While the military "quagmire" in Iraq was said to tip the scales of power in the U.S. midterm elections, most Americans have no idea more of their fellow citizens – men, women and children -- were murdered this year by illegal aliens than the combined death toll of U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan since those military campaigns began.
Half of the 91,516 illegal aliens from terror-sponsoring countries and those of "special interest" apprehended at the border between 2001 and 2005 were released into the U.S. population, according to a report by the inspector general's office of the Department of Homeland Security.
Find out more at WorldNetDaily.com now!
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
1,400 Terrorists For Cpl. Gilad Shalit?
Reports of an imminent prisoner-exchange deal are once again in the air. This time, they speak of up to 1,400 Arab terrorist prisoners going free in three stages, in return for Gilad Shalit.
Egypt's Minister of Intelligence, Omar Suleimon, is scheduled to arrive in Israel within the next two days to finalize the details of the agreement. Egypt figures heavily in the deal: the abducted soldier Gilad Shalit is scheduled to be transferred to that country, and from there to Israel, as part of the deal.
The agreement under consideration stipulates the following three steps: An unknown number of Palestinian terrorists currently incarcerated in Israel for various crimes will be set free, immediately after which Corp. Shalit is to be transferred to Egypt. A second group of terrorists will then be freed, followed by Shalit's return to Israel. In the third stage, Israel will free a final group of terrorists.
Just yesterday, speaking at a memorial to David Ben-Gurion in Sde Boker, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert implied that terrorists would be freed only after the kidnapped soldier is returned home. "I hereby declare," he said, "that when Gilad Shalit is released and returned to his family, safe and sound, the Government of Israel will be willing to release many Palestinian prisoners – including ones who were sentenced to lengthy prison terms – in order to increase the trust between us and prove that our hand is truly extended in genuine peace."
That the agreement is reportedly close to fruition is due to a phone call between Olmert and Abu Mazen, an understanding between Abu Mazen and Hamas leader Ismail Haniye, and the fragile truce in Gaza reached this week between Hamas and Israel. However, similar agreements have reportedly been "nearly ready" several times in the past as well, yet did not materialize.
The identities of the terrorists to be freed are not yet known, nor whether Israel has agreed to the incessant PA demands to free convicted murderer Marwan Barghouti and the killers of Government Minister and former IDF General Rehavam Ze'evi.
The question of releasing hundreds of terrorists in exchange for kidnapped Israelis has long been a controversial one in Israel. IDF historian Meir Pa'il totally dismisses the theory that if Israel gives in to Hamas demands, terrorists will kidnap more Israelis. "It's important for every soldier and Israeli to know," Pa'il said, "that if he is taken captive, we'll do everything to redeem him."
Col. (ret.) Meir Indor of the Almagor Terror Victims Association retorts, "That's important, but it's also important for every soldier and every Israeli to know that he won't be the next candidate for kidnapping. The kidnappers must be dealt with forcefully."
Family members of Shalit, as well as those of Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev - two soldiers who were kidnapped by Hizb'allah 4.5 months ago into Lebanon - have departed for Europe to lobby for their sons' release - or at least an initial sign that they are alive. No sign of life has been received from any of the three. The families will hold a public demonstration outside the European Parliament in Brussels, together with thousands of European Jews, on Wednesday.
Arutz Sheva
11.29.2006
Egypt's Minister of Intelligence, Omar Suleimon, is scheduled to arrive in Israel within the next two days to finalize the details of the agreement. Egypt figures heavily in the deal: the abducted soldier Gilad Shalit is scheduled to be transferred to that country, and from there to Israel, as part of the deal.
The agreement under consideration stipulates the following three steps: An unknown number of Palestinian terrorists currently incarcerated in Israel for various crimes will be set free, immediately after which Corp. Shalit is to be transferred to Egypt. A second group of terrorists will then be freed, followed by Shalit's return to Israel. In the third stage, Israel will free a final group of terrorists.
Just yesterday, speaking at a memorial to David Ben-Gurion in Sde Boker, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert implied that terrorists would be freed only after the kidnapped soldier is returned home. "I hereby declare," he said, "that when Gilad Shalit is released and returned to his family, safe and sound, the Government of Israel will be willing to release many Palestinian prisoners – including ones who were sentenced to lengthy prison terms – in order to increase the trust between us and prove that our hand is truly extended in genuine peace."
That the agreement is reportedly close to fruition is due to a phone call between Olmert and Abu Mazen, an understanding between Abu Mazen and Hamas leader Ismail Haniye, and the fragile truce in Gaza reached this week between Hamas and Israel. However, similar agreements have reportedly been "nearly ready" several times in the past as well, yet did not materialize.
The identities of the terrorists to be freed are not yet known, nor whether Israel has agreed to the incessant PA demands to free convicted murderer Marwan Barghouti and the killers of Government Minister and former IDF General Rehavam Ze'evi.
The question of releasing hundreds of terrorists in exchange for kidnapped Israelis has long been a controversial one in Israel. IDF historian Meir Pa'il totally dismisses the theory that if Israel gives in to Hamas demands, terrorists will kidnap more Israelis. "It's important for every soldier and Israeli to know," Pa'il said, "that if he is taken captive, we'll do everything to redeem him."
Col. (ret.) Meir Indor of the Almagor Terror Victims Association retorts, "That's important, but it's also important for every soldier and every Israeli to know that he won't be the next candidate for kidnapping. The kidnappers must be dealt with forcefully."
Family members of Shalit, as well as those of Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev - two soldiers who were kidnapped by Hizb'allah 4.5 months ago into Lebanon - have departed for Europe to lobby for their sons' release - or at least an initial sign that they are alive. No sign of life has been received from any of the three. The families will hold a public demonstration outside the European Parliament in Brussels, together with thousands of European Jews, on Wednesday.
Arutz Sheva
11.29.2006
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
An Orphan's Appeal From Sderot
Yaacov Yaacobov was hard at work at the poultry processing plant in Sderot on Tuesday morning when Palestinian terrorists murdered him with a Kassam rocket.
Wednesday an Arutz 7 reporter spoke to his young son, Hanan. The reporter asked the boy whether he wanted to move away from his hometown to get away from the rocket bombardment. Hanan said no, he wanted to stay.
When the reporter asked him why he wanted to stay, the orphaned child with moonbeam eyes replied, "I love Sderot very much, and I won't leave it because I love the State of Israel. If I leave Sderot, if all of Sderot were evacuated, then the country would fall apart. The Palestinians will see that they are succeeding in Sderot, and then they'll shoot Kassams at Ashkelon and Ashdod too, and do the same in the whole country until nothing is left."
But three days after Hanan explained why Sderot must stand, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert decided to let it fall. Saturday night Olmert ordered the IDF to end the limited counterterror operations in Gaza he had allowed it to conduct in recent weeks.
Sunday morning Olmert explained, "Last night the chairman of the Palestinian Authority [Mahmoud Abbas] called to tell me of the decision by all the Palestinian [terrorist] factions to cease their fire, cease all their violent actions, including smuggling [of weapons] in tunnels [from Egypt to Gaza], [end] the deployment of suicide bombers and the firing of Kassam [rockets]. I was happy and congratulated the head of the Authority, and the two of us will do all we can for the cease-fire to get started this morning."
By 6 a.m. all IDF units had abandoned their battle stations in Gaza, as ordered. Yet, when Olmert made this statement Sunday morning, the cease-fire had already fallen apart. By 10 o'clock the Palestinians had launched 11 rockets. And by the end of the day Abbas's Fatah terror group's Aksa Brigades had already disavowed the cease-fire, claiming it was unfair because the IDF is still "allowed" to operate in Judea and Samaria.
OTHER FATAH groups didn't even wait that long. Saturday night the Fatah's Army of Islam and Popular Resistance Committees, which co-kidnapped Cpl. Gilad Shalit with Hamas in June, stated outright that they would ignore the cease-fire.
Sunday night Hamas was also threatening to resume its attacks. Hamas spokesmen argued that Abbas's intention to deploy 13,000 Palestinian forces to the border with Israel in northern Gaza was unacceptable. If Abbas deploys those forces, or if his forces arrest any of our terrorists, Hamas warned, the cease-fire will be history.
But then, even before it was announced or disavowed, the cease-fire was a lie. While Olmert told the Israeli public that as part of the cease-fire the Palestinians would stop smuggling weapons into Gaza from the Sinai and cease all weapons production in Gaza, every Palestinian official and unofficial body denied his claim. That is, the Palestinians view the cease-fire just as they viewed all previous cease-fires - as a respite to be used to replenish their arsenals and retrain their forces. Hamas's commander Khaled Mashaal made this point explicitly when he said that his group plans to go to war with Israel in six to eight months.
Olmert and his cabinet ministers spent Sunday extolling the virtues of PA Chairman Abbas and waxing poetic about the opportunity that the cease-fire affords us to strengthen him and pave the way for an eventual peace deal with him. So great is the government's trust in Abbas that Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni told Israel Radio that if Israel receives information that the Palestinians are about to shoot off missiles at our cities, before allowing the IDF to defend us, the government will first ask Abbas to have his guys take a crack at it.
THE AMERICANS, for their part, are not merely cheering Abbas, they are funding, arming and training his "Presidential Guard" and pressuring Israel to allow an additional 1,500 PLO terrorists into Gaza from Jordan to join Abbas's personal army. As US Army Lt. General Keith Dayton, who oversees the US training of Abbas's forces explained to Yediot Aharonot on Friday, Abbas's private army is supposed to be a counterweight to Hamas to ensure "that the moderate forces will not be erased."
To Israelis concerned about the prospect of being erased, and for anyone concerned with fighting the global jihad, statements like Olmert's, Livni's and Dayton's are infuriating because they are based on two glaringly obvious factual errors. First, Abbas's forces are in no danger of being erased. Second, they are not and never have been moderate.
As The Jerusalem Post's Khaled Abu Toameh reported on Friday, Abbas is the commander-in-chief of all the PA's security forces. While it is true that in recent months Hamas has been fielding an army which now numbers some 6,000 jihadists in Gaza, Abbas has some 45,000 military forces in Gaza under his direct control. As the commander of all Fatah terror forces, Abbas also has several thousand additional terrorists under his thumb. Both the official Palestinian security forces and Fatah terror cells are armed to the teeth and are the chief beneficiaries of the weapons smuggling from the Sinai.
And yet, aside from shooting rockets, missiles, bullets and bombs at Israelis; co-kidnapping IDF Cpl. Gilad Shalit with Hamas and holding him hostage; kidnapping foreign correspondents and forcibly converting them to Islam; murdering and torturing Palestinians suspected of assisting Israel in fighting Palestinians terror (as Abbas is pledged to do), and running protection rackets that terrorize Palestinian businessmen, workers and professionals alike, Abbas doesn't use his forces for much of anything.
The last thing Israel or the US should be worrying about is Abbas's forces' defeat at the hands of Hamas.
AT THE same time, the last thing they can expect is for these forces to act as moderates. Over the past six years, Fatah terrorists, both in and out of the official Palestinian security services, have committed more terror attacks than Hamas. While it is true that Hamas and Islamic Jihad are commanded by Iran, it is also true that Fatah terror units are deeply penetrated by Iran and Hizbullah.
And yet, rather than accept the fact that Abbas is an enemy, not an ally, and that his "security forces" and Fatah "party" are actively involved in terror and racketeering, the US and Israel pretend that they are credible interlocutors. The US trains them and Israel allows them to be trained and pretends there is a chance that they will protect us from themselves.
In its press release regarding the cease-fire, the Foreign Ministry stated: "Israel is interested in maintaining a cease-fire as a means to end the violence and to enable progress in the political negotiations. In doing so Israel is knowingly undertaking the risk that the terrorist organizations will exploit the cease-fire to rearm and to rebuild their infrastructure."
When asked on Israel Radio about the prospect of the Palestinians using the cease-fire to rebuild their arsenals, Defense Minister Amir Peretz's strategic adviser Maj. Gen. (ret.) Amos Gilad answered rhetorically, "And we were stopping the smuggling until now?"
He went on to assure his listeners that Egyptian dictator Hosni Mubarak, who has to date facilitated massive arms shipments to cross Egypt into Sinai, will now make sure that no weapons get through.
IT IS POSSIBLE that Olmert is playing a game of chance with the lives of Hanan Yaacobov and his fellow residents of the south in the hope of winning points with US President George W. Bush when he visits in Jordan this week. Jordan's King Abdullah set the agenda when he shamelessly told ABC News on Sunday that peace in Iraq is dependent on Israel's willingness to capitulate to Palestinian terrorists because the whole Arab world is deeply emotional in its support of Palestinian terrorists against Israel.
Hanan Yaacobov, who no longer has his father to guide him through childhood, has some very mature guidance for Israel's leaders, who may think it preferable to be applauded by foreigners than to defend their countrymen from our enemies.
"I, Yaacobov's son, am turning to you. Resign your positions! Resign. The defense minister and Olmert should admit that they can't do this, and vacate their places in the government to Bibi Netanyahu and to [Avigdor] Lieberman. If they can [defend us] I want to see their answer. If not, they should vacate their seats, quickly."
Jerusalem Post
11.28.2006
Wednesday an Arutz 7 reporter spoke to his young son, Hanan. The reporter asked the boy whether he wanted to move away from his hometown to get away from the rocket bombardment. Hanan said no, he wanted to stay.
When the reporter asked him why he wanted to stay, the orphaned child with moonbeam eyes replied, "I love Sderot very much, and I won't leave it because I love the State of Israel. If I leave Sderot, if all of Sderot were evacuated, then the country would fall apart. The Palestinians will see that they are succeeding in Sderot, and then they'll shoot Kassams at Ashkelon and Ashdod too, and do the same in the whole country until nothing is left."
But three days after Hanan explained why Sderot must stand, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert decided to let it fall. Saturday night Olmert ordered the IDF to end the limited counterterror operations in Gaza he had allowed it to conduct in recent weeks.
Sunday morning Olmert explained, "Last night the chairman of the Palestinian Authority [Mahmoud Abbas] called to tell me of the decision by all the Palestinian [terrorist] factions to cease their fire, cease all their violent actions, including smuggling [of weapons] in tunnels [from Egypt to Gaza], [end] the deployment of suicide bombers and the firing of Kassam [rockets]. I was happy and congratulated the head of the Authority, and the two of us will do all we can for the cease-fire to get started this morning."
By 6 a.m. all IDF units had abandoned their battle stations in Gaza, as ordered. Yet, when Olmert made this statement Sunday morning, the cease-fire had already fallen apart. By 10 o'clock the Palestinians had launched 11 rockets. And by the end of the day Abbas's Fatah terror group's Aksa Brigades had already disavowed the cease-fire, claiming it was unfair because the IDF is still "allowed" to operate in Judea and Samaria.
OTHER FATAH groups didn't even wait that long. Saturday night the Fatah's Army of Islam and Popular Resistance Committees, which co-kidnapped Cpl. Gilad Shalit with Hamas in June, stated outright that they would ignore the cease-fire.
Sunday night Hamas was also threatening to resume its attacks. Hamas spokesmen argued that Abbas's intention to deploy 13,000 Palestinian forces to the border with Israel in northern Gaza was unacceptable. If Abbas deploys those forces, or if his forces arrest any of our terrorists, Hamas warned, the cease-fire will be history.
But then, even before it was announced or disavowed, the cease-fire was a lie. While Olmert told the Israeli public that as part of the cease-fire the Palestinians would stop smuggling weapons into Gaza from the Sinai and cease all weapons production in Gaza, every Palestinian official and unofficial body denied his claim. That is, the Palestinians view the cease-fire just as they viewed all previous cease-fires - as a respite to be used to replenish their arsenals and retrain their forces. Hamas's commander Khaled Mashaal made this point explicitly when he said that his group plans to go to war with Israel in six to eight months.
Olmert and his cabinet ministers spent Sunday extolling the virtues of PA Chairman Abbas and waxing poetic about the opportunity that the cease-fire affords us to strengthen him and pave the way for an eventual peace deal with him. So great is the government's trust in Abbas that Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni told Israel Radio that if Israel receives information that the Palestinians are about to shoot off missiles at our cities, before allowing the IDF to defend us, the government will first ask Abbas to have his guys take a crack at it.
THE AMERICANS, for their part, are not merely cheering Abbas, they are funding, arming and training his "Presidential Guard" and pressuring Israel to allow an additional 1,500 PLO terrorists into Gaza from Jordan to join Abbas's personal army. As US Army Lt. General Keith Dayton, who oversees the US training of Abbas's forces explained to Yediot Aharonot on Friday, Abbas's private army is supposed to be a counterweight to Hamas to ensure "that the moderate forces will not be erased."
To Israelis concerned about the prospect of being erased, and for anyone concerned with fighting the global jihad, statements like Olmert's, Livni's and Dayton's are infuriating because they are based on two glaringly obvious factual errors. First, Abbas's forces are in no danger of being erased. Second, they are not and never have been moderate.
As The Jerusalem Post's Khaled Abu Toameh reported on Friday, Abbas is the commander-in-chief of all the PA's security forces. While it is true that in recent months Hamas has been fielding an army which now numbers some 6,000 jihadists in Gaza, Abbas has some 45,000 military forces in Gaza under his direct control. As the commander of all Fatah terror forces, Abbas also has several thousand additional terrorists under his thumb. Both the official Palestinian security forces and Fatah terror cells are armed to the teeth and are the chief beneficiaries of the weapons smuggling from the Sinai.
And yet, aside from shooting rockets, missiles, bullets and bombs at Israelis; co-kidnapping IDF Cpl. Gilad Shalit with Hamas and holding him hostage; kidnapping foreign correspondents and forcibly converting them to Islam; murdering and torturing Palestinians suspected of assisting Israel in fighting Palestinians terror (as Abbas is pledged to do), and running protection rackets that terrorize Palestinian businessmen, workers and professionals alike, Abbas doesn't use his forces for much of anything.
The last thing Israel or the US should be worrying about is Abbas's forces' defeat at the hands of Hamas.
AT THE same time, the last thing they can expect is for these forces to act as moderates. Over the past six years, Fatah terrorists, both in and out of the official Palestinian security services, have committed more terror attacks than Hamas. While it is true that Hamas and Islamic Jihad are commanded by Iran, it is also true that Fatah terror units are deeply penetrated by Iran and Hizbullah.
And yet, rather than accept the fact that Abbas is an enemy, not an ally, and that his "security forces" and Fatah "party" are actively involved in terror and racketeering, the US and Israel pretend that they are credible interlocutors. The US trains them and Israel allows them to be trained and pretends there is a chance that they will protect us from themselves.
In its press release regarding the cease-fire, the Foreign Ministry stated: "Israel is interested in maintaining a cease-fire as a means to end the violence and to enable progress in the political negotiations. In doing so Israel is knowingly undertaking the risk that the terrorist organizations will exploit the cease-fire to rearm and to rebuild their infrastructure."
When asked on Israel Radio about the prospect of the Palestinians using the cease-fire to rebuild their arsenals, Defense Minister Amir Peretz's strategic adviser Maj. Gen. (ret.) Amos Gilad answered rhetorically, "And we were stopping the smuggling until now?"
He went on to assure his listeners that Egyptian dictator Hosni Mubarak, who has to date facilitated massive arms shipments to cross Egypt into Sinai, will now make sure that no weapons get through.
IT IS POSSIBLE that Olmert is playing a game of chance with the lives of Hanan Yaacobov and his fellow residents of the south in the hope of winning points with US President George W. Bush when he visits in Jordan this week. Jordan's King Abdullah set the agenda when he shamelessly told ABC News on Sunday that peace in Iraq is dependent on Israel's willingness to capitulate to Palestinian terrorists because the whole Arab world is deeply emotional in its support of Palestinian terrorists against Israel.
Hanan Yaacobov, who no longer has his father to guide him through childhood, has some very mature guidance for Israel's leaders, who may think it preferable to be applauded by foreigners than to defend their countrymen from our enemies.
"I, Yaacobov's son, am turning to you. Resign your positions! Resign. The defense minister and Olmert should admit that they can't do this, and vacate their places in the government to Bibi Netanyahu and to [Avigdor] Lieberman. If they can [defend us] I want to see their answer. If not, they should vacate their seats, quickly."
Jerusalem Post
11.28.2006
Monday, November 27, 2006
Thoughts About Thanksgiving
We hope you had a wonderful thanksgiving and had the opportunity to share with family and friends your praise and thanks to the Lord for all that He has done for you! Many of us endure such a holiday as the family is not united in the Lord, and the emphasis is upon turkey and football or simply having a day off from work. In early American history the churches always had services on Thanksgiving morning to encourage the believers in giving thanks to the Lord. With all that is going on in the world presently, it would be good if the churches would return to that practice! There are a few churches who still have services on Thanksgiving Day and for that we are thankful! But, the majority simply close their doors.
I Thessalonians 5:18 says: In every thing give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. When believers are filled with the Holy Spirit, Ephesians 5:18-21 lists what we can expect to take place in a Spirit-filled believers life. One of those evidences of being Spirit-filled is giving thanks for all things.
Consider what King David did as he encouraged the people to bring offerings for the building of the Temple (which was accomplished through his son Solomon) I Chronicles 29:10-13:
Wherefore David blessed the LORD before all the congregation: and David said, Blessed be Thou, LORD God of Israel our Father, for ever and ever. Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is Thine; Thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and Thou art exalted as Head above all. Both riches and honor come of Thee, Thou reignest over all; and in Thine hand is power and might; and in Thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all. Now therefore, our God, we thank Thee, and praise Thy glorious Name.
What a blessing to read this message of thanksgiving from the heart of Israels King David! Try reading it out loud!
How wonderful it would be to once again have leaders like King David who would praise our LORD, the LORD GOD of ISRAEL!
May God help us all to give Him thanks every day, and not simply on a national Day of thanksgiving!
Comments: editor@hftm.org
Hope for Today Ministries, PO Box 3927, Tustin, CA 92781
I Thessalonians 5:18 says: In every thing give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. When believers are filled with the Holy Spirit, Ephesians 5:18-21 lists what we can expect to take place in a Spirit-filled believers life. One of those evidences of being Spirit-filled is giving thanks for all things.
Consider what King David did as he encouraged the people to bring offerings for the building of the Temple (which was accomplished through his son Solomon) I Chronicles 29:10-13:
Wherefore David blessed the LORD before all the congregation: and David said, Blessed be Thou, LORD God of Israel our Father, for ever and ever. Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is Thine; Thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and Thou art exalted as Head above all. Both riches and honor come of Thee, Thou reignest over all; and in Thine hand is power and might; and in Thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all. Now therefore, our God, we thank Thee, and praise Thy glorious Name.
What a blessing to read this message of thanksgiving from the heart of Israels King David! Try reading it out loud!
How wonderful it would be to once again have leaders like King David who would praise our LORD, the LORD GOD of ISRAEL!
May God help us all to give Him thanks every day, and not simply on a national Day of thanksgiving!
Comments: editor@hftm.org
Hope for Today Ministries, PO Box 3927, Tustin, CA 92781
Megapastor Warren Denies Praising Syria!
'I said nothing of the sort,' he says: 'I don't pretend to be a diplomat'
WASHINGTON – Megachurch Pastor Rick Warren is adamantly denying he praised Syria on his recent trip, which he describes as a favor to his Muslim next-door neighbor.
Warren, author of the best-selling "The Purpose-Driven Life," visited Syria this week and was quoted by official Syrian news agencies as saying the U.S. should have been holding dialogues with Damascus, that Syrian Muslims and Christians co-exist peacefully and the Syrian leadership is responsible for the nation's tolerance and stability.
In an e-mail to WND Editor Joseph Farah, who blasted Warren today in his daily column, Warren writes: "Joseph, why didn't you contact me first and discover the fact I said nothing of the sort? The trip was a favor to my next-door neighbor, had nothing to do with policy, and was done with the State Department's knowledge."
In fact, Saddleback Church declined repeated requests to respond to WND's questions yesterday.
Warren added that the State Department had warned him "to expect exactly what Syria did – a PT blast. I don't pretend to be a diplomat. I'm a pastor who just gets invited places."
However, in a video posted on YouTube but removed today, titled "Building Bridges," Warren is shown walking down a Damascus street commenting on political and social life in Syria, saying Christians and Muslims get along with each other.
"It's a moderate country, and the official government role and postion is to not allow any extremism of any kind," Warren says.
The reports from the official Syrian news agency included statements that:
"Pastor Warren hailed the religious coexistence, tolerance and stability that the Syrian society is enjoying due to the wise leadership of President al-Assad, asserting that he will convey the true image about Syria to the American people."
"Syria wants peace, and Muslims and Christians live in this country jointly and peacefully since more than a thousand years, and this is not new for Syria."
Warren told Syria's Islamic grand mufti there could be no peace in the region without Syria and 80 percent of Americans reject the U.S. administration's policies and actions in Iraq.
The comments attributed to Warren contradict documentation by the International Counter Terrorism organization and U.S. State Department of Syria's extensive use of terrorism for its political goals.
The ICT said "frequent use of the 'terror weapon' has been made by Syria against Lebanon, Jordan and the Palestinians" in an attempt "to impose Syrian hegemony over them and bring them into line with Syrian policy."
"The main Lebanese leaders killed by Syrian proxies were: Bashir Gemayel (who was accused by Syrian propaganda of being a 'Zionist proxy'); and Kamal Jumblatt (accused of being a 'traitor' and an 'American agent.')," the ICT said.
Saddleback Church, with 30,000 members, was begun by Rick and Kay Warren in 1979 and now has more than 200 ministries in the Orange County area.
His popular book, which has sold about 12 million copies, focuses on worship, fellowship, discipleship, ministry and evangelism. It tells readers the life is "not about you," and shows how God can enable each one to live for His purposes.
Warren is scheduled to preach in North Korea next year.
In a letter to his congregation, Warren explained in more detail why he went to Syria, referring to his international "PEACE plan" ministry.
"Our team is on a three nation PEACE plan tour," he wrote. "After leading a PEACE plan briefing for 44 major Christian missions organizations that we'd gathered in Atlanta, our team traveled to Germany where we taught the PD Preaching seminar to pastors and shared the PEACE plan with about 5,000 church leaders. Right now we're in Rwanda teaching the PD Preaching seminar and the PEACE plan to the leaders of denominations. In between Germany and Rwanda, we visited Syria. Since our trip to Syria has already been misunderstood and attacked, I wanted you to know the real story, because you can't believe everything you read on the internet."
He continued: "Why Syria? The simple truth is that I was invited by my neighbor! We were talking over his backyard fence a couple months ago when my Muslim neighbor, Yassar, said, "Rick, you visit so many countries, I want to show you mine." I was touched by this invitation from my friend and promised, "The next time I'm traveling that direction, I'll visit your home with you." It was a favor for a friend, not a political statement.
"When we got to Syria, our first event was a home cooked meal with 20 of Yassar's family," he wrote. "Then he showed us many of the sacred Christian sites in Syria: the road to Damascus where St Paul was converted, Straight street where the Holy Spirit led Paul, the house where Ananias prayed for his healing, (2,000 years old!), the wall where Paul was let down in a basket to escape the Romans, the tomb of John the Baptist, and the oldest Christian church building in existence (AD 315)."
Warren went on to explain that every Christian he met expressed gratitude to the government for protecting their right to worship.
"Next, my neighbor arranged for me to meet many of the key Christian leaders of Syria, including the Presbyterian pastor who leads the coalition of Evangelical Churches of Syria, the patriarch of the Greek Orthodox Catholic Church, the patriarch of the Catholic Church, and the pastor of the oldest church in the world," he continued. "You may be surprised to know that Christianity is legal in Syria, that the government provides free electricity and water to all churches, allows pastors to buy a car tax-free (a tax break not given to Imams), appoints pastors as Christian judges to handle Christian cases, and allowed Christians to create their own civil law instead of having to follow the laws for Muslims. One city we visited, Malula, is two-thirds Christian. Every Christian I met with expressed gratitude to the government for protecting their right to worship. Honestly, that shocked me."
Warren explained how his meeting with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad came about.
"Then my neighbor invited me to meet the president since I often meet presidents of countries we visit," he explained. "I had talked to Franklin Graham of Samaritan’s Purse who has had years of experience with Lebanon and Syria and asked him what to say. Franklin told me, 'Thank the Syrian president for protecting the freedom of Christians and Jews to worship there.' After what I had seen in the churches I’d visited, I did just that."
Warren said no press covered that meeting but, nonetheless, the Syrian news agency issued a report "that sounded like I was some politician negotiating the Iraq war and praising everything in Syria. Of course, that's ridiculous, but it created a stir among bloggers who typically editorialize before verifying the truth. It's ironic that people who distrust Syria trust their press releases!"
"By the way, even though this was just a private trip, we notified our friends at the U.S. State Department in advance of our meeting with President Bashar (sic) and sought advice," he wrote. "They told us that Syria would likely offer press releases after the meeting – which they did."
Warren concluded: "Regrettably, because I praised Syria's welcoming of Christian refugees from Iraq, Palestine, and Lebanon into their country, some bloggers concluded that I approved of everything Syria does. That's nonsense! Syria needs many reforms, but in terms of religious freedom, they are ahead of places like Burma, Cuba, Iran, Iraq, and many others."
Warren made no apologies for putting himself in a position to be used by the police state. But he did say: "I also know that anyone who speaks publicly all the time, is bound to say something dumb every now and then. So I ask for your patience and forgiveness in advance because I’m sure it will happen! Every day I'm amazed that God uses someone as flawed as I am. You should be too. Just don't believe everything you read by bloggers or hear in the media."
© 2006 WorldNetDaily.com - 11.27.2006
WASHINGTON – Megachurch Pastor Rick Warren is adamantly denying he praised Syria on his recent trip, which he describes as a favor to his Muslim next-door neighbor.
Warren, author of the best-selling "The Purpose-Driven Life," visited Syria this week and was quoted by official Syrian news agencies as saying the U.S. should have been holding dialogues with Damascus, that Syrian Muslims and Christians co-exist peacefully and the Syrian leadership is responsible for the nation's tolerance and stability.
In an e-mail to WND Editor Joseph Farah, who blasted Warren today in his daily column, Warren writes: "Joseph, why didn't you contact me first and discover the fact I said nothing of the sort? The trip was a favor to my next-door neighbor, had nothing to do with policy, and was done with the State Department's knowledge."
In fact, Saddleback Church declined repeated requests to respond to WND's questions yesterday.
Warren added that the State Department had warned him "to expect exactly what Syria did – a PT blast. I don't pretend to be a diplomat. I'm a pastor who just gets invited places."
However, in a video posted on YouTube but removed today, titled "Building Bridges," Warren is shown walking down a Damascus street commenting on political and social life in Syria, saying Christians and Muslims get along with each other.
"It's a moderate country, and the official government role and postion is to not allow any extremism of any kind," Warren says.
The reports from the official Syrian news agency included statements that:
"Pastor Warren hailed the religious coexistence, tolerance and stability that the Syrian society is enjoying due to the wise leadership of President al-Assad, asserting that he will convey the true image about Syria to the American people."
"Syria wants peace, and Muslims and Christians live in this country jointly and peacefully since more than a thousand years, and this is not new for Syria."
Warren told Syria's Islamic grand mufti there could be no peace in the region without Syria and 80 percent of Americans reject the U.S. administration's policies and actions in Iraq.
The comments attributed to Warren contradict documentation by the International Counter Terrorism organization and U.S. State Department of Syria's extensive use of terrorism for its political goals.
The ICT said "frequent use of the 'terror weapon' has been made by Syria against Lebanon, Jordan and the Palestinians" in an attempt "to impose Syrian hegemony over them and bring them into line with Syrian policy."
"The main Lebanese leaders killed by Syrian proxies were: Bashir Gemayel (who was accused by Syrian propaganda of being a 'Zionist proxy'); and Kamal Jumblatt (accused of being a 'traitor' and an 'American agent.')," the ICT said.
Saddleback Church, with 30,000 members, was begun by Rick and Kay Warren in 1979 and now has more than 200 ministries in the Orange County area.
His popular book, which has sold about 12 million copies, focuses on worship, fellowship, discipleship, ministry and evangelism. It tells readers the life is "not about you," and shows how God can enable each one to live for His purposes.
Warren is scheduled to preach in North Korea next year.
In a letter to his congregation, Warren explained in more detail why he went to Syria, referring to his international "PEACE plan" ministry.
"Our team is on a three nation PEACE plan tour," he wrote. "After leading a PEACE plan briefing for 44 major Christian missions organizations that we'd gathered in Atlanta, our team traveled to Germany where we taught the PD Preaching seminar to pastors and shared the PEACE plan with about 5,000 church leaders. Right now we're in Rwanda teaching the PD Preaching seminar and the PEACE plan to the leaders of denominations. In between Germany and Rwanda, we visited Syria. Since our trip to Syria has already been misunderstood and attacked, I wanted you to know the real story, because you can't believe everything you read on the internet."
He continued: "Why Syria? The simple truth is that I was invited by my neighbor! We were talking over his backyard fence a couple months ago when my Muslim neighbor, Yassar, said, "Rick, you visit so many countries, I want to show you mine." I was touched by this invitation from my friend and promised, "The next time I'm traveling that direction, I'll visit your home with you." It was a favor for a friend, not a political statement.
"When we got to Syria, our first event was a home cooked meal with 20 of Yassar's family," he wrote. "Then he showed us many of the sacred Christian sites in Syria: the road to Damascus where St Paul was converted, Straight street where the Holy Spirit led Paul, the house where Ananias prayed for his healing, (2,000 years old!), the wall where Paul was let down in a basket to escape the Romans, the tomb of John the Baptist, and the oldest Christian church building in existence (AD 315)."
Warren went on to explain that every Christian he met expressed gratitude to the government for protecting their right to worship.
"Next, my neighbor arranged for me to meet many of the key Christian leaders of Syria, including the Presbyterian pastor who leads the coalition of Evangelical Churches of Syria, the patriarch of the Greek Orthodox Catholic Church, the patriarch of the Catholic Church, and the pastor of the oldest church in the world," he continued. "You may be surprised to know that Christianity is legal in Syria, that the government provides free electricity and water to all churches, allows pastors to buy a car tax-free (a tax break not given to Imams), appoints pastors as Christian judges to handle Christian cases, and allowed Christians to create their own civil law instead of having to follow the laws for Muslims. One city we visited, Malula, is two-thirds Christian. Every Christian I met with expressed gratitude to the government for protecting their right to worship. Honestly, that shocked me."
Warren explained how his meeting with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad came about.
"Then my neighbor invited me to meet the president since I often meet presidents of countries we visit," he explained. "I had talked to Franklin Graham of Samaritan’s Purse who has had years of experience with Lebanon and Syria and asked him what to say. Franklin told me, 'Thank the Syrian president for protecting the freedom of Christians and Jews to worship there.' After what I had seen in the churches I’d visited, I did just that."
Warren said no press covered that meeting but, nonetheless, the Syrian news agency issued a report "that sounded like I was some politician negotiating the Iraq war and praising everything in Syria. Of course, that's ridiculous, but it created a stir among bloggers who typically editorialize before verifying the truth. It's ironic that people who distrust Syria trust their press releases!"
"By the way, even though this was just a private trip, we notified our friends at the U.S. State Department in advance of our meeting with President Bashar (sic) and sought advice," he wrote. "They told us that Syria would likely offer press releases after the meeting – which they did."
Warren concluded: "Regrettably, because I praised Syria's welcoming of Christian refugees from Iraq, Palestine, and Lebanon into their country, some bloggers concluded that I approved of everything Syria does. That's nonsense! Syria needs many reforms, but in terms of religious freedom, they are ahead of places like Burma, Cuba, Iran, Iraq, and many others."
Warren made no apologies for putting himself in a position to be used by the police state. But he did say: "I also know that anyone who speaks publicly all the time, is bound to say something dumb every now and then. So I ask for your patience and forgiveness in advance because I’m sure it will happen! Every day I'm amazed that God uses someone as flawed as I am. You should be too. Just don't believe everything you read by bloggers or hear in the media."
© 2006 WorldNetDaily.com - 11.27.2006
Sunday, November 26, 2006
In Washington: What's Your Solution?
The other day a young colleague and I were discussing the best argument to use against those who say that advocating negotiations as the only means to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is "naive." We debated the most effective response to the charge that there is no Palestinian partner; that Oslo failed because of Palestinian cheating; that the Hamas victory ends any hope for peace; and that the only realistic approach for Israel is to militarily crush the Palestinians.
I offered my own detailed response to each of those points - responses that are, in my opinion, airtight. But my colleague wouldn't have any of it. He said that all you have to do is ask the status-quo supporters, "So, how is your solution doing?" That is a perfect response.
There is no reason for those of us who support negotiations to feel defensive or to give a point-by-point rebuttal to those who champion the status quo. Just tell them to read the newspapers.
The Oslo process collapsed in the fall of 2000 and, ever since, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has intensified with a vengeance. Compare the half dozen civilians killed inside Israel between the fall of 1997 and the fall of 2000, and the 1,125 Israelis and 4,286 Palestinians killed since. The only people who should be defensive about the diplomatic process are those who oppose it.
Of course, no one ever flat-out says they oppose negotiations. Nowadays the name of the game is to say you favor both negotiations and the two-state solution, but then to offer a host of conditions that make either impossible. Most often used is the argument that one must negotiate but not with these people! Or not at this time. Or not until they do this, that, or the other thing.
On Wednesday of last week, Spain, France and Italy put forward a five-point plan to help end the conflict. The plan consists of the following: an immediate cease-fire, formation of a national unity government by the Palestinians that can gain international recognition, an exchange of prisoners - including the Israeli soldiers whose capture sparked the war in Lebanon and fighting in Gaza - talks between Israel's prime minister and the Palestinian president, and an international mission in Gaza to monitor a cease-fire.
Sounds reasonable.
Nevertheless, sources in Israel reported that the plan has been rejected out of hand. The objection is that the Europeans put out their ideas without first consulting with Israel.
But why? Why should the Europeans have to consult with the Israelis or the Palestinians? The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has reverberations far from Israel and Palestine. The Europeans have every right to offer a blueprint for ending it, just so long as they do not attempt to force it on anyone, which they have no intention of doing and couldn't do even if they were so inclined.
As Prime Minister Blair said recently: "Israel-Palestine is the one issue that, unresolved, allows extremists" to defeat "the more moderate elements of the Muslim and Arab world."
Why the repeated rush to rejection?
WHAT'S NEEDED are negotiations with the Palestinians to establish a full cease-fire. Yes, those very negotiations which both sides say they are committed to but which never quite seem to happen.
Obviously, Israel is not going to negotiate with Hamas but there is no reason to avoid negotiations with President Mahmoud Abbas, whether he is president of the Palestinian Authority with Hamas running the government or, preferably, with a new non-Hamas "unity government" in charge.
The process should start with a prisoner exchange. What possible objection could there be to an exchange in which Israel gets back Corporal Shalit and Mahmoud Abbas achieves the release of some of the Palestinian prisoners, perhaps starting with the parliamentarians seized earlier this year?
In January 2004 Israel released 500 Palestinian and Lebanese prisoners in return for a kidnapped Israeli businessman and the bodies of four soldiers. They were released not to Abbas but to Hizbullah - an act that simultaneously weakened Abbas and strengthened the Hizb'allah leader, Hassan Nasrallah. Handing Palestinian prisoners to Abbas would not only produce freedom for Shalit but would strengthen Abbas at the expense of Hamas, which would again be shown to be incapable of delivering anything for the Palestinian people.
A prisoner exchange and cease-fire would set the stage for negotiations based on the road map, or on any new US plan that emerges from the Baker-Hamilton Report, or any other vehicle. The bottom line is that the violence stops, that Israel gets its soldiers back, and the Palestinians see that Abbas can deliver the goods.
I know all the objections to negotiations, but they don't add up. Why do those who argue that the Palestinians won't negotiate in good faith - or comply with agreements reached - oppose testing them? In the past, both Palestinians and Israelis have reached agreements with which both have abided, sometimes, and reneged on, at other times.
The answer to the failure of past agreements to fully succeed is not to avoid all future agreements but to negotiate better ones. Besides, negotiations are not a favor that Israel gives to the Palestinians when they "behave." Negotiation is the only workable device for ending a conflict for two peoples who are not mere neighbors but who actually share the same land.
Israel can no more "defeat" the Palestinians than the Catholics in Northern Ireland could have "defeated" the Protestants. Nor can the Palestinians defeat them. All each side can do is kill each other's kids, and that is what they are doing.
Those who object to negotiations need only be asked one thing. "So, how is your solution doing?" In a choice between "solutions" which we know in advance will not work, and a solution that might, the sensible path is obvious. It is not more of the same.
By MJ ROSENBERG
11.26.2006
I offered my own detailed response to each of those points - responses that are, in my opinion, airtight. But my colleague wouldn't have any of it. He said that all you have to do is ask the status-quo supporters, "So, how is your solution doing?" That is a perfect response.
There is no reason for those of us who support negotiations to feel defensive or to give a point-by-point rebuttal to those who champion the status quo. Just tell them to read the newspapers.
The Oslo process collapsed in the fall of 2000 and, ever since, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has intensified with a vengeance. Compare the half dozen civilians killed inside Israel between the fall of 1997 and the fall of 2000, and the 1,125 Israelis and 4,286 Palestinians killed since. The only people who should be defensive about the diplomatic process are those who oppose it.
Of course, no one ever flat-out says they oppose negotiations. Nowadays the name of the game is to say you favor both negotiations and the two-state solution, but then to offer a host of conditions that make either impossible. Most often used is the argument that one must negotiate but not with these people! Or not at this time. Or not until they do this, that, or the other thing.
On Wednesday of last week, Spain, France and Italy put forward a five-point plan to help end the conflict. The plan consists of the following: an immediate cease-fire, formation of a national unity government by the Palestinians that can gain international recognition, an exchange of prisoners - including the Israeli soldiers whose capture sparked the war in Lebanon and fighting in Gaza - talks between Israel's prime minister and the Palestinian president, and an international mission in Gaza to monitor a cease-fire.
Sounds reasonable.
