Cherub Nicholls

2010-04-27T13:18:00.001-07:00

http://www.garstang.us/images/illustrations/SecondTemple.jpg

Jerusalem:

The City of the Lord God

The Capital of Israel

Jerusalem is built

As a city that is compact together,

Where the tribes go up,

The tribes of the Lord,

To the Testimony of Israel,

To give thanks to the name of the Lord.

For thrones are set there for judgment,

The thrones of the house of David.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:

"May they prosper who love you.

Peace be within your walls…"

"Peace be within you."

Because of the house of the Lord our God

I will seek your good.

(Psalm 122: 3-7, 9)

Prophecy Study Bible. John C. Hagee, General Editor,

New King James Version, (Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers)

Cherub A. Nicholls

The Legitimacy of the Holy Bible as a Legal Instrument. Is International Law Greater than the Word of God?

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=The+Ligitamacy+of+teh+Holy+Bible

Love the Lord with all your heart, soul, might and strength

& love your neighbour as yourself.

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2010-03-28T15:17:00.001-07:00

http://www.foreignpolicy.com/images/166-TA-israel.jpg

Statehood First, Peace Never
By Sarah N. Stern

I am constantly amazed at the profound state of collective amnesia that the international community has regarding the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

The opportunities for the Palestinians to achieve statehood trace back to 1922 when Transjordan was supposed to have been the solution for the resident Arab population in pre-Israel Palestine. The Peel Commission (1937), the Partition Plan (1948), the Rogers Plan (1969), Oslo Accords (1993) the Hebron Agreement (1997), the Wye River Accords (1998), and the Road Map (2002) all were plans to divide the land and live side by side in peace and democracy that have either been rejected out of hand by the Arab league or by the Palestinian themselves.

As long-time Middle East analyst and veteran Capitol Hill watcher Morrie Amitay once remarked to me, "They keep selling the same promises as though it were an Arab rug in the souk (market) time and time again."

What the Israelis have to offer is real, tangible currency -- vitally-important land that offers their tiny country some strategic depth -- while all that the Palestinians have to offer are revocable promises of recognition and an end to conflict.

The interesting twist in the Oslo Accords and all subsequent agreements was the element of reversibility that had been built into them. Before Oslo was sold to a skeptical American-Jewish and Israeli public who had thought of Yassir Arafat as persona non grata, there had been an element of reversibility built into the agreement. "It is only Gaza and Jericho first", went the old maxim. "If it doesn't work you can always go in and retrieve it."

The Oslo Accords, the Road Map and all interim agreements also had a series of conditions integral to the process of resolving the conflict. The money that that the U.S. Government had been giving to the Palestinians in the heady days directly after Oslo had been preconditioned on the Palestinians living up to these conditions. In the dawning Oslo days was legislation entitled MEPFA, "Middle East Peace Facilitation Act," that required the State Department to certify that the Palestinians were living up to MEPFA stipulations before any U.S. taxpayer dollars flowed to them. The conditions included things such as, 1) a total end to incitement, 2) arresting known terrorists, and 3) confiscating and licensing weapons. Most notably, the agreement called for all further disputes to be resolved through negotiations and not through the use of force or incitement to violence.

After a while it became a futile and "onerous" task for the State Department to certify to Congress that the PA was meeting these conditions, and PA apologists eventually succeeded in getting MEPFA set aside. Instead, money flowed into PA coffers without preconditions.

In a similar vein, President Bush's "Road Map" to Middle East peace, conveyed in a ground-breaking speech on June 24, 2002, offered a vision of two states living side-by-side in peace and democracy. Phase One of the Roadmap required the Palestinians to refrain from the use of violence or incitement at any time.

However, the Palestinians never once demonstrated a serious attempt to live up to their Phase One obligations, let alone subsequent conditions for instituting democratic reforms (which does not just mean free and independent elections but also creating the institutions of a democracy so that Palestinians might feel free to go out in the public square to criticize the PA without fear of retribution).

These requirements, after having been ignored for over 16 years by subsequent governments, international agencies and monitors, are becoming progressively lower. Now that it seems that the very minimal threshold will never be met by the Palestinians, the new buzzword within the Washington policy-making community, eager to see the peace process conclude, is "statehood first," or granting the Palestinians their state now presuming peace will follow.

Israeli journalists Ehud Ya'ari recently argued at a policy forum in Washington in favor of "statehood first," saying that the Palestinian state would be within the pre-1967 boundaries, which Ambassador Abba Ebban once referred to as "the Auschwitz lines" because they are indefensible. Such a state also would presumably be "de-militarized."

But how long would de-militarization actually last? Recall that the Palestinian commitment in Oslo I to collect and license all weapons was entirely ignored. Instead, Palestinians could be expected to plead to the United Nations of being "humiliated" by be deprived of a normal, standing army. It ought to be remembered that during the "second intifada," the guns of the PA police force were used against Israeli soldiers and civilians.

Now, Prime Minister Salam Fayad has announced, in August 2009, a plan to unilaterally declare statehood within the West Bank and East Jerusalem within two years.

Fayyad's plan has caught traction. According to PA negotiator Saeb Erekat, PA President Mahmoud Abbas is lobbying the international community to recognize a Palestinian statehood declaration at the UN in the near future.

Now, within the Beltway, because of their love affair with Salam Fayyad and their eagerness to attend the next signing ceremony on the White House lawn where they will be able to witness "peace within our time," people are beginning to buy into the unilateral statehood idea.

Remember: "It's only Gaza Jericho first. If it doesn't work out, we can always retrieve it." Remember also the arguments for a unilateral Gaza withdrawal, in the absence of a negotiating partner, as a way of jump-starting the peace process.

It is hard to believe this was a very popular refrain just four short years ago, before 10,000 Kassam rockets were fired at Southern Israel and before Operation Cast Lead and the Goldstone report.
Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.

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2010-02-24T13:28:00.001-08:00

www.humanrights.cn/en/UNHRC/W0200706304458645...

Who is demonizing who?

By Ben-Dror Yemini

The New Israel Fund is angry. It thinks it is okay to cooperate with the
Goldstone commission, even though the commission was formed by an automatic
majority of the benighted countries that control the UN Human Rights
Council. It thinks it is ok to disseminate the resultant unsubstantial and
unsubstantiated accusations against Israel. It thinks it is okay to take
part in the demonization campaign being staged by certain of its NGOs. And
it is absolutely legitimate, in a democratic country, to do all these
things.
But there is something else that is also legitimate: To reveal the truth
about the fund and the groups that falsely claim to be human rights
organizations. If some of the political organizations supported by the fund
do not recognize the right of Israel to exist as a Jewish and democratic
state, don't cry human rights.
Tell the truth: the denial of rights is to Jews only. The Palestinians have
a right to a state of their own, as do the Croats, the Hungarians, the
Czechs, the Slovaks and other nations - but not the Jews.
The New Israel Fund supports, for example, the Zochrot organization. This is
a nonprofit organization that openly strives to destroy Israel by means of
the 3right of return.2 Not that there is any such right, and not that there
ever was a precedent for a mass 3return2 after a population swap in the wake
of war - but this does not bother the New Israel Fund. It will always jump
in under the slogan of human rights.
This doesn't mean Israel is exempt from criticism. After all, out of the
hundreds of allegations, there are a few of substance. But if many sane
people are coming to loathe the human rights organizations, it's not because
they loathe human rights. Just the opposite! It's because the sane majority
is fed up with 'human rights' becoming the weapon of benighted forces.
There are a million and one offenses to human lives and human rights in the
world. Israel, as a state in conflict, offends less than all others. This is
backed up by numbers. Yet Israel is the one taking the brunt of the
criticism. This is called demonization, delegitimisation and obsession. So
the attacks on Israel are not in defense of human rights, but rather an
orchestrated campaign in the service of Iran and Hamas.

HOW IS it that many, mainly Jews, support the New Israel Fund? How is it
that they enable this systematic campaign that pretends to be humane? They
are not anti-Semites. They are people with good intentions. After all, the
rhetoric is about human rights and minorities. Jews are sensitive to that.
And it's good that they are. Most of them simply don't know. Most of them
sincerely and truly want for Israel to be more enlightened and advanced,
while being stricter about human lives and human rights.
But they do not know that some of the money goes to other goals.
Prof. Naomi Chazan, who heads the NIF, is not a hater of Israel. But what
happened to the fund is exactly what has happened to innumerable
organizations that deal with the discourse of rights.
Human rights organizations can earn back our trust. They must genuinely
support human rights, not organizations that work to deny Israel's right to
exist.

The writer is an Israeli journalist and a regular columnist at Maariv, where
an earlier version of this article originally appeared.

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2010-01-25T09:54:00.001-08:00

http://www.nilacharal.com/news/specials/images/terrorist_183.jpg

A Perspective on the Question:

What is the Middle East Conflict about?

The conflict is spiritual. It is played out by actors who represent two different worlds or spiritual kingdoms. One group of actors believe the word of God as He has spoken; the other group, pays allegiance to another god... whom they believe cannot speak, move and interact with humans... therefore this group of people cannot accept the arguments of the former group that God gave them the land.

Genesis 12 (Amplified Bible)

¹NOW [in Haran] the Lord said to Abram, Go for yourself [for your own advantage] away from your country, from your relatives and your father's house, to the land that I will show you.^(A)

²And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you [with abundant increase of favors] and make your name famous and distinguished, and you will be a blessing [dispensing good to others].

³And I will bless those who bless you [who confer prosperity or happiness upon you] and ^[a]curse him who curses or uses insolent language toward you; in you will all the families and kindred of the earth be blessed [and by you they will bless themselves].^(B)

⁴So Abram departed, as the Lord had directed him; and Lot [his nephew] went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he left Haran.

⁵Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother's son, and all their possessions that they had gathered, and the persons [servants] that they had acquired in Haran, and they went forth to go to the land of Canaan. When they came to the land of Canaan,

⁶Abram passed through the land to the locality of Shechem, to the oak or terebinth tree of Moreh. And the Canaanite was then in the land.

⁷Then the Lord appeared to Abram and said, I will give this land to your posterity. So Abram built an altar there to the Lord, Who had appeared to him.

⁸From there he pulled up [his tent pegs] and departed to the mountain on the east of Bethel and pitched his tent, with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east; and there he built an altar to the Lord and called upon the name of the Lord.

⁹Abram journeyed on, still going toward the South (the Negeb).

(http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=genesis%2012&version=AMP)

The portion of Scripture above shows that God did not only speak but He makes a choice... He chooses Abraham and He gives him the land of Canaan, known today as the State of Israel to Abraham and his descendants, specifically the Jewish people.

The other group, the Arabs also claim to be descendants of Abraham... I guess some of the tribes are... but we must not forget that even in Abraham's time there were people existing in this part of the world... consequently, not all peoples in the Middle East are truly born of Abraham. Moreover, the inheritance was solely Isaac's.

⁵And Abraham gave all that he had to Isaac.

⁶But to the sons of his concubines [Hagar and Keturah] Abraham gave gifts, and while he was still living he sent them to the east country, away from Isaac his son [of promise].

⁷The days of Abraham's life were 175 years.

Genesis 25 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=genesis%2025&version=AMP)

The Arabs have used wars and negotiations to make gains on the Israelis. They rely on the arguments: such as Arabism- the region is Arabic in nature. They also appeal to modern history, international law, utilise revenues gained from oil sales to gain international influence- leverage, they label Zionism- racism and publicly make declarations of their goal to destroy the people of Israel thus ridding the world of Jews.

The goal of the Arab actor is to bide for time so that they came gain advantage over Israel, inter alia, military, international support, etc. When they do strike Israel, they hope to weaken this "Western entity", so that they will go to the negotiation table, if they decide to do so, as a power, not a weak partner. Hence, the ongoing military strikes by Iranian proxies namely Hamas and Hezbollah. This is to imitate the Egyptians who continue to claim victory over Israel following the Yom Kippur War in 1973. The Egyptians, today say that having won that war it enabled them to go the negotiations with the Israelis as a strong partner and thus it was their strength that enabled them to secure the Sinai. Today, the Egyptians speak of this event with incredible pride. It therefore, must be in the minds of their other Arab brothers… that Israel can be defeated. Thus, this perception provides the motivation in helping them to work tenaciously to bring down the State of Israel.

Have no doubt this is the heart of the Arab-Israel conflict. This region is destined to remain in a state of war until the unfolding of the ultimate conflict which is still to come; the invasion of massive armies which include the Russians, the Chinese and their allies. Their goal is the same: to ultimately destroy the People of the Book, God's Chosen, the Children of Israel, the State of Israel.

In times of war in this part of the world, there will be signs and wonders manifested by the influence of demonic powers. There will also be the glorious salvation of the Jews by the Lord Jesus, Himself.

Revelation 20

¹And I saw an angel coming down out of heaven, having the key to the Abyss and holding in his hand a great chain. ²He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil, or Satan, and bound him for a thousand years. ³He threw him into the Abyss, and locked and sealed it over him, to keep him from deceiving the nations anymore until the thousand years were ended. After that, he must be set free for a short time.

(http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=rev%2020&version=NIV)

Furthermore, John tells us of a great event he sees, one that is to come: ¹¹I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and makes war. ¹²His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. ¹³He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. ¹⁴The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. ¹⁵Out of his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. "He will rule them with an iron scepter."^[a] He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. ¹⁶On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written:
KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.

¹⁷And I saw an angel standing in the sun, who cried in a loud voice to all the birds flying in midair, "Come, gather together for the great supper of God, ¹⁸so that you may eat the flesh of kings, generals, and mighty men, of horses and their riders, and the flesh of all people, free and slave, small and great."

¹⁹Then I saw the beast and the kings of the earth and their armies gathered together to make war against the rider on the horse and his army. ²⁰But the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who had performed the miraculous signs on his behalf. With these signs he had deluded those who had received the mark of the beast and worshiped his image. The two of them were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur. ²¹The rest of them were killed with the sword that came out of the mouth of the rider on the horse, and all the birds gorged themselves on their flesh.

Revelation 19: 11-21 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=rev%2019&version=NIV)

Finally, the portion above speaks of the "mother of all battles" in the Middle East. The ongoing conflict is spiritual. The end of the conflict will be dealt with spiritually. There is already news on the upcoming battle, (see above) and the story ends with the Lord of lords coming in person to fight for the cause of His people, Israel.

Cherub Angela Nicholls

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2009-12-14T15:36:00.001-08:00

To recognise the Faithfulness of God, watch His Relationship with Israel

Not one of all the LORD's good promises to the house of Israel failed; every one was fulfilled.

(Joshua 21:45, New International Version,http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=joshua%2021:%2045&version=NIV)

a) God's Promise kept... The Jews are back to stay.

Jerusalem

http://www.jerusalemshots.com/b/uploaded4/0813040322_1.jpg

So the LORD gave Israel all the land He had sworn to give their forefathers, and they took possession of it and settled there.
(Joshua 21:43, New International Version, http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=joshua%2021:43&version=NIV)

b) Jerusalem, all of Jerusalem is God's...
¹² The LORD will inherit Judah as His portion in the holy land and will again choose Jerusalem.
¹³ Be still before the LORD, all mankind, because He has roused Himself from His holy dwelling. (Zechariah 2: 12-13 (New International Version - UK,
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=zechariah%202:12-13&version=NIVUK)

Mount Zion, Jerusalem
(http://farm1.static.flickr.com/52/148490628_68c93a8dc4.jpg)

c) God Loves His people, Israel
He has helped His servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful
(Luke 1:54, New International Version,http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke%201:54&version=NIV)

Jewish men pray at the Western Wall in Jerusalem
(http://mecadserv1.technion.ac.il/public_html/ESDA08/images/
Men_praying_at_Western_Wall_tb_n010200.jpg)

Finally, Joel declares that the Lord will be jealous for His land and take pity on His people (2:18). God will never forsake Israel. Just keep watching Him work on their behalf. Put your trust in this God, the God who is above all gods. He will help you, too.
Cherub A. Nicholls

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2009-11-22T13:15:00.001-08:00

The Words of the God of Israel:
The Sovereign God to the Nations

Isaiah 45
¹⁸For thus says the LORD, who ^(AY)created the heavens (He is the God who ^(AZ)formed the earth and made it, He established it and did not create it a ^(BA)waste place, but formed it to be ^(BB)inhabited),
         "I am the LORD, and ^(BC)there is none else.

