When the L-rd is for Us, Who Can Stand Against Us?

“I’m afraid that the future will be just like this.”

Israpundit has linked up an essay written by Daniel Gordis about the effect of Gilad Shalit's kidnapping (and the thousands of things that have led up to it) on Israeli youths and their parents.

Read it. Learn. Get the perspective of what it is really like to live in the land of Israel. Understand that when the news media talks about the "vicious" Israeli military, they're really talking about sixteen, seventeen, eighteen, and nineteen year olds being led by a bunch of 20-somethings at most, who have been raised in a culture that has remained surprisingly normal and successful despite the fact that chaos is constantly trying to creep in and destroy them all.

These are the heroes:





And then a day or two later, the wounded soldier [a survivor from the Keren Shalom attack], still in the hospital, began to speak to reporters who visited his room. “When I realized that I was trapped [in the tank],” he said, “I knew that was it.” And, he added, “I started to cry.”




Prayer for Soldiers

He Who blessed our forefathers Abraham, Isaac and Jacob -- may He bless the fighters of the Israel Defense Forces, who stand guard over our land and the cities of our God, from the border of the Lebanon to the desert of Egypt, and from the Great Sea unto the approach of the Aravah, on the land, in the air, and on the sea.

May the Almighty cause the enemies who rise up against us to be struck down before them. May the Holy One, Blessed is He, preserve and rescue our fighters from every trouble and distress and from every plague and illness, and may He send blessing and success in their every endeavor.

May He lead our enemies under our soldiers' sway and may He grant them salvation and crown them with victory. And may there be fulfilled for them the verse: For it is the L-rd your G-d, Who goes with you to battle your enemies for you to save you.

Now let us respond: Amen.

Courtesy AISH

IDF, Israeli Defense Forces, Zahal, Israel, Operation Summer Rains

Morning Update (with commentary!)

The Hashmonean has a fantastic rundown of why Olmert hasn't approved the IDF incursion into northern Gaza:

However, pressure by the international community not to escalate the situation seems to be a significant factor preventing the widening of Operation Summer Rains into northern Gaza. Criticism by the foreign minister of the G8 countries, alongside a clear call by the US secretary of state for "Israeli restraint" in Gaza came before a decision to delay, taken by Prime Minister Ehud Olmert on Thursday afternoon.

Apparently, "The Army is upset at the Defense Minister, the PM is upset at the Army, and operations in the North of Gaza appear scrapped.." at least for now.

Daled Amos reports:

Little Green Footballs links approvingly to the Fox News Website which reports on its home page:

Israel Hits Palestinian Interior Ministry
Warplanes pummel Gaza; Hamas thugs reportedly offer conditional release of kidnapped soldier [emphasis added]

He calls the description of Hamas as 'thugs'--'honest'.

Of course it's nice that in the age of political correctness that shuns the use of the word 'terrorist,' Fox is using a substitute term that sidesteps the positive 'freedom fighter' or terms likes 'militant' or 'activist.' But the fact remains that Hamas are not a bunch of thugs, hoodlums, goons, punks, or toughs.

Fox News makes me sick. Really, I used to be a huge fan of the channel and I still think their 2004 election coverage was award-worthy. It's just that *after* the election, Fox News (and the Bush Administration) took nothing short of a nosedive, so much so that now, watching Fox News is like watching an episode of COPS crossed with the local news report from Lawrence, Kansas, hosted by Shep Smith.

Which brings me to my greater point, and a rather ironic one given the upcoming Fourth of July holiday: America has gone down the drain, and if the Evangelicals want to rescue it, they'd better start plunging FAST.

I have no problem with the American SYSTEM of government. Representative democracy is Biblical (check your Torah) and is, therefore, the best system of government known to man. I do, however, take great issue with the people in power. To try and untangle the mess is too hard for most Americans, so they prefer to blame George W. Bush instead of recognizing him for the patsy he is. What many don't realize and/or understand is that the State Department has pretty much run this country (at least the Federal branch and all of the responsibilities therein) for years. The State Department controls foreign policy. It also takes its orders from the United Nations, the Council on Foreign Relations, and the Trilateral Commission, which effects our actions both abroad and at home. Outside of some grass-roots attempts to "ban the UN" and such, Americans remain willfully ignorant of the fact that our country is being taken over by a small group of very powerful organizations that seek to implement a one-world government. (Which, by the way, is also Biblical-- read your prophets.)

Of course, we average citizens don't see the underpinnings of what is really going on; we aren't exposed to the players and the game plan. We are, however, exposed to the effects. Our rights as citizens in this country are being eroded in very real ways. In a few years, The Security & Prosperity Partnership will go into effect, turning us from American citizens to NORTH American citizens. Kiss your Bill of Rights goodbye. After hearing news of the SPP on Israel National Radio, I sent links to both the show and Jerome Corsi's articles to major blogs who had yet to link up to the story. Do you think they did anything? Nothing. Nothing at all. Evil thrives when good men do nothing.

The effects of the one-world philosophy are most keenly noticeable in Israel. (Surprise, surprise.) Why? Why do you think the prophets spent so much time talking about the nations uniting to fight against Israel? Here's a hint: it wasn't because they were tired of playing checkers in the Temple courtyard. Israel is the physical, vital, living proof that HaShem exists and is all-powerful, that democracy is truth, and that the individual has free will to choose their own path in life. Israel is everything the one-worlders are not; moreover, Israel proves them wrong. Therefore, Israel must be destroyed.

Of course, entities like the European Union are plainly anti-Israel. Herein lies the quagmire: common knowledge says that the United States is the sole supporter of Israel. When you hold the US up to the EU or any other government, this axiom holds true.

However, when you look at US/Israel relations, the idea that the United States is a strong ally to Israel is blown out of the water.

The United States is as much pro-Arab as your average BBC newscaster. Moreover, America is more keenly anti-Israel than the rest; like a street magician asking you to follow the magic ball, only the United States knows what both their left and right hands are doing at the same time. This is why the United States is the most powerful nation on the planet: they have the unique ability to please the international community while looking like a savior to the Jewish people. This is how the American government has become useful to the one world plan, this is her role in the revolution: to fool Israel into thinking she has a chance while slowly murdering her people, stealing her land, and "driving her into the sea."

Why do you think the United States, a nation so seemingly devoted to establishing democracy around the world, is doing everything in her power to dissuade the Israeli government from defending herself against the same terrorists America is "fighting" in Iraq? It's senseless, and so is chaos, and chaos is what these powermongers want among the masses, because chaos causes confusion, and confusion leads to distraction, and distraction leads to dictators claiming power. (Read Whittaker Chambers's Witness if you don't believe me.)

Nowhere is this distraction enacted more blatantly than in the American media. Sure, CNN can present us with the same intellectual pro-palestinian garble that they have for the past 20 years. However, when they start blatantly disregarding the Israeli side of the story, choosing instead to station their reporters in Gaza City as if it were London during the Blitz, they take bias to a whole new level. When Fox News reduces reports on the WAR in Israel to ticker broadcasts and occasional Internet reports referring to an American-armed army as "thugs" they do nothing less than re-define the cliche "lip-service." American news has been nothing short of incompetent, even juvenile in covering this war, and it is in their incompetency, their childish ignorance of the situation, that we can see very clearly the seeds of anti-Israelism take root and begin to grow.

