Compiled by David Soakell Tel: 01642 469663
E-mail david@cfi.org.uk Website: www.cfi.org.uk

~ Thursday 15th December 2011 ~

Please note, due to the holiday season, there will be no reports for two weeks.

The next Watching over Zion report will be out on 5th January 2012

The Word: Make a lampstand of pure gold… Six branches are to extend from the sides of the lampstand-- three on one side and three on the other… A talent of pure gold is to be used for the lampstand and all these accessories. See that you make them according to the pattern shown you on the mountain. (Taken from Exodus 25:31-40)

"Then came Chanukah in Yerushalayim (Jerusalem). It was winter, and Yeshua (Jesus) was walking around inside the Temple area, in Shlomo's Colonade. So the Judeans surrounded him and said to him, 'How much longer are you going to keep us in suspense? If you are Messiah, tell us publicly!' Yeshua answered them, "I have already told you, and you don't trust me… I and the Father are one." (Yochanan/John 10:22 Jewish New Testament by David Stern)

• Pointers for prayer: As you read through this final ‘Watching over Zion’ of 2011, please pray into the areas covered. In the midst of many troubles within the Middle East it is our task as Christians, not just to cry out for justice and peace, but also to be active in service. To do this, we need to live the message of peace by allowing justice and peace to reign in our own hearts by the power of "God’s love, which has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit" (Romans 5:5). However, our peaceful stand, should always fall in line with the Scriptures ~ there is no room here for being 'politically correct'. As the carols sing out "Silent Night" may we be spiritually awake to continue in standing with the nation and people of Israel in our prayers.

• Please uphold in your prayers both the Jews and Arabs at this time of year. Remember too, the troubles of the Christian Arabs living in Bethlehem (now a tiny percentage of Bethlehem's population). Pray that these people would know the LORD's peace in their lives.

• May we continue to give thanks to the LORD God for all His faithfulness, grace and protection to the people of Israel throughout 2011. Pray that we would all be in the correct place (spiritually) to press on with our intercession for the Jewish Nation, and even through the difficult areas, may we know within our 'inner man' that the LORD God has everything completely in His grasp and control.

• Pray for God's revealed purposes: As we often mention in these Reports, the Lord has clearly outlined His purpose for Israel in His Word ~ the Bible. Israel and the Jewish people are to be a testimony to God's existence, His character and His faithfulness. They prove that His Word is true. Pray that He will bless and use Israel for His glory and His Holy Name’s sake (Ezekiel 36:22)

Wrapping up the year (part two) As mentioned last week, with the festival of Chanukah now only 6 days away (and counting) and Christmas a mere 11 days away – we’re approaching the time of wrapping gifts and having holidays. Therefore this will be the final ‘Watching over Zion Report’ before my winter break. Last week I was reflecting over the past 12 months along with bringing you updates on the current situation within the Middle East and comparing how all this fits into the theme of the Jewish festival of Chanukah - and as promised, I will attempt to complete this today. Could any of us have imagined what we would witness throughout 2011? This past 12 months have indeed witnessed global tumult, marked by widespread social and political uprisings, economic crises, the fall of multiple dictators, along with devastating earthquakes, tsunami’s, a nuclear disaster… and of course the so-called ‘Arab Spring’ otherwise known as the Islamic awakening. Hosni Mubarak's 30 years of dictatorship came to a crashing halt; Libya descended into civil war; Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, Bahrain, Syria, Yemen, Algeria, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Oman, Kuwait, Lebanon, Mauritania, Saudi Arabia, Sudan and Western Sahara all had some form or uprising. Osama bin Laden and Colonel Gaddafi were killed and much more besides. As for what’s to come… From my several sources, many believe that 2012 may bring major problems for Israel with Iran’s nuclear capability, which is currently now so dangerous, that a military strike could take place.

Meanwhile, the constant problems from terrorists in Gaza continue. Just last weekend, 19 missiles were launched from the Gaza Strip, aimed at hurting the Israeli civilian population. Fortunately, the missile fire did not amount to any injuries or casualties and hit mostly open fields. One missile fired from Gaza was intercepted by the Iron Dome system. Arab terrorists in Hamas-run Gaza resumed rocket attacks again on Israel on Monday evening, launching Qassam rockets at southern Israeli communities in the western Negev. I was in this area not so long ago reporting on those who suffer with post-traumatic stress disorder. These poor kids had their symptoms triggered again by the activation of the Colour Red rocket alert siren in communities around the area.

Some of my friends in Israel wrote to me on the Twitter social networking site, who added, "Southern Ashkelon under attack - Colour Red sirens 2 minutes ago .... Israel under fire from Gaza again!" This could once again take its toll very soon... Israel cannot put up with this for much longer! The Israeli Air Force (IAF) did retaliate with four different air strikes on Gaza. Israel also targeted three terrorist cells, and the IAF targeted a weapons manufacturing site.