(Jerusalem, http://www.jerusalem.muni.il/imagedb/187216537.jpg)
¹⁹"^(BD)I have not spoken in secret,
         In some dark land;
         I did not say to the ^(BE)offspring of Jacob,
         '^(BF)Seek Me in a waste place';
         I, the LORD, ^(BG)speak righteousness,
         ^(BH)Declaring things that are upright.
    ²⁰"^(BI)Gather yourselves and come;
         Draw near together, you fugitives of the nations;
         ^(BJ)They have no knowledge,
         Who ^(BK)carry about their wooden idol
         And ^(BL)pray to a god who cannot save.
    ²¹"^(BM)Declare and set forth your case;
         Indeed, let them consult together
         ^(BN)Who has announced this from of old?
         Who has long since declared it?
         Is it not I, the LORD?
         And there is ^(BO)no other God besides Me,
         A righteous God and a ^(BP)Savior;
         There is none except Me.
    ²²"^(BQ)Turn to Me and ^(BR)be saved, all the ends of the earth;
         For I am God, and there is no other.
    ²³"^(BS)I have sworn by Myself,
         The ^(BT)word has gone forth from My mouth in righteousness
         And will not turn back,
         That to Me ^(BU)every knee will bow, every tongue will ^(BV)swear allegiance.
    ²⁴"They will say of Me, 'Only ^(BW)in the LORD are righteousness and strength '
         Men will come to Him,
         And ^(BX)all who were angry at Him will be put to shame.
    ²⁵"In the LORD all the offspring of Israel
         Will be ^(BY)justified and will ^(BZ)glory."

Isaiah 45 (New American Standard Bible)
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=isaiah%2045&version=NASB

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2009-10-24T15:00:00.001-07:00

http://www.friends-partners.org/partners/beyond-the-pale/images/05-4.jpg

The Prophet Zechariah Foretold the Return of Jews to the Holy Land:
It is as he said...

Zechariah 8:1-23 (Amplified Bible)

Zechariah 8

¹AND THE word of the Lord of hosts came to me, saying,

²Thus says the Lord of hosts: I am jealous for Zion with great jealousy, and I am jealous for her with great wrath [against her enemies].

³Thus says the Lord: I shall return to Zion and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem, and Jerusalem shall be called the [faithful] City of Truth, and the mountain of the Lord of hosts, the Holy Mountain.

⁴Thus says the Lord of hosts: Old men and old women shall again dwell in Jerusalem and sit out in the streets, every man with his staff in his hand for very [advanced] age.

⁵And the streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in its streets.

⁶Thus says the Lord of hosts: Because it will be marvelous in the eyes of the remnant of this people in those days [in which it comes to pass], should it also be marvelous in My eyes? says the Lord of hosts.^(A)

⁷Thus says the Lord of hosts: Behold, I will save My people from the east country and from the west [the country of the going down of the sun].^(B)

⁸And I will bring them [home] and they shall dwell in the midst of Jerusalem; and they shall be My people, and I will be their God in truth and faithfulness and in righteousness.

⁹Thus says the Lord of hosts: Let your hands be strong and hardened, you who in these days hear these words from the mouths of the prophets who on the day that the foundation of the house of the Lord of hosts was laid foretold that the temple should be rebuilt.

¹⁰For before those days there was no hire for man nor any hire for beast, neither was there any peace or success to him who went out or came in because of the adversary and oppressor, for I set (let loose) all men, every one against his neighbor.

¹¹But now [in this period since you began to build] I am not to the remnant of this people as in the former days, says the Lord of hosts.

¹²For there shall the seed produce peace and prosperity; the vine shall yield her fruit and the ground shall give its increase and the heavens shall give their dew; and I will cause the remnant of this people to inherit and possess all these things.

¹³And as you have been a curse and a byword among the nations, O house of Judah and house of Israel, so will I save you, and you shall be a blessing. Fear not, but let your hands be strong and hardened.^(C)

¹⁴For thus says the Lord of hosts: As I thought to bring calamity upon you when your fathers provoked Me to wrath, says the Lord of hosts, and I did not relent or revoke your sentence,

¹⁵So again have I purposed in these days to do good to Jerusalem and to the house of Judah. Fear not!

¹⁶These are the things that you shall do: speak every man the truth with his neighbor; render the truth and pronounce the judgment or verdict that makes for peace in [the courts at] your gates.^(D)

¹⁷And let none of you think or imagine or devise evil or injury in your hearts against his neighbor, and love no false oath, for all these things I hate, says the Lord.

¹⁸And the word of the Lord of hosts came to me [Zechariah], saying,

¹⁹Thus says the Lord of hosts: The fast of the fourth month and the fast of the fifth, the fast of the seventh and the fast of the tenth, shall be to the house of Judah times of joy and gladness and cheerful, appointed seasons; therefore [in order that this may happen to you, as the condition of fulfilling the promise] love truth and peace.

²⁰Thus says the Lord of hosts: It shall yet come to pass that there shall come [to Jerusalem] peoples and the inhabitants of many and great cities,

²¹And the inhabitants of one city shall go to them of another, saying, Let us go speedily to pray and entreat the favor of the Lord and to seek, inquire of, and require [to meet our own most essential need] the Lord of hosts. I will go also.

²²Yes, many people and strong nations shall come to Jerusalem to seek, inquire of, and require [to fill their own urgent need] the Lord of hosts and to pray to the Lord for His favor.

²³Thus says the Lord of hosts: In those days ten men out of all languages of the nations shall take hold of the robe of him who is a Jew, saying, Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.

Amplified Bible (AMP)

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Zechariah%208:1-23&version=AMP

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2009-09-18T13:06:00.001-07:00

Don't forget to become an honorary citizen of Hebron:
http://www.hebron.com/english/article.php?id=564

Tit for tat

David Wilder
September 16, 2009

At first glance, it seems ironic that the author of the scathing report dealing with Israeli 'war crimes' during the Gaza war, is a Jew. And not just any Jew. According to Goldstone's daughter, in an interview published by the Jerusalem Post, Richard Goldstone "is a Zionist and loves Israel."

As the proverbial saying goes, 'with friends like that, who needs enemies?!'

Goldstone reportedly slept during accounts of rocket attacks on Sderot, in south Israel. So related Sderot resident and media expert Noam Bedein on Israel radio this morning. However such accounts are totally irrelevant. When it comes to Jews, only one truth is viable. Jews may be attacked in any manner as the attacker deems fit; however, Jews may not dare to defend themselves, be it preemptive, during or post attack. Why? Because that's why Jews exist; for the world to blame for all problems, and later to take their frustrations out on them.

This simple truth has existed for at least two thousand years, if we prefer to ignore Biblical accounts of the Egyptian slavery over 3,300 years ago. Certainly since the advent of Christianity Jews have been a worthy scapegoat and have paid a price continuing thru the present: expulsions, forced conversions, mass murder, and more. Who today remembers the slaughters perpetrated by the crusaders, or the inquisition, pogroms in Eastern Europe? Of course, today, talking about the holocaust is almost considered to be trite or redundant. After all, how much can you keep saying about it, bringing it up at every opportunity, enough!

The state of Israel serves as a wonderful target for continued Jew-bashing. Perhaps one of the best examples, today so relevant, was Israel's attack against Saddam Hussein's mass killing machine, destroying his nuclear missile facilities in June, 1981. The United States blasted Israel for this attack. The United Nations Security council unanimously passed UN Resolution 487 which "strongly condemns the military attack by Israel in clear violation of the Charter of the United Nations and the norms of international conduct." [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osirak]

This rule is playing out in front of our eyes, as international policy concerning the Iranian nuclear threat demands 'negotiations' and 'sanctions' prior to any attempts to physically destroy Ahmadinejad's weapons of mass destruction before they are activated and live. By that time, of course, it may be too late, but again, who cares? After all, it's only Israel's existence that seems to be at stake!

The Goldstone Report is only a continuation of an international principle which allows Israel to be attacked, and refuses to accept Israel's right to self defense.

But….

And here is a BIG BUT.

I believe that the drama unfolding before our eyes, such as the Goldstone report, is not the fault of the international community. It is, quite clearly and simply, our fault, the direct responsibility of the state of Israel and a direct result of Israeli policies.

How so?

Exactly nine years ago, tomorrow night, what is known as the '2^nd Intifada' aka the Oslo War began, here in Hebron. Just after midnight Arab terrorists started shooting at the Jewish neighborhoods in the city. The source of the gunfire were the hills surrounding these neighborhoods, hills 'transferred'/abandoned to the Palestinian authority in January, 1997 with implementation of the 'Hebron Accords.'

The shooting also started in other areas of Judea and Samaria. Jerusalem's southern neighborhood, Gilo, came under attack from Bethlehem and Beit Jala.

The shooting continued for over two years, with the Barak/Sharon administrations refusing to properly defend its citizens against sustained, incessant attacks. Had the government ordered the army back into the areas and cities handed over to the PA the attacks would have ended immediately. Instead, the state's leaders watched as almost 1,500 Jews were murdered in cold blood by Arab terrorists. And the shooting continued.

But it should be remembered that, prior to this war, Gush Katif communities came under mortar fire day and night, for years. Thousands of mortars were shot at civilian and military populations. With virtually no effective answer from those who were elected to keep Israelis safe, wherever they were.

It also should not be forgotten the missile attacks against Kiryat Shmona and cities in the Israeli north, attacks which remained unanswered for years at a time.

And finally, how many rockets were shot into Sderot before the abandonment of Gush Katif, and how many following catastrophic expulsion and destruction of those communities. Thousands and thousands and thousands.

And let it not be said that the government didn't know, that they weren't warned. Only last week, at the lecture in Netanya: "A secret IDF Intelligence (AMAN) assessment warned as early as 1993 that the Oslo Accords would likely end with
rocket attacks on Ashkelon, according to former AMAN Maj.-Gen. Yaakov Amidror. The politicians, however, were not interested. According to Amidror, who headed the IDF's Research and Assessment Division responsible for preparing the National Intelligence Assessment, the decision to go ahead with the Oslo agreements between Israel and the PLO terrorist organization was made without taking into account the military implications. The Rabin government "completely ignored" IDF assessments, Amidror claimed" [http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/133328].

Writers, myself included, warned, year after year, of the deadly implications of Oslo, Hebron, Wye, Gush Katif. To no avail. But they knew, and did nothing.

In other words, Israel allowed itself to be attacked, without offering any real defense, any true attempt to stop the terror. That being the case, when, at long last, much too late, Israel finally decided to take action, our enemies, enemies from without and enemies from within, raised a red flag imprinted with a huge question mark: What happened – why now? What happened to you Jews? You know you're not allowed to defend yourselves. You know better. Don't you dare start now!

The state of Israel had withheld for so long, had restrained itself, had decided strategically not to protect itself, its citizens, and its cities, that any such action was viewed as bizarre and uncharacteristic. And with this, a great international outcry, coming on the heels of thousands of years of defenselessness. How dare you!!!

Approaching the holy days of Rosh HaShana and Yom Kippur we try to take stock of the events of the past year, to determine how to correct our errors in the future. At times we are forced to pay for our misdeeds; G-d takes account of our sins and, sometimes, treats us accordingly.

We are taught that one of the ways G-d deals with us human beings is, in Hebrew, 'mida c'neged mida.' Translated this means something like tit for tat. You get back the same as you gave. Ehud Barak, presently Defense Minister, nine years ago Prime Minister, fled from Lebanon and offered Arafat almost all of Judea and Samaria, including Jerusalem. He claims that the Goldstone report encourages terror. Tit for tat Mr. Barak. You did nothing to stop terror. To the contrary, you encouraged it by doing nothing about it, you let Jews die and tried to appease the terrorists by offering to abandon more of Eretz Yisrael. Now you're getting it back in the face in the form of another Jew, blaming you for trying (and, by the way, not succeeding) to stop the terror, much too little, much too late. Mida c'neged mida.

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2009-08-16T13:11:00.001-07:00

An Israeli's Response to the Question of Settlements

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This letter was written to the Jerusalem Post by Moshe Aumann, on the Question of Settlements in Israel. Mr Aumann is an experienced Diplomat, retired.

Sir, - The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC's) M. Pierre Wettach (letter to the editor, Aug. 11) cites the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949, prohibiting "the transfer of [parts of] the civilian population of the occupying power into the occupied territory," as grounds for labeling Jewish settlements in Judea and Samaria (the "West Bank") illegal. These settlements, he avers, are "a form of population transfer into occupied territory."

The term "occupied territory" implies the existence of a legitimate sovereign state whose territory is being occupied. In this instance, since Jordan's claim to sovereignty in this territory from 1949 till 1967 was never internationally recognized (except by two countries, Britain and Pakistan), the only legitimate previous sovereign power that one can refer to in this area is Britain, in accordance with the Mandate given to it in 1922 by the League of Nations. Under the terms of that Mandate, Britain was charged, among other things, with encouraging "close settlement by Jews on the land." Jordan's invasion in 1948 did not alter that provision – which, incidentally, remains valid also under Article 80 of the UN Charter.

According to Prof. Eugene Rostow, "Israel has an unassailable legal right to establish settlements in the West Bank. The West Bank is part of the British Mandate in Palestine which included Israel and Jordan as well as certain other territories not yet generally recognized as belonging to either country. While Jewish settlement east of the Jordan River was suspended in 1922, such settlements remained legal in the West Bank."

The 1949 Geneva Convention thus is not applicable to Jewish settlements in Judea and Samaria today. In addition to that, however, it manifestly does not fit the circumstances of the current situation, which does not and never did involve the transfer of civilians but, on the contrary, reflects a situation where civilians took the initiative in settling these territories, receiving government approval and support only at a later stage.

MOSHE AUMANN

Minister (Ret.), Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs

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2009-08-04T10:37:00.001-07:00

Tough on Israel

Why President Obama's battle against Jewish settlements could prove self-defeating?

Thursday, July 30, 2009

ONE OF THE MORE striking results of the Obama administration's first six months is that only one country has worse relations with the United States than it did in January: Israel. The new administration has pushed a reset button with Russia and sent new ambassadors to Syria and Venezuela; it has offered olive branches to Cuba and Burma. But for nearly three months it has been locked in a public confrontation with Israel over Jewish housing construction in Jerusalem and the West Bank. To a less visible extent, the two governments also have differed over policy toward Iran.

This week a parade of senior U.S. officials has been visiting Jerusalem to tackle the issues: Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates, Middle East envoy George J. Mitchell, national security adviser James L. Jones and senior aide Dennis Ross. But the tensions persist, and public opinion is following: The Pew Global Attitudes Project reported last week that Israel was the only country among 25 surveyed where the public's image of the United States was getting worse rather than better.

In part the trouble was unavoidable: Taking office with a commitment to pursuing Middle East peace, Mr. Obama faced a new, right-wing Israeli government whose prime minister, Binyamin Netanyahu, has refused to accept the goal of Palestinian statehood. In part it was tactical: By making plain his disagreements with Mr. Netanyahu on statehood and Jewish settlements, Mr. Obama hoped to force an Israeli retreat while building credibility with Arab governments -- two advances that he arguably needs to set the stage for a serious peace process.

But the administration also is guilty of missteps. Rather than pocketing Mr. Netanyahu's initial concessions -- he gave a speech on Palestinian statehood and suggested parameters for curtailing settlements accepted by previous U.S. administrations -- Mr. Obama chose to insist on an absolutist demand for a settlement "freeze." Palestinian and Arab leaders who had accepted previous compromises immediately hardened their positions; they also balked at delivering the "confidence-building" concessions to Israel that the administration seeks. Israeli public opinion, which normally leans against the settler movement, has rallied behind Mr. Netanyahu. And Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations, which were active during the Bush administration's final year, have yet to resume.

U.S. and Israeli officials are working on a compromise that would allow Israel to complete some housing now under construction while freezing new starts for a defined period. Arab states would be expected to take steps in return. Such a deal will expose Mr. Obama to criticism in the Arab world -- a public relations hit that he could have avoided had he not escalated the settlements dispute in the first place. At worst, the president may find himself diminished among both Israelis and Arabs before discussions even begin on the issues on which U.S. clout is most needed. If he is to be effective in brokering a peace deal, Mr. Obama will need to show both sides that they can trust him -- and he must be tough on more than one country.

Editorial taken from:

www.washingtonpost.com.htm

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2009-07-05T14:00:00.001-07:00

Israel: The Lord God Almighty will defend you

Israel, in troublesome times you need not look to your lovers and friends to defend you. Some may give lip service but in the end, the nations really do not care about you. In times of grave disaster will they come to your aid? See, how they oppress you as in former times. At least two hundred years ago you were denied freedom to live wherever you pleased in your home land. In the 19 years during the Arab control of the Old City of Jerusalem, you were denied entry to the City. The Holy Land whether it is called Palestine or Israel, is the same geographic location spoken of in the Holy Bible and it belongs only to one people: The children of Israel. This Land was given to your forefathers: Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and to the seed of Jacob, for an everlasting covenant by the Holy One of Israel, as your dwelling place and for you to serve the only true God, the Lord God Almighty.

Today, even though you are a sovereign nation, living in your own land, the nations of the world have taken it upon themselves to dictate to you where you must live in your own country. This is unprecedented and is in violation of God's own Word, His statute and His covenant. Foreign leaders are concerned about how they look in the eyes of the multitude... Israel, only the Lord God who made you and continually loves you, will support and defend you from your enemies round-about. Do not fear!

