A PALESTINIAN STATE?

In today’s world, news flows from the Middle East, especially Israel, like water through a ruptured dam. United States Secretary of State, John Kerry, just returned from his 11th shuttle diplomacy trip to Israel, and plans on returning in the next few days. Although both the Israeli and Palestinian sides are showing signs that Kerry is wearing out his welcome, our administration continues its’ relentless march toward a two-state “peace agreement” solution between Israel and the Palestinians. At the core of such an arrangement is a not so hidden agenda within the framework of the US proposals that would require Israel to return to 1967 borders. To the Israelis this is unthinkable, and irony of all ironies, it is also a serious problem with the majority of the 1.5 million Israeli Arabs living in Israel!

Why would so many Arabs NOT want a Palestinian State? Isn’t that what all Arabs long for in Israel? Isn’t that the reason for past terrorist attacks on Israeli Jews? Or, the incessant demands by the Palestinian Authority headed by Mahmoud Abbas and its rival counterpart Hamas in the Gaza Strip for Palestinian rights? Or the greater majority of world opinion to end so-called Israeli settlement occupation of certain territories within Israel? What is so problematic about a Palestinian State that is mapped along what many refer to as pre-1967 borders, that are not really borders at all … in the sense of a border between the US and Mexico, or France and Germany, or even between Israel and Jordan. Rather, these internal borders are more like cease-fire lines.

A Brief History

To better understand why at least 70% of Israeli Arabs don’t want to live in/under an Arab Palestinian government, we need to take a quick refresher course in the modern history of Israel. Following the United Nations resolution and subsequent declaration of Israel’s Statehood in November, 1947 and May, 1948, respectively, the Jews had to immediately fight for the very survival of their reborn nation. Against insurmountable odds, the Jews were victorious over five Arab nations in their War of Independence of 1948. They also prevailed in the 1956 Suez conflict with Egypt.

Then, in June, 1967 one of the most amazing conflicts in military history began and ended in less than a week! To this day it is still referred to as the Six-Day War, in which Israel soundly defeated a coalition of Arab nations, and once again against staggering odds. Although Israel took the offensive in this war, they had no other choice; it was crystal clear that surrounding Arab nations, particularly Syria and Egypt, planned to attack Israel. In order to assure victory and protection against further invasion, Israel seized the following territories that had previously been under Jordanian, Syrian, or Egyptian control.

Golan Heights: A high mountainous area near Israel’s northern border with Syria … a crucial strategic location to prevent Syrian incursions in and attacks on Israel.

Gaza Strip: A fairly narrow strip of land along the southeast coast of the Mediterranean Sea, in which Jews lived alongside a majority of Arabs.

West Bank: So-called because of its location along the west bank of the Jordan River, in the east central portion of Israel. Historically and rightfully called Judea and Samaria as regions in Israel’s ancient homeland. Now occupied predominately by Palestinian Arabs.

Sinai Peninsula: The large, mostly desert southern land mass that currently separates Israel from Egypt proper.

East Jerusalem: Technically, a segment of the West Bank; but, nevertheless, still an integral and indispensable part of the entire city of Jerusalem.

All of these territories would prove vital for Israel’s defense and ultimate victory in the subsequent Yom Kippur war of 1973; in which Israel was attacked without warning on Israel’s holiest day of the year by Syria and Egypt (with other Arab allies), and would turn out to be the most deadly/costly war in Israel’s brief modern history.

Unfortunately, Israel partially bowed to international pressure exerted primarily by the United Nations and, over varying intervals of time, returned the Sinai Peninsula to Egypt, the Gaza Strip to Egypt, and most of the West Bank to Jordan. Egypt and Jordan subsequently allowed the Gaza Strip and West Bank Arabs to govern themselves. The only sector that Israel didn’t relinquish to any degree was the Golan Heights; it was simply too dangerous to return this tactical high ground to the Syrians. For a period of time, Israel maintained a military presence in the Gaza Strip and West Bank (strictly for security purposes, i.e. to help prevent terrorist attacks), but that is gone in the Gaza Strip (2005) and present in only a small portion (percentage of land) to protect Israeli settlements in the West Bank. To be sure there are still checkpoint crossings between Israel proper and Palestinian held areas, again for security reasons.

However, the most significant of all was the Israeli decision, soon after the Six-Day War, to return East Jerusalem to Jordanian control, including the Temple Mount itself. This was a colossal concession; in fact, to many Jews then and now, a monumental mistake.

To comprehend just how painful this world-opinion induced surrender (of the Temple Mount) was to the vast majority of Jews, listen to the message delivered by Israeli Chief Army Chaplain Rabbi Shlomo Goren to the IDF paratroopers who liberated all of Jerusalem, including the beloved Western Wall in June, 1967: “Soldiers of Israel, God be with you valiant warriors! I am speaking to you from the Western Wall, remnant of our Holy Temple. The dream of all the generations has been fulfilled before our eyes. The City of God, the Temple site, the Temple Mount, and the Western Wall—symbol of the Jewish people’s messianic redemption—have been delivered this day by you, heroes of the Israel Defense Forces.”

I vividly remember watching on television battle hardened IDF soldiers weeping at the Western Wall, which is also called the Wailing Wall. They shed tears of grief over hundreds of years of oppression and defeat; but mostly tears of joy over the astounding capture of Jerusalem and rightful return of Temple Mount to the Jews. It was, as heralded by Rabbi Goren, truly an event of messianic proportion (a prophetic precursor to the imminent return of Messiah). I shed tears of joy with them at this stunning historical event, only to be filled with sorrow when the Temple Mount was relinquished back to the Arabs. It is the only edifice remaining of the walls that surrounded the magnificent Jewish Temple before the Romans destroyed most of Jerusalem in 70 AD, including the Temple.

What would have happened if the United States had allowed the Confederate states to continue with their own nation; or even more absurd—for the Confederate headquarters to occupy the eastern or southern half of Washington D.C. after losing the Civil War? Actually, Jefferson Davis and many southern constituents did want the southern states to continue with their succession from the Union even after they surrendered. Abraham Lincoln would have none of that. All southern states would return unconditionally to the Union of the United States of America; albeit with the same authority of state rights afforded to the northern states.

Concerning today’s Temple Mount, Jews are not allowed to express any gesture of worship or prayer or planned assemblies on the Temple Mount. All such activity must be confined to the Western Wall just below Temple Mount. Can you imagine that? If not, then imagine that you as an American citizen would not be permitted to set foot on the hallowed ground of the Statue of Liberty. It’s pretty much the equivalent of restrictions placed on Jews with regard to the Temple Mount, their most holy place, in the most holy city of Jerusalem, in the holy land itself.

Rest assured: One day God will change all that and return all of Jerusalem including the Temple Mount back to the Jews through their (our) Messiah! Listen to what the Lord says concerning the end times restoration of Israel … which is taking shape in Israel daily, i.e. the massive return of Jews to the reborn sovereign State of Israel.

“And I will make a covenant of peace with them, an everlasting covenant. I will give them their land and increase their numbers, and I will put my Temple among them forever. I will make my home among them. I will be their God, and they will be my people. And when my Temple is among them forever, the nations will know that I am the Lord, who makes Israel holy” (Ezekiel 37: 26-28). *Note: the word holy means separate, distinct, set aside for a special purpose.

What else does God say about Jerusalem and the Temple Mount? “In the last days, the mountain of the Lord’s house will be the highest of all—the most important place on earth. It will be raised above the other hills, and people from all over the world will stream there to worship. People from many nations will come and say, ‘Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of Jacob’s God. There he will teach us his ways, and we will walk in his paths.’ For the Lord’s teaching will go out from Zion; his word will go out from Jerusalem. The Lord will mediate between peoples and will settle disputes between strong nations far away. They will hammer their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will no longer fight against nation, nor train for war anymore” (Micah 4: 1-3, italics for emphasis).