But most average Americans believe the same common knowledge most Israelis do: that, in the end, the United States is pro-Israel. And that's enough for them. The ones who really may give a damn about Israel are the Evangelicals. They go to church every Sunday and hear Genesis 12:3, "I will bless those who bless [Israel] and curse those who curse [Israel]." Then, they go home and hear the President condemn the latest suicide bombing and they figure all is right in their world. Very few take the time to really pay attention to what is going on; the ones who do are usually classified as "apocalyptic" at the least and, at the worst, "doomsday theorists."

And what of the Jewish people in America? Again, the ones who actually pay attention are in the minority. Most Jewish Americans are too busy embracing the new faussimilation as they cuddle into their fancy houses in gentile neighborhoods with their latest copy of Heeb thinking that, finally, they have what their ancestors wanted: the best of both worlds. The ones who do care about Israel send checks to charities and figure they've done their part. Many Jewish Americans don't comment on Israeli politics because they don't feel that they have the right since they aren't Israeli citizens. Some go so far as to condemn the State, but we won't even go there. (I can only handle so much frustration in a day.)

And what about Messianic Jews in America? Let's set aside arguments over their Jewishness for a minute and focus on the central issue: you have a group of people who identify as Jews and claim to support Israel. So, what's their take on the issue? Well, after many Messianic groups masterfully handled the eviction from Gush Katif in August '05 you'd think they'd be raring to go with commentary on the IDF's triumphant (if "restrained") return. Oh, wait a second, it's conference week for the MJAA. I guess that means that they don't have to give a damn, even if their conference theme is Zealous for Zion. What kind of message does this send to the critics of Messianic Judaism? How does this testify to our adherance to Torah and our faith in Messiah? The short answer: it doesn't.

So, Happy Birthday, America. Congratulations and thanks to George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Ben Franklin, and all their buddies for fighting tooth and nail to establish this country. To all you under-armed, untrained, average colonial footsoldiers who died, spent years in a British prison boat, and/or risked death too many times to count, thanks for all your hard work. Here, have a gold watch to commemorate the occasion. It's even engraved! Now, clean out your desk and don't let the door hit you in the ass on the way out.

Shabbat Shalom, Israel. I'm sorry. On behalf of the nation where I was born, I'm sorry for failing you. Take it from someone on the inside: don't trust the United States government. Trust HaShem. And, even though our government is your enemy and our people are blind, there are a few of us in this country who are standing in the gap for you, Israel, and will gladly be the foreigners who carry you on our backs into Zion, who will be pleased to be your servants as you reconstitute shop in Eretz Yisrael.

Israel, America, Operation Summer Rains, Jewish, IDF, Gaza, Fourth of July, Independence Day

"Negotiations" is Hebrew for "Political Crap"

IDF: Hamas detainees could go free if Shalit is released [JPost]

The lives of a million Hamas officials could NEVER be equitable to the life of one Jew! Yet, I can think of two Jews who are worth absolutely nothing.



Shout it, Israel: NO NEGOTIATIONS!!!

Baruch haba B'Shem Adonai!

Israel, Shalit, Hamas

This Just In: Phase III

Peretz: Operation Summer Rains Phase III is a ‘Go’ [Israel National News]

The approval came after masked terrorists succeeded in breaching the border between Gaza and Egypt, through the Brazil neighborhood of Rafah. The gunmen escaped into Sinai through a four-meter hole they blasted in the security fence.

I know this is no time for jokes, but does their punishment involve roaming in the desert for 40 years, sans manna?

Because it should.

Meanwhile, The US is constraining Israel [via Israpundit]

Israeli government sources said in a series of message the Bush administration has urged the government of Prime Minister Ehud Olmert to minimize any military strike on the Gaza Strip. The sources said the messages recommended that Israel employ the international community to help free an Israeli soldier abducted by Hamas on June 25 and taken to the southern Gaza Strip.

This is a cue for the IDF to begin a secondary operation known as: HEY, AMERICA & THE REST OF THE WORLD: STICK A CORK IN IT!

Go, IDF, Go!

**UPDATE**

Phase III is on hold due to diplomatic developments. To quote General Patton, “No good decision was ever made in a swivel chair.”


Operation Summer Rains, Israel, IDF

Daled Amos: Destroyed Palestinian Power Plant Generates Irony

Daled Amos: Destroyed Palestinian Power Plant Generates Irony

So many snarky comments, so little will to laugh...

This world is absolutely insane.

Sleeping With the Enemy

In light of this, I'd like to see this:

Rice's Head on Stick (Artist's Rendering)

In light of this I'd like to see this:

Olmert's Head on Stick (Artist's Rendering)

You engaged in prostitution with the Egyptians, your lustful neighbors, and provoked me to anger with your increasing promiscuity. So I stretched out my hand against you and reduced your territory; I gave you over to the greed of your enemies, the daughters of the Philistines, who were shocked by your lewd conduct. You engaged in prostitution with the Assyrians too, because you were insatiable; and even after that, you still were not satisfied. Then you increased your promiscuity to include Babylonia, a land of merchants, but even with this you were not satisfied.

" 'How weak-willed you are, declares the Sovereign L-RD, when you do all these things, acting like a brazen prostitute! When you built your mounds at the head of every street and made your lofty shrines in every public square, you were unlike a prostitute, because you scorned payment.

" 'You adulterous wife! You prefer strangers to your own husband! Every prostitute receives a fee, but you give gifts to all your lovers, bribing them to come to you from everywhere for your illicit favors. So in your prostitution you are the opposite of others; no one runs after you for your favors. You are the very opposite, for you give payment and none is given to you.

..." 'Because you did not remember the days of your youth but enraged me with all these things, I will surely bring down on your head what you have done, declares the Sovereign L-RD.

..." 'This is what the Sovereign L-RD says: I will deal with you as you deserve, because you have despised my oath by breaking the covenant. Yet I will remember the covenant I made with you in the days of your youth, and I will establish an everlasting covenant with you. ...So I will establish my covenant with you, and you will know that I am the L-RD. Then, when I make atonement for you for all you have done, you will remember and be ashamed and never again open your mouth because of your humiliation, declares the Sovereign L-RD.' "

Ezekiel 16:25-34,43,59-60,62-63


Israel, Olmert, Condi, Operation Summer Rains, Gilad+Shalit

Eliyahu Asheri

Photo Essay: Funeral of Murdered 18-Year-Old Eliyahu Asheri [Israel National News]

"You went up to Heaven in a storm, like Eliyahu (Elijah) the prophet," Eliyahu's mother Miriam eulogized, in a calm and determined voice. "Now, Eliyahu - stand before G-d and speak out in favor of the Nation of Israel - don't let up until our Father in Heaven agrees to reveal Himself to His people."

[Yitro] Asheri [Eliyahu's father] added that the world has much less prayer in it now that Eliyahu is gone and implored all of Israel to "pray! Pray - because you are righteous and G-d desires your prayers."

Related Notes:
Asheri’s Mother at Son’s Funeral: ‘Defend the Israeli People’
Thousands attend Asheri's funeral [JPost]


"Even now," declares the L-RD,
"return to me with all your heart,
with fasting and weeping and mourning."

Rend your heart
and not your garments.
Return to the L-RD your G-d,
for he is gracious and compassionate,
slow to anger and abounding in love,
and he relents from sending calamity.

Who knows? He may turn and have pity
and leave behind a blessing—
grain offerings and drink offerings
for the L-RD your G-d.

Blow the trumpet in Zion,
declare a holy fast,
call a sacred assembly.

Gather the people,
consecrate the assembly;
bring together the elders,
gather the children,
those nursing at the breast.
Let the bridegroom leave his room
and the bride her chamber.