The IDF spirit The Israel Defence Force (IDF) of course sees the Hamas terror organisation as solely responsible for any terror activity emanating from the Gaza Strip and will continue to pursue and stand against any terror activity aimed at its citizens. For this, they often get much criticism from the world’s media, however, in contrast to the Hamas Charter (the Islamic covenant, in which it states “Israel will exist and will continue to exist until Islam will obliterate it, just as it obliterated others before it” Click here ) in every Israeli soldier’s pocket, carried at all times, is ‘The IDF spirit’. This is read and analyzed in depth, together with their commanders, during basic training. It is hung in every IDF office as a constant reminder. So what exactly is “The IDF Spirit”, and why is it so significant for Israel’s multicultural region? Karen Lewis from our CFI Jerusalem office emailed me more on this, and the article states as follows:

“The IDF Spirit is a set of values every soldier in the Israeli Defence Force follows, some of which include Human Life, Professionalism, Morality in Warfare and more. Another way is to say - the IDF declares its support for human rights, and guides every soldier in the IDF to behave ethically and morally. The “Spirit of the IDF” has three fundamental values: 1 - Defence of the State, its Citizens and its Residents - The IDF's goal is to defend the existence of the State of Israel, its independence and the security of the citizens and residents of the state. 2 -Love of the Homeland and Loyalty to the Country - At the core of service in the IDF stand the love of the homeland and the commitment and devotion to the State of Israel - a democratic state that serves as a national home for the Jewish People-its citizens and residents. 3 - Human Dignity - The IDF and its soldiers are obligated to protect human dignity. Every human being is of value regardless of his or her origin, religion, nationality, gender, status or position.”

On the 3rd December 2011, the IDF marked the International Human Rights Day. Every year the IDF invests much energy - manpower, money and time - to spread these values. Famous examples include participating in volunteer projects for poor communities in Israel, sending off International aid delegation and more. In last week’s report I mentioned the earthquake in Turkey earlier this year, and we will never forget the horrendous earthquake in Haiti in January 2010… whenever life is threatened with earthquakes and other disasters Israel’s soldiers (IDF) are always first on the scene, providing the most advanced ways to breathe life into these disasters. Of course, this should not surprise us, after all, one of the most famous Jewish sayings is: ‘To save one life is to save the world entire’.

Shalit video clip “thanks for support” There have been quite a few people sending me emails regarding news on Gilad Shalit, asking if I had heard anything since his release as the press no longer appear interested. Well, I did come across some news this week featuring a short film clip on YouTube. Shalit thanked those who had campaigned for his release from Hamas captivity in Gaza. Although not present himself, Shalit's parents convened to hundreds of supporters in Kibbutz Shfayim to celebrate the Israeli’s release in a prisoner swap with the Palestinians terrorists on 18th October 2011.

The reason Gilad Shalit did not attend the event was due to after more than five years of isolation in Gaza, he was still not ready to face crowds. However, in a video address to the activists, Shalit looks much healthier and more composed than when the media cameras showed him when he was released from captivity. He thanked the activists for their demonstrations, petitions and media campaigns in Israel and abroad. Gilad stated, "I know without a doubt that your long and continuous struggle for my release, each according to his ability, the diligence and support for my family over the long road, were one of the decisive factors in the decision to return me home… I am grateful to you all, and each individually, and will continue to be grateful for all the days of my life." To watch the short film clip on YouTube click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxFs-RLC_UA&feature=player_embedded

Palestinian state in West Bank 'dangerous move' One of the big stories of 2011 was of course the Palestinian UN bid. At the end of September, Palestinian Authority (PA) leader Mahmoud Abbas petitioned the United Nations to grant the Arab Palestinians statehood and full membership in the UN, while also insisting that Israel has to stop building in Judea & Samaria and East Jerusalem completely before resuming the peace negotiations. Thankfully, the PA's unilateral drive for statehood has stalled in the UN Security Council – however it refuses to go away.

This week, Israel’s Education Minister, Gideon Sa'ar, stated that the strengthening of radical Islam in the region is a "dangerous move" which will not "bring peace." Sa'ar, who spoke during a trip to promote student trips to Shiloh, a Jewish Biblical and historical site located in Samaria (part of the West Bank), stated that the strengthening of radical Islamic elements in the region, as well as the conduct of the PA on the world stage should cause Israel to question the establishment of a Palestinian state. Sa'ar travelled to Shiloh in order to announce a list of sites Israeli school students will visit as part of a program to get to know "the historic roots of the State of Israel in the Land of Israel."

Speaking at Shiloh, Sa'ar said, "I am happy that already today groups of students are arriving here, but with God's help more will come." Speaking about the settlement at the site of the ancient Biblical city of Shiloh he added, "It is good to come to the settlement. It is good to see the settlement flourishing... Jews will always be in Shiloh. We should not delude the Arabs that one day there will be no Jews here. Jews will always be here, and any other illusion will bring obstacles on the road to peace."