Obstacles to a Two-State Solution

There are several divisive issues and obstacles to a peace accord between Arabs and Jews in Israel, including an independent Palestinian State within Israeli borders. But none more so than the question of Israeli control of Golan Heights and the Jordan Valley for national security reasons. And then for religious and political reasons—exclusive control of East Jerusalem by the Arabs which would, for all practical purposes, mean that Jerusalem is not Israel’s capital.

But let’s return to the secondary (yet still a very contentious matter) problem of citizenship in a newly created Palestinian State and the reasons why most Israeli Arabs don’t want this to happen, at least not according to the framework currently proposed by the United States.

First, what is the modern-day difference between an Israeli Arab and a Palestinian? An Israeli Arab is, in fact, an Israeli citizen; the majority of whom live in East Jerusalem and throughout Israel, such as Nazareth … a predominately Arab community. Palestinian Arabs are not citizens of Israel, and reside in either the Gaza Strip or the West Bank, with population of over three million. There are also tens of thousands of Palestinians who live in refugee camps in Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan, because those countries will not allow Palestinians to become citizens.

As mentioned in past articles on this blog site and/or information that you may have already known, Israeli Arabs have all the privileges of citizenship enjoyed by Israeli Jews, including the right to vote and, amazingly, even the opportunity of election to the Israel’s Parliament, the Knesset. Currently, of the 120 members of the Knesset, 12 are Israeli Arabs. This phenomenal fact alone should silence all those who seek to disenfranchise and delegitimize Israel by calling them an apartheid state and seeking to boycott their livelihood and sanction their every move. Many citizens of surrounding Arab countries have few or limited civil rights, let alone the advantage to serve in their government.

Who knows exactly what (how many) issues must be resolved before a final roadmap to peace is finished? Who can predict exactly what boundaries will encompass a Palestinian State; if, indeed, that is even possible in the first place? Who could possibly imagine that Israel would divide its capital by granting total sovereignty of East Jerusalem to the Palestinians or seriously jeopardize its security by yielding the Golan Heights to Syria? But there is one thing that Israel seems prepared to do up front, in response to non-stop Palestinian and international demands, including US plans, that Israeli West Bank settlements be evacuated (after the fashion of the Gaza Strip extradition).

From an article in an Israeli daily newspaper, Ma’ariv, we read that Israel has responded to the American proposals, by suggesting that Israeli Arab communities currently within Israel and under Jewish sovereignty be transferred to the Palestinian Authority as part of any future land swap; which, in turn, would return Jewish settlements of the West Bank to total Israeli sovereignty. Actually, this idea is not all that new, but it tends to fit with future boundaries suggested by Secretary John Kerry.

And as Palestinian journalist, Khaled Abu Toameh writes in his article for Gatestone Institute, “It was hard this week to find even one Israeli Arab who publicly supported the proposal.” Khaled goes on to say, “Arab Knesset members … do not want to wake up in the morning and discover that they are citizens of a Palestinian state. It is much easier for them to accuse Israel of racism than to admit that they do not want to be part of a Palestinian state.”

At face value that seems and sounds incredible—that Palestinians wouldn’t want to be governed by their own people. But after further review, it’s all too practical and easy to grasp. Pretty much ever since Israel became a nation, and especially since 1967 when hundreds of thousands more Arabs suddenly became citizens of Israel, those Israeli Arabs have been far better off than their Palestinian brothers living in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Although there’s still a lot of hostility emanating from Israeli Arabs toward Israel, they understand that Israeli citizenship affords them much more freedom, democracy, a higher standard of living, movement throughout Israel, more places to shop for and buy the things they want and need; in short, a better way of life. The last thing they want is an abruptly changed life in a Palestinian State, controlled by a Palestinian government that could just as quickly take away many of the privileges they currently enjoy as Israeli citizens.

The Palestinian journalist goes on to say, “The Palestinians have their own parliament in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. But this parliament, known as the Palestinian Legislative Council, has been paralyzed since Hamas seized control of the Gaza Strip in 2007. In most Arab countries, parliament members who dare to criticize their rulers often find themselves sitting at home or behind bars.” And I might add to Khaled’s astute observations: An Israel Arab Knesset member is free to criticize his/her own government (and often does) without fear of any reprisal. They can return to their home after a hard day at the Knesset, and start all over again the following morning.

A Personal Experience

I have seen first-hand this inexplicable, almost bizarre dichotomy between the real-life benefits experienced by so many Arabs with Israeli citizenship, juxtaposed with their historical (ancient) anger toward Israel that (irrationally and illogically) simultaneously floods their heart and soul.

On the last day or next to last day of a trip to Israel that my sister and I made in March, 2006, we returned from the Western Wall and Temple Mount to our hotel in Jerusalem via a taxi. The taxi was driven by an Israeli Arab who I estimated to be about 63 years of age.

As with many Israeli taxi drivers, he was talkative and asked what brought us to Israel. My response was that I was doing research for a book (what at that time was my first book, a novel, called O Israel, and published in 2007). One thing led to another and I asked him whether he and his people the Arabs were better off under Jordanian rule or Palestinian authority or under Jewish government. I’ll never forget his answer. He replied that things were definitely better living in Israel (as an Israeli citizen) than under the old Jordanian government and (implying) under the PLO in the West Bank. He cited such things as jobs, schools, goods, freedom to move around, and opportunities in general. But then he abruptly halted his modest praise of this freedom in Israel, and said emphatically (a close paraphrase), “The Jews are wrong. This is still our land. They took it from us.”

The fact is that, with the exception of the aforementioned regions captured by Israel in 1967 (most of which were given back to Palestinian functional control), Israel has not taken any land from the Arabs. The Jews purchased nearly all the land where they currently reside, despite the evidence that it was given to them by the Balfour Declaration of 1917 and again by the UN in 1947. For that matter, any land captured in war, even by means of aggressive expansion has historically been conceded to the conqueror. None of Israel’s wars had anything to do with a deliberate attempt to annex more property and/or displace Palestinians. They were all conflicts of self-defense and national survival. Yet, they still returned most of the land gained through the blood of their soldiers and civilians. Think for a moment about our own Revolutionary War against the British. We gave not a single acre back to England; instead we went Westward Ho and accumulated millions of more acres all the way to the Pacific Ocean.

Yes, the views expressed by our taxi driver exactly mirror the mindset of the Arabs in Israel, even the Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip (if they would admit it): We know we’re much better off as citizens of Israel, but they are still our eternal enemy.

Things to Ponder
– The bottom line is that the Jews long for peace in Israel, their God-given ancient land. They are willing to make major concessions for this peace; indeed, just to be recognized as a people and State. Not so with the Arabs: they ultimately want a piece of Israel here, a piece there, until all the pieces fit into a map that says Palestine, instead of Israel.
– Ultimately, the only possible way to change such thinking is to first change one’s heart. And the only one who can do that is Jesus Christ, our Jewish Messiah to the entire world, including the Arabs. Which is why he is called Sar Shalom, The Prince of Peace. Only Christ can (and will) bring real peace to a weary, war-torn world full of hate and grief.
– Earlier in this article, I quoted from the prophet, Micah, “…They will hammer their swords into plowshares…” This is one of the rare occurrences in the Old Testament where two prophets were given virtually the same prophetic words. Who is the other prophet who wrote these same words? Can you find the chapter and verse? Actually, it is that Biblical reference which is more often quoted than Micah.

Don’t miss the next series of articles beginning with a spectacular, but lesser known, prophecy from the book of Daniel.