See, this is what is promised to you... In Ezekiel 36: 1-7

Blessing on Israel

¹ "And you, son of man, prophesy to the mountains of Israel, and say, 'O mountains of Israel, hear the word of the LORD! ² Thus says the Lord GOD: "Because the enemy has said of you, 'Aha! The ancient heights have become our possession,'"' ³ therefore prophesy, and say, 'Thus says the Lord GOD: "Because they made you desolate and swallowed you up on every side, so that you became the possession of the rest of the nations, and you are taken up by the lips of talkers and slandered by the people"— ⁴ therefore, O mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Lord GOD! Thus says the Lord GOD to the mountains, the hills, the rivers, the valleys, the desolate wastes, and the cities that have been forsaken, which became plunder and mockery to the rest of the nations all around— ⁵ therefore thus says the Lord GOD: "Surely I have spoken in My burning jealousy against the rest of the nations and against all Edom, who gave My land to themselves as a possession, with wholehearted joy and spiteful minds, in order to plunder its open country."'
⁶ "Therefore prophesy concerning the land of Israel, and say to the mountains, the hills, the rivers, and the valleys, 'Thus says the Lord GOD: "Behold, I have spoken in My jealousy and My fury, because you have borne the shame of the nations." ⁷ Therefore thus says the Lord GOD: "I have raised My hand in an oath that surely the nations that are around you shall bear their own shame.

Ezekiel 36:1-7 (New King James Version)

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezekiel%2036:%201-7;&version=50;

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Cherub A. Nicholls

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2009-06-02T14:40:00.001-07:00

THE SUN ORBITS THE PALESTINIAN STATE

MK Professor Arieh Eldad, M.D. - May 7, 2009

Hatikva Party

For hundreds of years, the Catholic Church believed that the sun orbits the earth. Whoever dared oppose this view was branded insane or a heretic.

Religious dogmas are not overturned by logic. An argument between the believers of different faiths is rarely resolved by rational argument. The prophet Habukuk says, "The righteous man lives by his faith." (Today we say, "A man lives by his faith," and by this we mean that every man has his own personal belief system, and all do not need to believe in one thing.)

But political positions are not matters of mystical faith. They are supposed to be logical. At their best they serve the interests of he who propounds them. Occasionally they fail because the analysis on which they are based is faulty. We can understand countries that demand Israel accept the program of "two states for two nations" because they think that the creation of a Palestinian state west of the Jordan River serves their interests. If, Heaven forbid, such a state is established and as a result the State of Israel falls, their own interests will be hurt, but this will simply be one more political miscalculation in a history full of miscalculations.

We can even understand those who demand the creation of a Palestinian state alongside Israel because they are hostile to Israel and wish to help Arabs. More than 3,500 years of recorded history bear witness to many attempts to destroy the people of Israel or to prevent its political independence. Indeed, the first time the nation of Israel is mentioned in human history outside of the Bible is on the stele of the Pharaoh Merneptah on which is written, "Israel has been destroyed, its seed no longer exists." They tried in the past, they're still trying, and apparently they'll continue to try.

However, when the demand to establish an independent Palestinian state comes not from an attempt to serve the speaker's interests but rather as part of a "search for justice" or under an assumption that one is benefiting Israel, we can no longer relate to the demand with the tools of logic. This is a sort of "religious dogma" that will be difficult if not impossible to contradict by reason. The establishment of a Palestinian state will necessarily bring about the destruction of Israel. Whoever blindly and closed mindedly repeats the mantra "two states for two nations" can apparently not understand this, just as the Popes in the Middle Ages could not be convinced that the sun does not orbit the earth.

The late Yitzchak Rabin said, "A Palestinian state can rise only on the ruins of the State of Israel." He understood that the Arabs desire to destroy Israel. He was familiar with the geography and history of the Land of Israel and knew that a Palestinian state would always be an irredenta longing to take over Israel and inherit the land.

This writer is a doctor, and as a doctor I know that he who wrongly diagnoses a disease cannot hope to cure it. The most widespread error made by those considering the conflict between Jews and Arabs in the Land of Israel lies in the diagnosis that it is a territorial dispute. If it were a territorial dispute, it should be curable by a territorial compromise. (Dozens of such attempts have been made in recent centuries, and all of them have ended bloodbaths or war.) But he who recognizes even at the most basic level the attitude of Islam towards Jews and the status of the Land of Israel in Islam knows that for Islam the Land of Israel is a "Wakf" - holy land granted forever to Moslems. Moslems are enjoined from recognizing rule by heretics - Jews or Christians - in this Wakf. Thus, the Arabs can sign a political agreement, even a peace treaty, with the State of Israel but they will never recognize it as a Jewish state; and no such peace treaty will prevent them from fighting a war with Israel, whether from within or without, in order to turn it into a bi-national state and then, at a later stage, an Arab state. The creation of an independent Palestinian state in the Land of Israel serves this purpose well. This is exactly how Yassir Arafat defined his Theory of Stages. So today, everyone who supports the establishment of a Palestinian state west of the Jordan River is trying to implement Arafat's plan. Anyone who believes that an Israeli withdrawal to the 1967 lines will resolve the conflict should remember that the Palestine Liberation Organization, which Arafat led, was founded not as a result of the Six Day War of 1967 but three years earlier, when Israel did not possess the territories of Judea, Samaria, and Gaza; and the territory of that Israel is precisely the "Palestine" that the Arabs want to "libera! te" as expressed in the name of the organization that Israel is now being asked to sign an accord with, in order to give it a state.

But why is the establishment of a Palestinian state west of the Jordan not only impossible for anyone who wants Israel to continue to exist, but also unnecessary?

Because there already is a Palestinian state, and it is Jordan. Whoever supports the establishment of another Palestinian state, west of Jordan, supports the program of "three states for two nations." The Balfour Declaration of 1917 and the League of Nations' decisions in Geneva in 1920 and 1922 called for the establishment of a national home for the Jews and granted Britain a mandate in order to establish this Jewish National Home on both banks of the Jordan River. The Arabs, who opposed this plan, initiated the first wave of terror in 1920-1921 and put political pressure on Britain, after which the British Secretary of State for the Colonies Winston Churchill visited the Land of Israel and then published the White Paper of 1922, by which he gave three-quarters of the Jewish National Home's territory to the Arabs and established east of the Jordan the Emirate of Trans-Jordan, which eventually became the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. Thus, at that point, the Land of Israel had already been divided. An Arab state had been established, and all that remained to do was establish the Jewish state west of the Jordan. But the Arabs of course were not satisfied with that partition, just as they rejected all proposed partitions afterwards, and they initiated another wave of terror, and following each successive wave of terror, another international commission arrived that again redrew the borders and repeatedly re-partitioned the country, leading only to bloodier attacks.

In any case, a Palestinian state rose in Jordan. Seventy percent of its citizens are Palestinians. Jordan is Palestine, de facto and de jure. Nonetheless, those who believed that the sun orbits the earth now say that one Palestinian state is not enough, and because the Palestinians are demanding another one west of the Jordan - if they are granted that state, peace will come to the Middle East.

Samuel Huntington in his book The Clash of Civilizations counted over 130 armed conflicts around the world in the year 2000. Approximately 95 percent of these were between Moslems and their neighbors. Islamic borders are bloody. Almost everywhere on the planet, Moslems are attempting to expand at the territorial expense of their neighbors. The illness is global. But for some reason the believers think that the conflict in the Land of Israel is local, of a different nature, and territorial concessions will resolve the conflict. In like manner did many Europeans believe in 1938 that territorial concessions to Hitler would satisfy his hunger and bring peace. For who could believe then that Hitler wanted to take over the world? And who believes today that Islam wants to take over the world? If only the Jews would give up their homeland, there would be peace.

Nonetheless, the solution of two states for two nations should indeed be accepted by everyone. Fortunately, the Jews have a state in Israel and the Palestinians have a state in Jordan. If they don't want a Hashemite king using a Bedouin minority to control 70 percent of the population, they should change that regime. But a Bedouin minority subjugating a Palestinian majority in Jordan should not be the reason for the creation of another state at Israel's expense. With worldwide assistance, the Palestinian refugees can easily be resettled in the expanses of Jordan, and energy and water sources, along with housing and employment, can be promoted with sums much smaller that those that have been invested by the world for over 60 years to maintain the refugees in appalling conditions in their camps. Settling refugees in Arab countries and mainly in Jordan will not completely resolve the conflict because, as noted above, this is fundamentally a religious conflict, and Islam will never accept Jewish rule in the land of Israel. But this is a necessary humanitarian solution which will also diffuse many of the bombs that have exploded and continue to explode in the Land of Israel. Perhaps after the refugee problem has been solved, and after the West stops funding the teaching of hatred and terror in UNWRA institutions and stops mouthing platitudes instead of resettling the refugees, maybe then we will see two sustainable states, Israel and Jordan, living side by side quietly. Maybe then an Arab living in Ramallah as a citizen of the Palestinian-Hashemite State of Jordan can vote for the parliament in Amman and live peacefully in the Land of Israel.

But those who believe in the dogma of "two states for two nations" and intend to establish another Palestinian state west of the Jordan at the expense of Israel, step outside, look heavenward, they see the sun shining in the east, moving along the sky and setting in the west towards evening, and they know: The sun orbits the earth - and another Palestinian state is necessary to bring peace. It won't help to tell these people the facts; facts would only confuse such people.

A safe and secure Israel is vital to world interest.

A safe and secure Israel is a prerequisite to genuine peace in the world.

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2009-05-01T00:55:00.001-07:00

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Israel Celebrates 61 Years

…For the Lord has chosen Jacob for Himself, Israel for His special treasure.

Blessed be the Lord out of Zion, who dwells in Jerusalem. (Ps: 135: 4 & 21, NKJV).

I have the privilege to write this blog from Jerusalem. On Wednesday April 29, Israel celebrated its 61^st year as an Independent nation in accordance with the Jewish calendar. On the night before Independence Day, I walked the crowded streets to take in the scenes of a people doing all manner of things to add flavor to their celebrations. The activities ranged from singers and live musical bands charging the air with their melodies in Hebrew, to the somber, yet beautiful sound which came from the harp, several young men and a lone female performing shadow boxing and two ladies colourfully dressed dancing without any music. The stores were alight and vendors sold all manner of toys and food; children, men: old and young, with women besides were everywhere. There were many people from all parts of the world who were also in the streets. Israel has the right to celebrate, it is fitting for us to wish this nation peace as she strives to exist in her ancient homeland, for it was the Lord Himself who brought back the captivity of Zion (Ps 126:1).

The Challenges to Israel's Survival

In accordance to the Western calendar Israel declared Independence on May 14,1948, when the British Mandate expired. The next day, on May 15, five Arab Sates invaded this country and in their wake two of them seized territory. Egypt took possession of Gaza, whereas Jordan seized Judea and Samaria commonly known as the West Bank. Nineteen years later there was a second Arab-Israeli war and unlike 1948, Israel now a stronger nation did not lose territory to her enemies, but regained her losses of 1948 along with the Golan Heights.

Consequently, the Arab community has been angered by this outcome and so they have used their natural resources (mostly oil) as leverage to get the West to come to terms with its demand. They demand the return of the lost territories and more… mostly they are ultimately unwilling to make any concessions to the Jewish State. The continued existence of the Jewish State ultimately represents a zero sum game. Whereby, the Arabs would have to lose something so that Israel can remain as a country, a distinct people in the region. Furthermore, the Islamic ideology does not allow for this status quo. How can they justify ceding territory to one they hate?

As it stands now, most of the peace initiatives and concessions are demanded of the Israeli side. The events of the past four years have shown that such yielding for the sake of peace from Israel have been insufficient. It must be noted that Israel has given in on numerous occasions to Arab demands but because of this strategy, in an attempt to make peace, she is perceived as weak and has made the demands from the other side more daring. The removal of Jews from Gaza and elsewhere has compromised Israel's security. Meanwhile, the leader of the Fatah in the Palestinian Arab community, Mahmoud Abbas on Monday April 27, 2009, in an Anniversary message to Israel told his young people that 'he does not accept the Jewish State'. According to the international community Abbas is perceived as moderate. History has shown that the policy of appeasement brought about WWW11 and when done today, gets the same results; war! It is that same policy which has prolonged the Arab-Israeli conflict in the region. The hard core fact is that the Jews are not going anywhere. The time has come for the Arabs to concede this fact!

Solutions for Israel's future include the following:

The Arab community must recognize Israel's right to exist as a legitimate Jewish State. This would be precisely as the Arabs in Palestine desire to be recognized by the Jews
To make peace Israel must have a Palestinian partner who is willing to recognize her and willing to make concessions to her on a reciprocal basis.
The international community and the Arabs must cease using the Question of the Refugees as a political tool.
The international community cannot burry its head in the sand when it comes to negotiating peace between the two sides. Israel is a democracy… Hamas rules by terror. Would they take responsibility for creating a "Greater Gaza," by bringing Judea and Samaria under its influence? (The ways of men…)

In closing, the following are remarks from the President of Israel.

"Judging by our size, we are a small state, and judging by the magnitude of the challenges before us, we are a superpower in and of itself," President Shimon Peres said at the ceremony.

"There is no country in the world that has been attacked seven times in 60 years of existence," Peres said. Israel stands before existential threats, ostracism, and wars but it will enter the history books as a miracle, as proof that it is possible to do beyond what is expected and beyond what is extant."

(Source: Haaretz Service, Haaretz.com. Netanyahu: Israel to do all in its power to bring Shalit home, http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1081841.html).

Cherub A. Nicholls

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2009-04-19T17:17:00.001-07:00

The Promises of God to Israel

Isaiah 54

¹ ^[a]SING, O barren one, you who did not bear; break forth into singing and cry aloud, you who did not travail with child! For the [spiritual] children of the desolate one will be more than the children of the married wife, says the Lord.^(A)
^²Enlarge the place of your tent, and let the curtains of your habitations be stretched out; spare not; lengthen your cords and strengthen your stakes,

^³For you will spread abroad to the right hand and to the left; and your offspring will possess the nations and make the desolate cities to be inhabited.

^⁴Fear not, for you shall not be ashamed; neither be confounded and depressed, for you shall not be put to shame. For you shall forget the shame of your youth, and you shall not [seriously] remember the reproach of your widowhood any more.

^⁵For your Maker is your Husband--the Lord of hosts is His name--and the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; the God of the whole earth He is called.

^⁶For the Lord has called you like a woman forsaken, grieved in spirit, and heartsore--even a wife [wooed and won] in youth, when she is [later] refused and scorned, says your God.

^⁷For a brief moment I forsook you, but with great compassion and mercy I will gather you [to Me] again.

^⁸In a little burst of wrath I hid My face from you for a moment, but with age-enduring love and kindness I will have compassion and mercy on you, says the Lord, your Redeemer.

^⁹For this is like the days of Noah to Me; as I swore that the waters of Noah should no more go over the earth, so have I sworn that I will not be angry with you or rebuke you.

^¹⁰For though the mountains should depart and the hills be shaken or removed, yet My love and kindness shall not depart from you, nor shall My covenant of peace and completeness be removed, says the Lord, Who has compassion on you.

^¹¹O you afflicted [city], storm-tossed and not comforted, behold, I will set your stones in fair colors [in antimony to enhance their brilliance] and lay your foundations with sapphires.

^¹²And I will make your windows and pinnacles of [sparkling] agates or rubies, and your gates of [shining] carbuncles, and all your walls [of your enclosures] of precious stones.^(B)

^¹³And all your [spiritual] children shall be disciples [taught by the Lord and obedient to His will], and great shall be the peace and undisturbed composure of your children.^(C)

^¹⁴You shall establish yourself in righteousness (rightness, in conformity with God's will and order): you shall be far from even the thought of oppression or destruction, for you shall not fear, and from terror, for it shall not come near you.

^¹⁵Behold, they may gather together and stir up strife, but it is not from Me. Whoever stirs up strife against you shall fall and surrender to you.

^¹⁶Behold, I have created the smith who blows on the fire of coals and who produces a weapon for its purpose; and I have created the devastator to destroy.

^¹⁷But no weapon that is formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue that shall rise against you in judgment you shall show to be in the wrong. This [peace, righteousness, security, triumph over opposition] is the heritage of the servants of the Lord [those in whom the ideal Servant of the Lord is reproduced]; this is the righteousness or the vindication which they obtain from Me [this is that which I impart to them as their justification], says the Lord.

Footnotes:

Isaiah 54:1 Although this chapter is primarily intended to express Zion's joy over redemption, it has also a very personal, long-neglected, and often overlooked message for women--the lonely, the disappointed, the childless, the widow. It has all the glorious confidence and assurance, the incentive and understanding, for which feminine hearts have longed throughout the ages! Every woman who will read it every week for a year with receptive heart and mind will find herself not only spiritually prepared for her own childlessness or widowhood, should it come, but also supplied with rich treasure with which to address the similar needs of countless other aching hearts to whom the Holy Spirit is here speaking.
Cross References:

Isaiah 54:1 : Gal 4:27

Isaiah 54:12 : Rev 21:19-21

Isaiah 54:13 : John 6:45

Amplified Bible (AMP)

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2009-03-04T12:14:00.001-08:00

God and Allies:

Apt Lessons from the Kingdoms of

Israel and Judah for Israel's New Leadership

And it will come about in that day that I will make Jerusalem a stone of great weight for all the peoples; all those who take it up will be badly wounded; and all the nations of the earth will come together against it.

