Israel Today
Israel, The Unicorn Nation
Let’s talk about the technological and business success of Israel, why we are called today the ‘Unicorn Nation’. We have to put it in the context of an amazing miracle which far exceeds just our economy. Israel is the only country living in the same land, speaking the same language, with the same faith and the same name that we had 3000 years ago. There's no other country like that on earth. And the fact none of that existed for 2000 years should be mind boggling. Why is this?
The Miracle of Israel’s Rebirth
The modern-day rebirth of the nation of Israel seventy years ago is such an unprecedented act in world history, it has to be considered an outright ‘miracle’ in the most classic sense of the word. That is, it could only have been achieved by divine intervention.
The Noble History of Christian Zionism
Christian support for Israel is not a new phenomenon, it is as old as the Church itself. The New Testament tells us how the new Gentile churches in Greece, Asia Minor and Rome were specifically instructed to bless their Jewish brethren. The Apostle Paul gives the Roman church a powerful motivation for why Christians should support Israel. “For if the Gentiles have shared in the Jews’ spiritual blessings, they owe it to the Jews to share with them their material blessings.” (Romans 15:27)
Israel’s Struggle Within the Dream
As Israelis today consider their nation’s rebirth in May 1948, many will think back longingly to 1998 when the Jewish State marked fifty years of modern independence. Those were heady days, when the Oslo process still filled many with hope that the long search for peace with their Arab neighbours was about to bear lasting fruit. In his keynote address at the official ceremonies for Israel’s 50th, then-US Vice President Al Gore struck heart chords with his reference to the Patriarch Jacob who – like Israel today – had to endure the “struggle within the dream”.
Christians and the Holocaust
“How shall I console you? To what shall I liken you, O daughter of Jerusalem? What shall I compare with you, that I may comfort you? For your ruin is spread as wide as the sea; who can heal you.” (Lamentations 2:13)
The Worldwide Impact of Israel’s Rebirth
The rebirth of Israel seventy years ago had a tremendous impact throughout the world, especially among Jews, Christians and Muslims. Each of these religious communities reacted in differing ways to the dramatic events of May 1948, which sent out shock waves that are still reverberating to this day.
Israel and the Charge of Apartheid
Day by day the anti-Israel alliance is seeking to make the Apartheid label stick to Israel. We saw this every year in the annual ritual known as “Israel Apartheid Week.” Sadly, major Protestant churches are collaborating in this campaign. There is more to their scheming than meets the eye in that the real agenda behind branding Israel an “Apartheid state” is to remove the Jewish State altogether.
Respecting Israeli Democracy
Contrary to the many critics who contend Israel is a racist state, this nation is actually a vibrant democracy with a unique history and standing as the only true democratic country in the Middle East. You cannot find in any neighboring states a similar place where women are voting, people can freely protest against the government, and the courts are untainted. There are laws protecting minority rights, religious freedom, freedom of speech and the press. Indeed, Israelis are very proud of their ensured democratic freedoms.
The Case for Recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s Capital
Jerusalem has entered a new season following the decision by U.S. President Donald J. Trump to officially recognize the city as the capital of Israel and to move the American Embassy there. This is a time for renewed optimism among those who truly care about the openness, peace and well-being of Jerusalem, as other nations must now consider whether to follow the lead of the United States in finally giving the city the universal respect it so richly deserves. The merits for doing so are clear and convincing.
Israel at 75: A Nation Blessing the Whole World
As Israel marks 75 years since its modern rebirth in 1948, the whole world should be joining the celebrations. For centuries, the Jewish people were scattered among the nations. But the Lord promised that one day He would regather them to their ancient homeland and use them to bring great benefits to the entire world. “And it shall come to pass that just as you were a curse among the nations, O house of Judah and house of Israel, so I will save you, and you shall be a blessing.” (Zechariah 8:13) That day has surely arrived! For over seven decades now, Israel has overcome many challenges to become the Start-Up Nation, leading the world in important advances in agriculture, the environment, science, technology and medicine.