THE REAL HEART & SOUL OF ISRAEL

I’d like to share with you a remarkable story that comes to us from Israel. My guess is that not too many have heard about this event; it isn’t an incident that would necessarily garner major headlines. Actually, I should say: It’s a story that mainstream media doesn’t ordinarily broadcast, because it doesn’t fit the more suitable criteria of a situation that just might cast Israel in an unfavorable light. Yet it is an episode that poignantly characterizes the very heart and soul of Israel. It is one that defines Israel more accurately than does the incessant but unfounded demonization of this tiny country—as exhibited by the resurgence of Anti-Semitism throughout the world, and as touched on in last week’s article regarding the growing hostility of organizations and nations toward Israel, via boycotts and sanctions.

A few months ago family members of a one-year old child by the name of Amal Haniyeh, brought her to Schneider Children’s Hospital Medical Center of Israel (near Tel-Aviv) for emergency medical treatment of a life-threatening illness. Previously another member of this same family had been admitted to an Israeli medical center, Beilinson Hospital in Petah Tikva, Israel for care of a serious heart problem. Alright then, we have two situations in which two members of the same family were treated at Israeli hospitals. What’s so unique or unusual about these circumstances? Why are they even newsworthy? As you might have already suspected, they are, indeed, a kind of Paul Harvey journalism, “Now you know the rest of the story.”

Let’s examine the noteworthy connections that make this story so newsworthy.

First: Amal Haniyeh is a Palestinian Arab who lives in the Gaza Strip.

Second: Beginning August 17, 2005, Jewish citizens were completely expelled from Gaza on the orders of then Prime Minister, Ariel Sharon. In just six days, hundreds of Jewish families were uprooted from houses they had lived in for decades, and forcibly relocated to other parts of Israel. Purpose of this wholesale evacuation was an unfortunate capitulation to Palestinian demands that they alone had the right to occupy the Gaza Strip. Instead of converting and making good use of vacant synagogues and other structures, the Palestinians destroyed a great many Jewish buildings.

Third: As expected, following Israeli evacuations, the Gaza Strip was completely taken over by the terrorist affiliation called Hamas, which still rules in Gaza to this day.

Fourth: The recognized leader of Hamas is Ismail Haniyeh.

Fifth: Among other venomous threats against his sworn enemy Israel, Ismail Haniyeh has described Israel as, “a cancerous tumor that must be removed and uprooted.” He has supervised the launching of thousands of rockets from Gaza into Israel, killing Jewish men, woman and children, and inflicting a great deal of property damage very close to the hospital that treated his granddaughter Amal.

Sixth: Yes, you read that correctly: Amal is the granddaughter of one, Ismail Haniyeh! During the exact time that little Amal was receiving life-saving treatment at Schneider Children’s Hospital, her grandfather Ismail boasted that Hamas’ newly acquired long-range missiles could reach Tel Aviv and other Israeli cities.

And that, my friends, is the whole story. But there’s more!

Just a couple of weeks ago, in the aftermath of a massive winter storm that struck Israel and adjoining territories, Ismail Haniyeh again made the news. So enormous was this storm, that many dubbed it, “Snowmageddon” and “Snopocalypse.” Several feet of snow caused rivers to overflow, highways to be shut down, multiple auto accidents, tens of thousands to lose electricity and heat; and, to the groans of parents but to the cheers of school children, five successive snow days!

Israel’s Response

In the midst of Israel’s shutdown and hardships created by this monstrous storm, what would be a logical, reasonable response to the predicament of their Palestinian “neighbors” in the Gaza Strip … neighbors led by a man who has labeled (libeled) Israel a “cancerous tumor that must be removed and uprooted?” What would be your response? Would it be feasible to say, “Too bad for them? What are we supposed to do? Help them … you’ve got to be kidding. In Israel, we have no lights, no heat, and no open roadways to get to stores and buy essential supplies. We can’t even get out of our apartment.” Israeli emergency infrastructure had all it could do to bring relief to its own people. Could you imagine anyone blaming them for ignoring Gaza Strip Palestinians, most of whom would celebrate if a Jew froze to death during the storm?

But that is not what happened. Primarily through the IDF, Israel provided gas, heat, electricity, and other humanitarian aid to thousands of Gazans, many of whom had to be evacuated from their homes. Assistance was also offered to Palestinians in the West Bank (Judea and Samaria). Even Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh asked for emergency assistance, which must have been very difficult for him … to swallow enough pride so that his people could be helped. Yet, while touring the most affected areas in the Gaza Strip, he made the statement, “Gaza survived two wars (with Israel) and it will walk out of this.” Amazing! Such gratitude! Despite the suffering of his people, he couldn’t pass up the opportunity to take another swing at his sworn enemy, Israel.

And there’s more, much more. Many Syrian soldiers and civilians wounded in Syria’s civil war have been treated and cared for in Israeli hospitals. There are scores of other unilateral and unconditional acts of Israeli kindness and generosity toward those in desperate need, both allies and enemies. Israel is normally the first nation to spring into action by sending emergency relief teams and supplies to those suffering from earthquakes, tsunamis (Indonesia), and other natural disasters.

That is the heart of Israel. They walk the talk. In fact, the long-standing Jewish tradition of rendering help or imparting a chesed (grace, favor, generous deed) or mitzvah (charitable act) to both friends and strangers means that they don’t brag about it. They just do it. Moreover, humanitarian aid such as that given to Gaza Strip and West Bank Palestinians doesn’t come from ulterior motives, such as appeasement or reciprocity (I’ll do this for you if you do this for me). How could there be an underhanded motive if you’ve already been evicted from all of the Gaza Strip and the vast majority of the West Bank? What is there to gain?

Am I implying that Israel is perfect? Of course not … any more than this great nation called the United States of America is perfect … morally, spiritually, politically, economically, socially, or any other words/ways with an “ly” suffix. Soon after his first election, no less than our own President Obama set the record straight (concerning America’s perceived perfection) by apologizing to the Muslim nations in particular and the world in general for America’s arrogance! Well, that’s a rabbit trail in the making, so I best return to the matter at hand.

But, sadly, we also see the reflection of the heart of Israel’s neighbors … a heart of hatred and hypocrisy. It’s all take and no give. It’s, “We’ll take everything you give us, but don’t expect anything in return.” Except, there is one thing we will continue to give you: Never-ending turmoil, trouble, testing, and trials.

Israel’s Destiny

In today’s hostile world, Israel’s humanitarian kindness and generosity validates the amazing fulfillment of their prophetic destiny, one that embodies the very purpose for Israel’s existence and selection by God: to be a source of light and blessing to the Gentile nations. The ultimate source of the source (from and through Israel) is none other than the Messiah. In our day we’re witnessing the prophetic expression of Old Testament moral standards of excellence expected from Israel. “Then this message came to Zechariah from the Lord: ‘This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: Judge fairly, and show mercy and kindness to one another. Do not oppress widows, orphans, foreigners, and the poor. And do not scheme against each other’” (Zechariah 7: 8-10).

It is a long overdue return to the glory days of Israel before the time when, “Your ancestors refused to listen to this message. They stubbornly turned away and put their fingers in their ears to keep from hearing. They made their hearts as hard as stone, so they could not hear the instructions or the messages that the Lord of Heaven’s Armies had sent them by his Spirit through the earlier prophets … As with a whirlwind, I scattered them among the distant nations, where they lived as strangers” (Zechariah 7: 11-14).

In these end times prophecies–fulfillment of which began with the spectacular, miraculous rebirth of Israel as a sovereign nation in 1948 and rapid return of Jews to their God-given land–we also learn that, “…People from nations and cities around the world will travel to Jerusalem. The people of one city will say to the people of another, ‘Come with us to Jerusalem to ask the Lord to bless us. Let’s worship the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. I’m determined to go. Many peoples and powerful nations will come to Jerusalem to seek the Lord of Heaven’s Armies and to ask for his blessing’” (Zechariah 8: 20-22).

