewish Community in Australia! Can’t make this event— find your own way to celebrate Israel’s 71st birthday in your area.

22. 22 April 2019 | Israel & Christians Today Adar II - Nissan 5779 April 2019 | Israel & Christians Today Adar II - Nissan 5779 Theology 10 Kees de Vreugd n Theologian | Christians for Israel International & Editor | Israel and the Church In this article, we continue our discussion of the ‘Twelve Theses of Faith on Israel’ published by Christians for Israel. Thesis 7: We believe that the Church should repent for all deeds of anti-Semitism committed in her name, and should show her true repentance in acts of love and solidarity with Israel and the Jewish people. Elaboration: By understanding what has happened during centuries gone by, we as a part of the corporate body of the Church, will always be aware of our collective guilt, which will always lead to an attitude of repentance and humility instead of pride towards the Jewish people. This will lead to and show itself in bringing forth fruits worthy of repentance: acts of love and solidarity with the Jewish people and with Israel. We therefore will actively go against all kinds of anti-Jewish and anti-Semitic attitudes, religious and non-religious, both within and without Christianity. Clarification: There is a difference of opinion among Christians and churches about the question whether we should confess guilt for what was done to the Jewish people over the centuries. In our culture we tend to think almost exclusively from an individual perspective: I am responsible for what I did, or do with regard to the Jewish people. I am not responsible for what someone else did in the past or does now. But the Bible teaches us to think collectively (Psalm 106:6; Nehemiah 1:5-11; Daniel 9:5-11). Of course, not everybody was involved in the atrocities that were committed to the Jewish people throughout history and especially in the concentration camps. However, true repentance identifies with the sins of one’s people, even of one’s forefathers and even of Christianity at large over the centuries. God sees us not just as individuals but also as a group with a corporate identity. There is no reason whatsoever for pride in the notion that I personally, or my family, or my church or denomination was not involved in anti- Jewish theology or actions. Paul tells us: “Do not be arrogant, but tremble” (Romans 11:20). And verse 18 says: “Consider this: You do not support the root, but the root supports you!” True repentance will not just show itself by solemn declarations at special occasions. True repentance will show itself in producing fruits worthy of repentance in acts of love and solidarity with the Jewish people and with Israel. Conrado D. Lumahan n Director | Christians for Israel Philippines Thesis 7 states: “We believe that the Church should repent for all deeds of anti-Semitism committed in her name and should show her true repentance in acts of love and solidarity with Israel and the Jewish people.” Anti-Semitism is both a past and present problem. Anti-Semitism has led and still leads to shedding of Jewish blood. Pharaoh shed the blood of the innocent Hebrew boys and even adults. Haman wanted to annihilate the Jewish race. Thank God for Esther and Mordecai, whose courage and faith foiled Haman’s scheme. In the Middle Ages, the church coerced the Jews to convert to Christianity. Defiant ones were sometimes expelled or exterminated because of their religion. During the 1930s and 1940s, the devilish scourge of anti- Semitism gave rise to both Kristallnacht and the Holocaust based solely on Jewish identity. Now, the blood-thirsty Hamas and Hezbollah, and many truth-opposing Palestinians and jihadists want to eradicate the Jewish people and take over Israel, the land which God promised would belong to his chosen people, Israel, forever. Why was anti-Semitism made possible within religious circles? There is both Christian anti-Semitism and Islamic anti- Semitism. The seeds of Christian anti- Judaism and later anti-Semitism had been sown by some of the Church Fathers in the early centuries of the Christian era. Many Church Fathers, Chrysostom being one of the most prominent, promulgated the teaching of replacement theology, by which the church has conceitedly claimed to have replaced Israel as God’s chosen people and the new recipients of God’s covenants. The church had cut its Jewish roots and stolen its fruits. This new theology opened the church to a spirit of anti-Semitism. Christian churches were deeply influenced and affected by replacement theology. This led to tragic and inexcusable events and attitudes in which Christians disavowed biblical principles. Those who participated in many cruelties against Jews and those who remained silent when they could have intervened, betrayed their own humanity, orthodoxy and orthopraxy. Such errant theology with its resultant antipathy to the Jewish people calls for repentance to God and to the Jewish people. True repentance not only requires consciousness of having done wrong, but requires resolve to correct that wrong and transformation of one’s attitude and relationship to the offended ones and to God. When people truly repent, they abandon the sin, and resolve in their heart never to repeat it. True repentance, then, is to ‘turn’ and ‘return’ to God forming a new self, a new path, and a new direction that refuses to repeat past atrocities and injustices. True repentance always causes life transformation. Transformation is a miracle. Transformation is impossible without God. And transformation is now. th 7 Thesis: Repentance Ta’anit Bechorot Fast of the First Born 19 April 2019 A unique fast day in Judaism which falls on the day before Passover. The fast is broken at a Siyum celebration (the completion of Torah study after morning services), creating an atmosphere of rejoice that overrides the requirement to continue the fast. Unlike most Jewish fast days, only firstborns are required to fast on the Fast of the Firstborn. Passover/Pesach The Feast of Unleavened Bread 20 - 27 April 2019 Passover (Hebrew: Pesach) commemorates the story of the Exodus, in which the ancient Israelites were freed from slavery in Egypt. Passover begins on the 15th day of the month of Nisan in the Jewish calendar, which is in spring in the Northern Hemisphere, and is celebrated for seven or eight days. It is one of the most widely observed Jewish Holidays. Yom HaShoah Holocaust Memorial Day 2 May 2019 Yom HaShoah is observed as Israel’s day of commemoration for the six million Jews and five million others who perished in the Holocaust as a result of the actions carried out by Nazi Germany and its accessories, and for the Jewish resistance in that period. In Israel, it is a national memorial day and public holiday. Yom HaZikaron Israeli Memorial Day 8 May 2019 Yom HaZikaron is Israel’s official remembrance day, dedicated to fallen soldiers and civilian victims of terrorism. Yom HaAtzma’ut Israeli Independence Day 9 May 2019 Commemorates the declaration of independence of Israel in 1948. Pesach Sheni Second Passover, one month after Passover 19 May 2019 Some men were ritually impure from contact with human corpses, and were therefore ineligible to participate in the Korban Pesach (Passover lamb). Faced with the conflict of the requirement to participate in the Korban Pesach and their ineligibility due to impurity, they approached Moses for guidance, which resulted in Pesach Sheni, celebrated one month after Passover. Lag BaOmer 33rd day of counting the Omer 23 May 2019 A Jewish holiday celebrated as a symbol for the fighting Jewish spirit. Jewish Festivals Mark Kinzer is an American Messianic- Jewish theologian and a prolific writer. In his last book, Jerusalem Crucified, Jerusalem Risen, Kinzer gives a careful and detailed reading of Luke and Acts within the overall canonical structure of the New Testament. His book is, as the author puts it: “A quest to recover the Jewish character of the euangelion (Greek: the good message) as good news for Israel”. The message of the gospel is not only – and even not mainly – a message of forgiveness of sins and eternal life. It is the message of the restoration of Israel. Kinzer shows that not only the suffering and death of Jesus at the cross is inextricably connected to the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD, but that His resurrection also entails the restoration of Jerusalem and the nation of Israel. When Jesus suffers and dies on the cross, bearing in advance the wrath or Rome that his people would face a generation later, entering into the depths of Israel’s exile, his action is not an isolated event but the culmination of an entire life. Jesus recapitulates Israel, and thereby human story as a whole, as this was Israel’s vocation from the beginning. The euangelion, therefore, is a message for all people, but its implications are different for Jewish and Gentile audiences. Israel remains the covenant people. Jesus has been raised from the dead not just to ‘save’ individual Jews, but to accomplish ‘the redemption of Jerusalem’. The judgment on Israel as experienced in 70 AD confirms rather than annuls the enduring covenantal bond between God and the Jewish people. The question the apostles ask Jesus in Acts 1:6 may very well be the core question of the New Testament: Lord, are you in this time restoring the kingdom to Israel? Again, Kinzer has provided us with a rich study, challenging traditional ecclesial views of the Jews, the land and the city of Jerusalem. Mark S. Kinzer, Jerusalem Crucified, Jerusalem Risen. The Resurrected Messiah, the Jewish People, and the Land of Promise. Wipf and Stock Publishers 2018. Paperback ISBN: 978-1-5326-5337- 7; hardcover ISBN: 978-1-5326-5338-4; E-book ISBN: 978-1-5326-5339-1 Book Review By Kees de Vreugd Jerusalem Crucified, Jerusalem Risen by Mark S. Kinzer