Let the priests, who minister before the L-RD,
weep between the temple porch and the altar.
Let them say, "Spare your people, O L-RD.
Do not make your inheritance an object of scorn,
a byword among the nations.
Why should they say among the peoples,
'Where is their G-d?' "

Yo'el 2:12-17

Eliyahu Asheri, Israel, Gaza

War, or Not a War, that is the Question

Firstly, I'd just like to say that after reading this, I would love to see this:

Traitor's Head on Stick

The latest Israel National Radio news reports that Hamas is declaring that Israel has declared war on the Hamas government. (Similar whiney reports from the Arab side include last night's "The IAF retreated from Syria because the Syrian army started firing on the planes flying near the President's palace." Crap. The only firing going on involved Assad's intelligence cheifs standing in front of a firing squad shortly after the event.) Hamas has called for Arabs living in the Galilee area (that's Israel proper, which would make them Israeli citizens) to fast in protest of Israeli action (aw, look at the poor, starving ticking time bombs). In turn, these Arabs have declared that they are aligning themselves with Hamas.

DEBKA reports that the US is behind the arrest of Hamas agents in the West Bank. True or not, if America was doing what they ought to be doing, they'd be shipping weapons and supplies to the IDF and spearheading a pro-Israel public relations campaign in the international media. I'm sure I'm not alone in saying that America can never do enough to support Israel and repay her debt to the nation she willingly sold up the river last August. If I'm supposed to suddenly become pro-American and get all excited over the Bush government because they may or may not have assisted the IDF in this operation, all I can say is GET REAL. Salvation comes from HaShem. The current powers that be (in America and the rest of the international community) pay nothing more than lip service to righteous ideals as they use their own, truly righteous troops as cannon fodder in the battle for world domination.

The funeral for Eliyahu Asheri is scheduled for today at 2:30 pm. According to Israeli news sources, Asheri was murdered nearly immediately after being kidnapped. This is not a good sign for the life of Gilad Shalit. However, it does not surprise me. These people are barbarians. The most I can do is rationalize that an immediate death is better than facing days of barbaric torture punctuated by a quick murder or a slow and painful one. These deaths mark the beginning, and not the end of our battle. In Genesis 9:5, Adonai says, "I will demand from every human being an accounting for the life of his fellow human being." We have a responsiblity to Eliayhu and Gilad to make it clear to our nation and the world that their lives are accounted for by every Jewish person.

The body of Noah Moskowitz was found near the Rishon leTziyon cemetary. It is still unclear as to whether or not he was actually kidnapped and murdered by terrorists.

Headlines aren't pouring in as fastly as they were yesterday, which I'm taking as a good sign. Less talk, more action: that is the way wars are won.

IDF, Operation Summer Rains, Gaza, Israel, Gilad Shalit, Eliyahu Asheri,Peretz

Battle Updates

PRC statement from Gaza claims Eliyahu Asheri dead [JPost]

Confirmed or not, this means we can suck the air out of those bastards' lungs once and for all, right?

As horrible as I feel for this young man, his family, his friends, and all of his loved ones, I cannot bring myself to be consumed with mourning when there is a battle to be won. To quote General Patton, we cannot mourn the fact that this man has died, "rather, we thank G-d that such a man lived."

HaShem, you see this; you hear the cries of your people, HaShem.
Vengeance is yours alone, HaShem.
Hear the cries of your people and seek vengeance!
Remember your love for Israel your bride and have mercy for the sake of your Good Name.

News Updates:

• Cpl. Shalit is apparently still in the Gaza Strip.
  
• The second young man kidnapped is still being held by terrorists, who are threatening to kill him on live television.
  
• A third Israeli, a man in his 60s from Rishon leTzion, may have been kidnapped.
  
• The IDF has received the go-ahead to proceed with the second phase of Operation Summer Rains. No details have been released. (Thank G-d. See, Geraldo, you don't always need to tell the world EVERYTHING.)
  
• The IDF has bombed strategic bridges & roads in Gaza, cutting off roads out of the area. They've also bombed the power plant that serves the area.
  
• Israeli Air Force jets buzzed over the summer palace of Syrian President Assad.
  
• Yhudah & Shomron residents are setting up their own road blocks to keep palestinians out of Israel.
  
• At this point, most Israelis are acknowledging that we are in an all-out war, even if the world media isn't admitting it.
  

Resources in the Land (Also, see previous post):
Israel Matzav
Israel National News
Israel National Radio Live News Updates in English every half-hour.
Israel & the Sin of Expulsion
Hashmonean has more visuals.


Why do the nations conspire
and the peoples plot in vain?

The kings of the earth take their stand
and the rulers gather together
against the LORD
and against his Anointed One.

"Let us break their chains," they say,
"and throw off their fetters."

The One enthroned in heaven laughs;
the Lord scoffs at them.

Then he rebukes them in his anger
and terrifies them in his wrath, saying,

"I have installed my King
on Zion, my holy hill."

I will proclaim the decree of the LORD :
He said to me, "You are my Son;
today I have become your Father.

Ask of me,
and I will make the nations your inheritance,
the ends of the earth your possession.

You will rule them with an iron scepter;
you will dash them to pieces like pottery."

Therefore, you kings, be wise;
be warned, you rulers of the earth.

Serve the LORD with fear
and rejoice with trembling.

Kiss the Son, lest he be angry
and you be destroyed in your way,
for his wrath can flare up in a moment.
Blessed are all who take refuge in him.

Psalm 2

Israel, IDF, Operation Summer Rains, hamas, Gaza

Operation Summer Rains

After listening to the flatulence that is BBC News this morning (the only news actually discussing what's going on in Israel-- even if it is from a "slightly to the right of Stalin" perspective, at least I can see live video feed) I turned on my computer to find out what's REALLY going on in Israel.

Sourcelist:

Israel National News
Israel National Radio click "Latest Newscast"
Blogger Commentaries from Inside Israel thanks to Daled Amos @ Israpundit
Jerusalem Post

What I've gathered so far:

With Olmert's policy of "restrained attack" in place, we're very likely entering a "Jenin II" situation, to quote AbbaGav. That being said, I am thoroughly thrilled that the IDF/IAF actually blew up bridges and cut off power to the gorillias--er, guerillas--in Gaza. Early speculation questioned whether or not Olmert would even go *that* far. (I know, I know, this is vulgar, but at least I'm getting a Hebrew language lesson out of this whole mess; I've learned the Hebrew for "pussy" is "Olmert.")

The idea of a certain number of troops going into a prepared and waiting Gaza with orders that probably allow them to do house-by-house searches and not kill ANYONE (because guns don't kill people, palestinian animals kill people) is idiotic at best. It also makes me incredibly angry. IMHO, these soldiers are nothing short of kings for taking on this job that Olmert (sorry, Pussy) forced them into-- let them do their job RIGHT the FIRST TIME. Besides, can any palestinian be considered a "civilian" in a culture that views their people as nothing more than ticking time bombs? Wipe them out. All of them. And if you don't like that idea, you're free to petition the United Nations to sanction my kosher tuchus all you want.

Euphoric Reality (scroll down their page) notes that the JPost has reported that Egypt has amassed 2500 soldiers along the Gaza border and is demanding the PA give Shalit back to Israel. (The phrase "Egypt going against the PA" is Hebrew for "bunch of shit.") I don't trust these mofos as far as I can carry one of the bricks my slave ancestors made for their sorry, dead culture. 2500 Egyptian troops are 2500 Egyptian troops too many and too close to Israel for my liking. Remember all those prophetic allegories about Israel the whore making deals with Egypt that eventually come back to bite her in the tuchus in Ezekiel? Seriously, haven't we learned our lesson about the Pharoahs yet?