Bible in Basic English, << Zechariah 12:3 >>,

http://bible.cc/zechariah/12-3.htm

Israeli prime minister-designate

Benjamin Netanyahu

www.topnews.in

On Tuesday, February 10, Israelis went to the polls to elect a new Parliament and Prime Minister. The results were inconclusive, but Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party, together with other right-wing parties, commanded a small majority in the new Parliament, and so, ten days later, on Friday, February 20, the President of Israel, Shimon Peres, asked Netanyahu to form the government. Netanyahu is currently engaged in negotiations with members of other political parties, so he can form that government. This process admittedly can be very challenging, especially when political parties do not share fundamental tenets on basic issues, such as peace and security for the State of Israel. For example, in an article in the Jerusalem Post on Friday, February 27, the following was noted:

Friday's meeting between Prime Minister-designate Binyamin Netanyahu and Kadima leader Tzipi Livni, billed as a last-ditch attempt to form a national unity government, ended without a breakthrough, with Livni insisting that she was heading for the opposition.

Livni said that a unity government would have been possible provided it included plans for a two-state solution, changes to the electoral system and other Interior Ministry reforms, lamenting, however, that Netanyahu was not committed on those subjects, and pledging to be "a responsible opposition."¹

Given the geopolitical tensions in the Middle East today, lots of foreign nations take it upon themselves to promote peace on their terms as a panacea for a resolution of the conflict. So when Netanyahu was designated to establish the government, many external parties expressed disquiet and dismay. These leaders have voiced opinions which are tantamount to interference in Israel's internal affairs. The Jerusalem Post cites the views of a number of European leaders, following the news of Netanyahu's likelihood to be the next Israeli Prime Minister.

"Prime Minister-designate Binyamin Netanyahu may still be a long way from forming a government coalition, but some European leaders and many influential voices in the Arab world are already full of gloom-and-doom predictions.

For instance, Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt said he was worried Netanyahu's talks with other right-wing parties to form a coalition could halt peace talks with Palestinians. Sweden is scheduled to assume the rotating presidency of the EU on July 1^st."

Czech Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Vondra, whose country currently holds the EU presidency, said he expects a rough start once a new Israeli government takes office,

warning that the chances of a two-state peace deal between Israelis and Palestinians were narrowing, now that Netanyahu was likely to form a government.

There is concern in Europe that a narrow right-wing government headed by Netanyahu may seek to scuttle a two-state vision, but Franco Frattini, Italy's foreign minister, said it was "not possible" for Netanyahu to ditch the idea of giving the Palestinians their own state.²

The Jerusalem Post continues, "Meanwhile, the prospect of a Netanyahu-led government is sounding alarm bells for Arabs around the world."

"Netanyahu's positions torpedo the peace process," read a Monday headline from the Jordanian Al-Dustour newspaper.

"Netanyahu Comes, and We Can't Stop Chasing the Mirage" was the headline of a Sunday article from the Arab-American newspaper Watan.

"Netanyahu, a daunting task," read the headline of a column Monday in the pan-Arab Web site al-Arab On-line.

"They are not optimistic concerning the prospects of Netanyahu," said Gamal Abdel Gawad, head of the international relations unit at the Cairo-based Al-Ahram Center for Political and Strategic Studies. "³

The bellicose response to Netanyahu stems from the fact that he is no newcomer to governing Israel. He first served as Prime Minister of Israel back in 1996-1999. Netanyahu then mostly demonstrated that Israel was a sovereign nation – to the chagrin of his contemporaries, including then United States President Bill Clinton.

The Kingdoms of Israel & Judah: Reflections of Bible Governance

The nation of Israel was created by God, to be governed by God as a prototype for all other nations. However, when the people asked the prophet Samuel for a king, this was God's response:

"And the Lord said to Samuel, 'Heed the voice of the people in all that they say to you; for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me, that I should reign over them.' " (1 Samuel 8: 7). God's response to the people's demands shows He was virtually involved in governing the nation of Israel. We will look for instances of God's involvement in the affairs of these two kingdoms.

In the Book of I Kings 12, we read the story of the kingdom splitting in two after the death of King Solomon, the son of King David. This split resulted in two kingdoms: the Kingdom of Israel and the Kingdom of Judah. Following this new development, Rehoboam, the son of Solomon, reigned as king of Judah (he had two tribes follow him), while Jeroboam served as king of the Kingdom of Israel (10 tribes).

It must be noted that in these two kingdoms the seat of power rested in Jerusalem and Samaria – the very areas today's Arabs now claim for their brethren, whom they call "Palestinians."

Here is an account of the Kingdom of Israel's first victory over Syria. Then Ben-Hadad was king of Syria and Ahab king of Israel. Ben-Hadad sent messengers to tell Ahab he will invade Israel. The king of Syria gave the command to his army: "Get ready." And they got ready to attack the city (I Kings 20: 12 [b]). The Scriptures note:

Suddenly a prophet approached Ahab, king of Israel, saying, "Thus says the Lord: 'Have you seen all this great multitude? Behold, I will deliver it into your hand today, and you shall know that I am the Lord.'" (I Kings 20: 13).

Of course, just as it was intended by God, Israel routed its enemy. However, Ben-Hadad did not learn his lesson. He returned in the spring of that same year to fight Israel, and again the Lord was involved in the outcome of this battle.

"Then a man of God came and spoke to the king of Israel and said, 'Thus says the Lord: Because the Syrians have said, The Lord is God of the hills, but He is not God of the valleys, therefore I will deliver all this great multitude into your hand, and you shall know that I am the Lord.'" (I Kings 20: 28).

Three years later, the king of Judah, Jehoshaphat, traveled to Israel to visit with his counterpart Ahab. During the visit, the two kings discussed matters pertaining to territory Ben-Hadad had seized during the earlier conflict. Ahab considered fighting the Syrians, so the king of Judah asked, "Is there not still a prophet of the Lord here, that we may inquire of him?"

Later the Scriptures noted the following concerning Jehoshaphat:

22:43 And he walked in all the ways of Asa his father; he turned not aside from it, doing [that which was] right in the eyes of the LORD: nevertheless the high places were not taken away; [for] the people offered and burnt incense yet in the high places.⁵

22:45 Now the rest of the acts of Jehoshaphat, and his might that he shewed, and how he warred, [are] they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?⁶

Now we have come to Judah, Sennacherib, king of Assyria comes up against all the fortified cities of Judah and takes them. (II Kings 18:13). Later, he taunts the people of Judah with his arrogance, and he even mocks the sovereignty of God Almighty. He asks: "Has any of the gods of the nations at all delivered its land from the hand of the king of Assyria?" (II Kings 18:33).

Hezekiah, king of Judah, tore his clothes, covered himself with sackcloth, and went into the house of the Lord (II Kings 19:1). He prayed and said: "Now therefore, O Lord our God, I pray, save us from his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that You are the Lord God, You alone." (II Kings 19:19).

Conclusion

Prime Minister Netanyahu will do well to follow in the footsteps of his forefathers who walked according to the principles laid down in the Torah, and, by so doing, he would undoubtedly do what is pleasing in the sight of the Lord.

Israel has been challenged and besieged throughout history, and because she is surrounded by enemies who threaten her continued existence, Israel is encouraged to seek after God. God alone has your interest. He will keep you, guard you and protect you – just so He can show His power and might to all the nations of the earth. So why lean on allies?

Sources

¹The Jerusalem Post, Netanyahu-Livni meeting unfruitful, JPost.com Staff and Gil Hoffman, Feb 27, 2009, http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1235410730954&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

²The Jerusalem Post, EU worried over Bibi's Peace Plan, International.Jpost.com, Gil Hoffman, Brenda Gazzar and Herb Keinon, February 23, 2009, http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?apage=2&cid=1233304856357&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

³Ibid

⁵Bible Explore.com, 1Kings 22: 43 & 45, King James Version, http://www.godrules.net/library/kjv/kjv1kin22.htm

⁶Ibid

Cherub A. Nicholls

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2009-02-01T13:59:00.001-08:00

The Middle East Peace Process:

The Obama Agenda

www.daylife.com

(http://images.google.bs/images?hl=en&q=obama

%20%26%20mitchell&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wi)

President Barack Obama has made his historic ascension to office as the 44^th President of the United States of America. His inauguration took place on January 20, 2009, in Washington D.C., the capital of the world's lone superpower. Obama's presidency is being hailed as a symbolic milestone for America owing to the fact he is the first black man to serve as president of the United States. He is also being projected by some as the world's president. He campaigned for this office on the tenets of change and hope, and, as such, these two themes have now been universally embraced. Such global outpourings and applause for an American leader are quite unprecedented.

Despite his strident appeal for change, the new president does share the goal of his predecessor, George W. Bush, to create a "Palestinian state." We will examine whether this hope can facilitate the global desire for lasting peace in the Middle East. Does the Bible have a say in this matter? This article will provide a critical analysis of Obama's Mideast policies as well as discuss Biblical intelligence on future global peace.

During his first week in office, President Obama appointed former Senator George Mitchell as his Middle East envoy. Mitchell wasted no time in going off to the region, visiting Egypt, Israel, Palestinian officials in Ramallah, Jordan and other Arab countries. Mitchell's visit comes on the heels of a three-week military operation by Israel's Defence Forces (IDF), dubbed "Operation Cast Lead," against the terrorist group Hamas in Gaza, at the conclusion of which Israel declared victory.

Mitchell and the Obama Agenda

"The United States is committed to vigorously pursuing lasting peace and stability in the region," Mitchell said after talks with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak in Cairo, his first stop.¹ His visit came eight days after Obama's inauguration as US president. Furthermore, in an Al-Arabiya TV interview on January 26, the president stated that "I think the most important thing is for the United States to get engaged right away," adding that "what I told him is, start by listening, because all too often the United States starts by dictating - in the past on some of these issues - and we don't always know all the factors that are involved. So let's listen. He's going to be speaking to all the major parties involved. And he will then report back to me. From there we will formulate a specific response." ²

Nevertheless, the White House website cogently presents the president's foreign policy agenda in which there is no new paradigm from Bush's agenda for Israel and the Palestinian people. In this agenda, under the caption, "Israeli-Palestinian Conflict," it is stated: "Obama and Biden will make progress on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict a key diplomatic priority from day one. They will make a sustained push – working with Israelis and Palestinians – to achieve the goal of two states, a Jewish state in Israel and a Palestinian state, living side by side in peace and security."³

Furthermore, the Israeli Haaretz online news reported, "Mitchell told Israeli officials that the new administration was committed to Israel's security, to the road map, and to the 2004 letter by president George W. Bush, stating Palestinian refugees would not return to Israel, and the border between Israel and the Palestinian Authority would take into consideration facts on the ground, meaning large settlement blocs would remain in Israeli hands."⁴

George Mitchell is no newcomer to the Middle East. He sometimes refers to himself as Arab-American, based on the fact that his mother is an Arab from Lebanon. A lawyer and former judge and former Senator, Mitchell is most remembered for his involvement as Special Envoy in the Northern Ireland Peace Process. Mitchell was also appointed by the last Democratic administration, under President Bill Clinton, to the Middle East on a fact-finding mission in 2000. In 2001, in his report, Mitchell aroused controversy when he failed to outrightly condemn Yasser Arafat in the wake of the second intifada against Israel. In his report, he called upon Israel to freeze settlement activity, albeit he did call upon the Palestinians to adhere to the rule of law.

Meanwhile, Daniel Pipes, an analyst, submits "how can one hold in high regard someone who came out with the wretched Sharm El-Sheikh Fact-Finding Committee Report, also known as "The Mitchell Report," of April 2001? I did an analysis of it when it appeared, and "the Mitchell Report missed it." Pipes further added, "I found that Mitchell and his committee were myopically unaware of the real issue at hand, which is not violence, or Jewish settlements, or Jerusalem. It is, rather, the enduring Arab reluctance to accept the existence of a sovereign Jewish state. I suggested that the real solution lies not in getting the parties back as fast as possible to diplomacy, but in instilling in the Palestinians an awareness of the futility of their use of violence against the Jewish state."⁵

Bible Intelligence

Just for one moment let's say the international community does succeed in its planned agenda to divide Israel into two states; information submitted in the Holy Bible predicts that there will be no peace. This then throws out the very fundamental argument by States to violate the Word of God by dividing His holy land for "peace."

In the Book of Joel 3:2, God reveals His planned actions:

I will also gather all nations,

And bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat;

And I will enter into judgment with them there

On account of My people, My heritage Israel,

Whom they have scattered among the nations;

They have also divided up My land.⁶

Additionally, the Scriptures note:

In that day the Lord will defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem; the one who is feeble among them in that day shall be like David, and the house of David shall be like God. Like the Angel of the Lord before them. It shall be in that day that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem.⁷

Further intelligence shows that this conflict will be settled only on God's terms. Not on the terms envisaged by the United Nations, or the European Union, or the United States, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, Russia or Iran:

"2 For I will gather all the nations against Jerusalem to battle, and the city will be captured, the houses plundered, the women ravished and half of the city exiled, but the rest of the people will not be cut off from the city. 3 Then the LORD will go forth and fight against those nations, as when He fights on a day of battle. 4 In that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, which is in front of Jerusalem on the east; and the Mount of Olives will be split in its middle from east to west by a very large valley, so that half of the mountain will move toward the north and the other half toward the south. 5 You will flee by the valley of My mountains, for the valley of the mountains will reach to Azel; yes, you will flee just as you fled before the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah. Then the LORD, my God, will come, and all the holy ones with Him!"⁸

Finally, it is unfortunate that there are such things as war, conflict, suffering, death, disaster and the like. There have been myriad attempts in the past to end the Middle East conflict. Every US President, including Truman, has played a role in the Middle East. The conflict is more than 60 years old. An attempt, now, to speedily resolve it by dividing Israel and Jerusalem is in violation of the Word of God… Do not do it! It will bring God's judgment on the nations.

Sources

¹Jerusalem Post, International, Herb Keinon (Jpost staff). "Mitchell: It is 'critical' that Gaza ceasefire be extended," http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1233050189985&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull, Jan 27, 2009.

²Ibid

³The Agenda: Foreign Policy. The White House, http://www.whitehouse.gov/agenda/foreign_policy/

⁴Haaretz, Barak Ravid, (Haaretz Correspondent & Reuters), "US envoy Mitchell: Mideast peace process faces substantial hurdles. http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1060275.html, January 30, 2009.

⁵Daniel Pipes. Daniel Pipes Blog. "George Mitchell's Return to Middle East Diplomacy," http://www.danielpipes.org/blog/2009/01/george-mitchells-return-to-middle-east.html. Thursday January 22, 2009.

⁷Ibid, Zechariah 12: 8-9.

⁸Biblos.com. Parallel Bible. Zechariah, New American Standard Bible, http://nasb.scripturetext.com/zechariah/14.htm, Zechariah 14: 2-5.

Other

George J. Mitchell, Wikipedia. The Free Encyclopedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_J._Mitchell

Cherub A. Nicholls

Appendix

President George W. Bush addresses his remarks at The Saban Forum 2008 for Middle East Policy, Friday, Dec. 5, 2008.

Fact Sheet: Progress in the Middle East: Freedom, Prosperity, and Hope

President Bush Outlines Where We Have Been, Where We Are Today, And Where The Region Can Go In The Years Ahead

On December 5, 2008, President Bush attended the Saban Forum to discuss American policy in the Middle East – the past, the present, and his vision for the future. The President believes that no region is more fundamental to the security of America or the peace of the world than the Middle East: a free, peaceful Middle East will represent a source of promise, a home of opportunity, and a vital contributor to the prosperity of the world. Despite some frustrations and disappointments, the Middle East in 2008 is freer, more hopeful, and more promising than in 2001, with Israelis and Palestinians on the path to a two-state solution, 25 million Iraqis free from a brutal dictatorship, and many other examples of a brighter future to come.

In 2001, in the Holy Land, the collapse of the Camp David II peace talks had given way to the second Intifada, killing more than 500 Israelis and Palestinians, and neither side could envision a return to negotiations or the realistic possibility of a two-state solution. In Iraq, Saddam Hussein had begun his third decade as dictator. The Arab Human Development Report revealed high unemployment, poor education, high mortality rates for mothers, and almost no investment in technology.

· Following the 9/11 attacks, the United States realized that we were in a struggle with fanatics pledged to our destruction. We saw that repression and despair on the other side of the world could bring suffering and death to our own streets. With these new realities in mind, America reshaped our approach to the Middle East.

Supporting Allies, Isolating Adversaries, And Extending Freedom

In response to the 9/11 attacks, President Bush fundamentally reshaped our approach to the Middle East, based on three principles. We will defend our friends, our interests, and our people against any hostile attempt to dominate the Middle East – whether by terror, blackmail, or the pursuit of weapons of mass destruction.