Nevertheless, sources in Israel reported that the plan has been rejected out of hand. The objection is that the Europeans put out their ideas without first consulting with Israel.
But why? Why should the Europeans have to consult with the Israelis or the Palestinians? The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has reverberations far from Israel and Palestine. The Europeans have every right to offer a blueprint for ending it, just so long as they do not attempt to force it on anyone, which they have no intention of doing and couldn't do even if they were so inclined.
As Prime Minister Blair said recently: "Israel-Palestine is the one issue that, unresolved, allows extremists" to defeat "the more moderate elements of the Muslim and Arab world."
Why the repeated rush to rejection?
WHAT'S NEEDED are negotiations with the Palestinians to establish a full cease-fire. Yes, those very negotiations which both sides say they are committed to but which never quite seem to happen.
Obviously, Israel is not going to negotiate with Hamas but there is no reason to avoid negotiations with President Mahmoud Abbas, whether he is president of the Palestinian Authority with Hamas running the government or, preferably, with a new non-Hamas "unity government" in charge.
The process should start with a prisoner exchange. What possible objection could there be to an exchange in which Israel gets back Corporal Shalit and Mahmoud Abbas achieves the release of some of the Palestinian prisoners, perhaps starting with the parliamentarians seized earlier this year?
In January 2004 Israel released 500 Palestinian and Lebanese prisoners in return for a kidnapped Israeli businessman and the bodies of four soldiers. They were released not to Abbas but to Hizbullah - an act that simultaneously weakened Abbas and strengthened the Hizb'allah leader, Hassan Nasrallah. Handing Palestinian prisoners to Abbas would not only produce freedom for Shalit but would strengthen Abbas at the expense of Hamas, which would again be shown to be incapable of delivering anything for the Palestinian people.
A prisoner exchange and cease-fire would set the stage for negotiations based on the road map, or on any new US plan that emerges from the Baker-Hamilton Report, or any other vehicle. The bottom line is that the violence stops, that Israel gets its soldiers back, and the Palestinians see that Abbas can deliver the goods.
I know all the objections to negotiations, but they don't add up. Why do those who argue that the Palestinians won't negotiate in good faith - or comply with agreements reached - oppose testing them? In the past, both Palestinians and Israelis have reached agreements with which both have abided, sometimes, and reneged on, at other times.
The answer to the failure of past agreements to fully succeed is not to avoid all future agreements but to negotiate better ones. Besides, negotiations are not a favor that Israel gives to the Palestinians when they "behave." Negotiation is the only workable device for ending a conflict for two peoples who are not mere neighbors but who actually share the same land.
Israel can no more "defeat" the Palestinians than the Catholics in Northern Ireland could have "defeated" the Protestants. Nor can the Palestinians defeat them. All each side can do is kill each other's kids, and that is what they are doing.
Those who object to negotiations need only be asked one thing. "So, how is your solution doing?" In a choice between "solutions" which we know in advance will not work, and a solution that might, the sensible path is obvious. It is not more of the same.
By MJ ROSENBERG
11.26.2006
Saturday, November 25, 2006
Wake up, Israel! By Joseph Farah
I don't know what it will take to awaken Israelis from their slumber. But I know they don't have much more time.
For years, Israelis have fooled themselves into thinking they could negotiate peace with all their neighbors – even those whose only real objective is to see all the Jews dead.
Israelis have convinced themselves that if they are reasonable, if they go the extra mile, if they just continue to demonstrate random acts of compassion for their enemies, that they will be their enemies no longer.
It should be clear to everyone by now that these random acts of compassion are actually random acts of suicidal compassion.
Take, for instance, last year's exodus from the Gaza Strip. The Israelis forcibly dismantled the homes and communities of perfectly law-abiding Jews bringing prosperity and life to a previously unsettled, arid land.
Why did they do it?
Because Gaza is to be part of the new Palestinian state. And the Palestinian Authority, the governing institution of this pre-state, doesn't want any Jews in their new country.
The Israelis didn't argue that this is a racist notion. They didn't protest that no nation should be created on such a foundation of hatred. They didn't suggest that forcibly removing law-abiding civilians from their homes and businesses because of their religion and ethnicity represents the worst form of ethnic cleansing.
No, they didn't do any of those things. Instead, the Israelis knuckled under to the Hitlers in headscarves of the Palestinian Authority. They drove out the peaceful Jews – not the violent haters of Jews.
Now the chickens are coming home to roost in Gaza. Did Hamas reform? Did the terrorists lay down their arms as a result of Israel's beneficence? Were the Palestinians so shocked and awed by the Israel's latest random act of suicidal compassion that they decided to live within their new borders and leave the Jews alone?
No, of course not. Those are not the lessons they learned. The lesson they learned from the latest strategic retreat by Israelis is that they have their enemy on the run. They learned they should keep doing what they are doing – that terrorism works.
So, now that Hamas has consolidated its power in Gaza, they are, as promised, using this territory to launch attacks on Jewish civilians in Israel proper.
The only way to stop the regular rocket fire on the Israeli city of Sderot – about three miles from Gaza – is for the Jews to evacuate from there, too, says Hamas.
The idea of withdrawing from Gaza was to give the terrorists what they said they wanted – land for their new state.
But that was never the real goal.
The real goal is the destruction of Israel. The new state is only a means of getting there.
Israelis and many Americans don't understand this yet. They believe the Palestinians will be happy if they get a new state. They will forget about destroying Israel. But this conflict has never really been about a new state. It has always been about destroying Israel. The new state is merely a vehicle for achieving Israel's destruction.
What we're seeing in Gaza today is a perfect illustration of what I am saying.
If you give this beast an inch, it will take a mile. You cannot quench its appetite with appeasement. It only makes the beast more ravenous.
Will Israel ever learn?
When will the Jewish state awaken from this slumber?
How long can a nation keep doing the same thing over and over again expecting different results?
Want Peace? Crush Gaza!
Jerusalem Post columnist Evelyn Gordon has composed an excellent and clear argument why Israel does in fact have a military solution to escalating rocket fire from the Gaza Strip, despite claims to the contrary by Israel’s political leadership.
Whenever politicians or army officers say that there is no military solution to the problem of Kassam rockets, my reaction is: Just how stupid do you think we are? After all, more than 1,000 Kassams have been fired at Israel from Gaza over the last 12 months, yet not a single rocket has been fired at Israel from the West Bank during this period. So unless you believe that West Bank terrorists, unlike their Gaza counterparts, have no desire to launch rockets - an assumption that defies both logic and the facts (the media periodically report on Palestinian efforts to start a West Bank Kassam industry) - the obvious conclusion is that the army has succeeded in preventing Kassam fire from the West Bank.
The question, then, is why the army has been unable to do the same in Gaza. And the answer, quite simply, is that even before the disengagement, the army never controlled Gaza as fully as it did the West Bank.…
In short, in the West Bank, military doctrine held that terror had to be stopped at the source, meaning inside the towns and cities where attacks originated. But in Gaza, there was never any attempt to control what was happening inside Palestinian cities; the army focused instead on perimeter defense, of both Israel and the settlements.
I would add to this that militarily squashing the Gaza rocket threat is the only way to end the daily attacks on towns like Sderot. What there is not is a political solution to the problem, because as long as they are able to fire the rockets, the “Palestinians” will cling to the belief that they can extract concessions by leveraging the violence.
The “Palestinians” must be bereft of any hope of victory over Israel, any reason to put their trust in violence. By not crushing Gaza, Israel is allowing them to maintain a shred of that most diabolical hope of one day destroying Israel.
Not until the “Palestinians” - the sworn enemies of the Jewish state by their own admission and actions - understand that they have been defeated can there be any movement toward anything resembling real peace.
Copyright © 1996-2006 - Christian Action for Israel
For years, Israelis have fooled themselves into thinking they could negotiate peace with all their neighbors – even those whose only real objective is to see all the Jews dead.
Israelis have convinced themselves that if they are reasonable, if they go the extra mile, if they just continue to demonstrate random acts of compassion for their enemies, that they will be their enemies no longer.
It should be clear to everyone by now that these random acts of compassion are actually random acts of suicidal compassion.
Take, for instance, last year's exodus from the Gaza Strip. The Israelis forcibly dismantled the homes and communities of perfectly law-abiding Jews bringing prosperity and life to a previously unsettled, arid land.
Why did they do it?
Because Gaza is to be part of the new Palestinian state. And the Palestinian Authority, the governing institution of this pre-state, doesn't want any Jews in their new country.
The Israelis didn't argue that this is a racist notion. They didn't protest that no nation should be created on such a foundation of hatred. They didn't suggest that forcibly removing law-abiding civilians from their homes and businesses because of their religion and ethnicity represents the worst form of ethnic cleansing.
No, they didn't do any of those things. Instead, the Israelis knuckled under to the Hitlers in headscarves of the Palestinian Authority. They drove out the peaceful Jews – not the violent haters of Jews.
Now the chickens are coming home to roost in Gaza. Did Hamas reform? Did the terrorists lay down their arms as a result of Israel's beneficence? Were the Palestinians so shocked and awed by the Israel's latest random act of suicidal compassion that they decided to live within their new borders and leave the Jews alone?
No, of course not. Those are not the lessons they learned. The lesson they learned from the latest strategic retreat by Israelis is that they have their enemy on the run. They learned they should keep doing what they are doing – that terrorism works.
So, now that Hamas has consolidated its power in Gaza, they are, as promised, using this territory to launch attacks on Jewish civilians in Israel proper.
The only way to stop the regular rocket fire on the Israeli city of Sderot – about three miles from Gaza – is for the Jews to evacuate from there, too, says Hamas.
The idea of withdrawing from Gaza was to give the terrorists what they said they wanted – land for their new state.
But that was never the real goal.
The real goal is the destruction of Israel. The new state is only a means of getting there.
Israelis and many Americans don't understand this yet. They believe the Palestinians will be happy if they get a new state. They will forget about destroying Israel. But this conflict has never really been about a new state. It has always been about destroying Israel. The new state is merely a vehicle for achieving Israel's destruction.
What we're seeing in Gaza today is a perfect illustration of what I am saying.
If you give this beast an inch, it will take a mile. You cannot quench its appetite with appeasement. It only makes the beast more ravenous.
Will Israel ever learn?
When will the Jewish state awaken from this slumber?
How long can a nation keep doing the same thing over and over again expecting different results?
Want Peace? Crush Gaza!
Jerusalem Post columnist Evelyn Gordon has composed an excellent and clear argument why Israel does in fact have a military solution to escalating rocket fire from the Gaza Strip, despite claims to the contrary by Israel’s political leadership.
Whenever politicians or army officers say that there is no military solution to the problem of Kassam rockets, my reaction is: Just how stupid do you think we are? After all, more than 1,000 Kassams have been fired at Israel from Gaza over the last 12 months, yet not a single rocket has been fired at Israel from the West Bank during this period. So unless you believe that West Bank terrorists, unlike their Gaza counterparts, have no desire to launch rockets - an assumption that defies both logic and the facts (the media periodically report on Palestinian efforts to start a West Bank Kassam industry) - the obvious conclusion is that the army has succeeded in preventing Kassam fire from the West Bank.
The question, then, is why the army has been unable to do the same in Gaza. And the answer, quite simply, is that even before the disengagement, the army never controlled Gaza as fully as it did the West Bank.…
In short, in the West Bank, military doctrine held that terror had to be stopped at the source, meaning inside the towns and cities where attacks originated. But in Gaza, there was never any attempt to control what was happening inside Palestinian cities; the army focused instead on perimeter defense, of both Israel and the settlements.
I would add to this that militarily squashing the Gaza rocket threat is the only way to end the daily attacks on towns like Sderot. What there is not is a political solution to the problem, because as long as they are able to fire the rockets, the “Palestinians” will cling to the belief that they can extract concessions by leveraging the violence.
The “Palestinians” must be bereft of any hope of victory over Israel, any reason to put their trust in violence. By not crushing Gaza, Israel is allowing them to maintain a shred of that most diabolical hope of one day destroying Israel.
Not until the “Palestinians” - the sworn enemies of the Jewish state by their own admission and actions - understand that they have been defeated can there be any movement toward anything resembling real peace.
Copyright © 1996-2006 - Christian Action for Israel
Friday, November 24, 2006
Sigd ~ The Holiday of Return and Longing
Each year, on the 29th day of the Hebrew month of Cheshvan, thousands of Ethiopian Jews gather overlooking the Temple Mount to observe an ancient holiday of yearning for Zion and the Torah.
The holiday is called Sigd (one syllable), which means prostration in Amharic and shares its root with the word for temple. The ceremony resembles the one held for the renewal of the Divine covenant by Ezra the Scribe during the Second Commonwealth, described in the Book of Nechemia.
"All the people gathered themselves together as one man into the broad place that was before the water gate; and they spoke unto Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the Law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded to Israel" (Nehemiah 8:1)
Prior to their immigration to Israel, the Beta Israel (meaning 'House of Israel') or Falashas (meaning ‘strangers,’ a term used by their non-Jewish neighbors in Africa) community would observe Sigd each year on mountaintops outside their villages. The Kessim, the community's rabbis and ritual leaders, would ascend the mountain, which was meant to represent Mount Sinai.
There, the double message of renewal of the Divine covenant and yearning for the return to Zion was expressed. During the celebration members of the community would fast, and read from the Orit (i.e., oraita, "Torah" in Aramaic), expressing their longing to return to Jerusalem and the Holy Temple. After the Kessim descended from the mountain, joyous celebrations would take place to welcome and accept the Torah anew.
Upon their arrival in Israel, the question of how to observe the holiday arose. On the one hand, the dream of return had been fulfilled, but on the other, the Temple is still missing and redemption has not yet arrived. In addition, the challenge of rejoining the Jewish people, with the evolution of the oral law in their absence, added extra significance to the Sigd tradition of annually renewing the commitment to the Torah as well.
"The Lord will bring back a remnant of his people...returning them to the land of Israel from Assyria, Lower Egypt, Upper Egypt, Ethiopia, Elam, Babylonia, Hamath, and all the distant coastlands" (Isaiah 11:11)
Now, Ethiopian Jews from all over Israel gather at Jerusalem's Armon HaNetziv Promenade, where a stage is erected and Kessim read passages and prayers in Ge’ez, the language reserved for scripture. Native-born Israelis and Amharic-speaking grandparents come together to observe the holiday. Some remember Sigd back in Ethiopia and others recount the event as though they were there, having been told of it by their parents and grandparents.
Absorption Minister Ze’ev Boim (Kadima) addressed the worshippers, expressing his hope that like the Moroccan holiday of Mimouna, which takes place immediately following Passover, Sigd would one day become a holiday in which all of Israel will take part.
Yaakov (Jejo) Tala manned a table down the promenade from the stage filled with tefillin, phylacteries, which he helped visitors place on their heads and forearms, with the blessings written out in both Hebrew and Amharic. “We are making great efforts to help the young generation understand the older generation – their traditions, heritage, and the depth of our unique Jewish traditions, while facilitating a return to mainstream Judaism at the same time,” he explains. “It is very difficult, but a holiday like Sigd embodies Beta Israel's traditions and they unite us with all of Israel.”
The young man, a yeshiva student, says that a number of cultural forces compete for the minds of young Beta Israel men and women, who are not always given the oppurtunity to receive a Jewish education, even in the State of Israel.
Tala says he agrees with Boim and hopes that Sigd can both add to the fabric of Jewish life in Israel, and maintain the exquisite nature of the Ethiopian Jewish narrative within that patchwork tapestry. “It is great to see Israelis joining in the celebration here. It really warms my heart,” he says.
On the stage, Kessim recite prayers as older women in the crowd close their eyes and hold their hands up toward Heaven. Large denomination shekel bills are handed up to the stage from the crowd for charity, and people scramble to get a handful of Jerusalem dirt being handed out by the elderly Kessim holding colorful umbrellas and wearing traditional garb.
Nesya Raanan was born in Israel, but she describes Sigd in Ethiopia as though she has observed it each year of her life. “It was awesome,” she says – catching herself. “What do I mean ‘It was awesome’ – I was never there – but I feel like I was.”
Nesya Raanan is part of the Society For the Protection of Nature in Israel in an area with many Beta Israel. She holds a poster encouraging young people to get involved in telling the story of Sigd.
Though she is wearing a shirt from the Society For the Protection of Nature in Israel and distributing information about protecting the environment, Raanan is more than happy to tell and retell the story of Sigd in the first person to anyone who asks. “Once the Kessim came down from the mountain,” she describes, “cows would be slaughtered and placed on the fire. Meanwhile, everybody would dance like crazy even though they were fasting, until the food was ready.”
Below the promenade, on a grassy area, young members of the Beta Israel community relax, sitting in groups and talking. Others dance wildly with members of the B’nei Akiva youth group, singing songs in Amharic and Hebrew. A large number of the young people are IDF soldiers, who received a dispensation from the army to ascend to Jerusalem for the holiday.
Beta Israel members of the IDF Navy, given the day off to make the pilgrimage to Jerusalem.
A booth was set up inviting people to study the meaning of the prayers recited by the Kessim during the holiday. The prayers are in Ge’ez, a language reserved for prayer and scripture and only understood by the Kessim. Manning the booth is Shoshana ben-Dor, an English-speaking woman who is not from the Beta Israel community but wears Ethiopian tradition dress and is a scholar in the realm of Ethiopian Jewry.
Young Ethiopians, enter the booth and Ben-Dor hands them Hebrew translations of selected prayers.
“Come, we shall bow down, pray, sing, bless and sanctify our Father, Creator of Heaven and Earth,” one prayer begins. “We shall bow within the sanctuary of Your Holy Temple, though we now bow in our hearts. All creations in the world will prostrate and thank You. Amen, Amen.”
Shoshana Ben-Dor offers to go over the Kessim's prayers with young members of the community unfamiliar with Ge'ez, the language used by the Kesim.
Young Ethiopian men and women stop by the entrance of the booth and Ben-Dor offers to go through the booklet with them. Many take her up on it. “I sat for an hour with one young man,” she said.
Ben-Dor worries about Minister Boim’s comments about popularizing the holiday. “If he means that Sigd should become just a day of revelry for Israeli society, then I think that would be a tragedy,” she says. “But if he shares my hope that all Jews be allowed to share and embrace this incredible tradition, which embodies the integration of the yearning for redemption and commitment to the Torah, then I agree with him 100 percent.”
Arutz Sheva
11.24.2006
The holiday is called Sigd (one syllable), which means prostration in Amharic and shares its root with the word for temple. The ceremony resembles the one held for the renewal of the Divine covenant by Ezra the Scribe during the Second Commonwealth, described in the Book of Nechemia.
"All the people gathered themselves together as one man into the broad place that was before the water gate; and they spoke unto Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the Law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded to Israel" (Nehemiah 8:1)
Prior to their immigration to Israel, the Beta Israel (meaning 'House of Israel') or Falashas (meaning ‘strangers,’ a term used by their non-Jewish neighbors in Africa) community would observe Sigd each year on mountaintops outside their villages. The Kessim, the community's rabbis and ritual leaders, would ascend the mountain, which was meant to represent Mount Sinai.
There, the double message of renewal of the Divine covenant and yearning for the return to Zion was expressed. During the celebration members of the community would fast, and read from the Orit (i.e., oraita, "Torah" in Aramaic), expressing their longing to return to Jerusalem and the Holy Temple. After the Kessim descended from the mountain, joyous celebrations would take place to welcome and accept the Torah anew.
Upon their arrival in Israel, the question of how to observe the holiday arose. On the one hand, the dream of return had been fulfilled, but on the other, the Temple is still missing and redemption has not yet arrived. In addition, the challenge of rejoining the Jewish people, with the evolution of the oral law in their absence, added extra significance to the Sigd tradition of annually renewing the commitment to the Torah as well.
"The Lord will bring back a remnant of his people...returning them to the land of Israel from Assyria, Lower Egypt, Upper Egypt, Ethiopia, Elam, Babylonia, Hamath, and all the distant coastlands" (Isaiah 11:11)
Now, Ethiopian Jews from all over Israel gather at Jerusalem's Armon HaNetziv Promenade, where a stage is erected and Kessim read passages and prayers in Ge’ez, the language reserved for scripture. Native-born Israelis and Amharic-speaking grandparents come together to observe the holiday. Some remember Sigd back in Ethiopia and others recount the event as though they were there, having been told of it by their parents and grandparents.
Absorption Minister Ze’ev Boim (Kadima) addressed the worshippers, expressing his hope that like the Moroccan holiday of Mimouna, which takes place immediately following Passover, Sigd would one day become a holiday in which all of Israel will take part.
Yaakov (Jejo) Tala manned a table down the promenade from the stage filled with tefillin, phylacteries, which he helped visitors place on their heads and forearms, with the blessings written out in both Hebrew and Amharic. “We are making great efforts to help the young generation understand the older generation – their traditions, heritage, and the depth of our unique Jewish traditions, while facilitating a return to mainstream Judaism at the same time,” he explains. “It is very difficult, but a holiday like Sigd embodies Beta Israel's traditions and they unite us with all of Israel.”
The young man, a yeshiva student, says that a number of cultural forces compete for the minds of young Beta Israel men and women, who are not always given the oppurtunity to receive a Jewish education, even in the State of Israel.
Tala says he agrees with Boim and hopes that Sigd can both add to the fabric of Jewish life in Israel, and maintain the exquisite nature of the Ethiopian Jewish narrative within that patchwork tapestry. “It is great to see Israelis joining in the celebration here. It really warms my heart,” he says.
On the stage, Kessim recite prayers as older women in the crowd close their eyes and hold their hands up toward Heaven. Large denomination shekel bills are handed up to the stage from the crowd for charity, and people scramble to get a handful of Jerusalem dirt being handed out by the elderly Kessim holding colorful umbrellas and wearing traditional garb.
Nesya Raanan was born in Israel, but she describes Sigd in Ethiopia as though she has observed it each year of her life. “It was awesome,” she says – catching herself. “What do I mean ‘It was awesome’ – I was never there – but I feel like I was.”
Nesya Raanan is part of the Society For the Protection of Nature in Israel in an area with many Beta Israel. She holds a poster encouraging young people to get involved in telling the story of Sigd.
Though she is wearing a shirt from the Society For the Protection of Nature in Israel and distributing information about protecting the environment, Raanan is more than happy to tell and retell the story of Sigd in the first person to anyone who asks. “Once the Kessim came down from the mountain,” she describes, “cows would be slaughtered and placed on the fire. Meanwhile, everybody would dance like crazy even though they were fasting, until the food was ready.”
Below the promenade, on a grassy area, young members of the Beta Israel community relax, sitting in groups and talking. Others dance wildly with members of the B’nei Akiva youth group, singing songs in Amharic and Hebrew. A large number of the young people are IDF soldiers, who received a dispensation from the army to ascend to Jerusalem for the holiday.
Beta Israel members of the IDF Navy, given the day off to make the pilgrimage to Jerusalem.
A booth was set up inviting people to study the meaning of the prayers recited by the Kessim during the holiday. The prayers are in Ge’ez, a language reserved for prayer and scripture and only understood by the Kessim. Manning the booth is Shoshana ben-Dor, an English-speaking woman who is not from the Beta Israel community but wears Ethiopian tradition dress and is a scholar in the realm of Ethiopian Jewry.
Young Ethiopians, enter the booth and Ben-Dor hands them Hebrew translations of selected prayers.
“Come, we shall bow down, pray, sing, bless and sanctify our Father, Creator of Heaven and Earth,” one prayer begins. “We shall bow within the sanctuary of Your Holy Temple, though we now bow in our hearts. All creations in the world will prostrate and thank You. Amen, Amen.”
Shoshana Ben-Dor offers to go over the Kessim's prayers with young members of the community unfamiliar with Ge'ez, the language used by the Kesim.
Young Ethiopian men and women stop by the entrance of the booth and Ben-Dor offers to go through the booklet with them. Many take her up on it. “I sat for an hour with one young man,” she said.
Ben-Dor worries about Minister Boim’s comments about popularizing the holiday. “If he means that Sigd should become just a day of revelry for Israeli society, then I think that would be a tragedy,” she says. “But if he shares my hope that all Jews be allowed to share and embrace this incredible tradition, which embodies the integration of the yearning for redemption and commitment to the Torah, then I agree with him 100 percent.”
Arutz Sheva
11.24.2006
Thursday, November 23, 2006
A Call To Repentance ~ By Dave Hunt
It is now nearly 500 years since October 31, 1517. We need a new Reformation—this time more biblical and thorough. We are drowning in “political correctness.” Having changed from a president who couldn’t define “is,” we have one who persists in calling Islam “peace” in the face of mountains of evidence to the contrary. What the Bible clearly calls sin is whitewashed as “alternate” styles of living. Nothing is wrong, so nothing is right. The church has joined the world, the gospel has been compromised, and we think God doesn’t care. Elijah’s words come across 3,000 years of history to rebuke us as he did Israel:
How long halt ye between two opinions? If the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. (1 Ki 18:21)
More than 90 percent of Americans claim to believe in God. About 80 percent call themselves Christians. But when asked to define God, the answers range from “Mother Earth” to a “higher power.” Even many who claim to be born again deny that Jesus Christ is the “only way to God.” About 70 percent of Americans, 64 percent who call themselves born again, and 40 percent of self-proclaimed evangelicals reject the idea of absolute truth. And most of those who claim to believe in absolutes have fallen victims to a universal reluctance to speak the truth.
In a prophetic description of our day, God warned: “And judgment is turned away backward, and justice standeth afar off: for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter....And he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey: and the LORD saw it, and it displeased him...” (Is 59:14,15).
Even the church has forgotten that the God of the Bible is “the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob” (Ex 3:15,16, and 11 more times). No matter what one thinks of Jews, God chose them as a “special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth” (Dt 7:6), the “apple of His eye” (Dt 32:10; Lam 2:18; Zec 2:8). He gave them the land of Canaan “from the river of Egypt unto...the river Euphrates” (Gn 15:18) to be their “everlasting possession” (Gn 17:7,8;
1 Chr 16:16-18, etc.), promising that Israel’s latter end would be better than her beginning (Ezk 36:8-38; 37:21-28, etc.), and that she would never cease to be a nation (Jer 31:35,36). He declared that the land of Israel was His land never to be sold (Lv 25:23) and that all nations would be punished for dividing His land (Joel 3:2). This is God’s Word! World leaders (including professing Christians, President Bush and Condoleezza Rice) have openly defied God by dividing His land, giving most of it to Arabs who fraudulently call themselves “Palestinians,” claiming that Israel is occupying their land. In fact, they have stolen land God gave to Israel. (See Judgment Day.)
Forgotten is God’s promise to Abraham: “I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee; and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed” (Gn 12:3). Both the world and the church have spurned this promised blessing and are calling God’s curse upon themselves for their treatment of Israel! We call upon Western leaders and Muslims to repent of their atheism, false gods, and rebellion. God might then have mercy on today’s world as He did on Nineveh.
Like politicians, religious leaders, too, defy God. In 2002, D. James Kennedy, R.C. Sproul, and dozens of others declared that Israel has no special title to land in the Middle East, having been replaced by the church. They claimed that all of God’s “land promises specific to Israel in the Old Testament were fulfilled under Joshua.” One trembles at their defiance of God, who has said: “Behold, the days come...that they shall no more say, The LORD liveth, which brought up the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt; but, the LORD liveth, which led the seed of the house of Israel out of the north country, and from all countries whither I had driven them; and they shall dwell in their own land” (Jer 23:7,8).
The obvious fulfillment of such promises today (not in Joshua’s day) rebukes those who say that the church has replaced Israel! In the last 60 years, Jews have returned by the millions to Israel from more than 100 nations. Those who deny God’s promises to Israel for today need to repent!
It is shocking how many Christian organizations oppose Israel. We have exposed Bob Finley, Christian Aid Mission’s founder, with anti-Semitic revision of history, lies against Israel—even blaming her for Muslim terrorism and exonerating Islamic murderers of Israeli women and children. (See Q&A Jan ’03.) The Mennonite Central Committee, having worked in “Palestine” for more than 50 years, has nothing good to say about Israel, whom it condemns for its “occupation” of Palestine and for its “58-year-old denial of fundamental rights for nearly seven million Palestinian refugees”—a false accusation.
World Vision (WV) is one of the largest Christian relief and development organizations in the world, with a budget of $1 billion. WV helps “Palestinians” but not Israel, for whom it has nothing but criticism. Nearly 3,000 of its 22,500 staff don’t even pretend to be Christians. Many are Muslims. WV says, “They share our values.” What does that mean? Isn’t the gospel of Christ, which alone brings salvation, the greatest blessing WV could bring anywhere? But WV doesn’t share the gospel. How could it? Material aid is given, but neglected is Christ’s warning that to gain the whole world and lose one’s soul is to lose all! World Vision needs to repent or stop pretending to represent Christ.
Christians seem prone to jump on every folly invented by “science” for doomsayers and publicity-seekers. Christian leaders are joining the “global warming” hoax to support Gaia, or Mother Earth. Yet Earth was probably far warmer before the flood, when life flourished as never since; there was a Medieval Warm Period AD 800-1300; Earth has been both colder and warmer than now in the last 100 years; and as recently as 1940-1975, the warnings were all about the coming ice age.
A network of evangelical leaders recently issued an urgent warning about global warming titled, “Climate Change: An Evangelical Call to Action.” It was signed by more than 20 NAE board members and about 80 other Christian leaders, most of them heads of Christian colleges, denominations, or other organizations (among them Timothy George, Jack Hayford, Duane Litfin, Brian McLaren, David Neff, Ron Sider, Jim Wallis, Rick Warren, and Thomas Wang). It echoes Al Gore’s one-sided film, An Inconvenient Truth, widely refuted by climatologists. Those interested should read the speech delivered by Senator James Inhofe on the Senate floor September 25, 2006 (http://epw.senate.gov/speechitem.cfm?party=rep&id=263759).
Paul warned Timothy (and us today) that the faith would be opposed by false “science”: “avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: which some professing have erred concerning the faith” (1 Tm 6:20,21). The theories of local flood advocates and theistic evolutionists have invaded our Christian colleges, churches, and media. This is false “science” opposing God’s truth, and it has so much biblical and scientific evidence against it that supporters ought to be ashamed and repent.
The Bible states: “the mountains were covered...all in whose nostrils was the breath of life...died....Every living substance was destroyed which was upon the face of the ground” (Gn 7:20-23, etc.); “the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished” (2 Pt 3:6). Yet John Stott writes, “The flood seems to have been a comparatively local—though widespread—disaster,” and Billy Graham agrees.
Evolution has been thoroughly refuted by true science. (See In Six Days and In the Beginning in Resource Pages). Theistic evolution (“Progressive Creationism”) slanders God’s character by having Him use such a cruel, inefficient, and tedious method of “creation.” Yet Hugh Ross writes, “[M]y acceptance of Adam and Eve as historical is not incompatible with my belief that several forms of pre-Adamic ‘hominid’ seem to have existed for thousands of years previously....It is conceivable that God created Adam out of one of them....”
So Christ’s mother may have been descended from primal slime and soulless brutes as even John Ankerberg (like Graham and Dobson) apparently believes? The Bible declares that death entered the world through Adam’s sin (Rom 5:12), not through “natural selection,” which filled the earth with dead bodies before Adam “evolved.” Those who hold this wicked theory need to repent on their faces before the Creator!
We have previously referred to the Renovaré Spiritual Formation Bible, touted as “THE BIBLE AS IT WAS INTENDED TO BE” in a two-thirds-page ad in Christianity Today (Jul ’05), next to the masthead declaring that Billy Graham was the founder and J.I. Packer one of the Executive Editors. In its notes, 50 “biblical scholars” declare that the first 11 chapters of Genesis, foundational to the entire Bible, came from “Near Eastern religious narrative and mythology [and] were reshaped with monotheistic intent”! Yet Jesus and the apostles referred to Adam and Eve, the creation, and the flood as historical (Mt 19:4, 24:38; Mk 10:6; 13:19; Lk 17:26-32; Rom 1:20, 5:14; 1 Cor 15:22, 45-47; Col 1:16; 1 Tm 2:13; Heb 1:10, 9:4, 11:7; 1 Pt 3:20; 2 Pt 2:5,6; Jude 1:14, etc.).
The Renovaré “scholars” treat Israel as replaced by the church, consider the prophets as poets, deny that the Pentateuch was written by Moses, Isaiah by Isaiah, Daniel by Daniel, etc. But Jesus and the apostles treated all of the Bible as inspired of God (Mt 12:40, 42, 23:35; Lk 24:27, 44,45; Rom 15:4; 2 Tm 3:15-17; 2 Pt 1:19-21, etc.). Renovaré downplays the powerful Old Testament prophecies, which are the foundation of the faith and vital to the salvation of mankind—even denying that Isaiah 53 foretells Christ’s sufferings for our sins! The contributors, endorsers, and those who read this “Bible” need to fall on their faces and repent for their mockery of God’s Holy Word!
Christian publishers began to put profits ahead of sound doctrine, made a lot of money by giving readers what they wanted instead of the biblical truth they needed, then sold out to the world monetarily as they already had spiritually. Zondervan is now owned by Fox News and Rupert Murdoch, twice knighted by the past pope and a member of the Pontifical Order of St. Gregory the Great. He has consistently made TV shows aimed at destroying the family and pursues his godless ambitions through a vast empire, of which “Christian publishing” has become one part. Murdoch published The Purpose-Driven Life, and Rick Warren has claimed to be his pastor.1 We don’t have space to name other major “Christian” publishers who have also sold out to the world (see TBC Extra Page Aug ’06). It is too late to stop this trend now.
The Roman Catholic Church has been in apostasy for 1,300 years while persecuting and killing true Christians. It has never repented of this evil. Though it proclaims a false gospel of indulgences, Christ being sacrificed in a wafer over and over, and prayers to Mary and the “saints” for salvation, it is now enjoying the support of leading evangelicals in a way that would have shocked true Christians only 50 years ago. Those involved in this seduction of lost souls need to repent in deep sorrow.
Nearly 50 years ago, Billy Graham declared, “Anyone who makes a decision at our meetings is...referred to a local clergyman—Protestant, Catholic or Jewish.”2
For more than 50 years, Billy has affirmed Roman Catholicism as the true gospel and has sent Roman Catholics who come forward at his crusades back to the Catholic churches they had left. Billy praised John Paul II as a preacher of the true gospel3 and declared that he and the Pope agreed on almost everything. Yet John Paul II (as does his Church), looked to Mary instead of Christ for salvation. In his Last Will and Testament of March 6, 1979, he entrusted “that decisive moment [of death] to the Mother of Christ and of the Church [and] of my hope....” His Apostolic Letter of October 16, 2002, ended thus:
O Blessed Rosary of Mary...our comfort in the hour of death: yours our final kiss as life ebbs away...the last word from our lips will be your sweet name...O Refuge of Sinners....
Richard Land, president of the Southern Baptists’ Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, praised John Paul II’s “staunch defense of traditional Christian faith....”4 Pat Robertson enthused, “Pope John Paul II stands like a rock...in his clear enunciation of the foundational principles of the Christian faith.”5 Jack Van Impe hailed the Pope as a staunch defender of the faith and calls the Catechism of the Catholic Church biblical.
Billy Graham has praised Bishop Fulton Sheen as the “greatest communicator of the 20th century,”6 Though Sheen preached a false gospel, and his hope of heaven was that Mary would let him in because of his 40 pilgrimages to Marian shrines at Fatima and Lourdes,7
Graham expressed his gratitude to Sheen “for his ministry and his focus on Christ.”8 When Sheen died, Billy said, “I...look forward to our reunion in heaven.”9
J.I. Packer, a signatory to “Evangelicals and Catholics Together,” who called John Paul II “a fine Christian man,”10 had already many years ago declared, “Catholics are among the most loyal and virile brothers evangelicals can find these days.”11 As early as 1992, in The Body, Chuck Colson called for ecumenical union with Rome. Likewise John Stott has said, “Evangelicals should join...in working toward full communion with the Roman Catholic Church.”12 These men and many others need to repent for endorsing a false gospel that has led multitudes to hell.
There are so many false prophets on radio and TV (most of them on TBN) that we couldn’t begin to name them all. The most popular today is Benny Hinn, praised by evangelical leaders (including Jerry Falwell). Hinn’s false prophecies are too many to recite. One is enough: on December 31, 1989, claiming that he was in the very throne room of God, Hinn declared: “The Lord also tells me...about ’94 or ’95, no later than that, God will destroy the homosexual community of America...by fire....”13 It didn’t happen. Yet the more false prophecies he utters, the larger Hinn’s following grows and the louder do Paul Crouch and his TBN dupes praise him.
Robert Schuller said that if all of his descendants became Muslims, it would not bother him. Multitudes who call themselves Christians and are not have heaped to themselves false teachers who tell them what they want to hear.
Some of the worst heretics and practitioners of the occult, while claiming to be Christians, have gotten together in what they call the Chrysostom Society. It began with Richard Foster, Calvin Miller, and Karen Mains, joined later by Eugene Peterson. “They felt it was really important to just get together, write together, and believe in each other as practitioners of a craft to the glory of God.”14 It is a “craft,” all right.
Truth has been assassinated by political correctness, the gospel has fallen victim to “we must not offend other religions,” God is being mocked, and eternal souls are being robbed of the salvation that is only in Jesus Christ. That tragedy prevails in nearly all churches. Let us weep and repent for the church, for our country, for ourselves, and speak the truth in love. TBC
Endnotes
1. Marc Gunther, Fortune Magazine, October 31, 2005.
2. San Francisco News, November 11, 1957.
3. Saturday Evening Post, January/February 1980.
4. Adelle M. Banks, Religion News Service, April 11, 2005.
5. Pat Robertson, The Turning Tide (Word, 1993), 279.
6. Ad for Sheen Gems: The Best of Fulton J. Sheen video, vol 1-2, quoting Billy Graham.
7. The Woman I Love video (Clifton, NJ: Keep the Faith).
8. Billy Graham, Just As I Am: The Autobiography of Billy Graham (HarperSanFrancisco/Zondervan, 1997), 692-93.
9. Nashua Telegram, December 10, 1979.
10. Take Heed Ministries, Belfast Northern Ireland, March 1999.
11. Christianity Today, May 17, 1985.
12. Arthur Johnston, Battle for World Evangelism (Tyndale House Publishers, 1978), 328.
13. G. Richard Fisher and M. Kurt Goedelman, The Confusing World of Benny Hinn (St. Louis, MO: Personal Freedom Outreach, 2002), 199-200.
14. Mars Hill Review, 1995, “A Conversation with Eugene Peterson.”
How long halt ye between two opinions? If the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. (1 Ki 18:21)
More than 90 percent of Americans claim to believe in God. About 80 percent call themselves Christians. But when asked to define God, the answers range from “Mother Earth” to a “higher power.” Even many who claim to be born again deny that Jesus Christ is the “only way to God.” About 70 percent of Americans, 64 percent who call themselves born again, and 40 percent of self-proclaimed evangelicals reject the idea of absolute truth. And most of those who claim to believe in absolutes have fallen victims to a universal reluctance to speak the truth.
In a prophetic description of our day, God warned: “And judgment is turned away backward, and justice standeth afar off: for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter....And he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey: and the LORD saw it, and it displeased him...” (Is 59:14,15).
Even the church has forgotten that the God of the Bible is “the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob” (Ex 3:15,16, and 11 more times). No matter what one thinks of Jews, God chose them as a “special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth” (Dt 7:6), the “apple of His eye” (Dt 32:10; Lam 2:18; Zec 2:8). He gave them the land of Canaan “from the river of Egypt unto...the river Euphrates” (Gn 15:18) to be their “everlasting possession” (Gn 17:7,8;
1 Chr 16:16-18, etc.), promising that Israel’s latter end would be better than her beginning (Ezk 36:8-38; 37:21-28, etc.), and that she would never cease to be a nation (Jer 31:35,36). He declared that the land of Israel was His land never to be sold (Lv 25:23) and that all nations would be punished for dividing His land (Joel 3:2). This is God’s Word! World leaders (including professing Christians, President Bush and Condoleezza Rice) have openly defied God by dividing His land, giving most of it to Arabs who fraudulently call themselves “Palestinians,” claiming that Israel is occupying their land. In fact, they have stolen land God gave to Israel. (See Judgment Day.)
Forgotten is God’s promise to Abraham: “I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee; and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed” (Gn 12:3). Both the world and the church have spurned this promised blessing and are calling God’s curse upon themselves for their treatment of Israel! We call upon Western leaders and Muslims to repent of their atheism, false gods, and rebellion. God might then have mercy on today’s world as He did on Nineveh.
Like politicians, religious leaders, too, defy God. In 2002, D. James Kennedy, R.C. Sproul, and dozens of others declared that Israel has no special title to land in the Middle East, having been replaced by the church. They claimed that all of God’s “land promises specific to Israel in the Old Testament were fulfilled under Joshua.” One trembles at their defiance of God, who has said: “Behold, the days come...that they shall no more say, The LORD liveth, which brought up the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt; but, the LORD liveth, which led the seed of the house of Israel out of the north country, and from all countries whither I had driven them; and they shall dwell in their own land” (Jer 23:7,8).
The obvious fulfillment of such promises today (not in Joshua’s day) rebukes those who say that the church has replaced Israel! In the last 60 years, Jews have returned by the millions to Israel from more than 100 nations. Those who deny God’s promises to Israel for today need to repent!
It is shocking how many Christian organizations oppose Israel. We have exposed Bob Finley, Christian Aid Mission’s founder, with anti-Semitic revision of history, lies against Israel—even blaming her for Muslim terrorism and exonerating Islamic murderers of Israeli women and children. (See Q&A Jan ’03.) The Mennonite Central Committee, having worked in “Palestine” for more than 50 years, has nothing good to say about Israel, whom it condemns for its “occupation” of Palestine and for its “58-year-old denial of fundamental rights for nearly seven million Palestinian refugees”—a false accusation.