The Hashmonean has a step-by-step breakdown of the PA infiltration that started (well, let's be realistic, that stepped-up) this mess via IBA Channel One.

Entertainingly enough, Innocent Bystanders reports on CNN's interview with the PA kidnappers. How did CNN score such a juicy spot? Let's just say that that secret is best kept between Mustafa, a chained monkey, and a certain CNN cameraman who will remain nameless (but made sure that regular HIV tests were covered by CNN's PPO before he agreed to "secure the interview"). We're also given a spiffy map of Gaza to give us an idea of what's going on.

Right now, I'm listening to a rather pragmatic, slightly depressed Israel National Radio host run down the latest events. He's noting that instead of just turning off the power to Gaza, Israel probably chose to bomb the power plant in order to avoid getting guff from the Quartet that would force them to turn the power back on. According to the host, the IDF is pretty much tip-toeing into Gaza, again (and this is MY theory here) because of fear of rebuff from the Quartet.

You know what, Quartet? Bite my kosher tuchus. You hear that, Israel? Shout it! You don't have to answer to these people! They don't care about your country, your army, or your lives! You know who cares? HaShem cares. Your fellow Jews in the diaspora care. That's what counts-- FAMILY. You've got one. Stand proud! Listen to your ancestors!!!

The L-RD is my light and my salvation—
whom shall I fear?
The L-RD is the stronghold of my life—
of whom shall I be afraid?

When evil men advance against me
to devour my flesh,
when my enemies and my foes attack me,
they will stumble and fall.

Though an army besiege me,
my heart will not fear;
though war break out against me,
even then will I be confident.

One thing I ask of the L-RD,
this is what I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the L-RD
all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the L-RD
and to seek him in his temple.

For in the day of trouble
he will keep me safe in his dwelling;
he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle
and set me high upon a rock.

Then my head will be exalted
above the enemies who surround me;
at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy;
I will sing and make music to the L-RD.

Hear my voice when I call, O L-RD;
be merciful to me and answer me.

My heart says of you, "Seek his face!"
Your face, L-RD, I will seek.

Do not hide your face from me,
do not turn your servant away in anger;
you have been my helper.
Do not reject me or forsake me,
O G-d my Savior.

Though my father and mother forsake me,
the L-RD will receive me.

Teach me your way, O L-RD;
lead me in a straight path
because of my oppressors.

Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes,
for false witnesses rise up against me,
breathing out violence.

I am still confident of this:
I will see the goodness of the L-RD
in the land of the living.

Wait for the L-RD;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the L-RD.

Psalm 27



Now is not the time for fear of foreign powers or local enemies. Now is the time for FEARLESSNESS! Fight in the name of HaShem and He will save us!

Now is the time for all Jews in the House of Israel, whether they are in the land or in the diaspora, to unite in prayer; if we cannot fight with them physically, we can fight with our mishpocha in Spirit.

Rise up, Judah Macabee, Dovid haMelek, Yhoshua Ben Nun; RISE UP!

**UPDATE**

WestBankMama and Olah Chadasha have started a Psalm prayer-chain for our blogs. Keep it up!

Israel, Gaza, Operation Summer Rains, Hamas, palestinians

For Such a Time as This

The latest news: Gaza Sealed Off, IDF Buildup at the Border [Israel National News]

Reasonable analysis from inside the land: What the PA (terrorists) want and what they will do next [JoeSettler]

What can I say? Kill the PA? Kill the terrorists? Disobey orders calling for "restraint"? Have hope? HaShem has not left you? Pray to Him for salvation and He will save? How do I tell that to someone whose soldier, friend, brother, child has been wounded and kidnapped by barbarians? How do I say these things to the fellow soldier, friend, sibling, parent who is in mourning for their dead? I can do my best to comfort my people, but do they truly want to be comforted, or, like me, do they prefer G-d's vengeance be upon our enemies at this hour? Maybe, in the thought of Adonai Tz'vaot's victory, we can find our greatest and only comfort and strength as a nation and as a people:


Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
His love endures forever.

Let Israel say:
"His love endures forever."

Let the house of Aaron say:
"His love endures forever."

Let those who fear the LORD say:
"His love endures forever."

In my anguish I cried to the LORD,
and he answered by setting me free.

The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid.
What can man do to me?

The LORD is with me; he is my helper.
I will look in triumph on my enemies.

It is better to take refuge in the LORD
than to trust in man.

It is better to take refuge in the LORD
than to trust in princes.

All the nations surrounded me,
but in the name of the LORD I cut them off.

They surrounded me on every side,
but in the name of the LORD I cut them off.

They swarmed around me like bees,
but they died out as quickly as burning thorns;
in the name of the LORD I cut them off.

I was pushed back and about to fall,
but the LORD helped me.

The LORD is my strength and my song;
he has become my salvation.

Shouts of joy and victory
resound in the tents of the righteous:
"The LORD's right hand has done mighty things!

The LORD's right hand is lifted high;
the LORD's right hand has done mighty things!"

I will not die but live,
and will proclaim what the LORD has done.

The LORD has chastened me severely,
but he has not given me over to death.

Open for me the gates of righteousness;
I will enter and give thanks to the LORD.

This is the gate of the LORD
through which the righteous may enter.

I will give you thanks, for you answered me;
you have become my salvation.

The stone the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone;

the LORD has done this,
and it is marvelous in our eyes.

This is the day the LORD has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it.

O LORD, save us;
O LORD, grant us success.

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD.
From the house of the LORD we bless you.

The LORD is God,
and he has made his light shine upon us.
With boughs in hand, join in the festal procession
up to the horns of the altar.

You are my God, and I will give you thanks;
you are my God, and I will exalt you.

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
his love endures forever.

Psalm 118

Chazak, chazak v'nit'chazek
Baruch haba B'Shem Adonai

Tags: IDF, Corporal Gilad Shalit, Israel, Gaza, Hamas, war

Fence, Schmence, Realignment, Schmealignment

Two IDF Soldiers Killed, Four Injured Early Sunday (update)
19:00 Jun 25, '06 / 29 Sivan 5766
Israel National News

(IsraelNN.com) A statement by the IDF late Sunday afternoon said that a total of five IDF soldiers were injured and two killed in an early morning terror attack on an IDF outpost near the Kerem Shalom border crossing with southern Gaza.

First Lieutenant Hana Barak, age 20, will be laid to rest in his hometown, Arad, in the military cemetery at 8:00 pm Sunday evening. The funeral for Sgt. Pavel Slutzker, also age 20, will be held at 10:00 am Monday at the cemetery in his hometown of Dimona.

The IDF soldier taken captive in the attack, 19-year-old Corporal Gilad Shalit of Mitzpeh Hila in the western Galilee, was seriously wounded but reported in stable condition, according to a Palestinian Authority news service.

Four other soldiers were wounded in the attack.