President Bush took the offensive against the terrorists overseas, to break up extremist networks and deny them safe havens. President Bush strengthened partnerships with each nation that joined in the fight against terror. The United States deepened our security cooperation with allies like Jordan, Egypt, and our friends in the Gulf. Saudi Arabia became a determined partner in the fight against terror – killing or capturing hundreds of al Qaeda operatives. We expanded counterterrorism cooperation with partners in North Africa. In addition, we have left no doubt that we would stand by our closest ally in the Middle East – the state of Israel.
The President made clear that hostile regimes must end their support for terror and pursuit of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) – or face the concerted opposition of the world. This is the approach the President took with Iraq, Libya, and Iran.

o While President Bush has made clear that Saddam Hussein was not connected to the 9/11 attacks, his decision to remove Saddam from power cannot be viewed in isolation from the attacks. It was clear to President Bush, members of both political parties, and many leaders around the world that after 9/11, we could not risk allowing a sworn enemy of America to have weapons of mass destruction, as intelligence agencies around the world believed Saddam did. The Administration went to the United Nations, which unanimously passed Resolution 1441 calling on Saddam Hussein to disclose and disarm, and offered Saddam Hussein a final chance to comply with the demands of the world. When he refused, the President acted with a coalition of nations to protect the American people and liberated 25 million Iraqis.

o The President confronted Libya over its WMD program. Within days of Saddam's capture, Libya's leader, Colonel Qaddafi, announced that Libya had halted its WMD program and would turn over to the United States or destroy its centrifuges, longest-range missiles, and other deadly equipment. Libya's nuclear weapons equipment is now locked away in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Moreover, the Administration persuaded Libya to renounce terrorism and accept responsibility for prior acts of terror, and normalized relations with Libya as a result of its actions.

o Working with international partners, we have imposed tough sanctions and supported multiple UN resolutions against Iran for its failure to suspend enrichment. We have offered Iran diplomatic and economic incentives to suspend enrichment, and we have promised to support a peaceful civilian nuclear power program. While Iran has not accepted these offers, we have made our bottom line clear: For the safety of our people and the peace of the world, America will not allow Iran to develop a nuclear weapons.

President Bush identified lack of freedom as the principal cause of threats coming from the Middle East. The War on Terror is an ideological struggle. To advance security and moral interests, America is working to advance freedom and democracy as the great alternative to repression and terror. The President is pressing nations across the region – including our friends – to respect fundamental freedoms such as freedom of speech, worship, association, and assembly. The President is supporting the rise of vibrant civil societies and the promotion of freedom through new efforts, including the Middle East Partnership Initiative and the Broader Middle East and North Africa Initiative.

o The President is advancing a broader vision of liberty that includes economic prosperity, quality health care and education, and women's rights. This Administration has negotiated new free trade agreements in the region, supported Saudi Arabia's accession to the World Trade Organization, and proposed a new Middle East Free Trade Area. We are training Middle Eastern school teachers, translating children's books into Arabic, and helping young people get visas to study in the United States. Millennium Challenge agreements signed with Jordan and Morocco grant U.S. assistance in return for anti-corruption measures, free market policies that promote economic freedom, policies to govern justly and democratically, and investments in health and education. We are encouraging Middle Eastern women to get involved in politics, start their own businesses, and take charge of their health through wise practices like breast cancer screening.

President Bush Is The First American President To Call For A Palestinian State

To advance these principles, President Bush has launched a sustained initiative to help bring peace to the Holy Land. The President has a vision of Palestine and Israel, living side-by-side in peace and security. Building support for the two-state solution has been one of the President's highest priorities. But the President made clear that no Palestinian state could be born of terror, and he backed Prime Minister Sharon's withdrawal from Gaza. The United States has included Arab leaders, because their support will be essential for a lasting peace.

· Last fall, President Bush hosted a historic summit at Annapolis to bring everyone together to start substantial negotiations. While they have not yet produced an agreement, important progress has been made, and there is now greater international consensus than at any point in recent memory. Israelis, Palestinians, and Arabs all recognize that the creation of a peaceful, democratic Palestinian state is in their interest. Through the Annapolis process, they have started down a path that will end with the two-state solution finally realized.

Since The President Took Office, The Middle East Has Become More Free, Hopeful, And Promising

While challenges remain in the Middle East, the changes over the past eight years herald the beginning of something historic and new. Iraq has gone from an enemy of the United States to an ally. For the first time in three decades, the people of Lebanon are free from Syria's military occupation. Places like the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain are emerging as centers of commerce and models of modernity. The regime in Iran is facing greater pressure from the international community than ever before. Terrorist organizations like al Qaeda have failed in their attempts to take over nations and are increasingly facing rejection.

· Political and economic reforms are advancing across the Middle East. Several Arab nations have held free elections in recent years. Women have run for office in several nations and been named to important government positions in Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. Trade and foreign investment have expanded. Several nations have opened private universities, and Internet use has risen sharply. Expectations about government responsiveness are rising. People are defying the condescending view that the culture of the Middle East is unfit for freedom.

The White House, President George W. Bush, Peace in the Middle East.

http://www.whitehouse.gov/infocus/mideast/#

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2009-01-01T05:54:00.001-08:00

Israel:

Fighting Terrorism and the Propaganda of Occupation

They have said, "Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation, that the name of Israel may be remembered no more."

For they have consulted together with one consent; they form a confederacy against You…

Who said, "Let us take for ourselves the pastures of God for a possession."

(Ps 83:4, 5 & 12).

As 2008 came to a close, the big news on the last five days was Israel's air assault against Hamas facilities in Gaza. This news event cogently overtook months of reporting on the global economic crisis which had dominated the airwaves since mid-September, when major financial institutions in the United States, in Europe and also in Asia, collapsed. Following this unprecedented failure of the economic policies of the major industrialised countries, the news media have continually told tales of woe. Their grim reports on the pathos of those most affected by the crisis have left many viewers with revulsion. Now that we have entered a New Year folks are desperate to leave the problems of conflict and economic failures behind. But the question is: Would this be possible?

The "last days of '08" military actions taken by Israel returned that country to its rightful geopolitical position as a powerful non-Islamic state in the midst of peoples who wish to see this ancient people disappear from its historic homeland. (This homeland is called Israel, with an undivided Jerusalem as its capital. In our last web posting we dealt extensively with the fact that Jerusalem was and is to this very day the "City of God," and that this city ought not to be a part of any future peace deal… that would be anything but peace.)

The growing Iranian influence in the region, with its multiple stooges, does pose a serious threat to Israel's national security. So when Israel launches retaliatory strategic strikes at its enemies, it ought to be allowed to complete the task, for "cease-fires" are simply phases which allow the enemy to rearm and redouble its efforts. This was the case recently with Hamas during the last conflicted cease-fire deal it made with Israel (June- December 2008).

Israel is engaged in fighting a war on two fronts: militarily, against terror attacks - and ideologically, against claims of occupation.

World of Double Standards

The international media have sensationalised Israel's responses to the Palestinian terrorists to the point that they all drop everything to run to the region so as to provide first-hand coverage from there. Yet in tandem with this conflict is another one, in Africa.

On Tuesday, December 30, news reports were that some 380 Palestinians had been killed, most of them terrorists. Conversely, the reported killings of more than 400 persons by Ugandan rebels went virtually unreported. These people were killed on Christmas Day while they were attending a Christmas concert in a Roman Catholic Church. The rebels of the Ugandan Lords Resistance Army (LRA) allegedly committed the massacres in the northeastern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (The DRC). Where is the outrage? Where are the media?

Furthermore, a Yahoo News report added that "Tens of thousands of people have been killed and nearly two million displaced in Uganda in two decades of fighting between the Ugandan government and the LRA, which is notorious for abductions of children to be used as soldiers and sex slaves."¹

Meanwhile, former Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations Dr. Dore Gold addresses the question of Israel's engagement in Gaza in a paper titled: Did Israel Use "Disproportionate Force" in Gaza? In this article Gold posits:

Israeli population centers in southern Israel have been the target of over 4,000 rockets, as well as thousands of mortar shells, fired by Hamas and other organizations since 2001. Rocket attacks increased by 500 percent after Israel withdrew completely from the Gaza Strip in August 2005. During an informal six-month lull, some 215 rockets were launched at Israel.

The charge that Israel uses disproportionate force keeps resurfacing whenever it has to defend its citizens from non-state terrorist organizations and the rocket attacks they perpetrate. From a purely legal perspective, Israel's current military actions in Gaza are on solid ground. According to international law, Israel is not required to calibrate its use of force precisely according to the size and range of the weaponry used against it. ²

Gold further argues that on December 27, 2008, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon's spokesman issued a statement saying that while the Secretary-General recognized "Israel's security concerns regarding the continued firing of rockets from Gaza," he reiterated "Israel's obligation to uphold international humanitarian and human rights law." The statement specifically noted that he "condemns excessive use of force leading to the killing and injuring of civilians [emphasis added]."

A day later, Navi Pillay, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, "strongly condemned Israel's disproportionate use of force." French President Nicolas Sarkozy, who holds the rotating presidency of the European Union, also condemned Israel's "disproportionate use of force," while demanding an end to rocket attacks on Israel.Brazil also joined this chorus, criticizing Israel's "disproportionate response." Undoubtedly, a powerful impression has been created by large Western newspaper headlines that describe massive Israeli air strikes in Gaza, without any up-front explanation for their cause.³

We have seen the global response to controversial leaders like President George W. Bush. People like to believe that while they may themselves not be doing the right thing, in keeping with God's divine mandate for mankind, they at least believe they hold a very high standard when it comes to conflict. They pick and choose which conflict to support, and then they decide how much leverage ought to be administered for a resolution to that conflict. Haven't you noticed that in the case of Israel everyone gets on board to tell this sovereign state how to protect its citizens?

Israel's conflict with the Arabs has been ongoing since the State of Israel was established on May 14, 1948. Ever since, Israel has fought wars with those states on its borders until Jordan and Egypt decided to recognise the right of Israel to exist and signed peace treaties with Israel. The Palestinians are still to learn this basic principle if they are to enjoy prosperity on Israel's boundaries. On the other hand, those who seek a "quick fix" measure to the conflict vis-à-vis diplomatic means ultimately believe that the conflict can be resolved by some very simplistic measures.

The Occupation Message

Former Prime Minister and current Israeli Leader of the Opposition Benjamin Netanyahu, in his book, A Durable Peace, states that "With each year's harvest of propaganda, the reality of the Arab world's war against Israel began to recede in the popular mind, leaving only the image of Israel against the Palestinian Arabs... In a nutshell, the new chain of reasoning went like this: All the problems in the Middle East are rooted in the Palestinian problem; that problem itself is rooted in Israel's occupation of Palestinian lands. Ergo, end that occupation and you end the problem."⁴

Netanyahu contends that this elegant construct, non-existent before Israel's victory in the Six-Day War, came into being with amazing speed. By the 1970s, it had made its way from Arab to Western capitals.⁵

He also points out that: "New arguments would have to be marshalled to justify continued hostility against Israel. And what better proof of Israel's innate aggression could there be than the incontestable fact that it had come out of the war (the Six-Day War in 1967) a bigger country than when it entered it? All the territories that the Arabs had lost in 1967, territories that had been used by Arab leaders as staging areas for a war that they themselves had brought on, were now held up as examples of unbridled Israeli expansionism. The consequences of Arab aggression were thereby presented as its causes."⁶

News for You

Bible readers will agree that there is enough evidence in the Scriptures to prove that the word of God is true. The promises He made to various individuals: He kept them all. You may even be able to testify to God's interventions in your personal lives and to the promises He made to you and kept. Well, then, why do you doubt God's promises to Israel? Here is what God told the prophet Jeremiah concerning Israel: "For I will set My eyes on them for good, and I will bring them back to this land; I will build them and not pull them down, and I will plant them and not pluck them up."⁷ Be assured that God will defend Israel from its enemies round about. The Arabs will not prosper, though they persevere in the notion that they will run Israel out of the region.

Sources

¹Ugandan rebels kill 400 in DR Congo: charity. Yahoo News, http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20081230/wl_africa_afp/ugandadrcongounrest

²Dr Dore Gold. Did Israel use "Disproportionate Force" in Gaza? http://www.jcpa.org/JCPA/Templates/ShowPage.asp?DRIT=1&DBID=1&LNGID=1&TMID=111&FID=378&PID=0&IID=2808&TTL=Did_Israel_Use_"Disproportionate_Force"_in_Gaza? Jerusalem Center for Peace Affairs (JCPA)

³Ibid.

⁵Ibid, p. 142

⁶ p. 161

Cherub A. Nicholls

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2008-11-30T21:04:00.001-08:00

Jerusalem:

'The City of the Lord;

Zion, the City of Israel's Holy God'

http://travel.aolcdn.com/travdestguide/jerusalem-israel_04-360a030507.jpg

Jerusalem is 60 kilometers (37 mi) east of Tel Aviv and the Mediterranean Sea. On the opposite side of the city, approximately 35 kilometers (22 mi) away, is the Dead Sea, the lowest body of water on Earth. Neighboring cities and towns include Bethlehem and Beit Jala to the south, Abu Dis and Ma'ale Adumim to the east, Mevaseret Zion to the west, and Ramallah and Giv'at Ze'ev to the north.¹

Did you know that of all the cities in the world, God the Sovereign Lord calls Jerusalem His city? Why did the Divine choose this city above all others to call it His own? We will attempt to look for answers to this very intriguing question in the pages of the Holy Bible.

This article promises to take you through the Holy Bible to let you see Jerusalem from God's perspective. There are many pieces of literature and books as well as articles available on the World Wide Web on Jerusalem. However, we will peruse the Holy Bible for some of its commentaries and records on Jerusalem.

The Holy Bible as a Text

The Bible, simply known as the Word of God, is a compilation of 66 Books and is divided into two parts or eras: The Old Testament and the New Testament. The Old Testament tells of God's creation of the human race, the animals, and plants; including the universe. It also tells of decisions men and women have made regarding worship of God or the prostrating of themselves before idols. It tells of God's choosing a man: Abraham and his lineage to lead so that He can demonstrate to the other nations His glory and greatness. In the New Testament, God decided to send His only Begotten Son as the Messiah. He emphasises that He loves mankind and has availed to us the option to "re-enter" a relationship with Him as was shared between Himself and Adam & Eve before the fall, and afterward with Abraham, Jacob, King David, the Prophets and others. Additionally, the Bible does provide much insight on Jerusalem.

Jerusalem is …

The Holy Bible's account of Jerusalem presents a cogent account of life on a day to day basis in this ancient city. These accounts point to the reign of the King David and those that followed. Other accounts focus on worship in the city. Worship of the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the practice of idol worship, invasions by foreign armies, the captivity of the Jews, and destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem, and of Jerusalem's city walls and other infrastructure. It also tells of the return of the Jews and their habitation of their city, Jerusalem.

Other Biblical names for Jerusalem include: Mount Zion, the City of God, the City of David, the Holy City, Ariel, et al. The Bible also talks about the New Jerusalem, pending in His new world after this era passes.

In Psalm 122:3 it's noted that "Jerusalem is builded as a city that is compact together." (King James Bible).²

In some instances the Lord uses Jerusalem to symbolise His protection and care for His people Israel. "As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the LORD is round about his people, from this time forth and for evermore." (English Revised Version).³

God also uses Jerusalem to show the nations His favour toward the Israelis. He submits "For Zion's sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest, until the righteousness thereof go forth as brightness, and the salvation thereof as a lamp that burns. And the Gentiles shall see your righteousness, and all kings your glory: and you shall be called by a new name, which the mouth of the LORD shall name." (American King James Version).⁴

Kings and queens will gather to Jerusalem as did the Queen of Sheba. "And she came to Jerusalem with a very great train, with camels weighted down with spices, and stores of gold and jewels: and when she came to Solomon she had talk with him of everything in her mind." (Bible in Basic English).⁵

Leaders were to guarantee justice in Jerusalem. "Then in Jerusalem he gave authority to certain of the Levites and the priests and the heads of families of Israel to give decisions for the Lord, and in the causes of those living in Jerusalem." (Bible in Basic English).⁶

Conclusion

We examined only a small aspect of God's involvement in the political and religious life of this great city, Jerusalem. To Him Jerusalem is a living entity, an extension of Himself, His territory.

Jerusalem is the Lord's:

"Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God. Selah." (Psalm 87: 3).⁷

"There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High." (Psalm 46:4).⁸

"But you have come to the mountain of Zion, to the place of the living God, to the Jerusalem which is in heaven, and to an army of angels which may not be numbered." (Hebrew 12:22).⁹

"For they call themselves of the holy city, and stay themselves upon the God of Israel; The LORD of hosts is his name." (Isaiah 48:2).¹⁰^{................................................................................}

Jerusalem is geopolitically and historically critical to Israel. The essence of the Arab-Israeli conflict is the question of Israel's right to exist as a nation in the land given by God to their forefathers (and them as an inheritance) and whether the entire Mount Zion belongs to the Jewish people. Biblical accounts have proven that God remains a covenant keeping God. Do not touch Jerusalem!