And another instruction/promise to Israel: “Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon” (Isaiah 58:10).

And, yet another: “Arise, Jerusalem! Let your light shine for all to see. For the glory of the Lord rises to shine on you. Darkness as black as night covers all the nations of the earth, but the glory of the Lord rises and appears over you. All nations will come to your light; mighty kings will come to see your radiance” (Isaiah 60:1-3).

But before that can happen, “The Redeemer will come to Jerusalem to buy back those in Israel who have turned from their sins, says the Lord” (Isaiah 59:20). And, “This is what the Lord says: ‘Be just and fair to all. Do what is right and good, for I am coming soon to rescue you and to display my righteousness among you’” (Isaiah 56:1).

Followed by, “On that day a fountain will be opened for the dynasty of David and for the people of Jerusalem, a fountain to cleanse them from all their sins and impurity” (Zechariah 13:1).

These and many other similar passages in Scripture clearly indicate that the destinies of Gentile nations all over this earth are inextricably bound with Israel’s destiny. Furthermore, Israel’s glorious future is exclusively connected to and contingent upon her final rescue (at Armageddon) and redemption (spiritual restoration) that only Messiah can bring.

The Heart of a First Century Jew

To better understand the love and compassion God has for Israel and why Israel’s divine inheritance has been delayed for some two thousand years, let’s look back to a first century Jewish Pharisee, steeped in the Law of Moses. This man was extraordinarily zealous in his defense of Judaism; to the extreme of persecuting and killing those who would dare believe that a recently crucified Jewish Rabbi had been miraculously raised from the dead and had freely given to Israel (and the whole world) a brand new and better covenant between God and man, the covenant of Grace. A grace that would be poured out on all of mankind and would bring forgiveness of sins and everlasting life through this one man, Jesus of Nazareth.

This Jewish Pharisee named Saul experienced a radical transformation through a spectacular encounter with Jesus, while on the road to Damascus to arrest more Christians. Saul’s name was changed to Paul and he would live the rest of his life and then die in the service of the one he knew beyond all doubt was the Messiah. He would teach and heal and strengthen and encourage those very Christians whom he had sought to destroy. His conversion and life would represent and define the incredible difference between the Old Covenant and the New Covenant which was made possible by the shed blood of Messiah Jesus and his mighty resurrection from the dead. Through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, he would go on to write most of the New Testament.

In one of these epistles we find an astounding affirmation from Paul, one that would personally convey his deep longing for Israel’s salvation. Paul had the heart of Christ and he boldly expressed the unparalleled magnitude of this passionate desire for the salvation of his people. Listen to Paul’s stunning statement: “With Christ as my witness, I speak with utter truthfulness. My conscience and the Holy Spirit confirm it. My heart is filled with bitter sorrow and unending grief for my people, my Jewish brothers and sisters. I would be willing to be forever cursed—cut off from Christ!—if that would save them” (Romans 9: 1-3).

Can you imagine that? I can’t. To me, it is utterly unfathomable. How many of us would be willing to give up everlasting life in Heaven so that someone else could be there in our place? Or putting it more bluntly like Paul did: How many of us would be willing to be cursed, which is another way of saying cut off from God forever in hell, if that’s what it took for someone else to live forever in heaven? Of course it doesn’t work that way; but Paul, nevertheless, was sincerely and emphatically serious about offering his eternal position in Christ (forgiveness of sins and everlasting life) if that could save his fellow Jews.

Paul goes on to explain the heritage of the Jews: “They are the people of Israel, chosen to be God’s adopted children. God revealed his glory to them. He made covenants with them and gave them his law. He gave them the privilege of worshipping him and receiving his wonderful promises. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are their ancestors and Christ himself was an Israelite as far as his human nature is concerned. And he is God, the one who rules over everything and is worthy of eternal praise! Amen” (Romans 9:4-5).

Later Paul expounds on why the Jewish people have yet to accomplish the purpose (then and now) for which they were born and chosen by God. He writes: “What does all this mean? Even through the Gentiles were not trying to follow God’s standards, they were made right with God. And it was by faith that this took place. But the people of Israel, who tried so hard to get right with God by keeping the law, never succeeded. Why not? Because they were trying to get right with God by keeping the law instead of by trusting in him. They stumbled over the great rock in their path. God warned them of this in the Scriptures when he said (then Paul quotes Isaiah 8:14), “I am placing a stone in Jerusalem that makes people stumble, a rock that makes them fall. But anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced” (Romans 9:30-33). In the context of these verses and other similar passages, the stone or rock is none other than Jesus Christ.

Paul reemphasizes his passion: “Dear brothers and sisters, the longing of my heart and my prayer to God is for the people of Israel to be saved. I know what enthusiasm they have for God, but it is misdirected zeal. For they don’t understand God’s way of making people right with himself. Refusing to accept God’s way, they cling to their own way of getting right with God by trying to keep the law. For Christ has already accomplished the purpose for which the law was given. As a result, all who believe in him are made right with God” (Romans 10:1-4).

Later Paul summarizes by asking a rhetorical question, “I ask, then, has God rejected his own people, the nation of Israel? Of course not! I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham and a member of the tribe of Benjamin. No, God has not rejected his own people, whom he chose from the very beginning…” (Romans 11: 1-2).

Paul’s premise is reinforced by hundreds of Old Testament prophecies and promises that Israel will one day be both physically and spiritually restored. The national rebuilding—return of the exiles to Israel—has been underway for decades; as has the spiritual restoration. Although the spiritual renewal lags behind the physical, it is rapidly catching up… as confirmed by the thousands of Jews all over the world who have embraced Yeshua (Jesus) as Messiah, especially since 1967, when many of the Messianic outreach ministries began.

When Paul wrote Romans, the Jewish people were (and still are) only partially blind. Slowly, one Jewish salvation at a time, they are opening their eyes to see who the Messiah really is. In the first century a few thousand Jews “found the favor of God they were looking for so earnestly” (Romans 11:7)—meaning individual salvation through Messiah Jesus. Today there are a few more … actually many more. Not since the first century have so many thousands of Jews all over the world turned to Christ. This is a phenomena that can’t easily be dismissed out-of-hand, by either Gentile Christians or by the majority of Jews, whether secular or orthodox.

Unity in Diversity

We see a renewed enthusiasm among both religious and secular Jews for the coming of Messiah, but with a “misdirected zeal” and understanding of who the Messiah really is, or what he has already done, or what he will do when he appears (again). We see a monumental effort towards unity among a people who have returned to Israel from nations all over the world, speaking different languages, harboring various interests, goals and dreams. We examine the composition of the current 33rd Knesset Parliament headed by Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, a leading member of the prevailing Likud party. We look at the unlikely coalition with Yair Lapid, leader of the Yesh Atid party (meaning, “There is a future”) whose main platform is that all Jews including the religious students of the yeshivas must serve in the IDF. Yair Lapid also wants more emphasis on “civil” life in Israel such as civil marriages being recognized by the State.

We are intrigued that Naftali Bennet, head of the HaBayit HaYehudi party (which means “The Jewish Home”) has also joined with the Likud and Yisreal Beiteinu parties to form a very functional coalition of the current Israeli government. Naftali’s main platform objectives are the building of more Jewish settlements and renewed enthusiasm for Zionism, which is simply the rightful return of Jews to their homeland.