World Vision (WV) is one of the largest Christian relief and development organizations in the world, with a budget of $1 billion. WV helps “Palestinians” but not Israel, for whom it has nothing but criticism. Nearly 3,000 of its 22,500 staff don’t even pretend to be Christians. Many are Muslims. WV says, “They share our values.” What does that mean? Isn’t the gospel of Christ, which alone brings salvation, the greatest blessing WV could bring anywhere? But WV doesn’t share the gospel. How could it? Material aid is given, but neglected is Christ’s warning that to gain the whole world and lose one’s soul is to lose all! World Vision needs to repent or stop pretending to represent Christ.
Christians seem prone to jump on every folly invented by “science” for doomsayers and publicity-seekers. Christian leaders are joining the “global warming” hoax to support Gaia, or Mother Earth. Yet Earth was probably far warmer before the flood, when life flourished as never since; there was a Medieval Warm Period AD 800-1300; Earth has been both colder and warmer than now in the last 100 years; and as recently as 1940-1975, the warnings were all about the coming ice age.
A network of evangelical leaders recently issued an urgent warning about global warming titled, “Climate Change: An Evangelical Call to Action.” It was signed by more than 20 NAE board members and about 80 other Christian leaders, most of them heads of Christian colleges, denominations, or other organizations (among them Timothy George, Jack Hayford, Duane Litfin, Brian McLaren, David Neff, Ron Sider, Jim Wallis, Rick Warren, and Thomas Wang). It echoes Al Gore’s one-sided film, An Inconvenient Truth, widely refuted by climatologists. Those interested should read the speech delivered by Senator James Inhofe on the Senate floor September 25, 2006 (http://epw.senate.gov/speechitem.cfm?party=rep&id=263759).
Paul warned Timothy (and us today) that the faith would be opposed by false “science”: “avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: which some professing have erred concerning the faith” (1 Tm 6:20,21). The theories of local flood advocates and theistic evolutionists have invaded our Christian colleges, churches, and media. This is false “science” opposing God’s truth, and it has so much biblical and scientific evidence against it that supporters ought to be ashamed and repent.
The Bible states: “the mountains were covered...all in whose nostrils was the breath of life...died....Every living substance was destroyed which was upon the face of the ground” (Gn 7:20-23, etc.); “the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished” (2 Pt 3:6). Yet John Stott writes, “The flood seems to have been a comparatively local—though widespread—disaster,” and Billy Graham agrees.
Evolution has been thoroughly refuted by true science. (See In Six Days and In the Beginning in Resource Pages). Theistic evolution (“Progressive Creationism”) slanders God’s character by having Him use such a cruel, inefficient, and tedious method of “creation.” Yet Hugh Ross writes, “[M]y acceptance of Adam and Eve as historical is not incompatible with my belief that several forms of pre-Adamic ‘hominid’ seem to have existed for thousands of years previously....It is conceivable that God created Adam out of one of them....”
So Christ’s mother may have been descended from primal slime and soulless brutes as even John Ankerberg (like Graham and Dobson) apparently believes? The Bible declares that death entered the world through Adam’s sin (Rom 5:12), not through “natural selection,” which filled the earth with dead bodies before Adam “evolved.” Those who hold this wicked theory need to repent on their faces before the Creator!
We have previously referred to the Renovaré Spiritual Formation Bible, touted as “THE BIBLE AS IT WAS INTENDED TO BE” in a two-thirds-page ad in Christianity Today (Jul ’05), next to the masthead declaring that Billy Graham was the founder and J.I. Packer one of the Executive Editors. In its notes, 50 “biblical scholars” declare that the first 11 chapters of Genesis, foundational to the entire Bible, came from “Near Eastern religious narrative and mythology [and] were reshaped with monotheistic intent”! Yet Jesus and the apostles referred to Adam and Eve, the creation, and the flood as historical (Mt 19:4, 24:38; Mk 10:6; 13:19; Lk 17:26-32; Rom 1:20, 5:14; 1 Cor 15:22, 45-47; Col 1:16; 1 Tm 2:13; Heb 1:10, 9:4, 11:7; 1 Pt 3:20; 2 Pt 2:5,6; Jude 1:14, etc.).
The Renovaré “scholars” treat Israel as replaced by the church, consider the prophets as poets, deny that the Pentateuch was written by Moses, Isaiah by Isaiah, Daniel by Daniel, etc. But Jesus and the apostles treated all of the Bible as inspired of God (Mt 12:40, 42, 23:35; Lk 24:27, 44,45; Rom 15:4; 2 Tm 3:15-17; 2 Pt 1:19-21, etc.). Renovaré downplays the powerful Old Testament prophecies, which are the foundation of the faith and vital to the salvation of mankind—even denying that Isaiah 53 foretells Christ’s sufferings for our sins! The contributors, endorsers, and those who read this “Bible” need to fall on their faces and repent for their mockery of God’s Holy Word!
Christian publishers began to put profits ahead of sound doctrine, made a lot of money by giving readers what they wanted instead of the biblical truth they needed, then sold out to the world monetarily as they already had spiritually. Zondervan is now owned by Fox News and Rupert Murdoch, twice knighted by the past pope and a member of the Pontifical Order of St. Gregory the Great. He has consistently made TV shows aimed at destroying the family and pursues his godless ambitions through a vast empire, of which “Christian publishing” has become one part. Murdoch published The Purpose-Driven Life, and Rick Warren has claimed to be his pastor.1 We don’t have space to name other major “Christian” publishers who have also sold out to the world (see TBC Extra Page Aug ’06). It is too late to stop this trend now.
The Roman Catholic Church has been in apostasy for 1,300 years while persecuting and killing true Christians. It has never repented of this evil. Though it proclaims a false gospel of indulgences, Christ being sacrificed in a wafer over and over, and prayers to Mary and the “saints” for salvation, it is now enjoying the support of leading evangelicals in a way that would have shocked true Christians only 50 years ago. Those involved in this seduction of lost souls need to repent in deep sorrow.
Nearly 50 years ago, Billy Graham declared, “Anyone who makes a decision at our meetings is...referred to a local clergyman—Protestant, Catholic or Jewish.”2
For more than 50 years, Billy has affirmed Roman Catholicism as the true gospel and has sent Roman Catholics who come forward at his crusades back to the Catholic churches they had left. Billy praised John Paul II as a preacher of the true gospel3 and declared that he and the Pope agreed on almost everything. Yet John Paul II (as does his Church), looked to Mary instead of Christ for salvation. In his Last Will and Testament of March 6, 1979, he entrusted “that decisive moment [of death] to the Mother of Christ and of the Church [and] of my hope....” His Apostolic Letter of October 16, 2002, ended thus:
O Blessed Rosary of Mary...our comfort in the hour of death: yours our final kiss as life ebbs away...the last word from our lips will be your sweet name...O Refuge of Sinners....
Richard Land, president of the Southern Baptists’ Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, praised John Paul II’s “staunch defense of traditional Christian faith....”4 Pat Robertson enthused, “Pope John Paul II stands like a rock...in his clear enunciation of the foundational principles of the Christian faith.”5 Jack Van Impe hailed the Pope as a staunch defender of the faith and calls the Catechism of the Catholic Church biblical.
Billy Graham has praised Bishop Fulton Sheen as the “greatest communicator of the 20th century,”6 Though Sheen preached a false gospel, and his hope of heaven was that Mary would let him in because of his 40 pilgrimages to Marian shrines at Fatima and Lourdes,7
Graham expressed his gratitude to Sheen “for his ministry and his focus on Christ.”8 When Sheen died, Billy said, “I...look forward to our reunion in heaven.”9
J.I. Packer, a signatory to “Evangelicals and Catholics Together,” who called John Paul II “a fine Christian man,”10 had already many years ago declared, “Catholics are among the most loyal and virile brothers evangelicals can find these days.”11 As early as 1992, in The Body, Chuck Colson called for ecumenical union with Rome. Likewise John Stott has said, “Evangelicals should join...in working toward full communion with the Roman Catholic Church.”12 These men and many others need to repent for endorsing a false gospel that has led multitudes to hell.
There are so many false prophets on radio and TV (most of them on TBN) that we couldn’t begin to name them all. The most popular today is Benny Hinn, praised by evangelical leaders (including Jerry Falwell). Hinn’s false prophecies are too many to recite. One is enough: on December 31, 1989, claiming that he was in the very throne room of God, Hinn declared: “The Lord also tells me...about ’94 or ’95, no later than that, God will destroy the homosexual community of America...by fire....”13 It didn’t happen. Yet the more false prophecies he utters, the larger Hinn’s following grows and the louder do Paul Crouch and his TBN dupes praise him.
Robert Schuller said that if all of his descendants became Muslims, it would not bother him. Multitudes who call themselves Christians and are not have heaped to themselves false teachers who tell them what they want to hear.
Some of the worst heretics and practitioners of the occult, while claiming to be Christians, have gotten together in what they call the Chrysostom Society. It began with Richard Foster, Calvin Miller, and Karen Mains, joined later by Eugene Peterson. “They felt it was really important to just get together, write together, and believe in each other as practitioners of a craft to the glory of God.”14 It is a “craft,” all right.
Truth has been assassinated by political correctness, the gospel has fallen victim to “we must not offend other religions,” God is being mocked, and eternal souls are being robbed of the salvation that is only in Jesus Christ. That tragedy prevails in nearly all churches. Let us weep and repent for the church, for our country, for ourselves, and speak the truth in love. TBC
Endnotes
1. Marc Gunther, Fortune Magazine, October 31, 2005.
2. San Francisco News, November 11, 1957.
3. Saturday Evening Post, January/February 1980.
4. Adelle M. Banks, Religion News Service, April 11, 2005.
5. Pat Robertson, The Turning Tide (Word, 1993), 279.
6. Ad for Sheen Gems: The Best of Fulton J. Sheen video, vol 1-2, quoting Billy Graham.
7. The Woman I Love video (Clifton, NJ: Keep the Faith).
8. Billy Graham, Just As I Am: The Autobiography of Billy Graham (HarperSanFrancisco/Zondervan, 1997), 692-93.
9. Nashua Telegram, December 10, 1979.
10. Take Heed Ministries, Belfast Northern Ireland, March 1999.
11. Christianity Today, May 17, 1985.
12. Arthur Johnston, Battle for World Evangelism (Tyndale House Publishers, 1978), 328.
13. G. Richard Fisher and M. Kurt Goedelman, The Confusing World of Benny Hinn (St. Louis, MO: Personal Freedom Outreach, 2002), 199-200.
14. Mars Hill Review, 1995, “A Conversation with Eugene Peterson.”
Arab Parade Of Shame
Imagine a giant march in Jerusalem led by Avigdor Lieberman, alongside his faction members, various religious clerics, and settlers – a proud Israeli public; determined masses. Now, imagine the outcry across the country had Lieberman uttered statements such as "We'll be stepping all over MK Ahmed Tibi", "We'll be meeting MK Sarsur below the ground."…imagine what band of hypocrites would have emerged and screamed out.
Amir Peretz would have called for promptly indicting Lieberman and would even threaten to dismantle the coalition. Zahava Gal-On would have submitted to interviews with any available media and called for banning the Israel Our Home party. The country would have been in turmoil for many days, and sensitive social groups would have organized huge left-wing protests, submitted complaints, and demanded an incisive investigation, with Lieberman's head on a platter the only conclusion that would have calmed all the harsh critics.
Of course, the scenario I just described never happened. The opposite is true. Last weekend, a group of Israel haters, people who seek to wipe Israel off the map and the sooner the better, marched in a giant parade. This group was led by none other than "friend of Israel" Sheikh Raad Salah, known for his great "affection" to the country. Along with him we saw Arab-Israeli Knesset members who earn NIS 32,000 (roughly USD 7,000) per month, funded by the Israeli taxpayer.
Treat Salah like a Jew
The picture was lovely, no doubt, pastoral even. Everyone came together, held each other's arms, and with fantastic coordination listened to Salah's call for eliminating Lieberman.
And make no mistake about it, there is no other interpretation to the words uttered there: "We had thousands of Liebermans – and they disappeared. They're lying below the ground. Beit Hanoun will become your cemetery." Those were the words uttered, with great enthusiasm, before thousands of marchers including a large number of Muslim fanatics who would gladly translate the slogans and threats to deeds.
Where are all the bleeding hearts now, I wonder? How is it that the defense minister went silent, and what about the noble nature of MK Galon? None of them saw fit to speak up and condemn those harsh words, uttered in that pathetic, hate-filled parade.
There were days where officials in the State of Israel would treat harsh incitement severely, and arrest any person who dared say something against late prime minister Rabin or who threatened to kill Arik Sharon. Legal officials would immediately utilize the incitement clause in the law or the one about murder threats, and that person would spend a long time undergoing interrogations and under arrest. And rightfully so. The Israeli Left knows how to condemn, attack, and incite against Jewish settlers whoever they may be.
Yet when it comes to the Arab-Israeli public, those same legal bodies are cautious, moderate, and considerate. They claim that the Arab community is deprived and that not enough has been done for this sector. Are the ministerial committees on Arab affairs not enough? The total disregard to illegal construction? The forgiveness displayed by the attorney general in the face of visits and meetings of Arab Knesset members in enemy countries?
It should be clear beyond any doubt: The marches and protests by Raad Salah and his gang constitute a grave danger to the State of Israel. The law should treat Arab MKs as it does Israelis who meet with the enemy in a hostile country. Salah should be treated under the law just like any Jew detained over suspicions of incitement and threats. There are cases where there's no room for Left or Right; any Israeli with just little sense of patriotism must stand by Lieberman and condemn this parade of shame.
The writer is a former Israel Police Major General and a Knesset member on behalf of Israel Our Home.
Gamla
11.23.2006
Amir Peretz would have called for promptly indicting Lieberman and would even threaten to dismantle the coalition. Zahava Gal-On would have submitted to interviews with any available media and called for banning the Israel Our Home party. The country would have been in turmoil for many days, and sensitive social groups would have organized huge left-wing protests, submitted complaints, and demanded an incisive investigation, with Lieberman's head on a platter the only conclusion that would have calmed all the harsh critics.
Of course, the scenario I just described never happened. The opposite is true. Last weekend, a group of Israel haters, people who seek to wipe Israel off the map and the sooner the better, marched in a giant parade. This group was led by none other than "friend of Israel" Sheikh Raad Salah, known for his great "affection" to the country. Along with him we saw Arab-Israeli Knesset members who earn NIS 32,000 (roughly USD 7,000) per month, funded by the Israeli taxpayer.
Treat Salah like a Jew
The picture was lovely, no doubt, pastoral even. Everyone came together, held each other's arms, and with fantastic coordination listened to Salah's call for eliminating Lieberman.
And make no mistake about it, there is no other interpretation to the words uttered there: "We had thousands of Liebermans – and they disappeared. They're lying below the ground. Beit Hanoun will become your cemetery." Those were the words uttered, with great enthusiasm, before thousands of marchers including a large number of Muslim fanatics who would gladly translate the slogans and threats to deeds.
Where are all the bleeding hearts now, I wonder? How is it that the defense minister went silent, and what about the noble nature of MK Galon? None of them saw fit to speak up and condemn those harsh words, uttered in that pathetic, hate-filled parade.
There were days where officials in the State of Israel would treat harsh incitement severely, and arrest any person who dared say something against late prime minister Rabin or who threatened to kill Arik Sharon. Legal officials would immediately utilize the incitement clause in the law or the one about murder threats, and that person would spend a long time undergoing interrogations and under arrest. And rightfully so. The Israeli Left knows how to condemn, attack, and incite against Jewish settlers whoever they may be.
Yet when it comes to the Arab-Israeli public, those same legal bodies are cautious, moderate, and considerate. They claim that the Arab community is deprived and that not enough has been done for this sector. Are the ministerial committees on Arab affairs not enough? The total disregard to illegal construction? The forgiveness displayed by the attorney general in the face of visits and meetings of Arab Knesset members in enemy countries?
It should be clear beyond any doubt: The marches and protests by Raad Salah and his gang constitute a grave danger to the State of Israel. The law should treat Arab MKs as it does Israelis who meet with the enemy in a hostile country. Salah should be treated under the law just like any Jew detained over suspicions of incitement and threats. There are cases where there's no room for Left or Right; any Israeli with just little sense of patriotism must stand by Lieberman and condemn this parade of shame.
The writer is a former Israel Police Major General and a Knesset member on behalf of Israel Our Home.
Gamla
11.23.2006
Arab Parade Of Shame
Imagine a giant march in Jerusalem led by Avigdor Lieberman, alongside his faction members, various religious clerics, and settlers – a proud Israeli public; determined masses. Now, imagine the outcry across the country had Lieberman uttered statements such as "We'll be stepping all over MK Ahmed Tibi", "We'll be meeting MK Sarsur below the ground."…imagine what band of hypocrites would have emerged and screamed out.
Amir Peretz would have called for promptly indicting Lieberman and would even threaten to dismantle the coalition. Zahava Gal-On would have submitted to interviews with any available media and called for banning the Israel Our Home party. The country would have been in turmoil for many days, and sensitive social groups would have organized huge left-wing protests, submitted complaints, and demanded an incisive investigation, with Lieberman's head on a platter the only conclusion that would have calmed all the harsh critics.
Of course, the scenario I just described never happened. The opposite is true. Last weekend, a group of Israel haters, people who seek to wipe Israel off the map and the sooner the better, marched in a giant parade. This group was led by none other than "friend of Israel" Sheikh Raad Salah, known for his great "affection" to the country. Along with him we saw Arab-Israeli Knesset members who earn NIS 32,000 (roughly USD 7,000) per month, funded by the Israeli taxpayer.
Treat Salah like a Jew
The picture was lovely, no doubt, pastoral even. Everyone came together, held each other's arms, and with fantastic coordination listened to Salah's call for eliminating Lieberman.
And make no mistake about it, there is no other interpretation to the words uttered there: "We had thousands of Liebermans – and they disappeared. They're lying below the ground. Beit Hanoun will become your cemetery." Those were the words uttered, with great enthusiasm, before thousands of marchers including a large number of Muslim fanatics who would gladly translate the slogans and threats to deeds.
Where are all the bleeding hearts now, I wonder? How is it that the defense minister went silent, and what about the noble nature of MK Galon? None of them saw fit to speak up and condemn those harsh words, uttered in that pathetic, hate-filled parade.
There were days where officials in the State of Israel would treat harsh incitement severely, and arrest any person who dared say something against late prime minister Rabin or who threatened to kill Arik Sharon. Legal officials would immediately utilize the incitement clause in the law or the one about murder threats, and that person would spend a long time undergoing interrogations and under arrest. And rightfully so. The Israeli Left knows how to condemn, attack, and incite against Jewish settlers whoever they may be.
Yet when it comes to the Arab-Israeli public, those same legal bodies are cautious, moderate, and considerate. They claim that the Arab community is deprived and that not enough has been done for this sector. Are the ministerial committees on Arab affairs not enough? The total disregard to illegal construction? The forgiveness displayed by the attorney general in the face of visits and meetings of Arab Knesset members in enemy countries?
It should be clear beyond any doubt: The marches and protests by Raad Salah and his gang constitute a grave danger to the State of Israel. The law should treat Arab MKs as it does Israelis who meet with the enemy in a hostile country. Salah should be treated under the law just like any Jew detained over suspicions of incitement and threats. There are cases where there's no room for Left or Right; any Israeli with just little sense of patriotism must stand by Lieberman and condemn this parade of shame.
The writer is a former Israel Police Major General and a Knesset member on behalf of Israel Our Home.
Gamla
11.23.2006
Amir Peretz would have called for promptly indicting Lieberman and would even threaten to dismantle the coalition. Zahava Gal-On would have submitted to interviews with any available media and called for banning the Israel Our Home party. The country would have been in turmoil for many days, and sensitive social groups would have organized huge left-wing protests, submitted complaints, and demanded an incisive investigation, with Lieberman's head on a platter the only conclusion that would have calmed all the harsh critics.
Of course, the scenario I just described never happened. The opposite is true. Last weekend, a group of Israel haters, people who seek to wipe Israel off the map and the sooner the better, marched in a giant parade. This group was led by none other than "friend of Israel" Sheikh Raad Salah, known for his great "affection" to the country. Along with him we saw Arab-Israeli Knesset members who earn NIS 32,000 (roughly USD 7,000) per month, funded by the Israeli taxpayer.
Treat Salah like a Jew
The picture was lovely, no doubt, pastoral even. Everyone came together, held each other's arms, and with fantastic coordination listened to Salah's call for eliminating Lieberman.
And make no mistake about it, there is no other interpretation to the words uttered there: "We had thousands of Liebermans – and they disappeared. They're lying below the ground. Beit Hanoun will become your cemetery." Those were the words uttered, with great enthusiasm, before thousands of marchers including a large number of Muslim fanatics who would gladly translate the slogans and threats to deeds.
Where are all the bleeding hearts now, I wonder? How is it that the defense minister went silent, and what about the noble nature of MK Galon? None of them saw fit to speak up and condemn those harsh words, uttered in that pathetic, hate-filled parade.
There were days where officials in the State of Israel would treat harsh incitement severely, and arrest any person who dared say something against late prime minister Rabin or who threatened to kill Arik Sharon. Legal officials would immediately utilize the incitement clause in the law or the one about murder threats, and that person would spend a long time undergoing interrogations and under arrest. And rightfully so. The Israeli Left knows how to condemn, attack, and incite against Jewish settlers whoever they may be.
Yet when it comes to the Arab-Israeli public, those same legal bodies are cautious, moderate, and considerate. They claim that the Arab community is deprived and that not enough has been done for this sector. Are the ministerial committees on Arab affairs not enough? The total disregard to illegal construction? The forgiveness displayed by the attorney general in the face of visits and meetings of Arab Knesset members in enemy countries?
It should be clear beyond any doubt: The marches and protests by Raad Salah and his gang constitute a grave danger to the State of Israel. The law should treat Arab MKs as it does Israelis who meet with the enemy in a hostile country. Salah should be treated under the law just like any Jew detained over suspicions of incitement and threats. There are cases where there's no room for Left or Right; any Israeli with just little sense of patriotism must stand by Lieberman and condemn this parade of shame.
The writer is a former Israel Police Major General and a Knesset member on behalf of Israel Our Home.
Gamla
11.23.2006
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Members Of A ´Lost Tribe of Israel´ Return to Zion
Tel Aviv's Ben-Gurion Airport was the setting for an emotional homecoming Tuesday morning, when the first planeload of 51 Bnei Menashe immigrants arrived here on an El Al flight from Bombay.
The Jewish Agency, headed by Ze'ev Bielski, will oversee the community's arrival in the Jewish state, as well as various aspects of its absorption in the country. The newcomers are moving into absorption centers in the northern Israeli towns of Karmiel and Upper Nazareth. The youngest of the Bnei Menashe immigrants who arrived today is a two-week-old infant, while the oldest is an 84-year-old grandmother.
Welcome!
A sub-group of the Shinlung tribe, who reside in the northeastern Indian states of Mizoram and Manipur, near the border with Burma and Bangladesh, the Bnei Menashe claim descent from the tribe of Menashe (Manasseh), one of the Ten Lost Tribes of Israel exiled by the Assyrians over 2,700 years ago. A legendary ancestor of theirs, known variously as Manmasi, Manasseh or Menasia, is identified among the Bnei Menashe as the Biblical Manasseh son of Joseph. In addition, the community has several traditions strongly indicative of Israelite origins.
Last year, at the initiative of the Jerusalem-based Shavei Israel organization, Sephardic Chief Rabbi Shlomo Amar formally recognized the Bnei Menashe as "descendants of Israel," and later sent a rabbinical court to India to oversee their process of return to the Jewish people. The court formally converted 218 Bnei Menashe back to Judaism, including those who arrived in Israel this morning. The remainder will be making Aliyah (immigrating) in the coming days, making it the largest group of Bnei Menashe ever to come to Israel at once. While ensuring the right of any Indian citizen to emigrate freely, and while recognizing the Bnei Menashe as Jews, Indian authorities expressed opposition to the mass conversion carried out in their territory.
Over the past decade, nearly 1,000 members of the community have moved to Israel, thanks largely to the efforts of Shavei Israel. Up until three years ago, a total of 100 Bnei Menashe were allowed to come to Israel each year as tourists, where they would study towards conversion before obtaining Israeli citizenship. But in June 2003, then-Interior Minister Avraham Poraz, of the radically secularist Shinui party, decided to freeze the Bnei Menashe Aliyah. Minister Poraz's move prompted Shavei Israel Chairman Michael Freund to turn to Israel's Chief Rabbinate, thereby paving the way for the group's return.
Another 7,000 Bnei Menashe remain in India, awaiting permission from the Israeli government to move here, but Freund is optimistic that they too will eventually be allowed to come.
"It was an incredibly moving experience," Freund said, having spent the Sabbath with the group in Bombay and accompanied the immigrants on the flight to Israel this morning. "After so many years of obstacles and impediments, we are at last witnessing the resumption of the Bnei Menashe's return to their ancestral homeland, the Land of Israel. The Aliyah of the Bnei Menashe is nothing less than a miracle," said Freund. "No human being can stand in the way of the Divine plan for Israel, and however bleak things might appear to be, we can take comfort in the fact that the return of the Jewish people from the four corners of the Earth continues to unfold."
Arutz Sheva
11.22.2006
The Jewish Agency, headed by Ze'ev Bielski, will oversee the community's arrival in the Jewish state, as well as various aspects of its absorption in the country. The newcomers are moving into absorption centers in the northern Israeli towns of Karmiel and Upper Nazareth. The youngest of the Bnei Menashe immigrants who arrived today is a two-week-old infant, while the oldest is an 84-year-old grandmother.
Welcome!
A sub-group of the Shinlung tribe, who reside in the northeastern Indian states of Mizoram and Manipur, near the border with Burma and Bangladesh, the Bnei Menashe claim descent from the tribe of Menashe (Manasseh), one of the Ten Lost Tribes of Israel exiled by the Assyrians over 2,700 years ago. A legendary ancestor of theirs, known variously as Manmasi, Manasseh or Menasia, is identified among the Bnei Menashe as the Biblical Manasseh son of Joseph. In addition, the community has several traditions strongly indicative of Israelite origins.
Last year, at the initiative of the Jerusalem-based Shavei Israel organization, Sephardic Chief Rabbi Shlomo Amar formally recognized the Bnei Menashe as "descendants of Israel," and later sent a rabbinical court to India to oversee their process of return to the Jewish people. The court formally converted 218 Bnei Menashe back to Judaism, including those who arrived in Israel this morning. The remainder will be making Aliyah (immigrating) in the coming days, making it the largest group of Bnei Menashe ever to come to Israel at once. While ensuring the right of any Indian citizen to emigrate freely, and while recognizing the Bnei Menashe as Jews, Indian authorities expressed opposition to the mass conversion carried out in their territory.
Over the past decade, nearly 1,000 members of the community have moved to Israel, thanks largely to the efforts of Shavei Israel. Up until three years ago, a total of 100 Bnei Menashe were allowed to come to Israel each year as tourists, where they would study towards conversion before obtaining Israeli citizenship. But in June 2003, then-Interior Minister Avraham Poraz, of the radically secularist Shinui party, decided to freeze the Bnei Menashe Aliyah. Minister Poraz's move prompted Shavei Israel Chairman Michael Freund to turn to Israel's Chief Rabbinate, thereby paving the way for the group's return.
Another 7,000 Bnei Menashe remain in India, awaiting permission from the Israeli government to move here, but Freund is optimistic that they too will eventually be allowed to come.
"It was an incredibly moving experience," Freund said, having spent the Sabbath with the group in Bombay and accompanied the immigrants on the flight to Israel this morning. "After so many years of obstacles and impediments, we are at last witnessing the resumption of the Bnei Menashe's return to their ancestral homeland, the Land of Israel. The Aliyah of the Bnei Menashe is nothing less than a miracle," said Freund. "No human being can stand in the way of the Divine plan for Israel, and however bleak things might appear to be, we can take comfort in the fact that the return of the Jewish people from the four corners of the Earth continues to unfold."
Arutz Sheva
11.22.2006
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Police Foil Planned Terror Attack On El Al Plane
Six people were under investigation in Germany on Monday over an alleged terrorist plot to blow up an El Al aircraft.
The six, as well as other people who have not yet been identified, are believed to have begun preparations for an attack on behalf of "so far unknown" terrorist backers, federal prosecutors said in a statement.
Several of the accused approached a person with security clearance at an unidentified airport last summer, the statement said. That person agreed to smuggle a case or bag containing explosives onto a plane in an exchange for an unspecified payment, it added.
Prosecutors said some of the accused then contacted the plot's alleged backers, but were unable to agree on the value of the promised reward.
A security official, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to comment on the matter, said the plot was centered on the Frankfurt airport and the intention apparently was to attack a plane belonging to El Al.
An El Al spokeswoman in Israel declined to comment.
Three of the suspects were apprehended in Hesse state, where the airport is located, the official said.
The six, who could face charges of belonging to or supporting a terrorist organization, were temporarily detained on Friday, but five of them were released Saturday after questioning. The remaining suspect was kept in custody over an unrelated matter.
Under German law, authorities must release suspects after a maximum of 48 hours unless they have enough evidence to convince a judge that they can be held in long-term investigative custody.
Prosecutors would not elaborate on the circumstances of the ongoing case, nor give any more details about the suspects.
They said nine apartments were searched in Hesse and the neighboring state of Rhineland-Palatinate.
Police agencies from both states, as well as German federal police, Frankfurt airport police and Frankfurt's city police all refused comment, referring questions to the federal prosecutors.
Interior Ministry spokesman Stefan Kaller declined to comment on details of the alleged plot, its timing, what specific airport was involved or why the suspects were released, pointing to the ongoing investigation.
"This case is encouraging in that our security authorities are clearly very observant, get very close to possible (terrorist) structures and, at least so far, have succeeded in intervening early enough," Kaller told reporters.
Jerusalem Post
11.21.2006
The six, as well as other people who have not yet been identified, are believed to have begun preparations for an attack on behalf of "so far unknown" terrorist backers, federal prosecutors said in a statement.
Several of the accused approached a person with security clearance at an unidentified airport last summer, the statement said. That person agreed to smuggle a case or bag containing explosives onto a plane in an exchange for an unspecified payment, it added.
Prosecutors said some of the accused then contacted the plot's alleged backers, but were unable to agree on the value of the promised reward.
A security official, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to comment on the matter, said the plot was centered on the Frankfurt airport and the intention apparently was to attack a plane belonging to El Al.
An El Al spokeswoman in Israel declined to comment.
Three of the suspects were apprehended in Hesse state, where the airport is located, the official said.
The six, who could face charges of belonging to or supporting a terrorist organization, were temporarily detained on Friday, but five of them were released Saturday after questioning. The remaining suspect was kept in custody over an unrelated matter.
Under German law, authorities must release suspects after a maximum of 48 hours unless they have enough evidence to convince a judge that they can be held in long-term investigative custody.
Prosecutors would not elaborate on the circumstances of the ongoing case, nor give any more details about the suspects.
They said nine apartments were searched in Hesse and the neighboring state of Rhineland-Palatinate.
Police agencies from both states, as well as German federal police, Frankfurt airport police and Frankfurt's city police all refused comment, referring questions to the federal prosecutors.
Interior Ministry spokesman Stefan Kaller declined to comment on details of the alleged plot, its timing, what specific airport was involved or why the suspects were released, pointing to the ongoing investigation.
"This case is encouraging in that our security authorities are clearly very observant, get very close to possible (terrorist) structures and, at least so far, have succeeded in intervening early enough," Kaller told reporters.
Jerusalem Post
11.21.2006
Monday, November 20, 2006
Holocaust Archive To Be Released By Red Cross
The 21-year-old Russian sat before a clerk of the U.S. Army Judge Advocate's office, describing the furnaces at Auschwitz, the Nazi death camp where he had been a prisoner until a few weeks previously.
"I saw with my own eyes how thousands of Jews were gassed daily and thrown by the hundreds into pits where Jews were burning," he said.
"I saw how little children were killed with sticks and thrown into the fire," he continued. Blood flowed in gutters, and "Jews were thrown in and died there"; more were taken off trucks and cast alive into the flames.
Today the Holocaust is known in dense and painful detail. Yet the young Russian's words leap off the faded, onionskin page with a rawness that transports the reader back to April 1945, when World War II was still raging and the world still knew little about gas chambers, genocide and the Final Solution.
The two pages of testimony, in a file randomly plucked off a shelf, are among millions of documents held by the International Tracing Service, or ITS, an arm of the International Committee of the Red Cross.
This vast archive -- 16 miles (26 kilometers) of files in six nondescript buildings in a German spa town -- contains the fullest records of Nazi persecutions in existence. But because of concerns about the victims' privacy, the ITS has kept the files closed to the public for half a century, doling out information in minimal amounts to survivors or their descendants on a strict need-to-know basis.
This policy, which has generated much ill-feeling among Holocaust survivors and researchers, is about to change.
In May, after years of pressure from the United States and survivors' groups, the 11 countries overseeing the archive agreed to unseal the files for scholars as well as victims and their families. In recent weeks the ITS' interim director, Jean-Luc Blondel, has been to Washington, The Hague and to the Buchenwald memorial with a new message of cooperation with other Holocaust institutions and governments.
ITS has allowed Paul Shapiro, of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, to look at the files and has also given The Associated Press extensive access on condition no names from the files are revealed unless they have been identified in other sources.
"This is powerful stuff," said Shapiro, leafing through the file containing the Russian's statement and some 200 other testimonies that take the reader into the belly of Hitler's death machine -- its camps, inmates, commandants, executioners and trusted inmates used as low-level guards and known as kapos.
"If you sat here for a day and read these files, you'd get a picture of what it was really like in the camps, how people were treated. Look -- names and names of kapos, guards -- the little perpetrators," he said.
Moved to this town in central Germany after the war, the files occupy a former barracks of the Waffen-SS, the Nazi Party's elite force. They are stored in long corridors of drab cabinets and neatly stenciled binders packed into floor-to-ceiling metal shelves. Their index cards alone fill three large rooms.
Mandated to trace missing persons and help families reunite, ITS has allowed few people through its doors, and has responded to requests for information on wartime victims with minimal data, even when its files could have told more.
It may take a year or more for the files to open fully. Until then, access remains tightly restricted. "We will be ready any time. We would open them today, if we had the go-ahead," said Blondel.
When the archive is finally available, researchers will have their first chance to see a unique collection of documents on concentration camps, slave labor camps and displaced persons. From toneless lists and heartrending testimony, a skilled historian may be able to stitch together a new perspective on the 20th century's darkest years from the viewpoint of its millions of victims.
"The overall story is pretty well established, but many details will be filled in," said Yehuda Bauer, professor of Holocaust Studies at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
"There is a great deal of very interesting material on a very large number of concentration camps that we really don't know much about," he said. "It may contain surprises. We don't know. It has material that nobody's ever seen."
A visitor to the archive comes into direct contact with the bureaucracy of mass murder.
In a bound ledger with frayed binding, a copy of a list of names appears of Jews rounded up in Holland and transported to the death camps. Buried among the names is "Frank, Annelise M," her date of birth (June 12, 1929), Amsterdam address before she went into hiding (Merwerdeplein 37) and the date she was sent to a concentration camp (Sept. 3, 1944).
Frank, Annelise M. is Anne Frank.
She was on one of the last trains to Germany before the Nazi occupation of Holland crumbled. Six months later, aged 15, she died an anonymous death, one of some 35,000 casualties of typhus that ravaged the Bergen-Belsen camp. After the war, "The Diary of Anne Frank," written during her 25 months hiding in a tiny apartment with seven others, would become the most widely read book ever written on the Holocaust.
But most of the lives recorded in Bad Arolsen are known to none but their families.
They are people like Cornelis Marinus Brouwenstijn, a Dutchman who vanished into the Nazi gulag at age 22 for illegally possessing a radio. In a plain manila envelope are his photo, a wallet, some snapshots, and a naughty typewritten joke about women in the army.
After the war, his family repeatedly wrote to the Red Cross asking about him. In 1949, his parents received a terse form letter saying he died sometime between April 19 and May 3, 1945, in the area of a German labor camp. The personal effects, however, remained in Bad Arolsen, and with the family long deceased, there is no one left to apply for their return.
To critics who accuse them of being tightfisted with their information, the Red Cross and ITS counter that they have to abide by German privacy laws and protect the reputations of victims whether alive or dead. They say the files may contain unsubstantiated allegations against victims, and that opening up to researchers would distract ITS from its main task of providing documentation to survivors or victims' relatives.
One area of study that will benefit from the ITS files is the "Lebensborn" program, in which children deemed to have the "proper genes" were adopted or even kidnapped to propagate the Aryan master race of Hitler's dreams.
Another subject is the sheer scope of the Holocaust system. The files will support new research from other sources showing that the network of concentration camps, ghettos and labor camps was nearly three times more extensive than previously thought.
Postwar historians estimated about 5,000 to 7,000 detention sites. But after the Cold War ended, records began pouring out of the former communist nations of East Europe. More sites were disclosed in the last six years in claims by 1.6 million people for slave labor reparations from a $6.6 billion (?5.2 billion) fund financed by the German government and some 3,000 industries.
"We have identified somewhere in the neighborhood of 20,000 camps and ghettos of various categories," said Geoffrey Megargee of the Holocaust Museum in Washington, who is compiling a seven-volume encyclopedia of these detention centers.
The archive has some 3.4 million files of DPs -- Displaced Persons. They include names such as John Demjanjuk and Viorel Trifa, who immigrated to the United States and later became internationally known because their role in the Holocaust came into question.
Between 1933 to 1945, the Nazi persecution grew to assembly-line proportions, slaughtering 6 million Jews and an equal number of Gypsies, homosexuals, mental patients, political prisoners and other "undesirables." Tens of millions were conscripted as forced laborers.
To operate history's greatest slaughter, the Nazis created a bureaucracy that meticulously recorded the arrest, movement and death of each victim. Sometimes even the lice plucked from heads in concentration camps were counted.
But as the pace of genocide stepped up, unknown numbers were marched directly from trains to gas chambers without being registered. In the war's final months, the bookkeeping collapsed, though the extermination continued.
What documents survived Nazi attempts to destroy them were collected by the Allies to help people find missing relatives. The first documents were sent in 1946 to Bad Arolsen, and the administration was handed over to the Red Cross in 1955.
Some 50 million pages -- scraps of paper, transport lists, registration books, labor documents, medical and death registers -- make reference to 17.5 million individuals caught up in the machinery of persecution, displacement and death.
Over the years, the International Tracing Service has answered 11 million requests to locate family members or provide certificates supporting pension claims or reparations. It says it has a 56 percent rate of success in tracing the requested name.
But the workload has been overwhelming. Two years ago it had a backlog of nearly half a million unanswered queries. Director Blondel says the number was whittled down to 155,000 this summer and will disappear by the spring of 2008. New queries have slowed to just 700 a month.
One of ITS' critics is Sabine Stein, archivist at the Buchenwald concentration camp 150 miles (240 kilometers) from Bad Arolsen. She says the archive's refusal to share its files has caused heartbreak to countless survivors and their descendants.
For instance, in 1989, Emilia Janikowska asked ITS to trace her father, Ludwig Kaminski, a coal miner from Poland who was never heard from again after his arrest in 1939. It took more than three years to send her a standard form reporting Kaminski had died in Buchenwald Dec. 1, 1939.
But there was more she could have been told.
Documents copied by the U.S. Army before they went to Bad Arolsen, which were seen by AP at Buchenwald, include mention of Kaminski. They say he was prisoner No. 8578, that he had arrived in Buchenwald six weeks earlier with 600 other Poles and had been placed in Camp 2. The known history of Buchenwald says Camp 2 was a wooden barracks and four big tents, jammed with 1,000 Poles and Vienna Jews. Dozens of inmates died from the cold that winter. The cause of Kaminski's death was pneumonia.
No one ever told his daughter any of this.
"We had no news from my father since the moment he was arrested," Janikowska said when contacted at her home in Krakow, Poland. She now wants more information for a compensation request.
Archivist Stein says: "Former inmates and their families want to see some tangible part of their history; they want to tell their stories," she said. "What I find most frustrating is that they have all these documents and they are just sitting on them."
Earlier this month, ITS went some way to make amends, delivering a full inventory of its records on Buchenwald and promising to give priority in searching for 1,000 names Stein had requested.
Compounding the delay in releasing the files is the cumbrous makeup of the governing committee. Any decision on their future requires the assent of all 11 member nations -- Belgium, Britain, France, Germany, Greece, Israel, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland and the United States.
Last May's agreement to open the archive stipulates that it will remain off-limits until formal ratification by the 11 governments. After that, each of the 11 countries can have a digital copy of the files and decide who has access to it.
But some delegations are worried the process will take too long, at a time when aged survivors are dying every day.
"What victims of these crimes fear the most is that when they disappear -- and it's happening very fast now -- no one will remember the names of the families they lost," said Shapiro of the Washington museum, who was a delegate to the talks.
"It's not a diplomatic timetable, and not an archivist's timetable, but the actuarial table. If we don't succeed in having this material public while there are still survivors, then we failed," he said.
Israel insider
11.20.2006
"I saw with my own eyes how thousands of Jews were gassed daily and thrown by the hundreds into pits where Jews were burning," he said.
"I saw how little children were killed with sticks and thrown into the fire," he continued. Blood flowed in gutters, and "Jews were thrown in and died there"; more were taken off trucks and cast alive into the flames.
Today the Holocaust is known in dense and painful detail. Yet the young Russian's words leap off the faded, onionskin page with a rawness that transports the reader back to April 1945, when World War II was still raging and the world still knew little about gas chambers, genocide and the Final Solution.
The two pages of testimony, in a file randomly plucked off a shelf, are among millions of documents held by the International Tracing Service, or ITS, an arm of the International Committee of the Red Cross.
This vast archive -- 16 miles (26 kilometers) of files in six nondescript buildings in a German spa town -- contains the fullest records of Nazi persecutions in existence. But because of concerns about the victims' privacy, the ITS has kept the files closed to the public for half a century, doling out information in minimal amounts to survivors or their descendants on a strict need-to-know basis.
This policy, which has generated much ill-feeling among Holocaust survivors and researchers, is about to change.