Sources:

¹Jerusalem. Wikipedia. The Free Encyclopedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerusalem.

²Pslams 122:3. King James Bible, http://multilingualbible.com/psalms/122-3.htm.

³Pslam125:2. English Revised Version, http://multilingualbible.com/psalms/125-2.htm.

⁴Isaiah 62:1 -2. American King James Version, http://biblecc.com/isaiah/62-1.htm; http://biblecc.com/isaiah/62-2.htm.

⁵1King 10:2. Bible in Basic English. http://multilingualbible.com/1_kings/10-2.htm.

⁶2 Chron. 19:8. Bible in Basic English, http://multilingualbible.com/2_chronicles/19-8.htm.

⁷Psalm 87:3. English Revised Version, http://biblecc.com/psalms/87-3.htm.

⁸Psalm 46:4. King James Bible, http://biblecc.com/psalms/46-4.htm.

⁹Hebrews 12:22. Basic English Bible, http://biblecc.com/hebrews/12-22.htm.

¹⁰Isaiah 48:2. King James Bible, http://biblecc.com/isaiah/48-2.htm.

Cherub A. Nicholls

Connect to the next generation of MSN Messenger Get it now!

2008-11-02T12:41:00.001-08:00

Global Prosperity: Two Guidelines for Nations

The State of the World

The global economic crisis has resulted in many a rich person becoming poor; it has exacerbated fear among individuals and governments. Its effects have impacted countries from as far as Russia to Latin America. Stock markets in most parts of the world have crashed, Iceland has become bankrupted and a series of Western financial institutions have been nationalised. Strident efforts by the United States to halt economic decline have to date been overshadowed by a wayward stock market.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has resumed lending money to Western countries after more than thirty years of loans mostly to developing states. Meanwhile, major industrial states and other influential players are set to meet in Washington, the US capital, on November 15 to come up with new initiatives and possibly a new global economic paradigm.

Robert Winnett, writing for the UK newspaper The Telegraph, notes: "So far, Britain has pledged £500 billion to bail out British banks, the EU states have committed £1.16 trillion and the US has invested £457 billion in their efforts to bring a halt to the crisis.

The total £2.1 trillion cost of the bail-outs is a third bigger than the entire British economy. It would fund the NHS for more than 20 years.

Talks on an international crackdown on the excesses of the global financial world will begin today in Brussels to help prevent a similar crisis developing for at least a generation.

But fears are growing that the initial relief of apparently averting the banking collapse may be quickly overshadowed by wider problems in the economy. "¹

In addition, ABC news quotes International Labour Organisation (ILO) chief Juan Somavia as saying that the financial crisis could lead to a 20 million rise in the number of unemployed worldwide by the end of 2009.

Estimates from the ILO indicate that the "number of unemployed could rise from 190 million in 2007 to 210 million in late 2009," said Mr. Somavia, marking "the first time in history that we pass 210 million."

The population of working poor living on less than a dollar a day could rise by 40 million, and those on two dollars a day by over 100 million, added the ILO.

But Mr. Somavia said these projections "could prove to be underestimates if the effects of the current economic contraction and looming recession are not quickly confronted."

ABC continues that, in the US, thousands of jobs have already been slashed on Wall Street and other financial centres as banks collapse or are forced to merge due to the credit crunch.²

The question one may ask is what can be done now? The following two recommendations will provide governments with new policy initiatives to create a new culture – socially, economically and politically – based on Biblical principles that, once implemented, could work for the benefit of the entire international community.

1) Good governance or Godly governance?

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) explains the principles surrounding the concept of good governance: "Good governance is, among other things, participatory, transparent and accountable. It is also effective and equitable. And it promotes the rule of law. Good governance ensures that political, social and economic priorities are based on broad consensus in society, and that the voices of the poorest and the most vulnerable are heard in decision-making over the allocation of development resources."³

However, instead of absolute reliance on the advancement of good governance, let's try promoting "godly governance" as the best option. In order for good governance to succeed, we would need good officials at all levels to implement those principles, and they have failed miserably, On the other hand, godliness comes from God Himself, and only God can help state leaders to govern aright. God has availed Himself to help any nation, any people that would seek Him.

King David, who reigned for 40 years in Israel, states, "The earth is the Lord's, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein. For He founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the waters." (Psalm 24:1).

The prophet Isaiah provides insight into God's views on being sought out for guidance at all levels:

Woe to the rebellious children, says the Lord,

Who take counsel, but not of Me,

And who devise plans, but not of My Spirit,

That they may add sin to sin;

Who walk to go down to Egypt,

And have not asked My advice… (Isaiah 30:1-2)

King David assessed his attitude toward God, and he was obviously pleased with the relationship he had with God. The king notes:

The Lord rewarded me according to my righteousness;

According to the cleanness of my hands He has recompensed me.

For I have kept the ways of the Lord,

And have not wickedly departed from my God.

For all His judgements were before me,

And I did not put away His statutes from me.

I was also blameless before Him,

And I kept myself from my iniquity.

Therefore the Lord has recompensed me according to my righteousness,

According to the cleanness of my hands in His sight. (Psalm 18:20-24)

It is important to note that all men everywhere will face God in judgement someday. Every human being must hold this truth sacred. Meanwhile, Jesus cogently warns, "Take heed that no one deceives you." (Matthew 24:4).

2) Support Israel

In the Book of Genesis we have an account of God calling Abram, whose name He subsequently changed to Abraham. God says, "I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse them who curse you; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed." (Genesis 12:3). Furthermore, the Lord reiterated His promise of land to Abraham. It is recorded in Genesis 13:12 that "Abram dwelt in the Land of Canaan… And the Lord said to Abram, after Lot (his nephew) had separated from him: Lift your eyes now and look from the place where you are—northward, southward, eastward and westward; for all the land which you see I give to you and your descendants forever." (Genesis 13:14-15).

The Arab-Israeli conflict has for more than 60 years preoccupied state leaders around the world. There is much ignorance surrounding the conflict, and, despite Israel's attempts to make peace with the Arabs by agreeing to United Nations Resolution 181 and a number of other initiatives, much pressure is being brought on the Jewish State to "make peace" with the Arabs. When persons call for peace, they really mean Israel should give in to Arab demands and give them land. It is clear, however, from numerous statements by Arab leaders, that, in essence, the dispute is not over territory but, rather, over Israel's very right to exist as a Jewish nation in its ancestral homeland. Giving up more land, therefore, will not bring peace any nearer – nor will the division of Israel's capital, Jerusalem.

God will defend Israel, and He will bless those who bless (support) Israel. In Isaiah 30: 27-28 it is recorded:

Behold, the name of the Lord comes from afar,

Burning with heavy anger,

And His burden is heavy;

His lips are full of indignation,

And His tongue like a devouring fire;

His breath is like an overflowing stream,

Which reaches up to the neck,

To sift the nations with the sieve of futility;

And there shall be a bridle in the jaws of the people,

Causing them to err.

Finally, thus says the Lord, the King of Israel,

And his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts:

I am the First and I am the Last;

Besides Me there is no God.

And who can proclaim as I do?

Then let him declare it and set it in order for Me,

Since I appointed the ancient people.

And the things that are coming shall come,

Let them show these to them.(Isaiah 44: 6 & 7).

Conclusion

Today, state actors and non-state actors are called upon to make a paradigm shift. The decisions are tough, but they are necessary for success and the healing of nations. One must factor God into the decision-making process, the administration of justice and the principles of governance. One's domestic and foreign policies ought to advance the tenets of godliness. God will hold both governments and individuals accountable. Remember, bless Israel and your country will be blessed. It is simply God's way. Likewise, the governing principles of every nation must line up with the statutes of the Lord God Almighty.

Sources:

¹Effort to halt financial crisis costs two million trillion pounds. Telegraph. co.uk., by Robert Winnett, Deputy Political Editor, http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/3198470/Effort-to-halt-financial-crisis-costs-governments-two-trillion-pounds.html, October 15, 2008.

²ABC News. Global Financial Crisis. Financial Crisis could cost '20million jobs by end 2009, http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/10/21/2396536.htm, October 21, 2008.

³Governance for sustainable human development. A UNDP policy document. Good governance - and sustainable human development. UNDP, http://mirror.undp.org/magnet/policy/chapter1.htm.

Other:

Prophecy Study Bible. New King James Version. John C. Hagee, General Editor, Thomas Nelson Publishers, Nashville, 1997.

Cherub A. Nicholls

Explore the seven wonders of the world Learn more!

2008-09-04T15:55:00.001-07:00

¹http://www.passportsrus.com/images/russia-map.jpg

The Russian Invasion of Georgia:

What Leverage Does Israel have against a Military Invasion by Russia?

One month into Russia's military invasion of its tiny neighbour and former Soviet satellite, this Great Power and permanent member of the United Nations Security Council has thumbed its nose at its allies and the United States. The question is, can anyone get Russia out of Georgia? And what happens if Russia invades other sovereign states?

Days after Russia invaded Georgia (August 7), the Russians were told to "get out" by the United States, but the Russians are fighting back with what amounts to contempt toward the United States and Europe. On Tuesday, September 2, Russian President Dmitri Medvedev warned the West that it would lose more than Moscow if it tried to punish Russia with sanctions over the war with Georgia.²

The Jerusalem Post, citing an interview Medvedev had the same day with Italian RAI television, quoted the President, saying that Russia does not fear expulsion from the Group of Eight leading industrialized nations. Medvedev's remarks followed statements by his predecessor, Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, who recently accused the United States of instigating the fighting in Georgia in connection with the US presidential campaign - a claim the White House dismissed as 'patently false.' Medvedev also warned that NATO would suffer more than Russia if ties with Moscow were severed. 'We don't see anything dramatic or difficult about suspending our relations if that's the wish of our partners,' Medvedev said. 'But I think that our partners will lose more from that.'³

Russia Eyes "The Bigger Picture": The Diplomatic Fallout

The Politico reports that Russia has long attempted to reclaim now-sovereign parts of the former Soviet Union, stoking conflicts in the enclaves of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, which are universally recognized to be Georgian soil. Russia has also used the ensuing military tensions to set back Georgia's bid to enter NATO.⁴

Consequently, Georgia severed diplomatic ties with Russia, and Russia retaliated on Wednesday, September 3, by closing its Embassy in Georgia.

'A break-off of diplomatic ties is an action that has a price,' Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman Andrei Nesterenko said in Moscow. He said the ministry is considering other measures. The diplomatic break follows a war between Georgia and Russia in August and Moscow's recognition of two separatist Georgian regions, South Ossetia and Abkhazia, as independent nations. The conflict has brought tensions between Moscow and the West to their highest level since the 1991 end of the Soviet Union.⁵

What's with Georgia? "Georgia straddles a major westward route for oil and gas from Central Asia and the Caspian Sea and has become the focus of a struggle for regional clout between Russia and the West.'⁶

The 'big picture,' in Russian eyes, is the fact that they desperately want to regain strategic global prominence. Russia, after the collapse of the Soviet Union, felt wounded in its pride; its superpower status was gone; and it was broke. Today, Russia has energy resources and is surrounded by States, formerly part of the Soviet Union, which are also rich in oil and natural gas. Russia is no longer a 'wounded cub' but, rather, a 'powerful bear.' The truth is that Russia wants to challenge the West, to test its commitment to the preservation of international peace and security. Just look at the countries with which Russia is forming closer ties: Syria, Iran, and the like...

Meanwhile, Russia's bellicose stance has the international community divided on whether to go 'soft' or 'hard' on Russia. The Russian leadership knows that its natural resources provide it with leverage, and Russia's current stance is to hold its ground rather than back down. Moscow has set its sights on countering US influence in its 'front and backyards.' It's a quest for hegemonic power.

What does Russia have to do with Israel?

Israel is surrounded by States with which Russia either has close ties or with which it seeks to strengthen relations. The total Arab population in the world is estimated to be 325 million people – 24 countries and territories spanning 2 billion acres across two continents. In the tiny Jewish State of Israel, on the other hand, there reside a little over 5.5 million Jews. Also residing in Israel are approximately 1.46 million Muslims and Christians and 0.32 million others, bringing the estimated total population in Israel to 7.28 million. Despite this disparity in size, it is predicted that Russia will one day lead a coalition of forces into Israel, perhaps on the pretext that it was warranted in defence of one of Israel's populous neighbouring states.

Author Joel C. Rosenberg, in his book Epicenter, argues that Russian leaders have long been scheming of ways to gain control of central and near-east Asia. This is why the Soviets had armed the Arab world to the teeth during the Cold War and backed them in the 1956, 1967 and 1973 wars against Israel.⁷

Pentagon planners, notes Rosenberg, have been preparing for the possibility of a Moscow-led invasion of the Middle East for years. In their 1996 book, The Next War, former Reagan defence secretary Caspar Weinberger and co-author Peter Schweizer laid out five scenarios for current and future war planners and policy makers to consider in the post-Soviet world. Among them, an ultranationalist radical seizes control of Russia to re-conquer the former Soviet empire, and a nuclear-armed Iran launches a war in the Persian Gulf and initiates a wave of radical Islamic terrorism across Europe and the US.⁸

If you think that this proposition is outrageous, then think again. Russia has invaded Afghanistan and Georgia; it threatens Poland and the Ukraine; and it continues to assist Iran with its nuclear site despite United Nations misgivings.

Russia and the Book of Ezekiel

17'This is what the Almighty LORD says: You are the one I spoke about long ago through my servants the prophets of Israel. They prophesied in those days that I would bring you to attack them. 18 On the day that Gog attacks the land of Israel, I will be filled with burning anger, declares the Almighty LORD. 19 In my fiery anger I tell you this. On that day there will be a large earthquake in the land of Israel. 20 Fish, birds, wild animals, everything that crawls on the ground, and every person on earth will tremble in my presence. The mountains will be torn down, the cliffs will crumble, and every wall will fall to the ground. 21 I will declare war against Gog on all my mountains, declares the Almighty LORD. Each person will use his sword against his relative. 22 I will punish Gog with plagues and death. I will send rainstorms, large hailstones, fire, and burning sulfur on his troops and on the many armies with him. 23 I will show my greatness and my holiness. I will reveal myself to many nations. Then they will know that I am the LORD.⁹

In essence, who is Gog and where did he come from?

1 The LORD spoke his word to me. He said, 2 'Son of man, turn to Gog from the land of Magog. He is the chief prince of the nations of Meshech and Tubal. Prophesy against him. 3 Tell him, 'This is what the Almighty LORD says: I am against you, Gog, chief prince of Meshech and Tubal. 4 I will turn you around and put hooks in your jaws. I will lead you out with all your military forces, with horses and riders. Your soldiers will be fully armed. They will carry large and small shields and be able to use swords. 5 Persia, Sudan, and Put will be with you. They, too, will have shields and helmets. 6 Gomer will come with all its troops and with the nation of Togarmah from the far north. There will be many armies with you.¹⁰

Rosenberg submits that the words Russia, Moscow, Soviet Union and Czar never appear in these passages. In fact, they do not appear anywhere in the Book of Ezekiel. Nor are they mentioned anywhere in the Bible. But there is no doubt that the ancient prophet was referring to the nation we now know as Russia.¹¹ Furthermore, he cogently argues that a study of ancient Hebrew; ancient history and modern-day geography points us to Russia, Moscow and Tobolsk (in Siberia), respectively.

Conclusion

Russia's future invasion of Israel was scripted in Bible prophecy centuries ago. This event will serve as a lesson of the grace of God toward Israel and of judgment on the invading armies. When this invasion takes place, more than likely the international community will be taken by surprise and may be ambivalent toward the plight of Israel. Yet, Israel will have an ally, who will defeat the enemy… see Ezekiel 18 and 23, above. God will be Israel's defender.

Sources:

²The Jerusalem Post, International Jpost.com, "West will suffer more than Moscow". Associated Press, Moscow. September 2, 2008, http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1220353264964&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull.

³Ibid

⁴Politico, Invasion of Georgia a '3:00 am' Moment, Ben Smith. September 2, 2008, http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0808/12409.html.

⁵MSNBC, US plans $1billion aid package for Georgia. Cheney, in Azerbaijan, says US has 'deep' interest in region's stability. Associated Press, September 3, 2008, http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26525962.

⁶Ibid

⁷Rosenberg, Joel C. Epicenter. Tyndale House Publishers, Inc, Illinois, USA. 2006, (p. 38).

⁸Ibid, p. 38.

⁹Ezekiel 38: 17-23. Biblos.com. God's Word Translation, http://gwt.scripturetext.com/ezekiel/38.htm.

¹¹Ibid Ezekiel 38: 1-6.

¹²Rosenberg, p. 82.

¹³Ibid, p. 85

Others:

Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, Arab World, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arab_World.

Jewish Virtual Library, The Jewish Population of the world, http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Judaism/jewpop.html.

Moshe Aumann, Retired Israeli Diplomat. Reference to Israel's Central Bureau of Statistics Report, Independence Day 2008.

