8. 6 Emergency Campaign Ukraine April 2022 | Israel & Christians Today Nisan - Lyyer 5782 Our Support Whereas in recent years Koen Carlier and the C4I Ukraine team worked with small vans to bring Jewish people to the airports for departure to Israel, now the situation is very different. The airspace is closed, and many airports have been shelled. Therefore, all transportation has to be by road. The main route is from our shelter in Western Ukraine to the Moldovan border, but we are also trying to organise bus transportation from other parts of Ukraine to our shelter. This is, of course, a challenge. The often already wretched Ukrainian roads are very unpredictable due to war. Bus companies charge high prices to send their buses on the road. Therefore, Koen and his team purchased their own large bus to be used for transportation from the shelter to the border. Food Aid - Searching for a Good Evacuation Route “I am not a religious person, but last night there was a call to prayer for all the Jews in the country. We all participated. At 9 p.m. the sirens went off announcing an air raid. We kept praying, and after a while the sirens stopped. They had called off the bombing! These things happen now. So please keep praying for us!” Transportation In the weeks leading up to the war, our team in Ukraine took advantage of opportunities to turn donations into extra food parcels and medical support, especially for the needy elderly, many of them Holocaust survivors. Hundreds of thousands are fleeing to areas where it is safe, but residents of besieged cities and the elderly are stuck in their apartments or bomb shelters. Supermarkets are (almost) empty - people have to survive with whatever they have left at home. Alexander from the Jewish community in Kherson says, “Your recent donation for hundreds of food parcels was so well timed. Pensions are low; our elderly don’t have extra money to stock up on supplies. But because of your help, now that we have nowhere to go, we all have extra food to survive. We can’t thank you enough!” More funding is needed to enable our Christians for Israel team in Ukraine to continue to support the increasing number of Jews in need. “Yesterday we received your donation. This really saved us, because people are running out of money and have no supplies at home - this affects young and old.” “We are now preparing a Sabbath meal in the synagogue, which we will share with the Jewish refugees who came from the east. Your donation came just in time - now we can offer everyone a hot meal.” In wartime, everything is uncertain. To help Jews return to Israel, we always work closely with the Jewish Agency. Normally we provide the transportation to the airport and the Jewish Agency organises the welcoming at the airport and the flight to Israel. Because the refugees now have to cross the border first, it was a matter of finding a good alternative solution. The route to the border was quickly found, but beyond the border everything needed to be arranged. Not only transportation, but also accommodation and meals. In the end, we miraculously succeeded in organising this. Buses take the Jewish refugees from the Ukrainian-Moldovan border to the airports of Kishenev and Bucharest, and from there the flights organised by the Jewish Agency leave for Israel.

10. 8 C4I News Rev Cornelis Kant n Executive Director | Christians for Israel International The Jerusalem Prayer Breakfast took place on 15 and 16 February in the parliament of Tallinn, the capital of Estonia. The Jerusalem Prayer Breakfast started as a global movement in 2016 by former Israeli member of the Knesset, Robert Ilatov, together with Albert Veksler and former US Congresswoman Michele Bachmann. The goal is to bring political and church leaders together in 2-day conferences to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Over 80 people attended, mostly from Estonia, Finland, Israel, America and various European countries. Participants from 50 countries followed the lectures online. Member of Parliament and former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Estonia, Urmas Reinsalu welcomed the guests: “We are facing a threat of war just a 1000 kilometres from here. This is a moment also between us, brothers and sisters, to be together with our prayers for peace. Peace on the borders of Ukraine, peace in the Middle East, peace in Israel and peace all over the world.” Rabbi Yehuda Glick, a former member of the Knesset who survived a Palestinian attack, wished everyone true shalom: “Not strength and violence and each side trying to knock the other down. We want true peace, a shalom.” The Israeli Ambassador to Estonia, Mrs Hagit Ben Ya’akov, said: “The friendship of Christian friends of Israel is something that cannot be taken for granted. Your friendship is one of the most important things for the State of Israel. Your friendship shows the rest of the world that Israel is not alone.” Then she read from Isaiah 65: 17, “See, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor they shall come to mind.” Mike Pompeo, former US Secretary of State, addressed the gathering in a video message: “The situation in Ukraine is most surely on everyone’s mind. Please join me in praying for our world leaders to have wisdom, patience and strength. We must pray that the Lord blesses His faithful with the strength to stand against those who would disrupt peace to further their own ambitions.” He then quoted Psalm 125: 1-2 “Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which can not be shaken but endures forever. As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people both now and forevermore.” Chairman Robert Ilatov look ed back on the beginnings of the Jerusalem Prayer Breakfast: “When we talked about establishing the Jerusalem Prayer Breakfast, the most important idea was to bring the truth about Israel to the whole world. Of course, in the Knesset, we are so accustomed to fighting - you know: two Jews, but three different opinions and five different synagogues. It was not easy to get the idea of the Jerusalem Prayer Breakfast through the whole Knesset, but I did succeed. The idea is to bring about a dialogue. It is a difficult dialogue because we are talking about a dialogue between people who have argued for 2,000 years over who is right and who is wrong. But at the Jerusalem Prayer Breakfast, everyone is welcome to pray.” Illatov explained that the word ‘Palestine’ for Jews is a painful reminder of Emperor Hadrian who destroyed Jerusalem in the year 135, slaughtered a million Jews and gave the land the name ‘Palestine’: “So when you say the word ‘Palestine’ this for the Jewish people represents the attempted destruction of the Jewish traditions of the faith in one God, the God of Israel.” He also said: “Somebody just mentioned that the Jewish people came back to the land of ‘Palestine’. This is not accurate. We actually returned to Eretz, Israel. It is not just something symbolic. It has its foundation in the very Bible. We are a small but very strong people.” He said that since the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, millions of Christians have come to love Israel and the Jewish people. This has encouraged him to research the Scriptures from Genesis to Revelation and rediscover what the Bible says about God’s love for Israel and His plan for Israel. Robert Ilatov was born and raised in the Soviet Republic of Uzbekistan and made Aliyah to Israel in 1985. He was deputy mayor of Netanya for many years. American Messianic Jew Joel Rosenberg told about all his contacts with pr esidents and other world leaders about the need to stand up for Israel and bless Israel. He referred to Nebuchadnezzar, who changed from a world leader who burned Jews to a worshipper of the God of Israel. Christians for Israel also got the opportunity to speak. I was allowed to speak for 15 minutes about the foundation and growth of Christians for Israel worldwide and about our goals. Our first goal is to proclaim the everlasting Biblical significance of Israel in God’s plan of salvation. It is important not only to mention the well-known Bible verses regarding Israel but also to draw theological lines between the Old and New Testaments when it comes to God’s eternal faithfulness to His people Israel. There is a great need for this within churches. The leader of Christians for Israel in Italy, Professor Edda Fogarollo, told about the work of Christians for Israel in Italy and the permanent importance of adequate Holocaust education. She herself is a professor of Holocaust history, and proper education on the subject is very close to her heart. This two-day conference in the Parliament of Tallinn was a valuable and blessed event with great speeches, a good spiritual atmosphere and important prayers together. It was inspiring and encouraging for people from both politics and churches. Over the years the Jerusalem Prayer Breakfast has already been held in several cities around the world. The main gathering is held yearly in June in Jerusalem and is attended by about 500 people. Tallinn, Estonia at the old city. | Photo: Shutterstock Jerusalem Prayer Breakfast: Estonia April 2022 | Israel & Christians Today Nisan - Lyyer 5782 During the conference at the Jerusalem Prayer Breakfast. Entertainment during the Jerusalem Prayer Breakfast. Rev Cornelis Kant speaking at the Jerusalem Prayer Breakfast.

18. 8 April 2022 | Israel & Christians Today Nisan - Lyyar 5782 Opinion Piece from the Heart of Biblical Israel Background to the Russia–Ukraine Conflict: Lessons for Israel and the nations of the World Ukraine! There is nothing else on anyone’s minds today but the terrible situation that has developed in the Ukraine. An independent country in Eastern Europe, formerly part of the Soviet bloc, has been invaded by Russia. Vladimir Putin, a former KGB officer, has long desired the restoration of Russian imperial and Soviet powers, which included Russian influence or control over Eastern Europe. Many around the world are expressing surprise at the development of current events from two different directions. On the one hand, there is widespread surprise that Putin dared to invade a country that did not pose a threat to Russia. On the other hand, there is real surprise at the determination of the Ukrainian people to fight off the Russian Bear. Vastly outnumbered and outgunned, they have managed to stall the onslaught to some extent. Only time will tell how things will develop. Here’s a recap of the history of Russia’s relationship with Ukraine in the 21st century. Vladimir Putin has headed up Russia variously as prime minister or president since 1999. He inherited the collapse of the Soviet Union and the independence of the various Eastern European states. As an independent country since 1991, Ukraine moved closer to the west. In 2004, Russia attempted to assassinate Victor Yushchenko, a candidate for the Ukrainian presidency who was known for his pro-western views. He recovered from the attempt and served as president from 2005—2010. The next Ukrainian president tried to move the country toward a greater alliance with Russia, until he was overthrown for those views in 2013. In 2014, Russia invaded Crimea, in southern Ukraine. The world stood by and watched. Since then, Russian separatists in two Ukrainian provinces have sided with Russia in their attempts to gain power over those two areas. Like Hitler before him, who justified his initial European conquests in the udetenland and Austria, as a liberation and reunification with German people in those countries, Putin has justified his interest in Ukraine as defending the interests of the Russian separatists in that country. However, his real interests lie in expanding Russian territory and influence, and separating Eastern Europe from NATO and Western Europe. Putin made his intentions very clear. American intelligence pinpointed the exact timing of the invasion and for weeks, warned people of the impending disaster. And yet, so few believed and so few listened. Like Europe in 1938, when people believed that Hitler would stop at Czechoslovakia and Austria, in 2022, the west believed Putin would stop at Crimea and the separatist areas. Why is it so hard to believe that some leaders are evil? Why is it so hard for people to prepare for the worst and protect themselves? I guess there is a natural desire in all of us to believe that there are red lines that will not be crossed, that a country will not invade another country unprovoked. But some political leaders regularly cross red lines. The history of the Jewish people is fraught with evil people trying to harm us. In order to survive, we had no choice but to develop a healthy dose of skepticism. We have always welcomed strangers as friends but continue to make sure they are truly our friends and not some enemy in disguise. We have been burned too many times. Israel was born surrounded by evil. From the moment of its inception as a modern state in 1948, Israel was surrounded by enemies who wanted to drive us into the sea, to destroy the country and murder its people, before it even had a chance to exist. David Ben Gurion knew that Israel would have to fight to survive from the first minute of statehood. We had no weapons, no air force and very few trained soldiers. But there was one thing we did have — a very real understanding of who our enemies were and what they wanted. And that understanding continues to this day. Israel has never been naïve and has always been on guard. We have to be. And while we treasure our friends and allies around the world, we have never relied on them completely. We have invested heavily in our military, helped by American financial support, but we have never relied on the fighting forces of any other country. We cannot afford to. When the western countries negotiate with Iran in an attempt to renew the nuclear deal, we know this will spell disaster for Israel. We are doing everything we can to stop the deal, but at the same time, we are exploring alternatives if the deal does go through. Israel is developing closer relationships with the Gulf States because we have a common enemy: Iran. And one thing has become clearer today than ever before. We cannot rely on other countries to come to our rescue. The US withdrawal from Afghanistan proved that. And Europe’s current refusal to fight alongside Ukraine has reinforced that. Only those countries directly threatened will be willing to fight the battle. These are the new rules of the 21st century. My heart goes out to the Ukrainians as they struggle to fend off a brutal enemy. I hope and pray that a way will be found to stop this insanity and return Ukraine to its peaceful existence, protected from Russia. But the people of Ukraine have to find ways to protect themselves. They are deeply patriotic people and are overwhelmingly determined to defend their freedom. We can draw inspiration from the Ukrainians. I hope they draw inspiration from us. May G-d give them the strength to do what needs to be done. And one more thing. For two weeks, Israel begged the Jews and Israeli citizens of Ukraine to leave. Israel was ready to send planes to evacuate any Jew to Israel that wanted Israeli protection. Only a handful took advantage of the offer. Most were convinced that nothing would happen. They were wrong. Israel is the home of the Jewish people and my country has consistently opened its arms to welcome our people home. G-d has blessed us with a land that can be home to all Jews. But it seems that for those who are not pulled to Israel, G-d has a way of pushing them towards Israel. I pray that Jews the world over will be pulled to Israel. We have our problems, of course, but together, and with G-d’s help, we will overcome them. We are living in miraculous times indeed. _______________________________________________________ If you’d like to donate towards either of these amazing humanitarian projects you can do so by using our form on the back page and selecting CFOIC ( Christian Friends of Israeli Communities ) and once your donation is received it will be allocated towards these projects automatically. Jewish-Ukranian immigrants arrive at Tel Aviv International Airport On March 6 as tensions rise on the frontier between Ukraine and Russia. Photo: C4I International Like Europe in 1938, when people believed that Hitler would stop at Czechoslovakia and Austria, in 2022, the west believed Putin would stop at Crimea... Sondra Oster Baras Former Attorney, Bible Student and Director of CFOIC Heartland

5. News 3 Short News Girl from Myanmar Undergoes Cardiac Surgery in Israel Hannah, an eight-year-old girl from Myanmar, was successfully brought to Israel and underwent a life-saving heart operation in the first week of March through the Save a Child’s Heart organisation. Hannah was born with a life-threatening heart syndrome. Three years ago, at the age of five, she underwent cardiac surgery in Wolfson Medical Center that required her to return for another operation. However, this was made difficult when a civil war broke out in Myanmar, and flights in and out of the country were stopped. Save a Child’s Heart conducted an operation to extract Hannah from Myanmar and bring her to Israel. Funding for the flight and the operation came from Morris Kahn, who has taken a large part in the organisation since it was founded. Israel’s Galilee Chamber Orchestra has US Debut at Carnegie Hall The Galilee Chamber Orchestra - Israel’s first professional orchestra consisting of Arab and Jewish musicians - made its US debut at New York’s Carnegie Hall on 18 March. The occasion was the annual Isaac Stern Memorial Concert, which commemorates the life and work of the late Jewish-American violinist and educator, who also had strong ties to Israel, including the founding of the Jerusalem Music Center in 1973. New Species of Spider Discovered in Southern Israel A new species of desert cave spider, unknown to the scientific community, was discovered by researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Ben Gurion University during five years of monitoring the effects of oil spills in the southern part of the country. The velvety black spider from the Crevice Weaver family was named Sahastata Aravaensis. It is considered an indicator of clean soil. April 2022 | Israel & Christians Today Nisan - Lyyer 5782 Jewish Identity Grew in Eastern Europe after WWII and the Holocaust Pamela Bruan Cohen n Ukrainian complicity in the Holocaust cannot be denied or absolved. That history cannot be alleviated. Unquestionably, Jewish-Ukrainian history has been fraught with centuries of pogroms and hatred, but the events of the last 30 years have left their mark on the fate of Ukraine and its Jews. In those decades, Jewish emigration and human-rights activists helped alter the face of Ukraine. Under the USSR’s repressive regime, dissidents and Jewish refuseniks—those who were denied exit visas—vigorously campaigned for the basic rights denied by the Kremlin and its Soviet Ukrainian apparatus. These activists demanded freedom of speech, their right to demonstrate, move across borders, and observe the religion and cultures of minorities. For their activity, many were condemned to prison and hard labour in Siberia. Some, like refusenik Vladimir Kislik, the Kiev physicist, were forcibly disposed of in psychiatric institutions, where they were given psychotropic drugs to suppress their ‘psychotic dissidence.’ Dr Semyon Gluzman, a Kiev psychiatrist, was sentenced to seven years in a hard labour camp and three in exile for protesting Soviet abuse of psychiatry against dissidents. In Kharkov, Alexander Paritsky was a successful scientist until he was fired for his visa application. During the 11 years he fought to live in Israel, his attempts to create a Jewish ‘university’ for refusenik kids, who had been denied a higher education, resulted in a three-year labour-camp sentence. Decades later, his efforts, however, may have found fruition in the officially recognised Jewish day school that was recently bombed in his city of Kharkov. The relentless demand for human-rights guarantees by Jewish refuseniks and their grassroots partners in the West beginning in 1970, brought about the first cracks in the Iron Curtain. Twenty years later, the Soviet empire dissolved, bringing independence to Ukraine and other former Soviet republics. In 1992, at the request of Ukrainian refuseniks and di ssidents, the Union of Councils for Soviet Jews—the largest grassroots organisation working on behalf of Jewish emigration—launched the Kiev- based Ukrainian-American Bureau of Human Rights. Headed by the former prisoner-of-conscience, Dr Semyon Gluzman, the bureau monitored human- rights abuses. With the support of Ukraine’s democrats, it urged the newly independent government to denounce Jew- hatred and protect their Jewish minority. At the end of the long struggle, the Soviet borders had collapsed, allowing two million Jews to emigrate. However, after the Kremlin’s dissolution, thousands of Jews remained in Ukraine, some too elderly or ill to move, some Holocaust survivors. It’s impossible to know the number of Jews who had tried to shelter themselves from Soviet anti-Semitism by hiding their identity, crawling out from beneath the rocks of the collapsed system, seeking their lost Jewish identity. And in the post-Soviet era, a new brand of activists ass umed leadership roles to create safety nets for those Jews who remained. In partnership, the Union of Councils created ‘Yad L’Yad’ to jump-start local communal projects. Elimelech Shoikhet, a Lvov refusenik when I met him in 1989, remained to establish a ‘Meals-on-Wheels’ for the impoverished and elderly and to battle the new government for Jewish property that had been appropriated under communism. Now he’s providing housing, provisions and support to Jewish refugees. Religious organisations helped thousands of Jews without communal or famil y support. Yad Yisrael established an orphanage and an educational and communal complex in Kiev. Chabad has built shuls and schools. Limmud brought in educators. Israelis pursued commerce. A tolerant new Ukraine has had a unique climate that has allowed thousands of potentially assimilating Jews to develop their identity as Jews. The process that began with Jewish refusenik activists who had the courage and moral vision to resist is now under attack; Israel is evacuating thousands of remaining Ukrainian Jews, and the Jewish people everywhere are united in their efforts to bring them safely to communities awaiting them. Volodymyr Zelensky is the legacy of the decades-old Jewish movement that impacted his country. Ukraine’s president stands as a proud Jew who has exerted moral courage and dignity that has captured the attention and respect of the free world. Tragically, the new Ukraine born out of a struggle for human rights and dignity is gravely at risk. Pamela Braun Cohen is the former president of the Union of Councils for Soviet Jews and the author of ‘Hidden Heroes: One Woman’s Story of Resistance and Rescue in the Soviet Union.’ Meeting in the oldest clay synagogue in Europe in Bershad (Ukraine). | Photo: Anemone Rüger

7. 5 News Clifford D May n Putin’s troops ravage Ukraine while his envoy steers Team Biden’s talks with Iran. The Biden administration’s behaviour has been shameful and damaging: It is proving the United States to be harmless as an enemy and treacherous as a friend. We all have our patterns of behaviour. Start with Vladimir Putin, who has assassinated dissidents over the more than two decades he’s ruled Russia, slaughtered Chechens, detached two provinces from neighbouring Georgia, and seized Crimea from Ukraine while fueling conflict in the east of that country. He’s also helped the Assad regime kill Syrians—half a million and counting. On 24 February, Putin again invaded Ukraine. He has been using artillery and unguided bombs to murder men, women and children and reduce cities to rubble. His apparent goal is to subjugate Ukraine, to strip it of its independence, sovereignty and freedom. Over to President Biden, who, during his first year in the White House, capitulated on the battlefield in Afghanistan to the Taliban, a terrorist organisation joined at the hip to Al Qaeda. He left behind more weapons than a Ukrainian general could dream of. He then declared that mission a success. Biden now appears eager to capitulate at the negotiating table in Vienna to the Islamic Republic of Iran, a regime that funds and instructs Hezbollah, Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad and the Houthi movement in Yemen, whose catchy slogan is “Allah is Greater, Death to America, Death to Israel, Curse on the Jews, Victory to Islam.” He’ll then declare that mission a success. While Biden’s stated intention is to isolate Putin, his diplomats in Vienna continue to work hand-in-glove with Mikhail Ulyanov, Putin’s envoy. That’s because the theocratic regime’s negotiators—as a matter of revolutionary Islamic principle—have refused to sit at the same table with Americans. The Biden team has meekly accepted this humiliation. Ulyanov is reportedly not just a go- between but ‘the dominant player,’ proposing compromises to the Americans (who are always flexible) and to the Iranians (who never are). As for Ulyanov’s interests, do you suppose they are peace, international security, nuclear nonproliferation and a ‘win-win’ outcome? Or does he want to please Putin by helping Iran’s rulers further humble and diminish the United States? On Saturday, Moscow demanded a written guarantee that any sanctions imposed because of its war on Ukraine will not ‘in any way damage’ its commercial and military relationship with the Islamic Republic. The Biden administration has rejected that demand—for now. Perhaps you think, as does the US State Departm ent, that “Russia shares a common interest in ensuring Iran never acquires a nuclear weapon.” If so, think again. Putin calculates that any nuclear-tipped ICBMs produced by Iran’s rulers will be pointed at America and used to keep America at bay while their proxies conquer and/or destroy more of the Middle East than they already have. When Biden’s ‘indirect’ talks with the clerical regime began, he vowed to produce a ‘longer and stronger’ variant of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action that former president Barack Obama concluded in 2015 and from which former president Donald Trump exited in 2018. It’s now clear that a shorter and weaker variant—more economic relief in exchange for fewer verifiable restrictions—has been taking shape. It’s not only ‘sources’ who say so. It’s also Ulyanov. “Realistically speaking, Iran got more than frankly, I expected, others expected,” he told one reporter. “This is a matter of fact.” He added: The “Iranian clerics are fighting for Iranian nuclear—national interests like lions. They fight for every comma, every word, and as a rule, quite successfully.” Biden’s deal will provide Iran’s rulers with billions of dollars that they can spend on arms and even nuclear power plants (for peaceful purposes only!) from Russia and use to fund terrorists and threaten their American-allied neighbours. Biden won’t submit his deal to Congress as a treaty (as he clearly should), so it won’t bind the next administration. But Russian and Iranian negotiators are reportedly looking for a workaround. For example, they might persuade Biden to agree that Iran’s enriched uranium be stored in Russia, with the condition that it will be returned to Iran if, at any time, Putin and Iran’s rulers jointly declare that the Americans are violating the agreement. Or they might insist on an ‘inherent guarantee’ that Iran’s rulers get to keep their advanced centrifuges on standby with permission to continue enriching at 60% if they decide the US has transgressed. By contrast, noncompliance and even out-and-out cheating by the theocratic regime will be ignored or forgiven. We know that based on our experience with the JCPOA. Relatedly, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Grossi, said on Saturday that a new deal cannot be concluded unless Tehran first settles outstanding issues relating to nuclear material found at former Iranian nuclear sites that the regime failed to declare. That will require months. Can a deal be announced before these issues are settled? Logically no, but, in the cur rent era, logic is not a major component in the patterns of behaviour driving American foreign policy. Was it logical to respond to Putin’s many crimes over the years with a salad of carrots and not enough sticks to make a bonfire? Was it logical to invite him to partner with the United States in negotiations with Iran’s rulers while excluding the American allies most threatened by Iran’s rulers? Is it logical to give the theocrats in Tehran the means to do in the Middle East what Putin is doing in eastern Europe? The Biden administration—building on the record of too many of its predecessors—has been establishing a shameful and damaging pattern of behaviour: It is proving to be harmless as an enemy and treacherous as a friend. Clifford D. May is founder and president of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) and a columnist for ‘The Washington Times.’ Putin’s Troops Ravage Ukraine Short News Israel Represented at Paralympic Winter Games for First Time After the Winter Olympics, the Paralympic Winter Games started in Beijing. For the first time, an Israeli athlete qualified for the Paralympic Winter Games. The 20-year-old Sheina Vaspi from the village of Yesud Hama’ala represented her homeland in various skiing competitions in China. She had lost her left leg in a car accident as a baby and raced down the slopes on one leg. Her poles do not have a tip at the end but are equipped with small ‘skis’ that improve her balance and control. Hamas: A Terror Group Australia has put Hamas on the list of terror organisations. Until now only the military branch was on the list. Australia finds Hamas’ ideas very disturbing and believes that there is no place for them in the country. Sea of Galilee Nearly Full After times of concern about the water level of the Lake of Galilee (also called Lake Tiberias or Kinnereth) that was in danger of falling too low, the maximum has now almost been reached. At the beginning of March there was still one metre to go to the upper limit. And with the expected rain and snow on Mount Hermon the forecast on the short term is favourable. The Sea of Galilee is Israel’s main drinking water supply. Photo: Flash90 No ‘Apartheid Label’ Israel “How dare anyone speak of apartheid in a State (i.e. Israel) where Arabic citizens are represented in the Government, in Parliament, in executive positions and in responsible positions, where all citizens, regardless of their religion, understand that their only hope is collective peace.” This statement is from the French Prime Minister Jean Castex. He told this to CRIF, the organisation of French Jews, in response to Amnesty International’s report that accuses Israel of apartheid. April 2022 | Israel & Christians Today Nisan - Lyyer 5782 12 February 2022: March of Ukrainian protesters against Russian aggression in Kyiv, Ukraine. | Photo: Shutterstock