In May, after years of pressure from the United States and survivors' groups, the 11 countries overseeing the archive agreed to unseal the files for scholars as well as victims and their families. In recent weeks the ITS' interim director, Jean-Luc Blondel, has been to Washington, The Hague and to the Buchenwald memorial with a new message of cooperation with other Holocaust institutions and governments.
ITS has allowed Paul Shapiro, of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, to look at the files and has also given The Associated Press extensive access on condition no names from the files are revealed unless they have been identified in other sources.
"This is powerful stuff," said Shapiro, leafing through the file containing the Russian's statement and some 200 other testimonies that take the reader into the belly of Hitler's death machine -- its camps, inmates, commandants, executioners and trusted inmates used as low-level guards and known as kapos.
"If you sat here for a day and read these files, you'd get a picture of what it was really like in the camps, how people were treated. Look -- names and names of kapos, guards -- the little perpetrators," he said.
Moved to this town in central Germany after the war, the files occupy a former barracks of the Waffen-SS, the Nazi Party's elite force. They are stored in long corridors of drab cabinets and neatly stenciled binders packed into floor-to-ceiling metal shelves. Their index cards alone fill three large rooms.
Mandated to trace missing persons and help families reunite, ITS has allowed few people through its doors, and has responded to requests for information on wartime victims with minimal data, even when its files could have told more.
It may take a year or more for the files to open fully. Until then, access remains tightly restricted. "We will be ready any time. We would open them today, if we had the go-ahead," said Blondel.
When the archive is finally available, researchers will have their first chance to see a unique collection of documents on concentration camps, slave labor camps and displaced persons. From toneless lists and heartrending testimony, a skilled historian may be able to stitch together a new perspective on the 20th century's darkest years from the viewpoint of its millions of victims.
"The overall story is pretty well established, but many details will be filled in," said Yehuda Bauer, professor of Holocaust Studies at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
"There is a great deal of very interesting material on a very large number of concentration camps that we really don't know much about," he said. "It may contain surprises. We don't know. It has material that nobody's ever seen."
A visitor to the archive comes into direct contact with the bureaucracy of mass murder.
In a bound ledger with frayed binding, a copy of a list of names appears of Jews rounded up in Holland and transported to the death camps. Buried among the names is "Frank, Annelise M," her date of birth (June 12, 1929), Amsterdam address before she went into hiding (Merwerdeplein 37) and the date she was sent to a concentration camp (Sept. 3, 1944).
Frank, Annelise M. is Anne Frank.
She was on one of the last trains to Germany before the Nazi occupation of Holland crumbled. Six months later, aged 15, she died an anonymous death, one of some 35,000 casualties of typhus that ravaged the Bergen-Belsen camp. After the war, "The Diary of Anne Frank," written during her 25 months hiding in a tiny apartment with seven others, would become the most widely read book ever written on the Holocaust.
But most of the lives recorded in Bad Arolsen are known to none but their families.
They are people like Cornelis Marinus Brouwenstijn, a Dutchman who vanished into the Nazi gulag at age 22 for illegally possessing a radio. In a plain manila envelope are his photo, a wallet, some snapshots, and a naughty typewritten joke about women in the army.
After the war, his family repeatedly wrote to the Red Cross asking about him. In 1949, his parents received a terse form letter saying he died sometime between April 19 and May 3, 1945, in the area of a German labor camp. The personal effects, however, remained in Bad Arolsen, and with the family long deceased, there is no one left to apply for their return.
To critics who accuse them of being tightfisted with their information, the Red Cross and ITS counter that they have to abide by German privacy laws and protect the reputations of victims whether alive or dead. They say the files may contain unsubstantiated allegations against victims, and that opening up to researchers would distract ITS from its main task of providing documentation to survivors or victims' relatives.
One area of study that will benefit from the ITS files is the "Lebensborn" program, in which children deemed to have the "proper genes" were adopted or even kidnapped to propagate the Aryan master race of Hitler's dreams.
Another subject is the sheer scope of the Holocaust system. The files will support new research from other sources showing that the network of concentration camps, ghettos and labor camps was nearly three times more extensive than previously thought.
Postwar historians estimated about 5,000 to 7,000 detention sites. But after the Cold War ended, records began pouring out of the former communist nations of East Europe. More sites were disclosed in the last six years in claims by 1.6 million people for slave labor reparations from a $6.6 billion (?5.2 billion) fund financed by the German government and some 3,000 industries.
"We have identified somewhere in the neighborhood of 20,000 camps and ghettos of various categories," said Geoffrey Megargee of the Holocaust Museum in Washington, who is compiling a seven-volume encyclopedia of these detention centers.
The archive has some 3.4 million files of DPs -- Displaced Persons. They include names such as John Demjanjuk and Viorel Trifa, who immigrated to the United States and later became internationally known because their role in the Holocaust came into question.
Between 1933 to 1945, the Nazi persecution grew to assembly-line proportions, slaughtering 6 million Jews and an equal number of Gypsies, homosexuals, mental patients, political prisoners and other "undesirables." Tens of millions were conscripted as forced laborers.
To operate history's greatest slaughter, the Nazis created a bureaucracy that meticulously recorded the arrest, movement and death of each victim. Sometimes even the lice plucked from heads in concentration camps were counted.
But as the pace of genocide stepped up, unknown numbers were marched directly from trains to gas chambers without being registered. In the war's final months, the bookkeeping collapsed, though the extermination continued.
What documents survived Nazi attempts to destroy them were collected by the Allies to help people find missing relatives. The first documents were sent in 1946 to Bad Arolsen, and the administration was handed over to the Red Cross in 1955.
Some 50 million pages -- scraps of paper, transport lists, registration books, labor documents, medical and death registers -- make reference to 17.5 million individuals caught up in the machinery of persecution, displacement and death.
Over the years, the International Tracing Service has answered 11 million requests to locate family members or provide certificates supporting pension claims or reparations. It says it has a 56 percent rate of success in tracing the requested name.
But the workload has been overwhelming. Two years ago it had a backlog of nearly half a million unanswered queries. Director Blondel says the number was whittled down to 155,000 this summer and will disappear by the spring of 2008. New queries have slowed to just 700 a month.
One of ITS' critics is Sabine Stein, archivist at the Buchenwald concentration camp 150 miles (240 kilometers) from Bad Arolsen. She says the archive's refusal to share its files has caused heartbreak to countless survivors and their descendants.
For instance, in 1989, Emilia Janikowska asked ITS to trace her father, Ludwig Kaminski, a coal miner from Poland who was never heard from again after his arrest in 1939. It took more than three years to send her a standard form reporting Kaminski had died in Buchenwald Dec. 1, 1939.
But there was more she could have been told.
Documents copied by the U.S. Army before they went to Bad Arolsen, which were seen by AP at Buchenwald, include mention of Kaminski. They say he was prisoner No. 8578, that he had arrived in Buchenwald six weeks earlier with 600 other Poles and had been placed in Camp 2. The known history of Buchenwald says Camp 2 was a wooden barracks and four big tents, jammed with 1,000 Poles and Vienna Jews. Dozens of inmates died from the cold that winter. The cause of Kaminski's death was pneumonia.
No one ever told his daughter any of this.
"We had no news from my father since the moment he was arrested," Janikowska said when contacted at her home in Krakow, Poland. She now wants more information for a compensation request.
Archivist Stein says: "Former inmates and their families want to see some tangible part of their history; they want to tell their stories," she said. "What I find most frustrating is that they have all these documents and they are just sitting on them."
Earlier this month, ITS went some way to make amends, delivering a full inventory of its records on Buchenwald and promising to give priority in searching for 1,000 names Stein had requested.
Compounding the delay in releasing the files is the cumbrous makeup of the governing committee. Any decision on their future requires the assent of all 11 member nations -- Belgium, Britain, France, Germany, Greece, Israel, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland and the United States.
Last May's agreement to open the archive stipulates that it will remain off-limits until formal ratification by the 11 governments. After that, each of the 11 countries can have a digital copy of the files and decide who has access to it.
But some delegations are worried the process will take too long, at a time when aged survivors are dying every day.
"What victims of these crimes fear the most is that when they disappear -- and it's happening very fast now -- no one will remember the names of the families they lost," said Shapiro of the Washington museum, who was a delegate to the talks.
"It's not a diplomatic timetable, and not an archivist's timetable, but the actuarial table. If we don't succeed in having this material public while there are still survivors, then we failed," he said.
Israel insider
11.20.2006
Sunday, November 19, 2006
Israel Orders Killing Of Hamas MP's
IN a desperate attempt to stop the barrage of rockets fired by Hamas at Israeli villages, Ehud Olmert, Israel’s prime minister, has ordered his security chiefs to target the Islamic movement’s political leadership.
According to Israeli security sources, a decision to assassinate leading Hamas politicians was taken by Olmert and his defence minister, Amir Peretz. Early yesterday Israeli missiles struck Hamas targets in Gaza, including a charity run by the group.
Since withdrawing from Gaza more than a year ago, Israel has targeted Hamas’s military activists, but that has not stopped the rockets. Outraged by an attack last Wednesday on the village of Sderot, Israel is determined to ensure the political leadership in Gaza, the West Bank and abroad will “no longer escape responsibility”.
The controversial change in tactics has been driven by Peretz, who broke down in tears when one of his bodyguards was badly injured in Sderot, his home village. The army has been battling against Palestinian rocket units in northern Gaza for months and has intensified its operations there in recent weeks. Since the beginning of this month, 98 Palestinians have been killed.
“The Gaza Strip is about to turn into the biggest terrorist compound on earth,” Yuval Diskin, the head of the Israeli internal security service, warned a parliamentary committee last week. “We have no choice but to consider a massive military operation there.”
Yesterday, deputy prime minister Avigdor Lieberman called for the assassination of Hamas and Islamic Jihad leaders. "They have to disappear, go to paradise, all of them," he said.
Sunday Times
11.19.2006
According to Israeli security sources, a decision to assassinate leading Hamas politicians was taken by Olmert and his defence minister, Amir Peretz. Early yesterday Israeli missiles struck Hamas targets in Gaza, including a charity run by the group.
Since withdrawing from Gaza more than a year ago, Israel has targeted Hamas’s military activists, but that has not stopped the rockets. Outraged by an attack last Wednesday on the village of Sderot, Israel is determined to ensure the political leadership in Gaza, the West Bank and abroad will “no longer escape responsibility”.
The controversial change in tactics has been driven by Peretz, who broke down in tears when one of his bodyguards was badly injured in Sderot, his home village. The army has been battling against Palestinian rocket units in northern Gaza for months and has intensified its operations there in recent weeks. Since the beginning of this month, 98 Palestinians have been killed.
“The Gaza Strip is about to turn into the biggest terrorist compound on earth,” Yuval Diskin, the head of the Israeli internal security service, warned a parliamentary committee last week. “We have no choice but to consider a massive military operation there.”
Yesterday, deputy prime minister Avigdor Lieberman called for the assassination of Hamas and Islamic Jihad leaders. "They have to disappear, go to paradise, all of them," he said.
Sunday Times
11.19.2006
Saturday, November 18, 2006
French Troops Prepare Guns Against IAF Jets
French UN anti-aircraft batteries have taken "preparatory steps" to respond to Israeli jets violating Lebanese airspace, despite global criticism of such incursions.
"The anti-aircraft unit of the (French) battalion took initial preparatory steps to respond to these actions," Milos Strugar, spokesman for the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) told AFP on Friday.
He said "UNIFIL observed and reported 14 Israeli air violations this morning, on November 17, 2006, and 11 of these violations occurred in the area of operation of the French battalion with UNIFIL."
UNIFIL Force Commander General Alain Pellegrini "strongly protested to the Israeli authorities and asked them to cease these actions which are unacceptable and in violation of Resolution 1701," the spokesman said.
Strugar said the French battalion took action to respond "in accordance with UNIFIL rules of engagements and UN Security Council Resolution 1701."
"They stipulate that in implementing their mandate, all UNIFIL troops may exercise the inherent right of self-defense and take all necessary action to protect UN personnel, facilities, installations and equipment," he said.
'Circling above French battalion headquarters'
Strugar said the overflights took place in the central sector of southern Lebanon where the multinational UNIFIL force was boosted to more than 9,000 troops after the Israeli-Hizbullah war in July and August.
"In one instance, two Israeli F15 jets flew over the area at low altitude and high speed," he said.
"At the same time, two Israeli reconnaissance RC12 aircraft were circling above the headquarters of the French battalion located in Jabal Marun," east of the southern port city of Tyre, he said.
When asked about Friday's overflights, an Israeli military spokesman in Jerusalem said only: "We don't elaborate on aerial activity".
On October 31, the French UNIFIL forces came within seconds of firing at Israeli aircraft when they overflew UN positions in southern Lebanon, sparking an official complaint from Paris against the overflights.
But French Defense Minister Michele Alliot-Marie said on November 13 that Israeli warplanes had stopped buzzing French troops in southern Lebanon, following two close incidents in the area.
Ignoring harsh international criticism, Israel has vowed to continue the overflights, claiming they were needed to monitor alleged arms smuggling by the Shiite terrorist group Hizb'allah
Y Net News
11.18.2006
"The anti-aircraft unit of the (French) battalion took initial preparatory steps to respond to these actions," Milos Strugar, spokesman for the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) told AFP on Friday.
He said "UNIFIL observed and reported 14 Israeli air violations this morning, on November 17, 2006, and 11 of these violations occurred in the area of operation of the French battalion with UNIFIL."
UNIFIL Force Commander General Alain Pellegrini "strongly protested to the Israeli authorities and asked them to cease these actions which are unacceptable and in violation of Resolution 1701," the spokesman said.
Strugar said the French battalion took action to respond "in accordance with UNIFIL rules of engagements and UN Security Council Resolution 1701."
"They stipulate that in implementing their mandate, all UNIFIL troops may exercise the inherent right of self-defense and take all necessary action to protect UN personnel, facilities, installations and equipment," he said.
'Circling above French battalion headquarters'
Strugar said the overflights took place in the central sector of southern Lebanon where the multinational UNIFIL force was boosted to more than 9,000 troops after the Israeli-Hizbullah war in July and August.
"In one instance, two Israeli F15 jets flew over the area at low altitude and high speed," he said.
"At the same time, two Israeli reconnaissance RC12 aircraft were circling above the headquarters of the French battalion located in Jabal Marun," east of the southern port city of Tyre, he said.
When asked about Friday's overflights, an Israeli military spokesman in Jerusalem said only: "We don't elaborate on aerial activity".
On October 31, the French UNIFIL forces came within seconds of firing at Israeli aircraft when they overflew UN positions in southern Lebanon, sparking an official complaint from Paris against the overflights.
But French Defense Minister Michele Alliot-Marie said on November 13 that Israeli warplanes had stopped buzzing French troops in southern Lebanon, following two close incidents in the area.
Ignoring harsh international criticism, Israel has vowed to continue the overflights, claiming they were needed to monitor alleged arms smuggling by the Shiite terrorist group Hizb'allah
Y Net News
11.18.2006
Friday, November 17, 2006
Olmert Despondent On Qassams
Prime Ministrer Ehud Olmert, who was making his way back to Israel from the United States, said Thursday morning that he had a lot of thoughts on how to deal with the Qassam fire.
Olmert's comments coincided with the release of a report of a terrorist seized in Jerusalem's Tzahal Sqaure in July who was carrying an explosive belt with a liquid material, which prevents it from being detected by a metal detector.
The terrorist was a Popular Resistance Committees activist and was guided from Gaza. A similar belt was later captured in Ramallah.
Olmert, who had met with senior American officials during his five-day visit, said that "there is not one easy solution for the war against Qassams. The fact is that even after Operation Defense Shield, terror from Judea and Samaria continued. There is not one thing to do to stop the Qassam."
The prime minister promised: "We will continue to promote diplomatic activities. It should be noted that there is no problem in the Palestinians' ability to fight terror."
Asked whether it has been agreed to let the Bader Unit enter the territories from Jordan, he answered that "their force is already much more armed today than in the past, but this force is not doing what it should."
The prime minister made it clear that he would expect Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to manifest a "firmer and more decisive stance."
As for the continuation of the operation in Gaza, Olmert said that "in the south of the country there is an ongoing firing of Qassams, and I view it with great severity. We have been taking measures for a long time. Since June, 360 terrorists have been killed in our anti-terror activities.
"There is no doubt that what happened yesterday in Sderot and Ashkelon is difficult. Our activity will continue each time in accordance with the news and the circumstances."
Meanwhile, Vice Premier Shimon Peres rejected the possibility of a wide-scale operation in Gaza such as Operation Defense Shield which was held in the West Bank.
"We can occupy Gaza, but that would be a cardinal mistake. Sinking into the Gaza mud will not guarantee the end of missiles fired at Israeli communities. The IDF will also serve as a convenient target for hurting soldiers," he said.
According to Peres, "With patience and restraint we must continue the international pressure which will get Hamas off the tree. The solution is to talk when Hamas stops entrenching itself and the missiles stop."
Deep understanding on Iranian issue
As for a possible meeting with Abbas, Olmert said that he and his Palestinian colleague were holding continuous talks.
"My people talk to his people all the time. As far as I am concerned, there is nothing delaying the meeting between us," he added.
"Our hope is to reach a meeting with Abu Mazen (Abbas) in the near future. We want to hold discussions with him in order to reach the objectives which both we and the international community and the Palestinians want to reach," he said.
As for his government's diplomatic program, Olmert said that he did not wish to elaborate on the ideas he raised with the American president.
"Since my conversation with Bush was tete-a-tete, it is inappropriate to refer to what was discussed in it," he said in response to a question whether it was true that he presented Bush with a diplomatic plan based on the realignment plan.
He agreed to say that "regarding two issues we discussed, both the Palestinian issue and the Iranian issue, I left the meeting with a strong feeling that there is a deep understanding between us."
Addressing the Saudi plan, Olmert said that he does not wish "to obligate or disqualify this country or another. The moderate Arab countries' peace plan has elements one can agree on, points which can be negotiated."
"Every Arab country which is willing to take part in an effort to create a dialogue is a country which I consider worthy for promoting diplomatic processes," the prime minister stated.
Israel Insider
11.17.2006
Olmert's comments coincided with the release of a report of a terrorist seized in Jerusalem's Tzahal Sqaure in July who was carrying an explosive belt with a liquid material, which prevents it from being detected by a metal detector.
The terrorist was a Popular Resistance Committees activist and was guided from Gaza. A similar belt was later captured in Ramallah.
Olmert, who had met with senior American officials during his five-day visit, said that "there is not one easy solution for the war against Qassams. The fact is that even after Operation Defense Shield, terror from Judea and Samaria continued. There is not one thing to do to stop the Qassam."
The prime minister promised: "We will continue to promote diplomatic activities. It should be noted that there is no problem in the Palestinians' ability to fight terror."
Asked whether it has been agreed to let the Bader Unit enter the territories from Jordan, he answered that "their force is already much more armed today than in the past, but this force is not doing what it should."
The prime minister made it clear that he would expect Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to manifest a "firmer and more decisive stance."
As for the continuation of the operation in Gaza, Olmert said that "in the south of the country there is an ongoing firing of Qassams, and I view it with great severity. We have been taking measures for a long time. Since June, 360 terrorists have been killed in our anti-terror activities.
"There is no doubt that what happened yesterday in Sderot and Ashkelon is difficult. Our activity will continue each time in accordance with the news and the circumstances."
Meanwhile, Vice Premier Shimon Peres rejected the possibility of a wide-scale operation in Gaza such as Operation Defense Shield which was held in the West Bank.
"We can occupy Gaza, but that would be a cardinal mistake. Sinking into the Gaza mud will not guarantee the end of missiles fired at Israeli communities. The IDF will also serve as a convenient target for hurting soldiers," he said.
According to Peres, "With patience and restraint we must continue the international pressure which will get Hamas off the tree. The solution is to talk when Hamas stops entrenching itself and the missiles stop."
Deep understanding on Iranian issue
As for a possible meeting with Abbas, Olmert said that he and his Palestinian colleague were holding continuous talks.
"My people talk to his people all the time. As far as I am concerned, there is nothing delaying the meeting between us," he added.
"Our hope is to reach a meeting with Abu Mazen (Abbas) in the near future. We want to hold discussions with him in order to reach the objectives which both we and the international community and the Palestinians want to reach," he said.
As for his government's diplomatic program, Olmert said that he did not wish to elaborate on the ideas he raised with the American president.
"Since my conversation with Bush was tete-a-tete, it is inappropriate to refer to what was discussed in it," he said in response to a question whether it was true that he presented Bush with a diplomatic plan based on the realignment plan.
He agreed to say that "regarding two issues we discussed, both the Palestinian issue and the Iranian issue, I left the meeting with a strong feeling that there is a deep understanding between us."
Addressing the Saudi plan, Olmert said that he does not wish "to obligate or disqualify this country or another. The moderate Arab countries' peace plan has elements one can agree on, points which can be negotiated."
"Every Arab country which is willing to take part in an effort to create a dialogue is a country which I consider worthy for promoting diplomatic processes," the prime minister stated.
Israel Insider
11.17.2006
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Iran Vows To Pursue Atomic Plans 'Until The End'
Iran's president said on Wednesday his country would press on with its nuclear program "until the end" and would not be stopped by the West, which fears the Islamic Republic is trying to build atomic bombs.
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was speaking a day after the U.N. nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), said in a report Iran was still stonewalling probes aimed at determining whether its plans are peaceful.
"The Iranian nation stands for its nuclear right and will go ahead until the end," Ahmadinejad said in a speech to a rally in western Iran, broadcast live on state television.
"Time is on the Iranian nation's side. With each passing day, (the West) must retreat one step and acknowledge the rights of the Iranian nation and with each passing day the Iranian nation goes ahead toward the summits of victory," he said.
"By the grace of God, we will hold a great nuclear celebration before the end of this year, all over Iran," he said, without elaborating. The Iranian year ends in March 2007.
Iran, which says its nuclear program is solely for power generation, faces possible sanctions for failing to heed U.N. demands to stop enriching uranium, a process that can yield fuel for power plants or, ultimately, for atomic bombs.
Ahmadinejad told a news conference on Tuesday Iran was aiming to build 60,000 centrifuges to enrich uranium. Iran now operates two experimental chains of 164 centrifuges each.
Reuters
11.16.2006
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was speaking a day after the U.N. nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), said in a report Iran was still stonewalling probes aimed at determining whether its plans are peaceful.
"The Iranian nation stands for its nuclear right and will go ahead until the end," Ahmadinejad said in a speech to a rally in western Iran, broadcast live on state television.
"Time is on the Iranian nation's side. With each passing day, (the West) must retreat one step and acknowledge the rights of the Iranian nation and with each passing day the Iranian nation goes ahead toward the summits of victory," he said.
"By the grace of God, we will hold a great nuclear celebration before the end of this year, all over Iran," he said, without elaborating. The Iranian year ends in March 2007.
Iran, which says its nuclear program is solely for power generation, faces possible sanctions for failing to heed U.N. demands to stop enriching uranium, a process that can yield fuel for power plants or, ultimately, for atomic bombs.
Ahmadinejad told a news conference on Tuesday Iran was aiming to build 60,000 centrifuges to enrich uranium. Iran now operates two experimental chains of 164 centrifuges each.
Reuters
11.16.2006
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
WHAT IS GOD DOING WITH ISRAEL?
We can always speak of many things that are happening in Israel today, but a question has been on our minds of late as to “What is God doing with Israel?” The focus on events, politics, battles, economies, nations, terrorists, etc., can be received on many web sites. But, what is God doing?
1. GOD IS DECLARING HIS UNIQUE PERSON AND IDENTITY!
The message of Isaiah 44 is given to help Israel and the rest of the world understand what God is doing. In that powerful passage, we are told the following in Isaiah 44:6-8: “Thus saith the LORD (YHWH) the King of Israel, and His Redeemer the LORD (YHWH) of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside Me there is no God. And who, as I, shall call, and shall declare it, and set it in order for Me, since I appointed the ancient people? and the things that are coming and shall come, let them shew unto them. Fear ye not, neither be afraid: have not I told thee from that time, and have DECLARED it? ye are even My witnesses. Is there a God beside Me? yea, there is no God; I know not any.”
It is God who chose the “ancient people (Israel)” and it is God Who reveals the things that are coming - it is God Who DECLARED it - and His message to Israel and the rest of the world is - THERE IS NO GOD BESIDE ME - He is the LORD GOD of ISRAEL, and there is NO OTHER GOD!
2. GOD IS DEMONSTRATING HIS MIGHTY POWER!
Isaiah 43:15 says: “I am the LORD (YHWH), your Holy One, the Creator of Israel, your King.” Isaiah 44:24 adds: “Thus saith the LORD (YHWH), thy Redeemer, and He that formed thee from the womb, I am the LORD (YHWH) that maketh all things; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by Myself.”
Creation demonstrates the mighty power of God (Psalm 19:1) and so does His work in creating Israel. Isaiah 43:1 says “But now saith the LORD (YHWH) that created thee, O Jacob, and He that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art Mine.” The word “created” is the Hebrew word “bara” - out of nothing!
3. GOD IS PROVING HIS FAITHFUL PROVIDENCE!
Providence refers to God’s control over circumstances and events that He is working for His glory and praise. Deuteronomy 7:6-9 speaks of how God has chosen Israel to teach two major things about Himself: One, that He is the “faithful God” Who will keep His promises to His people no matter what their performance or failures! And, two, He is a God of love Who will love them no matter how they respond to Him. Isaiah 44:21 says “thou shalt not be forgotten of Me.”
4. GOD IS SHOWING HIS CONTINUAL PROTECTION!
Isaiah 43:1 says “Fear not” and that command is repeated in Isaiah 43:5 and Isaiah 44:2, 8. Throughout the last 27 chapters of Isaiah the LORD GOD reminds the people of Israel of His comfort and protection. He will never leave them or forsake them! Isaiah 51:12 reminds Israel: “I, even I, am He that comforteth you: who are thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man that shall die, and of the son of man which shall be made as grass.”
5. GOD IS DOING HIS SOVEREIGN PLEASURE!
In Isaiah 43:21 we learn that God formed the people of Israel to show forth His praise, or as 43:7 says, they were “created…for My glory.” In Isaiah 46:10-11 we read these strong words: “Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My PLEASURE; Calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executeth My counsel from a far country: yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purpose it, I will also do it.”
6. GOD IS FULFILLING HIS WONDERFUL PROMISES!
Promises of redemption, restoration, rejoicing, and even the return of the Messiah will all be fulfilled in His time and in His way. Isaiah 45:21 says: ” Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time? who hath told it from that time? have not I the LORD (YHWH)? and there is no God else beside Me; a just God and a Saviour; there in none beside Me.”
7. GOD IS PROCLAIMING HIS WONDERFUL PARDON!
Israel has often been disobedient to God and has forsaken Him, but He has never forsaken them, and He is (Psalm 86:5) “ready to forgive” and “abundant in pardon.” Isaiah 45:22 says: “Look unto Me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.” Isaiah 44:21-22 says: “Remember these, O Jacob and Israel; for thou art My servant: I have formed thee; thou art My servant: O Israel, thou shalt not be forgotten of Me. I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto Me; for I have redeemed thee.” Psalm 130:7-8 says: “Let Israel hope in the LORD (YHWH): for with the LORD (YHWH) there is mercy, and with Him is plenteous redemption. And He shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities.”
PRAISE THE LORD FOR WHAT HE IS DOING WITH ISRAEL!
Copyright © 2005 Dr. David Hocking - Hope For Today Ministries
1. GOD IS DECLARING HIS UNIQUE PERSON AND IDENTITY!
The message of Isaiah 44 is given to help Israel and the rest of the world understand what God is doing. In that powerful passage, we are told the following in Isaiah 44:6-8: “Thus saith the LORD (YHWH) the King of Israel, and His Redeemer the LORD (YHWH) of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside Me there is no God. And who, as I, shall call, and shall declare it, and set it in order for Me, since I appointed the ancient people? and the things that are coming and shall come, let them shew unto them. Fear ye not, neither be afraid: have not I told thee from that time, and have DECLARED it? ye are even My witnesses. Is there a God beside Me? yea, there is no God; I know not any.”
It is God who chose the “ancient people (Israel)” and it is God Who reveals the things that are coming - it is God Who DECLARED it - and His message to Israel and the rest of the world is - THERE IS NO GOD BESIDE ME - He is the LORD GOD of ISRAEL, and there is NO OTHER GOD!
2. GOD IS DEMONSTRATING HIS MIGHTY POWER!
Isaiah 43:15 says: “I am the LORD (YHWH), your Holy One, the Creator of Israel, your King.” Isaiah 44:24 adds: “Thus saith the LORD (YHWH), thy Redeemer, and He that formed thee from the womb, I am the LORD (YHWH) that maketh all things; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by Myself.”
Creation demonstrates the mighty power of God (Psalm 19:1) and so does His work in creating Israel. Isaiah 43:1 says “But now saith the LORD (YHWH) that created thee, O Jacob, and He that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art Mine.” The word “created” is the Hebrew word “bara” - out of nothing!
3. GOD IS PROVING HIS FAITHFUL PROVIDENCE!
Providence refers to God’s control over circumstances and events that He is working for His glory and praise. Deuteronomy 7:6-9 speaks of how God has chosen Israel to teach two major things about Himself: One, that He is the “faithful God” Who will keep His promises to His people no matter what their performance or failures! And, two, He is a God of love Who will love them no matter how they respond to Him. Isaiah 44:21 says “thou shalt not be forgotten of Me.”
4. GOD IS SHOWING HIS CONTINUAL PROTECTION!
Isaiah 43:1 says “Fear not” and that command is repeated in Isaiah 43:5 and Isaiah 44:2, 8. Throughout the last 27 chapters of Isaiah the LORD GOD reminds the people of Israel of His comfort and protection. He will never leave them or forsake them! Isaiah 51:12 reminds Israel: “I, even I, am He that comforteth you: who are thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man that shall die, and of the son of man which shall be made as grass.”
5. GOD IS DOING HIS SOVEREIGN PLEASURE!
In Isaiah 43:21 we learn that God formed the people of Israel to show forth His praise, or as 43:7 says, they were “created…for My glory.” In Isaiah 46:10-11 we read these strong words: “Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My PLEASURE; Calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executeth My counsel from a far country: yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purpose it, I will also do it.”
6. GOD IS FULFILLING HIS WONDERFUL PROMISES!
Promises of redemption, restoration, rejoicing, and even the return of the Messiah will all be fulfilled in His time and in His way. Isaiah 45:21 says: ” Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time? who hath told it from that time? have not I the LORD (YHWH)? and there is no God else beside Me; a just God and a Saviour; there in none beside Me.”
7. GOD IS PROCLAIMING HIS WONDERFUL PARDON!
Israel has often been disobedient to God and has forsaken Him, but He has never forsaken them, and He is (Psalm 86:5) “ready to forgive” and “abundant in pardon.” Isaiah 45:22 says: “Look unto Me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.” Isaiah 44:21-22 says: “Remember these, O Jacob and Israel; for thou art My servant: I have formed thee; thou art My servant: O Israel, thou shalt not be forgotten of Me. I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto Me; for I have redeemed thee.” Psalm 130:7-8 says: “Let Israel hope in the LORD (YHWH): for with the LORD (YHWH) there is mercy, and with Him is plenteous redemption. And He shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities.”
PRAISE THE LORD FOR WHAT HE IS DOING WITH ISRAEL!
Copyright © 2005 Dr. David Hocking - Hope For Today Ministries
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Al Jazeera - The 'Information War' - In English
Beginning Wednesday, November 15, the sometimes called "CNN of the Arab world," will be out to capture the rest of the world as Al Jazeera International debuts on TV screens globally - in English.
The new satellite station will run 24/7, broadcasting 12 hours a day from Al Jazeera's home base in Doha, Qatar, with another four hours each from Washington DC, London and Kuala Lumpur. For star power it will have David Frost doing interviews, with Wednesday's "scoop" scheduled to be his talk with Tony Blair.
In its decade on the air, Al Jazeera in Arabic has become the most influential Arab communications medium in history. With some 50 million viewers, it is the most-watched TV news station among Arabs, including Palestinians and Israeli Arabs. And as the Jerusalem-based Israel/Palestine bureau has been one of the most important, most watched news-gathering operations for Al Jazeera, so it will be for Al Jazeera International.
This no doubt strikes fear in the hearts of many Israelis, friends of Israel, and Americans. Here as in the US, Al Jazeera is widely thought of as the unofficial communications arm of Al Qaeda. It got that reputation from its post-9/11 interviews with Osama Bin Laden, and its subsequent exclusive broadcasts of Al Qaeda propaganda tapes. The station, however, insists that it broadcasts these interviews and tapes simply because messages from Bin Laden and Al Qaeda are very, very big news, not because it supports the terror organization.
Like its parent station, Al Jazeera International is owned by the royal family of Qatar. Al Jazeera, which means "the island," was founded by the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, because "Qatar is a small country, and he was a young man who had visited the West, who understood the importance of media, and who rules a small, weak country without resources [except oil], and he figured Al Jazeera would be his army, his source of strength. It turns out he was right," said Haifa University communications Prof. Gabriel Weimann.
AL JAZEERA INTERNATIONAL turned down The Jerusalem Post's request for even a brief interview before its debut, with PR head Charlotte Dent saying by e-mail, "We are currently all focusing on launch preparations and are not inviting media into our bureaux yet."
So Al Jazeera International will not be here to defend itself against charges leveled by Israeli government spokespeople. But that doesn't really leave the station at such a disadvantage, because Israeli government spokespeople who've been working with Al Jazeera in Arabic for many years have surprisingly little to complain about.
In fact, Daniel Seaman, head of the Government Press Office, said, "I have only the utmost respect for Al Jazeera in Israel. They've tried their best to be fair, and even if I disagreed with their coverage at times, it was not one-sided. Given their audience, they show the Arab side, the Palestinian side of the conflict, but they also present Israel's side."
Asked if he thought Al Jazeera was fairer to Israel than, say, CNN and BBC, Seaman replied, "Absolutely, they're much better than CNN or BBC."
His main complaints against the station are that it often gives too little time to Israeli spokespeople, and sometimes translates their remarks imprecisely. But he applauds the station for "giving Israel a stage [on Arab TV] that it didn't have in the past."
Noting that Al Jazeera has introduced Western journalistic values of open debate and criticism of the powers-that-be to Arab media, Seaman said he "hoped for this level of professionalism and more from the English-language version."
Atira Oron, the Foreign Ministry's spokeswoman to the Arab-language media, is considerably more critical of Al Jazeera than Seaman is, saying that as a matter of course, CNN and BBC are much less biased against Israel. "During the war in Lebanon, Al Jazeera did not go down into the bomb shelters with Israelis, something that CNN and BBC did."
Furthermore, Oron said, Al Jazeera "naturally" blames Israel for everything in its conflict with the Arabs, lingering on graphic footage of Arab casualties, and exaggerating Israeli "threats" such as the marginal movement to conquer the Temple Mount.
"But this bias is diminishing," Oron said, adding that Al Jazeera's reports "are careful to show the Israeli side, even if it isn't given that much time."
A LOOK AT Al Jazeera's English-language website a week ago showed a much more balanced report of the lead Israeli-Palestinian story than its critics would probably expect. The story of the IDF's withdrawal from Gazan population centers and the fighting that continued afterward was titled, "Gaza killings mount as tanks withdraw," and began:
East of the Jebalia refugee camp north of Gaza city, three Palestinians, including one woman, were killed when a shell struck the home of Jemila Shanti, a Hamas activist, Palestinian sources said.
The Israeli army said a tank opened fire after two rocket-propelled grenades were launched at their soldiers. It said it was responding to the attack and did not target a specific house.
The rest of the story continued in the same basic format - first the Palestinian casualties, then an official Israeli response. It read pretty much like a report of a bloody day in Gaza by any reputable international news medium.
A feature story told in glowing terms of an Israeli-Palestinian art exhibition that had been held in Ramat Gan, and noted that it included an artwork by Aliza Olmert, the prime minister's wife, which contained the text: "Jews do not evict Arabs do not evict Jews do not evict Arabs..."
The website's op-eds of the day, however, revealed a strongly pro-Islamic, anti-Western, anti-Israeli attitude, with one column lauding Hizbullah and the Palestinian militias for fighting Israel while the Lebanese government and Palestinian Authority are afraid to, and another saying Pope Benedict had it backwards - that it was really the West that turns instinctively to violence while Islam is open to dialog.
Yet the website's editorial cartoon of the day, which looked at the Taliban's comeback in Afghanistan, showed the Islamic terrorist movement in the worst possible light, depicting a Taliban fighter leering through grotesquely large teeth, lolling barefoot on the ground next to a NATO soldier he has just killed.
Seaman says the GPO has given Al Jazeera International every cooperation in setting up here. "We've cut red tape for them even more than we ordinarily do for other foreign news services because we certainly hope they will have a positive effect in the Arab world."
HOWEVER, THE experience of Arabic-language Al Jazeera staffers in Israel, especially at the hands of the IDF, has not been so pleasant, to say the least. One of its reporters, Awad Rajoub, was arrested at his home near Hebron a year ago and held for six months in administrative detention. The IDF said he had "threatened state security," and was under suspicion for activities apart from his journalistic work, but an Israeli court ordered his release last May on account of insufficient evidence. "I was beaten and treated like an all-out criminal," Rajoub said afterward.
An Al Jazeera crewman was shot in the foot by Israeli soldiers while filming in Nablus after the start of the summer war in Lebanon. At just about the same time, the station's Jerusalem bureau chief, Walid al-Umari, was arrested twice and questioned whether he was broadcasting the precise sites of Hizbullah's rocket attacks to help Hizbullah gets its range. Both times al-Umari was released after a few hours, and Seaman confirmed his statements to investigators that Al Jazeera's footage did not divulge where Hizbullah's rockets were landing.
The station described the IDF's shooting of its crewman in Nablus as a deliberate "attack," further accusing Israeli authorities of "constant hindrance and obstruction of their work" from the time the war began. Reporters Without Frontiers accused Israel of initiating "repeated, deliberate acts of violence against the staff."
Khaled Amayri, who edits local material for Al Jazeera's English-language website, was quoted as saying the network's journalists were "often arrested [by the IDF] and then released without anyone knowing what they are accused of. What's more, not only are we often stripped of our accreditation, but we are also often told it is treason to work for Al Jazeera."
Neither Seaman nor Oron would comment on these accusations.
If Israel has been hard on Al Jazeera's people, the US has been much harder. In recent years American forces have bombed the station's headquarters both in Kabul and Baghdad - accidentally, according to the US - in the latter case killing a correspondent. Al Jazeera reporter Sami al-Hajj has been sitting in Guantanamo since 2001, when, on his way to Afghanistan, he was detained as an "enemy combatant" by American forces. A couple of years ago the US-sponsored Iraqi government shut down Al Jazeera's office.
A year ago the British tabloid Daily Mirror, citing an unpublished British government memo, reported that in a meeting with Blair, President George W. Bush suggested targeting Al Jazeera as an enemy operative, but that Blair talked him out of it. The US derided the report as "outlandish" and Blair called it a "conspiracy theory," but this likely did little to allay Al Jazeera officials' suspicions that they were in America's gunsights.
Another Al Jazeera reporter, Taysir Allouni, who interviewed bin Laden after 9/11, is serving a seven-year sentence in Spain - the victim of a major 2004 Al Qaeda terror strike - for being a financial courier for the organization, a charge he has denied.
YET WHILE Al Jazeera has angered the US, Israel and some other Western countries with its coverage, it has angered several Arab regimes much more. The station was shut down in Algeria after it reported on army massacres there, and in Bahrain, where it was reportedly accused not only of being anti-Bahrain, but also of being pro-Israel! The Saudi royal family's reaction to Al Jazeera's criticism was to set up, in 2003, a rival Arabic-language TV station, Al Arabiya.
Al Jazeera is the first Arab TV station to give full access to homegrown critics of Middle Eastern regimes (except the Qatari regime, its owner). This has won the station widespread praise for bringing a new, even revolutionary, freedom to Arab world debate. However, the dominant homegrown critics of Middle Eastern regimes happen to be Islamic fundamentalists, not democratic reformers, and while the reformers do get air time, the fundamentalists get much, much more. This can be defended as sound journalism - giving proportional weight to differing views - but it also serves the political ideology of Al Jazeera - and Qatar - which is Islamism, according to Weimann.
Jerusalem Post
11.14.2006
The new satellite station will run 24/7, broadcasting 12 hours a day from Al Jazeera's home base in Doha, Qatar, with another four hours each from Washington DC, London and Kuala Lumpur. For star power it will have David Frost doing interviews, with Wednesday's "scoop" scheduled to be his talk with Tony Blair.
In its decade on the air, Al Jazeera in Arabic has become the most influential Arab communications medium in history. With some 50 million viewers, it is the most-watched TV news station among Arabs, including Palestinians and Israeli Arabs. And as the Jerusalem-based Israel/Palestine bureau has been one of the most important, most watched news-gathering operations for Al Jazeera, so it will be for Al Jazeera International.
This no doubt strikes fear in the hearts of many Israelis, friends of Israel, and Americans. Here as in the US, Al Jazeera is widely thought of as the unofficial communications arm of Al Qaeda. It got that reputation from its post-9/11 interviews with Osama Bin Laden, and its subsequent exclusive broadcasts of Al Qaeda propaganda tapes. The station, however, insists that it broadcasts these interviews and tapes simply because messages from Bin Laden and Al Qaeda are very, very big news, not because it supports the terror organization.
Like its parent station, Al Jazeera International is owned by the royal family of Qatar. Al Jazeera, which means "the island," was founded by the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, because "Qatar is a small country, and he was a young man who had visited the West, who understood the importance of media, and who rules a small, weak country without resources [except oil], and he figured Al Jazeera would be his army, his source of strength. It turns out he was right," said Haifa University communications Prof. Gabriel Weimann.
AL JAZEERA INTERNATIONAL turned down The Jerusalem Post's request for even a brief interview before its debut, with PR head Charlotte Dent saying by e-mail, "We are currently all focusing on launch preparations and are not inviting media into our bureaux yet."