Referring to why he sees the visits as important, the Education Minister stated, "There is no reason to hide the roots that reveal the truth. Torah and history studies have to be carried out through activity, and through seeing, and not just in the classroom." In February, the Education Ministry announced plans for a new program, which began this academic year, for Israeli students to visit the Tomb of the Patriarchs in Hebron.

Gideon Sa'ar stated, "I see great significance in getting to know the historic roots of the State of Israel in the Land of Israel." In Judges 6&7 in the Scriptures we read that long after the battle of Jericho, the Israeli’s forgot to obey God again. They hid out in the hills, fearing a people called Midianites. Then a man named Gideon heard an angel say, "God is with you, mighty warrior!" "God is with me?" asked Gideon in surprise. "Then why are we having such troubles?" "You shall save Israel," said the angel. "For God has chosen you to lead your people." "Me?" cried Gideon. "But who will listen to me? I am no one! I am the least of the least." Well, we all know how God raised Gideon up to cleanse the land of idols and return back to the God of Israel. May this modern day Gideon likewise be used by God to speak out the truth regarding the misnamed “West Bank” – the heart land and the mountains of Israel!

Celebrating the light with Israel (part two) Even though war never seems far away in Israel, many within the land are preparing for Chanukah. Last week, I mentioned that there are two stories relating to this… we now move onto the second story which is taken from the second book of Maccabees (from the Apocrypha). The story begins with a woman traditionally known as Hannah, and her seven sons. Hannah with her sons is standing before King Antiochus, who has commanded them to bow before an idol. As each of the seven sons refuse to bow before the idol, each one is put to death in an appalling manner. Finally after all her sons are murdered, Hannah herself requests to die to be with her sons, and of course, Antiochus happily obliges. It is commonly thought, like in the first story (see last weeks report), that Yehudah (Judah) the Maccabee succeeded in driving the Syrian-Greeks out of the Land of Israel. Yet many believe this is not so. Judah and his brothers succeeded in expelling the forces of the king of Syria from the Temple area only, so that it could be cleansed and the Divine service resumed. However, the entire city of Jerusalem wasn’t under complete Jewish control. It was not until 24 years after the miracle of Chanukah that a man called Shimon was able to assert control over the entire country.

There is an important lesson in this. The Jewish people did not proclaim a festival to commemorate a military and political victory - but their joy was at being able to inaugurate the Temple service again, and this is what is celebrated to this day. Since 1948, Chanukah has a greater meaning. For how did the State of Israel arise? – This came about by “means of the few against the many”. People who came with faith based on the Torah, the Prophets, and the Scriptures… these too came against the evil intentions of the Islamic Arab world.

Again…"God delivered the strong into the hands of the weak." We sometimes think that the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) is strong, and this is true - but we know that physical strength is no good alone. Like David & Goliath, the establishment of the State of Israel was definitely a case of the "strong given over in the hands of the weak” (Don’t forget that the Muslim world rules 99.9% of the Middle East, and back in 1948, Israel’s army was almost non-existent).

In 1967 of course, Israel took the Temple Mount back, yet how ironic that today Jews and Christians still cannot freely worship on the Temple Mount. How ironic, that as 2011’s “Arab Spring/Islamic Awakening” continues, the Arab Palestinian leader Abbas demands another Arab state in the heart of Israel, one where both Jews and Christians would not be able to go to their places of worship, and one where Abbas has gone on record to declare that his “State” would be free of all Jews! Maybe we need to pray the God would once again provide a miracle during this time of miracles?

In closing… some thoughts as we close the year In John 10:22-26 we find Jesus (Yeshua) celebrating a non-Biblical, yet very Jewish feast. By non-Biblical, I mean that this is a ‘traditional feast’ not one commanded by God like Passover etc. Yet Jesus was happy to join in with the festivities ~ showing us that Jesus was very much Jewish. Jesus wanted the people of his day to see His miracles and believe in Him as a result. His miracles point to his divine and messianic identity. In this way Yeshua personifies the message of Chanukah: God actively involved in the affairs of his people. Chanukah reminds us that God is a God of miracles, not just of concept and religious ideals. He has broken through into human history and continues to do so today.

Whether you are celebrating Chanukah or Christmas (or indeed as we do, both), may we all dedicate ourselves to HaShem (the Name) and Yeshua, the Light of the World this Festival of Lights and remember… without Chanukah, there would be no Christmas. But without Yeshua, there would be no salvation.

David Soakell
(CFI Church Liaison Officer (UK) & Writer & Producer of the CFI News Report & Prayer Update)

Tweet me @David_at_CFI
Sources: Unless otherwise stated: Personal sources throughout Israel along with The Jerusalem Post,
BBC News, CFI Jerusalem, Arutz-7 News, Israeli Embassy London & Israel National Radio