11. 3 April 2019 | Israel & Christians Today Adar II - Nissan 5779 Vision Christian Tours - September 2019 15 NIGHTS IN ISRAEL & JORDAN YOU WILL NEVER FORGET! Optional 6 NIGHT EXTENSION IN TURKEY to visit Gallipoli & the ‘7 Churches of Revelation!’ HURRY!!! SEATS ALMOST FILLED. Avoid disappointment by contacting us today! “ Thank you so much for such a rewarding, unforgettable and transformational experience in the Holy Land! The Scriptures have come alive for us. ” – Kevin with your experienced tour leaders—Ian and Mandy Worby, (pictured in Ephesus, Turkey) Snorkel in the Red Sea Ein Gedi Waterfall David’s Citadel, Jerusalem Ride a Camel in Petra, Jordan Garden Tomb, Jerusalem 11-28 SEP 2019 from $8690 * FOR MORE DETAILS PHONE ............... 1300 550 830 Call Olive Tree T ravel , our expert travel agents EMAIL ............... info@olivetreetravel. com.au WEB .................... visiontours. org.au   *Twin share. Includes return economy airfares+airport taxes, 4 star plus hotels, buffet breakfast and dinner each day and some lunches, site entry fees, luxury coaches and much more. Conditions apply . Flying award winning Emirates for the first time! See the pages of your Bible come alive on this unique deluxe tour, as you praise Jesus in the places He... • calmed the storm • walked on water • fed 5000 • wept for the lost • healed, preached, prayed, died and rose again. SEE OUR FACEBOOK PAGE FOR PHOTOS AND VIDEOS OF OUR PAST TOURS: facebook.com/visionchristiantours  

6. 18 April 2019 | Israel & Christians Today Adar II - Nissan 5779 April 2019 | Israel & Christians Today Adar II - Nissan 5779 Biblical Reflection 6 Johannes Gerloff n Theologian, Journalist, Lecturer and Author ‘Fascinating Colourful’ is Psalm 2. It speaks on several levels at the same time into very diverse times and situations. ‘Scarifying Shambolic’ describes the situation of our world (verses 1-2). But from God’s perspective, the raging of the nations is ‘Reassuringly Ridiculous’ (verses 3-4). ‘Dreadfully Direct’ reveals how the Creator of the universe interferes in world affairs. He makes clear to his creatures where He begins to guide history in the tracks He intended (verses 5 6). Now, in Psalm 2, verse 7, ‘the Lord’s Anointed speaks’, the One who was already mentioned in verse 2 as ‘Messiah of the Lord’. The rioting of the united nations is directed against Him. He is the inherently visible focus of their uproar. And this Anointed One acknowledges God’s declaration of intent as personal commission: “I will tell the decree of the Lord.” This ‘telling’ is about reporting, about passing on facts. However, the narrator does not just present what is perceived objectively or neutrally to the discussion. He has an intention and pursues a specific direction. This is shown by the unusual phrase, which literally means ‘towards a principle carved in stone.’ He wants to influence, to change something with His reporting. Based on the writings of Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch the message of the Messiah (verse 7a) might be paraphrased as follows: “I will talk about the fact that God has appointed His king on Mount Zion so often and so long until it becomes a life principle for the nations and their governments.” “Through the prophets Nathan, Gad and Samuel,” explains Rashi, God let King David know, “You are my Son. Today I have begotten you” (Psalms 2:7b). The God of Israel reveals Himself as father. David is able to call God ‘my father’ (compare Psalms 89:27) because God had addressed him as ‘my son’. What is crucial in this relationship is this: “[The Anointed One] had not become king by inheritance. He had not made himself king. Nor had his kingship resulted primarily from the election of men. God Himself had chosen and appointed him king.” It is conceivable that these words were spoken at the inauguration of the Judean kings. With the anointing ‘as king to me’ (1 Samuel 16:1), the Davidic king became the ‘Anointed One,’ Hebrew ‘Mashiah/Messiah,’ Greek ‘Christos/Christ.’ “That means: This king is mine. He is my son, and he is my servant. He listens to me” (Rashi). Likewise, it is said of David’s son Solomon: “I will be father to him, and he will be my son” (2 Samuel 7:14). David, the biological father, is no longer ‘father,’ but God Himself. Not the dynasty (his natural descent is the decisive legitimation for this royal rule), but the decision and choice of the living God. Radak assumes that the ‘today I have begotten you’ (Psalms 2:7) means that “on that very day the Spirit of God was born in him, as it is written, ‘The Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day’” (1 Samuel 16:13). From this Radak concludes: “From that day on David spoke songs and psalms in the Holy Spirit.” Rashi recalls that the Son of God is not only King David, but that Israel in Egypt had already been called by God ‘my first-born son’ (Exodus 4:22). Martin Luther in his interpretations of Scripture frequently refers to ‘Rabbi Solomon,’ i.e., to ‘Rashi’. Usually, however, only if he feels compelled to contradict him. In his interpretation of Psalm 2, Luther now also reminds his readers that ‘Israel is called the firstborn son.’ But then, almost in the same breath, he feels driven to distance himself from the Jewish people by declaring, “although many of them were idol worshipers.” It speaks volumes, if the German reformer, who otherwise so much emphasises the ‘sola gratia’ (’by grace alone’), thinks he has to speak of merit, when the issue of Israel’s being the son of God arises. The midrash and the Talmudic teachers (Succa 52a) see in Psalms 2:7 the future Messianic King who will redeem Israel, bring them back into the Land of Israel and guide them according to the will of God. It is according to this line that the New Testament recognises in the ‘son’ of Psalms 2:7 a prophecy of Jesus of Nazareth (Hebrews 1:5). Martin Luther writes: “This is the purpose (Scopus) of the whole gospel, that Christ is recognised as the Son of God.” The author of the Epistle to the Hebrews hears in the statement “Today I have begotten you” not only the coronation ceremony to the king of Israel but also a reference to the appointment of the high priest (Hebrews 5:5). Paul interprets Psalms 2:7 as prophesying the resurrection, which again Luther picks up: “Therefore, as in the preceding verses the suffering and death of Christ is prophesied, so in this verse, His resurrection is foretold, though somewhat obscure.” Furthermore, Luther refers to verse 4 and sees in the resurrection of Christ a ‘mocking of God,’ because God ‘made the Jews and the Gentiles, who killed Christ, a mockery for the whole world, raising Him from the dead.’ If Psalms 2:7 indeed has to be seen as predicting the resurrection of the messianic Son of God, Jesus of Nazareth, the question arises, whether the statement “You are my son. Today I have begotten you” could not be understood as a prophecy of the return of the Jewish people to the Land of Israel as well? Maybe, consequently, it even has to be understood in this way?! After all, Ezekiel in his famous vision of the field of dry bones describes the return of the people of Israel as a resurrection from the dead: “Thus says God, the Lord: See, I open your graves. I lead you, my people, up out of your graves. I bring you to the soil of Israel. You will realise that I am the Lord, when I open your graves and bring you, my people, out of your graves. I will give My Spirit in you. You will live! I will set you to rest on your soil. Then you will realise that I am the Lord. I say something. And then I also do it!” (Ezekiel 37:12-14). The parallel between the death and resurrection of Messiah Yeshua of Nazareth on the one hand, and the fate of the Jewish people over the past two thousand years, on the other hand, is also clear when we look at Hosea 6:2. There the nation of Israel says: “He will return us to life after two days. On the third day, He will raise us up, so that we may live before Him.” The Babylonian Amoreans explained these ‘days’ of the Prophet Hosea – probably concluding from Psalms 90:4 – as ‘millenia’ (Sanhedrin 97a). In retrospect, these Jewish scholars seem to have been right. The worldwide diaspora of the Jewish people lasted two thousand years before they were being re-gathered into the Land of Israel at the dawn of the third day, the third millennium, i.e., in our time. Perhaps one would have to rephrase Luther’s statement quoted above and conclude with reference to verse 4, that today God makes the whole world, and especially all those who have declared the Jewish people dead, a mockery, by leading His people back into the promised land despite all resistance. Radak points out that these statements are not just valid for Israel, King David and the messianic Son of David, but “everyone who makes himself available to God as an attentive servant is called ‘his son.’ As the Son hears the Father, he is destined for service. Therefore, it says (Deuteronomy 14:1): ‘You are sons of the Lord, your God.’ And thus, Israel is called ‘sons of the living God’ (Hosea 2:1).” Again, it becomes clear, how the different levels of understanding of this psalm merge into each other. No single level of understanding can explain the content of this prophetic text on its own. If we take seriously that this multi-faceted text is an inspired word of God and not a coincidence, then we see how closely this prophecy relates the fate of the nation of Israel, her expulsion from the Land of Israel, her worldwide dispersion, her suffering and her regathering in our days to the life, suffering, death and resurrection of the Christ Jesus of Nazareth. And both, the pilgrimage of God’s son Israel and the life of the Messiah, have a profound, crucial significance for us who today wish to be children of God. If Christ has risen from the dead, and today even the people of Israel, believed dead for two thousand years, return home from their graves, then this is pure hope. If Messiah proclaims the principle that ‘He who sits in heaven’ (Psalms 2:4) has indeed ‘appointed His king in Zion’ (verse 6), then he expresses his agreement with his own divine calling in this context. He agrees ‘to serve the Lord, as a son honours the father’ (Ibn Ezra). In their remarks on these scriptural verses, classical Jewish exegetes develop and underline the biblical point of view, that the Messiah as Son of God is at the same time also the Servant of the Lord. From the father-son-relationship between the God of Israel and His Messiah springs the commission of actively participating in God’s claim to sovereignty. The Son of God is the bearer of this divine revelation. This is true of the people of Israel and its historic King David. If we follow all levels of interpretation of Psalm 2, then this consequently also applies to Messiah – be He the One who has already come, the one who comes or the one who will come again. And then that is also true for all who follow in His footsteps as well as for all who are on their way to greet Him for the first time. This revelation indeed ‘makes a mockery of all attempts to eradicate it from human consciousness.’ This article is the fifth part in a series of contributions to the interpretation of Psalm 2. The full text of this article, including extensive footnotes, can be found at www.c4israel.org/teaching-articles/ Pure Hope. Psalm 2 : Part 5 Short News Palestinian Exports Exports under governance by the Palestinian Authority broke the one million dollar barrier last year. According to the PA imports from Israel dropped by twenty per cent and the quality of locally produced goods has increased. Antiquities Disappear Whether it is a valuable, historic or archaeologically important place or not, the Arabic inhabitants of the village Nabi Samuel just wanted a parking space. So they paved part of the archaeological garden near the Tomb of Samuel. However, the place is a national heritage site. There was no permit for the activities. Tombstones Found Tombstones from the Roman era were recently discovered near Beit She’an (30 kilometres south of the Sea of Galilee). Following a particularly torrential rainfall, a woman was taking a stroll when she noticed the top of a curious marble-white head peeking through the soil. Archaeologists say the tombstones date from the third and fourth century, the Late Roman era. Letter from Mayor Recently, Christians for Israel sent an encouraging letter to the new mayor of Jerusalem, Moshe Lion. We were honoured to receive a reply from him. Dear Friends, Thank you for your kind words and well wishes. I am honoured that the people of Jerusalem have elected me to lead this city, the eternal capital of the Jewish people. As Mayor, I am committed to ensuring that Jerusalem stays connected with our friends around the world. I thank you for your support to our city's populations in need. I look forward to working together toward a better future for Jerusalem. Sincerely, Moshe Lion Mayor Jerusalem

2. 14 April 2019 | Israel & Christians Today Adar II - Nissan 5779 April 2019 | Israel & Christians Today Adar II - Nissan 5779 Editorial 2 Andrew Tucker n International Editor | Christians for Israel International “This is what the sovereign Lord says: I will take the Israelites out of the nations where they have gone. I will gather them from all around, and I will bring them back into their own land. I will make them one nation in the land, on the mountains of Israel” (Ezekiel 37: 21-22) It is very interesting that the prophet Ezekiel when speaking of the restoration of the Jewish people, emphasises He will bring the Jewish people back to the land as part of the process leading to their spiritual renewal. God’s purpose is not just to bring the Jews back to the land – it is to put a ‘new heart and a new spirit’ in them, so that they will ‘follow his decrees and keep his laws ’ (Ezekiel 36:27). Only when the Jewish people are restored to the land and obey God’s laws will the name of God be glorified through the Jewish people. In the weeks leading up to the elections for the Knesset on 9 April, the Israeli political landscape is shaking. New political parties are being established; old alliances are collapsing. The debate is fierce, and the divisions are deep. It seems Israel is going through an identity crisis, as the people wrestle with existential questions. Seventy years after its creation as a state, Israel may be the most successful economy in the world, but its identity is not yet clear. The people are asking themselves - what does it really mean to be a Jewish nation made up of Jews and Arabs? A central theme in the political debate concerns the question how to reconcile the imperative, on the one hand, of making peace with Israel’s neighbors and ensuring equal rights for Israeli Arabs, with the right (or, some would argue, obligation), on the other hand, of Jews to live in Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria. For some Jews, the connection between the Jewish people and the land of Judea and Samaria is absolutely central to their identity – they believe that the Jewish people are called to live on this land and that their restoration to the land is an essential step in their spiritual restoration. This explains their attachment to Judea and Samaria, including the old city of Jerusalem, referred to by the world as ‘occupied territories’. Many other Jews, however, take a different view – for them, reaching peace with the Palestinians is paramount, and this requires them to be willing to make concessions concerning territory. But could it be that God has another way? A couple of weeks ago, at the Christians for Israel Leaders Forum in Jerusalem, we had an inspiring session with orthodox Jewish scholar David Nekrutman and Arab Palestinian pastor Steven Khoury. Nekrutman suggested that there is a deep connection between the restoration of the Jews to the land, and the obligation to look after all who live in the land. “The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob loves Jews and Arabs, and the land is for both peoples. The Jews have a special responsibility. With a covenant land comes a covenant responsibility to look after all in the land”. This is a big theme we will explore in coming editions of this publication. In the meantime, let us pray fervently that the Spirit of God will guide the Jewish and Arab peoples in Israel into His ways, and change the hearts and minds of Jews and Arabs alike. May the people of Israel elect leaders who are grafted in the word of God and are able to lead the nation through the challenging days ahead. One Nation Colophon Israel & Christians Today is the premier publication of Christians for Israel Mission Our mission is to bring Biblical understanding in the Church and among the nations concerning God’s purposes for Israel and to promote comfort of Israel through prayer and action. Editorial Team Andrew Tucker International Editor-in-Chief atucker@c4israel.org Cathy Coldicutt Managing Editor newspaper@c4israel.org Marloes van Westing International Communications Manager international@c4israel.org Ian Worby, Bryce Turner, Rita Quartel, Marijke Terlouw and Marie-Louise Weissenböck Scripture references: THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. C4I Offices Christians for Israel International Leon Meijer, Chairman Rev. Willem J.J. Glashouwer, President Rev. Cornelis Kant, Executive Director P.O. Box 1100 | 3860 BC Nijkerk, The Netherlands | Tel: +31 33 422 0405 info@c4israel.org | www.c4israel.org The English Edition of Israel & Christians Today is published by the following English speaking branches: Christians for Israel - Australia Ian Worby, National Leader PO Box 1508, Springwood Queensland, Australia 4127 T el: +61 402 277 930, info@c4israel.com.au www.c4israel.com.au Christians for Israel - New Zealand Bryce Turner, National Executive Director PO Box 12 006, Penrose, Auckland, New Zealand 1642 Tel: +64 9 525 7564, info@c4israel.org.nz www.c4israel.org.nz Christians for Israel - United Kingdom James Patrick, National Representative PO Box 789, Sutton Coldfield West Midlands B73 5FX, United Kingdom Tel: +44 121 647 3710, ukinfo@c4israel.org Christians for Israel - USA Fred J van Westing, CEO PO Box 2589, Manteca, CA 95336, USA Tel/Fax: +1 209 665 4280 fredvanwesting@c4israel.org www.c4israel.us DISCLAIMER - Articles printed in Israel & Christians Today expr ess the views of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Editors or that of the Board of Christians for Israel. The printing of articles or advertising in Israel & Christians Today does not necessarily imply either endorsement or agreement. ©Christians for Israel International Reproduction, or storage in a retrieval system or in any other form, is prohibited without permission. Please contact the Managing Editor should you wish to syndicate or republish any articles or materials appearing in Israel & Christians Today. Prayer Points By Pieter Bénard Israel l For the Lord, your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.’ (Deuteronomy 20:4). Give thanks that God goes with Israel all the time, battles for them and redeems them.� l Thank God for this wonderful promise to Israel: ‘You will be a crown of splendour in the Lord’s hand, a royal diadem in the hand of your God.’ (Isaiah 62:3). � l ‘You will see it with your own eyes and say, Great is the Lord - even beyond the borders of Israel!’ Thank God that He holds everything in His hand and that He watches over its borders. Israel & the Nations l Pray for strength and peace for the Jewish communities in your country and God’s mercy on them. Pray for increasing support for the Jews, also from Christians at large.� l Give thanks for the diminishing support for the worldwide anti-Israel movement BDS (Boycott-Divestment- Sanctions) and the growing support for the pro-Israel movement BDS (Beauty-Diversity-Science).� l ‘From the Lord comes deliverance. May your blessing be on your people.’ (Psalm 3:8). Pray that the nations may know this and believe it. Christians for Israel l Pray for the protection of the Jewish inhabitants of Ukraine and a blessing for the work of Koen Carlier and his team in Ukraine. Pray for the food parcel distribution and the help that is being provided to olim (Jewish people who immigrate to Israel). l Give thanks and pray for the many speakers and co- workers of Christians for Israel around the world, who work for Israel’s good day after day. l Pray that the mission of Christians for Israel, ‘to make Christians aware of the significance of the Jewish people in God’s dealings with the world’, will be understood and supported, not only by Christians but also by non- Christians. Pray that they will become curious about what we do and the source of our inspiration and strength – the Bible.� For daily Prayer Points, go to our website: www.c4israel.com.au www.facebook.com/c4israel Photo: Reuters