Cherub A. Nicholls

Explore the seven wonders of the world Learn more!

2008-08-05T18:38:00.001-07:00

(http://www.travelblog.org/pix/maps/middle-east.jpg)

Iran:

A Strategic Threat to Israel

An Assessment of Israel's Security Interests

"For behold, Your enemies make a tumult;

And those who hate You have lifted up their head.

They have said, "Come, and let cut them off from being a nation,

That the name of Israel may be remembered no more."

For they have consulted together with one consent… ¹

I'm sure that by now you have heard the name Ahmadinejad. Who is Ahmadinejad, you say? He is the President of Iran. Mahmud Ahmadinejad took office after his party won the national elections in August 2005. Ever since, his anti-American and anti-Israeli rhetoric has exacerbated tensions not only in the Middle East but across Europe and America.

Iran: Its Place in the Middle East

Up until 1935, Iran was known as Persia, and until 1979 it was a monarchy ruled by the Shah. In 1979 the Shah was overthrown, and Iran became an Islamic Republic. In addition to having a President as the Head-of-Government, the Iranian conservative Supreme Leader, Ali Hoseini-Khamenei, has the final say in the country's political and religious affairs. The President is elected every four years, while the Supreme Leader is appointed for life by the Assembly of Experts.²

Iran shares borders with Iraq and Afghanistan, two countries in which the United States of America is currently militarily engaged, as part of its war on terror. Other border states are Turkey, Pakistan, Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan. The country's natural resources include: petroleum, natural gas, coal, chromium, copper, iron, lead, manganese, zinc and sulphur. As of July 2008, Iran's population was estimated at 65.8 million people.³ The Iranian capital is Tehran.

Iran's Hegemonic Ambitions in the Middle East

Hegemony may be defined as the kind of leadership or predominance that will allow a power, in effect, to dictate the policies of all the other powers in its vicinity, or to defeat any other power or combination of powers with which it might be at war. Examples of hegemonic states in history are the Roman Empire, the British Empire, the United States and the united Germany that had existed from 1871 to 1945.⁴

Iran's leadership is accused by the United States of involvement in terror activities in Iraq. On several occasions US military have pointed out, in the mass media, that weapons which they claimed belonged to Iran were later found to be used in attacks inside Iraq. Meanwhile, Iran faces United Nations sanctions as well as sanctions imposed by the US and Europe. Iran's nuclear pursuits are seen as an attempt to change the geopolitics of the region, aided by Tehran's vociferous outbursts, in which she calls for the destruction of the State of Israel. The global community is keeping a close watch on Iran.

In reality, Iran cannot be accorded "Friendly Nation" status, a goal envisioned by the UN nearly four decades ago. The Special Committee on Principles of International Law concerning Friendly Relations and Co-operation among States, which met in Geneva from 31 March to 1 May 1970, opined the following:

Emphasizing the paramount importance of the Charter of the United Nations for the maintenance of international peace and security and for the development of Friendly relations and Co-operation among States, Deeply convinced that the adoption of the Declaration on Principles of International Law concerning Friendly Relations and Co-operation among States in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations on the occasion of the twenty-fifth anniversary of the United Nations would contribute to the strengthening of world peace and constitute a landmark in the development of international law and of relations among States, in promoting the rule of law among nations and particularly the universal application of the principles embodied in the Charter…⁵

Israel Speaks Out on the Iranian Threat

During the visit by British Prime Minister Gordon Brown in Israel in July 2008, Israel's Prime Minister Ehud Olmert stated:

"I know you are a partner to the recognition that the most serious threat to the stability of the Middle East and to world peace originates in the posturing of the Ayatollah regime in Tehran for regional hegemony based on a fundamental resistance to peace, broad support for terrorist organizations, a stubborn effort to achieve an atomic military capability, and open and avowed calls for the destruction of Israel."⁶

'As someone who has studied history and knows well the story of the Jewish people during the last century, I do not need to explain to you our sensitivity to threats of obliteration – Heaven forbid – behind which stand weapons of mass destruction. As far as we are concerned, this is an intolerable situation with which we cannot come to terms.

'However, this threat is not solely directed at Israel, but rather towards all moderate regimes in the Arab and Islamic world, as well as far beyond the boundaries of the Middle East. This is a global threat, and it must be dealt with immediately through a unified and determined international front, because under no circumstances can the deadline be missed.'⁷

Meanwhile, Israel's Defense Minister Ehud Barak, while in Washington in late July, cogently maintained that 'no option should be removed from the table.'⁸ Additionally, the Defense Minister also calls for diplomacy and stronger sanctions to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

Iran's Nuclear Ambition vs. United Nations Resolutions

It is important to note that the international community views any nuclear acquisition for military purposes, by Iran, as a threat to international peace and security. In UN Security Council Resolution 1737, the Security Council expressed concern over 'the proliferation risks presented by the Iranian nuclear programme and, in this context, over Iran's continuing failure to meet the requirements of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors and to comply with the provisions of Security Council Resolution 1696 (2006).'

'Mindful of its primary responsibility, under the Charter of the United Nations, for the maintenance of international peace and security,' the Security Council, in Paragraph 17 of that Resolution, 'calls upon all States to exercise vigilance and prevent specialized teaching or training of Iranian nationals, within their territories or by their nationals, of disciplines which would contribute to Iran's proliferation of sensitive nuclear activities and development of nuclear weapons delivery systems…'⁹

Furthermore, another UN Security Council (1747) followed in March 2007. In that Resolution, in Paragraphs 5 and 7, the Security Council "decides that Iran shall not supply, sell or transfer, directly or indirectly from its territory or by its nationals or using its flag vessels or aircraft, any arms or related material, and that all States shall prohibit the procurement of such items from Iran by their nationals, or using their flag vessels or aircraft, and whether or not originating in the territory of Iran.'

The Security Council also 'calls upon all States and international financial institutions not to enter into new commitments for grants, financial assistance, and concessional loans, to the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran, except for humanitarian and developmental purposes…"¹⁰

Finally, the Iranian regime refuses to back down on its stance on Israel and its covert nuclear policies. Nevertheless, the theocratic republic is not isolated (she has lots of friends among developing countries) and has expressed its intention to take on the international community by way of rallying support for Tehran's bid to seek election to a UN Security Council non-permanent seat, for a two-year stint from 2009 to 2011. Iran remains defiant and wants to find ways to prevent the United Nations from challenging its behaviour. Israel continues to lobby the international community to ensure that they abide by their principles to protect states from aggressive neighbours - notably Iran - seeking that country's destruction.

Sources:

¹Prophecy Study Bible, John C. Hagee, General Editor, New King James Version, Thomas Nelson, Inc., 1997, (Psalm 83: 2-5).

²The World Factbook, https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ir.html, last updated on 24 July 2008.

³Ibid.

⁴Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hegemony.

5Declaration on Principles of International Law Friendly Relations and Co-operation Among States in Accordance with the Charter of the United Nations, http://www.hku.edu/law/conlawhk/conlaw/outline/Outline4/2625.htm, May 1970.

⁶Iran: Statements by Israeli Leaders, Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/The+Iranian+Threat/Statements+by+Israeli+leaders/Iran%20Statements%20by%20Israeli%20leaders%20-%20July%202008, July 21, 2008.

⁷Ibid.

⁸The Jerusalem Post, By Hilary Leila Krieger, "Barak: US to provide missile warning system", http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1215331138518&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull, July 29, 2008.

⁹United Nations Security Council, Resolution 1737 (2006), Adopted by the Security Council at its 5612^th Meeting, on December 23, 2006, http://daccessdds.un.org/doc/UNDOC/GEN/N06/681/42/PDF/N0668142.pdf?OpenElement.

¹⁰United Nations Security Council Resolution 1747 (2007), Adopted by the Security Council at its 5647^th Meeting, On March 24, 2007, http://daccessdds.un.org/doc/UNDOC/GEN/N07/281/40/PDF/N0728140.pdf?OpenElement.

NOTE:

In October 2007, the Iranian regime was subjected to US sanctions under EO 13382 designations for proliferation activities and EO 13224 designations for providing material support to the Taliban and other terrorist organizations (CIA).

United Nations Security Council Resolutions are legally binding upon Member States.

Cherub A. Nicholls

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2008-07-30T09:29:00.001-07:00

The Question of Jerusalem:

To Divide or Not to Divide

In the midst of a global paradigm shift in values and social norms due in part to multiple geopolitical crises, there is a strident call for change coming from the masses. Change, from the current global order to a new world order (NWO). The ambivalence of the people to strife, conflict or war, has resonated with political leadership in major cities across the globe. Unlike other perennial conflicts, the Arab-Israeli conflict is far more protracted and consequently has proven to be burdensome to Western powers. The Great Powers approach in trying to resolve this conflict has not been quite productive. Their 'piece-meal' measure is geared toward making two-states out of one; two cities out of one… a challenging manoeuvre.

Today, we will review the case of an ancient city. This city became famous during the reign of a beloved king; king David of Israel. This city is Jerusalem. Jerusalem, the city of peace! A paradox!

In the Scriptures David wrote a Psalm celebrating this city which was also known as the city of David. He notes in his tribute to this city he loved so much the following:

Jerusalem is built as a city that is compact together,

Where the tribes go up,

The tribes of the Lord,

To the testimony of Israel,

To give thanks to the name of the Lord.

For thrones are set there for judgement,

The thrones of the house of David.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:

May they prosper who love you.²

Jerusalem, the city has always been held dearly by the Jewish people. Despite the fact the city fell into the hands of other peoples when they conquered it over time, Jerusalem belongs to the Jews, throughout history Jerusalem has never been the capital of any other nation except Israel. 'To Christians and Moslems, Jerusalem is a place where supremely important things happened, long ago. To them, therefore, it is an object of pilgrimage. To Jews, on the other hand, it is the living centre of their faith, or, if they have no faith, of their identity as a people. To them, it is a place to be possessed, today and forever.'³

According to a BBC study on a 'Brief History of Jerusalem' the city changed hands numerous times after the captivity of the Jews from the Kingdoms of Israel and Judea. The account tells of the reign of the Greeks, after Alexander the Great conquered the Persian Empire. Jerusalem then became a Hellenic city. The Greeks built temples, theatres and the like. Then Jerusalem fell into Roman hands. They burnt the Jewish Temple and destroyed the city. Afterwards the Romans banned Jews from returning to their beloved city.

The Byzantines then took over control of a part of Jerusalem. They built churches in places where the Romans had built temples. By the 7^th Century AD the Muslims invaded and seized Jerusalem. They built the Dome of the Rock on Temple Mount. Afterwards, the Crusaders entered Jerusalem at the end of the 11^th Century AD. They conquered Jerusalem in 1099 and in so doing killed Jews alongside Muslims. After periods of loses and gains in fighting between the Muslims and the Crusaders, the Muslims prevailed.

In the 16^th Century AD, enters the Ottoman Empire. They held sway for approximately 400 years. The Empire crumbled during World War I. When the British seized Palestine from the Ottomans, the League of Nations gave to the British a Mandate to maintain temporary control of Jerusalem and the rest of Palestine.

At the expiration of the British Mandate, the Jews declared independence on May 14^th 1948. Jerusalem became the capital the newly independent State. However, immediately following the declaration of the State of Israel, the Arabs invaded Israel and fought against the infant nation. During that war Jordan seized the Eastern part of the city of Jerusalem. Nineteen years later in the 1967 Six Day war, the Jews recaptured East Jerusalem from Jordan. Jerusalem has since been united and remains under Jewish control. Meantime, Jerusalem is a major negotiating prize for the Arabs who now say East Jerusalem must be the capital of any future Palestinian State.

Jews and Jerusalem

Nevertheless, Jerusalem, the heart and soul of the Jewish people, plays a central role in Jewish culture, history and religion. Since 1004 B.C.E. when King David established Jerusalem as the capital of the Jewish nation, there has remained a constant and enduring Jewish presence in the city. Moreover, Jewish liturgy, music, literature and poetry are replete with references to Jerusalem, or 'Zion,' the Biblical name of the city.⁴

Additionally, Jerusalem has been at the center of Jewish consciousness for over three thousand years, even before King David made it the capital of his kingdom in 1004 B.C.E. Such biblical events as the binding of Isaac and Jacob's ladder have traditionally been connected to Jerusalem. No other city has played such a predominant role in the history, culture, and religion of a people as has Jerusalem for the Jews. 'Jerusalem', or 'Zion', is mentioned over 800 times in the Jewish Bible.⁵

The UN Plan to Administer Governance over Jerusalem

Months prior to the declared Israeli State, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) met and passed Resolution 181 on November 29, 1947. The focus of this Resolution was UN's Partition Plan for Palestine and the future status of Jerusalem. The Resolution catered for Jerusalem to be under a special international regime, and administered by the United Nations. At the time of the passing of the Resolution only the Jews accepted the Resolution, while the Arabs rejected same.⁶

However, it must be emphasized that the Jews accepted the resolution (despite their misgivings about it) in the spirit of compromise and the hope and prospect of a peaceful resolution of the conflict; but the Arabs opposed it and went to war against it - and against the fledgling Jewish state. One of the results of this war was that the internationalization of Jerusalem never took effect. Instead, it was divided between Israel and Jordan until 1967, when Jordan attacked Israel and Israel, in repelling the attack, reunified the city.⁷

The Future Status of Jerusalem

The current Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has signalled to the world his willingness to sign a peace treaty with the Palestinians by the end of this year, which would in essence allow for the creation of a Palestinian State. The United States has been pushing the process forward because out-going President George W. Bush has called for this process to be finalised before he leaves office in January 2009.

Concerning Jerusalem, the Palestinians are impatient … breathing out threats of war if they do not get their way. They demand that Jerusalem be re-divided. The Palestinians demand that East Jerusalem which was seized by Jordan from Israel in 1948 and rightfully retaken by Israel in 1967, be given to them as a peaceful solution to the Middle East conflict.

Well, let's return to what David said of Jerusalem. He called it a city that is compact together… undivided. A gathering place for the people of the Lord, who will assemble there to worship Him alone, that is the Lord. Then David encourages us to pray, pray for the peace of Jerusalem. When the people pray to the Lord God for the peace of Jerusalem, the future status of this city would be well preserved!

One must recall that only once in Jerusalem's entire history has this city been divided. This division occurred in the 20^th Century 'On May 28, 1948 when the Arab Legion overran the Jewish Quarter and eastern Jerusalem, while Israel held on to the Jewish populated western neighbourhoods of the city. Jerusalem was divided for the first time in its history.'⁸Jerusalem ought not to be re-divided, now or ever.

Sources:

¹http://www.waronline.org/en/IDF/intro/israel.htm

³ The London Daily Telegraph, 25 June 1967:

⁴The Status of Jerusalem, Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/MFAArchive/1990_1999/1999/3/The+Status+of+Jerusalem.htm, March 14, 1999

⁵Ibid

⁶UN General Assembly Resolution 181, Nov 29, 1947, http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/Peace+Process/Guide+to+the+Peace+Process/UN+General+Assembly+Resolution+181.htm.

⁷Moshe Aumann. A retired Israeli diplomat. Editorial Comment, Friday July 25, 2008.

⁸The Status of Jerusalem, Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/MFAArchive/1990_1999/1999/3/The+Status+of+Jerusalem.htm, March 14, 1999

Other:

A Very Brief History of Jerusalem. BBC, http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/A2350261.

Cherub A. Nicholls

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2008-06-14T17:35:00.000-07:00

Israel's Wars for Statehood:

The Eras of Joshua and Ben-Gurion

As the Jewish people celebrate the 60^th anniversary of their remarkable achievement of statehood, we will today look at two historical events which marked the creation of the Jewish state in two different eras. We will also give consideration to the involvement of the Sovereign Lord in their victories.

The initial state was created in the early biblical era, when Joshua led the people into the land of Canaan. More than 3,000 years later, a Jew named David Ben-Gurion boldly declared Israel a sovereign state in May 1948.

The Jews were slaves in Egypt for over four hundred years. God had told Abraham (whose previous name was Abram) of this development long before it took place:

"And he said to Abram, Truly, your seed will be living in a land which is not theirs, as servants to a people who will be cruel to them for four hundred years…" (Bible in Basic English, Genesis 15:13, http://multilingualbible.com/genesis/15-13.htm.)

Afterwards, Moses led the people from Egypt through the Red Sea and they encamped in the wilderness for 40 years. Upon Moses' death, God miraculously guided Joshua and the Jewish people in wars leading them to take possession of their land.

The Lord, in His "coronation" of Joshua as leader of the people, told him to "Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them.¹ Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage: do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." ²

Furthermore, the Lord Himself defined the boundaries of the land He was giving to His people:

"From the wilderness, and this Lebanon, even unto the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and unto the great sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your border."³
.......................................................