So Al Jazeera International will not be here to defend itself against charges leveled by Israeli government spokespeople. But that doesn't really leave the station at such a disadvantage, because Israeli government spokespeople who've been working with Al Jazeera in Arabic for many years have surprisingly little to complain about.
In fact, Daniel Seaman, head of the Government Press Office, said, "I have only the utmost respect for Al Jazeera in Israel. They've tried their best to be fair, and even if I disagreed with their coverage at times, it was not one-sided. Given their audience, they show the Arab side, the Palestinian side of the conflict, but they also present Israel's side."
Asked if he thought Al Jazeera was fairer to Israel than, say, CNN and BBC, Seaman replied, "Absolutely, they're much better than CNN or BBC."
His main complaints against the station are that it often gives too little time to Israeli spokespeople, and sometimes translates their remarks imprecisely. But he applauds the station for "giving Israel a stage [on Arab TV] that it didn't have in the past."
Noting that Al Jazeera has introduced Western journalistic values of open debate and criticism of the powers-that-be to Arab media, Seaman said he "hoped for this level of professionalism and more from the English-language version."
Atira Oron, the Foreign Ministry's spokeswoman to the Arab-language media, is considerably more critical of Al Jazeera than Seaman is, saying that as a matter of course, CNN and BBC are much less biased against Israel. "During the war in Lebanon, Al Jazeera did not go down into the bomb shelters with Israelis, something that CNN and BBC did."
Furthermore, Oron said, Al Jazeera "naturally" blames Israel for everything in its conflict with the Arabs, lingering on graphic footage of Arab casualties, and exaggerating Israeli "threats" such as the marginal movement to conquer the Temple Mount.
"But this bias is diminishing," Oron said, adding that Al Jazeera's reports "are careful to show the Israeli side, even if it isn't given that much time."
A LOOK AT Al Jazeera's English-language website a week ago showed a much more balanced report of the lead Israeli-Palestinian story than its critics would probably expect. The story of the IDF's withdrawal from Gazan population centers and the fighting that continued afterward was titled, "Gaza killings mount as tanks withdraw," and began:
East of the Jebalia refugee camp north of Gaza city, three Palestinians, including one woman, were killed when a shell struck the home of Jemila Shanti, a Hamas activist, Palestinian sources said.
The Israeli army said a tank opened fire after two rocket-propelled grenades were launched at their soldiers. It said it was responding to the attack and did not target a specific house.
The rest of the story continued in the same basic format - first the Palestinian casualties, then an official Israeli response. It read pretty much like a report of a bloody day in Gaza by any reputable international news medium.
A feature story told in glowing terms of an Israeli-Palestinian art exhibition that had been held in Ramat Gan, and noted that it included an artwork by Aliza Olmert, the prime minister's wife, which contained the text: "Jews do not evict Arabs do not evict Jews do not evict Arabs..."
The website's op-eds of the day, however, revealed a strongly pro-Islamic, anti-Western, anti-Israeli attitude, with one column lauding Hizbullah and the Palestinian militias for fighting Israel while the Lebanese government and Palestinian Authority are afraid to, and another saying Pope Benedict had it backwards - that it was really the West that turns instinctively to violence while Islam is open to dialog.
Yet the website's editorial cartoon of the day, which looked at the Taliban's comeback in Afghanistan, showed the Islamic terrorist movement in the worst possible light, depicting a Taliban fighter leering through grotesquely large teeth, lolling barefoot on the ground next to a NATO soldier he has just killed.
Seaman says the GPO has given Al Jazeera International every cooperation in setting up here. "We've cut red tape for them even more than we ordinarily do for other foreign news services because we certainly hope they will have a positive effect in the Arab world."
HOWEVER, THE experience of Arabic-language Al Jazeera staffers in Israel, especially at the hands of the IDF, has not been so pleasant, to say the least. One of its reporters, Awad Rajoub, was arrested at his home near Hebron a year ago and held for six months in administrative detention. The IDF said he had "threatened state security," and was under suspicion for activities apart from his journalistic work, but an Israeli court ordered his release last May on account of insufficient evidence. "I was beaten and treated like an all-out criminal," Rajoub said afterward.
An Al Jazeera crewman was shot in the foot by Israeli soldiers while filming in Nablus after the start of the summer war in Lebanon. At just about the same time, the station's Jerusalem bureau chief, Walid al-Umari, was arrested twice and questioned whether he was broadcasting the precise sites of Hizbullah's rocket attacks to help Hizbullah gets its range. Both times al-Umari was released after a few hours, and Seaman confirmed his statements to investigators that Al Jazeera's footage did not divulge where Hizbullah's rockets were landing.
The station described the IDF's shooting of its crewman in Nablus as a deliberate "attack," further accusing Israeli authorities of "constant hindrance and obstruction of their work" from the time the war began. Reporters Without Frontiers accused Israel of initiating "repeated, deliberate acts of violence against the staff."
Khaled Amayri, who edits local material for Al Jazeera's English-language website, was quoted as saying the network's journalists were "often arrested [by the IDF] and then released without anyone knowing what they are accused of. What's more, not only are we often stripped of our accreditation, but we are also often told it is treason to work for Al Jazeera."
Neither Seaman nor Oron would comment on these accusations.
If Israel has been hard on Al Jazeera's people, the US has been much harder. In recent years American forces have bombed the station's headquarters both in Kabul and Baghdad - accidentally, according to the US - in the latter case killing a correspondent. Al Jazeera reporter Sami al-Hajj has been sitting in Guantanamo since 2001, when, on his way to Afghanistan, he was detained as an "enemy combatant" by American forces. A couple of years ago the US-sponsored Iraqi government shut down Al Jazeera's office.
A year ago the British tabloid Daily Mirror, citing an unpublished British government memo, reported that in a meeting with Blair, President George W. Bush suggested targeting Al Jazeera as an enemy operative, but that Blair talked him out of it. The US derided the report as "outlandish" and Blair called it a "conspiracy theory," but this likely did little to allay Al Jazeera officials' suspicions that they were in America's gunsights.
Another Al Jazeera reporter, Taysir Allouni, who interviewed bin Laden after 9/11, is serving a seven-year sentence in Spain - the victim of a major 2004 Al Qaeda terror strike - for being a financial courier for the organization, a charge he has denied.
YET WHILE Al Jazeera has angered the US, Israel and some other Western countries with its coverage, it has angered several Arab regimes much more. The station was shut down in Algeria after it reported on army massacres there, and in Bahrain, where it was reportedly accused not only of being anti-Bahrain, but also of being pro-Israel! The Saudi royal family's reaction to Al Jazeera's criticism was to set up, in 2003, a rival Arabic-language TV station, Al Arabiya.
Al Jazeera is the first Arab TV station to give full access to homegrown critics of Middle Eastern regimes (except the Qatari regime, its owner). This has won the station widespread praise for bringing a new, even revolutionary, freedom to Arab world debate. However, the dominant homegrown critics of Middle Eastern regimes happen to be Islamic fundamentalists, not democratic reformers, and while the reformers do get air time, the fundamentalists get much, much more. This can be defended as sound journalism - giving proportional weight to differing views - but it also serves the political ideology of Al Jazeera - and Qatar - which is Islamism, according to Weimann.
Jerusalem Post
11.14.2006
Monday, November 13, 2006
The New Nuclear Age
In his latest anti-Israel outburst, the president of Iran regurgitated all his usual threats of genocide, as well as his Holocaust denial, but this time with a new twist - denial of the Bible too. According to Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Jews never lived in the Land of Israel. He topped this off by threatening Europe unless it ends its support of Israel.
Shimon Peres quite rightly called him a "new Hitler." But the president of Iran is no clown. He stands at the head of a regional superpower, one that has long-range missiles and that is on the verge of manufacturing nuclear weapons. Despite this, there is one clear advantage to Ahmadinejad's ranting: He did not mention the occupied territories, the rights of the Palestinians or the two-state solution. This helps to clear the media fog regarding the principal obstacle to a settlement in the Middle East: the refusal to accept the existence of any kind of Jewish state in the Middle East.
Israel has erred grievously in its policies in the territories - in its policy of creeping annexation, its refusal to recognize the rights of the Palestinians, its establishment of settlements on land that does not belong to it. All of this has weakened Israel from a security aspect, as well as morally and internationally.
But none of this changes the basic truth that it is the Arab-Islamic hatred for Israel and its refusal to accept the existence of a Jewish state in the Middle East that is responsible for the failure to reach any kind of settlement in our region. In recent years, we have let ourselves believe that at least some Arab countries would accept Israel's existence, albeit reluctantly, if we were to relinquish the territories occupied in 1967 and enable the establishment of a Palestinian state alongside it.
The innovation today is that the current anti-Israel campaign is being led by a powerful and talented non-Arab nation that is unwilling to accept any compromise with the "Zionist entity." Unlike Hitler, who tried to camouflage the Reich's plans to implement its Final Solution to exterminate the Jews, the president of Iran has proudly declared his evil intentions.
Neo-Nazi declarations of this kind might have been expected to immediately trigger an international protest. Unfortunately, that did not happen.
Instead, the Iranian president was recently received warmly in Havana, invited to address the UN General Assembly and even to meet with the prestigious Council on Foreign Relations in New York. There, although he was argued with on a number of subjects, no one stood up and condemned him in no uncertain terms for threatening "to wipe Israel off the map." Peres quite rightly and harshly denounced this bizarre reception.
BUT WHAT right do we have to complain about others? After all, not too long ago, 30 lecturers and professors from Tel Aviv University signed an astounding petition. In it they claimed that Iran is not to blame for anything. It is not Iran that launched a propaganda campaign against Israel and the West. It is not Iran that is the adventurer.
The United States and Israel are to blame.
At the meeting with the Council on Foreign Relations, Peter G. Peterson, who chaired the gathering, criticized the Iranian president for denying the Holocaust. And UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan on his visit to Teheran did not hesitate to criticize his hosts for this denial. But in their defense of Iran, the 30 academics from Tel Aviv did not see fit to include a single word of reservation regarding its president's Holocaust denial.
THE IRANIAN threat is of concern throughout the world, but Israel would be the first and main target of a nuclear Iran. It is difficult to see what could prevent the nuclearization of Iran.
Even worse, we can expect the Arab Middle East to arm itself with nuclear weapons too, and we cannot ignore the possibility that a nuclear "Islamic bomb" may find its way from Pakistan to new rulers who might identify with al-Qaida.
All this is forcing Israel and the Western world to confront a new nuclear age far more dangerous than the Cold War. Although the Soviet Union was a cruel empire, its members were rational, calculated people who were deeply aware of the balance of terror, which prevented a nuclear Holocaust. In this new nuclear age, the bombs will be in the hands of madmen who have enshrined the idea of suicide and death.
The president of Iran also believes that the destruction of Israel will ring in a new Muslim age and save the world.
WHAT CAN be done? Only a defense alliance with the United States - in or outside the framework of NATO - could perhaps deter the lunatics. Israel, for its part, must campaign to have those who threaten it with genocide roundly and unequivocally condemned, and it should do what it can to see that they are tried in the International Court of Justice in The Hague.
As Liav Orgad recently wrote in Maariv, Jewish organizations should be mobilized worldwide to hold protest vigils and demonstrations against the Iranian embassies in the West. Israel must demand that the UN Security Council issue a clear condemnation after every further threat; and most importantly, with the help of the United States, Israel must develop an anti-missile weapons system regardless of the cost, and we must prepare passive defensive measures such as constructing shelters capable of withstanding nuclear explosions.
Jerusalem Post
11.13.2006
Shimon Peres quite rightly called him a "new Hitler." But the president of Iran is no clown. He stands at the head of a regional superpower, one that has long-range missiles and that is on the verge of manufacturing nuclear weapons. Despite this, there is one clear advantage to Ahmadinejad's ranting: He did not mention the occupied territories, the rights of the Palestinians or the two-state solution. This helps to clear the media fog regarding the principal obstacle to a settlement in the Middle East: the refusal to accept the existence of any kind of Jewish state in the Middle East.
Israel has erred grievously in its policies in the territories - in its policy of creeping annexation, its refusal to recognize the rights of the Palestinians, its establishment of settlements on land that does not belong to it. All of this has weakened Israel from a security aspect, as well as morally and internationally.
But none of this changes the basic truth that it is the Arab-Islamic hatred for Israel and its refusal to accept the existence of a Jewish state in the Middle East that is responsible for the failure to reach any kind of settlement in our region. In recent years, we have let ourselves believe that at least some Arab countries would accept Israel's existence, albeit reluctantly, if we were to relinquish the territories occupied in 1967 and enable the establishment of a Palestinian state alongside it.
The innovation today is that the current anti-Israel campaign is being led by a powerful and talented non-Arab nation that is unwilling to accept any compromise with the "Zionist entity." Unlike Hitler, who tried to camouflage the Reich's plans to implement its Final Solution to exterminate the Jews, the president of Iran has proudly declared his evil intentions.
Neo-Nazi declarations of this kind might have been expected to immediately trigger an international protest. Unfortunately, that did not happen.
Instead, the Iranian president was recently received warmly in Havana, invited to address the UN General Assembly and even to meet with the prestigious Council on Foreign Relations in New York. There, although he was argued with on a number of subjects, no one stood up and condemned him in no uncertain terms for threatening "to wipe Israel off the map." Peres quite rightly and harshly denounced this bizarre reception.
BUT WHAT right do we have to complain about others? After all, not too long ago, 30 lecturers and professors from Tel Aviv University signed an astounding petition. In it they claimed that Iran is not to blame for anything. It is not Iran that launched a propaganda campaign against Israel and the West. It is not Iran that is the adventurer.
The United States and Israel are to blame.
At the meeting with the Council on Foreign Relations, Peter G. Peterson, who chaired the gathering, criticized the Iranian president for denying the Holocaust. And UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan on his visit to Teheran did not hesitate to criticize his hosts for this denial. But in their defense of Iran, the 30 academics from Tel Aviv did not see fit to include a single word of reservation regarding its president's Holocaust denial.
THE IRANIAN threat is of concern throughout the world, but Israel would be the first and main target of a nuclear Iran. It is difficult to see what could prevent the nuclearization of Iran.
Even worse, we can expect the Arab Middle East to arm itself with nuclear weapons too, and we cannot ignore the possibility that a nuclear "Islamic bomb" may find its way from Pakistan to new rulers who might identify with al-Qaida.
All this is forcing Israel and the Western world to confront a new nuclear age far more dangerous than the Cold War. Although the Soviet Union was a cruel empire, its members were rational, calculated people who were deeply aware of the balance of terror, which prevented a nuclear Holocaust. In this new nuclear age, the bombs will be in the hands of madmen who have enshrined the idea of suicide and death.
The president of Iran also believes that the destruction of Israel will ring in a new Muslim age and save the world.
WHAT CAN be done? Only a defense alliance with the United States - in or outside the framework of NATO - could perhaps deter the lunatics. Israel, for its part, must campaign to have those who threaten it with genocide roundly and unequivocally condemned, and it should do what it can to see that they are tried in the International Court of Justice in The Hague.
As Liav Orgad recently wrote in Maariv, Jewish organizations should be mobilized worldwide to hold protest vigils and demonstrations against the Iranian embassies in the West. Israel must demand that the UN Security Council issue a clear condemnation after every further threat; and most importantly, with the help of the United States, Israel must develop an anti-missile weapons system regardless of the cost, and we must prepare passive defensive measures such as constructing shelters capable of withstanding nuclear explosions.
Jerusalem Post
11.13.2006
Sunday, November 12, 2006
Neo-Nazis To Hold Gathering In Berlin
The neo-Nazis are back in Berlin. A radical right-wing party in Germany won a Supreme Court case allowing the NPD party to hold an assembly in a Berlin function hall. This comes after their request to hold the assembly was twice rejected in lower courts.
Berlin's Supreme Court ordered the city's Reinickendorf neighborhood to provide the National Democratic Party (NPD) with a hall with space for 700 people to hold its convention. Some 265 legates and 350 guests are expected to attend the gathering, during which the neo-Nazi party plans to elect a new chairman.
Lately the NPD has been gaining popularity and Germany, which was evident after it scored a relative victory in local elections which gave five of its representatives parliamentary seats in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
The party’s original request to hold the convention was refused by the Reinickendorf city council, which cited it as “a threat to public safety.” However, the court rejected the council's claim, ruling that the convention could take place under the “party equality” law.
Following the court ruling, all factions of the city council are organizing protest rally with over 2,000 expected participants. Various organizations have already announced additional protests.
In the meantime, calls to outlaw the NPD are gaining force, especially considering the court victory as well as a recent study showing increasingly widespread support in Germany for radically right-wing ideas.
The appointed head of interior affairs in Berlin said in response that “in light of our history, the neo-Nazi party has nothing to look for in Germany.” German Interior Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble declared his intention to work with even greater vigor against the radical elements.
Just a few days ago German police arrested 16 people after neo-Nazis disrupted commemorations of Kristallnacht in an east German town.
Austria: Lawmaker’s pro-Nazi comments slammed
In Austria, meanwhile, politicians condemned a right-wing lawmaker for making positive comments about Nazi policies.
Wolfgang Zanger, a lawmaker for the right-wing Freedom Party of Austria, said in a television interview late Tuesday that "of course there were good sides to National Socialism, we just don't hear about them anymore." Zanger commended the Nazi party for reducing unemployment and launched infrastructure projects.
Social Democrat lawmaker Norbert Darabos on Wednesday called Zanger's words "Scandalous and wholly unacceptable."
Salzburg Governor Gabi Burgstaller, also a Social Democrat, said Zanger should resign. "Such delegates aren't wanted in the Lower House of Parliament," she said.
Freedom Party leader Heinz-Christian Strache distanced his party from the comments, saying in statement that "the condemnation of National Socialism ... like any other criminal world view is totally without question for the (party)."
The Freedom Party went on to accuse other parties, particularly the Austrian People's Party, of pointing fingers while neglecting to deal with their own history. The Greens, the People's Party and the Alliance for the Future of Austria, echoed the Social Democrats' condemnation.
Y net News
11.12.2006
Berlin's Supreme Court ordered the city's Reinickendorf neighborhood to provide the National Democratic Party (NPD) with a hall with space for 700 people to hold its convention. Some 265 legates and 350 guests are expected to attend the gathering, during which the neo-Nazi party plans to elect a new chairman.
Lately the NPD has been gaining popularity and Germany, which was evident after it scored a relative victory in local elections which gave five of its representatives parliamentary seats in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
The party’s original request to hold the convention was refused by the Reinickendorf city council, which cited it as “a threat to public safety.” However, the court rejected the council's claim, ruling that the convention could take place under the “party equality” law.
Following the court ruling, all factions of the city council are organizing protest rally with over 2,000 expected participants. Various organizations have already announced additional protests.
In the meantime, calls to outlaw the NPD are gaining force, especially considering the court victory as well as a recent study showing increasingly widespread support in Germany for radically right-wing ideas.
The appointed head of interior affairs in Berlin said in response that “in light of our history, the neo-Nazi party has nothing to look for in Germany.” German Interior Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble declared his intention to work with even greater vigor against the radical elements.
Just a few days ago German police arrested 16 people after neo-Nazis disrupted commemorations of Kristallnacht in an east German town.
Austria: Lawmaker’s pro-Nazi comments slammed
In Austria, meanwhile, politicians condemned a right-wing lawmaker for making positive comments about Nazi policies.
Wolfgang Zanger, a lawmaker for the right-wing Freedom Party of Austria, said in a television interview late Tuesday that "of course there were good sides to National Socialism, we just don't hear about them anymore." Zanger commended the Nazi party for reducing unemployment and launched infrastructure projects.
Social Democrat lawmaker Norbert Darabos on Wednesday called Zanger's words "Scandalous and wholly unacceptable."
Salzburg Governor Gabi Burgstaller, also a Social Democrat, said Zanger should resign. "Such delegates aren't wanted in the Lower House of Parliament," she said.
Freedom Party leader Heinz-Christian Strache distanced his party from the comments, saying in statement that "the condemnation of National Socialism ... like any other criminal world view is totally without question for the (party)."
The Freedom Party went on to accuse other parties, particularly the Austrian People's Party, of pointing fingers while neglecting to deal with their own history. The Greens, the People's Party and the Alliance for the Future of Austria, echoed the Social Democrats' condemnation.
Y net News
11.12.2006
Saturday, November 11, 2006
Veteran's Day 2006
Armistice Day Becomes Veterans Day
World War I officially ended on June 28, 1919, with the signing of the Treaty of Versailles. The actual fighting between the Allies and Germany, however, had ended seven months earlier with the armistice, which went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918. Armistice Day, as November 11 became known, officially became a holiday in the United States in 1926, and a national holiday 12 years later. On June 1, 1954, the name was changed to Veterans Day to honor all U.S. veterans.
In 1968, new legislation changed the national commemoration of Veterans Day to the fourth Monday in October. It soon became apparent, however, that November 11 was a date of historic significance to many Americans. Therefore, in 1978 Congress returned the observance to its traditional date.
Tomb of the Unknowns
Official, national ceremonies for Veterans Day center around the Tomb of the Unknowns.
To honor these men, symbolic of all Americans who gave their lives in all wars, an Army honor guard, the 3d U.S. Infantry (The Old Guard), keeps day and night vigil.
At 11 a.m. on November 11, a combined color guard representing all military services executes "Present Arms" at the tomb. The nation's tribute to its war dead is symbolized by the laying of a presidential wreath and the playing of "Taps."
Unknown Soldier Identified
On Memorial Day (which honors U.S. service people who died in action) in 1958, two more unidentified American war dead, one from World War II and the other from the Korean War, were buried next the unknown soldier of World War I.
A law was passed in 1973 providing interment of an unknown American from the Vietnam War, but because of the improved technology to identify the dead, it was not until 1984 that an unidentified soldier was buried in the tomb.
In 1998, however, the Vietnam soldier was identified through DNA tests as Michael Blassie, a 24-year-old Air Force pilot who was shot down in May of 1972 near the Cambodian border. His body was disinterred and reburied by his family in St. Louis, Missouri.
World War I officially ended on June 28, 1919, with the signing of the Treaty of Versailles. The actual fighting between the Allies and Germany, however, had ended seven months earlier with the armistice, which went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918. Armistice Day, as November 11 became known, officially became a holiday in the United States in 1926, and a national holiday 12 years later. On June 1, 1954, the name was changed to Veterans Day to honor all U.S. veterans.
In 1968, new legislation changed the national commemoration of Veterans Day to the fourth Monday in October. It soon became apparent, however, that November 11 was a date of historic significance to many Americans. Therefore, in 1978 Congress returned the observance to its traditional date.
Tomb of the Unknowns
Official, national ceremonies for Veterans Day center around the Tomb of the Unknowns.
To honor these men, symbolic of all Americans who gave their lives in all wars, an Army honor guard, the 3d U.S. Infantry (The Old Guard), keeps day and night vigil.
At 11 a.m. on November 11, a combined color guard representing all military services executes "Present Arms" at the tomb. The nation's tribute to its war dead is symbolized by the laying of a presidential wreath and the playing of "Taps."
Unknown Soldier Identified
On Memorial Day (which honors U.S. service people who died in action) in 1958, two more unidentified American war dead, one from World War II and the other from the Korean War, were buried next the unknown soldier of World War I.
A law was passed in 1973 providing interment of an unknown American from the Vietnam War, but because of the improved technology to identify the dead, it was not until 1984 that an unidentified soldier was buried in the tomb.
In 1998, however, the Vietnam soldier was identified through DNA tests as Michael Blassie, a 24-year-old Air Force pilot who was shot down in May of 1972 near the Cambodian border. His body was disinterred and reburied by his family in St. Louis, Missouri.
Deputy Defense Minister: Israel Must Stop Iranian Nuclear Program 'At All Costs'
Deputy Defense Minister Ephraim Sneh suggested in comments published Friday that Israel must be ready to prevent Iran's nuclear program "at all costs," and might be forced to launch a military strike against Iran's nuclear program - the clearest statement yet of this possibility from a high-ranking Israeli official.
"I am not advocating an Israeli pre-emptive military action against Iran and I am aware of its possible repercussions," Sneh told The Jerusalem Post daily. "I consider it a last resort. But even the last resort is sometimes the only resort," he said.
Sneh's tough talk is the boldest to date by a high-ranking Israeli official. Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and other leaders frequently discuss the Iranian threat in grave terms, but stop short of discussing military action against Tehran.
The former Israel Defense Forces brigadier general told the paper that Israel cannot afford "living under a dark cloud of fear from a leader committed to its destruction." Under such a threat, he said, "most Israelis would prefer not to live here; most Jews would prefer not to come here with their families; and Israelis who can live abroad will."
"People are not enthusiastic about being scorched," he said.
Sneh said Israel's greatest possible danger could be Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's ability "to kill the Zionist dream without pushing a button. That's why we must prevent this regime from obtaining nuclear capability at all costs."
Ahmadinejad has previously called for Israel to be "wiped off the map," and has expressed doubts that the Holocaust, in which six million Jews were murdered, took place.
The deputy minister said that while he hopes that efficient sanctions would be imposed by the international community against Iran, "the chances are not high... My working assumption is that they won't succeed."
Government spokeswoman Miri Eisin said Sneh's comments did not necessarily reflect the view of the government or Prime Minister Ehud Olmert.
Israel crippled Iraq's nuclear program 25 years ago with an airstrike on its unfinished nuclear reactor at Osiraq. Experts say Iran has learned from Iraq's mistakes, scattering its nuclear facilities and building some underground.
By Haaretz Service and the Associated Press
"I am not advocating an Israeli pre-emptive military action against Iran and I am aware of its possible repercussions," Sneh told The Jerusalem Post daily. "I consider it a last resort. But even the last resort is sometimes the only resort," he said.
Sneh's tough talk is the boldest to date by a high-ranking Israeli official. Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and other leaders frequently discuss the Iranian threat in grave terms, but stop short of discussing military action against Tehran.
The former Israel Defense Forces brigadier general told the paper that Israel cannot afford "living under a dark cloud of fear from a leader committed to its destruction." Under such a threat, he said, "most Israelis would prefer not to live here; most Jews would prefer not to come here with their families; and Israelis who can live abroad will."
"People are not enthusiastic about being scorched," he said.
Sneh said Israel's greatest possible danger could be Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's ability "to kill the Zionist dream without pushing a button. That's why we must prevent this regime from obtaining nuclear capability at all costs."
Ahmadinejad has previously called for Israel to be "wiped off the map," and has expressed doubts that the Holocaust, in which six million Jews were murdered, took place.
The deputy minister said that while he hopes that efficient sanctions would be imposed by the international community against Iran, "the chances are not high... My working assumption is that they won't succeed."
Government spokeswoman Miri Eisin said Sneh's comments did not necessarily reflect the view of the government or Prime Minister Ehud Olmert.
Israel crippled Iraq's nuclear program 25 years ago with an airstrike on its unfinished nuclear reactor at Osiraq. Experts say Iran has learned from Iraq's mistakes, scattering its nuclear facilities and building some underground.
By Haaretz Service and the Associated Press
Friday, November 10, 2006
The God Vacuum: America & The Barbarian Hordes
In the Old Testament of the Bible, God is shown time after time chastising the House of Israel, His chosen but often disobedient people, by allowing barbarians to invade and plunder their cities and put many of them to the sword.
That is what the Western World, including America, is starting to experience today, having likewise turned away from God.
This raging conflict between Islam and the West, this "clash of civilizations" that many are calling World War III, is at root a spiritual war.
It's been said that it takes a religion to fight a religion. More precisely, it takes true faith to defeat a false one. And by true faith I don't mean a set of rules, rituals and doctrine in a book, any book. I mean a genuine personal relationship with the one true God, and a nation of such people who follow the laws of conscience that same God planted in each of their hearts.
What is the answer to the burgeoning threat of Islamic jihad? The simple and terrifying bottom-line answer is that there is no answer unless America finally awakens and gives up its insane rebellion against its own founding faith and values.
We're fond of praising our World War II-era forbearers who won that terrible conflict with another form of demon-possessed, expansionist fascism. But the "Greatest Generation" was different from this generation. It believed in God.
Come again? You say we also believe in God today? No, we don't – not as a nation.
The World War II generation believed in God. They believed that this God was the God of the Ten Commandments and the Sermon on the Mount. They believed He created us in His image and that human life was therefore sacred, which meant we don't slaughter our offspring in the womb nor kill off our parents when they get old and sick. They believed in biblical morality when it comes to sex, which meant homosexuality, adultery and "shacking up" were sinful and wrong.
And they also believed God had uniquely blessed the United States of America, something Alexis de Tocqueville called "American Exceptionalism" – the conviction that America's enlightened Constitution, industrial and military might, unprecedented standard of living, and most of all its legendary liberty were the direct result of the Almighty's blessing on this special nation. Implicit in that belief was the understanding that, just as with ancient Israel, this divine spigot flowing with undeserved blessings could and would be turned off if we turned away from God.
Thus it was the "Greatest Generation's" national unity, based on its widespread cultural and religious fidelity to those core truths – what we call "Judeo-Christian values" – that gave them the confidence to fight and persevere and win the world war that confronted them, whatever sacrifices that effort required.
Today, America and Europe are being transformed by Islam because there is a spiritual vacuum in these once-Christian lands. Especially in Britain and Europe, where the Islamic invasion is already well advanced, analysts concede it's simply a matter of time before some of these nations have Muslim majorities. Then comes Shariah law and the total transformation of these formerly Christian countries into repressive Islamic states.
Think I'm exaggerating? The Netherlands' justice minister, Piet Hein Donner, recently announced he would let Shariah law take over his European nation – already rapidly filling up with Muslims – if the majority votes for it. Just as in other Arab-Muslim countries currently under this strict Islamic legal system, European nations under Shariah might well see amputations – as prescribed in the Quran – as punishment for certain crimes; women publicly flogged and sometimes hanged or stoned to death for adultery or other so-called "crimes against chastity"; and death sentences for leaving the Muslim religion, or even for preaching Christianity, as occurs in Pakistan under its notorious "blasphemy laws."
All the vain, prideful fantasies of the post-Christian, secular, multiculturalism-worshipping Europeans are crashing down around them. The French are so terrified of the Muslims that comprise 10 percent of their population that Parisian police won't even venture into Muslim communities on the outskirts of the capital city. Having traded the Christian faith of their fathers for the smug, self-righteous ecstasy of the socialist welfare state, they have no spiritual strength left with which to fight back the invading hordes.
What about America? Though the percentage of Muslims in this huge nation is much lower than in Europe, radical Islam already has a powerful foothold in many parts of American society. Beyond the obvious signs – like the rapid proliferation within the U.S. of Saudi-funded mosques, Islamic centers and schools teaching discontent and even hatred for America – consider just one of the many less-than-obvious "growth areas": our prison system.
"Muslim chaplains have established an Islamic radical regime over Muslim convicts in the American prisons," writes Stephen Schwartz in "Islam in the Big House." "Radical Muslim chaplains, trained in a foreign ideology, certified in foreign-financed schools, and acting in coordination to impose an extremist agenda have gained a monopoly over Islamic religious activities in American state, federal and city prisons and jails." He adds, chillingly, "Imagine each prison Islamic community as a little Saudi kingdom behind prison walls, without the amenities. They have effectively induced American authorities to establish a form of 'state Islam' or 'government-certified Islam' in correctional systems."
Will this nightmare ever end? It will only end, like all nightmares end, when we wake up.
We need to wake up and remember who we really are. We need to realize the bottom-line reality that man is a spiritual creature, and that he will have faith, one way or the other. If he doesn't embrace true faith, he will embrace false faith. It's not only automatic – it's God-ordained.
The most poignant scene in the film "United 93" – chronicling the events leading up to the Sept. 11, 2001, crash of the ill-fated jetliner into a Pennsylvania field – came toward the end when both passengers and terrorists were depicted as praying. It was just before the courageous group of passengers launched their revolt against the hijackers, and several were seen quietly, fervently reciting the Lord's Prayer, as though they were asking God for the superhuman strength and focus they would need to overpower the terrorists while facing almost-certain death. At the same time, the terrorist pilot, having been warned that a passenger rebellion was imminent, was also praying to his god, begging Allah for help and strength to prevail against great odds. The image of these two mortal enemies, each praying to his god for victory, was electrifying – a perfect distillation of the conflict into which we have been plunged.
We can't – and won't – win this war without God. He knows when and where the next big terror attack is being planned against America. He knows where bin Laden is hiding. Only He can give us the unearthly wisdom and strength required to be longsuffering and merciful when restraint is called for – and to be merciless when outright, heart-stopping, shock-and-awe devastation is called for to defeat the enemy. Most of all, only genuine fidelity to God will give us the gift of true righteousness – an otherworldly quality that terrifies the wicked, inspires the decent and mysteriously delivers victory into the hands of His people.
When God withheld His protection from ancient Israel because of the disobedience and faithlessness of His people, there was only one possible solution: They had to repent of their pride and folly and come back to Him.
Do we somehow expect the Almighty to grant a different remedy to us?
Copyright 1997-2006 All Rights Reserved - WorldNetDaily 11.10.2006
That is what the Western World, including America, is starting to experience today, having likewise turned away from God.
This raging conflict between Islam and the West, this "clash of civilizations" that many are calling World War III, is at root a spiritual war.
It's been said that it takes a religion to fight a religion. More precisely, it takes true faith to defeat a false one. And by true faith I don't mean a set of rules, rituals and doctrine in a book, any book. I mean a genuine personal relationship with the one true God, and a nation of such people who follow the laws of conscience that same God planted in each of their hearts.
What is the answer to the burgeoning threat of Islamic jihad? The simple and terrifying bottom-line answer is that there is no answer unless America finally awakens and gives up its insane rebellion against its own founding faith and values.
We're fond of praising our World War II-era forbearers who won that terrible conflict with another form of demon-possessed, expansionist fascism. But the "Greatest Generation" was different from this generation. It believed in God.
Come again? You say we also believe in God today? No, we don't – not as a nation.
The World War II generation believed in God. They believed that this God was the God of the Ten Commandments and the Sermon on the Mount. They believed He created us in His image and that human life was therefore sacred, which meant we don't slaughter our offspring in the womb nor kill off our parents when they get old and sick. They believed in biblical morality when it comes to sex, which meant homosexuality, adultery and "shacking up" were sinful and wrong.
And they also believed God had uniquely blessed the United States of America, something Alexis de Tocqueville called "American Exceptionalism" – the conviction that America's enlightened Constitution, industrial and military might, unprecedented standard of living, and most of all its legendary liberty were the direct result of the Almighty's blessing on this special nation. Implicit in that belief was the understanding that, just as with ancient Israel, this divine spigot flowing with undeserved blessings could and would be turned off if we turned away from God.
Thus it was the "Greatest Generation's" national unity, based on its widespread cultural and religious fidelity to those core truths – what we call "Judeo-Christian values" – that gave them the confidence to fight and persevere and win the world war that confronted them, whatever sacrifices that effort required.
Today, America and Europe are being transformed by Islam because there is a spiritual vacuum in these once-Christian lands. Especially in Britain and Europe, where the Islamic invasion is already well advanced, analysts concede it's simply a matter of time before some of these nations have Muslim majorities. Then comes Shariah law and the total transformation of these formerly Christian countries into repressive Islamic states.
Think I'm exaggerating? The Netherlands' justice minister, Piet Hein Donner, recently announced he would let Shariah law take over his European nation – already rapidly filling up with Muslims – if the majority votes for it. Just as in other Arab-Muslim countries currently under this strict Islamic legal system, European nations under Shariah might well see amputations – as prescribed in the Quran – as punishment for certain crimes; women publicly flogged and sometimes hanged or stoned to death for adultery or other so-called "crimes against chastity"; and death sentences for leaving the Muslim religion, or even for preaching Christianity, as occurs in Pakistan under its notorious "blasphemy laws."
All the vain, prideful fantasies of the post-Christian, secular, multiculturalism-worshipping Europeans are crashing down around them. The French are so terrified of the Muslims that comprise 10 percent of their population that Parisian police won't even venture into Muslim communities on the outskirts of the capital city. Having traded the Christian faith of their fathers for the smug, self-righteous ecstasy of the socialist welfare state, they have no spiritual strength left with which to fight back the invading hordes.
What about America? Though the percentage of Muslims in this huge nation is much lower than in Europe, radical Islam already has a powerful foothold in many parts of American society. Beyond the obvious signs – like the rapid proliferation within the U.S. of Saudi-funded mosques, Islamic centers and schools teaching discontent and even hatred for America – consider just one of the many less-than-obvious "growth areas": our prison system.
"Muslim chaplains have established an Islamic radical regime over Muslim convicts in the American prisons," writes Stephen Schwartz in "Islam in the Big House." "Radical Muslim chaplains, trained in a foreign ideology, certified in foreign-financed schools, and acting in coordination to impose an extremist agenda have gained a monopoly over Islamic religious activities in American state, federal and city prisons and jails." He adds, chillingly, "Imagine each prison Islamic community as a little Saudi kingdom behind prison walls, without the amenities. They have effectively induced American authorities to establish a form of 'state Islam' or 'government-certified Islam' in correctional systems."
Will this nightmare ever end? It will only end, like all nightmares end, when we wake up.
We need to wake up and remember who we really are. We need to realize the bottom-line reality that man is a spiritual creature, and that he will have faith, one way or the other. If he doesn't embrace true faith, he will embrace false faith. It's not only automatic – it's God-ordained.
The most poignant scene in the film "United 93" – chronicling the events leading up to the Sept. 11, 2001, crash of the ill-fated jetliner into a Pennsylvania field – came toward the end when both passengers and terrorists were depicted as praying. It was just before the courageous group of passengers launched their revolt against the hijackers, and several were seen quietly, fervently reciting the Lord's Prayer, as though they were asking God for the superhuman strength and focus they would need to overpower the terrorists while facing almost-certain death. At the same time, the terrorist pilot, having been warned that a passenger rebellion was imminent, was also praying to his god, begging Allah for help and strength to prevail against great odds. The image of these two mortal enemies, each praying to his god for victory, was electrifying – a perfect distillation of the conflict into which we have been plunged.
We can't – and won't – win this war without God. He knows when and where the next big terror attack is being planned against America. He knows where bin Laden is hiding. Only He can give us the unearthly wisdom and strength required to be longsuffering and merciful when restraint is called for – and to be merciless when outright, heart-stopping, shock-and-awe devastation is called for to defeat the enemy. Most of all, only genuine fidelity to God will give us the gift of true righteousness – an otherworldly quality that terrifies the wicked, inspires the decent and mysteriously delivers victory into the hands of His people.
When God withheld His protection from ancient Israel because of the disobedience and faithlessness of His people, there was only one possible solution: They had to repent of their pride and folly and come back to Him.
Do we somehow expect the Almighty to grant a different remedy to us?
Copyright 1997-2006 All Rights Reserved - WorldNetDaily 11.10.2006
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
A CHALLENGE TO FUNDAMENTALISTS
~ Wednesday ~ 17 Cheshvan 5767 - 8 November 2006
LET’S WAKE UP AND OBEY THE WORD OF GOD
At this time when the world is torn asunder by strife and blood-shed would it not be wonderful if the prayer of the Lord Jesus, concerning the unity of His people, might be answered, "that they all may be one, that the world may believe that Thou hast sent Me?"
What blessed truth is declared in Romans 12:5, "so we, being many, are one Body in Christ, and every one members one of another." And we should never forget the commandment of the Lord Jesus, "A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another, as I have loved you, that ye also love one another," John 13:34. And note the words of the of the Holy Spirit in Ephesians 4:2 to 5, "With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love: Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace; one faith, one Body, one baptism,"
We all thank God for His loyal, uncompromising servant who are earnestly contending for the "one faith"; for the fundamentals of the Christian faith; salvation by grace through faith in the crucified and glorified Son of God, His eternal Deity, His bodily resurrection, and His premillennial coming. We all know that there is but one true bible Church during this present Divine economy and that the believing sinner becomes a member of this one Church by a Divine baptism at the time he believes unto the saving of his soul.
The Holy Spirit has expressed the Divine Will in these words, "That there should be no schism (division) in the Body." I Corinthians 12:25. "Baptized by one Spirit into one Body." I Corinthians 12:13.
If the men and women of God who are so earnestly contending for the one faith in the midst of the modernism, ritualism and fanaticism all about us, were as earnestly contending for the one Body and one baptism, what a united army we would have against the enemies of the grace of God and the Word of God. Has any true Bible Christian the Scriptural right to contend for a sectarian church or a sectarian baptism?
And surely after all these centuries God's true evangels know that it is a spiritual crime to follow in the steps of the foolish Galatians and pervert God's "grace" gospel by mixing in Israel's Old Testament religious program. Moreover God's Bible-teachers know that God has in His Book an intelligent Divine principle by which His children can know how to bring into this present economy of grace any part of the kingdom program of the Old Testament Scriptures and of the Four Gospels that fits into God's "grace" program.
Just this past week, in a series of radio messages, an evangelical messenger was earnestly contending for the faith once for all delivered unto the saints. He had little or nothing to say against the modernism or ritualism or fanaticism with which the Church of Christ is being troubled on every hand. He had nothing to say against men affiliated with cults propagating unscriptural heresies and Satanic vagaries.
His attack was against those who agree with him as to the verbal inspiration of the Bible, the virgin birth and eternal Deity of the Lord Jesus Christ, salvation by faith in Christ's redemptive work and His premillennial coming, and all of the Bible fundamentals of the Christian faith. He was attacking such of his fellow saints as do not agree with his "dispensationalism". Such of his statements as were not untrue were ungracious. The brother wanted to impress upon his hearers that he was "ultra-orthodox", "super-spiritual" and "anti-dispensational".
Instead of using the Scriptures to prove his assertions, he employed the carnal weapons which are forbidden in the very Scriptures he was defending. He ridiculed, condemned and insulted those with whom he disagreed. Perhaps it never once occurred to him just how inconsistent, or ignorant, he was when he boastfully said, "I take the whole Bible," "it is all for me to obey I do not divide the Bible up, and give some to the Jews and some to the Gentiles". He warned his hearers against those who do not agree with his principle, or lack of principle, for Bible study.