27. 9 Analysis April 2022 | Israel & Christians Today Nisan - Lyyer 5782 Stephen M Flatow n With news of war in Ukraine grabbing all the headlines, Palestinian Arab officials and advocates are straining to find comparisons between the Ukraine-Russian crisis and their own cause. There are indeed some comparisons, though not the ones they have in mind. PLO official Nihad Abu Ghosh sees an analogy between the collapse of the Soviet Union (in 1991) and the Ukraine crisis—in both situations, he complains, Israel is taking advantage of the situation in order “to increase settlement building in the occupied West Bank by promoting immigration.” Abu Ghosh, it should be noted, is a longtime official of the PLO as well as head of information and education for the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine, a PLO member organisation. Over the years, he has served as head of diaspora affairs for the PLO and head of information and education for the DFLP. That’s important because it was the PLO that signed the Oslo accords with Israel in 1993; the Palestinian Authority had not yet been established. The Oslo accords do not prohibit Israel from building new towns in the Israeli-controlled portion of Judea and Samaria. Nor do the accords bar Israel from allowing Ukrainian Jews, or anybody else, to settle in those towns. In other words, Abu Ghosh is complaining about something that is permitted by the agreements his own organisation signed and is bound by. Indeed, any PLO or PA official who protests against more Jews becoming residents of Israeli-controlled territories is protesting against something that the PLO and PA leadership already agreed to. So why do PA officials—and advocates of the Palestinian Arab cause in general—keep complaining about ‘illegal Jewish settlements’? Because they know they can get away with it. No reporter ever asks them, “But don’t the Oslo accords permit Jewish settlements in Israel’s territories?” No editor ever fact-checks them or corrects them before publishing their op-eds about ‘illegal settlers.’ Another Ukraine-Palestinians analogy currently making the rounds has to do with the suffering of civilians. This allegation gained currency in social media this week, courtesy of international supermodel Gigi Hadid, who announced that she is donating all her earnings “from the fall 2022 shows” to “aid those suffering from the war in Ukraine” and “those experiencing the same in Palestine.” Let’s leave aside, for the moment, the hypocrisy of the PA or Hamas accepting donations from the earnings of a model whose outfits flagrantly violate the Islamic strictures that are the law in both the PA territories and the Hamas-run Gaza Strip. The PA’s constitution says, “Islam is the official religion in Palestine” and that “the principles of Islamic Sharia [law] will be the main source of legislation.” The garb promoted or imposed upon women under the PA and Hamas differs quite noticeably from that which is worn by Hadid on the runway. Instead, let’s focus on Hadid’s analogy. “Hands off Ukraine, Hands off Palestine,” she tweeted, and supporters of the Palestinian Arab cause everywhere surely are nodding their heads in agreement. For decades, the Arab regimes surrounding Israel have been supporting the violent Palestinian Arab terrorist- separatists in Judea, Samaria and Gaza—just like Russia has been supporting the terrorist-separatists in the Donetsk and Lugansk regions of eastern Ukraine. The Arab regimes have periodically launched wars against Israel based on the pretext of the ‘suffering’ of those separatists—again, just like Russia’s war against Ukraine. The Arabs, like the Russians, are the aggressors, trying to take over a country that belongs to somebody else. Israel, like Ukraine, is an embattled democracy with deep roots in their land. As for the suffering of innocent civilians—again, there’s a valid comparison, just not the one that Gigi Hadid or Nihad Abu Ghosh have in mind. The repeated Arab invasions of Israel have claimed the lives of thousands of Israeli civilians. The daily attempts by Palestinian Arab terrorists to shoot, stab or stone Jews to death cause constant suffering to Israeli civilians. I wonder when Hadid will donate some portion of her earnings to alleviate their suffering. So, by all means, let’s examine the Ukraine crisis for comparisons to Israel, even if what we find proves uncomfortable for PA spokesmen, pro-Palestinian cultural celebrities or other advocates of the Palestinian cause. Stephen M. Flatow is an attorney and the father of Alisa Flatow, who was murdered in an Iranian-sponsored Palestinian terrorist attack in 1995. He is the author of ‘A Father’s Story: My Fight for Justice Against Iranian Terror.’ Uncomfortable Ukraine-Israel Analogies Demonstrators carry placards and flags during a protest against the Russian invasion to the Ukraine, in Tel Aviv on 12 March 2022. | Photo: Flash90 Did You Know? Interesting facts about the Hebrew Language Hebrew is an ancient and unique language. It was originally a biblical language that was revived as a modern language over 150 years ago. Nowadays, it is spoken in Israel and beyond. Here are some interesting facts: If you want to know more about the Hebrew language, follow our short Hebrew course to learn more about the Aleph-bet. Subscribe here: https://c4israel.org/learn-hebrew Israel is the only country in the world that has succeeded in reviving a dead language and using it as a national language. Around the world, approximately nine million people speak Hebrew. After Israel, the United States has the second largest Hebrew speaking population (about 220,000 fluent speakers). Hebrew is written right to left, but numbers are written left to right. The numbers used are exactly as in English, Arabic numerals. Hebrew has vowels, but they mostly aren’t marked – you have to know how each word is pronounced. The Hebrew alphabet has 22 letters. Hebrew is very close to Arabic – they are both Semitic languages. Although scripts are different, grammar systems are parallel, and often, similar words are used; for example, shalom in Hebrew is salam in Arabic (meaning both peace and hello).

17. 7 April 2022 | Israel & Christians Today Nisan - Lyyar 5782 Political Analysis Dr Ron Weiser AM Hon Life Pres of the Zionist Council of NSW Some years ago, I heard the head of an Israeli think tank say, that Jewish life is a constant tension between two, often clashing, narratives. The continuity of Jewish values – and the value of Jewish continuity. This construct left a deep impression and has stayed with me ever since. It encapsulates in a beautiful way, the somewhat schizophrenic existence of the Jewish People. The tension between these two complex values is also apparent and applicable to many aspects of Israel’s existence. There is no doubt in almost anyone’s mind that in Ukraine’s brave defence of her sovereignty, she holds the moral high ground. Whilst this translates into backing from many countries, led by Western democracies, their support is limited to statements of solidarity, sanctions and supplies. Very much weakening their response, is that these elements are also accompanied by public statements, with no room for even some ambiguity, that no-one will commit troops to aid in Ukraine’s defence. Whether Putin expected the sanctions to be as tough as they are or not, one thing he relied on, was that the world would leave the Ukrainian people to do the actual fighting with Russia by themselves. Alone. There are clear lessons for Israel here. Israel needs to be able to defend herself. No-one else will. Against the background of the war in Ukraine bringing daily news of increasing horror, the new Chancellor of Germany visited Israel. Scholz said: “We’re seriously concerned about how this conflict is going to develop. Of course, the issue now is that diplomacy gets another big chance.” Well. Yes. But. The first and immediate issue is to stop Russia massacring Ukrainians—and what to do till diplomacy may kick in. President Zelensky has pleaded with the world to, at a minimum, ensure a ‘no-fly zone’ over Ukraine. Former Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman (who is also Jewish) backed Zelensky’s call for a no-fly zone saying “Your blankets will not protect Ukrainians from missile and bomb attack.” Zelensky said: “If we fall you fall” , warning Europe, he says, that if Putin was not stopped in Ukraine, other parts of Europe would soon be fighting the war between authoritarianism and democracy on their own territory. The world however, is not prepared to risk widening the war by potentially engaging with Russia directly. What Ukrainian price is Western diplomacy willing to tolerate or ‘allow’ the Ukrainians to pay? And for how long? Chancellor Scholz’s trip to Israel brought with it a deepening of the security arrangements between Germany and Israel and a strong statement when Scholz reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to Israel’s security saying: “You can rely on it. Germany will continue to be steadfast at Israel’s side.” Wonderful. No one doubts his sincerity. Just his judgement. And it’s practical worth. Because, whilst still in Israel, Scholz also said, in regards to the proposed JCPOA deal with Iran: “Now is the time to make a decision. This must not be postponed any longer and cannot be postponed any longer. Now is the time to finally say yes to something that represents a good and reasonable solution.” If Scholz believes that what is being put forward with Iran is both “good and reasonable”, one wonders just how he reconciles this with being “steadfast at Israel’s side.” Moreover, if Germany thinks that Iran can be trusted to keep any deal... well that is Western naiveté at its most obvious. Which highlights lesson number two—the limitations of stand-alone diplomacy and so-called deals with despotic regimes. Ex-Israeli ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, says that during one of his last meetings with Nobel Prize laureate Eli Wiesel, Wiesel said to him: “Promise me Danny that you will always believe more in the threats of our enemies than in the promises of our allies.” Even more so, when these threats are uttered by countries and terrorist organisations who operate with a different world mindset, than well intentioned allies who live in some state of wishful hopefulness. Diplomacy alone, is ineffective against countries like Iran, led by unbending leaders following a fanatical ideology, publicly promising to eliminate Israel. Something that Western eyes seem blind to. Israel is walking a tightrope, between condemning the war in Ukraine, and not harming relations with Russia. Amongst the many factors to consider in how and to what extent to support Ukraine, here are just two that Israel lives with. There are significant Jewish populations both in Russia and in Ukraine. Historically the ether in both countries has been replete with antisemitism. One saving grace is that this time however, many Israeli commentators are noting that neither side is playing the antisemitic card. This of course, even in spite of the fact that the heroic and somewhat Churchillian President Zelensky, is openly Jewish. So, aside from Israel’s responsibility to her citizens she needs to be very careful to not further endanger the position of either Russian or Ukrainian Jewry. Another very serious concern is the Russian role in Syria. Putin, with a series of understandings and arrangements that date back to Netanyahu’s time in office, has allowed Israel to operate over and in Syria. Specifically to stop Iranian-to-Hezbollah weapons transfers and other Iranian activities. For Israel it is vital that these actions be allowed to continue. Many voices are coming out of Israel, but as Prime Minister, Bennett’s is the most critical. However, his stance, particularly on sanctions and refugee numbers, is not playing well with many Israelis, nor as well as he had hoped with President Zelensky and to some degree, America. His mediation/facilitation role may go either way. It depends on perception and outcome. And this against the background of a world where Israel’s allies back Ukraine with sanctions on Russia, whilst simultaneously and ironically, lifting them on Iran. Israel is in the precarious situation of trying to be on the ‘right side of history’, but without being consigned to its dustbin. How Israel threads the needle between the consideration of both, the continuity of Jewish values and the value of Jewish continuity, frames the complex challenges of today. Not for the first time—nor for the last. _______________________________________________________ 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. Israel’s Political Tightrope for Peace The Continuity of Jewish Values and the Value of Jewish Continuity Israel is walking a tightrope, between condemning the war in Ukraine, and not harming relations with Russia.

23. 13 April 2022 | Israel & Christians Today Nisan - Lyyar 5782 Lessons Learned From Entebbe Hijack Rescue Retired IDF Major Rami Sherman, served as a commander in the Special Forces unit and participated in the rescue of hostages from Entebbe, Uganda, in July 1976 . . . after terrorists hijacked an Air-France plane on route from Tel Aviv to Paris, diverting it to Entebbe Airport—4000 km from Israel. The non-Jewish passengers were released, and the remaining 104 hostages were left, guarded by terrorists, in the disused and dirty old terminal, at Entebbe airport... Israeli’s, Jews (including Holocaust survivors) and the 12 French aircrew. Israel organized and actioned a spectacular rescue within two days—a surprise attack code-named “Operation Thunderbolt” (changed officially to “Operation Yonatan,” after Yoni Netanyahu died in the operation). The rescue astonished the world. Who were the main parties involved and what led Israel to take action? Two Germans, members of Baader Meinhof terrorist group, assisted by Palestinian Arab militia, led the hijack. Dictator Idi Amin allowed the plane into Uganda. The hijackers immediately announced their demands to the French and Israeli governments—release 53 terrorists and pay millions in ransom, or they would kill the hostages. Israel had a policy of not dealing with terrorists, but in July 1968, when the same Palestinian Arab militia hijacked an El Al flight, diverting it to Algeria, Israel released 16 terrorists in exchange for 12 Israeli hostages. From the beginning of the ‘Entebbe’ crisis, Israel monitored the situation, considering it the duty of the French, to deal with the attack. The French were negotiating to free all hostages – but Israel knew ‘Selection’ had occurred when France sent two planes to bring only the non-Jewish passengers to safety. The Israeli Government realised it was now their duty to deal with the situation. How well organized was the operation? What was your involvement? In the operation, G-D worked extra hours or the luck was on our side... Because there was: • Not enough time for planning a mission that covered everything. • Not enough information about what was happening in Entebbe Airport or the force we would have to face there. • Not enough time to practice what we were going to do. • But miraculously we brought almost all, safely home. I was involved in the planning from the beginning—as a commander in an Elite Unit of the IDF, under Lt Colonel Yoni Netanyahu Z’ L. I was also one of 33 soldiers on the first Hercules to land at Entebbe. What aspects of the mission left the strongest impressions on you? There are three aspects I mostly carry with me since the operation... • THE SURPRISE—We arrived at the front door of the old terminal in Entebbe and no one knew we were there! In 9 hours of flight, four Hercules crossed enemy countries and no one knew that the Israeli force was on the ground. • THE FACES AND BEHAVIOUR OF THE HOSTAGES AS I SAW THEM WALKING OUT FROM THE HALL • Immediately, pictures from the Holocaust, came to me. Jews getting off the trains and walking directly to the crematorium... I could see on the hostage’s faces, fear and shock. No one talked. Now we were there, in Entebbe, to save their lives. • THE BRAVORY OF CAPTAIN MICHEL BACOS AND THE 12 AIRCREW—Refusing to leave the Jewish hostages, even though they could have gone back to Paris when the other hostages were released. I said of his behaviour: “Sometimes we face a dilemma and need to choose our way in life—either to follow the values ‘track’, or personal interest” Israelis were euphoric over the rescue—amazed by the military achievement. What impact did it have in the Diaspora, then and now? In the Jewish communities outside Israel, they were worried and depressed, but in one moment, on 4th July 1976, those feelings turned to joy and happiness. They sensed how the success of the mission strengthened relations between Israel and themselves. • They realized the importance of the existence of the state of Israel. • They realized Israel would do almost anything to save a life—and not only Jewish life. Israel offers help to any country that suffers from disaster—even to Lebanon! (Which is hostile toward Israel) Yet antisemitism is rising everywhere. In my eyes, Israel should be recognized as a “Jewish State”—otherwise we could be back to the old and not very old tragedy, that happened to the Jews! In 1972, four years prior to ‘Entebbe’, eleven Israeli athletes, competing in the Munich Olympics, were taken hostage and murdered by Palestinian Arabs—members of the Black September militia. (An Elite German unit had attempted a rescue and failed). Was this massacre in your mind as you prepared for the Entebbe mission? In 1972, I joined the army. During the 4 years between 1972 and 1976, there were so many terror attacks against Jews, like the Olympic Games, also in Ma’alot school, when 25 high school students were murdered. We felt the loss of life. I told myself— “Rami, as a child of Holocaust survivors, now it is your turn to save Jewish life.” Not always did we succeed—sometimes hostages were killed, sometimes my friends from the unit. But always it ends with most of the terrorists being killed. As soon as I understood we were going to Entebbe, on a mission to rescue Jews, there was not any doubt I would be on the Hercules. Since the 40th anniversary, in 2016, you have spoken about the rescue in many countries. What is the most common response to your presentation? People come to my presentation because they feel a deep sense of its relevance for life today. Others want to hear the story, shared in person, by one who was part of it. Will you be in Australia again? I hope this year 2022, Australia will open for outside people. I promise myself to come to every little community to connect us together for a good and positive future. —————————————————————— Have any questions or feedback? please contact Pamela Hecht at talk.tour.info@gmail.com Rescued passengers from Entebbe highjacking welcomed at Ben Gurion Airport. Flickr - (GPO). Pamela Hecht featuring Rami Sherman In Conversation with Rami Sherman...

24. 14 April 2022 | Israel & Christians Today Nisan - Lyyar 5782 Pastoral Insights: Final Part of a Series on Tabernacling with God As with so much of the Old Testament, it is helpful to see how the Feast of Tabernacles has a prophetic dimension, and we may be encouraged in our Christian journey as we reflect on two particular ceremonies during the feast that we believe point clearly to Jesus, ceremonies relating to water and light. As we have been seeing, Tabernacles is a feast that is characterised by joy. There is rejoicing in the God who rescues and saves His people and protects and provides for them. For the Jews it was a celebration of God’s dwelling among His people during the long 40 years that the children of Israel were wandering in the desert. In fact, the Jewish people are specifically commanded to be joyful at this time! “Be joyful at your Feast—you, your sons and daughters, your menservants and maidservants, and the Levites, the aliens, the fatherless and the widows who live in your towns” (Deuteronomy 16:14). By the way, we can learn a lot from the specific inclusion of aliens, fatherless and widows. Now God has purpose in the times and seasons that He has appointed. There is much to suggest that Jesus—the bringer of great joy to us all!—was born during the Feast of Tabernacles. It is likely that during December (when we celebrate Jesus’ birth), shepherds (to whom came “good news of great joy” ) would in fact have their sheep in a protective sheepfold rather than out in the fields in the mid- winter cold. Also John, in describing the birth of Jesus, used Tabernacle language— “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling [tabernacled] among us” (John 1:14). Jesus, being a Jew, would have faithfully observed the Feast of Tabernacles all His life and used it as an opportunity to teach some things that speak deeply into our hearts. Let us now turn to John 7:37-39— ’On the last and greatest day of the Feast [Tabernacles], Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. Whoever believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within Him.” By this He meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified.’ Now Scripturally, water has a lot of significance and symbolic meaning, especially at this feast time. Here in Australia we are well aware of the importance of rain—especially those who dwell in the bush. At that time of the year in Israel the long rainless summer months—especially in the arid southern desert region—cause the ground to become parched and much of the wild vegetation to dry up. It can be hard for us to understand all this excitement about water. If we want water, all we usually need to do is turn on a tap and voilà—water! It was very different in Biblical times! Water was often scarce, and the people were very aware of their dependence on God for the rains that were vital for the preservation of life. Everyone would wait eagerly for the first rains that would bring everything back to life. No rain, no food, no life—it was as simple as that. So it is not hard to understand how “living water”—an ever- flowing source of that which is precious and life-giving—became a major Biblical metaphor for the Holy Spirit. No wonder that the prophets came to see rain as a symbol of salvation and the work of God’s Holy Spirit, as for example in Ezekiel 36:25-27— “I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put My Spirit in you and move you to follow My decrees and be careful to keep My laws.” I was intrigued to discover that before the feast the rabbis taught on every passage in Scripture dealing with water. Then on each of the first seven days of the feast, a priest took a gold vessel and went to the Pool of Siloam to get water. As the Levites led the people in joyful praise and the shofars were blown, the water was poured out at the base of the altar. Said an ancient rabbi: “Anyone who has not seen this water ceremony has never seen rejoicing in his life.” At one level, this ceremony referred to the rain for the crops. But there was also a prophetic significance to the pouring. It represented the Jews’ Messianic hope because of the outpouring of God’s Spirit upon all Israel expected during the coming reign of the Messiah. So Jesus’ words in John 7 are understood by Christians to be a clear claim to being the Messiah. Some sensed this—others did not—and we read, “the people were divided because of Jesus” (John 8:43). Jesus still has that effect. We now come to the second Sukkot symbol that Christians believe was used by Jesus to point to Himself as the fulfilment of Scripture—light. At the end of the first day of the feast, the Temple was gloriously lit up by four massive lampstands. Ladders were needed to climb to the top of them in order to ignite the oil in the four golden bowls on each of the lampstands. Now imagine the scene for a moment! The Temple was on a hill above the rest of the city, so the glow would be visible for miles around. Add to that the vast crowds of Jewish people holding lit torches, and the praise and the music, and you can catch something of the incredible joy and excitement that gripped people’s hearts and stirred their emotions. The light was to remind the people of how God’s Shekinah glory had once filled His Temple. But in the person of Jesus, the glory of God was once again present Keith Buxton Former National Director of Bridges for Peace Australia Jesus teaching in the Temple on how He is the Light of the World (John 8). www.lumoproject.com Eighth Encouragement: The water and light of Tabernacles remind us of Jesus, the Word and the Life