In the midst of all this diversity, we see the wonder of so much unity and desire to once again be the people that God wanted them to be. As Christians (both Gentiles and Jews) who have been transformed by God’s grace through the atoning sacrifice of our Jewish Messiah, we long for Israel to understand that their lofty aspirations can only be achieved through the Messiah. But not a Messiah that fits any number of speculative, divergent views and images depending on whether a Jew (or even a non-Jew) is orthodox, conservative, reformed, liberal, or secular in their belief. Rather, with objective recognition of the true Messiah, who historically and precisely fulfilled hundreds of prophecies about him found in the Old Testament.

Unfortunately, the final acceptance and acknowledgment of the true Messiah will come only after great hardship … called the Great Tribulation in the New Testament and the Time of Jacob’s troubles in the Old Testament. At the brink of utter collapse and destruction, the Jews as individuals and as a nation will finally recognize who Messiah really is. Here’s what will happen on that day: “Then I will pour out a spirit of grace and prayer on the family of David and on the people of Jerusalem. They will look on me whom they have pierced and mourn for him as for an only son….” (Zechariah 12:10).

And then they will look up to know their redemption is near, and they will say, “Baruch haba, beshem Adonai”… (blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Matthew 23:39).

No one but God can make so many bad things turn into so many good ones. So, we’ll close with one last magnificent example of what God will do despite Israel’s stumbling over the Rock of their salvation. This collapse is NOT irreversible. Here’s why: “Did God’s people stumble and fall beyond recovery? Of course not! They were disobedient, so God made salvation available to the Gentiles. But he wanted his own people to become jealous and claim it for themselves. Now if the Gentiles were enriched because the people of Israel turned down God’s offer of salvation, think how much greater a blessing the world will share when they finally accept it” (Romans 11: 11-12, italics and bold for emphasis). Notice, it doesn’t say “if” but “when” they accept God’s offer of salvation, which is none other than God’s Son, Yeshua haMashiach.

And so we watch and wait for the glorious appearance of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. And while we wait, we encourage each other to, Sha’alu Shalom Yerushalayim, Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem. In doing so, we pray for the heart and soul of Israel.

Things to Ponder
How about a question with a riddle attached to it? As follows:

Where specifically on the earth will Messiah (Jesus) return? Hint: you won’t find it in the Book of Revelation. Another hint: If there was such a book of the Bible called, “The Acts of Zechariah,” there you will find the answer! You will find the answer in the first and the last chapters of this non-existence book, and in that order.

Who can solve the riddle and answer the question?

If you accept the challenge and solve the riddle, let me know via the comment section in the blog site or email me at gwb773@hotmail.com

BOYCOTT, DIVESTMENT, AND SANCTIONS (BDS)

Recently, The American Studies Association (ASA) issued an ominous proclamation that called for a boycott of Israeli universities. There are about 5,000 members of this influential organization comprised of scholars and educators who are demanding that American universities cease all interaction and cooperation with Israeli educational institutions. Although the ASA acknowledged that they have never boycotted any other country before, their president’s response to the Jewish Anti-Defamation League was: “One has to start somewhere.”

You read that right … that’s exactly what he said! Such a well-educated, scholarly, profound, and humanitarian reason for joining the increasing number of organizations and nations the world over in the growing BDS movement! Nor did the ASA President, Curtis Marez, dispute the clear evidence that other countries, including many in the Middle East, have far worse human rights violations … Syria, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iraq, Iran, North Korea, China, and Russia, just to name a few. In fact: Unless Israel’s strategy of self-defense and protection of its citizens against terrorist attacks from within its borders and from surrounding countries constitutes a violation of human rights, there is no such thing in Israel.

Fortunately, a few American universities condemned the ASA’s official boycott of Israel … such as John Hopkins University, Harvard, Yale, Princeton, University of Pennsylvania, and University of Texas. But that’s not nearly enough opposition to counteract this mindless, illogical, unreasonable, and hateful animosity toward Israel. Later in this article, we’ll talk about why this boycott (and others like it) are utterly irrational.

Will this boycott adversely affect Israeli educational centers, or inhibit research, or severely limit Israel’s accomplishments in various fields of learning? I seriously doubt it. For example: Although the Jews comprise only two/tenths of one percent of the world’s population, they have been awarded an astonishing 20% of the 850 Nobel Prizes handed out since 1901. There was a justified knee-jerk reaction from Jews all over the world. But, I don’t think the Jewish people will lose much sleep over this boycott, for fear of never again experiencing a life-changing scientific break-through such as the discovery of blood types A,B,O, that revolutionized the understanding of blood composition, transfusions, and genetics. And this was only one of hundreds of remarkable contributions that Jews have made to international economics, science, literature, medicine, politics, education, and religion.

Any real loss will be the ASA’s and American education. It’s tantamount to what happened in Germany during the rise of Hitler’s Third Reich. Jewish scientists, economists, entrepreneurs, educators, inventors, doctors were either exiled from Germany or rounded up, interned, shipped to concentration camps, and eventually murdered. And the ultimate irony is that Germany very well may have won the war or at least prolonged it for another 2-4 years, had they not boycotted, divested, and sanctioned tens of thousands of Jewish intellectuals. No, indeed; Israel will not suffer any educational deprivation or deficiency as a result of this boycott. What is significant, however, is the mindset behind the whole thing. As the saying goes, “It’s the thought that counts.” Only in this case (BDS), with a bad connotation.

No matter that Israel is the ONLY democracy in the entire Middle East; one that allows Israeli Arabs to vote, own property and businesses, move freely throughout the country, and even serve in Israel’s parliament (the Knesset). By all means, disregard the stark reality that Arab/Muslim nations surrounding Israel have no such thing as a republic, or democratic, or even a parliamentary style government. Most of these Muslim controlled Arab administrations suppress their own people and deny many basic liberties commonly afforded in Israel, the United States and a few other nations of the free world.

Why Israel? Did the ASA throw darts at a map of the world and hit Israel? Did they draw names from a hat? Was it alphabetical? Hardly. Yet their rationale for targeting Israel is no less randomly absurd than playing musical chairs or drawing straws. They couldn’t very well start with the USA because that would mean American universities boycotting each other. Yet one of the stated reasons for boycotting Israel was, “U.S. military and other support for Israel.” Other reasons given were violation of international law and U.N. resolutions. They dared not select one of the Arab countries as the ASA would have then been classified as Islamophobic. Besides, which of the Arab nations that specialize in human rights violations would they choose? It would be a difficult choice, because there are so many of them. Alas, the poor ASA didn’t know where to begin, so they “started” with Israel!

But, in the horrible reality of it all, Israel would be the natural place for the ASA to initiate their first official boycott. Why? Because many nations of the world routinely isolate Israel when they feel like flexing their BDS muscles. Since only a handful of countries support Israel (and even then, not all the time), the ASA and other like-minded organizations or nations boycotting Israel would generate the backing (blessings) from all of their anti-Israel comrades. It’s no different from a fashion trend that sweeps a country from time to time. Now days it is contemporarily fashionable to buy and wear BDS T-shirts against Israel.

Which leads us to another source of BDS, this time in the form of sanctions: The United Nations. Which country would you suspect has been the target of the greatest number of UN resolutions (sanctions), by far? Is it China, North Korea, the Sudan, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Libya, Iran? Not even close. It’s Israel … of course. A few months ago one United Nations employee—who thought her microphone had been turned off—blurted out what she thought was the never-ending, ridiculous (she used a four letter word) stream of sanctions against Israel. Her meaning and implications were unmistakably clear: UN sanctions against Israel had deteriorated into a senseless irresponsible game; albeit a reckless gamesmanship that can be deadly when taken seriously.

BDS … Where did it begin?

So exactly what is BDS? First, it is an actual organization or movement that some 171 Palestinian organizations initiated in July, 2005 against Israel. In theory it is based on a mindset that characterizes Israel as an apartheid state, modeled after the (former) apartheid government of South Africa. As the very name suggests, the purpose of BDS is to deprive Israel of international trade, recognition, and sovereignty. It aims to hit Israel where it hurts … economically, politically, culturally, educationally, socially; in short, to delegitimize Israel as a member of the family of nations.