19. 11 April 2019 | Israel & Christians Today Adar II - Nissan 5779 Speaking Events NATIONS BLESS ISRAEL From the ends of the earth to Israel Christians joining in love & unity Releasing a wave of worship & blessing Across the nation & Around the world JUL 17 TO AUG 14 If you would like to host Stan or make enquires about his current itinerary please contact Joy Heylen today: joyhey50@gmail.com or 0439661996 Date and Venue details will be made available in the June/July 2019 edition of Israel & Christian’s Today Newspaper, and in the coming months, will also be added to the Christian’s for Israel Australia website: www.c4israel.com.au Stan is planning a new speaking tour down-under from the July 17 to August 11. A number of locations have been tentatively booked but we are still in the process of securing venues. STAN GOODENOUGH 6th Australian Speaking Tour 2019 ELECTIONS—what impact will they have on Australia and world Jewry? Dr Ron Weiser AM will provide his expertise and insights on Israel’s, Australia’s and the UK’s important elections. Come with your questions and take advantage of Ron’s expertise. Join us for an evening forum with former Zionist Federation of Australia president Dr Ron Weiser AM EVENT DETAILS TIME: Evening RSVPs essential: www.bit.ly/2TNg8F0 MUST RSVP BY APRIL 4 For more info: advocacy@qjbd.org 11 April 2019 SPACES LIMITED, BOOK NOW. This event is presented by the Queensland Jewish Board of Deputies and State Zionist Council of Queensland. Prayer For Israel-Loganholme along with Beit Neitser Messianic Congregation From Galilee, Israel Tisha Michelle and from the Gold Coast and Brisbane Ps Greg Cumming & Ps Craig Hepplewhite Saturday July 6th 2019 WHERE: INTENCITI CHURCH, 287 PRESTON RD; WYNNUM WEST TIME: 9am to 5pm PHONE: Peter 0412 911 383 TO PURCHASE TICKETS: facebook.com/israelrestorationseminar israelsrestoration.wixsite.com/israel search: ‘ israel restoration seminar’ on eventbrite.com $50 LIMITED SEATING BOOK NOW Eventbrite PRESENTS: Join us for a saTURDAY Seminar 18 May, 2019 | 10am-4pm ALIYAH Return to Zion. An End-Time Signal? WHERE: International Christian Church 32 Valmar St. Mt. Gravatt REGISTRATION: from 10am BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL: $10* RSVP 14th May 2019 *Booking Fee Includes Lunch and Refreshments Peter Stucken Will look at the return of Jews to Zion and whether this is an end-time signal? Will facilitate Praise & Worship + teach on our Jewish roots and there relevance to us today. Showcasing his skills as a violinist and Christian music producer. Shang Quan Paul & Marg Longfield Come along and meet with our Seminar Participants Jointly Sponsored by Ebenezer Operation Exodus, ICC and King of Kings International Ministries Please contact Paul and Marg Longfield for bookings and details. FOR BOOKINGS: paul.longfield8@gmail.com or 0410456806 PAYMENTS : Westpac | BSB: 033 272 | A/C: 147584 SUNDAY 12 MAY, 2019 www.nationsblessisrael.website

3. 15 April 2019 | Israel & Christians Today Adar II - Nissan 5779 April 2019 | Israel & Christians Today Adar II - Nissan 5779 Editorial 2 Andrew Tucker n International Editor | Christians for Israel International “This is what the sovereign Lord says: I will take the Israelites out of the nations where they have gone. I will gather them from all around, and I will bring them back into their own land. I will make them one nation in the land, on the mountains of Israel” (Ezekiel 37: 21-22) It is very interesting that the prophet Ezekiel when speaking of the restoration of the Jewish people, emphasises He will bring the Jewish people back to the land as part of the process leading to their spiritual renewal. God’s purpose is not just to bring the Jews back to the land – it is to put a ‘new heart and a new spirit’ in them, so that they will ‘follow his decrees and keep his laws ’ (Ezekiel 36:27). Only when the Jewish people are restored to the land and obey God’s laws will the name of God be glorified through the Jewish people. In the weeks leading up to the elections for the Knesset on 9 April, the Israeli political landscape is shaking. New political parties are being established; old alliances are collapsing. The debate is fierce, and the divisions are deep. It seems Israel is going through an identity crisis, as the people wrestle with existential questions. Seventy years after its creation as a state, Israel may be the most successful economy in the world, but its identity is not yet clear. The people are asking themselves - what does it really mean to be a Jewish nation made up of Jews and Arabs? A central theme in the political debate concerns the question how to reconcile the imperative, on the one hand, of making peace with Israel’s neighbors and ensuring equal rights for Israeli Arabs, with the right (or, some would argue, obligation), on the other hand, of Jews to live in Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria. For some Jews, the connection between the Jewish people and the land of Judea and Samaria is absolutely central to their identity – they believe that the Jewish people are called to live on this land and that their restoration to the land is an essential step in their spiritual restoration. This explains their attachment to Judea and Samaria, including the old city of Jerusalem, referred to by the world as ‘occupied territories’. Many other Jews, however, take a different view – for them, reaching peace with the Palestinians is paramount, and this requires them to be willing to make concessions concerning territory. But could it be that God has another way? A couple of weeks ago, at the Christians for Israel Leaders Forum in Jerusalem, we had an inspiring session with orthodox Jewish scholar David Nekrutman and Arab Palestinian pastor Steven Khoury. Nekrutman suggested that there is a deep connection between the restoration of the Jews to the land, and the obligation to look after all who live in the land. “The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob loves Jews and Arabs, and the land is for both peoples. The Jews have a special responsibility. With a covenant land comes a covenant responsibility to look after all in the land”. This is a big theme we will explore in coming editions of this publication. In the meantime, let us pray fervently that the Spirit of God will guide the Jewish and Arab peoples in Israel into His ways, and change the hearts and minds of Jews and Arabs alike. May the people of Israel elect leaders who are grafted in the word of God and are able to lead the nation through the challenging days ahead. One Nation Colophon Israel & Christians Today is the premier publication of Christians for Israel Mission Our mission is to bring Biblical understanding in the Church and among the nations concerning God’s purposes for Israel and to promote comfort of Israel through prayer and action. Editorial Team Andrew Tucker International Editor-in-Chief atucker@c4israel.org Cathy Coldicutt Managing Editor newspaper@c4israel.org Marloes van Westing International Communications Manager international@c4israel.org Ian Worby, Bryce Turner, Rita Quartel, Marijke Terlouw and Marie-Louise Weissenböck Scripture references: THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. C4I Offices Christians for Israel International Leon Meijer, Chairman Rev. Willem J.J. Glashouwer, President Rev. Cornelis Kant, Executive Director P.O. Box 1100 | 3860 BC Nijkerk, The Netherlands | Tel: +31 33 422 0405 info@c4israel.org | www.c4israel.org The English Edition of Israel & Christians Today is published by the following English speaking branches: Christians for Israel - Australia Ian Worby, National Leader PO Box 1508, Springwood Queensland, Australia 4127 T el: +61 402 277 930, info@c4israel.com.au www.c4israel.com.au Christians for Israel - New Zealand Bryce Turner, National Executive Director PO Box 12 006, Penrose, Auckland, New Zealand 1642 Tel: +64 9 525 7564, info@c4israel.org.nz www.c4israel.org.nz Christians for Israel - United Kingdom James Patrick, National Representative PO Box 789, Sutton Coldfield West Midlands B73 5FX, United Kingdom Tel: +44 121 647 3710, ukinfo@c4israel.org Christians for Israel - USA Fred J van Westing, CEO PO Box 2589, Manteca, CA 95336, USA Tel/Fax: +1 209 665 4280 fredvanwesting@c4israel.org www.c4israel.us DISCLAIMER - Articles printed in Israel & Christians Today expr ess the views of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Editors or that of the Board of Christians for Israel. The printing of articles or advertising in Israel & Christians Today does not necessarily imply either endorsement or agreement. ©Christians for Israel International Reproduction, or storage in a retrieval system or in any other form, is prohibited without permission. Please contact the Managing Editor should you wish to syndicate or republish any articles or materials appearing in Israel & Christians Today. Prayer Points By Pieter Bénard Israel l For the Lord, your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.’ (Deuteronomy 20:4). Give thanks that God goes with Israel all the time, battles for them and redeems them.� l Thank God for this wonderful promise to Israel: ‘You will be a crown of splendour in the Lord’s hand, a royal diadem in the hand of your God.’ (Isaiah 62:3). � l ‘You will see it with your own eyes and say, Great is the Lord - even beyond the borders of Israel!’ Thank God that He holds everything in His hand and that He watches over its borders. Israel & the Nations l Pray for strength and peace for the Jewish communities in your country and God’s mercy on them. Pray for increasing support for the Jews, also from Christians at large.� l Give thanks for the diminishing support for the worldwide anti-Israel movement BDS (Boycott-Divestment- Sanctions) and the growing support for the pro-Israel movement BDS (Beauty-Diversity-Science).� l ‘From the Lord comes deliverance. May your blessing be on your people.’ (Psalm 3:8). Pray that the nations may know this and believe it. Christians for Israel l Pray for the protection of the Jewish inhabitants of Ukraine and a blessing for the work of Koen Carlier and his team in Ukraine. Pray for the food parcel distribution and the help that is being provided to olim (Jewish people who immigrate to Israel). l Give thanks and pray for the many speakers and co- workers of Christians for Israel around the world, who work for Israel’s good day after day. l Pray that the mission of Christians for Israel, ‘to make Christians aware of the significance of the Jewish people in God’s dealings with the world’, will be understood and supported, not only by Christians but also by non- Christians. Pray that they will become curious about what we do and the source of our inspiration and strength – the Bible.