6. Andrew Tucker n Director | The Hague Initiative for International Cooperation (thinc.) In a 280-page report published on 1 February 2022, Amnesty International alleges that the Jewish State of Israel is based on the systematic and brutal oppression by Jews of non-Jews. Israel deliberately implements ‘an overall system of oppression and domination’ that ‘fragments’ and ‘segregates’ Palestinians (i.e. non-Jews) – both within Israel and within the ‘Occupied Palestinian Territories’. “Since its establishment in 1948, Israel has pursued a policy of establishing and maintaining a Jewish demographic hegemony and maximising its control over land to benefit Jewish Israelis while restricting the rights of Palestinians and preventing Palestinian refugees from returning to their homes. In 1967, Israel extended this policy to the West Bank and Gaza Strip, which it has occupied ever since.” Amnesty recommends that countries boycott products from ‘settlements’, cease supply of arms to Israel, prosecute Israeli leaders and publicly shame Israel. According to Amnesty, Israel must: Ÿ remove all settlements and ‘relocate Israelis outside the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT)’ Ÿ remove the blockade of Gaza Ÿ dismantle the security barrier Ÿ recognise the right of Palestinian refugees and their descendants to return to homes where they or their families once lived in Israel or the OPT and receive restitution and compensation and other effective remedies for the loss of their land and property. If Israel were to implement Amnesty’s recommendations, it would effectively be committing suicide. The fact that Amnesty does not realise how existentially dangerous these recommendations are casts doubt on the sincerity – and credibility – of the authors. Tellingly, many Israeli Arabs have rejected the findings of this report. Mohammad Kabiya tweeted: “Racist @amnesty in their fake report are calling me, a proud Israeli-Arab and Israeli-Muslim, a ‘Palestinian living in Israel.’ How dare you define my identity f or me.” It is incredible that Amnesty devotes enormous resources to investigating Israel for war crimes – and not make the same investigation in countries like China or Syria. Amnesty’s leaders have been unable to explain this choice, except to say that they are responding to a “growing debate by Israeli and Palestinian organisations that have a history of doing work on human rights for decades.” The very existence of this debate in Israel is evidence that Israel is NOT an apartheid State - but this fact seems to be lost on Amnesty. The Amnesty report follows very similar reports publish ed by Israeli human rights organisations like Btselem and the Human Rights Watch report in 2020. The publication of these reports is part of an orchestrated campaign intended to influence the UN Human Rights Council and the International Criminal Court to prosecute Israel and its leaders. No other UN country – not even Myanmar, China, Syria, North Korea or Saudi Arabia – is subjected to such a flagrant assault within the UN institutions. ‘Palestinians’ The report clusters all non-Jews within the term ‘Palestinians’ and assumes they are a separate ‘race’. This is, of course, not true – the non-Jewish population in Israel and the disputed territories comprises a wide mix of different ethnic and religious groups, including Bedouins, Druze, and Aramean Christians – many of whom who are proud Israelis and do not consider themselves to be ‘Palestinians’. The report ignores contrary evidence, such as a 2016 poll carried out by the Palestinian Centre for Policy and Survey Research showing that ‘68% of the Palestinians (73% in the West Bank and 59% in the Gaza Strip) describe Israeli democracy as good or very good.’ Factual Inaccuracies The Amnesty report contains many falsehoods and distortions of the truth. Two examples are the falsified claims of discrimination against Arab property owners in East Jerusalem and false claims about Israel’s refusal to allow Palestinians to exercise their ‘right of return’. The Legal Definition of ‘Apartheid’ Amnesty bases its analysis on an invented definition of ‘apartheid’. In fact, there is no universally accepted legal definition of apartheid, although there does appear to be a consensus that the South African reality between 1948 and 1994 informs our understanding of what constitutes apartheid. The essence of the South African regime was the physical and legal separation of whites from non- whites and the domination of the latter by the former. The R ome Statute (1998) defines apartheid in Article 7(2)(h) as a crime against humanity where there are inhumane acts of a character similar to other enumerated crimes against humanity (e.g. murder, extermination, torture, rape and forced transfer) committed in the context of an institutionalised regime of systematic oppression and domination by one racial group over any other racial group or groups, committed with the intention of maintaining that regime and as part of a widespread or systematic attack directed against any civilian population, with know ledge of the attack. Each element of the crime (‘inhumane acts,’ ‘institutionalised regime,’ ‘oppression,’ ‘domination,’ ‘racial group,’ etc.) must be carefully defined. Amnesty applies a much lower threshold. It equates the concept of ‘domination’ with that of ‘control’, - which means that any place there is a power differential between countries and/or the existence of minority groups and any situation of belligerent occupation would be the equivalent of apartheid. That is an absurd outcome. One-sided and Ahistorical Narrative Amnesty totally ignores the fact that the State of Israel emerged in 1948 precisely as a result of the internationally-recognised right of the Jewish people to a homeland and their unique historical connection with the land. By definition, the State of Israel reflects its Jewish character. That is perfectly legitimat e, and Amnesty’s denial of the right of the Jewish people to nationhood is a cynical inversion of the concept of ‘apartheid’. Amnesty fails to even hint at the long history of complex and intensive Jewish/Palestinian/Israeli/Arab negotiations and even cooperation over more than a century – both prior to the creation of the State of Israel and since. It also gives no insight into the dilemmas faced by the Jewish State in creating a democratic society in a region that is intrinsically hostile to liberal democratic values and human rights. Perhaps most problematic is that it ignores the long history of violent hatred of Jews within Palestinian and Arab society and the fact that Palestinians themselves are largely responsible for their own destiny. For 100 years, the Palestinian leadership has played a decisive role, shaping and determining their people’s future by consistently rejecting the existence of the Jewish nation in Palestine – as inter alia demonstrated by their categorical rejection of every peace proposal with Israel - and instigating violence against Jews. Of course, none of these facts would justify an arbitrary system of ‘oppression’ or ‘domination’. But they explain why Israel protects the position of the Jewish people and why some degree of separation between Israelis and non- Israelis is necessary. Israel is not perfect, but this report will do nothing to amend those imperfections. Amnesty International’s inflammatory and imbalanced report will only serve to foster hatred, mistrust and enmity. The Hague Initiative for International Cooperation is a European-based global initiative promoting the fair and balanced application of international law to the Israel-Palestinian conflict and the Middle East more generally. www.thinc.info News 4 Amnesty’s False ‘Apartheid’ Allegations | Photo: Shutterstock April 2022 | Israel & Christians Today Nisan - Lyyer 5782 Palestinian National Council Renounces All Agreements with Israel, including Oslo (7 March 2022 | JNS) Despite the announcement, nothing has seemingly changed on the ground; the PLO and the Palestinian Authority have not said they were stopping security coordination. Palestinian National Council deputy chairman Ali Faisal said there is a binding Palestinian decision to “renounce ... all agreements with Israel.” According to a report by Palestinian Media Watch, Faisal said that from the Palestinian leadership’s point of view, the Palestinians “have entered a path of resistance in all its forms,” indicating that this includes violence as well. “The decision of the (Palestinian) National Council was a recommendation to the (Palestinian Liberation Organisation) Central Council to renounce all the commitments of the Oslo Accords and stop the security coordination (with Israel),” stated Faisal. “The Central Council decided to renounce the commitments of all the agreements with the State of Israel, whether by the PLO or the Palestinian Authority,” he added. The PNC is the top authority in the PLO, and it formulates policies and programmes. According to PMW, despite the announcement, nothi ng has seemingly changed on the ground; the PLO and the PA have not said they were stopping security coordination.

21. 11 April 2022 | Israel & Christians Today Nisan - Lyyar 5782 SOS Ukraine: Emergency Aid Campaign WAYS TO GIVE Watch the latest stories and video updates coming from Ukraine c4israel.com.au/help-ukraine www.c4israel.com.au/help-ukraine Christians for Israel, Australia BSB: 014-279 ACC: 405318551 REF: Your Name / Member No. Description: Please use ‘Ukraine Appeal’ to ensure funds are allocated correctly. Thank you. Add your custom donation amount using the donation amounts on this page as a guide. Please continue to pray for the people and situation in Ukraine as the conflict continues to unfold. While the politics behind what is happening in Ukraine may be confusing—with much fake news and conflicting reports abounding—the simple truth is there are real, innocent people suffering—including the Jewish people. If you are unsure of what to pray please follow this link to download a comprehensive prayer list: www.c4israel.com.au/articles/sos-ukraine-help-for- such-a-time-as-this/#call-to-prayer The more people seeking God at this time the greater capacity we have to see the Lord move in a glorious and mighty way. *NOTE: Donations given towards the Ukraine Emergency Aid Campaign will be collected as a pooled emergency fund. Amount options are suggestions only and reflect the current costs for particular aid relief - these amounts however are fluctuating and therefore the suggested donation amounts may alter as the situation in Ukraine continues to change. Please prayerfully consider what you can give as the Lord leads and directs you. Shalom. $150* $590* $5,855* Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) Use the Form on the Back Page

3. Understanding Israel and world events from a Biblical perspective April 2022 Nisan - Lyyar 5782 Israel & Christians Today is the premier publication of Christians for Israel 6-7 Emergency Campaign Ukraine 3 Jewish Identity Grows 8 Jerusalem Prayer Breakfast: Estonia 15 The Moment to Act Fast Many centuries ago, the prophet Zechariah foresaw that the Jewish people would have to flee. Zechariah 2:6 says: “Come! come! Flee from the land of the north”. Nobody could have foreseen how fast it would go. A few weeks ago, the Russian army invaded Ukraine with unprecedented violence. Millions of Ukrainians have fled, among them many thousands of Jews. Thanks to your support, we have already been able to help thousands of Jews on their way to Israel. Our team in Ukraine works day and night to evacuate Jews from the North to the Promised Land. Bus Transportation Our coordinator Koen Carlier in Ukraine: “We help in any way we can: with food, temporary emergency shelter, and evacuation trips. The last few weeks the airspace in Ukraine has been closed: that is why we have arranged bus transport. In Ukraine, we drive people to the border in our own buses. From the Moldovan border, we have found a Christian bus company that is at our disposal day and night to evacuate people with dozens of buses and bring them to airports in Moldova and Romania. From there, there are daily flights to Israel.” Drivers Wanted Koen: “We are now also trying to find bus drivers who dare to drive to the east of Ukraine, where the war is even more intense. Some cities are currently partially or completely inaccessible and cut off from gas, water and electricity. We feel a responsibility towards the Jewish communities we have supported for years. Especially in this difficult time, we do not want to let them down”. More about our emergency campaign on pages 6-7 and 16. Flight from the North special emergency campaign Ukraine In this special edition of Israel & Christians Today you will read more about this difficult and dangerous work in Ukraine. You will read how we may be a comfort and a blessing to the Jewish people, especially in this difficult time. Would you like to pray for our employees and for the Jewish communities in Ukraine and help us with your donation? To donate, complete the coupon on the back page. It seemed impossible, but 85-year-old Holocaust survivor Anatoly managed to flee the war together with his wife and daughter. It took three days and six buses to reach a safe place from where they travelled to Israel. For Anatoly this was the second time since 1941 that he had to flee. On the photo left of Anatoly Koen Carlier, on the right his daughter. | Photo: Christians for Israel www.c4israel.com.au | info@c4israel.com.au AUSTRALIA AUSTRALIA

14. 4 April 2022 | Israel & Christians Today Nisan - Lyyar 5782 There are certain stories we tell our children again and again—stories of our own growing up and how we came to be who we are and do what we do. According to Rabbi Nachman of Breslov, “God made man because he loves stories.” Stories are the stuff of life. Everyone loves a good story—just look at the popularity of the movie business, the ultimate storytellers. I recall one occasion when Trixie and I went to the movies and were deeply touched by the delightful comedy-drama ‘The Lady in the Van’, which tells the true story of Mary Shepherd (played by Maggie Smith), who pulled into the suburban London driveway of acclaimed British playwright Alan Bennett in 1974. Fifteen years later, she was still there. You sense there is a past to Mary Shepherd hidden deep behind the stereotype of the near-homeless bag lady so many believe her to be. Eventually Bennett pieces together just a few small areas of the mysterious jigsaw that is Mary’s life history—the story of a promising concert pianist between the wars, who drove an ambulance during World War II and was twice rejected from becoming a nun. Israel has an amazing story that so much of the world does not—or will not— understand. During this month, from the evening of 15 April, Jews worldwide will observe the feast of Pesach, or Passover, when they remember the story of the Exodus and celebrate their deliverance from slavery in Egypt. It is supremely their story as a people and a nation, their shared history. The Jews’ sense of identity is tied up implicitly in their sense of peoplehood, of sharing a story that continues to this day and onwards as a “light to the Gentiles” (Isaiah 49:6) and as an integral part of God’s redemptive plan for His lost, broken and messed-up world. As Christians, we celebrate at the end of every year God’s redemptive work through the gift of His Son Jesus (Yeshua). The Jewish Passover has been commemorated the same way for many years, with ritualized meals of unleavened bread and cups of wine. These seders feature items of symbolic importance as families recite the Haggadah—the story of their ancestors’ dramatic escape from slavery. The best- known passage in the Haggadah is the “Ma Nishtanah,” which begins with a question asked by the youngest child present, “Why is this night different from all other nights?” And the story is told yet again and passed on from generation to generation. “It is a night of solemn observance to the LORD for bringing them out of the land of Egypt. This is that night of the LORD, a solemn observance for all the children of Israel throughout their generations.” (Exodus 12:42) The image of Passover is not of something that once happened, but of something that continues to happen, today and onwards. I encourage you to watch “Raise Your Hand” (left), a powerful and inspirational song for Passover by Julie Geller, who encourages Jewish people to identify with their story by recounting their history through the generations. In the very recounting, strength is imparted to the Jewish people in their times of crisis, as in these days as global antisemitism surges yet again. Such is the power of their story. How amazing it is when we realize that through active involvement in our Christians for Israel ministry we too are being woven by the Lord into the very fabric of His ongoing story. Think about it. God in His infinite wisdom has chosen us to be the ones to partner with Him in these last days as we bless in so many different ways those who are “the apple of His eye” (Zechariah 2:8). —————————————————————— Keith Buxton is an ordained pastor. He currently serves on the C4I Australia management committee and is a liaison with C4I Oceania Island affiliates Pesach (Passover) Reflections Keith Buxton Stories – the Stuff of Life Former National Director of Bridges for Peace Australia Jewish family celebrating passover Watch ‘Raise Your Hand’ on the C4I website: c4israel.com.au/raise-your-hand [Passover] is supremely [Israel’s] story as a people and a nation, their shared history.

15. 5 April 2022 | Israel & Christians Today Nisan - Lyyar 5782 In the last couple of articles we covered the subject of God’s will which for many believers is complex and hard to understand. We hear all that time that God has a plan for our lives and that this plan is His will for us, but what does that mean? Well, the will of God can be segmented into four categories and by understanding each of them, we get a better understanding of His will and what it means for us personally. THE FOUR CATEGORIES ARE: 1. God’s ‘decretive’ will , which we’ve already looked at 2. God’s ‘preceptive’ will , which we looked in the last article 3. God’s ‘permissive’ will , which we’ll look at in this article 4. God’s ‘sovereign’ will (which is almost the same as His decretive will but more complex) so we’ll save it for last! God has revealed His decretive will, which proves His divinity and cannot be changed or altered by the efforts or scheming of men. What God decrees will happen, will happen. God has also revealed His preceptive will to us through His Word so that we’ll understand what His expectations are of His people with regard to conduct, conversation, behaviour and attitudes both toward Him and others. God has also revealed His permissive will to us in that He allows human beings to either submit to Him or rebel against Him, which allows human beings to both learn from those choices—be they good or bad—and at the same time making human beings accountable and responsible for those choices. Learning to deal with the consequences of our choices is an incredibly important part our sanctification—God’s Holy process of changing or conforming us to be more like Him. It’s through the circumstances of our lives and the results of our choices and actions that we develop character, we grow in maturity and walk through the refining process and this goes hand in hand with the preceptive will of God. It’s really important to point out here that God is sovereign (which we’ll attempt to unpack next time), it’s equally important to understand that while God ‘allows’ or ‘permits’ evil to be done, He absolutely, categorically does NOT sanction it. When mankind commits acts of sin or evil, and we say that God ‘permits’ it to happen, what we’re really saying is that God doesn’t directly intervene to prevent evil from happening. That can be really hard to grasp, but there’s a reason for it. God’s permissive will is to basically allow human beings to make choices, to either act or react according to God’s Word or to reject it and act or react according to their own preferences and then, to live with the consequences of those actions or reactions, and be accountable for them. What do we know is the will of God that we are accountable for? We know it’s God’s will for man to be saved. 1 Timothy 2:3-4, ‘This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour, who desires all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. ’ 2 Peter 3:9, ‘The Lord isn’t slow about His promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.’ God desires the salvation of all men, and yet some reject and deny Him, even His existence and because of that denial, they’re without excuse for rejecting Him. We know that the process of salvation is 100% a work of God, but our denial of Him is our responsibility. Romans 1:20, ‘For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they’re without excuse.’ This shows us—and if you look out your window to the natural world around you—you can see clearly that God is real through His creation. If you reject God, God will permit you to reject Him, but you alone will be responsible for that rejection. It’s God’s will that we be sanctified, (1 Thess 4:3-7); it’s God’s will for us to be submissive, (1 Pet 2:13-15); it’s God’s will that we endure suffering for His sake, (Phil 1:29-30, 2 Tim 3:12). But what about God’s permissive will in our day to day lives. Let’s say we have a decision to make, important or otherwise, how do we know God’s will for those decisions. The best process for making those decisions is firstly through prayer, then searching God’s Word for examples and precedents and seeking wise council from others who are godly examples of righteous living and successful choices they’ve made themselves. When believers make their daily decisions to work in a particular job, buy a particular car, marry a particular person, those choices are God’s permissive will for their life, as are the consequences of those choices and He’ll use them to purify and refine you, regardless of whether the consequences are favourable or unfavourable. If you make a choice and it doesn’t work out, you haven’t stepped out of God’s will, you’re in the process of working through it and becoming more like Him as the circumstances refine you. The end result will be to stretch you, mature, sanctify and transform you through perseverance. That’s God’s permissive will for you. In Romans 5:3-5, Paul is explaining the fruit that comes from persevering through tribulation, and while we’re not specifically talking about tribulation, rather our own personal choices, the process of refinement is the same. ‘We also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope doesn’t disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.’ So when God permits or allows us to make decisions, He’s allowing and permitting us to also live with the consequences of them and He uses them to refine us—and this is His will for us. Shalom, Mandy —————————————————————— Mandy Worby is an experienced Israel Tour leader and also the popular radio host of ‘Daytime’ featured on Australia’s national Vision Christian Radio network Monday to Friday 12am-3pm AEST . If you make a choice and it doesn’t work out, you haven’t stepped out of God’s will, you’re in the process of working through it... Hebrew Foundations of Our Faith Mandy Worby Isreal Tour Host & Radio Announcer for Vision Christian Media The Will Of God Part 3: ‘Permissive Will’

16. 6 April 2022 | Israel & Christians Today Nisan - Lyyar 5782 Biblical Insights from Heartland of Judea & Samaria Israel is Open – Now What? The war between Russia and Ukraine that has captured the world’s attention seems to have suppressed the good news from Israel; that their borders are finally open to tourists with no restrictions! The only thing required to enter the country is that you must take a PCR test before leaving your home, and another one upon arrival. After two years of being closed to foreigners, Israel, a country heavily reliant on international tourists, is once again ready to receive visitors. This is not only good news for the millions of Christians who have been longing to come to the Holy Land for the last two years, but also good news for Israel’s ‘Ministry of Tourism’ and the many tour guides and tour agencies who have seen their livelihoods and businesses disrupted for so long. I’ve already heard of several individuals who immediately hopped on a flight to Israel as soon as the borders opened. Their only goal was to get to Israel, rent a car, and explore the country. Regardless of whether you’re coming with an official tour, or simply on your own, or with family or friends, the time has arrived— come to Israel! As an organization dedicated to bringing Christian volunteers to Israel’s Biblical heartland to serve farmers all throughout Judea and Samaria, we are overjoyed to have the opportunity to introduce you to this incredible land. You can check out all of the new trips that we have planned for this year here, including one that starts May 2nd. The Heartland Experience ( www.serveisrael.com/volunteer/ heartland-experience ) is designed to introduce you to the land and people of Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria. Two parts tour and one part volunteer program, you’ll go to places most tour buses don’t, and have opportunities to get your hands dirty in the prophetic soil of this place. I like to call Judea and Samaria Israel’s best-kept secret. Fifteen years ago, no one came to this beautiful place. Now, Christians and tour agencies are beginning to discover Israel’s mountain region and are insisting on visiting Israel’s heartland. However, Israel needs more people to visit the Biblical heartland. If millions of people begin to visit a place that is falsely known as the “West Bank,” Israel and the international community will realize that this could never be a Palestinian-terrorist state. It must remain an integral part of the Jewish nation of Israel. Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria are home to more than 700,000 Israeli Jews. More than 80% of the Bible was either written or occurred in these places. Most of the Biblical covenants to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob happened in these mountains. Prophecies spoken more than 2,000 years ago are coming to life right before our very eyes (see Ezekiel 36, Jeremiah 31, Amos 9, Joel 2, and Isaiah 61). Here’s just a taste of the incredible places that you can visit in Judea and Samaria: Hebron: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Sarah, Rebekah, and Leah are all buried here in what is known as “The Tomb of the Patriarchs.” An ancient road dating back 4,000 years can be found here. A vibrant and growing Jewish community lives here. And to boot, former US Vice-President Mike Pence just visited Hebron in a show of support for Israel’s Biblical heartland! Bethel: This is where Jacob had his dream of the angels ascending and descending on a ladder to heaven. God spoke to Jacob here, reaffirming His covenant to Abraham and Isaac, and promising that He would one day return Jacob to this land. Shiloh: This is where Joshua led the children of Israel and sent them forth to conquer the land of Israel. The Tabernacle was set up and stood here for 369 years. God’s glory resided here until the Tabernacle was moved to Jerusalem and eventually the Temple was built. Elon Moreh: This is where Abraham stood in Genesis 12 when God promised the land of Israel to him and his descendants forever. Here you can walk in Abraham’s footsteps and watch the sunrise over the Tirzah Valley, where the children of Israel entered the land under Joshua’s leadership. Mt. Gerizim (Mt. of Blessing) & Mt. Ebal (Mt. of Cursing): This is where six tribes stood on one mountain and six stood on the other mountain. Here the children of Israel accepted the covenant that God proclaimed to them. The sages say that this is where the children of Israel were “married” to the land. The altar that Joshua built still stands on Mt. Ebal, and you can go visit! Yeshua (Jesus) also ministered to the Samaritan woman at the well on Mt. Gerizim (today the Mt. of Blessing). Vineyards & Wineries: Judea and Samaria are fast becoming internationally famous for their wine production. In the early 1990s, farmers heeded the prophecy of Jeremiah when he said that one day vineyards would again be planted on the mountains of Samaria (Jeremiah 31:5). The agricultural experts of the day tested the soil and said that it would never work. Bold Jewish farmers planted vineyards anyway, and thirty years later, millions of bottles of wine are being produced in Israel’s biblical heartland. Wines from this region are winning gold medals in international competitions. The beautiful vineyards, olive groves, almond trees, and much more are fulfilling Ezekiel’s prophecy that Israel’s mountains would once again shoot forth her branches (Ezekiel 36). Not convinced yet? Check out our volunteer programs and The Heartland Experience at www.ServeIsrael.com We’d love to have you join us on Israel’s mountains this year for a trip like none you’ve ever experienced in Israel. You will not only get your hands dirty in Israel’s soil, but you’ll experience off- the-beaten-path places, meet Israel’s most amazing pioneers, and fulfill biblical prophecy, happening right now, before our very eyes. Israel’s gates are open. Are you coming? —————————————————————— If you want to partner with Ha Yovel in this glorious work and be the Christian foreigner the prophets wrote about, please reach us at: deon@hayovel.com or www.serveisrael.com Luke Hilton The Israel Guys