To gain possession of the land, Israel had to fight:

"And the men of Ruben, the men of Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh crossed over, armed, before the children of Israel, as Moses had spoken to them. About forty thousand, prepared for war, crossed over before the Lord for battle, to the plains of Jericho.^"4

Afterwards, in the New Testament, in the Book of Acts (13:19), Paul the Apostle recalled, before the Jews gathered in Antioch in Pisidia, that the Lord had destroyed seven nations on behalf of His people, the Israelites (also known as Israelis). Paul argues, "And when He had destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, He distributed their land to them by allotment."⁵

From the scriptures we have examined, it is clear that God was at all times involved in Israel's acquisition of the land. Although much time had elapsed, God kept His word to Abraham. One ought not to conclude that God's actions were unfair. He definitely chose to do this because, as a result, when we today read of His mighty acts, we come to revere Him. However, it seems that mankind forgets quickly, so once again the Lord makes promises, to an Israel in captivity, that He will re-gather them to the land they were taken from, the land He had given to Joshua, in fulfilment of His word to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. And so we have the account of the Declaration of the State of Israel on May 14, 1948.

Let's reflect on the interventions of God during these early days of the modern State of Israel.

David Ben-Gurion's Bold Move

The Romans had passed an edict exiling Jews from their homeland after the time of Jesus Christ. Five hundred years would pass before Byzantine governors permitted the return of the Jews to the Holy Land way back in 638 (CE).

Ever since the Jews have maintained a presence in Palestine. Author, David Brog tells of efforts by both Jews and Christians in 1896 to see the establishment of a Jewish state. He notes Jews had been spordically returning to Jerusalem and other holy cities in Palestine throughout the centuries of their exile…⁶

The efforts to aid in the return of Jews to Palestine became known as Zionism.

In the meantime, the Ottoman Empire, an Islamic power, reigned from 1301-1922. The Ottomans had dominion over a great expanse of land that included Egypt, Greece, Palestine, Hungary, and Syria among others. But the Empire fell to an invading British army. Upon this historic event the British Empire accepted the Mandate by the League of Nations to administer law and order over Palestine. The Mandate specifically obligated Britain to implement the terms of the Balfour Declarations⁷, which in essence granted legitimacy to the eventual the State of Israel.

1948 marked the end of World War II. Six million Jews have been slaughtered by the Nazis in Europe during this war. Thousands of European Jews are homeless and are seeking refuge…Western states deny them entry. The people have few options, so they attempt to enter Palestine, their homeland and that of their forefathers. However, the British officials who have authority over Palestine say, Not so! The refusal by the British military was in essence a violation of the very Mandate they were obliged to operate under. The Balfour Declaration of 1917 was named after former prime minister and then British Foreign Secretary Arthur Balfour. In the Balfour Declaration His Majesty's Government viewed with favour the establishment in Palestine a homeland for the Jewish people…⁸

Consequently, the Jews in Palestine, seeing all this, carried out clandestine activities to bring Jews into Palestine whom the British military had refused entry and sent off to Cyprus. Simultaneously, Jews in Palestine were required to band together for their own internal security because the Arabs, armed by the British, were attacking them. Therefore, the Jews took up arms against the British and Arabs to fight for their independence.

Remember also that during World War II many Jews fought alongside the Allies against Hitler's axis of evil.

At the end of the British Mandate, Ben-Gurion stood before the People's Council and declared Israel a sovereign state. Ben-Gurion further pledges:

"THE STATE OF ISRAEL will be open for Jewish immigration and for the Ingathering of the Exiles; it will foster the development of the country for the benefit of all its inhabitants; it will be based on freedom, justice and peace as envisaged by the prophets of Israel; it will ensure complete equality of social and political rights to all its inhabitants irrespective of religion, race or sex; it will guarantee freedom of religion, conscience, language, education and culture; it will safeguard the Holy Places of all religions; and it will be faithful to the principles of the Charter of the United Nations."⁹

The words were not quite out of Ben-Gurion's mouth when five Arab countries allied themselves to do battle against Israel. On May 15, one day after the establishment of the State of Israel, the Arab armies of Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Iraq and Saudi Arabia invaded the new Jewish state. The Arab forces were significantly larger than Israel's and were better equipped. Yet, coordination and organization were lacking, and the Arab armies were often at odds with each other, seeking to incorporate territory from Palestine into their own states. Despite their small numbers, the Jews were well-organized, well-disciplined and highly motivated.10

The Arabs were defeated! Again the Lord protected this infant nation, though it was vastly under-equipped and faced an arms embargo. Yes, Israel triumphs!

Sources:

¹Prophecy Study Bible, New King James Version, John C. Hagee, General Editor Thomas Nelson Publishers, Nashville, (Joshua 1: 6 &, 9).

²Ibid.

³American Standard Version, (Joshua 1: 4, http://multilingualbible.com/joshua/1-4.htm.).

⁴Prophecy Study Bible, New King James Version, John C. Hagee, General Editor Thomas Nelson Publishers, Nashville (Joshua 4:12-13).

⁵Ibid (Acts 13:19).

⁶Brog, David. Standing with Israel. Why Christians Support the Jewish State. Front Line, Florida, USA. 2006 (p.93).

⁷Ibid, 111.

⁸ " ,110.

⁹" Published in the Official Gazette, No. 1, of the 5th Iyar 5708 (14th May 1948). Declaration of the Establishment of the State of Israel, May 14, 1948 (http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/Peace%20Process/Guide%20to%20the%20Peace%20Process/Declaration%20of%20Establishment%20of%20State%20of%20Israel)
¹⁰The War for independence. Anti- Defamation League, (ADL) (http://www.adl.org/israel/record/48war.asp).

Other sources

BBC - Religion & Ethics - Ottoman Empire (1301-1922): Introduction

http://www.google.bs/search?hl=en&q=the+ottoman+empire&btnG=Google+Search.

Ottoman Empire. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ottoman_Empire.

British Mandate of Palestine. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Mandate_of_Palestine.

Cherub A. Nicholls

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2008-05-18T17:24:00.001-07:00

A Broom and a Flag

By Michael Freund

I'm no psychiatrist, but as Israel turns 60, we seem to have developed an acute case of schizophrenia.

You can almost sense the contradictory impulses at work, as many Israelis wonder whether to celebrate the country's numerous accomplishments, bemoan its agonizing disappointments or some combination of the two.

Whether it is the various corruption scandals involving political figures, the latest child-abuse cases that rocked the nation a few weeks ago, or the ongoing assault on traditional Jewish and Zionist values, there would seem to be plenty of reasons to scratch our heads and speculate about where this country is headed.

Add to that the continuing Palestinian rocket attacks against Sderot, the growing threat of a nuclear Iran, and the Hizbullah arms buildup north of the border, and it is no wonder that some of our fellow citizens would prefer to hide under the nearest bed until the storm passes.

Quite frankly, it seems hard to blame them.

But then there is the other side of the coin. Look at Israel's various triumphs in fields ranging from computer science to agriculture, note the optimists. Our ability to survive in a hostile neighborhood is an achievement in and of itself, they say.

They, too, have a point. So which is it, then, on Israel's 60th Independence Day? Doom or delight, glee or gloom? Or perhaps some mixture of the two? The very question, I think, is remarkable, if only because it betrays an utter lack of appreciation for historical context and perspective.

After all, in the life of an individual, a span of sixty years may represent the bulk of his productive days on this earth. But for a nation, it is an infinitesimal period, a mere episode or interlude in the great sweep of history.

Nonetheless, look at what we the Jewish people have managed to achieve here since 1948.

We've brought millions of immigrants from around the world, made the desert bloom, and built a free country amid a sea of tyranny, all in less time than it took to construct the Leaning Tower of Pisa (177 years), the Great Wall of China (centuries), or even Washington's National Cathedral (83 years). Not bad, don't you think?

CONSIDER, FOR example, where today's great superpower, the United States, was in the 60th year of its existence.

Back in 1836, large swathes of the North American continent remained untamed, as Arkansas became just the 25th state to join the Union.

Americans living on the periphery faced frequent Indian attacks and great uncertainty. In May of that year, Comanche Indians slaughtered five members of a family in Texas and then proceeded to abduct their 9-year old daughter, who was later forced to marry the tribal chief. Twenty-five years would pass before she was rescued from her captors.

And then, of course, there was the Battle of the Alamo, where Mexican troops massacred hundreds of valiant American defenders in Texas, including folk hero Davey Crockett.

Incidents such as these must surely have sent a chill down the spine of every citizen.

Even America's democracy was struggling at the time, as the dispute over slavery continued to fester. In 1836, the House of Representatives went so far as to pass the infamous 'gag rule' as a means of suppressing debate on this contentious issue.

Nonetheless, despite the great challenges which America faced at the time, that did not dampen their sense of optimism or detract from their appreciation for what had been accomplished in the period since the nation's founding. Indeed, in his annual address to Congress in December of that year, President Andrew Jackson started off by saying, 'it is a source of the most heartfelt satisfaction to be able to congratulate you on the high state of prosperity which our beloved country has attained.'

'With no causes at home or abroad to lessen the confidence with which we look to the future,' he continued, 'the general condition of our affairs may well excite our national pride.'

This, too, must be our approach as we mark Israel's 60th annual Independence Day, and as we face the future.

Sure, there are still plenty of swamps left to be drained in this country. Swamps of Jewish ignorance, swamps of poverty and unemployment, swamps of callousness and despair. But that should never detract from our appreciation of the fact that we finally have a Jewish state, even with all of its faults.

A moving story about the great Hassidic Rebbe of Sadigora, Rabbi Avraham Yaakov Friedman of blessed memory, bears this out. When the Nazis took over Vienna, where the rebbe lived, they sought to humiliate the Jews by forcing the great sage to sweep the streets of the city to the taunts and laughter of Austrian onlookers.

The German soldiers handed the rebbe a broom, but while he swept, he recited a silent prayer: 'Master of the Universe, may I yet merit to sweep the streets of the Land of Israel.'

The Nazis then gave him a large flag and forced him to hoist it over a tall building. This time the rebbe intoned, 'Master of the Universe, may I yet merit to raise the flag of Israel over a high place in the Land of Israel.'

After surviving the war, the rebbe was determined to fulfill his vision. And so, each year, on Independence Day, he would rise early, take a broom in hand, and proceed to sweep the streets of Tel Aviv in honor of G-d's answer to his prayer. And then the elderly rabbi would ascend to the top of Tel Aviv's Great Synagogue, and raise a large Israeli flag proudly for all to see.

So the next time you find yourself down in the dumps, wondering about this country and its leadership - think back to the Rebbe of Sadigora, with a broom in one hand, a flag in the other, and a heart full of gratitude to G-d for the miracle that is the modern State of Israel.

http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1209627025550&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

The Jerusalem Post, April 7, 2008

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2008-05-11T18:06:00.001-07:00

Israel at 60:

God's Covenant to Israel

Then all shall know that He is the Lord

In the life of a man or woman age sixty may be considered old. In most countries, 60 (or around there) is the age of retirement. But in the life of a nation, 60, is young. We will reflect on the promises found in the Word of God that were made to the Jewish people by God that enabled them to possess their land amid a plethora of geopolitical atrocities.

As you peruse the Holy Bible commonly referred to as the Word of God, you will hear God speaking in the first person, saying to His servants what He desires to accomplish in the world, what makes Him aggravated, yes angry as well as jealous, and what makes Him pleased. Oh! You must not be taken aback at the thought that God does have emotions… He made us after Himself, so He too has emotions, but here's the difference between God and man. He is unlike man, He is God. He does not change, will never grow old and He will always be Sovereign/Ruler. He is always!

God the Lord Almighty: "Let Your will be done on earth"

This is what the Lord has said: When I have got together the children of Israel from the peoples among whom they are wandering, and have been made holy among them before the eyes of the nations, then they will have rest in the land which is theirs, which I gave to my servant Jacob (Ezekiel 28: 25) And they will be safe there, building houses and planting vine-gardens and living without fear; when I have sent my punishments on all those who put shame on them round about them; and they will be certain that I am the Lord their God (Ezekiel 28:26).¹
.......................................................

Despite the fact that Israel was scattered throughout the world, God stated that He will bring them back to the land He bequeathed to their forefathers and them. We are aware that centuries had elapsed before this promise was fulfilled nevertheless, it has happened just as the Lord has spoken. It is clear that God in His wisdom expected that there would be strong opposition to the presence of the Jews in the Middle East, but He has made a commitment to defend them and by so doing, establish in the minds of the peoples who will see His mighty acts that He the God of Israel, the only God. .........................

And there will no longer be a plant with sharp points wounding the children of Israel, or a thorn troubling them among any who are round about them, who put shame on them; and they will be certain that I am the Lord (Ezekiel 28:24, ibid)².
.......................................................

No Challenge to Israel's Survival can Deter God's Plans

The strident attacks by the Palestinians point to the fact that this outcome was already anticipated by God and so their terror attacks and claims to the land will never change God's plans. Yoav Stern, an Israeli news correspondent wrote on Tuesday May 5 of the grief and sufferings of the Israeli people during a remembrance ceremony. She notes, speaking at the ceremony for Israel's fallen, held at the Western Wall in Jerusalem, Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi said "sixty-three years since the end of the Holocaust, the greatest atrocity in human history, we remain surrounded by countries, by peoples, by organizations, that refuse to come to terms with our existence in our homeland."³

He (the Chief of Staff) also addressed the bereaved families directly, saying, unfortunately, this last year we added, with a shaking hand, more names to the memorial wall. Since last year's Memorial Day, and through this week, 65 more dead were added, since the records began, when the first Jews moved outside of Jerusalem's walls, has reached 22,437 dead in Israel's wars⁴(ibid).

The troubles the Jewish people have faced while they were in foreign lands and in their own homeland have not "disabled" them from being "at the head and not the tail". A census report released also on May 5, in Israel reveals that the Jewish people are tenacious.

The report published in the Haaretz, a local on line newspaper reveals that "Israel's population totaled 7.282 million on the eve of its 60th anniversary, including 156,400 babies who were born over the last year, the Central Bureau of Statistics reported Tuesday. That is more than nine times the 806,000 people who lived here when the state was established in 1948.

Since last Independence Day, the population has grown by 1.8 percent, including both births and some 18,000 new immigrants.

Just over three quarters of all Israelis 5.5 million people are Jews, while 20 percent (1.5 million) are Arabs. Of the Jews, 69 percent were born here, compared to only 35 percent in 1948."⁵

The State and the Covenant

On May 14, 1948 David Ben Gurion, with a company of approximately 200 persons, by dint of boldness declared Israel a State, despite the objections of US President Harry S. Truman. Arieh Handler, now 93, was among the dignitaries present at the Museum of Art in Tel Aviv for this historic event, the declaration of the State of Israel. Handler is known to be the only witness alive. Here he recounts his story for the BBC News. He states "When I left the meeting to go back to my family, Egyptian planes were already bombing Tel Aviv, and Glubb Pasha [the British commander of the army of Transjordan] was leading an Arab army - they were stopped by the Haganah [Jewish defence force] not far from where I lived" ⁶… I would say many things - not only in the Jewish world, but in the world on the whole - would have been different if Ben Gurion had not declared this state.⁷

Finally, Jeremiah the prophet wrote as was commanded of him by God: Thus speaks the LORD God of Israel, saying, Write you all the words that I have spoken to you in a book.⁸ For, see, the days come, said the LORD, that I will bring again the captivity of my people Israel and Judah, said the LORD: and I will cause them to return to the land that I gave to their fathers, and they shall possess it.⁹

.......................................................

Cherub A. Nicholls

Source:

1). Ezekiel 28:25-26, Multilingual Bible, Bible in Basic English, ..http://multilingualbible.com/ezekiel/28-25.htm.

2). Ezekiel 28:24, Ibid

3). IDF Chief: 63 years after Holocaust state's existence still questioned.

By Yoav Stern, Haaretz Correspondent and Haaretz Service

http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/981338.html.

4). Ibid

5). Israel at 60: Population nears 7.3 million, 76% Jewish

By Haaretz Service, http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/981336.html.

6). BBC News, 'I was at Israel's founding', http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7384204.stm.

7). Ibid

8). American King James Version, Jeremiah 30:2, Multilingual Bible, http://multilingualbible.com/jeremiah/30-2.htm.

9). Ibid, http://multilingualbible.com/jeremiah/30-3.htm.

10). Israel's flag http://images.google.bs/imgres?imgurl=http://www.naamat.org/images/israel_flag.jpg&imgrefurl=http://shoshanakordova.blogspot.com/&h=1024&w=1280&sz=287&hl=en&start=3&um=1&tbnid=zn52VkX9ioh2XM:&tbnh=120&tbnw=150&prev=/images%3Fq%3DIsrael%2Bflag%26ndsp%3D20%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN

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Cherub Nicholls

Revelation 20

Zechariah 8:1-23 (Amplified Bible)

Zechariah 8

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Blessing on Israel

Ezekiel 36:1-7 (New King James Version)

Isaiah 54

BBC - Religion & Ethics - Ottoman Empire (1301-1922): Introduction

Don't forget to become an honorary citizen of Hebron:
http://www.hebron.com/english/article.php?id=564

Tit for tat