***********************************************

This message is for the politicians, analysts, commentators, spectators, and voters who continue to put their faith in Israel's leaders, foreign governments, the "professionals" who have "credentials" and therefore claim to know how to make peace, and the "experts" of all kinds who think walls, fences, Road Maps, expulsions, concessions, sanctions, treaties, accords, and appeasements can and will secure peace for Israel; for the leaders and chiefs in charge of implementing strategies that have such deathly results; and for the righteous of Israel, in encouragement that Adonai sees, hears, and is, indeed, very very angry:

"'My hand will be against the prophets who have futile visions and produce false divinations; they will not be allowed into the council of my people, or be written in the register of the house of Israel, or enter the land of Israel. Then you will know that I am Adonai Elohim. They deserve this, because they have led my people astray by saying there is peace when there is no peace. If someone builds a wall without mortar, they 'plaster' it with whitewash [to make it appear strong]. ...This is how I will break down the wall you covered with whitewash--I will smash it to the ground, so that its foundation will be revealed. The wall will fall down, and you will be consumed with it. Then you will know that I am Adonai. In this way I will spend my fury on the wall and on those who covered it with whitewash; and I will say to you, 'The wall is gone, and so are those who 'plastered' it,' that is, the prophets of Israel who prophesy about Yerushalayim and see visions of peace for her when there is no peace,' says Adonai Elohim.

'...Will you hunt down the lives of my people while you keep your own lives safe? You dishonor me before my people for a few handfuls of barley and crumbs of bread, killing people who should not die and sparing those who should not live, by your lying to my people, who love hearing lies. ...I will also tear your veils and rescue my people from your clutches, so that they will no longer be in your power for you to hunt. Then you will know that I am Adonai. Because you have disheartened the righteous with your lies when I was not trying to cause them pain and have encouraged the wicked not to turn from their wicked ways and thus be saved... I will rescue my people from your clutches, and you will know that I am Adonai.'"
Yechezk'el 13:9-10, 14-16, 18-19, 21-23

Adonai does not change. His love endures forever.

Baruch haba b'Shem Adonai!

Israel, IDF, terrorism, hamas

A Big, Fat, "Well, Duh" for Shabbos

Dedicated to the Righteous Remnant in the House of Israel

Condi Caves @ Atlas Shrugs [yarmulke tip: Israpundit] details the blow-by-blow regarding the decline and fall of Condi Rice and the chance for pro-Democracy airwaves to hit Iran.

Somehow, I think the post ought to be retitled, "Anyone who works for the State Department is Evil, even if our Conservagahd W. Nominated Them for the Office." To any of the Jews in Israel who still think America has a fighting chance at being a solid Israeli ally: READ MY LIPS: ALLY WITH HASHEM.

Yesterday, my mother's cousin was contemplating leaving the Episcopal Church for the Catholic Church. She was sick of the whole "accepting of gay priests" issue (finding that somewhat contrary to her reading of the Bible) and figured the new Pope would be cracking down on that. I told my mother to tell her to join our congregation: Kehiliat Crack Open Your Bible and Get on Your Knees.

Quote of the Week [yarmulke tip: JoeSettler]

“Each and every one of the settlers who live in territories that stand to be evacuated will need to decide whether to live in a Jewish state, the state of Israel, or in a Palestinian state," Olmert said.

Right. As I see it, Olmert and his fellow "leaders" of Israel have already chosen their fate.

Tags:Israel, Olmert, Condi, America

Sderot Update

For a good summation of what's really going on, check out JoshuaPundit.

Tel Chai Nation also gives a news wrap up noting that the residents of Sderot have scheduled a mass three-day march from Sderot to Jerusalem beginning next Sunday. It will culminate with a massive demonstration outside the government complex; afterwards, a fixed protest vigil will be established in a tent at the site.

Israel Matzav has a link to a JPost interview with one Sderot resident who made aliyah from America:

Five years ago in May, the first Kassam rocket fell in Sderot. Since then over 600 rockets have fallen in and around the city with another 400 in communities around the area. We have been living in a traumatic situation for so long; we've forgotten what normalcy is like. People have tended to ignore the threat of these rockets as a survival tactic - otherwise, we'd all be going crazy.

The blogger at Jerusalem Diaries is as disgusted with Olmert as the rest of us:

The Likud mayor doesn't mince words in conveying his disgust at his Palestinian neighbors. “There’s no reason the Palestinians keep on shitting on us after we took all our troops out of Gaza. It’s just blatant hatred, that's why they're shooting at us. There are no Palestinian demands on this land. I’m calling on the citizens of Sderot not to go anywhere we'll stay here forever. Not because we're strong, but because we're right. We won't give them the satisfaction of giving into terror.”

At his news conferences with world leaders this week, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert barely mentioned the suffering citizens of Sderot. Mr. Olmert shouldn't expect a quiet homecoming.

Noting that yet another Nobel Prize-winning statement has left the lips of Shimon Peres, Joe Settler comments, My G/d. I live in Chelm. What, exactly, prompted such a comment? According to Mr. Peres, "I don't understand what the hysteria is about. Kiryat Shmona was shelled for years."

Treppenwitz provides us with a moment of gut-wrenching reality via an Israeli radio interview with one resident of Sderot:

As I was pulling into my office parking lot a woman came on the line and was asked by the interviewer how her life had changed since the Qassams had started falling.

I was ready to turn off the car, but something stopped me. Perhaps it was the tired sigh that escaped her lips while she was formulating her answer. Maybe it was the complete lack of expected anger in her voice that caught my attention. But whatever the reason, I sat there with the engine running, waiting to hear what she had to say.

After a moment she said something that didn't seem to make any sense. She said that the hardest part for her was deciding where her children would sleep.
The interviewer also seemed confused by her response and asked her to explain what she meant.

As she began speaking, you could tell from her tone that she felt she was explaining something that should have been fairly obvious... as though she was telling a child why the sun came up in the morning.

She patiently explained that there wasn't enough room in their 'armored room' for her entire family.

Have news or thoughts on Sderot? Email links to conservajew AT yahoo DOT com and I'll post them here.

Sderot, Israel, Zionism, news, corrupt governments doing nothing for their people

Don't Believe Them, Israel!

'Most US Jews support realignment' [JPost]

American Jews largely support Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's realignment plan, and those who don't will be told to keep quiet so that the global Jewish community can maintain a united front, says Consul-General in New York Arye Mekel.

In an interview with The Jerusalem Post in his office on Tuesday, Mekel said that American Jews who oppose Olmert's plans must respect Israeli democracy and the Israeli people's choice of a centrist government.

Treif. TREIF!

TREIF!!!!!!

Mekel said he had been spreading this message to many American Jewish groups lately and that to a large extent, the response had been positive. Even the Orthodox Union, which could offer the greatest American opposition to the plan, had agreed not to broadcast its disagreement to the greater Jewish community, he said.

TREIF!!!!!!!!!!!

Listen, Israel, and hear the TRUTH from the prophet Yeshayahu when HaShem spoke to him, saying:

For Zion's sake I will not keep silent,
for Yerushalayim's sake I will not remain quiet,
till her righteousness shines out like the dawn,
her salvation like a blazing torch.

The nations will see your righteousness,
and all kings your glory;
you will be called by a new name
that the mouth of the L-RD will bestow.

You will be a crown of splendor in the L-RD's hand,
a royal diadem in the hand of your G-d.

No longer will they call you Deserted,
or name your land Desolate.
But you will be called Hephzibah,
and your land Beulah;
for the L-RD will take delight in you,
and your land will be married.

As a young man marries a maiden,
so will your sons marry you;
as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride,
so will your G-d rejoice over you.

I have posted watchmen on your walls, O Yerushalayim;
they will never be silent day or night.
You who call on the L-RD,
give yourselves no rest,

and give Him no rest till He establishes Yerushalayim
and makes her the praise of the earth.

The L-RD has sworn by His right hand
and by His mighty arm:
"Never again will I give your grain
as food for your enemies,
and never again will foreigners drink the new wine
for which you have toiled;

but those who harvest it will eat it
and praise the L-RD,
and those who gather the grapes will drink it
in the courts of My sanctuary."