Now in this counter-charge, that this dear brother is either inconsistent or ignorant, perhaps both, we do not want to use the same carnal weapons. We would not want to be so ungracious as to say that the brother was either ignorant or dishonest. Our appeal will be to the Scriptures, to common sense logic and to our brother's own teaching and practice as a Christian minister. We will ask you to weigh the evidence and render your own verdict.
A few days before this brother was broadcasting his "castigating" message I read a letter from a Chicago pastor, who is an acknowledged leader among Fundamentalists. In his letter he said that any preacher who does not obey the commands of the Lord Jesus is a servant of Satan. After you have considered the Scriptural arguments in this message you be the jury and the judge and see whether or not this Christian warrior has called himself a servant of Satan.
THE CHRISTIAN AND CHRIST’S COMMANDMENTS
Undoubtedly more than ninety-nine per cent of Christians would say that a Christian is a follower of Jesus Christ; a Christian is one who keeps the commandments of the Lord Jesus Christ. Then to the mind of the Berean immediately comes this question, "which of the Lord's commandments?" Are Christians in the present economy of grace to obey all the commandments which Jesus Christ on earth gave to His disciples and to others?
After we have read this message we shall think with the Jewish rabbi who said to an outstanding evangelical pastor of London, "It was not your Jesus who gave you your evangelical grace message and program. It was the apostle Paul. Your Jesus was a religious Jew under the law."
Of course, that rabbi did not understand that Christ revealed to Paul the grace message and program in his Epistles. But if that rabbi had been an evangelical Christian, he would not have endorsed the red-letter New Testament which emphasizes the words of Jesus on earth above the words which He gave to Paul by revelation.
Hear the words of the Lord Jesus Christ: "If ye love Me, keep My commandments." These words were spoken to the disciples of the Lord. Then we read in Acts 11:26, "And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch."
Is a Christian one who keeps the commandments of Christ? Which commandments?
If Christ were on earth, would He not again put to thousands of professing Christians the same question He put to religious professors of His day? "Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition? (Matthew 15:3). "Ye make the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition." (Matthew 15:6). "Teaching for doctrines the commandments of men." (Matthew 15:9).
Nearly one hundred per cent of Christians are the victims of tradition. We are so sheep-like, in that we fall into the religious habit of following religious leaders and permit them to formulate our religious creeds. Sooner or later we come to the place where we interpret, appropriate and apply the Scriptures by the rules and standards of interpretation and application established by certain leaders and rulers.
Of course, in the hearts of Christians, who zealously follow some particular leader and accept him as final authority in Bible doctrine, there is generally a mixture of contempt and pity for fellow-Christians who they think are ignorantly following some other erring Christian leaders. Many of those who play "follow the leader" are not only zealous and loyal but they are so satisfied with their own position and so prejudiced against others that they will not even seriously and prayerfully search the Scriptures, under the leading of the Holy Spirit, to ascertain whether or not they may be mistaken. They do not ask whether or not they have substituted a few religious traditions for Divine Truth:
Thus we have more than three hundred groups of Christians, with their varying and contrary religious creeds. We may be sure that the unhappy discord and divisions exist because far more than ninety per cent of Christians permit others to do their thinking for them. And there is no Christian sect in this country that has not included in its program and creed some human tradition or theory. These traditions and theories cause schisms in the Lord's Body in disobedience to the plain command of the Lord.
WHICH COMMANDMENTS?
But now to the question: which of the commandments of the Lord Jesus Christ are Christians to obey? Let us begin with a most important command of the Lord Jesus. Read it very carefully in Matthew 23:1 to 3:
"Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to His disciples, Saying, the scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat: All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say and do not."
Do not hurry on. Consider seriously this command of the Lord Jesus. Is it for present-day Christians to obey?
This is a very clearly stated, positive, important command. Jesus Christ told His disciples that they were to obey the crooked, hypocritical blind fools, (Matthew 23:14 to 19), the scribes and the Pharisees. Why? Because they occupied Moses' seat (cathedra). Where is Moses' seat in this day of grace? Believers in this dispensation are seated with Christ in the heavenlies. Compare Ephesians 2:5 and 6 with Matthew 23:1 to 3
Neither the radio messenger nor the Chicago pastor obeys this important command. They refuse to recognize Moses' seat in this age of grace. If they consider themselves what Christian pastors should be, faithful stewards of the mysteries of God (I Corinthians 4:1 to 4), they should give such a clear Scriptural exegesis and explanation that their hearers and followers would be convinced that the Lord's command of Matthew 23:1 to 3 has no place in this present economy of grace. There was a place for Moses' seat while Jesus Christ was on earth.
When the Holy Spirit teaches these stewards of the mysteries of God the dispensational place of Moses' seat, they should teach their hearers and followers why they do not obey some other commandments which the Lord Jesus gave. And just one such sane, Scriptural message should make them very careful as to their unjust, ungracious criticisms of their fellow-Christians.
If they would give forth one such clear exegesis, taught by the Holy Spirit, they would neither say that any man who does not obey the commandments of the Lord Jesus is a servant of Satan, nor boastfully say, "I obey all of the Bible". You are beginning to see that they do not believe what they seem to think they believe.
It may sound well to a Christian who does not use his mind in Bible-study to hear a leader say, "I obey all the Bible”—"It is all for me to practice" But when the Christian does think seriously, he decides that the claimant is either very ignorant, or at least a bit dishonest.
Let us ask the two brethren to whom we have referred; "do you believe that the Lord Jesus Christ was in earnest when he gave the commandment recorded in Matthew 8:4? Now, honestly do you consistently obey it, or make even the slightest pretense to practice it?” Hear it:
"Go thy way, show thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them."
Again, if these two brethren were really practicing what they are preaching, after reading Matthew 5:23 and 24, they would never pray the "Our Father" prayer until after they had paid a visit to their fellow Christians whom they have denounced, against whom they have brought false charges. Carefully note this plain and positive commandment of the Lord Jesus Christ
Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift." Do you believe that these brethren believe this commandment fits into the Pauline program of grace? If so, they, are doing nothing about it.
Again, if these two brethren were sincere and honest in their claims, they would obey Matthew 6:17 when they obey the Lord and pray the "Our Father" prayer. Yes, instead of publicly condemning their fellow saints, they should with the same zeal and energy implore their hearers to obey Matthew 6:17: "But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face." This was the Lord's command. Our brother says those who do not obey His commands are servants of Satan.
WAKE UP, FUNDAMENTALISTS!
Something is wrong with our Bible teaching. We do not obey such commands of the Lord Jesus as we find in Matthew 10:5 to 8 and we do not give any Scriptural explanation for our negligence or disobedience if we are guilty of either. If ever the Lord Jesus was in earnest He was when He gave that clear positive command: "Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give."
Why is it that these dear brethren who claim to obey the orders of Christ wholly ignore these plain commands? They do not do one single thing included in this Divine command, and they cannot. They do not do one single thing to obey Ephesians 3:9. They could and they should. But instead they malign, ridicule, condemn and disfellowship other brethren who use Ephesians 3:9 to show why they make no attempt to obey the great commission of Matthew 10:5 to 8, which was God's program in a former dispensation, but which has no place in the Lord's present program of grace for members of the Body of Christ. Is it not a mark of ignorance for any Christian to say, "I am not a dispensationalist? We here quote some other commandments of the Lord Jesus and ask you if they are to be obeyed in this present dispensation?
SOME OTHER COMMANDMENTS
"Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth."
"And He said unto His disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on,"
"And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind."
"But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for He is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.
"And He said unto them. Take nothing for your journey, neither staves, nor scrip, neither bread, neither money; neither have two coats apiece."
"If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet."
"And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also. And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away."
"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal."
How interesting it would be to examine the two brethren in the presence of witnesses and say, "I understand you bitterly condemn other men who are saved by faith in the precious shed blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, because you say they do not obey the commands of the Lord Jesus Christ."
Now a few questions:
Have you sold your property and earthly possessions?
Do you take any thought for your life or lay up any treasures on earth? Have you a savings account in the bank?
Do you wash each other's feet?
Do you put any money in your purse when you go away to hold a religious meeting?
Do you take more than one coat?
Do you love your enemies or do you hate men that disagree with your faulty dispensationalism?
Do you give to him that asketh of thee?
I wonder if these brethren would be satisfied to have our heavenly Father forgive them no more than they forgive Christians who disagree water baptism theories. They should really tremble when they read Matthew 18:34 and 35. But they can be saved from trembling by reading the "grace" message of forgiveness in Ephesians 4:32. What a difference!
Yes, it would be interesting to ask the two brethren to whom we have referred why they do not obey Luke 12:33 and urge their hearers to do likewise:
"Sell that ye have and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth." Luke 12:33.
I understand one of them has recently done the very opposite, having purchased a house and a lot. I am doing the same thing right now. How different from those Pentecostal disciples
"Neither was there any among them that lacked; for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, And laid them down at the apostles' feet; and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need." Acts 4:34 and 35.
"And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need." Acts 2:45.
These two brethren erroneously teach that this present "dispensation of grace" began on the day of Pentecost. They get into no end of trouble because of this blunder. They consider that first Church under Peter's authority, the ideal Christian Church. Then the message and program should be considered ideal, and they should preach Acts 2:38 and practice Acts 4:34 and 35. But they wholly disregard the division of property. They preach a message entirely different from Acts 2:38—Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." They make no attempt to speak with tongues.
They present no Scriptural explanation for the elimination of many of the practices of Christ and His apostles from their spiritual program. They do not even offer an apology. And yet they condemn and ridicule and malign and disfellowship other men of God who likewise eliminate certain kingdom messages, ordinances and ceremonies from the present "dispensation of grace" but who present an intelligent Scriptural explanation for the difference between the program of Jesus Christ and the Twelve, and the program which Jesus Christ in heaven gave through the apostle Paul to supersede His "kingdom of heaven" program. One of the very important commands which the Lord would have His servants obey is II Corinthians 4:2, "not handling the Word of God deceitfully.
Now think for a moment of an intelligent man of God, who is considered an outstanding leader among Fundamentalists, a man, regarded as a gifted Bible teacher, making the statement that any person who does not obey the commands of Jesus Christ is a servant of the devil. If this brother really believes what he says, the very first command of the Lord Jesus he should obey is Matthew 5:23 and 24. He knows his brother has something against him and he has not gone to that brother to be reconciled. To him that knoweth to do right and doeth it not to him it is sin. If asked why he does not obey this, he would have to confess his disobedience or prove that that command belonged to a different dispensation. You see that he was not sincere and honest in writing his letter.
Recently this same brother is doing something that he never did before. He is coming out strong for the "Our Father" prayer. He states that this is the command of Christ. But the command we have just quoted is in the same sermon of Christ, as is also another command in the same chapter wholly ignored by our brother. "But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face." Matthew 6:17.
Is it not handling the Word of God deceitfully to select what you please from the Sermon on the Mount and wholly ignore other commands? To say the least it is very inconsistent to practice one command and ignore the other.
THE KINGDOM SETTING OF THE KINGDOM PRAYER
Then let us see the "kingdom of heaven" setting of all three of these commands. The commands are in the fifth and sixth chapters of Matthew. Now note carefully Matthew 4:17 and 23 and Matthew 10:7 and 8:
"From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent; for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." "And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.
And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils; freely ye have received, freely give."
Do either of these brethren, or any other intelligent messenger of grace, preach "the kingdom of heaven is at hand"? Certainly not. They definitely preach and teach that "that kingdom of heaven" has been postponed and that God's message today is Titus 2:11—"For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men." Thus they claim to obey II Timothy 2:15 and prove that they are "dispensationalists".
Is our brother a servant of Satan because he does not obey Matthew 10:8? Suppose some evangelist would stand in his pulpit and condemn dispensationalism, and say with the radio messenger to which we have referred, "I believe the whole Bible is for us to obey and practice." So, in the series of meetings, which I am to conduct here we shall take the message and program of Matthew 10:8 during my stay". The evangelist would not even be permitted to finish his first message. Why? Because "the kingdom of heaven" is not at hand. The brother couldn't heal the sick, or raise the dead, or cast out demons, or cleanse the lepers. Did not the Lord give that command in earnest? Did not the apostles obey it? Is it for us today? How about the credentials of a Christian in Mark 16:17 and 18? Who practices those signs in this age of grace? What became of those signs? God has an answer. God's servants should know God's answer.
If a Christian worker owns several suits of clothes, has a savings account in the bank, owns real estate, stores fuel and food in the cellar for the winter, and refuses to give money to some one who asks him, is he not breaking the commandments of Christ? Does that mean that he is a servant of Satan? Christ said "agree with thine adversary quickly." Should we obey this?
Note the positive and definite command of Christ in Luke 24:49, "Tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high." Inasmuch as those disciples lived before the advent of the Holy Spirit and we live in this day of grace, is any kind of a tarrying meeting in any city in order today? When we have the Scriptural explanation as to why we do not have to tarry for the Holy Spirit, do we not have God's dispensational principle by which we interpret, appropriate and apply the Scriptures in obedience to II Timothy 2:15? "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth."
Again referring to that petition in the "Our Father" prayer, which is dispensationally a "kingdom" prayer, "forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors", how could either of the brethren to whom we have referred ever get into heaven, if God condemned them for their unforgiving spirit as well as for their utter inconsistencies in taking two or three of Christ's commands and entirely ignoring thirty or forty of them? If ye keep the whole law and offend in one point ye are guilty of all—Was not the anathema of God pronounced upon the religious preachers who mixed law with grace? Galatians 1:7 to 9. Note carefully Matthew 6:15: "But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."
Now in the name of the Lord, I challenge these two brethren to meet in the presence of a company of Christian brethren and prove by the Scriptures that they were sincere or Scriptural in the statements they made. We are reminded of Shakespeare's words, "my words fly up, my thoughts remain below; words without thoughts never to heaven go." Men of God should be very careful about misrepresenting the Lord's servants.
UNSCRIPTURAL OR UNDISPENSATIONAL
There are some splendid Christians who religiously practice the washing of feet. Are they Scriptural or unscriptural? There are some splendid Christians who religiously abstain from eating pork. Are they Scriptural or unscriptural? There are some splendid Christians who anoint the sick with oil, while others use blessed handkerchiefs. Are they Scriptural or unscriptural? There are some splendid Christians who tarry for the Holy Spirit after they have received Christ for salvation. There are many Christians who claim visions, angelic visitations, and that they hear supernatural voices. Are they Scriptural or unscriptural? There are thousands of Christians who break forth in some kind of a speech which they call the gift of tongues. Is it Scriptural or unscriptural to speak with tongues?
I wonder if these two brethren and many others of you Christian leaders have any idea of the number of zealous, sincere Christians who are troubled to know why Christian pastors and Bible teachers wholly ignore the truth of I Corinthians 12:28 and 12:8 to 10:
"And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily, prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.”
"For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom: to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit; to another gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues."
They have the right to ask the question, "If God put them in the Body and if Christians in 1941 belong to the same Body, who has taken these gifted men out of the Body?" Men who are God's Bible-teachers are stewards of the mysteries of God. They should rightly divide the Word of Truth, and show from the Scriptures why the most carnal saints of Paul's time exercised all of the sign-gifts, whereas the most spiritual and gifted Christian "grace" preachers today do not even attempt to exercise one of these gifts. They simply ignore them without explanation or apology.
Christians have the right to know whether or not they are to obey I Corinthians 14:39—I Corinthians 5:5—I Corinthians 7:29:
"Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues."
"To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus."
"But this I say, brethren, the time is short; it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none."
How much of the program of Acts 19:5, 6, 11 and 12 is for today ?
"When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Spirit came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied."
"And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul; so that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them."
This was God's program more than twenty years after our two brethren and many of you claim that "the dispensation of grace" and "the dispensation of the mystery" began, (for they say they began on the Jewish Pentecost with the twelve apostles). What part of this program is for this present economy-of grace? We have here the last Bible record of water baptism. Imposition of hands, Holy Spirit baptism, speaking with tongues, miraculous healings, followed that water baptism. Should we not insist on the complete program today as the Pentecostalists do, or give an intelligent Scriptural explanation as to what right we have to take just the water baptism and drop everything else? When we find this explanation we shall find that we have no such right.
"But the Christians who have done this have followed sectarian creeds and human traditions instead of the Word of truth rightly divided. We say again, "Wake up Fundamentalists!" Think of the wild fanaticism among the religious "healing" and "tongues" Christians. Ridicule and condemnation will not remedy the situation. God's antidote is obedience to II Timothy 2:15 and Ephesians 3:9. In our new 320 page book, entitled "The Unsearchable Riches of Christ" we have not only made the claim, but we have proven by the Scriptures that the understanding of Ephesians 3:1 to 11, (the unsearchable riches of Christ), is Gods curative for every ill and "ism" with which the Church of the Lord is afflicted.
A FOLLOWER OF JESUS
Then we say that a Christian is one who follows Jesus Christ. Let us read carefully Luke 2:21 and 22 and 24— Acts 2:39 and Acts 4:16. Here we see the infant Jesus and the Man Jesus. Are we to follow Him in circumcision? Are we to follow Him to the Jewish synagogue on the Jewish sabbath? Note John 7:10 and Luke 22:11: "But when His brethren were gone up, then went He up unto the feast, not openly, but as it were in secret."
Jesus Christ was circumcised thirty years before He was baptized with. water and about thirty-four years before His death baptism. Luke 12:50. He was a minister of the circumcision. Romans 15:8. He was sent to the circumcision only. Matthew 15:24. He said unto His twelve apostles "go not into the way of the uncircumcision". John the Baptist baptized with water that Christ might be made manifest to the circumcision John 1:31.
All the time Jesus Christ was on earth the covenant of circumcision was in full force. Acts 7:8. Genesis 17:5 to 15. Note the attitude of the eleven apostles toward Peter because he preached to an uncircumcised man seven or eight years after the baptism of Christ on the cross: "They of the circumcision contended with Him saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised and didst eat with them." Acts 11:1 to 3.
Note some years later how Peter still feared the circumcision:
"For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision." Galatians 2:12.
Note what Paul did about that time:
"Him (Timothy) would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters for they knew all that his father was a Greek." Acts 16:3.
From the day John the Baptist began to baptize with water until the day Peter baptized Cornelius and his household no man was baptized who had not first been circumcised. So we may be sure that the Eunuch of Acts Eight was a circumcised proselyte. As we compare the nineteenth chapter of Acts, where we find the last Scriptural record of a baptism with water, with the twenty-first chapter of Acts, we learn that God's Book shows that circumcision was being practiced after the last record of water baptism.
From this we see the absolute folly of teaching that water baptism was instituted by the Lord to take the place of circumcision. Thousands of Christians have been led into this erroneous teaching and accept the error as truth because they follow their leaders without following the example of the noble Bereans who searched the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were true. Then, to think of outstanding "grace" preachers who immerse little infants in a bath tub and say little Israelitish infants were immersed in the Red Sea and we should immerse the infants of Christians in obedience to I Corinthians 10:1 to 10.
Think of a Christian pastor telling other Christians that he obeys all of the Bible, that he does not give some of it to the Jews and some to the Gentiles and some to members of the Body of Christ. Did not the Lord state positively that unless a man was circumcised he should be cut off from His congregation? Genesis 17:5 to 15. Was this not binding at the time Jesus Christ gave the commandments in the Sermon on the Mount, at the time He taught the "Our Father" prayer, and for some years thereafter? Surely we are the victims of tradition and have substituted commandments of men for the doctrine of God rightly divided. Whenever a Christian leader holds on to a religious ceremony, he will interpret the Bible to defend his religious practice.
SHOULD WE FOLLOW THE LORD JESUS IN KEEPING THE PASSOVER?
"And ye shall say unto the goodman of the house, The Master saith unto thee, Where is the guest chamber, where I shall eat the passover with My disciples?" Are we to follow the Lord Jesus and keep the Jewish feasts? We are told by some zealous religious leaders that we are to follow the Lord in baptism; but they seem never to have read Luke 12:50 and Colossians 2:11 and 12.
Circumcision is just as essential to salvation as is baptism. No one can get into heaven who has not been circumcised or baptized with the circumcision and the baptism of Colossians 2:11 and 12:
"In Whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ; Buried with Him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with Him through the faith of the operation of God, Who hath raised Him from the dead."
I am sure we are all agreed that since the days of the apostles the human race has lived in God's economy of grace. We believe Romans 6:14, "ye are not under the law, but under grace." We are sure that God's will concerning members of the Body of Christ, expressed in Colossians 2:16, is to be obeyed by these Body members—"Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days."
Any spiritual intelligent child of God knows that it is utterly impossible for him to obey this command in Colossians 2:16, and at the same time obey the command of the Lord Jesus, in Matthew 23:1 to 3, with respect to the authority of those who sat in Moses' seat. The explanation is that between the command of Matthew 23 and that of Colossians 2:16, the great event mentioned in Colossians 2:14 took place. "Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to His cross."
Now let us compare Ephesians 4:32 with Matthew 6:14 and 15: "And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."
"For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."
Do you see that one is grace and the other is law? Note again Colossians 2:13 and Acts 13:39, and compare with Matthew 18:34 and 35. We quote these four verses:
"And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath He quickened together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses."
"And by Him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses."
"And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. So likewise shall My heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses."
Which is God's message for us in this age of grace?
RECOVERY OF TRUTH
Let us remember that before John, the apostle, died the prophesied apostacy had set in. By the end of the third Christian century the organized church had been plunged into spiritual darkness, which grew worse and worse until Luther's reformation. The fundamental doctrines of Christianity had been lost to the great majority of professing Christians. The church-leaders, for the most part, were unregenerated religious political rulers or religious men allied with ungodly political potentates. This condition prevailed for centuries. Christendom was in an awful spiritual state. Religious teachers had departed from sound doctrine.
Even the recovery of "justification by faith" produced a tremendous reformation. The people who sat in darkness saw a great light. But Luther and his co-laborers and followers recovered little or nothing of the truth of Ephesians and Colossians Concerning the Body of Christ. The church-leaders of the sixteenth, seventeenth and eighteenth centuries would have persecuted unto death Christians who would have dared to teach concerning the Body of Christ and the gospel of grace what "grace" preachers are proclaiming today and what John Darby taught in his day.
We quote a note from the writings of the very pastor to whom we have referred in this message. This note is concerning the one Body of Ephesians
"It is a great truth that the Lord is teaching many over again in the present day, after it has been buried in the rubbish of ecclesiastical traditions for centuries that God has a Church upon earth. It is our part then, not to be making churches, but to acknowledge what He has already made. The various churches spoken of in the New Testament are but severally the Church of God in such or such a place. Nothing is owned but this; the Church of God. Membership is in this, and not in local bodies . . . Into this membership man cannot admit, but the Lord only . . . Our part is only to bow to what He has done, and to receive one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God. Now all making terms of admission is plainly out of the question, for we do not admit at all."
Even now, centuries after "The Reformation", how many Christian pastors, all of whom are supposed to be stewards of the mysteries of God (I Corinthians 4:1 to 4), are obeying Ephesians 3:9? "And to make all men see what is the dispensation of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God." Be honest, servants of the Lord, are we to obey this command or ignore it? What are you doing about it? Christians will never enjoy the most blessed and glorious truth of the Bible, for them, until they see this.
The pastor, who branded as servants of Satan men of God who do not obey all the commands of the Lord, and who himself ignores most of them, bitterly condemns and maligns and abuses God's servants who are faithfully endeavoring to obey Ephesians 3:9, while he does absolutely nothing about it.
Concerning "the dispensation of the mystery", this pastor wrote in one of his books on Paul, "how earnest was the apostle Paul in seeking to lead Christians into the knowledge of this precious truth." How true is this statement of this pastor who is fighting this precious truth today? Note what Paul wrote in Colossians 4:2 to 4
"Continue in prayer and watch in the same with thanksgiving: Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds; That I may make it manifest as I ought to speak."
This precious truth certainly got Paul into plenty of trouble. Note what he wrote in II Timothy 2:9: "Wherein I suffer trouble as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the Word of God is not bound." Leaders among the Fundamentalists of today will certainly treat as "evil-doers" men of God who seek to follow Paul as they are commanded to do.
If you are faithful in proclaiming this precious truth today you will be in plenty of trouble. This is because of sectarian prejudice resulting from mixing man's traditions with God's truth, or by using some hit-and-miss, snatch-grab method to bring some of Israel's religious program over into "the dispensation of grace" (Ephesians 3:1 to 3), without exegesis, explanation or apology. Thus the mystery is still a mystery.
Note again several quotations from the pastor to whom we have referred:
"Throughout the writings of the Apostle Paul he again and again refers to a wonderful secret, which he designates in a special way as "the mystery," or "the great mystery."
"For centuries it was almost entirely lost sight of. In fact, until brought to the fore through the writings and the preaching and teaching of a distinguished ex-clergyman, Mr. J. N. Darby, in the early part of the last century, it is scarcely to be found in a single book or sermon throughout a period of sixteen hundred years."
"Of ordinances exalted to the place of mysteries, as in heathen rites, he will find much; but as to the mystery, which to the apostle was so unspeakably precious, rarely a reference."
"That a doctrine so clearly revealed in the Scriptures could have become so utterly lost is only to be accounted for by the Judaizing of the Church, and the consequent minding of earthly things that beclouded the heavenly ones."
"The mystery" was not something of difficult, mysterious character, but a sacred secret never known to mankind until in due time opened up by the Holy Spirit through the apostle Paul."
"It was not hid in the Scriptures to be brought to light eventually; but we are distinctly told it was hid in God until such time as He chose to manifest it."
"This was not until Israel had been given every opportunity to receive Christ both in incarnation and resurrection. When they definitely refused Him God made known what had been in His heart from eternity, that from all nations, Jews and Gentiles, He would redeem and take out an elect company who would, by the Spirit's baptism, be formed into one Body."
"The mystery formed no part of the revelation of the previous dispensations. Had it been otherwise, Paul could not rightly have written that it was "kept secret since the world began." It was part of the good news he was commissioned to publish abroad but he learned it not from the former Scriptures, but by direct revelation from the Lord Jesus Christ in glory."
THE MYSTERY OF THE CHURCH AS THE BODY OF CHRIST WAS NEVER MADE KNOWN IN OLD TESTAMENT TIMES, NOR YET WHEN OUR LORD WAS ON EARTH. IT WAS HID. THE DIVINE METHOD OF MAKING IT KNOWN WAS BY A SPECIAL REVELATION TO THE APOSTLE PAUL, COMMITTED TO HIM TO PASS ON TO THE SAINTS.
"The Divine method of making it known was by a special revelation to the apostle Paul, as he tells us in Ephesians 3. But this revelation was not for him only. It was a ministry committed to him to pass on to the saints."
"How earnest was the apostle in seeking to lead Christians into the knowledge of this precious truth."
Note carefully the statement, "That the doctrine so clearly revealed in the Scriptures could have become so utterly lost is only to be accounted for by the Judaizing of the Church, and the consequent minding of earthly things that beclouded the heavenly ones."
If this doctrine is not utterly lost to our brother, he should be as earnest as was Paul in seeking to lead Christians into the knowledge of this precious truth, instead of being one of the greatest hindrances to this truth in the country. If the truth is utterly lost to him, then it is because he has Judaized the Church and is minding earthly things. This is his own confession. But the explanation is that he came face to face with a decision. He had to make his choice; a tank of water for his baptism ceremony or the proclamation of the mystery. He must have decided that the water ceremony, his watery grave theory, was more precious than that truth that was so precious to the apostle who said "Christ sent me not to baptize."
WAKE UP FUNDAMENTALISTS!
The Body of Christ is only one phase of this precious Divine truth, which is the most blessed and glorious truth for saints in all of God's Word. Many centuries ago the risen Christ revealed this mystery, "His eternal purpose in Christ." Ninety-nine plus per cent of Church members are as ignorant of this truth as though it were not in the Bible. It is God's answer to the fanaticism, to all the Israelitish movements with which the Church of Christ is afflicted. It is the Divine curative for every ill and "ism" that is troubling the Body of Christ.
If there is to be a revival before the Lord Jesus comes for His Church, it will be when this glorious truth is brought from under the rubbish heap and ecclesiastical tradition to which our brother referred.
See why God wants this glorious truth known:
"And He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some evangelists; and some pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the Body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a Perfect Man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ. That we henceforth be no more children tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men. and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive."
Let us no longer be children—Let us obey the Lord's command.
If there is any reason why the Lord is delaying His coming for His Church, it is not because He is waiting for the revival of the Roman Empire, but because He wants His saints to see and obey Ephesians 3:9 to 11:
"And to make all men see what is the dispensation of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in the heavenlies might be known by the Church the manifold wisdom of God, according to the eternal purpose which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord."
LET US DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT
Now let us be gracious and longsuffering and forgiving. Let us obey Ephesians 4:1 to 6:
"I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one Body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, Who is above all, and through all, and in you all."
But in kindness let me ask you, do you think a man is honest or intelligent when he says he obeys all the Lord's commands?
We do not obey Matthew 10:8 and we cannot:
"Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils freely ye have received, freely give."
But we can, and should obey Ephesians 3:9:
"And to make all men see what is the dispensation of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God."
We do not, and we should not, wash one another's feet.
We do not agree with our adversaries quickly, or slowly, in obedience to Matthew 5:25.
We do not and cannot, speak with tongues or perform miracles. But we can, and should obey Ephesians 3:9. When we obey Ephesians 3:9, we shall see why we cannot speak with tongues, heal the sick, cast out demons, raise the dead, have visions, preach political signs to prove that Christ's Second Coming is at hand.
We do not, and should not, preach "he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved," or "repent and be baptized for the remission of sins and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
But we should obey Ephesians 3:9.
We do not sell our houses and lots and give the money to religious leaders, because he that provideth not well for his own household denies the faith and is worse than an infidel.
WHO OBEYS MARK 16:14 to 18?
Why did not the twelve apostles obey Mark 16:14 to 18? Why do not Fundamentalists obey Mark 16:14 to 18 today? Do you know of a single grace messenger who preaches or practices Mark 16:14 to 18? Do you know of a single Scripture to prove that the twelve apostles preached the gospel throughout Asia, Africa and Europe?
Now before our comments carefully read Mark 16:14 to 18: "Afterward He appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen. And He said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but He that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In My name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover."
Surely we have here in very simple and plain language a clear program presented to the eleven apostles by the resurrected Christ; "Go ye into all the world". "Preach the gospel to every creature." "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved." "These signs shall follow them that believe."
Now note Matthew 24:14 and Colossians 1:5 and 6 and 1:23:
"And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come."
"For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel; Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth:"
"If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;"
Note carefully, "Whereof I Paul am made a minister." Then note II Timothy 4:17:
"Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me, that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion."
The gospel preached in all the world to every creature was under Paul's authority. But when he had accomplished this, the end mentioned in Matthew 24:14, did not come. The end of Paul's earthly ministry came. But he commissioned Timothy to go right on with the grace message and program. But Paul did not tell Timothy to put hands on the sick. Note carefully I Timothy 5:23: "Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine oft infirmities."
If you will open your Bible and turn to the Book of Acts, you will read these headings, "Paul's First Missionary Journey." "Paul's Second Missionary Journey" and "Paul's Third Missionary Journey". But you will not read of Peter's first, second or third missionary journey or of the twelve apostles’. Why? Because they did not take any such journeys, according to the "Acts" record. They remained in Jerusalem. Acts 8:1 and Acts 15:1 to 3. How then could they have remained in Jerusalem and have preached the gospel to every creature in the world? Note carefully the Lord's instructions to Paul:
"And it came to pass, that, when I was come again to Jerusalem, even while I prayed in the temple, I was in a trance; And saw Him saying unto me, Make haste, and get thee quickly out of Jerusalem: for they will not receive thy testimony concerning me. And I said, Lord, they know that I imprisoned and beat in every synagogue them that believed on Thee: And when the blood of Thy martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting unto his death, and kept the raiment of them that slew him. And He said unto me, Depart: for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles."
As we carefully examine the Divine Record telling of the ministry of the twelve apostles and Paul, we should learn why Paul said, "I am the apostle of the Gentiles." Romans 11:13. The language in Galatians 2:9 is very plain and any misunderstanding of the statement certainly seems inexcusable. Note this plain statement: "And when James. Peter and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision."
Again the question, how could any student of the Scriptures teach that the twelve apostles even began the task of going into all the world to preach the gospel to every creature when they agreed to evangelize the Jews?
Paul preached to many Jews in many different places, but he was peculiarly the Lord's special messenger to the Gentiles. Paul emphasized this fact time and again. I Timothy 2:7, II Timothy 1:11, Ephesians 3:8.
The Berean Bible Society
www.bereanbiblesociety.org
LET’S WAKE UP AND OBEY THE WORD OF GOD
At this time when the world is torn asunder by strife and blood-shed would it not be wonderful if the prayer of the Lord Jesus, concerning the unity of His people, might be answered, "that they all may be one, that the world may believe that Thou hast sent Me?"
What blessed truth is declared in Romans 12:5, "so we, being many, are one Body in Christ, and every one members one of another." And we should never forget the commandment of the Lord Jesus, "A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another, as I have loved you, that ye also love one another," John 13:34. And note the words of the of the Holy Spirit in Ephesians 4:2 to 5, "With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love: Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace; one faith, one Body, one baptism,"
We all thank God for His loyal, uncompromising servant who are earnestly contending for the "one faith"; for the fundamentals of the Christian faith; salvation by grace through faith in the crucified and glorified Son of God, His eternal Deity, His bodily resurrection, and His premillennial coming. We all know that there is but one true bible Church during this present Divine economy and that the believing sinner becomes a member of this one Church by a Divine baptism at the time he believes unto the saving of his soul.
The Holy Spirit has expressed the Divine Will in these words, "That there should be no schism (division) in the Body." I Corinthians 12:25. "Baptized by one Spirit into one Body." I Corinthians 12:13.
If the men and women of God who are so earnestly contending for the one faith in the midst of the modernism, ritualism and fanaticism all about us, were as earnestly contending for the one Body and one baptism, what a united army we would have against the enemies of the grace of God and the Word of God. Has any true Bible Christian the Scriptural right to contend for a sectarian church or a sectarian baptism?
And surely after all these centuries God's true evangels know that it is a spiritual crime to follow in the steps of the foolish Galatians and pervert God's "grace" gospel by mixing in Israel's Old Testament religious program. Moreover God's Bible-teachers know that God has in His Book an intelligent Divine principle by which His children can know how to bring into this present economy of grace any part of the kingdom program of the Old Testament Scriptures and of the Four Gospels that fits into God's "grace" program.
Just this past week, in a series of radio messages, an evangelical messenger was earnestly contending for the faith once for all delivered unto the saints. He had little or nothing to say against the modernism or ritualism or fanaticism with which the Church of Christ is being troubled on every hand. He had nothing to say against men affiliated with cults propagating unscriptural heresies and Satanic vagaries.
His attack was against those who agree with him as to the verbal inspiration of the Bible, the virgin birth and eternal Deity of the Lord Jesus Christ, salvation by faith in Christ's redemptive work and His premillennial coming, and all of the Bible fundamentals of the Christian faith. He was attacking such of his fellow saints as do not agree with his "dispensationalism". Such of his statements as were not untrue were ungracious. The brother wanted to impress upon his hearers that he was "ultra-orthodox", "super-spiritual" and "anti-dispensational".
Instead of using the Scriptures to prove his assertions, he employed the carnal weapons which are forbidden in the very Scriptures he was defending. He ridiculed, condemned and insulted those with whom he disagreed. Perhaps it never once occurred to him just how inconsistent, or ignorant, he was when he boastfully said, "I take the whole Bible," "it is all for me to obey I do not divide the Bible up, and give some to the Jews and some to the Gentiles". He warned his hearers against those who do not agree with his principle, or lack of principle, for Bible study.
Now in this counter-charge, that this dear brother is either inconsistent or ignorant, perhaps both, we do not want to use the same carnal weapons. We would not want to be so ungracious as to say that the brother was either ignorant or dishonest. Our appeal will be to the Scriptures, to common sense logic and to our brother's own teaching and practice as a Christian minister. We will ask you to weigh the evidence and render your own verdict.
A few days before this brother was broadcasting his "castigating" message I read a letter from a Chicago pastor, who is an acknowledged leader among Fundamentalists. In his letter he said that any preacher who does not obey the commands of the Lord Jesus is a servant of Satan. After you have considered the Scriptural arguments in this message you be the jury and the judge and see whether or not this Christian warrior has called himself a servant of Satan.
THE CHRISTIAN AND CHRIST’S COMMANDMENTS
Undoubtedly more than ninety-nine per cent of Christians would say that a Christian is a follower of Jesus Christ; a Christian is one who keeps the commandments of the Lord Jesus Christ. Then to the mind of the Berean immediately comes this question, "which of the Lord's commandments?" Are Christians in the present economy of grace to obey all the commandments which Jesus Christ on earth gave to His disciples and to others?
After we have read this message we shall think with the Jewish rabbi who said to an outstanding evangelical pastor of London, "It was not your Jesus who gave you your evangelical grace message and program. It was the apostle Paul. Your Jesus was a religious Jew under the law."
Of course, that rabbi did not understand that Christ revealed to Paul the grace message and program in his Epistles. But if that rabbi had been an evangelical Christian, he would not have endorsed the red-letter New Testament which emphasizes the words of Jesus on earth above the words which He gave to Paul by revelation.
Hear the words of the Lord Jesus Christ: "If ye love Me, keep My commandments." These words were spoken to the disciples of the Lord. Then we read in Acts 11:26, "And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch."
Is a Christian one who keeps the commandments of Christ? Which commandments?
If Christ were on earth, would He not again put to thousands of professing Christians the same question He put to religious professors of His day? "Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition? (Matthew 15:3). "Ye make the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition." (Matthew 15:6). "Teaching for doctrines the commandments of men." (Matthew 15:9).
Nearly one hundred per cent of Christians are the victims of tradition. We are so sheep-like, in that we fall into the religious habit of following religious leaders and permit them to formulate our religious creeds. Sooner or later we come to the place where we interpret, appropriate and apply the Scriptures by the rules and standards of interpretation and application established by certain leaders and rulers.
Of course, in the hearts of Christians, who zealously follow some particular leader and accept him as final authority in Bible doctrine, there is generally a mixture of contempt and pity for fellow-Christians who they think are ignorantly following some other erring Christian leaders. Many of those who play "follow the leader" are not only zealous and loyal but they are so satisfied with their own position and so prejudiced against others that they will not even seriously and prayerfully search the Scriptures, under the leading of the Holy Spirit, to ascertain whether or not they may be mistaken. They do not ask whether or not they have substituted a few religious traditions for Divine Truth:
Thus we have more than three hundred groups of Christians, with their varying and contrary religious creeds. We may be sure that the unhappy discord and divisions exist because far more than ninety per cent of Christians permit others to do their thinking for them. And there is no Christian sect in this country that has not included in its program and creed some human tradition or theory. These traditions and theories cause schisms in the Lord's Body in disobedience to the plain command of the Lord.
WHICH COMMANDMENTS?
But now to the question: which of the commandments of the Lord Jesus Christ are Christians to obey? Let us begin with a most important command of the Lord Jesus. Read it very carefully in Matthew 23:1 to 3:
"Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to His disciples, Saying, the scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat: All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say and do not."
Do not hurry on. Consider seriously this command of the Lord Jesus. Is it for present-day Christians to obey?
This is a very clearly stated, positive, important command. Jesus Christ told His disciples that they were to obey the crooked, hypocritical blind fools, (Matthew 23:14 to 19), the scribes and the Pharisees. Why? Because they occupied Moses' seat (cathedra). Where is Moses' seat in this day of grace? Believers in this dispensation are seated with Christ in the heavenlies. Compare Ephesians 2:5 and 6 with Matthew 23:1 to 3
Neither the radio messenger nor the Chicago pastor obeys this important command. They refuse to recognize Moses' seat in this age of grace. If they consider themselves what Christian pastors should be, faithful stewards of the mysteries of God (I Corinthians 4:1 to 4), they should give such a clear Scriptural exegesis and explanation that their hearers and followers would be convinced that the Lord's command of Matthew 23:1 to 3 has no place in this present economy of grace. There was a place for Moses' seat while Jesus Christ was on earth.
When the Holy Spirit teaches these stewards of the mysteries of God the dispensational place of Moses' seat, they should teach their hearers and followers why they do not obey some other commandments which the Lord Jesus gave. And just one such sane, Scriptural message should make them very careful as to their unjust, ungracious criticisms of their fellow-Christians.
If they would give forth one such clear exegesis, taught by the Holy Spirit, they would neither say that any man who does not obey the commandments of the Lord Jesus is a servant of Satan, nor boastfully say, "I obey all of the Bible". You are beginning to see that they do not believe what they seem to think they believe.
It may sound well to a Christian who does not use his mind in Bible-study to hear a leader say, "I obey all the Bible”—"It is all for me to practice" But when the Christian does think seriously, he decides that the claimant is either very ignorant, or at least a bit dishonest.
Let us ask the two brethren to whom we have referred; "do you believe that the Lord Jesus Christ was in earnest when he gave the commandment recorded in Matthew 8:4? Now, honestly do you consistently obey it, or make even the slightest pretense to practice it?” Hear it:
"Go thy way, show thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them."
Again, if these two brethren were really practicing what they are preaching, after reading Matthew 5:23 and 24, they would never pray the "Our Father" prayer until after they had paid a visit to their fellow Christians whom they have denounced, against whom they have brought false charges. Carefully note this plain and positive commandment of the Lord Jesus Christ
Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift." Do you believe that these brethren believe this commandment fits into the Pauline program of grace? If so, they, are doing nothing about it.
Again, if these two brethren were sincere and honest in their claims, they would obey Matthew 6:17 when they obey the Lord and pray the "Our Father" prayer. Yes, instead of publicly condemning their fellow saints, they should with the same zeal and energy implore their hearers to obey Matthew 6:17: "But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face." This was the Lord's command. Our brother says those who do not obey His commands are servants of Satan.
WAKE UP, FUNDAMENTALISTS!