22. 12 April 2022 | Israel & Christians Today Nisan - Lyyar 5782 Addressing the United Nations General Assembly last September, Mahmoud Abbas, who simultaneously holds the position of Head of the PLO and PA Chairman, laid down an ultimatum requiring Israel to capitulate to all the Palestinian demands—referred to by Abbas as the Palestinian “initiative”— within one year or face the consequences: “To ensure our initiative is not open- ended, we must state that Israel, the occupying Power, has one year to withdraw from the Palestinian territory it occupied in 1967, including East Jerusalem, and we are ready to work throughout this year on the delineation of borders and solving all final status issues under the auspices of the international Quartet and in accordance with United Nations resolutions. If this is not achieved, why maintain recognition of Israel based on the 1967 borders? Why maintain this recognition?” In fact, the PLO has never accepted the existence of the Jewish State of Israel at all. The Palestinian National Charter was created in 1964, and amended in 1968 following the Six Day war. The Charter is the expression of the goals and values of the PLO. The Charter displays a vehement determination to eradicate Zionism and to implement a Palestinian state in the place of the Jewish nation. Article 20 of the 1968 Palestinian National Charter (1968) states: “Claims of historical or religious ties of Jews with Palestine are incompatible with the facts of history and the true conception of what constitutes statehood ... Nor do Jews constitute a single nation with an identity of its own; they are citizens of the states to which they belong.” Both versions of the Palestinian National Charter speak about occupation, but the 1968 version speaks specifically about “Zionist occupation” and “Imperialist aggression.” Both versions reject the claims that Jews have historical and religious ties with the territory of Palestine. The 1968 version formulates explicitly as goal of the PLO to not just bring the occupation to an end, but also the existence of Zionism in Palestine itself. Both versions include the requirement of all states to consider Zionism as an illegitimate movement and outlaw its existence and operations. The belief in peaceful coexistence, which was expressed in Article 22 of the 1964 Palestinian National Charter, was deleted from the 1968 Palestinian National Charter, which excludes any form of accommodation between the competing Jewish and Arab Palestinian claims to self-determination. The 1988 Hamas Covenant uses even stronger terms to express its hatred of Jews in general and Zionism in particular. To give a few examples: Article 7 refers to “Zionist invaders.” Article 15 refers to “the Jew’s usurpation of Palestine.” Article 32 claims, “The Zionist plan... is embodied in the ‘Protocols of the Elders of Zion,”’ thereby referring to the slanderous anti-Semitic publication, used in Russia and Nazi-Germany, yet today still used in the Arab world to stir hatred against Jews. The new version of the Hamas Covenant of May 2017 attempts to present the vision of Hamas in a more “civilized” language. It no longer refers to the Protocols of the Elders of Zion. The hatred of Zionism and Israel is however still a prominent feature of the text. Israel is frequently referred to as the “Zionist entity.” The 2017 Hamas Covenant refers in Article 14 to the Zionist project as “a racist, aggressive, colonial and expansionist project,” while the “Israeli entity” is called the “plaything of the Zionist project.” In Article 15 the Zionist project is qualified as “the enemy of the Arab and Islamic Ummah.” In Article 16 it is held that Hamas has a conflict with the Zionist project, but not with the Jews. This makes it very clear that Hamas willfully ignores the essence of Zionism. The same Article blames the Zionists for identifying Judaism and the Jews with “their own colonial project and illegal entity.” In Article 17 the view is expressed that the “Jewish problem, anti-Semitism and the persecution of Jews” is linked to European history and not to Arab and Muslim history. Finally, Article 19 states that “[t] here shall be no recognition of the legitimacy of the Zionist entity.” In 1995, Yasser Arafat promised to amend the Palestinian Charter, to remove the provisions denying Israel’s legitimacy. To this day, the Charter has never been amended. The PLO’s continued refusal to amend the Palestinian National Charter shows that the PLO’s real agenda remains to wipe the Jewish State from the map. This is confirmed by the many public statements made by PLO representatives over the years calling for jihad and violence to kill Jews and replace the Jewish State with an Arab Palestinian state. The international community continues to regard the PLO as the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people. And it is the PLO that is Israel’s negotiating partner under the Oslo Accords. The fact is that, unless and until the PLO amends its Charter to recognize the legitimacy of the Jewish State, there is no chance of an agreement that guarantees both the safety and security of the State of Israel and the Palestinian right to self-determination. In the meantime, it is important to note that denying the existence of Jewish self-determination contravenes basic principles of international law. Until the PLO agrees to amend its charter, it is inappropriate for other states to recognize “Palestine” as a State under international law. It is thus Palestinian intransigence, and not the “Israeli occupation”, that is responsible for the stalemate. —————————————————————— Andrew Tucker is the Director of The Hague Initiative for International Cooperation ( thinc. )—a global initiative to advance the fair and just application of international law in the middle east. For more information: www.thinc.info Something to thinc. about with our C4I strategic ministry partner Palestinian Refusal to Recognize Israel is the Real Obstacle to Peace Andrew Tucker Director of The Hague Initiative for International Cooperation ( thinc. ) the PLO’s real agenda remains to wipe the Jewish State from the map. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas addresses the United Nations General Assembly remotely from his office in Ramallah, on September 24, 2021 (Screenshot)

25. 15 April 2022 | Israel & Christians Today Nisan - Lyyar 5782 Keith Buxton article continued... in that Temple—unrecognised by the Jews. So once again Jesus used a central ceremony from the Feast of Tabernacles to declare that very fact. He was teaching in the Temple on the day after the feast. The impact of the Tabernacles celebration and of the light from the huge lampstands would still be fresh in people’s minds. We read first of how Jesus forgave a woman caught in adultery—that spoke pretty clearly about who He was, to those who had ears to hear and a heart to respond! Then Jesus declared to all who were gathered there: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). Many at that time refused to have their own darkness and sin exposed by that light. But there were those who were drawn to that light, drawn by the Holy Spirit. It is no different today. There is a message here to us all who believe in Jesus as Lord and Messiah. It is a two-fold message of the water and the light of Tabernacles. A message that has very much to do with the fact that we are a people called to take the love of Jesus to a world that is dry and dark, just as Jesus did to the woman caught in adultery. Do you see that? We are not basically called to live our Christian lives within the four walls of a church building—we are called by the Spirit of God to tell others round about us of the One who is the Living Water of Life, the Living Word. Like Jesus, we are called not to condemn but to forgive. Will you let the Holy Spirit have all of you afresh, every part of your life, so that the pure water of Jesus’ life may flow from you to others? Physically and spiritually Australia is a dry and thirsty land—the picture I have in my mind is that of a wilderness, of a nation in moral darkness (I hardly need to speak about that). People need so much the living, refreshing water of the Word of Life, and the joy that comes from following the One who alone is the Light of the world. And for us that will be a matter of action and deeds as much as of words, as we have seen. That is where the metaphor of light is so relevant. Jesus said in Matthew 5:14-16— “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” How much then we need the Holy Spirit in our lives! The booths of Tabernacles, the sukkot, can be put up or taken down in very little time. And they are open to the wind. We too must always be open to the wind of the Spirit, ready to go where God calls us, willing to trade the comforts of this life for the joy of serving our God and loving others into the kingdom. For as Tabernacles reminds us, we are “aliens and strangers in the world” , and “our citizenship is in heaven.” —————————————————————— Keith Buxton is an ordained pastor. He currently serves on the C4I Australia management committee and is a liaison with C4I Oceania Island affiliates we are a people called to take the love of Jesus to a world that is dry and dark, just as Jesus did to the woman caught in adultery. Have you downloaded the FREE C4I app yet? • Read the latest editions of Israel & Christians Today, plus past editions. • Easily access all current and past topical articles. • Listen and watch teaching resources about Israel and the Church from a Biblical perspective. • Access current and past prayer calenders , so you know what and how to pray for our ministry. • Make secure online donations towards Israeli Projects, C4I Australia and teaching resources. • You can also stay in touch by sending secure messages via a simple form. DOWNLOAD TODAY! SEARCH: ‘C4I’ in your app store Inspiring and informative content, wherever you are.

26. 16 April 2022 | Israel & Christians Today Nisan - Lyyar 5782 NEW! Daily Devotional Email Subscription + SCAFI Online Event in April a Daily Devotional by Rev. Willem J.J. Glashouwer Get daily readings in your inbox Did you know the Book of Revelation is the only book of the Bible to give a special blessing to those who read, hear and apply its message? (Rev 1:3) Study God’s roadmap for the future, step-by-step. You only need a couple of minutes each day to study one or two verses of the Book of Revelation to come to a clearer understanding of its major themes and messages. Subscribe Free Today at www.beholdhecomes.life You are invited to hear stories of hope and encouragement from Israel and Australia APRIL 26TH ZOOM EVENT: In honour of Yom Ha Zikaron , we will feature a presentation on Beit Halochem — an organisations that rehabilitates injured soldiers. Plus In honour of ANZAC Day Barry Rodgers OAM including Mark Pollard’s address at the unveiling of the Statue at Semack in 2018. Mark is the grandson of one of the Indigenous LH that fought at Semack and his address was very moving. MAY 24TH ZOOM EVENT: Lynzie Bennum who is the Digital Strategy Manager from the Executive Council of Australian Jewry . Lynzie distributes ‘Digital Advocacy Topics’ daily that lists issues of concern for Israel eg instances of antisemitism but good news stories too and encourages people to advocate on line for Israel ie engage in Hasbara. Plus Stan Goodenough, Journalist and Tour Guide extraordinaire and long time advocate for Israel and her right to the Land and to live in peace and security will give an engaging presentation. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– To watch these presentations and join in the conversations you can connect and participate via Zoom using the below link at the time of the events. For more info or questions please visit go to www.facebook.com and search “ Southern Cross Alliance for Israel ” to locate our facebook page. TUESDAY 7.30PM AEST on both APRIL 26 TH & MAY 24 TH Online Events: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81186485046

12. 2 April 2022 | Israel & Christians Today Nisan - Lyyar 5782 Making Christ Believable: The new journey in Jewish-Christian relationships Difficult questions In my role as host of the ‘Beersheba Vision’ program on ‘Jewish radio’ and my work with ‘Bridges for Peace’ as an Australian board member, I am often faced with some intrigue, mixed with concern from many of my evangelical friends. Their comments run like this, ‘it’s great what you are doing Barry, but are they being saved, are you getting them across the line?” You say they have a passionate love for God, but they are deceived Barry, if they haven’t said the “sinner’s prayer” they are going to hell.’ These are vexing matters and at a strictly theological level there are no easy answers. Evangelism has never been about theological debates, I have seen a few of those over the years between prominent Jewish and Christian leaders and they don’t go anywhere. Real transactions with God take place at the heart level not the head. Unfortunately, in the past in our dealings with Jews, however well intentioned, they have still seen themselves as targets. What is clear in our relationship with our Jewish brethren, is that we are to love them unconditionally. I might add that I feel exactly the same way when I have had the privilege of interacting with our Yazidi community in Toowoomba. But back to our relationship with the Jewish community, we must remember for the last 2,000 years, in the main, “Christians” have not been kind to Jews, to put it mildly, and as C.S. Lewis said, “Christians behaving badly, make Christ unbelievable.” We must remember that it is not our job to save anyone, that’s the work of the Spirit of God in a person’s heart, but it is our job to make Christ believable—it is our job to love, and to love unconditionally as that’s how it works. Paul reminds us that we can have prophecies, knowledge to fathom mysteries and faith to remove mountains, but if we have not love we are just a clanging cymbal. (1 Cor 13.1) The principle of Bridge Building is the key The below picture shows the building of the largest steel spanned bridge in the world, Sydney Harbour Bridge. Typically, large arched bridges such as the Sydney Harbour are built from both sides, and if the trajectory is correct the spans meet in the middle. They are strong because of the rising arch and the way they equally transfer the responsibility of any weight to the foundations on both sides to achieve this and as the spans reach out across the divide, they must rise in doing so. The symbolism of this is profoundly important in Jewish Christian relationships, because as we reach out to one another in a genuine spirit of love, we find ourselves rising above the historical and theological divides that have torn us apart over the centuries. These “bridges” connect people at the heart level, and it is at this level the Spirit of God moves powerfully. It is here where scales start to fall from eyes on both sides, as the apostle Paul reminds us our vision of the things of God are also somewhat clouded. (1 Cor 13.12) At these times the blessings flow both ways, my own faith has been enriched by this interchange. It is only when we arrive at this kind of transcendent experience in our faith journey that we can begin to discover something afresh of the purposes of God. A fireside chat with a Rabbi In my weekly broadcast on Jewish Community radio ‘J-AIR’, (88.0 FM) I have started a regular feature called a “fireside chat with a Rabbi.” It’s not often a Christian sits down with a Rabbi to discuss matters of mutual interest but it is happening more and more. Rabbi Reisenberg of Melbourne, made a significant comment recently when he said, “when hands reach out to me in genuine friendship, it behoves me to reach out my hand in return.” That joining of hands, is a picture of practical bridge building and it’s how strong and meaningful relationships are forged. A new era in Christian Jewish relationships Dr David Adler president of the ‘Australian Jewish Association’ said recently at a ‘Southern Cross Alliance For Israel’ zoom meeting, “It is encouraging to see the increasing number of Christians standing for Israel as a matter of principle.” ‘The Jerusalem Post’ recently ran an article headlined, “ Why Jews and Christians must work together for Israel.” The article indicated a new era in Jewish Christian relationships was evolving and I believe they are right. Rabbi Eckstein, founder and president of the ‘International Fellowship of Christians and Jews’ said, “I think we are at a place where Christians understand Jewish peoples redlines and sensitivities.” Their concern that our only interest in reaching out to them is to proselytise is disappearing as increasing numbers of Christians are reaching out to them with only one agenda and that being to love them unconditionally. As the Rabbi remarked, this an historic journey and new in our day, although there is still a long way to go and a lot of places to visit. —————————————————————— Barry Rodgers OAM, President of Beersheba Vision . To contact Barry please email him: admin@beershebavision.org If you would like to know more about Beersheba Vision please visit our website at www.beershebavision.org Barry Rodgers OAM President of Beersheba Vision Opinion Piece from Beersheba Vision as we reach out to one another in a genuine spirit of love, we find ourselves rising above the historical and theological divides that have torn us apart Thousands of Christian Evangelicals and Israelis march in a parade in central Jerusalem marking the Feast of the Tabernacles, 2018. (Photo credit: NOAM REVKIN FENTON/FLASH90)

9. 7 Emergency Campaign Ukraine April 2022 | Israel & Christians Today Nisan - Lyyer 5782 “Are we Really Safe?” Pray... Ÿ For our team in Ukraine - for peace, wisdom and strength, to make the right decisions in this crisis. Ÿ For the Jewish community in Ukraine. Many are desperate and do not know who to turn for help. Ÿ Especially for the elderly and Holocaust survivors. All the traumas of World War II are resurfacing. Ÿ For the Jewish Agency (the organisation for the emigration of Jews to Israel) and the Israeli Embassy, for the proper coordination of emergency aid and evacuation efforts. Prayer Points When she sees our team, the first thing she says is, “I can’t imagine that bombs won’t fall here. Are we really safe? Kharkov was hell, it was just hell”. Before she could flee, Ira spent days in a bomb shelter. With no food, hardly anything to drink or medicine. Sometimes a few people would go out to look for food among the ruins risking their own lives. Ira: “My son David just turned five. We had to celebrate his birthday in the bomb shelter.” Just in Time Ira’s husband is still in the war zone. He cannot leave because Ukrainian men must stay in the country. Only men over the age of sixty can leave. Later on, Ira mentions that she had to run for her life. Just hours after she fled, her apartment was bombed. She showed us a picture she got from friends who were still there. Her apartment had been completely destroyed. Saved Ira is traveling with us via Bucharest to Israel. She has many friends there who are ready to take care of her and her son. “You saved my life. If Christians for Israel had not been here, I might not be alive.” Ira (41) comes walking with her son David (5) across the bridge that separates Moldova from Ukraine. She comes from Kharkov, which is under siege by the Russians. She spent 24 hours on our bus to get here. “Thank you so much for not leaving the country. Your help as Christians for Israel cannot be overestimated. It has been so valuable to us.” Miraculously Led It is almost beyond our imagination how many miracles we were privileged to witness during this emergency situation. Evacuation plan In April last year we already felt the necessity to prepare an evacuation plan in case an emergency situation would arise in Ukraine. Under the leadership of Koen Carlier we were able to arrange shelters and stock up on food and diesel at several locations. By doing so, we were now prepared to receive the large stream of refugees and to offer them a warm bed and meals. For now, we have everything we need in stock! Beaten Path For many years, the road we now use to bring the Jewish refugees across the border was one of the worst-traveled roads in Ukraine, but last year it was renewed and now there is a well-paved road along which we can travel with our buses! God’s providence In all the commotion at the onset of the war and the search for solutions, everything was provided for. Just across the border in Moldova, we found a large bus company that was run by Christians! They are now ready 24/7 to take refugees from the border to the airport. Also, accommodations and other necessities have been amply provided for. In times when exorbitant prices are charged due to high demand, we have been able to experience God’s providence in many people who selflessly offer help, in whatever form! ● ● Pray on the basis of the following Bible verses... Ÿ For wisdom for politicians and people in positions of authority: 1 Timothy 2:1-4 Ÿ For a quick cease-fire: Psalm 140:8 Ÿ For protection of the civilian population, against panic: Deuteronomy 33:26 Ÿ For the Jews in Ukraine, and for the return: Isaiah 43:4-6 AUSTRALIA $ 150 $ 590 $ 5855 AUD AUD AUD ●

20. 10 April 2022 | Israel & Christians Today Nisan - Lyyar 5782 UPDATE: Emergency Aid for Ukraine Anemone Rüger Christians for Israel Coordinator for Holocaust Survivors & Elderly Sponsorship Program in Ukraine When considering lifechanging events in history in retrospective, you sometimes ask yourself where you were and what you did when it all started. I spent the third February weekend calling Jewish families in Ukraine who were on their way to the airport with Christians for Israel (C4I) to make Aliyah. Little did I know that Valentina (77) hailing from Nikolayev would be one of the last repatriates making their way to Israel in peace time on that day, Feb. 20. “Mum has visited several times, but each time she wanted to go back to her little house in Nikolayev where she grew up,” said Valentina’s daughter Ora, who immigrated to Israel 15 years ago as a single mum, and has now come back to pick up her mother. Her older son is serving in the Israeli army. Their family is part of the Karaim group—the so-called Crimean Jews who were considered of Turk descent under the Russian czar and not persecuted as Jews under German occupation during World War II but are eligible to repatriate to Israel. “My whole life I heard from my grandparents that we are not Jewish,” said daughter Ora. “But all my grandpas and uncles are called Avraam, Isaac and Moisey. At some point I went to the Israeli embassy, and the consul told me, ‘Of course you can make Aliyah!’” Now that the ailments of age are increasingly bothering her, Mother Valentina has decided to join her daughter in Israel’s Negev region. “I am looking forward to having Mom with us,” said Ora. “She hasn’t even seen her youngest granddaughter, who is 2. I am returning home now. Mom is beginning a new life.” Valentina left just on time. As Russian forces are beginning to close in on the Ukrainian city of Nikolayev following their invasion of Ukraine Feb. 24, the Jewish community’s social workers risk their lives to bring much needed supplies to needy elderly. C4I has been running its personalized sponsorship program there for over a year. Many life-changing visits were made by C4I’s local team, leaving Holocaust survivors and needy elderly with the overwhelming realization that they matter to someone on the other end of the earth. Nikolayev, once the Soviet Union’s most significant shipbuilding yard, is located in Ukraine’s south on the Black Sea, only an hour’s drive from the city of Kherson, which has been occupied and completely cut off by Russian forces. Two hours of driving in the opposite direction, to the west, connect Nikolayev with the port city of Odessa, which is still largely functional. “There are explosions, sirens going off all the time, but then all is eerily quiet again,” said Mikhail from the Jewish welfare fund. “Most food stores are still open. But medication is a problem. We have medical supplies to last for a bit longer, but even now we have to fight for every piece of medication. Local transport has stopped working, so we had to work out a system by which our staff can walk to the needy in their immediate neighborhood. We used your donations to help people stack up some supplies at home.” Some humanitarian trucks from abroad are beginning to reach the city, but the city is big, and demand is huge. “It’s been quite recently. But this morning, just two hours ago, a bomb went off in the city center close to the synagogue, right where I live,” said Yelena, who runs several aid programs. “It’s hard to get cash anymore as the ATMs don’t work. If you want to buy something at the bazaar, you can only pay in cash. The pharmacies offer a sad sight—some of them are still open, but their shelves are empty.” The Jewish Community’s staff has to get creative to provide for the needy what can still be purchased and what may prove valuable days or weeks from now. One such initiative is to provide the needy with vouchers for a local chain of supermarkets. It has brought many a smile to the needy supported by C4I’s sponsorship program. One of them is Inna, who was visited earlier this year by C4I’s staff member Alina. “Inna is really, really needy. She has a debt for electricity about three times her pension and lives without lights. Her fridge is off, and when it gets dark, she lights candles.” A few days ago, Inna was visited again by Yelena from the Jewish Community, who presented her with personal food vouchers. Inna was radiant. “As long as we still have the bridge with Odessa and it doesn’t get bombed, we can still get supplies,” said Yelena. Even the social workers struggle at times to find hope to continue helping those in need. “I’m sitting here in the hallway wrapped in the blanket you gave me last time you came,” said Yelena. “It gives me some comfort, knowing I’m not alone in this. Please don’t stop praying for us!” _______________________________________________________ Please see the back page of this newspaper or c4israel.com.au/help-ukraine for details on how you can bring comfort to the Jewish people of Ukraine! As Long as We Have the Bridge with Odessa, We Can Survive: Nikolayev Jewish community members risk their lives to provide for the elderly Many Jewish elderly in Nikolayev are being supported by Australian sponsors Many Jewish elderly in Nikolayev are being supported by Australian sponsors Inna (right) receiving food vouchers for the local supermarket through C4I’s sponsorship program the Jewish community’s social workers risk their lives to bring much needed supplies to needy elderly