Boycott? We all know how it works. Just stop buying goods from a retailer, a conglomerate, or even an entire country forever, or at least until the boycotted entity ceases and desist from doing whatever you want them to stop doing. Concerning the Palestinian Arabs and most Muslim nations, they want Israel to cease existing and for the Jews to stop breathing. Or, as with ASA, stop the exchange of ideas and good will between like-minded organizations. Whether for good or for bad, boycotts can be an effective tool to hamstring a company or country.

Divestment? The opposite of investment. Similar to boycotting only carrying it a step farther by overt actions, such as withdrawing or selling of stocks in a company or refusing to buy stock, or to consider any kind of support. Conversely, by supporting and promoting a competitor. Even more harshly, to deliberately discredit a company or nation with public derogatory and inflammatory rhetoric, whether true or not.

Sanctions? We all know what that means. My article two weeks ago (Let’s Make a Deal) contained a great deal of reference to sanctions against Iran. I’m all for them; if, that is, sanctions are used for the right reasons and justifiably against the proper targets such as a rogue company or nation that understands only tough language and actions … so they will stand down from their malevolent intentions of harming a competitor or killing their rivals.

So, what is the big problem with BDS? First we must consider the source: dozens of Palestinian groups that have banded together to humiliate and weaken Israel through more “peaceful” tactics. In the last two decades or so, Muslims in general and Palestinians in particular have switched tactics from hot wars and terrorism to a war of words which even includes rewriting both Jewish and Arab history. The basic premise, however, is nothing new. At its core is pure propaganda with a deceitful premise: the bigger the lie you tell, and the more often you tell it, and the louder you shout it … the more people will believe it to be true.

Because the vast majority of Palestinian Arabs are sworn enemies of Israel, the BDS phenomena shouldn’t surprise those of us who support the existence and well-being of Israel. However, what is both amazing and alarming is the number of people, organizations, and nations who have jumped on the BDS band-wagon without cause, without knowing the facts, without what any reasonable person would consider a rational and logical purpose or motive.

BDS Equals Anti-Semitism

But then, that’s what both the ancient and modern definition of Anti-Semitism is: “Don’t bother me with the facts. I’ll hate Israel and persecute the Jews if I want to. I don’t need a reason … just because they’re Jews is cause enough.” BDS is simply a more subtle form of Anti-Semitism, an irrational hostility toward a people for no other reason than they were born; and then have the perceived audacity to want a safe place to live on this earth in harmony with their neighbors. But in the land given to them by God, himself and later approved by the United Nations in 1947; although the God-given deed to Israel is reason enough. God doesn’t need UN approval!

Hatred and anger are legitimate emotions. They are warranted if directed against something that is truly wrong, evil, and destructive. Take sin for example. The Bible is crystal clear about God’s opinion of and reaction to sin: He hates it. It’s a righteous anger that is pure, justified, and necessary. We’re not talking about hating the individual; rather, despising the behavior of the person who murders someone, or who lies to us or about us, or steals from us. Being against something is an appropriate part of life; if whatever we oppose could and would harm us by distorting the truth of who we are, what we believe, and seeking to destroy us if we don’t agree with them. Hence, a righteous anger expressed through boycotts, divestment, sanctions, and (if necessary) preemptive or punitive military action is understood and accepted as being totally rational and reasonable; if, for example, the object of this retaliatory response were terrorists who flew planes into the Twin Towers of New York City or a nation developing enriched uranium for the sole purpose of wiping Israel from the face of the map.

Which makes Anti-Semitism or BDS totally irrational, illogical, unreasonable, unfounded, and unfathomable. It is the ultimate display of bigotry; an intolerant jealous loathing of people because of the way they look, or where they live, or how they worship, or … the list goes on.

As indicated, the BDS movement is gaining a lot of followers. From individuals such as Roger Waters of the rock group Pink Floyd and world-renown physicist, Stephen Hawking, to the recent efforts of the entire European Union (with the blessing of its leader, Catherine Ashton) to initiate BDS against Israel for construction of settlements in the West Bank. Or Ireland’s BDS against Israel by placing yellow stickers on Israeli products that read, “For justice in Palestine, Boycott Israel.” Or Canada’s largest Protestant denomination, The United Church of Canada supporting the world-wide BDS movement. In response the “Jewish Tribune” a publication of the B’nai Birth Canada Jewish organization stated, “The fact is that a Christian organization, which should appreciate the fulfillment of the prophecy of the Jewish people’s return to the Holy Land, has instead chosen to join common cause with those who seek the very destruction of the Jewish State.”

This is also true of a couple of large American mainstream Protestant churches in the United States. Shame on them. I can tell you one thing for sure: they haven’t read their Bible. Or worse: If they have read the hundreds of Bible passages that foretell the physical and spiritual restoration of Israel and the dangerous risk for those who oppose Israel (when they oppose Israel they oppose God), then their BDS against Israel is nothing short of defying God himself.

For example, Roger Waters seems completely oblivious to the atrocities in Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Yemen (to mention just a few countries). Instead is he obsessed by what he thinks is an apartheid regime in Israel. Moreover, it’s all too evident that Waters (and many others with the same mentality) simply doesn’t want to be bothered with the truth and reality of what is actually going on in Israel. Which is the ultimate symptom and expression of prejudice and bias: “I’ve made up my mind, so don’t confuse me with all those facts.”

All anyone needs to do is to take some time (an hour or so) to look up the definition of apartheid, then get on-line to read about the specific things that an apartheid government engages in (such as no voting rights for blacks in South Africa) to demonstrate discrimination-like behavior. For that matter, a citizen of the United States doesn’t need to look half way around the world; just take a couple of hours to read about the civil rights movement in this country in the 1960s. Finally, to compare this evidence to exactly what is happening in Israel and determine if Israel is engaged in this kind of segregation. But, if you don’t have the time or want to take the time to do this research, then please take my word for it (and the word of others who know what’s really happening in Israel): There is no evidence, whatsoever, that the Israeli government is apartheid or is engaging in apartheid-like behavior.

In fact, it’s just the opposite. Israel extends liberties to its Arab citizens that these same Arabs wouldn’t be given under the governments (regimes) of Syria, Iran, Saudi Arabia, etc. And if someone wants to refer to the existence of Israeli checkpoints and border crossings or the security wall between the West Bank and Israel as an example of segregation, don’t. It won’t hold water. Sure a wall and some barriers exist, but for the sole purpose of preventing terrorists from entering Israel and detonating bombs as they did so often before the wall was erected, leading to the deaths of thousands of Israelis. These security structures are no different from the border fence between US and Mexico or certain border crossings found all over the world. With one major exception: Illegal immigrants from Mexico don’t cross the border for the sole purpose of killing Americans. Most of them just want a job … a better life. But the terrorist Palestinians from the West Bank and Gaza Strip don’t want jobs in Israel. They want to kill the Jews.

Then there’s the May, 2012 incident involving world-famous scientist Stephen Hawking. He withdrew his commitment to attend a “President’s Conference” in Israel, and did so “based on advice he received from Palestinian academics.” These various academic groups were affiliated with the BDS movement. Yet Mr. Hawking had visited and spoken in countries like Iran and China without any direct or indirect reference to or thoughts about human rights violations in those two nations. From what I’ve read and heard about Mr. Hawking, he is not political and certainly not an activist; however, when it comes to Israel he suddenly and inexplicably becomes politically correct (according to BDS definitions).