Something is wrong with our Bible teaching. We do not obey such commands of the Lord Jesus as we find in Matthew 10:5 to 8 and we do not give any Scriptural explanation for our negligence or disobedience if we are guilty of either. If ever the Lord Jesus was in earnest He was when He gave that clear positive command: "Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give."
Why is it that these dear brethren who claim to obey the orders of Christ wholly ignore these plain commands? They do not do one single thing included in this Divine command, and they cannot. They do not do one single thing to obey Ephesians 3:9. They could and they should. But instead they malign, ridicule, condemn and disfellowship other brethren who use Ephesians 3:9 to show why they make no attempt to obey the great commission of Matthew 10:5 to 8, which was God's program in a former dispensation, but which has no place in the Lord's present program of grace for members of the Body of Christ. Is it not a mark of ignorance for any Christian to say, "I am not a dispensationalist? We here quote some other commandments of the Lord Jesus and ask you if they are to be obeyed in this present dispensation?
SOME OTHER COMMANDMENTS
"Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth."
"And He said unto His disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on,"
"And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind."
"But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for He is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.
"And He said unto them. Take nothing for your journey, neither staves, nor scrip, neither bread, neither money; neither have two coats apiece."
"If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet."
"And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also. And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away."
"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal."
How interesting it would be to examine the two brethren in the presence of witnesses and say, "I understand you bitterly condemn other men who are saved by faith in the precious shed blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, because you say they do not obey the commands of the Lord Jesus Christ."
Now a few questions:
Have you sold your property and earthly possessions?
Do you take any thought for your life or lay up any treasures on earth? Have you a savings account in the bank?
Do you wash each other's feet?
Do you put any money in your purse when you go away to hold a religious meeting?
Do you take more than one coat?
Do you love your enemies or do you hate men that disagree with your faulty dispensationalism?
Do you give to him that asketh of thee?
I wonder if these brethren would be satisfied to have our heavenly Father forgive them no more than they forgive Christians who disagree water baptism theories. They should really tremble when they read Matthew 18:34 and 35. But they can be saved from trembling by reading the "grace" message of forgiveness in Ephesians 4:32. What a difference!
Yes, it would be interesting to ask the two brethren to whom we have referred why they do not obey Luke 12:33 and urge their hearers to do likewise:
"Sell that ye have and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth." Luke 12:33.
I understand one of them has recently done the very opposite, having purchased a house and a lot. I am doing the same thing right now. How different from those Pentecostal disciples
"Neither was there any among them that lacked; for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, And laid them down at the apostles' feet; and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need." Acts 4:34 and 35.
"And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need." Acts 2:45.
These two brethren erroneously teach that this present "dispensation of grace" began on the day of Pentecost. They get into no end of trouble because of this blunder. They consider that first Church under Peter's authority, the ideal Christian Church. Then the message and program should be considered ideal, and they should preach Acts 2:38 and practice Acts 4:34 and 35. But they wholly disregard the division of property. They preach a message entirely different from Acts 2:38—Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." They make no attempt to speak with tongues.
They present no Scriptural explanation for the elimination of many of the practices of Christ and His apostles from their spiritual program. They do not even offer an apology. And yet they condemn and ridicule and malign and disfellowship other men of God who likewise eliminate certain kingdom messages, ordinances and ceremonies from the present "dispensation of grace" but who present an intelligent Scriptural explanation for the difference between the program of Jesus Christ and the Twelve, and the program which Jesus Christ in heaven gave through the apostle Paul to supersede His "kingdom of heaven" program. One of the very important commands which the Lord would have His servants obey is II Corinthians 4:2, "not handling the Word of God deceitfully.
Now think for a moment of an intelligent man of God, who is considered an outstanding leader among Fundamentalists, a man, regarded as a gifted Bible teacher, making the statement that any person who does not obey the commands of Jesus Christ is a servant of the devil. If this brother really believes what he says, the very first command of the Lord Jesus he should obey is Matthew 5:23 and 24. He knows his brother has something against him and he has not gone to that brother to be reconciled. To him that knoweth to do right and doeth it not to him it is sin. If asked why he does not obey this, he would have to confess his disobedience or prove that that command belonged to a different dispensation. You see that he was not sincere and honest in writing his letter.
Recently this same brother is doing something that he never did before. He is coming out strong for the "Our Father" prayer. He states that this is the command of Christ. But the command we have just quoted is in the same sermon of Christ, as is also another command in the same chapter wholly ignored by our brother. "But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face." Matthew 6:17.
Is it not handling the Word of God deceitfully to select what you please from the Sermon on the Mount and wholly ignore other commands? To say the least it is very inconsistent to practice one command and ignore the other.
THE KINGDOM SETTING OF THE KINGDOM PRAYER
Then let us see the "kingdom of heaven" setting of all three of these commands. The commands are in the fifth and sixth chapters of Matthew. Now note carefully Matthew 4:17 and 23 and Matthew 10:7 and 8:
"From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent; for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." "And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.
And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils; freely ye have received, freely give."
Do either of these brethren, or any other intelligent messenger of grace, preach "the kingdom of heaven is at hand"? Certainly not. They definitely preach and teach that "that kingdom of heaven" has been postponed and that God's message today is Titus 2:11—"For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men." Thus they claim to obey II Timothy 2:15 and prove that they are "dispensationalists".
Is our brother a servant of Satan because he does not obey Matthew 10:8? Suppose some evangelist would stand in his pulpit and condemn dispensationalism, and say with the radio messenger to which we have referred, "I believe the whole Bible is for us to obey and practice." So, in the series of meetings, which I am to conduct here we shall take the message and program of Matthew 10:8 during my stay". The evangelist would not even be permitted to finish his first message. Why? Because "the kingdom of heaven" is not at hand. The brother couldn't heal the sick, or raise the dead, or cast out demons, or cleanse the lepers. Did not the Lord give that command in earnest? Did not the apostles obey it? Is it for us today? How about the credentials of a Christian in Mark 16:17 and 18? Who practices those signs in this age of grace? What became of those signs? God has an answer. God's servants should know God's answer.
If a Christian worker owns several suits of clothes, has a savings account in the bank, owns real estate, stores fuel and food in the cellar for the winter, and refuses to give money to some one who asks him, is he not breaking the commandments of Christ? Does that mean that he is a servant of Satan? Christ said "agree with thine adversary quickly." Should we obey this?
Note the positive and definite command of Christ in Luke 24:49, "Tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high." Inasmuch as those disciples lived before the advent of the Holy Spirit and we live in this day of grace, is any kind of a tarrying meeting in any city in order today? When we have the Scriptural explanation as to why we do not have to tarry for the Holy Spirit, do we not have God's dispensational principle by which we interpret, appropriate and apply the Scriptures in obedience to II Timothy 2:15? "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth."
Again referring to that petition in the "Our Father" prayer, which is dispensationally a "kingdom" prayer, "forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors", how could either of the brethren to whom we have referred ever get into heaven, if God condemned them for their unforgiving spirit as well as for their utter inconsistencies in taking two or three of Christ's commands and entirely ignoring thirty or forty of them? If ye keep the whole law and offend in one point ye are guilty of all—Was not the anathema of God pronounced upon the religious preachers who mixed law with grace? Galatians 1:7 to 9. Note carefully Matthew 6:15: "But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."
Now in the name of the Lord, I challenge these two brethren to meet in the presence of a company of Christian brethren and prove by the Scriptures that they were sincere or Scriptural in the statements they made. We are reminded of Shakespeare's words, "my words fly up, my thoughts remain below; words without thoughts never to heaven go." Men of God should be very careful about misrepresenting the Lord's servants.
UNSCRIPTURAL OR UNDISPENSATIONAL
There are some splendid Christians who religiously practice the washing of feet. Are they Scriptural or unscriptural? There are some splendid Christians who religiously abstain from eating pork. Are they Scriptural or unscriptural? There are some splendid Christians who anoint the sick with oil, while others use blessed handkerchiefs. Are they Scriptural or unscriptural? There are some splendid Christians who tarry for the Holy Spirit after they have received Christ for salvation. There are many Christians who claim visions, angelic visitations, and that they hear supernatural voices. Are they Scriptural or unscriptural? There are thousands of Christians who break forth in some kind of a speech which they call the gift of tongues. Is it Scriptural or unscriptural to speak with tongues?
I wonder if these two brethren and many others of you Christian leaders have any idea of the number of zealous, sincere Christians who are troubled to know why Christian pastors and Bible teachers wholly ignore the truth of I Corinthians 12:28 and 12:8 to 10:
"And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily, prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.”
"For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom: to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit; to another gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues."
They have the right to ask the question, "If God put them in the Body and if Christians in 1941 belong to the same Body, who has taken these gifted men out of the Body?" Men who are God's Bible-teachers are stewards of the mysteries of God. They should rightly divide the Word of Truth, and show from the Scriptures why the most carnal saints of Paul's time exercised all of the sign-gifts, whereas the most spiritual and gifted Christian "grace" preachers today do not even attempt to exercise one of these gifts. They simply ignore them without explanation or apology.
Christians have the right to know whether or not they are to obey I Corinthians 14:39—I Corinthians 5:5—I Corinthians 7:29:
"Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues."
"To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus."
"But this I say, brethren, the time is short; it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none."
How much of the program of Acts 19:5, 6, 11 and 12 is for today ?
"When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Spirit came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied."
"And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul; so that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them."
This was God's program more than twenty years after our two brethren and many of you claim that "the dispensation of grace" and "the dispensation of the mystery" began, (for they say they began on the Jewish Pentecost with the twelve apostles). What part of this program is for this present economy-of grace? We have here the last Bible record of water baptism. Imposition of hands, Holy Spirit baptism, speaking with tongues, miraculous healings, followed that water baptism. Should we not insist on the complete program today as the Pentecostalists do, or give an intelligent Scriptural explanation as to what right we have to take just the water baptism and drop everything else? When we find this explanation we shall find that we have no such right.
"But the Christians who have done this have followed sectarian creeds and human traditions instead of the Word of truth rightly divided. We say again, "Wake up Fundamentalists!" Think of the wild fanaticism among the religious "healing" and "tongues" Christians. Ridicule and condemnation will not remedy the situation. God's antidote is obedience to II Timothy 2:15 and Ephesians 3:9. In our new 320 page book, entitled "The Unsearchable Riches of Christ" we have not only made the claim, but we have proven by the Scriptures that the understanding of Ephesians 3:1 to 11, (the unsearchable riches of Christ), is Gods curative for every ill and "ism" with which the Church of the Lord is afflicted.
A FOLLOWER OF JESUS
Then we say that a Christian is one who follows Jesus Christ. Let us read carefully Luke 2:21 and 22 and 24— Acts 2:39 and Acts 4:16. Here we see the infant Jesus and the Man Jesus. Are we to follow Him in circumcision? Are we to follow Him to the Jewish synagogue on the Jewish sabbath? Note John 7:10 and Luke 22:11: "But when His brethren were gone up, then went He up unto the feast, not openly, but as it were in secret."
Jesus Christ was circumcised thirty years before He was baptized with. water and about thirty-four years before His death baptism. Luke 12:50. He was a minister of the circumcision. Romans 15:8. He was sent to the circumcision only. Matthew 15:24. He said unto His twelve apostles "go not into the way of the uncircumcision". John the Baptist baptized with water that Christ might be made manifest to the circumcision John 1:31.
All the time Jesus Christ was on earth the covenant of circumcision was in full force. Acts 7:8. Genesis 17:5 to 15. Note the attitude of the eleven apostles toward Peter because he preached to an uncircumcised man seven or eight years after the baptism of Christ on the cross: "They of the circumcision contended with Him saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised and didst eat with them." Acts 11:1 to 3.
Note some years later how Peter still feared the circumcision:
"For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision." Galatians 2:12.
Note what Paul did about that time:
"Him (Timothy) would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters for they knew all that his father was a Greek." Acts 16:3.
From the day John the Baptist began to baptize with water until the day Peter baptized Cornelius and his household no man was baptized who had not first been circumcised. So we may be sure that the Eunuch of Acts Eight was a circumcised proselyte. As we compare the nineteenth chapter of Acts, where we find the last Scriptural record of a baptism with water, with the twenty-first chapter of Acts, we learn that God's Book shows that circumcision was being practiced after the last record of water baptism.
From this we see the absolute folly of teaching that water baptism was instituted by the Lord to take the place of circumcision. Thousands of Christians have been led into this erroneous teaching and accept the error as truth because they follow their leaders without following the example of the noble Bereans who searched the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were true. Then, to think of outstanding "grace" preachers who immerse little infants in a bath tub and say little Israelitish infants were immersed in the Red Sea and we should immerse the infants of Christians in obedience to I Corinthians 10:1 to 10.
Think of a Christian pastor telling other Christians that he obeys all of the Bible, that he does not give some of it to the Jews and some to the Gentiles and some to members of the Body of Christ. Did not the Lord state positively that unless a man was circumcised he should be cut off from His congregation? Genesis 17:5 to 15. Was this not binding at the time Jesus Christ gave the commandments in the Sermon on the Mount, at the time He taught the "Our Father" prayer, and for some years thereafter? Surely we are the victims of tradition and have substituted commandments of men for the doctrine of God rightly divided. Whenever a Christian leader holds on to a religious ceremony, he will interpret the Bible to defend his religious practice.
SHOULD WE FOLLOW THE LORD JESUS IN KEEPING THE PASSOVER?
"And ye shall say unto the goodman of the house, The Master saith unto thee, Where is the guest chamber, where I shall eat the passover with My disciples?" Are we to follow the Lord Jesus and keep the Jewish feasts? We are told by some zealous religious leaders that we are to follow the Lord in baptism; but they seem never to have read Luke 12:50 and Colossians 2:11 and 12.
Circumcision is just as essential to salvation as is baptism. No one can get into heaven who has not been circumcised or baptized with the circumcision and the baptism of Colossians 2:11 and 12:
"In Whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ; Buried with Him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with Him through the faith of the operation of God, Who hath raised Him from the dead."
I am sure we are all agreed that since the days of the apostles the human race has lived in God's economy of grace. We believe Romans 6:14, "ye are not under the law, but under grace." We are sure that God's will concerning members of the Body of Christ, expressed in Colossians 2:16, is to be obeyed by these Body members—"Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days."
Any spiritual intelligent child of God knows that it is utterly impossible for him to obey this command in Colossians 2:16, and at the same time obey the command of the Lord Jesus, in Matthew 23:1 to 3, with respect to the authority of those who sat in Moses' seat. The explanation is that between the command of Matthew 23 and that of Colossians 2:16, the great event mentioned in Colossians 2:14 took place. "Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to His cross."
Now let us compare Ephesians 4:32 with Matthew 6:14 and 15: "And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."
"For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."
Do you see that one is grace and the other is law? Note again Colossians 2:13 and Acts 13:39, and compare with Matthew 18:34 and 35. We quote these four verses:
"And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath He quickened together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses."
"And by Him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses."
"And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. So likewise shall My heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses."
Which is God's message for us in this age of grace?
RECOVERY OF TRUTH
Let us remember that before John, the apostle, died the prophesied apostacy had set in. By the end of the third Christian century the organized church had been plunged into spiritual darkness, which grew worse and worse until Luther's reformation. The fundamental doctrines of Christianity had been lost to the great majority of professing Christians. The church-leaders, for the most part, were unregenerated religious political rulers or religious men allied with ungodly political potentates. This condition prevailed for centuries. Christendom was in an awful spiritual state. Religious teachers had departed from sound doctrine.
Even the recovery of "justification by faith" produced a tremendous reformation. The people who sat in darkness saw a great light. But Luther and his co-laborers and followers recovered little or nothing of the truth of Ephesians and Colossians Concerning the Body of Christ. The church-leaders of the sixteenth, seventeenth and eighteenth centuries would have persecuted unto death Christians who would have dared to teach concerning the Body of Christ and the gospel of grace what "grace" preachers are proclaiming today and what John Darby taught in his day.
We quote a note from the writings of the very pastor to whom we have referred in this message. This note is concerning the one Body of Ephesians
"It is a great truth that the Lord is teaching many over again in the present day, after it has been buried in the rubbish of ecclesiastical traditions for centuries that God has a Church upon earth. It is our part then, not to be making churches, but to acknowledge what He has already made. The various churches spoken of in the New Testament are but severally the Church of God in such or such a place. Nothing is owned but this; the Church of God. Membership is in this, and not in local bodies . . . Into this membership man cannot admit, but the Lord only . . . Our part is only to bow to what He has done, and to receive one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God. Now all making terms of admission is plainly out of the question, for we do not admit at all."
Even now, centuries after "The Reformation", how many Christian pastors, all of whom are supposed to be stewards of the mysteries of God (I Corinthians 4:1 to 4), are obeying Ephesians 3:9? "And to make all men see what is the dispensation of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God." Be honest, servants of the Lord, are we to obey this command or ignore it? What are you doing about it? Christians will never enjoy the most blessed and glorious truth of the Bible, for them, until they see this.
The pastor, who branded as servants of Satan men of God who do not obey all the commands of the Lord, and who himself ignores most of them, bitterly condemns and maligns and abuses God's servants who are faithfully endeavoring to obey Ephesians 3:9, while he does absolutely nothing about it.
Concerning "the dispensation of the mystery", this pastor wrote in one of his books on Paul, "how earnest was the apostle Paul in seeking to lead Christians into the knowledge of this precious truth." How true is this statement of this pastor who is fighting this precious truth today? Note what Paul wrote in Colossians 4:2 to 4
"Continue in prayer and watch in the same with thanksgiving: Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds; That I may make it manifest as I ought to speak."
This precious truth certainly got Paul into plenty of trouble. Note what he wrote in II Timothy 2:9: "Wherein I suffer trouble as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the Word of God is not bound." Leaders among the Fundamentalists of today will certainly treat as "evil-doers" men of God who seek to follow Paul as they are commanded to do.
If you are faithful in proclaiming this precious truth today you will be in plenty of trouble. This is because of sectarian prejudice resulting from mixing man's traditions with God's truth, or by using some hit-and-miss, snatch-grab method to bring some of Israel's religious program over into "the dispensation of grace" (Ephesians 3:1 to 3), without exegesis, explanation or apology. Thus the mystery is still a mystery.
Note again several quotations from the pastor to whom we have referred:
"Throughout the writings of the Apostle Paul he again and again refers to a wonderful secret, which he designates in a special way as "the mystery," or "the great mystery."
"For centuries it was almost entirely lost sight of. In fact, until brought to the fore through the writings and the preaching and teaching of a distinguished ex-clergyman, Mr. J. N. Darby, in the early part of the last century, it is scarcely to be found in a single book or sermon throughout a period of sixteen hundred years."
"Of ordinances exalted to the place of mysteries, as in heathen rites, he will find much; but as to the mystery, which to the apostle was so unspeakably precious, rarely a reference."
"That a doctrine so clearly revealed in the Scriptures could have become so utterly lost is only to be accounted for by the Judaizing of the Church, and the consequent minding of earthly things that beclouded the heavenly ones."
"The mystery" was not something of difficult, mysterious character, but a sacred secret never known to mankind until in due time opened up by the Holy Spirit through the apostle Paul."
"It was not hid in the Scriptures to be brought to light eventually; but we are distinctly told it was hid in God until such time as He chose to manifest it."
"This was not until Israel had been given every opportunity to receive Christ both in incarnation and resurrection. When they definitely refused Him God made known what had been in His heart from eternity, that from all nations, Jews and Gentiles, He would redeem and take out an elect company who would, by the Spirit's baptism, be formed into one Body."
"The mystery formed no part of the revelation of the previous dispensations. Had it been otherwise, Paul could not rightly have written that it was "kept secret since the world began." It was part of the good news he was commissioned to publish abroad but he learned it not from the former Scriptures, but by direct revelation from the Lord Jesus Christ in glory."
THE MYSTERY OF THE CHURCH AS THE BODY OF CHRIST WAS NEVER MADE KNOWN IN OLD TESTAMENT TIMES, NOR YET WHEN OUR LORD WAS ON EARTH. IT WAS HID. THE DIVINE METHOD OF MAKING IT KNOWN WAS BY A SPECIAL REVELATION TO THE APOSTLE PAUL, COMMITTED TO HIM TO PASS ON TO THE SAINTS.
"The Divine method of making it known was by a special revelation to the apostle Paul, as he tells us in Ephesians 3. But this revelation was not for him only. It was a ministry committed to him to pass on to the saints."
"How earnest was the apostle in seeking to lead Christians into the knowledge of this precious truth."
Note carefully the statement, "That the doctrine so clearly revealed in the Scriptures could have become so utterly lost is only to be accounted for by the Judaizing of the Church, and the consequent minding of earthly things that beclouded the heavenly ones."
If this doctrine is not utterly lost to our brother, he should be as earnest as was Paul in seeking to lead Christians into the knowledge of this precious truth, instead of being one of the greatest hindrances to this truth in the country. If the truth is utterly lost to him, then it is because he has Judaized the Church and is minding earthly things. This is his own confession. But the explanation is that he came face to face with a decision. He had to make his choice; a tank of water for his baptism ceremony or the proclamation of the mystery. He must have decided that the water ceremony, his watery grave theory, was more precious than that truth that was so precious to the apostle who said "Christ sent me not to baptize."
WAKE UP FUNDAMENTALISTS!
The Body of Christ is only one phase of this precious Divine truth, which is the most blessed and glorious truth for saints in all of God's Word. Many centuries ago the risen Christ revealed this mystery, "His eternal purpose in Christ." Ninety-nine plus per cent of Church members are as ignorant of this truth as though it were not in the Bible. It is God's answer to the fanaticism, to all the Israelitish movements with which the Church of Christ is afflicted. It is the Divine curative for every ill and "ism" that is troubling the Body of Christ.
If there is to be a revival before the Lord Jesus comes for His Church, it will be when this glorious truth is brought from under the rubbish heap and ecclesiastical tradition to which our brother referred.
See why God wants this glorious truth known:
"And He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some evangelists; and some pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the Body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a Perfect Man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ. That we henceforth be no more children tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men. and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive."
Let us no longer be children—Let us obey the Lord's command.
If there is any reason why the Lord is delaying His coming for His Church, it is not because He is waiting for the revival of the Roman Empire, but because He wants His saints to see and obey Ephesians 3:9 to 11:
"And to make all men see what is the dispensation of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in the heavenlies might be known by the Church the manifold wisdom of God, according to the eternal purpose which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord."
LET US DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT
Now let us be gracious and longsuffering and forgiving. Let us obey Ephesians 4:1 to 6:
"I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one Body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, Who is above all, and through all, and in you all."
But in kindness let me ask you, do you think a man is honest or intelligent when he says he obeys all the Lord's commands?
We do not obey Matthew 10:8 and we cannot:
"Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils freely ye have received, freely give."
But we can, and should obey Ephesians 3:9:
"And to make all men see what is the dispensation of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God."
We do not, and we should not, wash one another's feet.
We do not agree with our adversaries quickly, or slowly, in obedience to Matthew 5:25.
We do not and cannot, speak with tongues or perform miracles. But we can, and should obey Ephesians 3:9. When we obey Ephesians 3:9, we shall see why we cannot speak with tongues, heal the sick, cast out demons, raise the dead, have visions, preach political signs to prove that Christ's Second Coming is at hand.
We do not, and should not, preach "he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved," or "repent and be baptized for the remission of sins and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
But we should obey Ephesians 3:9.
We do not sell our houses and lots and give the money to religious leaders, because he that provideth not well for his own household denies the faith and is worse than an infidel.
WHO OBEYS MARK 16:14 to 18?
Why did not the twelve apostles obey Mark 16:14 to 18? Why do not Fundamentalists obey Mark 16:14 to 18 today? Do you know of a single grace messenger who preaches or practices Mark 16:14 to 18? Do you know of a single Scripture to prove that the twelve apostles preached the gospel throughout Asia, Africa and Europe?
Now before our comments carefully read Mark 16:14 to 18: "Afterward He appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen. And He said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but He that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In My name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover."
Surely we have here in very simple and plain language a clear program presented to the eleven apostles by the resurrected Christ; "Go ye into all the world". "Preach the gospel to every creature." "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved." "These signs shall follow them that believe."
Now note Matthew 24:14 and Colossians 1:5 and 6 and 1:23:
"And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come."
"For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel; Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth:"
"If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;"
Note carefully, "Whereof I Paul am made a minister." Then note II Timothy 4:17:
"Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me, that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion."
The gospel preached in all the world to every creature was under Paul's authority. But when he had accomplished this, the end mentioned in Matthew 24:14, did not come. The end of Paul's earthly ministry came. But he commissioned Timothy to go right on with the grace message and program. But Paul did not tell Timothy to put hands on the sick. Note carefully I Timothy 5:23: "Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine oft infirmities."
If you will open your Bible and turn to the Book of Acts, you will read these headings, "Paul's First Missionary Journey." "Paul's Second Missionary Journey" and "Paul's Third Missionary Journey". But you will not read of Peter's first, second or third missionary journey or of the twelve apostles’. Why? Because they did not take any such journeys, according to the "Acts" record. They remained in Jerusalem. Acts 8:1 and Acts 15:1 to 3. How then could they have remained in Jerusalem and have preached the gospel to every creature in the world? Note carefully the Lord's instructions to Paul:
"And it came to pass, that, when I was come again to Jerusalem, even while I prayed in the temple, I was in a trance; And saw Him saying unto me, Make haste, and get thee quickly out of Jerusalem: for they will not receive thy testimony concerning me. And I said, Lord, they know that I imprisoned and beat in every synagogue them that believed on Thee: And when the blood of Thy martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting unto his death, and kept the raiment of them that slew him. And He said unto me, Depart: for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles."
As we carefully examine the Divine Record telling of the ministry of the twelve apostles and Paul, we should learn why Paul said, "I am the apostle of the Gentiles." Romans 11:13. The language in Galatians 2:9 is very plain and any misunderstanding of the statement certainly seems inexcusable. Note this plain statement: "And when James. Peter and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision."
Again the question, how could any student of the Scriptures teach that the twelve apostles even began the task of going into all the world to preach the gospel to every creature when they agreed to evangelize the Jews?
Paul preached to many Jews in many different places, but he was peculiarly the Lord's special messenger to the Gentiles. Paul emphasized this fact time and again. I Timothy 2:7, II Timothy 1:11, Ephesians 3:8.
The Berean Bible Society
www.bereanbiblesociety.org
Hamas Presents A Daily Terror Report
Hamas have begun issuing a report which chronologically describes the resistance activities and the names of group members killed.
"We hereby announce the blessed operations we have carried out," the report states. "We shall continue to hit the enemy using all means. With the help of Allah, each of their bombardments will be answered with a bombardment, and each blood with blood."
The latest report punctiliously elaborates on the operations carried out on Sunday: 2 a.m. – Qassam launched, At night – Maadi Khaled al-Khamadin killed, 7:10 a.m. – Qassam launched at Sderot, 12:25 p.m. – Mortar shells fired at IDF forces in Beit Hanoun, I:30 p.m. – Two RPG rockets and Yassin antitank missile fired at Israeli armored forces in Beit Lahiya, 2:10 p.m. – Qassam launched at Sderot, 3 p.m. – Police officer Atef Kahlut killed in Beit Lahiya battle, 5:10 p.m. – Snipers fire at IDF soldiers, 6:35 p.m. – Qassam launched at Zikim, 7:15 p.m. – antitank missile fired at IDF force, 7:33 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. – Qassam launched at Kibbutz Yad Mordechai and Kibbutz Zikim, At night – Raid Abed al-Aal killed in Jabalya after being hit by a missile fired from a helicopter.
Y Net News
11.08.2006
"We hereby announce the blessed operations we have carried out," the report states. "We shall continue to hit the enemy using all means. With the help of Allah, each of their bombardments will be answered with a bombardment, and each blood with blood."
The latest report punctiliously elaborates on the operations carried out on Sunday: 2 a.m. – Qassam launched, At night – Maadi Khaled al-Khamadin killed, 7:10 a.m. – Qassam launched at Sderot, 12:25 p.m. – Mortar shells fired at IDF forces in Beit Hanoun, I:30 p.m. – Two RPG rockets and Yassin antitank missile fired at Israeli armored forces in Beit Lahiya, 2:10 p.m. – Qassam launched at Sderot, 3 p.m. – Police officer Atef Kahlut killed in Beit Lahiya battle, 5:10 p.m. – Snipers fire at IDF soldiers, 6:35 p.m. – Qassam launched at Zikim, 7:15 p.m. – antitank missile fired at IDF force, 7:33 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. – Qassam launched at Kibbutz Yad Mordechai and Kibbutz Zikim, At night – Raid Abed al-Aal killed in Jabalya after being hit by a missile fired from a helicopter.
Y Net News
11.08.2006
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Training Tomorrow's Terrorists
It's now out that the American security coordinator in the territories, General Keith Dayton, has been giving secret training to the Palestinian Presidential Guard. It's part of his program to provide "support" to the Palestinian Fatah faction in its internal struggle with Hamas.
The initial training was conducted by American military instructors in a military camp near Jericho, for some 400 men. And now Dayton has asked the Quartet to put in place a program that will have Egyptian, British and perhaps even Jordanian instructors to train the force loyal to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, helping it to grow to some 6,000 men.
Dayton seems to have managed to help his masters to forget the history of the Presidential Guard and its elite Force 17 unit, and is probably hoping that the Quartet will also have a spot of amnesia.
He has also sidestepped the conclusions of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank that, before the addition of more than 35,000 troops in the last 3 years, the Palestinian Security Services were overstaffed, out of control, and an insurmountable burden on the Palestinian economy. Of greater concern, though, is that Force 17 is well known for its involvement in terror activities.
In this context, the experience of previous US training efforts is of interest. Journalist Mathew Kalman revealed in the San Francisco Chronicle in early 2005 that as far back as 1998, the CIA spent tens of millions of dollars, contracting secret training for hundreds of Palestinian Security Service personnel, including members of Force 17. Kalman managed to get hold of this "graduation picture" of one of those courses. Look at the fellow kneeling fourth from the left in the front row. Kalman identified him as Raafat Bajali -- a member of the terrorist Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, who was killed in a "work accident", while making a bomb. Fortunately, he took fellow Al-Aksa terrorist Nedal Zedok with him
And standing in the back row, second from the left, is Khaled Abu Nijmeh. He was one of Bethlehem's most-wanted Palestinian militants in the city, suspected of involvement in a string of suicide bombings and shooting attacks against Israelis. In May 2002, he was one of 13 gunmen escorted from the Church of the Nativity siege in Bethlehem, flown to Cyprus and then to exile in
Europe. Several of his fellow deportees received their salaries from the Palestinian Security Service payroll. Nijmeh proudly told Kalman of his membership in Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades alongside his job as first sergeant in Palestinian General Intelligence. He was very pleased with the CIA training that helped him learn the trade. "I was not alone. Many Palestinian security people were trained by the Americans. We hope they will continue helping us."
Well, now that our memories have faded a little, it seems that Nijmeh's prayers are being answered. The Americans are once again training tomorrow's terrorists.
Israel Insider
11.07.2006
The initial training was conducted by American military instructors in a military camp near Jericho, for some 400 men. And now Dayton has asked the Quartet to put in place a program that will have Egyptian, British and perhaps even Jordanian instructors to train the force loyal to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, helping it to grow to some 6,000 men.
Dayton seems to have managed to help his masters to forget the history of the Presidential Guard and its elite Force 17 unit, and is probably hoping that the Quartet will also have a spot of amnesia.
He has also sidestepped the conclusions of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank that, before the addition of more than 35,000 troops in the last 3 years, the Palestinian Security Services were overstaffed, out of control, and an insurmountable burden on the Palestinian economy. Of greater concern, though, is that Force 17 is well known for its involvement in terror activities.
In this context, the experience of previous US training efforts is of interest. Journalist Mathew Kalman revealed in the San Francisco Chronicle in early 2005 that as far back as 1998, the CIA spent tens of millions of dollars, contracting secret training for hundreds of Palestinian Security Service personnel, including members of Force 17. Kalman managed to get hold of this "graduation picture" of one of those courses. Look at the fellow kneeling fourth from the left in the front row. Kalman identified him as Raafat Bajali -- a member of the terrorist Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, who was killed in a "work accident", while making a bomb. Fortunately, he took fellow Al-Aksa terrorist Nedal Zedok with him
And standing in the back row, second from the left, is Khaled Abu Nijmeh. He was one of Bethlehem's most-wanted Palestinian militants in the city, suspected of involvement in a string of suicide bombings and shooting attacks against Israelis. In May 2002, he was one of 13 gunmen escorted from the Church of the Nativity siege in Bethlehem, flown to Cyprus and then to exile in
Europe. Several of his fellow deportees received their salaries from the Palestinian Security Service payroll. Nijmeh proudly told Kalman of his membership in Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades alongside his job as first sergeant in Palestinian General Intelligence. He was very pleased with the CIA training that helped him learn the trade. "I was not alone. Many Palestinian security people were trained by the Americans. We hope they will continue helping us."
Well, now that our memories have faded a little, it seems that Nijmeh's prayers are being answered. The Americans are once again training tomorrow's terrorists.
Israel Insider
11.07.2006
Monday, November 06, 2006
12,000 Policemen To Man J'lem Gay Pride Parade
Police Chief Insp.-Gen. Moshe Karadi said Monday that 12,000 policemen would be deployed to man the Jerusalem Gay Pride Parade scheduled for this Friday.
Karadi told Israel Radio that his forces would need to receive reinforcements from elsewhere in the country, adding that resultant weakening of forces in other areas was part of the consideration in urging a cancellation of the march.
Israel's Police Chief said that although he respected the right any group's freedom of expression and its right to march, he advised against the Gay Pride Parade going ahead because the tremendous risk to public safety overrode this right.
"We had to weigh up freedom of expression on the one hand against human life on the other, but unfortunately (Attorney-General Menahem) Mazuz told us to find another alternative to canceling the march altogether," Karadi told Israel Radio.
Police were expected to hold emergency meetings early Monday morning with representatives of the Open House, which organizes the Jerusalem Gay Pride Parade, to try to reach an agreement on an alternative route for the march in light of the surprise decision by Mazuz on Sunday evening to deny police requests to suspend the march.
Open House representatives on Sunday praised Mazuz's decision, calling it "a victory for Israeli democracy."
Gays: We can't let violence, threats win
Is marching as a gay the greatest of sins? (op-ed)
Meanwhile, riots over Mazuz's decision to allow the parade continued throughout the night. Some twenty haredi protesters were arrested for allegedly throwing rocks at police - four of whom were reported lightly wounded - and a Ha'aretz photographer was also wounded for the second time while trying to cover the violent protests.
Police reported that a number of streets in the Ultra-Orthodox Mea Shearim neighborhood have been blocked off in an attempt to prevent the residents from setting dumpsters on fire, as they have on several occasions since the anti-parade riots began.
Mazuz's decision quickly reverberated across Jerusalem's haredi neighborhoods, as residents of Mea She'arim, Geula and Romema took to the streets, blocking Rehov Sarei Yisrael and Kikar Shabbat with burning dumpsters and tires.
On Sarei Yisrael, people in the crowd threw rocks at police officers, and five protesters were detained for questioning. A failed attempt was made at blocking Rehov Tzefania and the major artery and frequent flashpoint Rehov Bar-Ilan, and similar protests were also held in Bnei Brak.
It was this effect - and worse - that police had feared when they held a situation assessment Sunday morning, at which the country's top law-enforcement officials decided that the risk to human life was too high to allow the parade to be held.
In the meeting, held at the national headquarters and presided-over by Insp.-Gen Moshe Karadi, Jerusalem District Police chief Cmdr. Ilan Franco told the assembled officers that the police had concrete intelligence indicating that allowing the parade to take place would present a real danger to human life.
Former deputy inspector-general and current Israel Beiteinu MK Yitzhak Aharonovich backed up Karadi's decision, saying that "when freedom of expression stands juxtaposed to human life, preservation of human life takes precedence. The relocation of the march to another city should be considered."
But other politicians saw in the decision an all-too-familiar pattern of behavior. "Threats of violence cannot be allowed to close mouths in a democratic country. Giving in to violence means that we did not learn anything from the murder of Rabin," said Education Minister Yuli Tamir (Labor). "The debate today centers around whether it is permissible in a democratic country to cause people to not march by issuing threats."
Following that meeting, police said that they would not allow the parade to continue as planned, and turned to Mazuz for final approval of that position.
But when Franco and Chief of Police Operations Cmdr. Bertie Ohayon met with Mazuz, the attorney-general told police that he did not believe that their decision would be upheld in a court of law. Open House director-general Noa Sattach had already promised that the organization would petition the High Court of Justice about the police decision as early as Monday.
Mazuz told Franco and Ohayon that "we must decide either to surrender to threats or to make do… Surrendering to threats threatens democracy and thus the police's recommendation not to hold the march is unacceptable."
Mazuz did, however, recognize that the march in its current format presented insurmountable challenges to the police's ability to protect the marchers. The situation, he said, "demands an effort to find a format that will enable security." He told police that he would approve a "more modest march to be held at a time and place to which all of the sides can agree."
Senior Jerusalem police officers were quick to portray the meeting as anything but the surprise that it was.
"Mazuz listened to us, understood the gravity of the intelligence information and in accordance instructed us to meet with the parade organizers to find an acceptable plan and route," one officer told The Jerusalem Post.
Sattach, after expressing anger and disappointment earlier after the police announcement that the parade would be canceled, welcomed Mazuz's decision. "The new route will ensure the safety of all participants," she said. "We are very glad that the decision has been made to allow the march to go ahead. It is a victory for freedom of speech and democracy in Israel…"
But some members of the anti-march camp warned Sunday night that Mazuz's compromise plan would not achieve its desired ends. "The decision to continue with plans for the march at any price could bring about serious violence and major damage to daily life in Jerusalem," said MK Yitzhak Levy, one of the march's most vocal opponents in the Knesset. "I call on Mazuz to read the writing on the wall and to reverse [his decision] before it is too late."
Jerusalem Post
11.6.2006
Karadi told Israel Radio that his forces would need to receive reinforcements from elsewhere in the country, adding that resultant weakening of forces in other areas was part of the consideration in urging a cancellation of the march.
Israel's Police Chief said that although he respected the right any group's freedom of expression and its right to march, he advised against the Gay Pride Parade going ahead because the tremendous risk to public safety overrode this right.
"We had to weigh up freedom of expression on the one hand against human life on the other, but unfortunately (Attorney-General Menahem) Mazuz told us to find another alternative to canceling the march altogether," Karadi told Israel Radio.
Police were expected to hold emergency meetings early Monday morning with representatives of the Open House, which organizes the Jerusalem Gay Pride Parade, to try to reach an agreement on an alternative route for the march in light of the surprise decision by Mazuz on Sunday evening to deny police requests to suspend the march.
Open House representatives on Sunday praised Mazuz's decision, calling it "a victory for Israeli democracy."
Gays: We can't let violence, threats win
Is marching as a gay the greatest of sins? (op-ed)
Meanwhile, riots over Mazuz's decision to allow the parade continued throughout the night. Some twenty haredi protesters were arrested for allegedly throwing rocks at police - four of whom were reported lightly wounded - and a Ha'aretz photographer was also wounded for the second time while trying to cover the violent protests.
Police reported that a number of streets in the Ultra-Orthodox Mea Shearim neighborhood have been blocked off in an attempt to prevent the residents from setting dumpsters on fire, as they have on several occasions since the anti-parade riots began.
Mazuz's decision quickly reverberated across Jerusalem's haredi neighborhoods, as residents of Mea She'arim, Geula and Romema took to the streets, blocking Rehov Sarei Yisrael and Kikar Shabbat with burning dumpsters and tires.
On Sarei Yisrael, people in the crowd threw rocks at police officers, and five protesters were detained for questioning. A failed attempt was made at blocking Rehov Tzefania and the major artery and frequent flashpoint Rehov Bar-Ilan, and similar protests were also held in Bnei Brak.
It was this effect - and worse - that police had feared when they held a situation assessment Sunday morning, at which the country's top law-enforcement officials decided that the risk to human life was too high to allow the parade to be held.
In the meeting, held at the national headquarters and presided-over by Insp.-Gen Moshe Karadi, Jerusalem District Police chief Cmdr. Ilan Franco told the assembled officers that the police had concrete intelligence indicating that allowing the parade to take place would present a real danger to human life.
Former deputy inspector-general and current Israel Beiteinu MK Yitzhak Aharonovich backed up Karadi's decision, saying that "when freedom of expression stands juxtaposed to human life, preservation of human life takes precedence. The relocation of the march to another city should be considered."
But other politicians saw in the decision an all-too-familiar pattern of behavior. "Threats of violence cannot be allowed to close mouths in a democratic country. Giving in to violence means that we did not learn anything from the murder of Rabin," said Education Minister Yuli Tamir (Labor). "The debate today centers around whether it is permissible in a democratic country to cause people to not march by issuing threats."
Following that meeting, police said that they would not allow the parade to continue as planned, and turned to Mazuz for final approval of that position.
But when Franco and Chief of Police Operations Cmdr. Bertie Ohayon met with Mazuz, the attorney-general told police that he did not believe that their decision would be upheld in a court of law. Open House director-general Noa Sattach had already promised that the organization would petition the High Court of Justice about the police decision as early as Monday.
Mazuz told Franco and Ohayon that "we must decide either to surrender to threats or to make do… Surrendering to threats threatens democracy and thus the police's recommendation not to hold the march is unacceptable."
Mazuz did, however, recognize that the march in its current format presented insurmountable challenges to the police's ability to protect the marchers. The situation, he said, "demands an effort to find a format that will enable security." He told police that he would approve a "more modest march to be held at a time and place to which all of the sides can agree."
Senior Jerusalem police officers were quick to portray the meeting as anything but the surprise that it was.
"Mazuz listened to us, understood the gravity of the intelligence information and in accordance instructed us to meet with the parade organizers to find an acceptable plan and route," one officer told The Jerusalem Post.