2. Informs • Inspires • Comforts / Other Easy Ways To Donate Name on card: My Donation Today: $ Exp Date The 3 digits of the reverse of your credit card. (4 digits if using Amex) Card No Visa Mastercard Amex (Payable to Christian’s for Israel Australia Inc) Cheque/Money Order Credit Card *CVC Cardholder’s signature: Over the Phone 07 3088 6900 (during office hours) Securely Online c4israel.com.au TEL. 07 3088 6900 EMAIL info@c4israel.com.au www.c4israel.com.au Visiting address: 3398 Pacific Highway Springwood QLD 4127 P .O. Box 1508 Springwood QLD 4127 Australia ABN: 79 941 819 693 Christians for Israel Australia Inc. Bank Transfer BSB: 014-279 ACC: 405318551 REF: Member Number travel on buses hired from the border of Moldova to the capital of Kishenov and receive their ensuing meal and overnight stay. They even thanked our Dutch Christians for Israel Journalist for sharing their stories with the readers of the newspaper. It reminded me of these two Scriptures: “Comfort, comfort My people,” says your God.’ ( Isaiah 40:1) ‘Thus says the Lord God: “Behold, I will lift up My hand to the nations, and raise My signal to the peoples; and they shall bring your sons in their arms, and your daughters shall be carried on their shoulders.”’ (Isaiah 49:22). Because of support from people like you, Christians for Israel has already evacuated more than 2,000 Jewish men, women and children. In these days we are quite literally witnessing this prophecy being fulfilled! If you are able, please consider partnering in this mission to give thousands of Jewish refugees a safe haven in Israel. In His Strong and Mighty Name, Ian Worby, National Leader And the Christians for Israel Australia team. P.S. Please continue to pray for the people and situation in Ukraine as the conflict continues to unfold. While the politics behind what is happening may be confusing— with much fake news and conflicting reports abounding—the simple truth is there are real, innocent people suffering—including the Jewish people. If you are unsure of what to pray, please download a comprehensive prayer list at www.c4israel.com.au/help-ukraine . The more people seeking God at this time the greater capacity we have to see the Lord move in a glorious and mighty way. *NOTE: Donations given towards the Ukraine Emergency Aid Campaign will be collected as a pooled emergency fund. Amount options are suggestions only and reflect the current costs for particular aid relief – these amounts however are fluctuating and therefore the suggested donation amounts may alter as the situation in Ukraine continues to change. Please prayerfully consider what you can give as the Lord leads and directs you. Shalom. $150* $590* $5,855* $150* Food for a Week Temporary Shelter THANK YOU FOR YOUR KINDNESS Transport for a Small Family One bus Transport for a Jewish Refugee $75*

31. 13 History Facts Speak Short News Plan Mount of Olives Shelved The Israeli Government plans to designate parts of the Mount of Olives as a national park. In Israel there are many important archaeological sites and nature reserves designated as national parks, as is the Temple Mount. But the various Churches on the Mount of Olives have expressed concerns about the plan, and organisations critical about Israel suspect Israel of expanding its sovereignty. Israel shelves the plan and will start a dialogue with the Churches. | Photo: Shutterstock Books Digitised The National Library of Israel is going to digitise 120,000 books. The digitisation is done by Google in Germany. It involves books in all kinds of languages. When the books are digitised, they are put online and everyone in the world can read them. Free Land To stimulate the Israeli agriculture the Israeli Ministry of Agriculture makes an offer to young people: a piece of agricultural land and a plot to build a house on. It is a plan to preserve the Israeli agriculture in Galilee and the Golan Heights. Many people have been moving away from these areas for years already, especially young people, because they consider the chances of getting a job better in the middle of the country. To break this trend, the Ministry presents this plan. | Photo: Flash90 Import of Bullets Prevented A shipment of 7,000 bullets meant for Gaza didn’t reach its destination. Customs staff managed to intercept the cargo, hidden in rolls of insulation material. They also discovered weapons inside the shipment that was supposed to be transported to Gaza from Ashdod. Free Supermarket In Petach Tikva there is a supermarket filled with donated goods. Those in need can shop for free once or twice a month, by invitation via a WhatsApp group. There is only one condition: you are allowed to take only one item per product. Bryce Turner n Christians for Israel New Zealand As the world slowly re-opens following the ravages of the Covid pandemic and the pain of lockdowns and isolation starts to fade, residents of Jerusalem will soon commemorate 55 years since the end of a brutal separation. Jerusalem day will be celebrated on 29 May this year, as Israelis, Jews and supporters all around the world remember the reunification of Jerusalem as a result of the Six-day war in 1967. The Importance of Jerusalem to Judaism, Christianity and Islam Jerusalem has been the epicentre of the Arab-Israeli conflict for the past century, largely due to its enormous religious significance to Judaism, Christianity and, more recently, Islam. The Temple Mount is sacred to Judaism, as it is believed to be the site of the three Jewish temples. The first, built by King Solomon, was dedicated in 960BC and destroyed by the Babylonians in 586BC. The Second Temple was dedicated in 516BC, built by Jewish exiles returning to Jerusalem. King Herod demolished this second tem ple in 20BC in order to build a much grander temple, which was done in an impressive 18 months. It was this third temple that the Romans subsequently destroyed in 70AD during the Jewish revolt. For Jews, the Temple Mount is the holiest place in the world as the Divine Presence rests there forever. The Midrash (Rabbinic literature) states that the stone under the Dome of the Rock was the starting point of God’s Creation. Since God created the world from this stone, it became known as the ‘Foundation Stone.’ According to Jewish tradition, the Temple Mount is also Mount Moriah, the site of Abraham’s binding of Isaac on the rock. Jerusalem was the capital of the Kingdom of Israel (1004-928BC), the capital of the Kingdom of Judah (928-586BC) and the capital of the Hasmonean Kingdom (167- 63BC), over a thousand years before it became sacred to Christianity, and some 1700 years before it became sacred to Islam. Christianity also holds Jerusalem as the Holy City, mostly because of the life of Jesus and much of His ministry that took place in and around the city. Jesus was tried and crucified at Jerusalem and, following His resurrection, ascended to Heaven from the Mount of Olives. Despite not being mentioned in the Koran a single time, Jerusalem has also become sacred to the Islamic faith, being the third holiest place to Muslims. Based on the belief that the prophet Muhammad ascended to Heaven from the ‘foundation rock’, the structure erected in 691AD to commemorate this became a women’s mosque in 1952. Jerusalem Divided Despite being the Jewish capital for over 3000 years, Jerusalem has in recent times been under various foreign controls. Following WW1, the Balfour Declaration and ultimately the British Mandate for Palestine, the international community finally agreed to the re-establishment of Israel. A proposal had been submitted to the General Assembly that carved up the Holy Land into two proposed countries, with Jerusalem under international rule for an initial period of ten years. Whilst this resolution was passed by the UN General Assembly and agree d to – albeit reluctantly – by the Jewish leaders, the Arabs flatly rejected it, preventing it from becoming a binding legal instrument. In conjunction with Britain’s announcement that it was withdrawing from the mandate, Israel declared its independence, to the delight of Jewish communities all around the world. The ravages of war and the extreme anti- Semitism that had culminated in the murder of over six million Jews in the holocaust seemed to be over. The weary citizens began to relax just a little; the future started to look peaceful in the security of their own Jewish st ate. Just days after Israel’s independence was declared, the Arab nations breached all international treaties and attacked the new country. After a ferocious battle, the city of Jerusalem was left divided between Jordanian forces and Israel, a situation that lasted for some 19 years. During this period, the Jewish people, having survived the horrors of Nazi Germany and then the fight to enter their own country, found themselves tantalisingly close to the Temple Mount and other Holy sites. With Jordan illegally holding control over most of Jerusalem, Jews found themselves essentially barred from these sites. Jordan, despite being the illegal occupier, denied Jews access to even the Western Wall, a cruel sequestration that wreaked untold pain on Jewish devotees. During this time, dozens of synagogues were destroyed or desecrated throughout Jerusalem, and other historical and religious sites damaged by the Jordanian occupiers. Jerusalem United - the Battle In 1967, with tensions at a peak, neighbouring Arab nations had begun to amass troops and military equipment in readiness for an attack on Israel. Arab leaders had made no secret of their desire to extinguish Israel altogether, to ‘drive it into the sea’. Although Israel appealed to Jordan to stay out of the war, the Jordanian military fired artillery at Jerusalem and then attacked with ground troops, subsequently capturing and occupying the UN headquarters. Israel responded with a counterattack and ultimately forced the Jordanians across the west bank, after which IDF paratroopers managed to take control of the Old City, the Temple Mount and the Western Wall. The radio message received when IDF forces announced that they had reclaimed the Temple Mount has become a statement of national pride, fondly recalled with great passion by many who still remember that hugely significant moment. Holiday The Chief Rabbinate of Israel declared Jerusalem Day a minor religious holiday in recognition of regaining access to the Western Wall. Israel’s biggest city, Jerusalem, is now home to people from a huge and diverse range of backgrounds. People of all religions and cultures are now able to visit even the most sacred of places under Israeli control – including the Western Wall – and experience for themselves the unique site of thousands of years of Jewish history. Jerusalem Day April 2022 | Israel & Christians Today Nisan - Lyyer 5782 2021 Aliyah 27,057 Jews moved to Israel in 2021 Canada 400+ An increase from 2020 USA 4,000+ 30% increase from 2020 Mexico 290+ 10% increase from 2020 Brazil 550+ 72% increase from 2020 Argentina 900+ 55% increase from 2020 United Kingdom 650+ 22% increase from 2020 Russia 7,500+ 10% increase from 2020 Ukraine 3,000+ 10% increase from 2020 France 3,500+ 40% increase from 2020 Ethiopia 1,636+ Thousands more following South Africa 550+ 72% increase from 2020

1. Please send mail-in donations to: Christians for Israel Australia PO Box 1508 Springwood QLD 4127 AUSTRALIAN EDITION EMAIL: info@c4israel.com.a u PHONE: 07 3088 6900 ABN: 79 941 819 693 Thanks for your financial sup port See over for credit card and other giving options My Gift 15 April 2022 LeN0422 $ ____________ MY TOTAL DONATION TO: Christians for Israel Australia Inc. Name: ___________________________________________________ Member Number: ______________________________________ SOS UKRAINE : EMERGENCY AID Dear friends, Bombed apartment buildings, burnt-out cars, a street strewn with smoking debris. It looks like a scene from an old war film, but it is the harsh reality in Chernigov, a city in Eastern Ukraine, not even forty kilometres from the border with Belarus. This photo (right) by Nikolai (62) depict the battlefield in his very own street. He finds it difficult to give words to what happened in his hometown in the past weeks. “You can only feel this pain. Now I know exactly the difference between the sound of a gunshot, grenade, tank or bomb .” The permanent air raid sirens, the incessant bombardments, the fear and uncertainty are very hard. If there is subsequently also no more gas, electricity or water, the choice to flee is quickly made. In Christians for Israel’s shelter in the south-western part of Ukraine, families like Nikolai’s can catch their breath. They weren’t aware of our organisation previously, but C4I was recommended to them by a friend. Nikolai: “Everything was very well organised there. We didn’t expect that.” Two days later they crossed the Moldovan border with a group of nearly fifty other Jewish refugees, on their way to a new life in Israel. I am touched by the many stories of Jewish-Ukrainian courage like Nikolai’s. As they face this new stuggle I am greatly encouraged—as I’m sure you are—that these Jewish immigrants are trusting the Christians for Israel Ukraine team and others who have joined them. It’s also exciting to know that the financial and prayerful aid from C4I supporters was also able to secure these Jewish-Ukrainians being able t o continued over... Nikolai and his family after safely arriving at C4I ’s shelter in Ukraine—all made possible through the kind support of Christians for Israel donors! Yes Ian, I’d like to give towards the Emergency Aid in Ukraine... General Aid: $__________ $75 = Food for a Week $150 = Temporary Shelter Transport: $150 = 1 Jewish Refugee $590 = Small Family $5855 = One Bus $__________ General Donation for Newspaper Printing & Postage *please don’t use staples*

11. Dear Faithful readers and friends (Chavorim), Welcome to this special April-May edition of Israel & Christians Today . What makes this edition “special” is our focus on the emergency in Ukraine and our efforts to pray for and comfort the diaspora Jews of Ukraine who desperately need our help to feed, shelter and bring them to safety over the border or back to their ancestorial homeland of Eretz Israel from the lands of the North... ....just as the Bible said it would happen in the last days. “Thus says the Lord GOD: Behold, I will lift My hand in an oath to the nations, (GENTILES) and set up My standard for the peoples; They shall bring your sons in their arms and your daughters shall be carried on their shoulders” (Isaiah 49:22) “Behold, I am bringing them from the north country, And I will gather them from the remote parts of the earth, Among them those who are blind and those who limp, The pregnant woman and she who is in labour, together; They will return here as a great assembly.” (Jeremiah 31:8) Did you notice that when the Lord spoke about the Gentiles, (for many of us Christians, that is you and me) that we would help bring His sons and His daughters back into the land of promise... just as He swore to their ancient fathers long ago. And so NOW is the time that we can be part of fulfilling Biblical prophecy. We can take part in what God has prepared us to do—for such a time as this. We can be the ones Jesus spoke of in Matthew 25:38: “When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? When did we see You sick or in prison and visit You?’ And the King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me...” In this edition you will be informed, and inspired to pray and consider your part in all of the many things God is at work in around the world, in these uncertain and troubled times—times He has prepared for us as we see the signs. We see that our world is upside down. Good is called Evil and Evil is called Good (Isaiah 5:20). It seems that everything that can be shaken is being shaken. “See to it that you do not refuse Him who speaks. For if the people did not escape when they refused Him who warned them on earth, how much less will we escape if we reject Him who warns us from heaven? At that time His voice shook the earth, but now He has promised...” ( Hebrews 12:26) Forgive me for using a lot of Scriptures, but for many of us who now realise we can no longer trust the mainstream media to explain or discern what is happening. The only reliable source of truth is found in the Holy Scripture. It is the Word of the Almighty and He tells us that He authenticates His words and prophecies because He writes the future before it happens. “Remember what happened long ago, for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me. I declare the end from the beginning, and ancient times from what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and all My good pleasure I will accomplish.’ I summon a bird of prey from the east, a man for My purpose from a far-off land. Truly I have spoken, and truly I will bring it to pass. I have planned it, and I will surely do it....” (Isaiah 46:9-11) Christians for Israel Australia continues to be very busy keeping a watchful eye on the situation in Ukraine and Europe, as well as in Israel and back here in Australia. We have participated in a number of online events with our friends at The Southern cross Alliance for Israel (SCAFI). It is a wonderful mix of Christians and Jews who love and pray for the peace of Jerusalem and Israel. Each month they invite experts and special learned guests to come and inform, inspire and update all participants on a broad range of issues that interest and concern both Christian and Jewish Australians. Just recently they had 3 special guests including Anemone and Koen from Christians from Israel Ukraine , Andrew Tucker—former C4I International Director but now representing thinc. ( The Hague Initiative for International Cooperation )—and International lawyer and Senior Editor of this paper. And Sondra Oster Baras Director of Christian Friends of Israeli Communities (CFOIC). They all gave wonderful presentations that left us filled with new information and a heart to pray and stand with Israel in these very precarious times. You can see the recorded video of the meeting here: c4israel.com.au/scafi-mar-2022 I am pleased to say that all three of these wonderful friends have articles featured in this edition—be sure to check them out. Many of our readers and supporters will be keen to get updates on what is happening with our Holocaust survivors that we sponsor in Ukraine. So Anemone has written a very encouraging update and how our prayers and practical financial support can and is bringing them comfort and which demonstrates the love of God for His people. This year Passover won’t start until the evening of Friday, April 15, and Easter Sunday is uncommonly late, falling on April 17 for the first time in 62 years. In a year when disrupted supply chains have seemingly delayed everything, it makes sense: Even our holidays will keep us waiting in 2022. Please be sure to check out Keith Buxton’s insightful article on Tabernacling with God this Passover on page 4 of this insert. Our small team and committee of management have been very pleased to see an increase in donations for the emergency appeals to bring food, shelter and transport these Jewish refugees to safety—over 1,000 olim have already this year been able to return to the land of Israel. Thank You! There has been a little bit of confusion that I hope clear up and that is with regards to the suggested costs and donation amounts for these different emergency options. We have always provided food parcels for the poor Jewish people in Ukraine and hot meals in Israel but the emergency food we are currently promoting is a different project. The same goes for Aliyah (Bring the Jews Home). This has ramped up to a very different process because of the war and because we are dealing with full bus load after bus load. So the costs for this new project are being pooled under the new name— Emergency Aid / SOS Ukraine —and so are the suggested donation amounts. We hope you understand we are dealing with a rapidly changing situation so thank you for your continued prayerful support and understanding. And of course; if you are unable to give at the suggested levels, please give anything as the Lord enables and leads you—as everything will be pooled together to help these people in their time of need, and they will feel the love of God through your gifts. Please see the other articles inside and the back page for more details on how and what you can pray for and sow financial support into. We are still progressing with our tell-a-friend promotion for Israel & Christians Today —so that is where you can refer a friend (or more) to get this free newspaper every two months. As an incentive we will give you and your friend either the topical DVD “Signs of the Times” or the book “Israel: Covenants and Kingdom” both by Rev. Willem Glashouwer—the president of C4I International . See page 3 for details. We are very pleased to be launching the new daily devotional email subscription ‘Behold He Comes.’ Based on the Book of Revelation, it’s a daily dose of hope and encouragement delivered free to your inbox—focusing on the hopeful expectation of the long awaited return of the Messiah—Jesus Christ—our coming Lord and King. Instead of being overcome with fear and worry be filled with the Words that bring Life and truth. See the promo on page 16 to sign up—don’t forget to also tell your family and friends. I pray you enjoy this Edition. Also to stay informed and updated don’t forget to regularly visit c4israel.com.au or access our free mobile app (search ‘ Christians for Israel’ in your app store). Again I will leave you with this promise and prayer from the Apostle and Rabbi Paul (Shaul) “God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.” Hebrews 6:10 ____________________________________ Ian Worby National Leader & Regional Director for Christians for Israel Australia & Oceania. April 2022 Report From Our National Leader Comforts Informs Inspires Ian Worby C4I Australia National Leader and Regional Director for Oceania Ian Worby with his wife Mandy in front of the Sydney Harbour

4. April 2022 | Israel & Christians Today Nisan - Lyyer 5782 Editorial 2 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, Marie-Louise Weissenböck and Marijke Terlouw 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 Tel: +61 (7) 3088 6900, 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 - Korea Rev Paul Wonil Jung, Director Suite 3, 37 Railway Parade, Eastwood NSW, Australia 2122 Tel: +61 410 430 677 email: c4israelkorea@gmail.com www.c4israelkorea.org Christians for Israel - USA Tel: +1 925 984 6671 usa-info@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 oth er 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. Whither the New Dis-order? Andrew Tucker n International Editor | Christians for Israel The tragedy unfolding every day in Ukraine is turning the global world order on its head. Since the fall of the iron curtain three decades ago, it has widely been assumed that global capitalism was the universally accepted currency and that even dictatorial regimes such as China, Iran and Russia could be kept within the fold of ‘civilised nations’ through the simple imperatives of supply and demand. That illusion itself has now been shattered. Autocratic regimes motivated by ideology will not be restrained by the liberal norms of the UN Charter and the global economic system that has arisen since WWII. The existing institutions of governance are being tested. The helplessness of the United Nations could be seen in the pleas of the Secretary-General to Russia to stop the bombing – as if Putin cares for the UN or its related organs such as the International Court of Justice and International Criminal Court. He doesn’t. The world is fragmenting into several competing empires, each driven by ideology or religion. One of them is Western capitalism. Others include the regimes of China, Iran, Turkey and Russia, each with its own regional and global ambitions of control and neo-colonialism. These non-Western despots each make cynical use of global institutions as and when it suits their hegemonic aims. As so often has been the case in history, Israel and the Jewish people are placed precariously at the crossroads. Israel needs Russia in order to counter threats in Syria. We have thus seen Israel play a cautious role over the last weeks. Israeli Prime Minister Bennett even went to the Kremlin for discussions with Putin, at the request of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in an attempt to mediate the conflict. It is impossible to predict how this will all play out. It is clear Putin will not give up his aims easily. What will convince Russia to stop with its violence? Will it continue beyond Ukraine to threaten or attack other neighbouring states such as the Baltic States or Finland? How will Russia continue its operations in Syria? Putin’s thinly-veiled threats to use nuclear weapons have instilled fear in Western leaders, who are afraid to take any military steps that may provoke Putin to press the button. Instead, they have resorted to the most extensive regime of sanctions in history that threatens to bring down the Russian economy. This sanctions regime is a high-risk strategy. It could lead to a humanitarian crisis in Russia, which would ignite further tensions, as was the case in Germany after WWI. The sanctions regime is a new, undemocratic kind of global warfare, fracturing the lines between governments and the private sector undermining ownership structures. Increasingly, some are seeking to compare Israel with Russia. Western and Islamic nations, as well as China and others, are united in their belief that Israel’s ‘occupation’ of Palestinian territory, and Jewish ‘settlements’ on those territories, infringe the territorial rights of the Palestinians and constitute flagrant violations of international law. Will Israel be next in line for such sanctions? Events in Ukraine are just part of a broader picture. In Vienna, the USA and EU have indicated they are prepared to lift the sanctions on Iran, which will receive an initial cash injection of $90 billion and an additional $50 million annually through oil and gas revenues. A deal with Iran would enable Iran to produce nuclear warheads within years. Several top US diplomats have resigned in protest. Russia is playing a key role in these negotiations. All-in-all, it seems we are witnessing signs of the times preceding the Lord’s return – On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. (Luke 21) Whatever happens, we can be sure the Lord will bring to fruition the events that are necessary for Israel and the gentile nations to acknowledge His sovereignty: “And so I will show my greatness and my holiness, and I will make myself known in the sight of many nations. Then they will know that I am the Lord.” (Ezekiel 38). Let us pray with increasing fervour that the Lord will protect the people of Ukraine and Russia, that President Putin will be convinced (or forced) to terminate the aggression, and that peace will be restored. Above all, let us pray for the speedy coming of the Messiah to introduce His kingdom of peace and righteousness. Prayer Points By C4I Prayer Team Israel l Pray that all Ukrainians who recently moved to Israel will soon feel at home in Israel. Pray for comfort and strength for these people, after all they went through during the war. l Pray for Israel’s security. Pray that attacks in the streets with knives or stones will be prevented, and pray that peace and security will prevail at Israel’s borders. l “God said to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM.’ This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you’” (Exodus 3:14). From April 15 to 23, the Jewish people celebrate Passover. Give thanks that God is present. For He is there when people go through deep valleys and keeps them. Pray for peaceful holidays for Israel and pray they experience God’s presence. Israel & the Nations l “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” (James 1:5). Since Israel has good relations with both Ukraine and Russia, Israel is seen as one of the parties that can mediate between the two countries. Pray for wisdom for the Israeli government in thi s matter. l Pray for Israel using Psalm 33:10-11, “The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; He frustrates the plans of the peoples. The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of His heart to all generations.” Christians for Israel l Pray for the work of Aliyah worker Koen Carlier and his team in Ukraine. Now that war has broken out, many Jews want to leave for Israel, and Koen’s team is working around the clock. Give thanks for all the work the team has been able to do and how they experience God’s provision. Pray for the protection of the team, blessing on the work and pray that God will provide open doors for Jews to return to Israel. For daily Prayer Points, go to our website www.c4israel.com.au | Photo: Shutterstock www.facebook.com/c4israelAUS