� For daily Prayer Points, go to our website: www.c4israel.com.au www.facebook.com/c4israel Photo: Reuters April 2019 | Israel & Christians Today Adar II - Nissan 5779 News 3 Yoni Ben Menachem n Senior Middle East Analyst | Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs The atmosphere in the West Bank is tense, and the potential for a violent escalation is growing. The crisis over the Temple Mount’s Gate of Mercy could become the detonator that sets off the next conflagration, and Israel must act quickly to neutralise it. In recent weeks, signs are growing of an imminent explosion in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip as the Israeli elections in April draws near. Palestinian social networks have been full of mendacious propaganda calling on Muslims to come to the Temple Mount to prevent ‘the settlers’ from forcibly entering the new mosque at the Gate of Mercy. Hamas has called on Muslims to demonstrate in Jerusalem, in tandem with measures announced by the Islamic Waqf to counteract Israel’s decision to bar from the Mount those who were involved in the takeover of the Gate of Mercy chamber. Israel should have drawn the right lessons from the 2017 metal-detectors crisis and internalised the fact that sensitive issues on the Temple Mount are instantaneously combustible. Jordan and the Palestinian Authority are well aware of that fact; seeking to throw a wrench in the works as the proclamation of Trump’s ‘Deal of the Century’ approaches, they laid a trap for Israel in the form of the Gate of Mercy takeover. They likewise established a new, joint Waqf Council that includes senior PA representatives for the first time. They aimed to signal that sovereignty on the Temple Mount belongs to Jordan and the PA and not to Israel or Saudi Arabia or any other international Arab body. Meanwhile, at the Gaza border and in the West Bank there are worrisome signs of escalation, and an outbreak on the Temple Mount could ignite these on a wide scale. Therefore, the order of the day is to calm the furies on the Temple Mount, which is of a sensitive religious nature for every Muslim. On the Gaza border, the ‘night confusion’ units have been active again, attacking IDF soldiers along the border fence in the nighttime hours. Explosive-balloon and arson-balloon attacks on the Israeli communities along the border have resumed as well. Although the Rafah crossing has already been operating for a month or so and even though Mahmoud Abbas has cleared it of PA officials, Hamas seems to want to gradually escalate the situation with the aim of putting the Gaza issue back on the international agenda. Almost a year has passed since the start of the Great March of Return campaign, and the Hamas leadership cannot point to any significant achievements or breach of the blockade. Gaza’s economic situation is difficult, there is great distress among the population, and Qatar announced that it would stop giving Gaza $15 million in financial aid each month. Meanwhile, Abbas keeps withholding salaries and stipends from Gaza officials and the families of Hamas and Islamic Jihad terrorists. Hamas is now demanding that Israel hand it a sum of $20 million and carry out the second stage of the ceasefire understandings, which includes setting up a new electricity supply line from Israel to Gaza (known as Line 161), opening a maritime crossing to Cyprus, and building a floating maritime terminal. In the West Bank, the Palestinian Authority is in distress as well. Israel has started to implement its law to withhold revenues equal to the stipends the PA pays to terrorists, freezing the transfer of 500 million shekels to the PA. The PA has declared in turn that it will now forgo all of the tax monies that Israel collects for it if even a single cent is deducted from them. The Trump administration, too, has cut financial aid to the PA and its security agencies. Hence the PA’s financial situation stands to get worse, and it will have a hard time providing services to citizens and paying its officials’ salaries. To this should be added the simmering anger among Palestinian security prisoners in Israel over the Prison Service’s decision to install electronic cell-phone-jamming devices in the Ketziot Prison as an initial measure. This anger radiates out to thousands of families of security prisoners in the West Bank and Gaza. In the absence of what the Palestinians regard as a political horizon and with the United States aiming to foist the Deal of the Century on them, the tension in the West Bank could spark the outbreak of a spontaneous intifada involving vehicular ramming assaults, stabbing attacks, and an uptick in ‘popular resistance.’ Fatah activists are now talking about a new tactic of blocking roads leading to West Bank settlements. The atmosphere in the territories is fraught with explosive vapours. It can gradually be calmed if it is borne in mind that the main fuse is on the Temple Mount and that if this fuse is lit, the security situation could spin totally out of control. That means the state of affairs on the Temple Mount has to be accorded the highest priority. Jordan is the custodian of the Jerusalem holy places, and its status is anchored in the 1994 peace treaty with Israel. In the Gate of Mercy crisis, the Arab League and the PA are totally behind Jordan. The heads of the Islamic Waqf Council accuse Israel of a deliberate escalation on the Temple Mount with an eye to Israel’s election campaign. For its part, Israel must draw the full benefit from a dialogue with the Jordanian government. Israel can always resort to force and impose the law, but at present, every effort should be made to avoid an escalation on the Mount in light of what is happening along the Gaza border and in the PA. Israel can also ask Egypt to restrain the Hamas leadership, and it can temporarily freeze the installation of the cell- phone-jamming devices in the security prisoners. Such measures will help allay the tension in the territories. This is an abridged version of an article published by Jerusalem Centre for Public Affairs, March 6, 2019. Yoni Ben Menachem, a veteran Arab affairs and diplomatic commentator for Israel Radio and Television, is a senior Middle East analyst for the Jerusalem Center. He served as Director General and Chief Editor of the Israel Broadcasting Authority. Peace Plan Sabotaged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets with security brass at the IDF’s Kirya military headquarters during recent air strikes in Tel Aviv. New Layout for Israel & Christians Today You will no doubt have noticed that Israel & Christians Today has a new look and layout. There were three reasons for creating a new look-and-feel. First, we felt it was time to freshen up the newspaper. Second, we wanted to make the newspaper bigger and better by increasing the number of pages, in order to deliver more quality content and making it more readable. Third, we wanted to bring this English-language publication more in line with the design of our German (Israel Aktuell) and Dutch (Israel Aktueel) language newspapers. Israel & Christians Today is currently printed and viewed online in over forty countries. We are really delighted with this new design, and hope that you enjoy it too! Of course, as always, should you have any feedback, comments or questions after reading this edition of the newspaper, please do not hesitate to contact us. The Gate of Mercy (Golden Gate)is the only eastern gate of the Temple Mount is one of only two that used to offer access into the city from that side. It has been walled up since medieval times. | Photo: Shutterstock

7. 19 April 2019 | Israel & Christians Today Adar II - Nissan 5779 April 2019 | Israel & Christians Today Adar II - Nissan 5779 Biblical Reflection 6 Johannes Gerloff n Theologian, Journalist, Lecturer and Author ‘Fascinating Colourful’ is Psalm 2. It speaks on several levels at the same time into very diverse times and situations. ‘Scarifying Shambolic’ describes the situation of our world (verses 1-2). But from God’s perspective, the raging of the nations is ‘Reassuringly Ridiculous’ (verses 3-4). ‘Dreadfully Direct’ reveals how the Creator of the universe interferes in world affairs. He makes clear to his creatures where He begins to guide history in the tracks He intended (verses 5 6). Now, in Psalm 2, verse 7, ‘the Lord’s Anointed speaks’, the One who was already mentioned in verse 2 as ‘Messiah of the Lord’. The rioting of the united nations is directed against Him. He is the inherently visible focus of their uproar. And this Anointed One acknowledges God’s declaration of intent as personal commission: “I will tell the decree of the Lord.” This ‘telling’ is about reporting, about passing on facts. However, the narrator does not just present what is perceived objectively or neutrally to the discussion. He has an intention and pursues a specific direction. This is shown by the unusual phrase, which literally means ‘towards a principle carved in stone.’ He wants to influence, to change something with His reporting. Based on the writings of Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch the message of the Messiah (verse 7a) might be paraphrased as follows: “I will talk about the fact that God has appointed His king on Mount Zion so often and so long until it becomes a life principle for the nations and their governments.” “Through the prophets Nathan, Gad and Samuel,” explains Rashi, God let King David know, “You are my Son. Today I have begotten you” (Psalms 2:7b). The God of Israel reveals Himself as father. David is able to call God ‘my father’ (compare Psalms 89:27) because God had addressed him as ‘my son’. What is crucial in this relationship is this: “[The Anointed One] had not become king by inheritance. He had not made himself king. Nor had his kingship resulted primarily from the election of men. God Himself had chosen and appointed him king.” It is conceivable that these words were spoken at the inauguration of the Judean kings. With the anointing ‘as king to me’ (1 Samuel 16:1), the Davidic king became the ‘Anointed One,’ Hebrew ‘Mashiah/Messiah,’ Greek ‘Christos/Christ.’ “That means: This king is mine. He is my son, and he is my servant. He listens to me” (Rashi). Likewise, it is said of David’s son Solomon: “I will be father to him, and he will be my son” (2 Samuel 7:14). David, the biological father, is no longer ‘father,’ but God Himself. Not the dynasty (his natural descent is the decisive legitimation for this royal rule), but the decision and choice of the living God. Radak assumes that the ‘today I have begotten you’ (Psalms 2:7) means that “on that very day the Spirit of God was born in him, as it is written, ‘The Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day’” (1 Samuel 16:13). From this Radak concludes: “From that day on David spoke songs and psalms in the Holy Spirit.” Rashi recalls that the Son of God is not only King David, but that Israel in Egypt had already been called by God ‘my first-born son’ (Exodus 4:22). Martin Luther in his interpretations of Scripture frequently refers to ‘Rabbi Solomon,’ i.e., to ‘Rashi’. Usually, however, only if he feels compelled to contradict him. In his interpretation of Psalm 2, Luther now also reminds his readers that ‘Israel is called the firstborn son.’ But then, almost in the same breath, he feels driven to distance himself from the Jewish people by declaring, “although many of them were idol worshipers.” It speaks volumes, if the German reformer, who otherwise so much emphasises the ‘sola gratia’ (’by grace alone’), thinks he has to speak of merit, when the issue of Israel’s being the son of God arises. The midrash and the Talmudic teachers (Succa 52a) see in Psalms 2:7 the future Messianic King who will redeem Israel, bring them back into the Land of Israel and guide them according to the will of God. It is according to this line that the New Testament recognises in the ‘son’ of Psalms 2:7 a prophecy of Jesus of Nazareth (Hebrews 1:5). Martin Luther writes: “This is the purpose (Scopus) of the whole gospel, that Christ is recognised as the Son of God.” The author of the Epistle to the Hebrews hears in the statement “Today I have begotten you” not only the coronation ceremony to the king of Israel but also a reference to the appointment of the high priest (Hebrews 5:5). Paul interprets Psalms 2:7 as prophesying the resurrection, which again Luther picks up: “Therefore, as in the preceding verses the suffering and death of Christ is prophesied, so in this verse, His resurrection is foretold, though somewhat obscure.” Furthermore, Luther refers to verse 4 and sees in the resurrection of Christ a ‘mocking of God,’ because God ‘made the Jews and the Gentiles, who killed Christ, a mockery for the whole world, raising Him from the dead.’ If Psalms 2:7 indeed has to be seen as predicting the resurrection of the messianic Son of God, Jesus of Nazareth, the question arises, whether the statement “You are my son. Today I have begotten you” could not be understood as a prophecy of the return of the Jewish people to the Land of Israel as well? Maybe, consequently, it even has to be understood in this way?! After all, Ezekiel in his famous vision of the field of dry bones describes the return of the people of Israel as a resurrection from the dead: “Thus says God, the Lord: See, I open your graves. I lead you, my people, up out of your graves. I bring you to the soil of Israel. You will realise that I am the Lord, when I open your graves and bring you, my people, out of your graves. I will give My Spirit in you. You will live! I will set you to rest on your soil. Then you will realise that I am the Lord. I say something. And then I also do it!” (Ezekiel 37:12-14). The parallel between the death and resurrection of Messiah Yeshua of Nazareth on the one hand, and the fate of the Jewish people over the past two thousand years, on the other hand, is also clear when we look at Hosea 6:2. There the nation of Israel says: “He will return us to life after two days. On the third day, He will raise us up, so that we may live before Him.” The Babylonian Amoreans explained these ‘days’ of the Prophet Hosea – probably concluding from Psalms 90:4 – as ‘millenia’ (Sanhedrin 97a). In retrospect, these Jewish scholars seem to have been right. The worldwide diaspora of the Jewish people lasted two thousand years before they were being re-gathered into the Land of Israel at the dawn of the third day, the third millennium, i.e., in our time. Perhaps one would have to rephrase Luther’s statement quoted above and conclude with reference to verse 4, that today God makes the whole world, and especially all those who have declared the Jewish people dead, a mockery, by leading His people back into the promised land despite all resistance. Radak points out that these statements are not just valid for Israel, King David and the messianic Son of David, but “everyone who makes himself available to God as an attentive servant is called ‘his son.’ As the Son hears the Father, he is destined for service. Therefore, it says (Deuteronomy 14:1): ‘You are sons of the Lord, your God.’ And thus, Israel is called ‘sons of the living God’ (Hosea 2:1).” Again, it becomes clear, how the different levels of understanding of this psalm merge into each other. No single level of understanding can explain the content of this prophetic text on its own. If we take seriously that this multi-faceted text is an inspired word of God and not a coincidence, then we see how closely this prophecy relates the fate of the nation of Israel, her expulsion from the Land of Israel, her worldwide dispersion, her suffering and her regathering in our days to the life, suffering, death and resurrection of the Christ Jesus of Nazareth. And both, the pilgrimage of God’s son Israel and the life of the Messiah, have a profound, crucial significance for us who today wish to be children of God. If Christ has risen from the dead, and today even the people of Israel, believed dead for two thousand years, return home from their graves, then this is pure hope. If Messiah proclaims the principle that ‘He who sits in heaven’ (Psalms 2:4) has indeed ‘appointed His king in Zion’ (verse 6), then he expresses his agreement with his own divine calling in this context. He agrees ‘to serve the Lord, as a son honours the father’ (Ibn Ezra). In their remarks on these scriptural verses, classical Jewish exegetes develop and underline the biblical point of view, that the Messiah as Son of God is at the same time also the Servant of the Lord. From the father-son-relationship between the God of Israel and His Messiah springs the commission of actively participating in God’s claim to sovereignty. The Son of God is the bearer of this divine revelation. This is true of the people of Israel and its historic King David. If we follow all levels of interpretation of Psalm 2, then this consequently also applies to Messiah – be He the One who has already come, the one who comes or the one who will come again. And then that is also true for all who follow in His footsteps as well as for all who are on their way to greet Him for the first time. This revelation indeed ‘makes a mockery of all attempts to eradicate it from human consciousness.’ This article is the fifth part in a series of contributions to the interpretation of Psalm 2. The full text of this article, including extensive footnotes, can be found at www.c4israel.org/teaching-articles/ Pure Hope. Psalm 2 : Part 5 Short News Palestinian Exports Exports under governance by the Palestinian Authority broke the one million dollar barrier last year. According to the PA imports from Israel dropped by twenty per cent and the quality of locally produced goods has increased. Antiquities Disappear Whether it is a valuable, historic or archaeologically important place or not, the Arabic inhabitants of the village Nabi Samuel just wanted a parking space. So they paved part of the archaeological garden near the Tomb of Samuel. However, the place is a national heritage site. There was no permit for the activities. Tombstones Found Tombstones from the Roman era were recently discovered near Beit She’an (30 kilometres south of the Sea of Galilee). Following a particularly torrential rainfall, a woman was taking a stroll when she noticed the top of a curious marble-white head peeking through the soil. Archaeologists say the tombstones date from the third and fourth century, the Late Roman era. Letter from Mayor Recently, Christians for Israel sent an encouraging letter to the new mayor of Jerusalem, Moshe Lion. We were honoured to receive a reply from him. Dear Friends, Thank you for your kind words and well wishes. I am honoured that the people of Jerusalem have elected me to lead this city, the eternal capital of the Jewish people. As Mayor, I am committed to ensuring that Jerusalem stays connected with our friends around the world. I thank you for your support to our city's populations in need. I look forward to working together toward a better future for Jerusalem. Sincerely, Moshe Lion Mayor Jerusalem April 2019 | Israel & Christians Today Adar II - Nissan 5779 C4I Happenings 7 Rev Cornelis Kant n Executive Director | Christians for Israel International This is how you can call the birth of Christians for Israel in Tanzania. Pastor David Mbago came into contact with Christians for Israel International through Youtube a few years ago. He was so touched by it that in 2017 he attended our biennial International Forum in Jerusalem. Back in Tanzania he was convinced that he had to do something with this in his own country. His country and especially the churches should bless Israel. Instead of starting with actions he started with prayer. He asked several friends to pray for God’s guidance. He still expects everything to be grounded from prayer. After a few months, he established six prayer teams throughout the country. Now there are prayer teams in 10 places. He translates the international prayer letter of Christians for Israel into Swahili which is being distributed by his teams to a growing circle of people involved. There are already 500 readers now. The prayer teams grew into teams which also develop activities. They visit pastors, organise Bible study evenings, and even visit prisons where they provide practical help to prisoners, as well as doing Bible studies on Israel. They ask prisoners to pray for Israel. Because of the openness of Christians to biblical information about Israel, the work has grown rapidly in the last year. The church where David was a pastor was afraid that he was founding a new church. Although he strongly denied this, he was fired in 2018. This gave him several difficult weeks, both emotionally and financially. Yet he accepted this and saw it as a sign from God that he had to continue with Christians for Israel Tanzania. His wife is a secretary at an educational institution, so there is monthly income. With zeal and enthusiasm, he continues to build up the work in Tanzania. He is supported in this by his prayer teams, who pray for him daily, and a team of dedicated volunteers. He mainly works in education. He has good contacts with many pastors, Bible schools and seminaries, and is frequently given the opportunity to preach about Israel in churches. This has resulted in him being able to organise a speaking tour to 10 churches in 6 cities in February 2019 for lectures and Bible studies on Israel. Many hundreds of Christians and pastors have attended these meetings where Cornelis Kant and David Mbago have spoken and taught. Several Bible schools and seminaries have indicated that they would like to receive representatives from Christians For Israel