Summary Observations

Nowhere in Scripture does God command us to “love” the nation of Israel, as such. Any love that we possess and display for the land of Israel and the Jewish people must be from the heart … willingly. But he does tell us to support the Jews (in whatever way we can), and he issues stern warnings for those who oppose Israel. The Lord does instruct us to, “…love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength” (Deuteronomy 6:5). If we love God, we will love the things that God loves, and one of them is Israel. Our love for God is primarily a response to his great love for us. He didn’t love us because he created us. He created us, because he first loved us. As the Bible says, he knew us before he even laid the foundation of the world. So before you and I were ever born, God knew us and loved us.

There’s really only two basic things that God expects in return: (1) to accept the awesome sacrifice that God’s Son made (death on the cross) and to receive Jesus as our personal savior. This sacrifice was the ultimate expression and confirmation of God’s love for every human being. It was necessary because God is a holy God and there’s no way we can spend eternity with him unless our sins are forgiven. And the only means of a complete pardon is to simply accept what Christ did for us; something that we couldn’t possibly do —save ourselves from sin and the guilt of that sin. No amount of good works or effort or innate worth can erase the ugly consequences and stain of the wrong things we’ve done.

(2) Acknowledge and respect the very people through whom God chose to bring Messiah’s salvation and light to the world … the Jews. And, of course, the land God chose to accomplish his magnificent plan of redemption for the human race. Both of these expectations are met by simply trusting and believing in God and his Son. When we do that, then we enthusiastically want to love God and support the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. In fact, that is one of the actual names of God … how he was (and still is) known to the world. He said, “I AM The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob” (Exodus 3:15).

Things to Ponder
– Consider taking the time to read Chapters 9, 10, & 11 of the book of Romans … for a comprehensive overview of the Jewish people’s history and future as it relates to the Good News of salvation.
– Do you know of any other organizations or countries or individuals who support the BDS movement?
– What are some things we can do to show our appreciation and support for Israel and the Jewish people?

LET’S MAKE A DEAL

About three weeks ago, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei announced to the Iranian people: “Israel is doomed to failure and annihilation.” That, “Zionist leaders cannot be called human.” A short while before that, Khamenei said, “The Zionist regime is a rabid dog.” There were other words of hatred directed against Israel. But the irony of this menacing message is that it was delivered disrespectfully just a short time before the G5+1 (United States, Great Britain, France, Russia, China, and Germany) completed negotiations with Iran in a November 24th interim deal called a “Joint Plan of Action”—to ease economic sanctions against Iran in exchange for a “slow-down” of Iran’s nuclear enrichment of uranium.

Would you make a deal with someone whose main purpose in life was to destroy you and members of your family or your best friend? How do you negotiate with those who would lie to you, cheat you, and ultimately kill you to accomplish their warped objectives? Where do you start? What do you say? How sure can you be? Why are you even there in the first place? But none of these questions seemed to bother the G5+1, with perhaps the exception of France.

“Suppose, we can reason with them?” Really? Concerning Iran, if they had done just one positive thing in the last 34 years to suggest the slightest hint of cooperation or concession, then there might be a slim chance (say .01%) of reaching some sort of agreement. *Note: It’s been 34 years since the attack on the US Embassy in Tehran and kidnapping of dozens of US Embassy representatives by the newly formed Islamic government of Iran. If we’re even a fraction wrong about Iran’s true intentions, then there’s a 99.9% chance they will follow through on their threats.

This interim (not final … not even close) agreement is supposed to last for six months, during which time the G5+1 powers will monitor Iran’s “pledges” of compliance. However, there was no allowance made by Iran whatsoever, to halt its nuclear program and dismantle all the centrifuges. In fact, this so-called “deal” has yet to be signed by any of the participating nations. Every day, over 20,000 centrifuges continue to spin more enriched uranium for Iran’s not-so-secret plan: nuclear weapons.

Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu’s response to this menacing pact was to label it an, “historic mistake.” He should know. For the same 34 years, Israel has lived under the constant threat of Iranian terror exported to Syria and Lebanon, especially through Hezbollah. Because Israel understands her enemies far better than the United States under the current administration, Netanyahu also said, “The most dangerous regime in the world must not be allowed to have the most dangerous weapon in the world … we will not allow Iran to receive a military nuclear capability.” And, “As to the (Iranian) actual threat, we will act against it in time if need be.” These quotes are part of a speech given during Prime Minister Netanyahu’s recent visit to Rome.

What does former Arkansas Governor and highly popular TV host (and likely Republican Presidential Candidate in 2016), Mike Huckabee, think about this Joint Plan of Action? Was it a historic success or historic mistake? He responded by saying that the United States, “has indicated that they are going to act independently of Israel as it relates to Iran.” Which according to Huckabee would be, “a very foolish policy.” He goes on to state, “I think now the Israelis have really a license to act without having to be scolded for not having consulted the U.S. for their plans.” In other words, why should Israel consult with or obtain America’s approval to pre-emptively attack Iran’s nuclear sites if the United States didn’t include Israel in what may, indeed, prove to be a historic mistake.

Regardless of your view on the right or wisdom of Israel to act independently of the US, or the G5+1, or the entire world, I would again ask: Would you sit down at the table with an enemy who has sworn to do anything and everything they can to terminate your existence on this earth? And keep in mind that Iran has not only threatened to wipe Israel from the global map, it has also avowed to destroy the “Great Satan.” That’s right. Iran refers to America as the Great Satan; Israel is only the “little Satan.” We should be so honored?!

In that context, how America and the other G5 superpowers would seemingly ignore (except for a few innocuous words to chastise Khamenei’s condemnation of Israel) Iran’s in your face tirade at the outset of these “historic” talks is simply inconceivable. And that’s not all. Listen to what Secretary of State, John Kerry, recently said during his 8th trip to Israel (9th trip by the time this article is published; reminiscent of Secretary of State, Henry Kissinger’s “shuttle diplomacy in 1973 … so much so that Kerry answered the media’s serious inquiry about the number of trips to the Middle East, with the quip, “It’s a commute, folks”): Kerry boasted, “We will not allow Iran to acquire a nuclear weapon. Not now, not ever.” Really? What about the red line that he and President Obama emphatically said would be enforced in Syria? For all intents and purposes, it has become a yellow line of an overtly cautious, but potentially lethal compromise; indeed, a line of retreat—if not surrender. Oh, not the kind of surrender found in actual war; rather, the kind of up-front pacification that sweet-talks the enemy with, “We’ll play fair if you will.”

Fortunately, many members of the Senate and House of Representatives including some democrats have seen through the White House’s tactics, and have reminded Secretary Kerry and President Obama that the sole purpose of sanctions against Iran was to pressure them into absolute abandonment of their nuclear ambitions; not to entice this evil regime into diplomatic dialogue with a misguided hope that we could persuade Iran to listen to world opinion. We can only hope that the Senate and Congress exhibit the courage and tenacity to reinforce the sanctions. Why is this fortitude so vitally necessary? Because the evidence is all too clear: A nation like Iran doesn’t know the meaning of fair play. No more so than did Iraq’s Saddam Hussein. And how did we deal with Hussein? Well, we all know how that story ended.

Did the United States negotiate with Hitler and his Third Reich, or with the Emperor of Japan, or with Mussolini? A thousand times, No! We fought to the bitter end … one that had no other possible option but unconditional surrender of our enemies. But England did. Our President’s appeasement of Iran is no different from England’s (through Chamberlain) paper agreement with Hitler that led to the famous quote: “We have peace in our time.” Shortly thereafter, World War II erupted. What makes us think that Iran is any different, when their blatant ambition to destroy Israel and America is no different that Hitler’s malignant plan of conquering Europe (and eventually the U.S.) and of eliminating all Jews from the face of the earth?