Pass through, pass through the gates!
Prepare the way for the people.
Build up, build up the highway!
Remove the stones.
Raise a banner for the nations.

The L-RD has made proclamation
to the ends of the earth:
"Say to the Daughter of Zion,
'See, your Savior comes!
See, His reward is with Him,
and His recompense accompanies Him.' "

They will be called the Holy People,
the Redeemed of the L-RD;
and you will be called Sought After,
the City No Longer Deserted.

Yeshayahu 62

American Jews support you, Israel! I am an American Jew, and I SUPPORT YOU! WE SUPPORT ISRAEL! And we rail against this disengagement, this convergence, this gifting of our land to the enemy! You are not alone, Israel; your mishpocha has not forgotten you!!! We are advocating on your behalf, in prayer and in action! Day or night, WE WILL NOT KEEP SILENT!

Olmert, Israel, American Jews, Zionism, Christian Zionism, Shomer Yisrael

A Time for Action

The Hebrew word for "time" is zman. Like every other word in Hebrew, zman doesn't have a flat meaning, but rather, it expresses a concept. The concept of zman is "agreed on or appointed time."

Of course, the concept for every Hebrew word comes straight from scripture. Time, for the Israelite, is not some abstract concept to be philosophized over. Nor is it a controlling force within the universe. For the people of Israel, time is measured not in hours, but through events. The moadim or feasts (appointed times) are not dates on a calendar in Torah, but events that earmark both the harvest seasons and HaShem's appointed times of interaction with and on behalf of the nation of Israel. In other words, in Biblical thinking, time does not mark the happening of an event; rather, the happening of an event marks time.

Today, Tamar Yonah's show (click on her name to get the audio links) on Israel National Radio featured Dr. Jerome Corsi, political scholar and author most noted for his 2004 text Unfit for Command: Swift Boat Veterans Speak Out Against John Kerry. Dr. Corsi discussed the much UN-known, much UN-talked about Security and Prosperity Partnership between the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Under the guise of securing the North American borders against terrorism and improving economic conditions within the continent, the leaders of these three countries have signed a pact to basically form a North American Union. Through various economic and trade rulings, and under the guise of "security against terror", this union would do nothing less than dissolve the sovereignty of the United States of America. The majority of these measures are set to go into effect by 2010, which is only four years away.

Some of the areas the SPP partnership will cover include:

"Collaborate to establish risk-based screening standards for goods and people that rely on technology, information sharing and biometrics."

Read: A North American database containing everything there is to know about you, including your financial and medical records.

"Exchange additional law enforcement liaison officers to assist in criminal and security investigations"

Read: International, sorry, North American Union police.

"To speed up response times when managing infectious disease outbreaks, save lives, and reduce health care costs, the United States and Canada signed an agreement to enable simultaneous exchange of information between virtual national laboratory networks (PulseNet)."

Read: Didn't believe me when I said your medical information would be accessible anywhere at the click of a button?

Dr. Jerome Corsi's last five articles at Human Events Online detail many of the reprocussions America will face from these SPP measures, some of which are already being put in place.

What does this mean for Israel?

In short, the United States has always been Israel's only real ally. (Outside of Micronesia. We love you, Micronesia.) Already, we are seeing that alliance fail due to measures taken by the State Department and implemented by the American government, which have forced Israel into appeasing and giving her land to her enemies. A North American Union would only serve to damage this relationship, most likely beyond repair. If the European Union sets any precedent in this regard, a North American Union would be a curse, not a blessing to the State of Israel.

What does this mean for America?

Americans should look forward to losing their sovereignty and the rights that go along with it. We aren't just talking a change of currency; we're talking a change of laws and a change of rights. You will no longer be a citizen of the United States; you will be a citizen of North America.

What does this mean for Jewish Americans?

Safety, of course, is a paramount concern. Yet, as many times as we say "never again" during Yom haShoah, there will be those who fool themselves into thinking that another mass persecution of the Jewish people could not possibly happen again.

But it can.

Israel will always and forever be the only safe place to be Jewish.

While we live in America, we do have a responsibility to be good citizens. Part of this involves contacting Congress and demanding action AGAINST the SPP! By signing the SPP agreement, President Bush overrode the power the Legislative branch has over the Executive. In other words: HE WAS NOT AUTHORIZED TO SIGN THIS AGREEMENT.

Now is also the time to seriously consider making aliyah. Dr. Eugene Narrett issued this warning nearly a month ago for much the same reason as the one stated above: security. But there is more to it than protecting your own life: as a member of the House of Israel, you also have a deep responsibility to your fellow Israelite. When the nations stand against Israel, where will you be? Living in the nation (or union) that threatens you and your people, or standing side-by-side with your people and finding strength in unity? Will you be in a land where your enemies run freely, or will you live in the land where HaShem walks among you?

I am not only talking of a physical aliyah; I'm also talking of a spiritual aliyah. Now is the time for Israel to call on her G-d for salvation. Yet, HaShem's salvation requires teshuva. Teshuva not only indicates repentance, it speaks of the concept of returning to G-d and to the ways of G-d; for Israel, true teshuva is a humble and heartfelt return to Torah, to our commitment to HaShem that Avraham made with Him and that we echoed on Mt. Sinai. This is our commitment; this is who we are, and this is what we must adhere to if we are to survive.

So, what zman is this for the Jewish people of Israel? Rather, what zman will they make it into? Only our actions will tell...

Israel, America, Jerome Corsi, SPP, North American Union, aliyah, teshuva, Torah, Biblical Zionism, geula, Bush, immigration, terrorism, USA

Loving Israel

I was riding in the car today, contemplating the reasons why people love Israel. Too often we focus on why our enemies hate us; this is fruitless. Just as we need to re-direct our focus away from our enemies and onto our G-d, we must stop berating ourselves with the complaints of our enemies and start uplifting each other with the love of our friends.

Some love Israel the land because it is the one place in the world where it is safe to be Jewish.

Some love Israel the people because G-d promises in Genesis 12:3 that He will bless those who bless Israel.

I love Israel, my land and my people, because just as the Torah is our ketubah between ourselves and HaShem, we as Israel are the ketubah between HaShem and the world. We're that living promise, that light unto the nations that promises to them that HaShem really does love them and really does have a plan for their salvation. We are a living promise as a nation that, as long as we survive, there is hope for this world. I love Israel, because our very life illustrates HaShem's love for us-- as a people, a nation, and a land, and His love for the rest of the world.

Israel
HaShem
Torah

Israel Day Parade & Concert Roundup

**UPDATED** 9 JUN 2006

Drew Kaplan, a Rabbinical student at Yeshivat Chovevei Torah, has sent me a link to his YCT Chevre blog's post on marching with his Yeshiva at the Parade. Check out the future rebbes in action! Todah, Drew!

**UPDATED** 6 JUN 2006

Israel National News has a wrapup article on the events:

Hundreds of thousands marched in the annual Salute to Israel Day Parade in NY, and tens of thousands attended a concert in Central Park to support the Jewish communities of Judea and Samaria.

Read the whole thing! Israel National Radio has also posted all five hours of the live concert broadcast at the top of their site under the banner: Special live broadcast of annual Israel Day Concert. Check it out!!!

A Google Blog search for postings on the event revealed the following:

Pamela over at Atlas Shrugs has a great roundup complete with pictures AND video. Get excited.

Solomon publishes an email from a reader who compares and contrasts the event in New York with the Boston parade.

Still Wonderin' at Frum Chat Rooms comments on the slight disparities and prejudices among Jewish Americans, from Orthodox to secular. He declares: "There are all types of Jews out there. And I love all Jews."