International for a number of days for teaching to theology students and future pastors. There is an enormous growth in work and there are clearly rich blessings from God. The next step is that a booklet about Israel is about to be translated into Swahili and social media will also be used to reach Christians with the message about Israel's place in our Christian faith. There is every reason to thank our Heavenly Father. Please pray for David and his teams for: (1) God's indispensable blessing and wisdom and (2) that it will be financially possible for him to continue and expand the work. Tanzania - A Wonderful Story From left to right: Rev Cornelis Kant, Pastor David Mbago, Helen Makange, Anthony Mbago, Mark Manumbu and Kevin Nyoni Exponential Growth in Austria Rev Cornelis Kant n Executive Director | Christians for Israel International The ministry of Christians for Israel in Austria (Christen an der Seite Israels Ősterreich) has experienced a significant increase in activities over the last 10 years. The reason for this growth is due to the wonderful team of dedicated people within Christians for Israel Austria, and the extraordinarily good relationship they have with the Jewish community. The readership of their German newspaper has also increased significantly. On Saturday 23 February, they organised a joint meeting with Isreality* Austria in Vienna. Rev Cornelis Kant spoke about the question, ‘Why it is so difficult for Jews to believe in Jesus’? A delicate subject, but the purpose was to achieve more understanding amongst Christians about the serious obstacles that Jews experience when faced with the question whether Jesus is the Messiah. A very constructive conversation followed. May the Lord bless the Austrian Christians for Israel team in the years to come. * Isreality is Christians for Israel’s Young Adults movement. Jos van Westing n Development & Special Projects Officer | Christians for Israel International The Israel Conference in Uganda in January was, as in previous years, amazing! The conference was organised by Christians for Israel Uganda board members, Pastors Eddie Mwesigwa and Sarah Mikisa, in four churches, from the capital city of Kampala to the rural place of Hoima at the Congolese Border. More than 1,500 enthusiastic people, including hundreds of pastors and church leaders, attended the teachings about God’s plan for Israel, the Church and the Nations. In VOSO (Volunteers of Salvation Outreach) Gilgal Church, under the leadership of Pastor Sarah Mikisa, alone, we held a full 7-day Israel Conference, with four hours of teaching every morning and three hours every evening, concluding with a full-day Sunday Worship Service. At the service there were further teaching sessions and Q & A sessions, interspersed with vibrant African singing, dancing and worshipping. During the week, 230 participants attended the Conference at Voso Gilgal Church. 480 participants came on Sunday. Pastors from distant areas sometimes travelled two days to be part of the yearly event and slept on the floor side by side for the whole week, not to miss any of the teachings! There was an astounding spirit and hunger for the Word of God and love for the Jewish People, not easily found in civilized Western nations, but found here in Africa! Visiting Remote Areas Hoima is a remote area out of touch with the rest of the world; no television, a newspaper is hardly read. There is no knowledge of the existence of ISIS or the war in Syria, let alone replacement theology or evolution theory, Aliyah and the former Soviet Union’s Iron Curtain. Thanks to Pastor Eddie, who interpreted from English to the local language, the meaning of these issues was clearly explained and understood. The level of knowledge about Israel was minimal in that area, but enthusiastically received. Hunger to learn more was raised, and the local pastors can now teach their congregations about Israel as it is today and with an awareness of God’s hand in bringing the Jewish people back to the Promised Land and protecting His Chosen People. We expect next year’s Israel Conference to be held in a larger venue, and welcome all attendees to gather in one central place for more extended schooling. Teachings Received with Great Enthusiasm in Uganda

28. 28 April 2019 | Israel & Christians Today Adar II - Nissan 5779 2 3 4 April 2019 | Israel & Christians Today Adar II - Nissan 5779 Our Projects 16 Michael Freund n Founder and Director of Shavei Israel More than 3,300 years after the Lord delivered the Israelites from Egypt, a modern-day Exodus from India is coming to pass, as thousands of lost Jews prepare to make Aliyah. In the farthest regions of northeastern India, along the borders of Burma and Bangladesh, reside the Bnei Menashe (Hebrew for ‘the sons of Manasseh’), descendants of the tribe of Manasseh, one of the Ten Lost Tribes of Israel who were exiled from the Land by the Assyrian empire (2 Kings 17:6). Despite their dispersion for so many centuries, the Bnei Menashe remained faithful to the ways of their ancestors, observing the Sabbath and Festivals, keeping kosher and longing to return to Zion. The Lord is rewarding that faithfulness by fulfilling their dreams and bringing them home. In recent years, Christians for Israel has supported the efforts of Rabbi Michael Freund, the founder and Chairman of Shavei Israel, an organisation which has brought more than 4,000 Bnei Menashe to the Jewish state. Shavei Israel has recently received permission to bring an additional 722 Bnei Menashe on Aliyah in 2019, and they need our assistance to facilitate this miraculous homecoming. The Hoakip Family Among those waiting to make Aliyah are Batya and Akiva Haokip, and their three children: Rakhem, Dina and Dalia. The Haokip family lives in the Indian state of Manipur, where Akiva is one of the leaders of the Bnei Menashe community. Both he and his wife are college graduates, and Akiva worked until recently as a project manager for the Life Insurance Corporation of India, the oldest and largest in the country. He recently resigned his position to prepare for his upcoming Aliyah. Batya, his wife, runs a medical clinic, and she is anxious to be reunited with her father, sister and brother, whom she has not seen since they moved to Israel. Akiva will be the first from among his family to make Aliyah, and he looks forward to raising his children to be proud Jews and Israelis. Special Opportunity The first group of 250 Bnei Menashe is supposed to make Aliyah right after the Passover festival in late April or early May, but the timing of their move depends on funding. The cost per immigrant is US $1,000, which covers airfare and transportation from India to Israel as well as some of the initial absorption costs. For every $1,000 that is raised, another Bnei Menashe will be able to make the long journey home to Zion. This is an opportunity for Christians and Jews to stand together and fulfil the Divine Will by bringing His children back from exile. We must all rise to the occasion and give generously so that we may merit to see the words of the prophet Isaiah (51:11) come to life: “And the ransomed of the Lord shall return and enter Zion with singing and everlasting joy shall be on their heads”. Christians for Israel helps Bnei Menashe to make aliyah. If you would like to support Bnei Menashe, you can do so by filling out the coupon below. Exodus from India Bnei Menashe arriving at Ben Gurion Airport in Israel | Photo: flickr Making a Difference in Ukraine Koen Carlier n Christians for Israel Ukraine The harsh Ukrainian winters are tough times for the poor and elderly Jewish people in Ukraine. During the long winter, the food parcels of Koen Carlier and his team were a basic necessity. Thanks to your support we were able to distribute 7050 food parcels so far. A problem for most elderly Jewish people are the housing costs that went up thirty per cent since November last year. So with an average pension between 50 and 70 euros per month, more than half is spent on housing costs. You can imagine that our food parcels are a big help. We will continue our food parcel distribution in the coming months, and we plan a special action during Pesach! We also sent out teams to visit the elderly lonely Jewish people, many of them Holocaust survivors and listen to their story. We often hear: ‘Thank you for not forgetting us.’ Volunteers distributing food parcels in Ukraine PLEASE COMPLETE FORM & RETURN TO: Christians for Israel Australia, PO Box 1508, Springwood, QLD 4127 or you can donate securely online www.c4israel.com.au/donate Yes, I would like to make a donation towards... C4I MINISTRY 1 SOCIAL WELFARE PROJECTS ALIYAH - BRING THE JEWS HOME TEACHING RESOURCES & PREMIUM GIFTS DONATION DONATION SEE OUR FULL RANGE AT: C4ISRAEL.COM.AU/STORE QUANTITY SUB TOTAL $___________ SUB TOTAL $___________ MY TOTAL DONATION $___________ $___________ My donation for general admin costs (inc print & post) $___________ Semakh Statue Memorial (Matching dollar for dollar appeal) $___________ Hineni Soup kitchen & Holocaust survivor support $300 One Person* $5000 One Busload (25 persons) $1350 Bnei Menashe - Asian Jews (1 person) $550 French Jews (1 person) $___________ First Home in the Homeland ($350 pp) $1000 One Family (5 persons)* $______ ___________ Israel and Christians Today Paper (free or by donation) $35 each Riding Into History (BOOK - NEW) by Barry Rodgers Light Horse History Bundle (BOOK + DVD - NEW) by Barry Rodgers $50 each ___________ $100 each Adi Watches (Mens) (Ladies) ___________ $20 each Rebuiling the Temple (BOOK) by Enoch Lavender ___________ $25 each ___________ The Light Horse Century (DVD - NEW) by Barry Rodgers $25 each ___________ 70 Questions About Israel (BOOKLET - NEW) by Chan Siew Fong $30 each ___________ Anti-Israel Agenda (BOOK) by Alex Ryvchin Please post cheque or money order to: Christians for Israel Australia Inc (don’t use staples) Internet Banking: BSB: ANZ BANK – 016-464 Account No: 454158806 Ref: Your name & donation purpose. Please confirm be emailing info@c4israel.com.au MY DETAILS Name: ________________________________ Address: _______________________________ ______________________________________ Phone: ________________________________ Email: _________________________________ Christians for Israel Australia ABN: 79 941 819 693 $___________ ($15 per parcel) Food Parcels $12.50ea ___________ Israel 70 Years Magazine (Special Discounted Price) $46 each ___________ Israel on Trial (500p Reference BOOK) by Andrew Tucker Johannes Gerloff n