29. 11 Theology Kameel Majdali n Director | Teach All Nations Inc. February 24, 2022: The Russian invasion is the first major military engagement on European soil since World War II, dwarfing the Balkan wars of the 1990s when the former Yugoslavia dissolved. A great civilisational change - even shaking - is occurring, no matter what the final outcome of this invasion may be. What is the nature of the Russia-Ukraine war? Does it have any implications for Bible prophecy, specifically the Gog and Magog prophecy in Ezekiel 38-39 ? I intend to explore these questions. First, let’s be clear: there is more going on here than meets the eye, though we acknowledge the tragedy of fraternal Slavs and Orthodox Christians fighting each other. Second, it is not entirely clear why Putin invaded his neighbour. Does he merely want to cause Ukraine to be a neutral border state, unaligned to the European Union and NATO, with a Kremlin-friendly government? Or does he want to conquer and annex Ukraine to Russia? The story continues to unfold. The Russia-Ukraine war is causing people to turn the pages of the Bible to see what are the prophetic implications, if any. We learn from Jesus Himself that the warm-up to the last days, preceding His second coming, includes ‘wars and rumours of wars’ (Matthew 24:6), ‘great shaking’ (Hebrews 12:26-27), and ‘intensity of living’ (Matthew 24:37-39); in general, great and unexpected changes. Think back to life just three years ago. It seems like an eternity. The ‘old normal’ is gone, and the ‘new normal’ is unclear and unsettling. Life will not be the same again. The fire and fury of this invasion, plus unprecedented global attention, has caused many to wonder: Is this the prelude to Ezekiel 38-39? Apart from Armageddon (Zechariah 14; Revelation 16:16), the Ezekiel prophecy is the best known of the major end-time events. 1 Chronicles 12:32 speaks of the men of Issachar who discerned the times and seasons and acted prudently. When you ‘understand the times’ - what is happening and why - you will know what to do. When applying current events to Bible prophecy, it is important to understand both the event itself and then carefully see how it lines up with the Biblical record. Gog & Magog In short, the Gog and Magog campaign is a massive latter-day invasion by a coalition of nations led by a power from the north. The target is a peaceful, unsuspecting, and unprepared Israel. This unexpected invasion is so overwhelming that, humanly speaking, the Jewish state should be destroyed. Yet, at the eleventh hour, God Himself intervenes annihilates Gog and its allies, and Israel is saved. Now let’s look at some of the details (all references are from Ezekiel): Who’s the Leader: Gog, chief prince of Meshech and Tubal (38:1). Main Allies: Persia, Ethiopia (or Sudan), and Libya (38:5). Secondary Allies: Gomer, the house of Togarmah and many peoples with them (38:6). Timing: In the latter or last days, after ‘ many days you will be visited’ (38:8,17). There is discussion and disagreement about where to place the Gog campaign in the prophetic calendar: before the tribulation, during the tribulation, or at the end, making it synonymous with the campaign of Armageddon? A fourth option is after the Millennium (the thousand-year reign of Christ on earth) since Satan will be loosed, gather the rebels together to attack the beloved city, and fire falls from heaven and destroys them (Revelation 20:7-10). Target of the Invasion: The people of Israel in the land of Israel. The people are gathered out of many nations, on the once wasted mountains of Israel but now dwelling in safety (38:8). Israel will be ‘living in peace.’ Do the October 2020 Abraham (Peace) Accords with the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco point Israel in that direction? Or does the menace of antagonists like Iran, Hezbollah, Hamas, and the drone-savvy Houthis in Yemen, preclude this? Reason for the Invasion: Spoil will be seized, plunder carried off, livestock and goods confiscated (38:12). Will Israel’s natural gas reserves in the Mediterranean Sea be part of the booty? God’s Response: God goes against Gog and his allies, sends the fire from heaven and destroys the coalition (39:1-6); it takes seven months to bury the dead (39:12). Ultimately, it is God who draws out Gog and company to battle and destroys them. When this happens, the nations will hallow and glorify the name of God (38:16). Israel’s aftermath: Instead of being destroyed, thanks to divine intervention, Israel experienced the final ingathering of the exiles (39:27-28). Furthermore, the Holy Spirit will be poured out upon them (37:14; 39:29). To be continued... Russian Invasion of Ukraine: Prelude to Gog and Magog? Isreality Finally, the day had come. On Friday, 4 February at 6am, Salomé was ready to run the Dead Sea Marathon. Despite the early hour and the strong wind, she managed to run the 42.195 km in 3 hours and 32 minutes and took 2nd place in the women’s division! Salomé is a 24-year-old nurse from the Netherlands. She is the daughter of Roger van Oordt, Honorary Consul of Israel in the Netherlands. Salomé’s goal was to raise AUD $19445 for the children of ADI together with Isreality Netherlands. ADI (formerly known as ‘Aleh’) is an organisation that takes care of children with severe multiple disabilities, both cognitively and physically. She more than succeeded: the total amount that was raised was AUD $33,927! The funds will be used to purchase much needed rehabilitative equipment. Salomé: “As far back as I can remember, my family has been involved with helping Israel. I love the diversity, that different cultures can live together. As a nurse, ADI is a cause that is close to my heart.” After her success at the Dead Sea, Salomé was invited by i24 News Network to talk about her experience. You can watch a short clip of the Marathon and part of the i24 interview here: www.isreality.org /salome-ran-the- marathon-at-the- dead-sea/ Salomé’s Run for Life April 2022 | Israel & Christians Today Nisan - Lyyer 5782 | Photo: Shutterstock

13. 3 April 2022 | Israel & Christians Today Nisan - Lyyar 5782 New Book + Subscribe Your Friend to Israel & Christians Today Sign up a friend to ‘Israel & Christians Today’ Newspaper and receive the ‘Israel: Covenants and Kingdom book’ or the ‘The Signs of the Times DVD’ FREE! * Your Full Name: ________________________________ Address: _____________________________________ State: ____________________ Postcode: __________ Email (ALL CAPS): _______________________________ Friends Full Name: _____________________________ Address: _____________________________________ State: _____________________ Postcode: __________ Email (ALL CAPS): _______________________________ No. of Newspapers Bi-monthly: c 1 c 2 c 5 c Other: ______ *1 Book or DVD per person. limited offer. while stocks last. SEND DETAILS TO: Christians for Israel, Australia , PO Box 1508, Springwood, QLD, 4127 Israel: Covenants & Kingdom Book by Willem J.J. Glashouwer OR Please choose ONE of the gifts (left) to receive upon successfully signing up a new friend to ‘ Israel & Christians Today’ Newspaper. The Signs of the Times DVD (7+ Hours Teaching) by Willem J.J. Glashouwer The friend/church you nominate to receive the Israel & Christians Today Bi-monthly Newspaper will also receive a complimentary copy of the BOOK / DVD as well. “Wow! what a book, much more than a story for the family, it will have much wider implications...” – Neville Clark MC. OAM Overview Life is a journey, but not in my wildest dreams would I have imagined that I would travel through such a unique set of circumstances as those outlined in this book. I grew up in the fabulous fifties, with Australia coming into a new era of post war prosperity. It was a steady walk through those golden years, then suddenly the horse I was on bolted and went where I certainly had not intended. The story of my heady ride is all here including my tumultuous journey through the Exclusive Brethren sect with all its dramas, some tragic, some comical, some informative and of course some romantic, as it was here, I found my pillion passenger for the ride, a beautiful young girl called Gwenyth Williams. Although at times a rough ride, I have no regrets despite my journey including a serious sexual assault, not to mention the verbal assaults and deprivation we endured as I stood against the Exclusive Brethren hierarchy and their stultifying doctrine. Then the horizons opened up with the establishment of a Christian College in Victoria, then on to Queensland to start several enterprises including a very successful Outdoor Education Centre, then galloping on through the Middle East in the steps of the ANZAC’s, a journey that has had unexpected outcomes. Action I have seen aplenty, in the air and on the ground both here and overseas and with the tumultuous ride come the vital lessons I have learned. Although only spending a few years in the military the ANZAC legacy is intrinsically involved in all my endeavours. The spirit of the Light Horse, those ANZAC character values of courage, mateship, sacrifice and perseverance, so closely aligned to my Christian faith, have kept me in the saddle. The latter part of the book outlines my engaging interaction with Israel and the Jewish community following the Beersheba commemorations in Israel. The book ends with my reflections on the deeper issues of life which ultimately leads us to the Gates of Heaven. If you would like to get a copy of this book, it can be purchased from the author for $25 (postage included) —simply email barry@emugully.com.au Make sure you include your address. Social media and marketing adviser required for Beersheba Vision Inc. This a part time position requiring a few hours per week. For more details contact Barry Rodgers on 0428 662528 NEW! Yes, I have permission to subscribe my friend.

28. 10 Theology Recommended Reading Johannes Gerloff n Theologian, Journalist, Lecturer & Author This is part four in a series of articles based on the book Rejoice, You Nations, with His People, by Johannes Gerloff (due for release in 2022). In Romans 9, the Apostle Paul refers to his own countrymen as ‘Israelites’ - those for whom he was ready to be “cursed and cut off from Messiah”. He is referring to “Israel according to the flesh” (1 Corinthians 10:18) - the Jewish people who reject the Messiah Jesus and, in some cases, even persecute the Church. He does not call them ‘Jews’, which would have been better understood by the Apostle’s Gentile readers. Nor does he use the title ‘Jacob‘or ‘house of Jacob’. Paul does not even designate his “kinsmen according to the flesh” as ‘Hebrews’. No, Paul explicitly names his fellow Jewish people ‘Israelites’. This is very significant. Genesis 32 reports how Jacob receives the new name ‘Israel’ when he struggled with God and men until the break of day and prevailed (verse 29). In this narration, the emphasis is on Jacob’s action and success. Literally translated, ‘ ישראל /yisra’el’ means “God will wrestle, fight, combat, reign”. This already indicates what becomes even clearer in the context of Genesis 35:9-12. There God confirms Jacob’s new name upon his return to the Land of Canaan. Jacob’s efforts and achievements are not even hinted at anymore. Instead, the Biblical text emphasises: “I am God Almighty!” (Verse 11). Thus, by her very name, ‘Israel’ proclaims that which Moses declared to the Israelites in totally hopeless circumstances: “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still” (Exodus 14:14). The name ‘Israel’ already carries the promise in itself: God will reign! The New Testament uses the name ‘Israel/Israelite’ as a title of honour. Jesus calls Nathanael “an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile” (John 1:47). He is so astonished at Nicodemus’ lack of knowledge precisely because he is “a teacher of Israel” (John 3:10). Jesus himself, actually, uses the expression ‘Israel/Israelite’ quite carefully and exclusively in contrast to ‘the Gentile nations’. Peter, Paul and others, who anticipated particularly favourable attention from Jewish people, addressed them as ‘men of Israel’. This conscious use of language in the Greek New Testament becomes clear by comparing the usage of the terms ‘King of the Jews’ and ‘King of Israel’. Exclusively, non-Jews speak about a ‘King of the Jews’. Jewish people, in contrast, who know their Holy Writings, speak without exception of the ‘King of Israel’. Writing in 1866, Friedrich Adolph Philippi said: “In the name ‘Israelite’ lies all the dignity of this nation. It denotes not only national identity, but also contains the promise and hope of Jacob passed on to his descendants forever”. In Romans 9:4-5, Paul refers to a number of specific attributes and riches God bestowed upon the Israelites. The first of these is their ‘sonship’. Israel’s Position as Son Romans 9:4 says the Israelites have “the position as son”. The King James Version translates the word ‘ υιʆοθεσιʆα /hyothesia’ a s ‘adoption’. This Greek word occurs in the New Testament only in the writings of Paul. Literally, ‘ υιʆοθεσιʆα ’ means a ‘son’s position/standing/rank’ or ‘institution/appointment as son’. On four of the five occasions in which Paul uses this word, he is describing the relationship of God to the Church, which is redeemed by the blood of Jesus. In Romans 9, however, ‘ υιʆοθεσιʆα /hyothesia’ characterises God’s relationship with Israel. In all these occurrences, the context clearly implies that ‘ υιʆοθεσιʆα /hyothesia’ is a gift of God. It does not describe a condition or state of people but rather God’s attitude towards these human beings. In Romans 8:15 and 23, he says that we, who have “received the spirit of υιʆοθεσιʆα /hyothesia,” are eagerly waiting for it. Just a few sentences later, talking about those, who are cursed and cut off from Messiah, he calls them ‘Israelites’ and claims that they already have this relationship with God. Thus, according to Paul, we as Christians are hoping and striving for something Israel already possesses. God’s attitude towards his people is depicted as a father-son relationship throughout the Old Testament. Israel, therefore, has a hereditary title. For that reason, God chastises and admonishes this nation as he does no other. He is jealous of his ‘firstborn’. Moses has to tell the Pharaoh: “Israel is my firstborn son. I tell you, let my son go that he may serve me. If you refuse to let him go, behold, I will kill your firstborn son” (Exodus 4:22- 23). As the son of God, Israel enjoys a very special commitment and devotion from his Father and, therefore, enjoys a unique access to the Creator of the universe. This special relationship, however, comes with extraordinary expectations. God’s firstborn son was to be freed from slavery in Egypt in order to be able to serve his Father. The ‘position as son’ includes an obligation: “You are the sons of the Lord your God. You shall not cut yourselves nor make any baldness between your eyes for the dead, for you are a holy nation for the Lord your God. The Lord has chosen you to be a peculiar people for himself from all the nations that are upon the earth” (Deuteronomy 14:1-2). Israel on Trial... How International Law is Being Misused to Delegitimise the State of Israel By Dr. Matthijs de Blois and Andrew Tucker One hundred years ago, the League of Nations agreed to the ‘reconstitution’ of a ‘national h ome for the Jewish people in Palestine’. The Mandate for Palestine was established – a new kind of legal regime to enable the peoples of the former Ottoman Empire to become independent. Great Britain received the task under the Mandate for Palestine to ensure that the Jewish people could return and settle the land – all the while respecting the civil and religious rights of all the inhabitants of Israel. The State of Israel was established in May 1948. Yet, ever since, Israel has never been fully accepted as an equal member of the international community. Israel is widely regarded as a colonialist regime, an illegal occupier of Arab land. There is no other State in the world that attracts so many United Nations resolutions condemning it for violating international law. Many people consider that Israeli ‘settlements’ as illegal and that Israel must end its ‘occupation’ of East Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza. International lawyers Dr Matthijs de Blois and Andrew Tucker explain, for the lay reader, what international law is and how it works. They argue that the system of international law is being manipulated by states and non-state actors with the purpose of attacking the Jewish State. Topics covered include: Ÿ The politics of the United Nations (UN) system, especially the role played by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and Arab League Ÿ Why does Israel have such an isolated position within the United Nations? Ÿ What is the role of non- governmental organisations (NGOs) in the ‘delegitimisation’ of Israel? Ÿ How was the State of Israel created? What is its legal status? Ÿ Do the Palestinians have a right to statehood? Does the Palestinian state already exist? Ÿ Is a ‘Two-State’ solution the only way to resolve the conflict? Ÿ Are Israeli settlements ‘illegal’? Ÿ Does Israel occupy Jerusalem and the ‘West Bank’, and is it legal? Ÿ What is the status of Jerusalem? Copyright 2018. Published by The Hague Initiative for International Cooperation Available from our website: https://myaccount.c4is rael.com.au/shop/prod uct/c4ioz033bk-israel- on-trial-85?page=3 Who are the ‘Israelites’? April 2022 | Israel & Christians Today Nisan - Lyyer 5782 | Photo: Anton Mislawsky | Unsplash ... A few sentences later, talking about those, who are cursed and cut off from Messiah, he calls them ‘Israelites’ and claims that they already have this relationship with God. $ 00 . 46

30. Signs of Faith By Kees de Vreugd Matzah In this series, ‘Signs of Faith’, objects that express Jewish faith are explained and discussed. The matzah will be familiar to many. It is the flat, hard cake that is eaten during Pesach (Passover). The Hebrew word matzah can be translated as unleavened. What is unleavened? It is when the dough for the matzah is not allowed time to rise. In the Jewish teachings, preparation of the matzah is precisely defined. The entire baking process may not be longer than eighteen minutes. The Bible speaks of the feast of the matzot (plural of matzah), as well as Pesach (Leviticus 23:6). It coincides with Pesach yet is distinct from it. The feast of the matzot lasts seven days. It starts with the removal of all leaven from the house. Leaven is chametz in Hebrew. Originally, it was a piece of old dough, sourdough, that caused the fresh dough to rise. All crumbs, all old flour, is all burnt. For seven days, nothing leaven ed may be consumed. All products that are leavened or risen are banned, also beer, for example. The commandment to eat the matzah was given on the eve of the exodus from Egypt. It symbolised the haste with which the Israelites had to leave Egypt. Eating the matzah recalls the liberation from slavery of Egypt. “This is the bread of affliction (Deuteronomy 16:3) that our fathers ate in Egypt,” says the Haggadah, the liturgy of the Seider (the Passover supper). Those who eat the matzah at the Seder table, at that moment, personally experience the affliction the fathers in Egypt underwent. It is as if you yourself are leaving Egypt. That is how you should celebrate the Seider, the Haggadah says. As a matter of fact, the matzah appears earlier in the Bible, in a non-cultic context. Lot, Abraham’s nephew, baked matzahs for the angels visiting him (Genesis 19:3). Abraham told Sarah to ‘quickly’ prepare bread cakes when the three men came to him (Genesis 18:6). Maybe here, too, we should think of matzahs. For the grain offerings in the temple, too, matzahs were used. Other than the matzahs f or Pesach, these were often prepared with oil. 12 Biblical Reflection Kees de Vreugd n Theologian | Christians for Israel International & Editor | Israel & the Church It plays an important role in the story of the exodus and is one of the first commandments given to Israel in the Bible. Yet the Passover lamb has not been served at the Jewish Seder table for 1950 years because there is no longer a temple where it can be sacrificed. In Exodus 12, various regulations are given concerning the Paschal lamb. On the tenth day of the month, designated as the ‘head of the months’ (so it says in Hebrew, Exodus 12:2), each family of ‘all the community of Israel’ is to take a lamb. It is remarkable that the Bible uses the word community for Israel here for the first time. With this command, Israel is forged into a community under God’s commandments. One lamb per family, and if it is too much for a household, then two families. As with all sacrifices, it must be a lamb without any defect. It must be a male one-year-old, and it may be either a goat or a sheep. The Israelites must then keep it in the house for four days. This means that the lamb must be examined carefully for defects that would make it unsuitable for the sacrifice. One explanation says that in the (later) sacrificial service, it was the general rule that a sacrificial animal was carefully examined for defects four days beforehand. This could also be done by the one who sold the sacrificial animal. But only in the case of the Paschal Lamb, the sacrificer must do this himself. By the way, the Jewish interpretation notes that the period of four days only applied to the first time in Egypt. Later it no longer had to be observed. At the end of Exodus 12, instructions are given for later celebrations. Why a lamb of a goat or a sheep? The midrash, the classic rabbinic Bible explanation, explains that this symbolises the Egyptian deities. Israel had to renounce the Egyptian gods. With the lamb, they slaughtered the gods of Egypt and turned to the God of Israel. In Jewish tradition, it is told as one of the Passover miracles: the Egyptians were, of course, furious when they heard that the Israelites were taking lambs (their gods) into their homes and tying them to the table leg, so to speak, in order to slaughter them. But they were not able to do anything against it because God protected Israel. The Paschal Lamb thus stands not only for the transition from slavery to freedom but also for the spiritual transformation from cultural and religious bondage to the service of the true God. With the blood of the slaughtered lamb, the Israelites had to sprinkle the doorposts. “And the blood shall be for you a sign” - for you, it says with some emphasis. It is a sign that the Israelites have renounced Egyptian idols and have become visibly obedient to God’s commandment, even if their lives are in danger. But the Lord sees Israel’s obedience and passes over their houses. That is the meaning of the word Pesach: to pass over or skip over. The destroyer (verse 23) has no chance. The Paschal Lamb had to be slaughtered “between the two evenings”, so the Hebrew literally says. That was understood as after noon when the sun is over its highest point and before sunset. It was then to be roasted whole on the fire. Not one leg of it was to be broken. It was only meant for Israel. Those who were not circumcised were not allowed to participate. This continued to be the case later on. According to Jewish tradition, many Israelites in Egypt, therefore, had still to be circumcised. That is also why a period of four days was observed. The Paschal Lamb is thus not a sacrifice for sin. There is sometimes confusion about this. In the sanctuary (first the tabernacle, later the temple), there were daily sacrifices for sin, including lambs. And a lamb was sacrificed daily both in the morning and in the afternoon as a symbol of devotion and meeting with God. But that must be distinguished from the Paschal Lamb. The apostle Paul writes: “For Christ, our Passover also has been sacrificed” (1 Corinthians 5:7). It is in the context of a call to the believers in Corinth to purify their lives from sin, fornication, and idolatry. Jesus died at the hour of the daily sacrifice in the temple. It was the afternoon of 14 Nissan, the time that the Passover lambs, too, were slaughtered. He died as a blameless sacrifice. None of His bones were broken (John 19:36). According to John’s Gospel, Jesus died for the nation, and not for the nation only, but in order that He might also gather together into one the children of God who are scattered abroad (John 11:51-52). In other words, to bring back the exiles of Israel. This year, 14 Nissan, the eve of Passover, coincides with Good Friday. Let us remember that Jesus’ death is not just for our personal salvation, but first and foremost for the restoration of all Israel. The Passover Lamb April 2022 | Israel & Christians Today Nisan - Lyyer 5782 Jesus died at the hour of the daily sacrifice in the temple. It was the afternoon of 14 Nissan, the time that the Passover lambs, too, were slaughtered. He died as a blameless sacrifice. None of His bones were broken (John 19:36). | Photo: Flash90 | Photo: Shutterstock