Romach in some fairly obscure terms, contemplates, "A shame they can't have the concert without turning it into some political stunt," apparently having missed the central point of the concert. All in all, though, they had a nice day.

The Canonist overheard one goy's fumble at initiating a shidduch and comments on the crowd.

Batya at Shiloh Musings comments on Israel Day Parades of years past in enthusiasm for this year's celebration.

Drew Kaplan comments on marching for the Halakhic Organ Donor Society.

Becca at The Magic Jewball gives a fab recap complete with pics including one of a banner wishing Dr. Ruth a Happy Birthday.

Danny at Danny & Kelly comments, "It was almost like for a day everyone was Jewish and that we weren’t a minority."

Did you attend the parade? What did you think? Send comments and/or links to blog entries to conservajew AT yahoo DOT com.



4 JUN 2006

Sigh, the Israel Day Parade and Concert has come and gone. While I was not able to attend in person (last minute snafus being what they are) I was able to catch a majority of the live broadcast via Israel National Radio. What amazingly exciting stuff; the music itself was AWESOME. Some comments of note:

• The leader of the Zionist Organization of America declaring that [and I'm paraphrasing here]: The world won't notice or care that you're expelling 8,000 Jews from their homes; try expelling 70,000 Arab Israelis from their homes!
  
  
• One parade goer saying that he was at the festivities to usher in the era of Moshiach.
  
  
• Hearing Tovia Singer and Alex Trainman repeatedly comment in a tad of amazement that the majority of the concert-goers were young Jewish women. [Right ON!]
  
  
• Around 4:30 pm, just as the parade was ending, hearing one organizer tell the growing concert audience, "We're getting crowded on the east side; if everyone could, as they come in, just shift over to the west side, we still have plenty of room over here!"
  
  
• Listening to one former resident of Gush Katif declare [again, paraphrasing]: The Jews prayed to return to Jerusalem for 2,000 years; the residents of [a settlement in the West Bank] prayed to return to their homes for 19 years; hopefully, with HaShem's help, we will be returning to Gush Katif even sooner than that!
  
  
• Hearing Tovia Singer gush over Ahron Razel incessantly. [His music ROCKED, btw.]
  
  
• Listening to another concert organizer, or possibly a musician, state that we were definitely in the era of the geula (redemption).
  

After listening to nearly all of the four hour broadcast of the Israel Day Concert live on Arutz 7/Israel National Radio, I began Googling for news articles related to today's Salute to Israel Day festivities in Manhattan.

The New York Daily News took a minute to interview Salute to Israel Day Parade Grand Marshal Tovah Feldshuh. The actress, who most recently portrayed Golda Meir in the hit one-woman show "Golda" on Broadway, took the standard Jewish American artist's pass on Israeli politics. Claiming a lack of erudition when it comes to the Middle East, Feldshuh declared, "I love being an American Jew, I love my country... My leading this parade is a clear understanding that Israel is any Diaspora Jew's life insurance." Should that make any Israeli ask "Ma nishma?" in a double-take of confusion, rest assured, Feldshuh wants you for more than your miraculous deductible: "These Jews ain't going anywhere and those who support them aren't, either." Baruch haShem, Ms. Feldshuh; I'll second you on that one.

The Journal-News covers the various groups heading the parade under the auspices of the Jewish Federation of Rockland. The group's theme of unity, expressed as "Twelve Tribes: One Family," is an especially poignant one given the recent uproar sparked by A.B. Yehoshua's now-infamous comments made at the AJC centennial celebration one month ago. According to reporter Steve Lieberman, "The parade allows participants and spectators to express their solidarity with the Jewish state, a strong ally of the United States."

So far, these are the only two news articles on the event published in the American press; hopefully some decent wrapup articles will appear tomorrow morning. I'll also be seeking out J-blogger first-hand accounts; feel free to email links to conservajew AT yahoo DOT com.

And on behalf of the American Jews who feel no need to give the Statue of Liberty a consoling pat on the head and remind her that we love being Americans every time we wave an Israeli flag, I'd just like to say that seeing so many Jews and "lovers of Zion" (as Tovia Singer likes to call them) gather together to openly voice their support for the Jewish people and the Jewish land of Israel is absolutely, phenomenally uplifting, totally and completely exciting, and nothing short of a Blessing to HaShem. Baruch haShem, for He has seen that we do treasure the Apple of His Eye; may He, in His infinite mercy, act quickly on behalf of His people!!

Salute to Israel Day Parade
Israel Day Concert
Israel
Zionism
Jewish
New York City

The New Mentchen on the Block

Readers will know that I am a huge fan of Israel National Radio, "the largest independent news-talk radio station in the Middle East." Seriously, I love these people-- they are my mishpocha. Through their broadcasts, I am truly able to connect to what is going on in the Land, and learn about it through a Biblical lens. In my quest to know more about Eretz Yisrael, I have sought out news sources and blogs with great success, but Israel National Radio is special, because I can actually hear the voices of my people LIVE. HaShem bless them in what they do; they are truly a light unto the nations when it comes to getting the voice of Israel heard around the world.

Speaking of being A Light Unto the Nations, Ari Abramowitz and Jeremy Gimpel, two INR hosts, have been longtime favorites of mine since I first heard one of their broadcasts over a year ago. They're two young American Jews who made aliyah, served in the IDF, and have now started their own organization called ADMIL:

We are ADMIL Ltd., a Jerusalem based team of American born, Israeli Defense Force soldiers, who have recently finished our tours of duty. ADMIL is an acronym in Hebrew for The Land of Israel - Admat Yisrael. Our mission is to strengthen the emotional and spiritual connection of Jews and other lovers of Israel around the world to the Land of Israel.

In their most recent radio broadcast, Ari and Jeremy discussed where the Shefa (G-d's providence) has led them:

First, "To strengthen the Jews here in Israel, bring the Israeli secular Jews back to Torah, back to Judaism. ...G-d brought us back to Israel, it's time to bring Israel back to G-d."

The "second goal is the Christians of the world-- to help strengthen their connection to Judaism, to help bridge the gap, to teach them about Judaism, to help them to recognize the one G-d of Israel, to support Israel."

"The third goal ...is to reach out to the American and the exile Jews and tell them how important it is to return to the land of Israel, to support us here."

How exciting is this? How amazing is this? You have Torah-faithful Israelis seeking to reach out, not just to fellow Jewish people, but to Christians as well. Their actions are so inherently Biblical, I love it. I just love it.

One aspect of their ministry to the Christian world is creating a tour of Israel for Christians seeking to know more about Judaism and the Jewish people in Israel. Advertised as "an authentic Jewish tour" to be hosted by Orthodox Jewish tour leaders, it isn't a tour for the "tourist" but rather "for those who want to experience Israel." The Caveat stated at the bottom of the page reads:

We will not tolerate any proselytizing or missionary activity on The Land of Israel Tour. This tour is a tour of mutual respect and understanding. We are reaching a hand out to the Christian world striving to build a true brotherhood. Missionary activity only builds barriers between us and furthers misunderstanding and resentment we have all experienced for the last 2,000 years.

I totally and completely respect that. I've been a staunch critic of certain aspects of the Messianic movement for years, especially that of "missionizing" or "witnessing" to people about my faith. Faith in HaShem, and my faith in Yeshua, is about walking the walk, not talking the talk; there's a reason "halacha" comes from the root "halach" which means "to go, to walk." Emmunah (faith) is about living a life pleasing to G-d, and what pleases HaShem more than following the commands to "love the L-rd your G-d with all your heart, soul, and strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself"? When you love someone, you love them for who they are, not what you think (or are told) they ought to do or be.