Theologian, Journalist, Lecturer and Author The people of Israel will vote on 9 April to elect the 21st Knesset (Parliament) of the State of Israel since its establishment in May 1948. About six million Israelis are eligible to vote. Israel has a proportional representation system. Inevitably it will be necessary to form a coalition government, so all the main contending parties are preparing for possible partnerships. According to the website of the Central Electoral Committee of the Knesset 43 political parties are standing for election. For the first time, Labor is no longer a serious contender, and may not even meet the threshold of 3.25% of the votes required to have a seat in the Knesset. Two new parties have recently been established challenging Likud’s dominance of the political scene. The first is the New Right Party (HaYamin HeHadash), a right-wing political party established in December 2018 by Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked and Education Minister Naftali Bennett. The party has recently been joined by Jerusalem Post columnist Caroline Glick, author of the book ‘The Israel Solution’, who advocates Israeli annexation of the West Bank. The other main rival to Likud is the new ‘Blue-White’ party led by former Chiefs of Staff Benny Gantz, Gabi Ashkenazi and Moshe Ya’alon. ‘Blue-White’ has been joined by former journalist, former finance minister and leader of the centrist-party Yesh Atid, Ya’ir Lapid. Israelis may also vote for parties with names such as ‘New Horizon with Dignity’, ‘Responsibility for Founders’, ‘Social Security’, ‘Social Justice’, ‘Real Democracy’, ‘Hope for Change’, ‘Unity of the Sons of the Covenant’, ‘Eternal Covenant’, ‘the Pirates’, ‘Bridge’, ‘Identity’, ‘Education’, ‘Reform’, ‘Human Dignity’, ‘Protective Shield’, ‘Simply Love’ and ‘You and I’. For months the main media platforms in Israel have been occupied primarily with one question: who can oust Benjamin Netanyahu? At 69 years of age, Benjamin Netanyahu is vying for his fifth term as Prime Minister. He is the longest-serving prime minister in the history of the modern state of Israel, and the most popular head of government Israel has ever had. Allegations of corruption and breach of trust threatened to topple Netanyahu but are barely an issue any more. Although the Attorney-General has announced that Netanyahu will be charged, a final decision on indictment has been postponed until after the elections. To the chagrin of all Netanyahu-doom- prophets, all coalition partners of the Likud have announced that they would be ready to continue the coalition even if Netanyahu were charged. Under Israeli law, a Prime Minister who is charged is not obliged to resign. Interestingly, the issue that Europeans, in particular, find so important – the relationship with the Palestinians and the two-state solution – is not really an issue in this election campaign. The positions of those parties likely to be part of a coalition government are virtually indistinguishable in this regard. One Nation 2 Israel Goes to the Polls Understanding Israel and world events from a Biblical perspective www.c4israel.com.au | info@c4israel.com.au & Christians Today ISRAEL AUSTRALIA April 2019 nissan 5779 Amazement at C4I Forum 8 Passover - A Joyful Time 11 Exodus from India 16 Workers prepare ballot boxes for the upcoming Israeli election. | Photo: Flash90 Israel & Christians Today is the premier publication of Christians for Israel AUSTRALIA Johannes Gerloff n Theologian, Journalist, Lecturer and Author The people of Israel will vote on 9 April to elect the 21st Knesset (Parliament) of the State of Israel since its establishment in May 1948. About six million Israelis are eligible to vote. Israel has a proportional representation system. Inevitably it will be necessary to form a coalition government, so all the main contending parties are preparing for possible partnerships. According to the website of the Central Electoral Committee of the Knesset 43 political parties are standing for election. For the first time, Labor is no longer a serious contender, and may not even meet the threshold of 3.25% of the votes required to have a seat in the Knesset. Two new parties have recently been established challenging Likud’s dominance of the political scene. The first is the New Right Party (HaYamin HeHadash), a right-wing political party established in December 2018 by Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked and Education Minister Naftali Bennett. The party has recently been joined by Jerusalem Post columnist Caroline Glick, author of the book ‘The Israel Solution’, who advocates Israeli annexation of the West Bank. The other main rival to Likud is the new ‘Blue-White’ party led by former Chiefs of Staff Benny Gantz, Gabi Ashkenazi and Moshe Ya’alon. ‘Blue-White’ has been joined by former journalist, former finance minister and leader of the centrist-party Yesh Atid, Ya’ir Lapid. Israelis may also vote for parties with names such as ‘New Horizon with Dignity’, ‘Responsibility for Founders’, ‘Social Security’, ‘Social Justice’, ‘Real Democracy’, ‘Hope for Change’, ‘Unity of the Sons of the Covenant’, ‘Eternal Covenant’, ‘the Pirates’, ‘Bridge’, ‘Identity’, ‘Education’, ‘Reform’, ‘Human Dignity’, ‘Protective Shield’, ‘Simply Love’ and ‘You and I’. For months the main media platforms in Israel have been occupied primarily with one question: who can oust Benjamin Netanyahu? At 69 years of age, Benjamin Netanyahu is vying for his fifth term as Prime Minister. He is the longest-serving prime minister in the history of the modern state of Israel, and the most popular head of government Israel has ever had. Allegations of corruption and breach of trust threatened to topple Netanyahu but are barely an issue any more. Although the Attorney-General has announced that Netanyahu will be charged, a final decision on indictment has been postponed until after the elections. To the chagrin of all Netanyahu-doom- prophets, all coalition partners of the Likud have announced that they would be ready to continue the coalition even if Netanyahu were charged. Under Israeli law, a Prime Minister who is charged is not obliged to resign. Interestingly, the issue that Europeans, in particular, find so important – the relationship with the Palestinians and the two-state solution – is not really an issue in this election campaign. The positions of those parties likely to be part of a coalition government are virtually indistinguishable in this regard. One Nation 2 Israel Goes to the Polls Understanding Israel and world events from a Biblical perspective www.c4israel.com.au | info@c4israel.com.au & Christians Today ISRAEL AUSTRALIA April 2019 nissan 5779 Amazement at C4I Forum 8 Passover - A Joyful Time 11 Exodus from India 16 Workers prepare ballot boxes for the upcoming Israeli election. | Photo: Flash90 Israel & Christians Today is the premier publication of Christians for Israel AUSTRALIA Johannes Gerloff n Theologian, Journalist, Lecturer and Author The people of Israel will vote on 9 April to elect the 21st Knesset (Parliament) of the State of Israel since its establishment in May 1948. About six million Israelis are eligible to vote. Israel has a proportional representation system. Inevitably it will be necessary to form a coalition government, so all the main contending parties are preparing for possible partnerships. According to the website of the Central Electoral Committee of the Knesset 43 political parties are standing for election. For the first time, Labor is no longer a serious contender, and may not even meet the threshold of 3.25% of the votes required to have a seat in the Knesset. Two new parties have recently been established challenging Likud’s dominance of the political scene. The first is the New Right Party (HaYamin HeHadash), a right-wing political party established in December 2018 by Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked and Education Minister Naftali Bennett. The party has recently been joined by Jerusalem Post columnist Caroline Glick, author of the book ‘The Israel Solution’, who advocates Israeli annexation of the West Bank. The other main rival to Likud is the new ‘Blue-White’ party led by former Chiefs of Staff Benny Gantz, Gabi Ashkenazi and Moshe Ya’alon. ‘Blue-White’ has been joined by former journalist, former finance minister and leader of the centrist-party Yesh Atid, Ya’ir Lapid. Israelis may also vote for parties with names such as ‘New Horizon with Dignity’, ‘Responsibility for Founders’, ‘Social Security’, ‘Social Justice’, ‘Real Democracy’, ‘Hope for Change’, ‘Unity of the Sons of the Covenant’, ‘Eternal Covenant’, ‘the Pirates’, ‘Bridge’, ‘Identity’, ‘Education’, ‘Reform’, ‘Human Dignity’, ‘Protective Shield’, ‘Simply Love’ and ‘You and I’. For months the main media platforms in Israel have been occupied primarily with one question: who can oust Benjamin Netanyahu? At 69 years of age, Benjamin Netanyahu is vying for his fifth term as Prime Minister. He is the longest-serving prime minister in the history of the modern state of Israel, and the most popular head of government Israel has ever had. Allegations of corruption and breach of trust threatened to topple Netanyahu but are barely an issue any more. Although the Attorney-General has announced that Netanyahu will be charged, a final decision on indictment has been postponed until after the elections. To the chagrin of all Netanyahu-doom- prophets, all coalition partners of the Likud have announced that they would be ready to continue the coalition even if Netanyahu were charged. Under Israeli law, a Prime Minister who is charged is not obliged to resign. Interestingly, the issue that Europeans, in particular, find so important – the relationship with the Palestinians and the two-state solution – is not really an issue in this election campaign. The positions of those parties likely to be part of a coalition government are virtually indistinguishable in this regard. One Nation 2 Israel Goes to the Polls Understanding Israel and world events from a Biblical perspective www.c4israel.com.au | info@c4israel.com.au & Christians Today ISRAEL AUSTRALIA April 2019 nissan 5779 Amazement at C4I Forum 8 Passover - A Joyful Time 11 Exodus from India 16 Workers prepare ballot boxes for the upcoming Israeli election. | Photo: Flash90 Israel & Christians Today is the premier publication of Christians for Israel AUSTRALIA NEW! NEW! NEW! 50% OFF! *NOTE: Certificates for individuals and families from the Ukraine only. 2 for $40 2 for $60 4 for $100