Sattach, after expressing anger and disappointment earlier after the police announcement that the parade would be canceled, welcomed Mazuz's decision. "The new route will ensure the safety of all participants," she said. "We are very glad that the decision has been made to allow the march to go ahead. It is a victory for freedom of speech and democracy in Israel…"
But some members of the anti-march camp warned Sunday night that Mazuz's compromise plan would not achieve its desired ends. "The decision to continue with plans for the march at any price could bring about serious violence and major damage to daily life in Jerusalem," said MK Yitzhak Levy, one of the march's most vocal opponents in the Knesset. "I call on Mazuz to read the writing on the wall and to reverse [his decision] before it is too late."
Jerusalem Post
11.6.2006
Sunday, November 05, 2006
Six Arab States Seeking Nuclear Technology!
Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia are all seeking nuclear technology, the British newspaper The Times reported Saturday morning.
According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the countries involved claimed they were only interested in building civilian nuclear energy programs, a goal which is permitted under international law.
"Some Middle East states, including Egypt, Morocco, Algeria and Saudi Arabia, have shown initial interest [in using] nuclear power primarily for desalination purposes," Tomihiro Taniguch, the deputy director-general of the IAEA, told the business weekly Middle East Economic Digest. He also added that after preliminary discussions with the governments, the IAEA would offer its support in helping to build the power plants, The Times reported.
Mark Fitzpatrick, an expert on nuclear proliferation at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, pointed to Iran as sparking the sudden rush for nuclear technology.
"If Iran was not on the path to a nuclear weapons capability you would probably not see this sudden rush [in the Arab world]," The Times quoted him as saying.
While Egypt and other North African states can justify the technology as necessary in the face of high oil prices, others, such as Saudia Arabia, will have a more difficult time defending their decision.
In addition to owning healthy reserves of oil, Saudi Prince Saud al-Faisal, the Foreign Minister, told The Times earlier this year that his country was opposed to the spread of nuclear power and weapons in the Arab world.
Jerusalem Post
11.05.2006
According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the countries involved claimed they were only interested in building civilian nuclear energy programs, a goal which is permitted under international law.
"Some Middle East states, including Egypt, Morocco, Algeria and Saudi Arabia, have shown initial interest [in using] nuclear power primarily for desalination purposes," Tomihiro Taniguch, the deputy director-general of the IAEA, told the business weekly Middle East Economic Digest. He also added that after preliminary discussions with the governments, the IAEA would offer its support in helping to build the power plants, The Times reported.
Mark Fitzpatrick, an expert on nuclear proliferation at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, pointed to Iran as sparking the sudden rush for nuclear technology.
"If Iran was not on the path to a nuclear weapons capability you would probably not see this sudden rush [in the Arab world]," The Times quoted him as saying.
While Egypt and other North African states can justify the technology as necessary in the face of high oil prices, others, such as Saudia Arabia, will have a more difficult time defending their decision.
In addition to owning healthy reserves of oil, Saudi Prince Saud al-Faisal, the Foreign Minister, told The Times earlier this year that his country was opposed to the spread of nuclear power and weapons in the Arab world.
Jerusalem Post
11.05.2006
Saturday, November 04, 2006
Israel - Our Final Station
New immigrants in Netanya ulpan share experiences of acclimatization to Israeli culture. Set against the beach of the young and expanding Poleg district of Netanya, the Akiva Ulpan (Hebrew learning center) is home to new olim (immigrants) from around the world, who have chosen to make Israel their home. A number of them told Ynetnews about their experiences as new Israelis.
Daniel Harubi, who made aliya (emigrated to Israel) from the UK in August, described his adjustment to Israeli culture, which has now become familiar for him. "I found that when I first came here, there was culture shock, as things here are very in your face, and people are very abrupt, and very direct," he said.
"And at first I thought, this isn't such a great thing, and it's a bit foreign to me, coming from London, where people are reserved and a bit more shy and polite. But then I realized that this is reality, and people are real here. People don't have time to mess around. And they're not pretentious, they'll tell you how it is, whether you like it or not.
And that's good for everyone, because everyone knows where the other stands. In London, you're not quite sure where you stand with people, even though people are polite. So that's a positive thing, which may at first seem negative and foreign, but it's definitely a good thing for people to learn. People are warmer here. They'll invite you to their house, offer you food, and treat you like a member of the family," he said.
Max Shoshana, of Switzerland , made aliya four months ago. He spoke of the difficulties of learning the Hebrew language, but said he felt welcome. "Israelis say, 'welcome, we hope you feel good.' Everyone here in the ulpan helps us, they invite us to continue to study. The ulpan is good for us," he said.
Shoshana added that there was "much anti-Semitism" in Switzerland , but emphasized that this was not the reason he came to Israel.
Melloul Yehuda, 41, emigrated to Israel from France one day before the outbreak of the second Lebanon war. "It's very good here. I feel at home. I don't feel a major change in culture. Today, there is a joint global culture. But I like also the culture here. People are direct. Not like in France, where we don't know what the other is thinking. It's hypocritical. Here it's all direct, if something's not good, they say it straight out," he said.
"Now I live in Netanya, and I like this city. Afterwards, I hope to find work in an Israeli company. I am a computer engineer, I deal with software programing," he added.
Yves Hazut, 49, also emigrated from France with his family three months ago. His eldest son is currently serving in a combat unit in the IDF. "I was quickly absorbed in the Israeli environment. I am like everyone, and its quite moving for me," he said.
"I still have days when I have to figure out what's going on, but that is the reality and I'm here. It's good for me to deal with. We wanted to come here. We didn't escape from France," Hazut said.
"We had it good in France . We could have lived there, even with the anti-Semitism. We could have created protective layers, he added.
'Our final station'
Asked what his message was to Jews thinking of making aliya, Hazut said: "You should come. Prepare yourselves before you come. Send your children. It should always be on your mind, and prepare the big day for when you come. Just be ready. This is the final station for us. There is no other place."
Dimitri Pavolovsky, 44, made aliya from Russia six months ago. "I love this country," he said. "In Russia , there are some changes I did not like at all. The authorities now make bad policies, and there is a lot of corruption. I am a lawyer, and I'm tired of seeing that every day. I also have relatives here, and now we are here together."
Alex Weiniger 31, from Britain , has been in Israel since April. "I sort of feel at home because I'm living with an Israeli, and I went back to England for a holiday which is great, because it made me appreciate Israel much more. I was having issues with the culture, I didn't resolve them, I just said, what can you do, this is how it is. You have to give as good as you get. I have problems with driving tests, and the bureaucracy is a nightmare, but everyone knows that. You just have to try not to let everything come down at you once. It's hard being in a new country," she said.
Weiniger added that she would stay in Israel "if there are no more wars. If there's another war like the last one, I'm leaving. I don't agree with it, so I can't stay and support it."
Gershon Le Boette 27, from France , is considering aliya. He is currently on the Masa Maof program, designed to get young Jews acquainted with Israel. "Masa is for people like me, who want to know what it's like to live in Israel," he said. "Even if I don't make aliya, it's important for every Jew to speak good Hebrew," he added.
'That's life here'
Eric Greenberg, 43 moved to Israel from New York, and Doron Noll, 44, came from Colorado . Both moved to Zichron Ya'akov, in northern Israel, right before the start of the war, and faced air raid sirens and bomb shelters immediately after arriving.
"It doesn't bother me, because that's life here, but I had to deal with four kids being in the bomb shelter. We had the sirens, and for the kids it's rough. But that's life. It's another thing to get over, so you don't have to worry about it, now it's done," Greenberg said. Noll described the experience as a "swift acclimatization."
'Students return to ulpan years after leaving'
"Most of the immigrants who arrive here have a background. They are not coming to somewhere of which they have no idea about. A large section of them come after visits that prepare them," said Frida Fisher, Manager of Hebrew at the ulpan.
"With that, there are the problems that immigrants face, mostly that of language. Language is part of culture, it is intrinsic to understanding it. Every month we hold a special program… we bring lecturers on relevant issues. We expose them to Israeli culture in every way, through Israeli films and songs."
The center not only teaches Hebrew, but also acts as an extended family for new immigrants, Fisher added: "Every student who leaves here feels this is their home. They all come back. There are very personal relations between students and management. We have Shabbat receptions. We invited olim with their families for Friday. They come back to the ulpan after years of finishing their studies. They see it as their home."
Y Net News
11.04.2006
Daniel Harubi, who made aliya (emigrated to Israel) from the UK in August, described his adjustment to Israeli culture, which has now become familiar for him. "I found that when I first came here, there was culture shock, as things here are very in your face, and people are very abrupt, and very direct," he said.
"And at first I thought, this isn't such a great thing, and it's a bit foreign to me, coming from London, where people are reserved and a bit more shy and polite. But then I realized that this is reality, and people are real here. People don't have time to mess around. And they're not pretentious, they'll tell you how it is, whether you like it or not.
And that's good for everyone, because everyone knows where the other stands. In London, you're not quite sure where you stand with people, even though people are polite. So that's a positive thing, which may at first seem negative and foreign, but it's definitely a good thing for people to learn. People are warmer here. They'll invite you to their house, offer you food, and treat you like a member of the family," he said.
Max Shoshana, of Switzerland , made aliya four months ago. He spoke of the difficulties of learning the Hebrew language, but said he felt welcome. "Israelis say, 'welcome, we hope you feel good.' Everyone here in the ulpan helps us, they invite us to continue to study. The ulpan is good for us," he said.
Shoshana added that there was "much anti-Semitism" in Switzerland , but emphasized that this was not the reason he came to Israel.
Melloul Yehuda, 41, emigrated to Israel from France one day before the outbreak of the second Lebanon war. "It's very good here. I feel at home. I don't feel a major change in culture. Today, there is a joint global culture. But I like also the culture here. People are direct. Not like in France, where we don't know what the other is thinking. It's hypocritical. Here it's all direct, if something's not good, they say it straight out," he said.
"Now I live in Netanya, and I like this city. Afterwards, I hope to find work in an Israeli company. I am a computer engineer, I deal with software programing," he added.
Yves Hazut, 49, also emigrated from France with his family three months ago. His eldest son is currently serving in a combat unit in the IDF. "I was quickly absorbed in the Israeli environment. I am like everyone, and its quite moving for me," he said.
"I still have days when I have to figure out what's going on, but that is the reality and I'm here. It's good for me to deal with. We wanted to come here. We didn't escape from France," Hazut said.
"We had it good in France . We could have lived there, even with the anti-Semitism. We could have created protective layers, he added.
'Our final station'
Asked what his message was to Jews thinking of making aliya, Hazut said: "You should come. Prepare yourselves before you come. Send your children. It should always be on your mind, and prepare the big day for when you come. Just be ready. This is the final station for us. There is no other place."
Dimitri Pavolovsky, 44, made aliya from Russia six months ago. "I love this country," he said. "In Russia , there are some changes I did not like at all. The authorities now make bad policies, and there is a lot of corruption. I am a lawyer, and I'm tired of seeing that every day. I also have relatives here, and now we are here together."
Alex Weiniger 31, from Britain , has been in Israel since April. "I sort of feel at home because I'm living with an Israeli, and I went back to England for a holiday which is great, because it made me appreciate Israel much more. I was having issues with the culture, I didn't resolve them, I just said, what can you do, this is how it is. You have to give as good as you get. I have problems with driving tests, and the bureaucracy is a nightmare, but everyone knows that. You just have to try not to let everything come down at you once. It's hard being in a new country," she said.
Weiniger added that she would stay in Israel "if there are no more wars. If there's another war like the last one, I'm leaving. I don't agree with it, so I can't stay and support it."
Gershon Le Boette 27, from France , is considering aliya. He is currently on the Masa Maof program, designed to get young Jews acquainted with Israel. "Masa is for people like me, who want to know what it's like to live in Israel," he said. "Even if I don't make aliya, it's important for every Jew to speak good Hebrew," he added.
'That's life here'
Eric Greenberg, 43 moved to Israel from New York, and Doron Noll, 44, came from Colorado . Both moved to Zichron Ya'akov, in northern Israel, right before the start of the war, and faced air raid sirens and bomb shelters immediately after arriving.
"It doesn't bother me, because that's life here, but I had to deal with four kids being in the bomb shelter. We had the sirens, and for the kids it's rough. But that's life. It's another thing to get over, so you don't have to worry about it, now it's done," Greenberg said. Noll described the experience as a "swift acclimatization."
'Students return to ulpan years after leaving'
"Most of the immigrants who arrive here have a background. They are not coming to somewhere of which they have no idea about. A large section of them come after visits that prepare them," said Frida Fisher, Manager of Hebrew at the ulpan.
"With that, there are the problems that immigrants face, mostly that of language. Language is part of culture, it is intrinsic to understanding it. Every month we hold a special program… we bring lecturers on relevant issues. We expose them to Israeli culture in every way, through Israeli films and songs."
The center not only teaches Hebrew, but also acts as an extended family for new immigrants, Fisher added: "Every student who leaves here feels this is their home. They all come back. There are very personal relations between students and management. We have Shabbat receptions. We invited olim with their families for Friday. They come back to the ulpan after years of finishing their studies. They see it as their home."
Y Net News
11.04.2006
Thursday, November 02, 2006
“Noah Found Grace”
Thursday ~ 11 Cheshvan 5767 ~ 2 November 2006
Atheists argue that according to the “myth” of the Garden of Eden, evil had too innocent a beginning to be the root from which all the wickedness on this earth could possibly have grown. Adam and Eve merely ate some forbidden fruit—an act hardly worth getting upset about. “Eve talked me into it, Lord, and I did it to share with her, but I only took one bite....But the serpent deceived me, Lord; I thought it would make me wise…and it was delicious and nutritious.”
How could such a simple act bring the horror of selfishness, jealousy, lust, hatred, rage, revenge, crime, war, disease, suffering, and death that has plagued mankind ever since? The biblical claim seems absurd! For this one tiny mistake, God was so upset that He threw them out of the Garden and sentenced them to death? Why couldn’t God have just forgiven them—given them another chance? Wouldn’t that have been reasonable?
The answer to that question is what the Bible is all about. The question itself reflects an easy-going attitude toward sin and a lack of respect for authority that permeates our society and has even penetrated evangelical churches. “Give me one more chance” became the mantra of the human race, repeated endlessly by everyone from disobedient children to the worst criminals pleading with the judge. God knew that “one more chance” would only encourage evil-doers. But parents, schools, courts, parole boards, psychologists, and well-meaning do-gooders are still honoring this lame excuse—and with devastating results.
A raging epidemic of what the Bible calls “sin” has ravaged mankind. The courage to face that truth, however, is sadly missing from most of today’s pulpits. Few dare call it rebellion against our Creator for which we need to repent. God’s judgment and the coming day of reckoning are much too negative to hold the interest of modern congregations. Talk about God must be positive, uplifting, reassuring. None of this “separated from God by sin” talk will do. The “unchurched” are not going to be attracted to church if they are confronted with suggestions of guilt. Sermons should inspire listeners to feel comfortable about God and about themselves. And they must be short, entertaining, and related to the “good life” the world dreams of attaining.
Yet the “good life” isn’t life at all, but a plastic bubble defined by sit-coms and TV commercials, sold to us by a whole industry of denial and designed specifically to insulate us from the awful truth of which the Spirit of truth would convict us: “of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment” (Jn 16:8). The game is to glorify sin, mock the family, and pretend that suffering, sorrow and death aren’t part of “our world,” or at least to push them into another compartment that doesn’t have to be dealt with just yet.
The real world is inhabited by self-centered descendants of the original pair, who rebelled against God under the leadership of the serpent. What popular pulpits must avoid at all cost, however, is the horrible truth that man has been the devil’s follower and in his service from the very beginning. We’ll solve our problems with technology, another committee, another day in court, another peace conference, more catchy slogans, positive self-affirmations, and a little religion of whatever brand seems appealing at the moment.
God had spoken in wisdom and love, His creatures had rebelled—and “rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft” (1 Sm 15:23). This has been the history of mankind. The world is getting worse, not better, and God’s judgment is soon going to fall. But unlike Adam and Eve, who were ashamed and tried to hide from God, their descendants openly defy Him and flaunt their mutiny in His face. They have thrown God off this earth and would tear Him from His throne in heaven if they could.
The trees of the Garden behind which Adam and Eve sought to hide have metamorphosed into an asphalt jungle of high-rise apartments and office buildings, with every monument to human achievement crowded with inhabitants who desperately need to repent and return to God on His terms through faith in the One who died for their sins. Scattered throughout the jungle have always been the mushrooms of religion, some more poisonous than others. And now something new has appeared—giant mushrooms spreading everywhere: mega-churches filled with congregants who are being taught a “positive” way to hide from God. He is praised with the lips, but there is no repentance toward Him or real faith in Christ as the Savior of sinners.
Instead of exposing modern culture’s contempt for God and righteousness and its glorification of sin, the church embraces its decadence as a packaging that will make the “gospel” acceptable to those who don’t know they need it. Our needing Christ as a shelter from the storm of God’s wrath against our sins is not mentioned. The appeal is not to come to Christ to obtain forgiveness and to be rescued from eternity in the Lake of Fire—but to become happier on earth. Christianity is packaged as “spirituality,” a popular commodity today, and sold as a good deal that anyone who wants to be “blessed” would accept. The real issue, however, is sin, not self-esteem, self-love, self-image, etc.—but as we mention in the Q&A, not only the world but the church, too, is peddling the snake oil of self-enhancement as the cure-all.
Nor is this self-centered message confined to today’s “seeker-sensitive” churches. Much of the evangelical church in America is preoccupied with “growth,” while millions suffering for Christ in much of the world are forgotten. The hundreds of thousands who are being slaughtered by Muslims in southern Sudan, in northern Nigeria, in Indonesia, and Christians suffering in other Muslim countries would be aghast if they knew that a major concern of Christians in America is how to feel good about themselves—and that when they don’t, they have the comforting option of therapy from Christian psychologists!
Genesis chapter 6 presents an astonishing picture: not many generations after the creation of Adam and Eve, their descendants (to whom they surely had passed along the story of their expulsion from the Garden) are so evil that God is ready to destroy them all. And He would have done so but for one man: “but Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD” (Gn 6:8). Only one man out of millions obtained grace from God!
How can that be? Does God reserve His grace for a select company? No, God’s grace is freely offered to all; it
cannot be earned or merited or it would not be grace. So why was it only Noah who “found grace”? To find, one must seek (Mt 7:7; Lk 11:9). Noah was the only one who sought God’s grace! Noah knew that he was a sinner and needed God’s grace—and he alone sought and found it.
Hundreds of times in the Old Testament this same Hebrew word (matsa), which is here translated “found,” is given the same clear meaning: “Seek ye the LORD while he may be found (matsa), call ye upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon” (Is 55:6, 7); “And ye shall seek me, and find (matsa) me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart” (Jer 29:13).
We must recognize our guilt in the face of God’s holy perfection, and come to Him in deep repentance seeking His grace, not to earn or merit it, but to obtain mercy at His throne of grace (Heb 4:16). Instead, the church offers God’s favor to achieve happiness, success, and earthly blessings. We don’t really appreciate God’s grace until we realize that His righteous judgment is hanging over this present world as it was in Noah’s day. “Seek ye the LORD, all ye meek of the earth…it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the Lord’s anger” (Zep 2:3).
We desperately need to understand something of the magnitude of sin, of evil, and of gross wickedness in this world if we are to appreciate our redemption. God’s love, grace, and mercy shine all the brighter against the awful reality of evil. Indeed, the very existence of evil is a powerful proof of God’s existence and holiness. God says, “I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil…” (Is 45:7). God creates evil? Yes, the same way that light exposes darkness.
A person who was born, lived, and died in total darkness in a cave deep beneath the earth would not know that he lived in the dark until someone came into the cave with a light and the darkness was revealed. In the same way, God’s goodness, perfect holiness, and righteousness reveal evil for what it is. Without God and the conscience He has given us we would not recognize evil. Indeed, evil makes good shine all the brighter—and this world is full of evil.
I’ve just finished writing a book titled, JUDGMENT DAY: Islam, Israel and the Nations. It is a shocking exposé of evil beyond one's wildest imagination manifest especially as anti-Semitism and hatred of Israel on the part of Islam and all nations—including Israel’s frequent betrayal by even the United States. God’s judgment is coming upon the entire world for its mistreatment of His chosen people. He declares, “I will also gather all nations [that includes America], and will…plead with [punish] them…for my heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations, and parted my land [as every ‘peace proposal’ has done and Bush’s road map to peace intends]” (Joel 3:2).
Evil is at its worst when it poses as good and justifies itself with lies. For example, consider the full-page, truth-defying diatribe against Israel, masquerading as a special news report in the National Catholic Reporter (4/26/96), which justified Islam’s murder and mayhem and blamed Israel for mistreating “Palestinians” in the city of Hebron. (This is where Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and their wives were buried, but not one Arab or Muslim. Yet Muslims have taken control and built a mosque there.) It says trouble started when Jews “began moving into Hebron 20 years ago.” In fact, though chased out periodically by invaders, Jews have been there for 3,000 years. Arabs only arrived after the seventh-century Muslim conquest and immediately began to brutalize the Jewish residents for failing to convert to Islam. That mistreatment has continued for more than 1,300 years.
In the vicious pogrom in Hebron of 1929 (one of many), synagogues were desecrated, 67 Jews were murdered, and the rest forced to flee. Jews were slaughtered all over “Palestine.” Typical of what happened was the following report from the British police chief of Hebron:
On hearing screams…I went up a sort of tunnel passage and saw an Arab in the act of cutting off a child’s head with a sword. Seeing me, he tried to aim the stroke at me but missed....I shot him....Behind him was a Jewish woman smothered in blood, with a man I recognized as an Arab police constable named Issa Sheril from Jaffa…standing over the woman with a dagger in his hand. He saw me and bolted into a room close by and tried to shut me out—shouting in Arabic, “Your Honor, I am a policeman.” I got into the room and shot him. (Cited in Peters, From Time Immemorial, p. 315)
Years later, cautiously and fearfully, some Jews began moving back into one of their most sacred cities, a city where their patriarchs are buried. In 1948, Israel was attacked by six Arab nations. Jordan captured the West Bank and with it, Hebron. All Jewish residents were summarily expelled, synagogues destroyed. Only when Israel retook Hebron in 1967 could Jews return—and the National Catholic Reporter castigates them for doing so and blames the 400 Jewish residents under siege from 120,000 Muslims for causing trouble! Evil is praised as good—and seeker-friendly sermons don't even acknowledge its existence!
The persecution of Jews in Roman Catholic Europe was mild compared with what Christians and Jews endured for 1,300 years in Muslim countries. The slaughter included more than 1 million Armenians in the last decades of the nineteenth and first of the twentieth centuries—at times with the tacit approval of Western powers. In the great 1915 massacre, “Turkish women were given the dagger to give the final stab to dying Armenians in order to gain credit [with] Allah for having killed a Christian.”
In Ataturk’s destruction of Smyrna (leaving nothing but the Turkish suburb) in September of 1922, about 200,000 Armenian and Greek inhabitants were massacred while English, American, Italian and French warships anchored in the harbor repelled fleeing victims who swam out to them for help. The Western powers didn’t want to offend Muslim Turkey! In his must-read book, The Blight of Asia, George Horton, U.S. Consul in that doomed city and eye-witness to the unspeakable cruelty of Islam, writes, “One of the keenest impressions which I brought away with me from Smyrna was a feeling of shame that I belonged to the human race.” Shades of Genesis six!
In its foreword, James W. Gerard, former U.S. Ambassador to Germany, describes Horton’s book as “the whole story of the savage extermination of Christian civilization [by Muslims] throughout the length and breadth of the old Byzantine Empire....” Horton himself writes, “This process of extermination was carried on over a considerable period of time, with fixed purpose, with system, and with painstaking minute details; and it was accomplished with unspeakable cruelties....”
Sin is a horrible fact, in spite of the aversion that popular preachers have for facing its reality. The “positive” sermons in today’s mega churches make a mockery of the judgment that God will shortly unleash upon this wicked world. To lull sinners into thinking that all is well is to fatally deceive those for whom Christ died and to keep them from repenting and finding refuge in Christ from the wrath to come. By Dave Hunt - TBC
Atheists argue that according to the “myth” of the Garden of Eden, evil had too innocent a beginning to be the root from which all the wickedness on this earth could possibly have grown. Adam and Eve merely ate some forbidden fruit—an act hardly worth getting upset about. “Eve talked me into it, Lord, and I did it to share with her, but I only took one bite....But the serpent deceived me, Lord; I thought it would make me wise…and it was delicious and nutritious.”
How could such a simple act bring the horror of selfishness, jealousy, lust, hatred, rage, revenge, crime, war, disease, suffering, and death that has plagued mankind ever since? The biblical claim seems absurd! For this one tiny mistake, God was so upset that He threw them out of the Garden and sentenced them to death? Why couldn’t God have just forgiven them—given them another chance? Wouldn’t that have been reasonable?
The answer to that question is what the Bible is all about. The question itself reflects an easy-going attitude toward sin and a lack of respect for authority that permeates our society and has even penetrated evangelical churches. “Give me one more chance” became the mantra of the human race, repeated endlessly by everyone from disobedient children to the worst criminals pleading with the judge. God knew that “one more chance” would only encourage evil-doers. But parents, schools, courts, parole boards, psychologists, and well-meaning do-gooders are still honoring this lame excuse—and with devastating results.
A raging epidemic of what the Bible calls “sin” has ravaged mankind. The courage to face that truth, however, is sadly missing from most of today’s pulpits. Few dare call it rebellion against our Creator for which we need to repent. God’s judgment and the coming day of reckoning are much too negative to hold the interest of modern congregations. Talk about God must be positive, uplifting, reassuring. None of this “separated from God by sin” talk will do. The “unchurched” are not going to be attracted to church if they are confronted with suggestions of guilt. Sermons should inspire listeners to feel comfortable about God and about themselves. And they must be short, entertaining, and related to the “good life” the world dreams of attaining.
Yet the “good life” isn’t life at all, but a plastic bubble defined by sit-coms and TV commercials, sold to us by a whole industry of denial and designed specifically to insulate us from the awful truth of which the Spirit of truth would convict us: “of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment” (Jn 16:8). The game is to glorify sin, mock the family, and pretend that suffering, sorrow and death aren’t part of “our world,” or at least to push them into another compartment that doesn’t have to be dealt with just yet.
The real world is inhabited by self-centered descendants of the original pair, who rebelled against God under the leadership of the serpent. What popular pulpits must avoid at all cost, however, is the horrible truth that man has been the devil’s follower and in his service from the very beginning. We’ll solve our problems with technology, another committee, another day in court, another peace conference, more catchy slogans, positive self-affirmations, and a little religion of whatever brand seems appealing at the moment.
God had spoken in wisdom and love, His creatures had rebelled—and “rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft” (1 Sm 15:23). This has been the history of mankind. The world is getting worse, not better, and God’s judgment is soon going to fall. But unlike Adam and Eve, who were ashamed and tried to hide from God, their descendants openly defy Him and flaunt their mutiny in His face. They have thrown God off this earth and would tear Him from His throne in heaven if they could.
The trees of the Garden behind which Adam and Eve sought to hide have metamorphosed into an asphalt jungle of high-rise apartments and office buildings, with every monument to human achievement crowded with inhabitants who desperately need to repent and return to God on His terms through faith in the One who died for their sins. Scattered throughout the jungle have always been the mushrooms of religion, some more poisonous than others. And now something new has appeared—giant mushrooms spreading everywhere: mega-churches filled with congregants who are being taught a “positive” way to hide from God. He is praised with the lips, but there is no repentance toward Him or real faith in Christ as the Savior of sinners.
Instead of exposing modern culture’s contempt for God and righteousness and its glorification of sin, the church embraces its decadence as a packaging that will make the “gospel” acceptable to those who don’t know they need it. Our needing Christ as a shelter from the storm of God’s wrath against our sins is not mentioned. The appeal is not to come to Christ to obtain forgiveness and to be rescued from eternity in the Lake of Fire—but to become happier on earth. Christianity is packaged as “spirituality,” a popular commodity today, and sold as a good deal that anyone who wants to be “blessed” would accept. The real issue, however, is sin, not self-esteem, self-love, self-image, etc.—but as we mention in the Q&A, not only the world but the church, too, is peddling the snake oil of self-enhancement as the cure-all.
Nor is this self-centered message confined to today’s “seeker-sensitive” churches. Much of the evangelical church in America is preoccupied with “growth,” while millions suffering for Christ in much of the world are forgotten. The hundreds of thousands who are being slaughtered by Muslims in southern Sudan, in northern Nigeria, in Indonesia, and Christians suffering in other Muslim countries would be aghast if they knew that a major concern of Christians in America is how to feel good about themselves—and that when they don’t, they have the comforting option of therapy from Christian psychologists!
Genesis chapter 6 presents an astonishing picture: not many generations after the creation of Adam and Eve, their descendants (to whom they surely had passed along the story of their expulsion from the Garden) are so evil that God is ready to destroy them all. And He would have done so but for one man: “but Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD” (Gn 6:8). Only one man out of millions obtained grace from God!
How can that be? Does God reserve His grace for a select company? No, God’s grace is freely offered to all; it
cannot be earned or merited or it would not be grace. So why was it only Noah who “found grace”? To find, one must seek (Mt 7:7; Lk 11:9). Noah was the only one who sought God’s grace! Noah knew that he was a sinner and needed God’s grace—and he alone sought and found it.
Hundreds of times in the Old Testament this same Hebrew word (matsa), which is here translated “found,” is given the same clear meaning: “Seek ye the LORD while he may be found (matsa), call ye upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon” (Is 55:6, 7); “And ye shall seek me, and find (matsa) me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart” (Jer 29:13).
We must recognize our guilt in the face of God’s holy perfection, and come to Him in deep repentance seeking His grace, not to earn or merit it, but to obtain mercy at His throne of grace (Heb 4:16). Instead, the church offers God’s favor to achieve happiness, success, and earthly blessings. We don’t really appreciate God’s grace until we realize that His righteous judgment is hanging over this present world as it was in Noah’s day. “Seek ye the LORD, all ye meek of the earth…it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the Lord’s anger” (Zep 2:3).
We desperately need to understand something of the magnitude of sin, of evil, and of gross wickedness in this world if we are to appreciate our redemption. God’s love, grace, and mercy shine all the brighter against the awful reality of evil. Indeed, the very existence of evil is a powerful proof of God’s existence and holiness. God says, “I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil…” (Is 45:7). God creates evil? Yes, the same way that light exposes darkness.
A person who was born, lived, and died in total darkness in a cave deep beneath the earth would not know that he lived in the dark until someone came into the cave with a light and the darkness was revealed. In the same way, God’s goodness, perfect holiness, and righteousness reveal evil for what it is. Without God and the conscience He has given us we would not recognize evil. Indeed, evil makes good shine all the brighter—and this world is full of evil.
I’ve just finished writing a book titled, JUDGMENT DAY: Islam, Israel and the Nations. It is a shocking exposé of evil beyond one's wildest imagination manifest especially as anti-Semitism and hatred of Israel on the part of Islam and all nations—including Israel’s frequent betrayal by even the United States. God’s judgment is coming upon the entire world for its mistreatment of His chosen people. He declares, “I will also gather all nations [that includes America], and will…plead with [punish] them…for my heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations, and parted my land [as every ‘peace proposal’ has done and Bush’s road map to peace intends]” (Joel 3:2).
Evil is at its worst when it poses as good and justifies itself with lies. For example, consider the full-page, truth-defying diatribe against Israel, masquerading as a special news report in the National Catholic Reporter (4/26/96), which justified Islam’s murder and mayhem and blamed Israel for mistreating “Palestinians” in the city of Hebron. (This is where Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and their wives were buried, but not one Arab or Muslim. Yet Muslims have taken control and built a mosque there.) It says trouble started when Jews “began moving into Hebron 20 years ago.” In fact, though chased out periodically by invaders, Jews have been there for 3,000 years. Arabs only arrived after the seventh-century Muslim conquest and immediately began to brutalize the Jewish residents for failing to convert to Islam. That mistreatment has continued for more than 1,300 years.
In the vicious pogrom in Hebron of 1929 (one of many), synagogues were desecrated, 67 Jews were murdered, and the rest forced to flee. Jews were slaughtered all over “Palestine.” Typical of what happened was the following report from the British police chief of Hebron:
On hearing screams…I went up a sort of tunnel passage and saw an Arab in the act of cutting off a child’s head with a sword. Seeing me, he tried to aim the stroke at me but missed....I shot him....Behind him was a Jewish woman smothered in blood, with a man I recognized as an Arab police constable named Issa Sheril from Jaffa…standing over the woman with a dagger in his hand. He saw me and bolted into a room close by and tried to shut me out—shouting in Arabic, “Your Honor, I am a policeman.” I got into the room and shot him. (Cited in Peters, From Time Immemorial, p. 315)
Years later, cautiously and fearfully, some Jews began moving back into one of their most sacred cities, a city where their patriarchs are buried. In 1948, Israel was attacked by six Arab nations. Jordan captured the West Bank and with it, Hebron. All Jewish residents were summarily expelled, synagogues destroyed. Only when Israel retook Hebron in 1967 could Jews return—and the National Catholic Reporter castigates them for doing so and blames the 400 Jewish residents under siege from 120,000 Muslims for causing trouble! Evil is praised as good—and seeker-friendly sermons don't even acknowledge its existence!
The persecution of Jews in Roman Catholic Europe was mild compared with what Christians and Jews endured for 1,300 years in Muslim countries. The slaughter included more than 1 million Armenians in the last decades of the nineteenth and first of the twentieth centuries—at times with the tacit approval of Western powers. In the great 1915 massacre, “Turkish women were given the dagger to give the final stab to dying Armenians in order to gain credit [with] Allah for having killed a Christian.”
In Ataturk’s destruction of Smyrna (leaving nothing but the Turkish suburb) in September of 1922, about 200,000 Armenian and Greek inhabitants were massacred while English, American, Italian and French warships anchored in the harbor repelled fleeing victims who swam out to them for help. The Western powers didn’t want to offend Muslim Turkey! In his must-read book, The Blight of Asia, George Horton, U.S. Consul in that doomed city and eye-witness to the unspeakable cruelty of Islam, writes, “One of the keenest impressions which I brought away with me from Smyrna was a feeling of shame that I belonged to the human race.” Shades of Genesis six!
In its foreword, James W. Gerard, former U.S. Ambassador to Germany, describes Horton’s book as “the whole story of the savage extermination of Christian civilization [by Muslims] throughout the length and breadth of the old Byzantine Empire....” Horton himself writes, “This process of extermination was carried on over a considerable period of time, with fixed purpose, with system, and with painstaking minute details; and it was accomplished with unspeakable cruelties....”
Sin is a horrible fact, in spite of the aversion that popular preachers have for facing its reality. The “positive” sermons in today’s mega churches make a mockery of the judgment that God will shortly unleash upon this wicked world. To lull sinners into thinking that all is well is to fatally deceive those for whom Christ died and to keep them from repenting and finding refuge in Christ from the wrath to come. By Dave Hunt - TBC
The Problem With Foreign Forces
There is no mistaking the worrying similarity between the challenges that beset Israel on its borders with Lebanon and Gaza. Both were sites of unilateral Israeli withdrawals, followed almost instantaneously by reinforcement of the most fanatical terrorist organizations Israel faces, deployment by them of rocketry aimed at Israeli civilians and intermittent border attacks and kidnappings, as well as audacious stockpiling of weaponry dangerous both in terms of quality and quantity.
In both cases, Israel, pulling back to international border lines, hoped it could rely on neighboring forces and the international community to ensure those borders were respected: UN forces and the Lebanese army in Lebanon, Egyptian forces along the Philadelphi Corridor that separates Egypt from the Gaza Strip, and various other international players. In both cases, such hopes have been dashed, and any expectation of a change for the better is being dashed too.
After this summer's Hizb'allah-provoked war, a beefed-up UNIFIL incarnation was promised. But this enlarged force, with its supposedly more serious mandate, is plainly, and quite predictably, proving disinclined to intervene effectively to prevent the rearming of Hizb'allah, much less to confront it and seek to complete the IDF's partial achievements toward defanging Hizbullah entirely.
Disturbingly, indeed, and despite Israel's record of restraint - respecting the Lebanese border for years even as it watched Iran build Hizbullah into the world's best-armed terrorist force - some of those responsible for UNIFIL seem to have misidentified the enemy, perceiving Israel as the threat to tranquility, rather than Sheikh Nasrallah and his Teheran-inspired forces.
Instead of bolstering Israel in the effort to defeat hostile forces, UNIFIL is in some cases actually seeking to limit Israel's room for maneuver, issuing complaints and even threats over Israeli reconnaissance flights - in what amounts to a policy that, far from thwarting Hizbullah, would provide it with still wider immunity.
Similar scenarios are playing out in the South, where Israel is still coming under intermittent Kassam attack, and where a scant Egyptian presence has done little or nothing to thwart the importation of huge amounts of explosives and antitank and ground-to-air-missiles, mostly smuggled in via a veritable "underground city," as Chief-of-Staff Dan Halutz has dubbed the intricate system of tunnels dug and expanded under not-so-watchful Egyptian eyes.
The controversial Philadelphi agreement with Egypt stipulated that despite peace-treaty restrictions, Egypt may significantly increase the number of its armed personnel on the border. The Egyptians had on a few occasions intimated that they would increase their vigilance, but this has failed to materialize. On Monday, Egypt's President Hosni Mubarak personally denied reports that some 5,000 Egyptian security police had been dispatched to the border to bolster security.
It's fair to conjecture that were Egypt faced with a situation of arms smuggled the other way - to the Muslim Brotherhood, for instance - its response would be considerably more resolute.
Were Egypt belatedly to live up to its obligations, any sense of "better late than never" would be offset by the intelligence reports of how much materiel has already made its way to the gunmen, bombers and rocket crews of the Hamas-dominated Gaza Strip. But there are no indications, even now, that Cairo is about to emerge from its lethargy.
The option of ceding Philadelphi was rejected in the original Oslo Accords, precisely because of concerns over arms supplies being smuggled into Gaza. But in September of last year, the Defense Ministry's Amos Gilad assured the nation that "the deal with Egypt is excellent and thoroughly professional. It should well serve as a model for agreements with other states in the region and constitutes an impressive basis for the improvement of strategic cooperation with Egypt."
This assurance has proved misplaced, just as the hope that the importation of European soldiers would ensure calm in southern Lebanon is proving unfounded. As Israel grapples with the challenges on its northern and southern borders, its conceptual overhaul can no longer credibly accommodate the notion of overwhelming reliance on outside forces to provide protection.
Israel complied to the last centimeter with UN demarcations of the border line with Lebanon. Its pullout from the security zone in May 2000, however, saw Hizbullah given free rein to fill the vacuum left by the departing IDF, with UNIFIL an irrelevant presence.
Jerusalem Post
11.02.2006
In both cases, Israel, pulling back to international border lines, hoped it could rely on neighboring forces and the international community to ensure those borders were respected: UN forces and the Lebanese army in Lebanon, Egyptian forces along the Philadelphi Corridor that separates Egypt from the Gaza Strip, and various other international players. In both cases, such hopes have been dashed, and any expectation of a change for the better is being dashed too.
After this summer's Hizb'allah-provoked war, a beefed-up UNIFIL incarnation was promised. But this enlarged force, with its supposedly more serious mandate, is plainly, and quite predictably, proving disinclined to intervene effectively to prevent the rearming of Hizb'allah, much less to confront it and seek to complete the IDF's partial achievements toward defanging Hizbullah entirely.
Disturbingly, indeed, and despite Israel's record of restraint - respecting the Lebanese border for years even as it watched Iran build Hizbullah into the world's best-armed terrorist force - some of those responsible for UNIFIL seem to have misidentified the enemy, perceiving Israel as the threat to tranquility, rather than Sheikh Nasrallah and his Teheran-inspired forces.
Instead of bolstering Israel in the effort to defeat hostile forces, UNIFIL is in some cases actually seeking to limit Israel's room for maneuver, issuing complaints and even threats over Israeli reconnaissance flights - in what amounts to a policy that, far from thwarting Hizbullah, would provide it with still wider immunity.
Similar scenarios are playing out in the South, where Israel is still coming under intermittent Kassam attack, and where a scant Egyptian presence has done little or nothing to thwart the importation of huge amounts of explosives and antitank and ground-to-air-missiles, mostly smuggled in via a veritable "underground city," as Chief-of-Staff Dan Halutz has dubbed the intricate system of tunnels dug and expanded under not-so-watchful Egyptian eyes.
The controversial Philadelphi agreement with Egypt stipulated that despite peace-treaty restrictions, Egypt may significantly increase the number of its armed personnel on the border. The Egyptians had on a few occasions intimated that they would increase their vigilance, but this has failed to materialize. On Monday, Egypt's President Hosni Mubarak personally denied reports that some 5,000 Egyptian security police had been dispatched to the border to bolster security.
It's fair to conjecture that were Egypt faced with a situation of arms smuggled the other way - to the Muslim Brotherhood, for instance - its response would be considerably more resolute.
Were Egypt belatedly to live up to its obligations, any sense of "better late than never" would be offset by the intelligence reports of how much materiel has already made its way to the gunmen, bombers and rocket crews of the Hamas-dominated Gaza Strip. But there are no indications, even now, that Cairo is about to emerge from its lethargy.
The option of ceding Philadelphi was rejected in the original Oslo Accords, precisely because of concerns over arms supplies being smuggled into Gaza. But in September of last year, the Defense Ministry's Amos Gilad assured the nation that "the deal with Egypt is excellent and thoroughly professional. It should well serve as a model for agreements with other states in the region and constitutes an impressive basis for the improvement of strategic cooperation with Egypt."
This assurance has proved misplaced, just as the hope that the importation of European soldiers would ensure calm in southern Lebanon is proving unfounded. As Israel grapples with the challenges on its northern and southern borders, its conceptual overhaul can no longer credibly accommodate the notion of overwhelming reliance on outside forces to provide protection.
Israel complied to the last centimeter with UN demarcations of the border line with Lebanon. Its pullout from the security zone in May 2000, however, saw Hizbullah given free rein to fill the vacuum left by the departing IDF, with UNIFIL an irrelevant presence.
Jerusalem Post
11.02.2006
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