Through this tour, their radio show, and their speaking engagements, Ari and Jeremy are doing such a huge service to the believing community across the globe. To share the truth of the G-d of Israel and the importance of Israel and Biblical Zionism with Christians is no easy task. For as many Jewish people I've had say to me things like, "Christians just want us all to move to Israel so Jesus can come back," I've had an equal number of Christians say things like, "Of course we love Israel and want the Jewish people to live in their Biblical home. That way Jesus will return." (Please tell me eye-rolling is a popular Israeli expression.) Such archaic notions are much more prevalent than anyone would ever think, mainly because the established leaders of the Christian faith have brushed Israel aside for so long that most adherents to the faith view Israel through those over-mediated, time-corrupted channels. As a result, Christians approach Israel from a third-person perspective. Instead of placing the Land of G-d's people first in their hearts, they placate with uninformed cheers and checks. Israel deserves more than your twenty-five dollar donation of support and a mention during your prayer meeting. Israel is the stomping grounds of your G-D and the home of His people! There is a reason David prayed, "Jerusalem, if I forget you, let my right hand forget her cunning." When you forget Jerusalem, when you forget how important Israel is, you lose your cunning.

It is so important for the believing community to really understand what is going on in Israel, what life in Israel is like, and how important Israel is to the world. What better way to understand all of this than through an Orthodox Israeli perspective? As Ari & Jeremy's guest, Rev. Malcolm Hedding, the Executive Director of the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem, said on the air, we have so much in common and there is so much at stake, that we must learn to put aside our differences to work for the common good. Now is the time.

"And the foreigners who join themselves to Adonai
to serve Him, to love the name of Adonai,
and to be His workers,
all who keep Shabbat and do not profane it,
and hold fast to My covenant,
I will bring them to My holy mountain
and make them joyful in My House of Prayer;
their burnt offerings and sacrifices
will be accepted on My altar;
for My House will be called
a House of Prayer for all peoples."
Isaiah 56:6-7


Israel
Zionism
Light Unto the Nations
Israel National Radio
Christians
Messianic Judaism

A Call to Stand for Sderot!

Seven Kassam Rockets; Sderot Woman to Hospital [Israel National News]

Why are these women holding signs in English? Because they know they cannot rely on their government for help. Speak up, American Jews! Our State Department may be against Israel, but we are not, and therefore our elected officials CAN NOT BE. If we stand for Israel, THEY TOO MUST STAND FOR ISRAEL! Contact your Congressperson and tell them to STAND FOR SDEROT!

Sderot Israel American Jews Congress

Ma Nish-wha?

I spent five years in college studying American Jewish culture, yet when I come across statements like this one from Joe Settler:

I mean seriously, how can you take the concept of Avoda Zorah wigs seriously when the pronouncements come from the same circles that have actually forbidden pizza shops in Bnei Brak?

I realize that I still have a lot to learn, especially when it comes to the Israeli Jewish world. I don't claim to be Orthodox, but that doesn't mean I shouldn't understand the culture, especially in light of the fact that certain Orthodox sects make up the bulk of the pro-land "Religious" Zionists, whose main argument (which can be summed up as, "Israel, get with your Torah already") I agree with 100%.

That, and I just want to sound cool at Orthodox cocktail parties. ;) ;)

Orthodox Judaism Israel mitzvot Religious Zionism

Israel Day Parade & Concert

TODAY

PARADE -- MIDTOWN MANHATTAN

12:00 - 4:30 PM

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Teshuva NOW

Tovia Singer had Professor Francisco Gil-White on Israel National Radio the other day. (Links: Part One and Part Two of his interview.) The Professor, known among the blogosphere for his extensive research on Israel and American foreign policy, published on Historical and Investigative Research, has been fired from the University of Pennsylvania essentially for supporting Israel.

I've been a long-time admirer of Gil-White's impressive and thoroughly researched body of work. His research into the roots of American foreign policy has not only proved enlightening, but thought-provoking as well. As Gil-White said in his radio interview, "...if you have not recognized your enemy, you cannot defend yourself." In a world where so much re-education is needed to contradict the lies fed through academia and the mainstream media, Gil-White should be at the top of every real scholar's resource list.

Having proposed a thesis on Jewishness only to be asked point-blank by my Chair, "You're not planning on getting a PhD, are you?" before my writing process even began, I am not surprised that Gil-White was fired for taking a pro-Israel stance. Certainly, he is not the first professor to suffer such censure within the academic community. This should be a huge wake-up call to American citizens, especially Jewish Americans and the supporters of Israel; we cannot continue to allow our tax dollars or our children to attend colleges and universities that are nothing more than institutions of PC brainwashing. Dr. Eugene Narrett issued the call, and I echo it here: AMERICANS, DIVEST FROM AMERICA'S PC COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES NOW!!!

That being said, I would also like to comment on Gil-White's exceptional recounting of the relationship between the United States government and Iran over the course of the past 20-odd years. Never before have I been given such a clear and concise picture of the Iran Contra affair and the subsequent relationship between these two countries. In short, Gil-White concludes that the United States will not ever attack Iran. Truly, as I have said before, Israel alone will fight the battle. And here comes the tricky part; the current government of Israel will do nothing to save Israel from Iran. This is clear. Olmert and the Kadima party, in their continual corruption, are arguing over how best to give away more of Israel's land and displace more of her own people. The leaders of the Army, for the most part, are no better; they are, in fact, doing their best to destroy the greatest fighting force in the world. Who? Who, then, can we rely on for our salvation?

In the end, it will be HaShem ALONE who we MUST rely on for our very lives.

Stop being so stiff-necked, Israel! Rise up, the righteous among you, who love HaShem as He commanded: with all your hearts, all your souls, and all your might. Rise up, you with circumcised hearts, and proclaim the power of Adonai before the nations; glorify His name throughout the earth, that He would go before us to claim victory over our enemies as he did in the days of Moshe and Yehoshua! This isn't our history-- THIS IS OUR INHERITANCE, if only we would lay claim to it!

Now is not a time for weeping; now is the time to take hold of the promise that Adonai made when He spoke through the prophet Isaiah saying, "To those who have sorrow in Zion I will give them a crown of beauty instead of ashes. I will give them the oil of joy instead of sorrow, and a spirit of praise instead of a spirit of no hope." Now is not a time to lay face-down before Adonai, but to stand up, as he commanded Yehoshua, to recognize that we have failed to live up to our covenant with HaShem, to remove the sin from our hearts and to turn to Adonai Tzvaot for our salvation!

This is not a call to simply don tefillin, or do tzedekah, or study the words of the sages; this is a call to do all of these things FROM OUR HEARTS with the sole intent to PLEASE ADONAI, who, through the prophet Hosea told us that He "desires mercy not sacrifice, and acknowledgement of HaShem over burnt offerings." We must lay claim to HaShem's promise, "Adonai your G-d will circumcise your hearts and the hearts of your descendants, so that you may love him with all your heart and with all your soul, and live." Now is the time, Israel; now is the time for you to take charge of your salvation! Choose life and LIVE! Choose ADONAI!

**RELATED NOTE** See: Celebrating Shavuos Alone by Jonathan Rosenblum [Yarmulke Tip: Daled Amos]

Adonai & Israel & Judaism & Jewish & Zionism & Torah & Teshuva & America & Shavuos & Shavuot & Iran & Tovia Singer & Francisco Gil-White & academia & Israel National Radio