32. 15 From Our Projects Part of our mission is to comfort Israel and the Jewish people through prayer and action. If you would like to support one of our proAects you can complete the coupon on page  or make an online donation. Thank you very much for your support Aliyah Aliyah is the Hebrew word for the return of the Jewish people to Israel. We support Aliyah mainly from /kraine (and the former Soviet /nion), but also from India and France. Furthermore, we help new immigrants (in Hebrew olim ) to integrate into Israeli society. Hineni Soup Kitchen We help the poor of Israel, by providing them with food. We do this in partnership with the Hineni enter in Jerusalem, headed by BenAamin Philip. 3our gift for the soup kitchen goes directly to the purchase of food. Holocaust Survivors We support impoverished Holocaust survivors in Israel and /kraine through various proAects which provide assistance to survivors of the Holocaust. Those survivors are elderly and will not be among us for long, and there is a growing demand for practical assistance. Christian Friends of Israeli Communities (CFOIC) 3ou can support the Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria, the heart of Biblical Israel. The main purpose is to encourage the people in the Biblical Heartland and to show them that there are hristians throughout the world who support them and share the belief that the areas of Judea and Samaria are part of Israel’s inheritance. Food Parcel Campaign Ukraine We distribute food parcels amongst Jewish people in /kraine. These parcels are handed out to Holocaust survivors, needy families, and the sick. Those food parcels are a sign of friendship that demonstrates your support for our Jewish brothers and sisters and that they are not alone. Arab Christians Life for hristians in Bethlehem is often not easy. hristians for Israel supports the First Baptist hurch of ,ev (aim Khoury in Bethlehem and Jerusalem. The members of this church spread the gospel among Arabs and share their love and heart for Israel and the Jewish people. For country-specific or further information on our projects, go to our website, www.c4israel.org.nz Overview of our projects Elena Kovarsky & Valeria Zacharov n First Home in the Homeland The moment requires us to act fast and create new vacancies for families all over Israel – on Sunday, 27 February; an urgent letter was sent out to all the kibbutzim asking the communities to organise apartments, equipment, vacancies for children, volunteers, etc. for the refugees from Ukraine as soon as possible – around 16 kibbutz applied and starting from this moment we are working hard trying to get new places ready for the arrival of new people as soon as possible and welcome about 20 families each month, every time in another region. No one believed it could happen, but it did, and we all are witnesses of this invasion of Ukraine and massive exodus – “Get up! Get up! Flee from the land of the north,” declares the Lord (Zechariah 2:6) – the Jews that were not thinking about Aliyah are now privileged – they have their Promised Land – Israel that cares about them! This is what Nathan Sharansky shared earlier: “When I was growing up in Ukraine, in Donetsk, there were a lot of nations and nationalities. Some people had ‘Russian’, ‘Ukrainian’, ‘Georgian’, written on their certificate. It was not so important; there was no big difference, but one thing. It was important - if it said ‘Jew’, it was as if you had an illness. We knew nothing about Judaism; there was nothing significant in our Jewish identity other than anti- Semitism and hatred towards us. So, no one tried to replace the word ‘Russian’ with the word ‘Ukrainian’ in his ID card, for example, to be accepted to university, because it does not matter, but if it said ‘Jewish’, you could change it. Of course, the chances of being accepted were greater. I was reminded of this this week when I saw thousands of people standing at the borders, trying to escape the tragedy in Ukraine. They stand there day and night, and there is one word that can help them get out of there: ‘Jew’. If you are a Jew - there are Jews out there who take care of you, there is someone on the other side of the border who is looking for you, your chances of leaving are high. The world has turned upside down. “When I was a child, ‘Jew’ was an unusual word for evil, no one envied us, and today on the Ukrainian border, a Jew is an unusual word for good, it describes people who have a place to go, and there is an entire people, which is their family, waiting for them outside.” Preparing for the Refugees The refugees will arrive in the coming days and weeks, mostly women with children. They will cross the Ukrainian borders and very soon come to Israel. The first group will go to the South. We urgently have to equip apartments for refugees from Ukraine. Christians for Israel have been with us for years, in good times and trying times. But we have not seen such a time as this. We hope that we can bring many people out of the war and fear to their home, to their first home in the homeland! Please support the “First Home in the Homeland” Project. Any amount is welcome! To donate, complete the coupon on page 16. The Moment to Act Fast April 2022 | Israel & Christians Today Nisan - Lyyer 5782 “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” (Psalm 56:3). Yuliya from Odessa and her children, Anastasiya (15 years old), Ilya (1 year old). Yuliya arrived alone as her husband had to stay in Ukraine. Yelkina and her daughter Anastasia (3 years old) from Odessa arrived in Israel on 10 March and we welcomed them in kibbutz Mashabei Sade. 14 Modern Israel Kay Wilson n Israeli Tour Guide | Author | Cartoonist What Churchill was to Britain with his command of the English language, Abba Eban was to Israel. Of all the Israeli statesmen, Abba Eban left a legacy of literary wit on every Israeli heart. Among his most piercingly humorous and truthful sayings is the unforgettable: “If Algeria introduced a resolution that the earth was flat and that Israel had flattened it, it would pass by a vote of 164 to 13 with 26 abstentions.” His tongue was his most powerful weapon, and over his long career, he used it with astonishing effectiveness numerous times. He first caught the eye of the world when he rose to address the General Assembly of the United Nations in May 1949. His very British appearance and his Oxbridge accent set him apart from the stereotypes that the assembl y had of Israelis. No one moved in the hall as he delivered a two-hour appeal for the new state of Israel. His speech that year at the General Assembly was so moving that it led to Israel’s admission to the UN. His position assured, he retained his post at the UN until 1959, even becoming vice- president of the General Assembly for a number of years. A brilliant scholar, Abba Eban was born in South Africa and given the name Aubrey Solomon Meir Eban. His family soon moved to England. His parents were not rich, and life was tough with four children on their hands. But proving to be a prodigy, he won scholarships to every school he attended and even Cambridge University. During World War II, British Intelligence recognised his talent and sent him on a secret mission to Egypt to discuss ways in which the Arab nations could be involved in the British side in the war. He was soon serving as liaison officer at allied h eadquarters in Jerusalem, where he was given the task of recruiting members of the Jewish population for the British army. Although the British wanted him to continue to serve in their forces after the war, with the horrors of the Holocaust now becoming known, Abba Eban joined the Jewish Agency instead and dedicated his life to Zionism. In Israel, he invested his time in writing and in public speaking, becoming very involved in Israeli politics. Fluent in Arabic, he was always given the task of talking to Arabs. His British accent and exterior were a bonus to him and his country. Just li ke at the UN, both the Israelis and the Arabs did not always equate him with being a ‘real’ Israeli. In the case of Arabs, it arguably made them more open to dialogue, but in the case of Israelis, sadly, Abba Eban felt very estranged. After all the incredible work Abba Eban also did for the British, even they shunned him. One of the finest British servicemen of his time, he is not even mentioned in any of their biographical dictionaries. As an old saying goes, this man had nowhere to lay his head. Eban did not fit in anywhere, but his legacy lives on. His words, thoughts and pointed wit still amuse us and challenge us today. Nowhere to Lay His Head April 2022 | Israel & Christians Today Nisan - Lyyer 5782 Prime Minister David Ben Gurion accompanied by Mr Abba Eban, Israel Ambassasor to USA visits President Harry Truman, 1951. | Photo: Fritz Cohen Yaakov Hagoel n Vice-Chairman | World Zionist Organisation Chairman | World Likud Throughout history, no other people has held so strongly to the memory of their homeland no matter what country they lived in. I was born in Israel to parents who were also born in Israel. However my grandparents had the merit to make Aliyah to Israel. Like many who are now reading this article, my grandparents left behind a house, a culture, and a language. Unfortunately, I will never experience the amazing challenge of liberating myself from exile and returning home to the promised land. I will never deal with the difficulties of learning a new/old language and adapting to a new culture - an integral part of immigration. The phenomenon of Aliyah, which means to ‘arise to Israel,’ began nearly 4,000 years ago. Under divine command, the patriarch of the Jewish nation was called to “leave thy country, and thy people, and thy father’s house, unto a land that I will show you” as it states in the book of Genesis. He embarked on a long journey, a journey that has not yet come to an end. It is not at all simple to leave a land of plenty and come to a land that seems lacking. However Abraham’s complete faith in making this huge step has deepened within our people the importance of taking this step ourselves. The essence of our life is here and this is where we can fulfill the aspiration to establish a ‘model society’ as described by the Zionist visionary Theodor Herzl. Throughout history, no other people has held so strongly to the memory of their homeland no matter what country they lived in. With prayer books in front of their eyes, Jews have been praying for thousands of years facing the direction of Jerusalem. Despite not living in the land, Jews have always studied the laws that pertain to the land such as shmittah and the Jubilee year. Every year the Passover Seder ends with the words ‘next year in rebuilt Jerusalem.’ The renewed Zionist idea contains two basic concepts which cannot be separated: immigration and resettlement. As Theodor Herzl, founder of the World Zionist Organisation wrote, “throughout the long night of their exile, Jews have never ceased dreaming of their kingdom. We read ‘next year in Jerusalem’ throughout all generations. Now the time has come to make that dream a reality.” Yom HaAliyah was formalised as a national holiday in Israel to be mark ed on the 7th of Cheshvan. However according to tradition, Joshua led the children of Israel into the holy land on a different date, the 27th of Nissan. But it was no accident that the 7th of Cheshvan was chosen to mark the Aliyah Day. It is on this week every year, that we read Parshat Lech Lecha in synagogue on Shabbat. It is in this Torah portion that Abraham hears the divine call to leave the land of his birth and forge a new path to the land of Israel. Yom HaAliyah, or Aliyah Day, reinforces the right of the Jewish people to the land of Israel. This date reminds us that despite the expulsion of the majority of the Jewish people from their homeland nearly 2,000 years ago, they remained faithful to the land throughout their Dispersion. Throughout the generations, our ancestors aspired to immigrate to Israel. Many of us grew up seeing old photographs of immigrants ships, of Jews kissing the ground as they arrived in Israel, and of the Ma’abarot or transit camps with their rows of tents for homeless immigrant families. Immigration to Israel in the days of our parents and grandparents was accompanied by a difficult transition. They came with little material possessions or money and lived in tent cities or development towns. They became a symbol both of the difficulty of making Aliyah yet the importance of doing it in spite of everything. With the development of the State of Israel and its prosperity, the procedure of Aliyah and absorption has improved beyond recognition. The transit camps were replaced by apartments, poverty was replaced by an Absorption Basket, and language difficulties were replaced by the Hebrew Ulpan system. From refugees of the Spanish Inquisition to those escaping the hardships in Africa and survivors from war- torn Europe steeped in blood, Israel has become the home of the Jewish people from all different walks of life. In this new/old land, we have seen a new generation of scientists, artists, entrepreneurs, military experts, lawmakers, intellectuals, and religious leaders f rom countless different countries. They are now all part of this innovation nation called the State of Israel where immigrants from around the world share their talents in development, economics, high- tech and medical breakthroughs. There are numerous challenges when it comes to being an immigrant. We must all recognise the importance of both absorption and integration into Israeli society, the removal of obstacles to success as well as maintaining ties with our brothers and sisters in the Diaspora. The State of Israel is looking forward to the continued ingathering of the exiles from around the world, from South America from Australia from Europe from North America from Ethiopia and from all over the world. Abridged by Managing Editor Celebrating Israel’s Revival

33. 15 From Our Projects Part of our mission is to comfort Israel and the Jewish people through prayer and action. If you would like to support one of our proAects you can complete the coupon on page  or make an online donation. Thank you very much for your support Aliyah Aliyah is the Hebrew word for the return of the Jewish people to Israel. We support Aliyah mainly from /kraine (and the former Soviet /nion), but also from India and France. Furthermore, we help new immigrants (in Hebrew olim ) to integrate into Israeli society. Hineni Soup Kitchen We help the poor of Israel, by providing them with food. We do this in partnership with the Hineni enter in Jerusalem, headed by BenAamin Philip. 3our gift for the soup kitchen goes directly to the purchase of food. Holocaust Survivors We support impoverished Holocaust survivors in Israel and /kraine through various proAects which provide assistance to survivors of the Holocaust. Those survivors are elderly and will not be among us for long, and there is a growing demand for practical assistance. Christian Friends of Israeli Communities (CFOIC) 3ou can support the Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria, the heart of Biblical Israel. The main purpose is to encourage the people in the Biblical Heartland and to show them that there are hristians throughout the world who support them and share the belief that the areas of Judea and Samaria are part of Israel’s inheritance. Food Parcel Campaign Ukraine We distribute food parcels amongst Jewish people in /kraine. These parcels are handed out to Holocaust survivors, needy families, and the sick. Those food parcels are a sign of friendship that demonstrates your support for our Jewish brothers and sisters and that they are not alone. Arab Christians Life for hristians in Bethlehem is often not easy. hristians for Israel supports the First Baptist hurch of ,ev (aim Khoury in Bethlehem and Jerusalem. The members of this church spread the gospel among Arabs and share their love and heart for Israel and the Jewish people. For country-specific or further information on our projects, go to our website, www.c4israel.org.nz Overview of our projects Elena Kovarsky & Valeria Zacharov n First Home in the Homeland The moment requires us to act fast and create new vacancies for families all over Israel – on Sunday, 27 February; an urgent letter was sent out to all the kibbutzim asking the communities to organise apartments, equipment, vacancies for children, volunteers, etc. for the refugees from Ukraine as soon as possible – around 16 kibbutz applied and starting from this moment we are working hard trying to get new places ready for the arrival of new people as soon as possible and welcome about 20 families each month, every time in another region. No one believed it could happen, but it did, and we all are witnesses of this invasion of Ukraine and massive exodus – “Get up! Get up! Flee from the land of the north,” declares the Lord (Zechariah 2:6) – the Jews that were not thinking about Aliyah are now privileged – they have their Promised Land – Israel that cares about them! This is what Nathan Sharansky shared earlier: “When I was growing up in Ukraine, in Donetsk, there were a lot of nations and nationalities. Some people had ‘Russian’, ‘Ukrainian’, ‘Georgian’, written on their certificate. It was not so important; there was no big difference, but one thing. It was important - if it said ‘Jew’, it was as if you had an illness. We knew nothing about Judaism; there was nothing significant in our Jewish identity other than anti- Semitism and hatred towards us. So, no one tried to replace the word ‘Russian’ with the word ‘Ukrainian’ in his ID card, for example, to be accepted to university, because it does not matter, but if it said ‘Jewish’, you could change it. Of course, the chances of being accepted were greater. I was reminded of this this week when I saw thousands of people standing at the borders, trying to escape the tragedy in Ukraine. They stand there day and night, and there is one word that can help them get out of there: ‘Jew’. If you are a Jew - there are Jews out there who take care of you, there is someone on the other side of the border who is looking for you, your chances of leaving are high. The world has turned upside down. “When I was a child, ‘Jew’ was an unusual word for evil, no one envied us, and today on the Ukrainian border, a Jew is an unusual word for good, it describes people who have a place to go, and there is an entire people, which is their family, waiting for them outside.” Preparing for the Refugees The refugees will arrive in the coming days and weeks, mostly women with children. They will cross the Ukrainian borders and very soon come to Israel. The first group will go to the South. We urgently have to equip apartments for refugees from Ukraine. Christians for Israel have been with us for years, in good times and trying times. But we have not seen such a time as this. We hope that we can bring many people out of the war and fear to their home, to their first home in the homeland! Please support the “First Home in the Homeland” Project. Any amount is welcome! To donate, complete the coupon on page 16. The Moment to Act Fast April 2022 | Israel & Christians Today Nisan - Lyyer 5782 “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” (Psalm 56:3). Yuliya from Odessa and her children, Anastasiya (15 years old), Ilya (1 year old). Yuliya arrived alone as her husband had to stay in Ukraine. Yelkina and her daughter Anastasia (3 years old) from Odessa arrived in Israel on 10 March and we welcomed them in kibbutz Mashabei Sade. 14 Modern Israel Kay Wilson n Israeli Tour Guide | Author | Cartoonist What Churchill was to Britain with his command of the English language, Abba Eban was to Israel. Of all the Israeli statesmen, Abba Eban left a legacy of literary wit on every Israeli heart. Among his most piercingly humorous and truthful sayings is the unforgettable: “If Algeria introduced a resolution that the earth was flat and that Israel had flattened it, it would pass by a vote of 164 to 13 with 26 abstentions.” His tongue was his most powerful weapon, and over his long career, he used it with astonishing effectiveness numerous times. He first caught the eye of the world when he rose to address the General Assembly of the United Nations in May 1949. His very British appearance and his Oxbridge accent set him apart from the stereotypes that the assembl y had of Israelis. No one moved in the hall as he delivered a two-hour appeal for the new state of Israel. His speech that year at the General Assembly was so moving that it led to Israel’s admission to the UN. His position assured, he retained his post at the UN until 1959, even becoming vice- president of the General Assembly for a number of years. A brilliant scholar, Abba Eban was born in South Africa and given the name Aubrey Solomon Meir Eban. His family soon moved to England. His parents were not rich, and life was tough with four children on their hands. But proving to be a prodigy, he won scholarships to every school he attended and even Cambridge University. During World War II, British Intelligence recognised his talent and sent him on a secret mission to Egypt to discuss ways in which the Arab nations could be involved in the British side in the war. He was soon serving as liaison officer at allied h eadquarters in Jerusalem, where he was given the task of recruiting members of the Jewish population for the British army. Although the British wanted him to continue to serve in their forces after the war, with the horrors of the Holocaust now becoming known, Abba Eban joined the Jewish Agency instead and dedicated his life to Zionism. In Israel, he invested his time in writing and in public speaking, becoming very involved in Israeli politics. Fluent in Arabic, he was always given the task of talking to Arabs. His British accent and exterior were a bonus to him and his country. Just li ke at the UN, both the Israelis and the Arabs did not always equate him with being a ‘real’ Israeli. In the case of Arabs, it arguably made them more open to dialogue, but in the case of Israelis, sadly, Abba Eban felt very estranged. After all the incredible work Abba Eban also did for the British, even they shunned him. One of the finest British servicemen of his time, he is not even mentioned in any of their biographical dictionaries. As an old saying goes, this man had nowhere to lay his head. Eban did not fit in anywhere, but his legacy lives on. His words, thoughts and pointed wit still amuse us and challenge us today. Nowhere to Lay His Head April 2022 | Israel & Christians Today Nisan - Lyyer 5782 Prime Minister David Ben Gurion accompanied by Mr Abba Eban, Israel Ambassasor to USA visits President Harry Truman, 1951. | Photo: Fritz Cohen Yaakov Hagoel n Vice-Chairman | World Zionist Organisation Chairman | World Likud Throughout history, no other people has held so strongly to the memory of their homeland no matter what country they lived in. I was born in Israel to parents who were also born in Israel. However my grandparents had the merit to make Aliyah to Israel. Like many who are now reading this article, my grandparents left behind a house, a culture, and a language. Unfortunately, I will never experience the amazing challenge of liberating myself from exile and returning home to the promised land. I will never deal with the difficulties of learning a new/old language and adapting to a new culture - an integral part of immigration. The phenomenon of Aliyah, which means to ‘arise to Israel,’ began nearly 4,000 years ago. Under divine command, the patriarch of the Jewish nation was called to “leave thy country, and thy people, and thy father’s house, unto a land that I will show you” as it states in the book of Genesis. He embarked on a long journey, a journey that has not yet come to an end. It is not at all simple to leave a land of plenty and come to a land that seems lacking. However Abraham’s complete faith in making this huge step has deepened within our people the importance of taking this step ourselves. The essence of our life is here and this is where we can fulfill the aspiration to establish a ‘model society’ as described by the Zionist visionary Theodor Herzl. Throughout history, no other people has held so strongly to the memory of their homeland no matter what country they lived in. With prayer books in front of their eyes, Jews have been praying for thousands of years facing the direction of Jerusalem. Despite not living in the land, Jews have always studied the laws that pertain to the land such as shmittah and the Jubilee year. Every year the Passover Seder ends with the words ‘next year in rebuilt Jerusalem.’ The renewed Zionist idea contains two basic concepts which cannot be separated: immigration and resettlement. As Theodor Herzl, founder of the World Zionist Organisation wrote, “throughout the long night of their exile, Jews have never ceased dreaming of their kingdom. We read ‘next year in Jerusalem’ throughout all generations. Now the time has come to make that dream a reality.” Yom HaAliyah was formalised as a national holiday in Israel to be mark ed on the 7th of Cheshvan. However according to tradition, Joshua led the children of Israel into the holy land on a different date, the 27th of Nissan. But it was no accident that the 7th of Cheshvan was chosen to mark the Aliyah Day. It is on this week every year, that we read Parshat Lech Lecha in synagogue on Shabbat. It is in this Torah portion that Abraham hears the divine call to leave the land of his birth and forge a new path to the land of Israel. Yom HaAliyah, or Aliyah Day, reinforces the right of the Jewish people to the land of Israel. This date reminds us that despite the expulsion of the majority of the Jewish people from their homeland nearly 2,000 years ago, they remained faithful to the land throughout their Dispersion. Throughout the generations, our ancestors aspired to immigrate to Israel. Many of us grew up seeing old photographs of immigrants ships, of Jews kissing the ground as they arrived in Israel, and of the Ma’abarot or transit camps with their rows of tents for homeless immigrant families. Immigration to Israel in the days of our parents and grandparents was accompanied by a difficult transition. They came with little material possessions or money and lived in tent cities or development towns. They became a symbol both of the difficulty of making Aliyah yet the importance of doing it in spite of everything. With the development of the State of Israel and its prosperity, the procedure of Aliyah and absorption has improved beyond recognition. The transit camps were replaced by apartments, poverty was replaced by an Absorption Basket, and language difficulties were replaced by the Hebrew Ulpan system. From refugees of the Spanish Inquisition to those escaping the hardships in Africa and survivors from war- torn Europe steeped in blood, Israel has become the home of the Jewish people from all different walks of life. In this new/old land, we have seen a new generation of scientists, artists, entrepreneurs, military experts, lawmakers, intellectuals, and religious leaders f rom countless different countries. They are now all part of this innovation nation called the State of Israel where immigrants from around the world share their talents in development, economics, high- tech and medical breakthroughs. There are numerous challenges when it comes to being an immigrant. We must all recognise the importance of both absorption and integration into Israeli society, the removal of obstacles to success as well as maintaining ties with our brothers and sisters in the Diaspora. The State of Israel is looking forward to the continued ingathering of the exiles from around the world, from South America from Australia from Europe from North America from Ethiopia and from all over the world. Abridged by Managing Editor Celebrating Israel’s Revival