More Deals

Amazingly, there is also another six-month period of time left in an earlier dialogue that began some three months ago between Israel and the Palestinians, as orchestrated by the United States. Actually, these conferences were more like an agreement to talk. What did the Palestinians give up as a “good faith” gesture to Israel before they would agree to approach the negotiating table? The answer is: Nothing. What was required of Israel and what did Israel, in fact, do? Nothing less than the phased release of hundreds of convicted murderers, saboteurs, and terrorists.

I’m sorry; as much as I love my country and want to respect and support a President (just because he is our President, but whose actions and programs seem to undermine the very nation he leads), I must issue a challenge: Would the United States agree to liberate hundreds of the worst criminals from their jails just to get “peace talks” underway? I think not. But then, the United States didn’t need to make such an unfathomable concession. Instead, we asked Israel to do something this country wouldn’t think of doing: comply with the PLO’s incomprehensible and reprehensible demand to release their terrorist sons and daughters back to them.

The real problem as repeated by Prime Minister Netanyahu: The Palestinians, along with the vast majority of the Muslim world, refuse to acknowledge that the State of Israel exists. They do not recognize in any way, shape, or form the right for the Jews to be in Palestine, of which there is no such thing nor has there ever been a Palestinian State. The nation/land is called Israel, as decreed by God thousands of years ago, and as ratified by the United Nations in November of 1947.

Admitting that Israel has a right to exist as a sovereign nation is the bedrock foundation before any compromises whatsoever are considered. Incredibly, Israel is willing to make who knows what concessions just to be recognized as a people and as a nation. Can you imagine any President, including the current administration, needing to seek recognition as a nation before the United States would enter into negotiations or sign a treaty or pact?

President Ronald Reagan comes to mind: He couldn’t have cared less whether Mikhail Gorbachev’s Russia didn’t like America or if the Soviet Union had refused to (symbolically or literally) accept the very existence of this great nation. But the Israelis have been compelled to guard their security and very survival with an opening statement that would be unthinkable for any other nation on earth: We’ll give you some of what you demand, but first you must consent to the existence of Israel.

To Be or Not To Be? (That is the question)

Unless the Palestinians make some sort of declaration that (at least in principle) acknowledges the geographic, national, political, cultural, and racial existence of the Jews, then all of the other points of negotiation are essentially meaningless. Such issues as: return of Arab refugees, control of Jerusalem, Jewish settlements in the West Bank (Judea and Samaria), control of the border crossings especially between Jordan and the West Bank, return of the Golan Heights to Syria, and the actual geographical boundaries of a Palestinian State.

When in July, 2000 at the Camp David Summit arranged by President Clinton, PLO Chairman Yasser Arafat rejected an astonishing offer by then Prime Minister, Ehud Barak … to assume control of up to 92% of the West Bank, all of the Gaza Strip, and all of East Jerusalem except for the Western Wall—that said it all. The Palestinian Arabs are not interested in “sharing” the land. They never have and probably never will. They want it ALL. They want Jews out. Why a whole bunch of people world-wide, including some Christians, fail to grasp this is beyond me.

So Israel mulls over a practically hopeless situation: how to work reasonably with those who demonstrate virtually nothing but irrational hatred and hostile behavior toward you? The Jews rightfully ask: How can you make a deal with someone who doesn’t even recognize that you exist? When they look at you, you are, for all practical purposes, invisible. You are a nonentity. You don’t have a birthright (right of birth) and you aren’t even qualified to belong on the map. You don’t belong here or anywhere, because your rebirth (1948) was entirely illegitimate. How do you respond when your complete history is rewritten and replaced with loathsome lies as found even in Palestinian school textbooks and through incessant propaganda distributed by the Palestinian media? Absurdly ironical is Arab curriculum that teaches both Creation and Evolution. As applied to Muslims, Islam credits their god, Allah, as the Creator. When it comes to Jews, evolution is their source; as they are descendants of apes.

Summary

Never before in history has the entire world been so focused on one little nation inhabited by a mere six million Jews. And yet that’s exactly what the Bible predicted. In addition to several million Arabs in Israel, surrounding Arab countries number in the hundreds of millions, with land space that dwarfs Israel; enough land to accommodate millions more Arabs. But oddly and unfortunately many of these nations fight among themselves (Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Yemen, Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon).

Even more nonsensically, they blame the Jews for their misfortunes. However, they do have one basic mindset: They detest Israel. I suppose if they ever agree on how best to govern themselves (Sunni or Shi’ite Muslim law), then they might (God forbid) agree on how to best destroy Israel. Or perhaps they think and hope that Iran will do that for them. Personally, I don’t dislike the Arabs or the Persians. I sometimes pray for their salvation, as I often do for the Jews. I will do my best to pray equally for both peoples. But the aforementioned observations are a matter of historical record and current events.

Presidents, Prime Ministers, Kings, Queens, Heads of State the world over are under the influence of the “intoxicating” effect that Israel has exerted on the entire world. (Read Zechariah 12:2-3). Nations are stoned from an overpowering elixir to find a solution to the problems in and surrounding this tiny country. To their detriment, many of these nations point the finger of blame at Israel; but seem to do so in a senseless, illogical drunken stupor caused by consumption of too many “spirits” from Arab, Muslim, Russian, South America, and European winepresses. And, I’m beginning to be concerned about America’s sudden taste for this wine that can only lead to the pouring out of God’s wrath through His winepress (Revelation 14:19).

Will a “final solution” follow Adolph Hitler’s formula; or will it track with God’s majestic plan for Israel?

In addition to God blessing his “special possession”, Israel (Psalms 28:9), it is a wonderful thing that God has extended his salvation to all Gentiles. But first and foremost, God’s Messiah was sent to save his own people, the Jews. The Savior to the Jews first and then to the Gentiles (Romans 1:16) is, in fact, a Jewish Messiah … born a Jew in Bethlehem, lived as a Jew in Nazareth and Galilee, died and raised from the dead as a Jew in Jerusalem, will return to the City of David on the Mount of Olives as King of the Jews, and shortly thereafter will fight for all of Israel as “The Lion from the Tribe of Judah.” He Is: “King of all kings and Lord of all lords.”

There is, however, a dreadful risk for every person on earth who rejects Messiah Jesus as personal Savior and every nation that refuses to accept the very existence of and purpose for Israel, as clearly set forth in Scripture.

Personal Rejection of Messiah: “And anyone who believes in God’s Son has eternal life. Anyone who doesn’t obey the Son will never experience eternal life but remains under God’s angry judgment” (John 3:36).
National Rejection of Israel: “The day is near when I, the LORD, will judge all godless nations! As you have done to Israel, so it will be done to you. All your evil deeds will fall back on your own heads. Just as you swallowed up my people on my holy mountain, so you and the surrounding nations will swallow the punishment I pour out on you. Yes, all you nations will drink and stagger and disappear from history” (Obadiah 1: 15-16).

It’s really easier than one might think (even for a Palestinian). Just repeat after me: “The State of Israel.”

Let all who name the name of our Jewish Messiah continue to:
Sha’alu Shalom Yerushalayim (Pray for the peace of Jerusalem)!

Things to Ponder
– When Palestinian children are taught that every Jew is unworthy of even being called a human being, what do you suppose those children will think and do when they grow up?
– Former Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir once said, “There will only be peace when the Arabs love their children more than they hate the Jews.” What do you think most Muslims would say to that? From all I’ve read and heard, they would (as horrible as it sounds) probably reply, “There will be peace only when there are no more Jewish children.”
– Does all this ancient animosity and modern-day hatred lead to the conclusion that any man-made peace and harmony between Jew and Arab is virtually impossible? If that’s your conclusion, then the Bible agrees with you. Why? Because, many passages in Scripture state and imply that true peace is possible only through the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ. Which is why we wait and long for his magnificent return!