34. 16 Emergency Action Ukraine April 2022 | Israel & Christians Today Nisan - Lyyer 5782 Finally Safe at Home! Minister Pnina Tamano-Shata at the arrival of the first flight on 6 March 2022. | Photo: Flash90 On Sunday, March 6, the first group of 150 Jewish refugees from Ukraine landed in Israel. They were welcomed to Israel by, among others, the Israeli Minister of Immigration Pnina Tamano-Shata, who herself had to flee violence from her native Ethiopia as a little girl. Danielle Mor of the Jewish Agency said, “I can hardly believe that I am allowed to stand here on behalf of Christians for Israel. Together we have been able to bring people out of the horror and war to the safety of Israel. We thank Christians for Israel and especially your team in Ukraine for all you do. May God be with you”. One of the refugees tearfully explains, “My husband, my grandparents and all my friends stayed behind in Ukraine. We are now here in safety. We are of course happy, but at the same time very sad”. Since March 6, several evacuation flights have been taking place to Israel every day. Thanks to your support we as Christians for Israel can help with this. God is bringing His people home, through all afflictions! “You are Doing God’s Work” At our shelter in Moldova, a full bus arrives with people from the Jewish community in Ukraine. It is snowing and freezing cold. After days of travelling, they are finally at a place where they can get a decent rest. An elderly lady comes walking in with the other people from t his bus. Her name is Ludmilla and has come from Kharkov; at the last minute she heard that one of our buses would be leaving the city. Ludmilla: “I was told it was a good, reliable organisation that could help me. I had twenty minutes to pack my things and go. I grabbed my passport and I looked around my house one more time and then I closed the door behind me. There was someone to help me get to the bus of Christians for Israel. While on the way, we were in the car and there were bombings. There were explosions, it was terribly scary.” Now Ludmilla is safe and on her way to Israel. She didn’t know Christians for Israel yet, but she is deeply grateful. “I am so happy that Christians are helping us. It shows me that God is love, it’s brotherly love. You are doing God’s work!” | Photo: Christians for Israel YES, I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A DONATION TOWARDS... C4I MINISTRY 1 TEACHING RESOURCES DONATION PRICE inc GST See our full range at: c4israel.com.au/store QUANTITY SUB TOTAL $ _______ SUB TOTAL DONATION $___________ MY TOTAL $____________ $ ___________ $ ___________ My donation for general admin costs (inc print & post) Thinc. (countering anti Israel “lawfare” ) $30-$50 $_______ ____________ Israel and Christians Today Paper (free or by donation) ____________ ____________ $________ The End Times Through Jewish Eyes (DVD) by Ps Enoch Lavender Why Israel? $15 (BOOK) $30 (DVD) $35 (DVD + Study Guide) $5 (Study Guide) $5 (Facilitators Guide) by Willem Glashouwer $36 each ____________ Behold He Comes (BOOK: 800 pages) by Willem Glashouwer Living A Life In Victory (BOOK) by Willem Glashouwer $20 each ____________ $20 each ____________ NEW! Jewish Christians in the Netherlands During the Holocaust $15 each Until... (BOOK) by Willem Glashouwer $25 each ____________ Understanding Israel and world events from a Biblical perspective April 2022 Nisan - Lyyar 5782 Israel & Christians Today is the premier publication of Christians for Israel 6-7 Emergency Campaign Ukraine 3 Jewish Identity Grows 8 Jerusalem Prayer Breakfast: Estonia 15 The Moment to Act Fast Many centuries ago, the prophet Zechariah foresaw that the Jewish people would have to flee. Zechariah 2:6 says: “Come! come! Flee from the land of the north”. Nobody could have foreseen how fast it would go. A few weeks ago, the Russian army invaded Ukraine with unprecedented violence. Millions of Ukrainians have fled, among them many thousands of Jews. Thanks to your support, we have already been able to help thousands of Jews on their way to Israel. Our team in Ukraine works day and night to evacuate Jews from the North to the Promised Land. Bus Transportation Our coordinator Koen Carlier in Ukraine: “We help in any way we can: with food, temporary emergency shelter, and evacuation trips. The last few weeks the airspace in Ukraine has been closed: that is why we have arranged bus transport. In Ukraine, we drive people to the border in our own buses. From the Moldovan border, we have found a Christian bus company that is at our disposal day and night to evacuate people with dozens of buses and bring them to airports in Moldova and Romania. From there, there are daily flights to Israel.” Drivers Wanted Koen: “We are now also trying to find bus drivers who dare to drive to the east of Ukraine, where the war is even more intense. Some cities are currently partially or completely inaccessible and cut off from gas, water and electricity. We feel a responsibility towards the Jewish communities we have supported for years. Especially in this difficult time, we do not want to let them down”. More about our emergency campaign on pages 6-7 and 16. Flight from the North special emergency campaign Ukraine In this special edition of Israel & Christians Today you will read more about this difficult and dangerous work in Ukraine. You will read how we may be a comfort and a blessing to the Jewish people, especially in this difficult time. Would you like to pray for our employees and for the Jewish communities in Ukraine and help us with your donation? To donate, complete the coupon on the back page. It seemed impossible, but 85-year-old Holocaust survivor Anatoly managed to flee the war together with his wife and daughter. It took three days and six buses to reach a safe place from where they travelled to Israel. For Anatoly this was the second time since 1941 that he had to flee. On the photo left of Anatoly Koen Carlier, on the right his daughter. | Photo: Christians for Israel www.c4israel.com.au | info@c4israel.com.au AUSTRALIA AUSTRALIA Understanding Israel and world events from a Biblical perspective April 2022 Nisan - Lyyar 5782 Israel & Christians Today is the premier publication of Christians for Israel 6-7 Emergency Campaign Ukraine 3 Jewish Identity Grows 8 Jerusalem Prayer Breakfast: Estonia 15 The Moment to Act Fast Many centuries ago, the prophet Zechariah foresaw that the Jewish people would have to flee. Zechariah 2:6 says: “Come! come! Flee from the land of the north”. Nobody could have foreseen how fast it would go. A few weeks ago, the Russian army invaded Ukraine with unprecedented violence. Millions of Ukrainians have fled, among them many thousands of Jews. Thanks to your support, we have already been able to help thousands of Jews on their way to Israel. Our team in Ukraine works day and night to evacuate Jews from the North to the Promised Land. Bus Transportation Our coordinator Koen Carlier in Ukraine: “We help in any way we can: with food, temporary emergency shelter, and evacuation trips. The last few weeks the airspace in Ukraine has been closed: that is why we have arranged bus transport. In Ukraine, we drive people to the border in our own buses. From the Moldovan border, we have found a Christian bus company that is at our disposal day and night to evacuate people with dozens of buses and bring them to airports in Moldova and Romania. From there, there are daily flights to Israel.” Drivers Wanted Koen: “We are now also trying to find bus drivers who dare to drive to the east of Ukraine, where the war is even more intense. Some cities are currently partially or completely inaccessible and cut off from gas, water and electricity. We feel a responsibility towards the Jewish communities we have supported for years. Especially in this difficult time, we do not want to let them down”. More about our emergency campaign on pages 6-7 and 16. Flight from the North special emergency campaign Ukraine In this special edition of Israel & Christians Today you will read more about this difficult and dangerous work in Ukraine. You will read how we may be a comfort and a blessing to the Jewish people, especially in this difficult time. Would you like to pray for our employees and for the Jewish communities in Ukraine and help us with your donation? To donate, complete the coupon on the back page. It seemed impossible, but 85-year-old Holocaust survivor Anatoly managed to flee the war together with his wife and daughter. It took three days and six buses to reach a safe place from where they travelled to Israel. For Anatoly this was the second time since 1941 that he had to flee. On the photo left of Anatoly Koen Carlier, on the right his daughter. | Photo: Christians for Israel www.c4israel.com.au | info@c4israel.com.au AUSTRALIA AUSTRALIA Understanding Israel and world events from a Biblical perspective April 2022 Nisan - Lyyar 5782 Israel & Christians Today is the premier publication of Christians for Israel 6-7 Emergency Campaign Ukraine 3 Jewish Identity Grows 8 Jerusalem Prayer Breakfast: Estonia 15 The Moment to Act Fast Many centuries ago, the prophet Zechariah foresaw that the Jewish people would have to flee. Zechariah 2:6 says: “Come! come! Flee from the land of the north”. Nobody could have foreseen how fast it would go. A few weeks ago, the Russian army invaded Ukraine with unprecedented violence. Millions of Ukrainians have fled, among them many thousands of Jews. Thanks to your support, we have already been able to help thousands of Jews on their way to Israel. Our team in Ukraine works day and night to evacuate Jews from the North to the Promised Land. Bus Transportation Our coordinator Koen Carlier in Ukraine: “We help in any way we can: with food, temporary emergency shelter, and evacuation trips. The last few weeks the airspace in Ukraine has been closed: that is why we have arranged bus transport. In Ukraine, we drive people to the border in our own buses. From the Moldovan border, we have found a Christian bus company that is at our disposal day and night to evacuate people with dozens of buses and bring them to airports in Moldova and Romania. From there, there are daily flights to Israel.” Drivers Wanted Koen: “We are now also trying to find bus drivers who dare to drive to the east of Ukraine, where the war is even more intense. Some cities are currently partially or completely inaccessible and cut off from gas, water and electricity. We feel a responsibility towards the Jewish communities we have supported for years. Especially in this difficult time, we do not want to let them down”. More about our emergency campaign on pages 6-7 and 16. Flight from the North special emergency campaign Ukraine In this special edition of Israel & Christians Today you will read more about this difficult and dangerous work in Ukraine. You will read how we may be a comfort and a blessing to the Jewish people, especially in this difficult time. Would you like to pray for our employees and for the Jewish communities in Ukraine and help us with your donation? To donate, complete the coupon on the back page. It seemed impossible, but 85-year-old Holocaust survivor Anatoly managed to flee the war together with his wife and daughter. It took three days and six buses to reach a safe place from where they travelled to Israel. For Anatoly this was the second time since 1941 that he had to flee. On the photo left of Anatoly Koen Carlier, on the right his daughter. | Photo: Christians for Israel www.c4israel.com.au | info@c4israel.com.au AUSTRALIA AUSTRALIA Please post cheque or money order to: Christians for Israel Australia Inc (don’t use staples) INTERNET BANKING DETAILS: BSB: ANZ BANK— 014-279 Account No: 405318551 Ref: Your name & donation purpose. Please confirm by emailing info@c4israel.com.au MY DETAILS NAME: __________________________________________ IF YOU DON’T KNOW OR HAVE YOUR MEMBER ID PLEASE INCLUDE: Address: ______________________________________________ Phone: ________________________________________________ Email: ________________________________________________ Christians for Israel Australia ABN: 79 941 819 693 ICT0422 4 3 SOCIAL WELFARE PROJECTS $ ___________ $ ___________ Hineni soup kitchen Jerusalem ($10 per cooked meal) SOS Ukraine: Emergency Aid Appeal (see pg 11 for more details) $ ___________ Holocaust Survivor Comfort Ukraine ($50 or best gift) $ ___________ Meals on Wheels Ukraine ($10 per cooked meal) $ ___________ First Home in the Homeland in Israel ($350 pp) $ ___________ $ ___________ Food Parcels Ukraine ($15 per parcel for 1 month/pp) ADI (for children with disabilities) $30 or your best gift $ ___________ CFOIC (Judea and Samaria) Heartland ($30 or your best gift) 2 ALIYAH—BRING THE JEWS HOME $350 One Person from Ukraine* $6250 One Busload from Ukraine (25 persons)* $1460 Bnei Menashe—Asian exiles (1 person) $1250 One Family from Ukraine (5 persons)* *NOTE: Certificates for individuals and families from the Ukraine only. Office Phone Number: 07 3088 6900 MEMBER ID (IF KNOWN) : C4IA + while stocks last NEW! PLEASE COMPLETE FORM & RETURN TO: Christians for Israel Australia, PO Box 1508, Springwood, QLD 4127 or you can donate securely online c4israel.com.au/donate

19. 9 April 2022 | Israel & Christians Today Nisan - Lyyar 5782 JOURNEY THROUGH THE LAND & MEET ABRAHAM’S DESCENDANTS LIVING IN BIBLICAL ISRAEL TODAY! MEET THE PEOPLE WHO ARE SETTLING THE LAND OF ISRAEL. LISTEN TO STORIES OF FAITH AND COURAGE. EXPERIENCE THE HEARTLAND OF BIBLICAL ISRAEL LIKE NEVER BEFORE! Journey through the Bible to the Present Only CFOIC Heartland gives you the inside story of Israel! June 10–23, 2022 Tour Leader Joy Heylen Australian Representative CFOIC Heartland Israel Host Sondra Oster Baras Director CFOIC Heartland – Israel Tour Guide Stan Goodenough Journey to Israel this year with CFOIC Heartland JOURNEY THROUGH THE LAND & MEET ABRAHAM’S DESCENDANTS LIVING IN BIBLICAL ISRAEL TODAY! MEET THE PEOPLE WHO ARE SETTLING THE LAND OF ISRAEL. LISTEN TO STORIES OF FAITH AND COURAGE. EXPERIENCE THE HEARTLAND OF BIBLICAL ISRAEL LIKE NEVER BEFORE! Journey through the Bible to the Present Only CFOIC Heartland gives you the inside story of Israel! June 10–23, 2022 Tour Leader Joy Heylen Australian Representative CFOIC Heartland Israel Host Sondra Oster Baras Director CFOIC Heartland – Israel Tour Guide Stan Goodenough Shiloh Hebron Old City Jerusalem City of David Jordan River ANZAC Museum Kfar Etzion Karnei Shomron LAND TOUR ONLY US $ 3,900 | AU $ 5,575 (Double Occupancy) Single Supplement: US $ 1,200 | AU $ 1,700 For more information and to reserve your space on this amazing tour, please contact us. In Australia Olive Tree Travel 103A Gardenvale Road, Gardenvale VIC 3185 Ph: 03 8488 9696 or 1300 550 830 Toll free NZ : 0800 874 867 Mobile: 0413 016 772 info@olivetreetravel.com.au www.olivetreetravel.com.au In North America Kim Troup, Director CFOIC Heartland – USA kim@cfoic.com Ph: +1-800-647-3344 (Toll-free when phoning in the US) All Other Countries Sondra Oster Baras, Director CFOIC Heartland – Israel Sondra@cfoic.com Ph: +972-9-792-0958 We welcome registration from all over the world. Call or email us from wherever you are – we look forward to seeing you in Israel! Masada Garden of Gethsemane Qumran Yad VaShem Jordan Valley Mt. of Olives Western Wall Garden Tomb Atlit Mt. Beatitudes Caesarea Philippi Dead Sea Beersheva Sde Boker Nitzan Ashkelon Hebron Hills Three Seas Outlook Golan Heights Katzrin Harod Spring Zemach Zichron Yaakov and much more! Highlights Christian Friends of Israeli Communities HEARTLAND Shiloh Hebron Old City Jerusalem City of David Jordan River ANZAC Museum Kfar Etzion Karnei Shomron LAND TOUR ONLY US $ 3,900 | AU $ 5,575 (Double Occupancy) Single Supplement: US $ 1,200 | AU $ 1,700 For more information and to reserve your space on this amazing tour, please contact us. In Australia Olive Tree Travel 103A Gardenvale Road, Gardenvale VIC 3185 Ph: 03 8488 9696 or 1300 550 830 Toll free NZ : 0800 874 867 Mobile: 0413 016 772 info@olivetreetravel.com.au www.olivetreetravel.com.au In North America Kim Troup, Director CFOIC Heartland – USA kim@cfoic.com Ph: +1-800-647-3344 (Toll-free when phoning in the US) All Other Countries Sondra Oster Baras, Director CFOIC Heartland – Israel Sondra@cfoic.com Ph: +972-9-792-0958 We welcome registration from all over the world. Call or email us from wherever you are – we look forward to seeing you in Israel! Masada Garden of Gethsemane Qumran Yad VaShem Jordan Valley Mt. of Olives Western Wall Garden Tomb Atlit Mt. Beatitudes Caesarea Philippi Dead Sea Beersheva Sde Boker Nitzan Ashkelon Hebron Hills Three Seas Outlook Golan Heights Katzrin Harod Spring Zemach Zichron Yaakov and much more! Highlights Christian Friends of Israeli Communities HEARTLAND Shiloh Hebron Old City Jerusalem City of David Jordan River ANZAC Museum Kfar Etzion Karnei Shomron LAND TOUR ONLY US $ 3,900 | AU $ 5,575 (Double Occupancy) Single Supplement: US $ 1,200 | AU $ 1,700 For more information and to reserve your space on this amazing tour, please contact us. In Australia Olive Tree Travel 103A Gardenvale Road, Gardenvale VIC 3185 Ph: 03 8488 9696 or 1300 550 830 Toll free NZ : 0800 874 867 Mobile: 0413 016 772 info@olivetreetravel.com.au www.olivetreetravel.com.au In North America Kim Troup, Director CFOIC Heartland – USA kim@cfoic.com Ph: +1-800-647-3344 (Toll-free when phoning in the US) All Other Countries Sondra Oster Baras, Director CFOIC Heartland – Israel Sondra@cfoic.com Ph: +972-9-792-0958 We welcome registration from all over the world. Call or email us from wherever you are – we look forward to seeing you in Israel! Masada Garden of Gethsemane Qumran Yad VaShem Jordan Valley Mt. of Olives Western Wall Garden Tomb Atlit Mt. Beatitudes Caesarea Philippi Dead Sea Beersheva Sde Boker Nitzan Ashkelon Hebron Hills Three Seas Outlook Golan Heights Katzrin Harod Spring Zemach Zichron Yaakov and much more! Highlights Christian Friends of Israeli Communities HEARTLAND Shiloh Hebron Old City Jerusalem City of David Jordan River ANZAC Museum Kfar Etzion Karnei Shomron LAND TOUR ONLY US $ 3,900 | AU $ 5,575 (Double Occupancy) Single Supplement: US $ 1,200 | AU $ 1,700 For more information and to reserve your space on this amazing tour, please contact us. In Australia Olive Tree Travel 103A Gardenvale Road, Gardenvale VIC 3185 Ph: 03 8488 9696 or 1300 550 830 Toll free NZ : 0800 874 867 Mobile: 0413 016 772 info@olivetreetravel.com.au www.olivetreetravel.com.au In North America Kim Troup, Director CFOIC Heartland – USA kim@cfoic.com Ph: +1-800-647-3344 (Toll-free when phoning in the US) All Other Countries Sondra Oster Baras, Director CFOIC Heartland – Israel Sondra@cfoic.com Ph: +972-9-792-0958 We welcome registration from all over the world. Call or email us from wherever you are – we look forward to seeing you in Israel! Masada Garden of Gethsemane Qumran Yad VaShem Jordan Valley Mt. of Olives Western Wall Garden Tomb Atlit Mt. Beatitudes Caesarea Philippi Dead Sea Beersheva Sde Boker Nitzan Ashkelon Hebron Hills Three Seas Outlook Golan Heights Katzrin Harod Spring Zemach Zichron Yaakov and much more! Highlights Christian Friends of Israeli Communities HEARTLAND Shiloh Hebron Old City Jerusalem City of David Jordan River ANZAC Museum Kfar Etzion Karnei Shomron LAND TOUR ONLY US $ 3,900 | AU $ 5,575 (Double Occupancy) Single Supplement: US $ 1,200 | AU $ 1,700 For more information and to reserve your space on this amazing tour, please contact us. In Australia Olive Tree Travel 103A Gardenvale Road, Gardenvale VIC 3185 Ph: 03 8488 9696 or 1300 550 830 Toll free NZ : 0800 874 867 Mobile: 0413 016 772 info@olivetreetravel.com.au www.olivetreetravel.com.au In North America Kim Troup, Director CFOIC Heartland – USA kim@cfoic.com Ph: +1-800-647-3344 (Toll-free when phoning in the US) All Other Countries Sondra Oster Baras, Director CFOIC Heartland – Israel Sondra@cfoic.com Ph: +972-9-792-0958 We welcome registration from all over the world. Call or email us from wherever you are – we look forward to seeing you in Israel! Masada Garden of Gethsemane Qumran Yad VaShem Jordan Valley Mt. of Olives Western Wall Garden Tomb Atlit Mt. Beatitudes Caesarea Philippi Dead Sea Beersheva Sde Boker Nitzan Ashkelon Hebron Hills Three Seas Outlook Golan Heights Katzrin Harod Spring Zemach Zichron Yaakov and much more! Highlights Christian Friends of Israeli Communities HEARTLAND HIGHLIGHTS JOURNEY THROUGH THE LAND & MEET ABRAHAM’S DESCENDANTS LIVING IN BIBLICAL ISRAEL TODAY! MEET THE PEOPLE WHO ARE SETTLING THE LAND OF ISRAEL. LISTEN TO STORIES OF FAITH AND COURAGE. EXPERIENCE THE HEARTLAND OF BIBLICAL ISRAEL LIKE NEVER BEFORE! Journey through the Bible to the Present Only CFOIC Heartland gives you the inside story of Israel! June 10–23, 2022 Tour Leader Joy Heylen Australian Representative CFOIC Heartland Israel Host Sondra Oster Baras Director CFOIC Heartland – Israel Tour Guide Stan Goodenough If you’d like to know more about the tour over a friendly chat, please contact Joy: Whatsapp: +61 4 3966 1996 Email: joyhey50@gmail.com