World inches closer to recognizing 'Palestine'
Ryan Jones, Israel Today, December 27, 2010

Israel was shocked to learn on Monday that Britain is seriously considering upgrading the status of the Palestinian Authority delegation in London to that of an official diplomatic mission, putting it basically on par with the delegations of sovereign states.

The news, which was first reported by Israel’s Ynet news portal, was especially surprising considering that Britain’s current conservative government is viewed as generally pro-Israel.

Britain is not the first European country to recognize Palestinian delegations as diplomatic missions. France, Spain and Portugal have all already done so.

Israel fears that the next step for the Europeans is to officially recognize “Palestine” as an independent state outside the framework of an Israeli-Palestinian final status peace agreement. Most of South America has already gone so far as to officially recognize “Palestine.”

The Palestinian Authority is playing off this worrying trend and is threatening seek official UN recognition for a unilateral declaration of independence if Israel does not meet all its demands.

If European Union powerhouses like Britain and France recognize a Palestinian state, the Palestinians are likely to have all the backing they need in the UN, forcing the hands of both Israel and the US, which is currently still opposed to the unilateral establishment of a Palestinian state.

The situation has reached this point because the Palestinians have managed to successfully reverse reality and paint Israel as a non-compliant peace partner. With the international community so anxious to conclude a final status peace deal (even if it doesn’t lead to genuine peace), it is ready to give the Palestinians what they want, with or without Israel.

Christmas greetings from Israel's
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

It is more and more obvious how the predictions of Zechariah 12 manifest quickly before our eyes, prophecying that in the last days, the world is conspiring against Israel. It is now more important than ever to study the Bible and take it seriously - also or especially the Old Covenant which has not become obsolete!!!
"Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfil them", (Jesus in Matthew 5:17).
Greek priest blames Israel for financial problems
Newsletter from International Christian Embassy Jerusalem, December 23, 2010

Israel facing arson intifada
By Ryan Jones, Israel Today Newsletter, December 16, 2010

The massive wildfire that consumed much of the Carmel forest reserve earlier this month may have been started on accident, but the dozens of other fires that the authorities and media purposely kept quiet were part of what some are calling a new “arson uprising” against Israel.

While nearly all of Israel’s firefighters were battling the Carmel blaze, no fewer than 25 fires were purposely set in forested areas ranging from the northern town of Kiryat Shemonah to Jerusalem. The “Peace Forest” outside Jerusalem was targeted by arsonists at least 18 times over the past month.

Police officials told a reporter for Israel’s Ma’ariv newspaper that the acts of arson were purposely kept quiet “so as not to prompt into action more potential terrorists.” There was great fear that Israeli Arab elements sympathetic to the “Palestinian cause” would take advantage of the Carmel fire to overwhelm the country’s security and rescue forces.

The Ma’ariv reporter declared the situation “a true intifada (uprising)” and lamented that it had not been reported to the nation. He suggested that the true reason the media kept the Arab arson offensive quiet “is that the Israeli press treats the Arabs of Israel as if they were spoiled children. They can inflict pain, hurl rocks and torch property, but no matter what, press rooms will still act as if insulting the Arabs is not politically correct.”

Fortunately, the heavy rain from last week and the rainfall expected this coming weekend will make arson a no-go for the time being. But this is a problem Israel will continue to face for the foreseeable future.

Israel slammed by heavy winter storm
Israel Today Newsletter, Monday, December 13, 2010

In just 24 hours, from Sunday morning to Monday morning, more than six feet of snow fell on the peak of Mount Hermon in northern Israel, and nearly four feet of snow blanketed the surrounding Golan Heights and other hills throughout the Galilee. Snow even fell briefly in Jerusalem, but did not stick to the ground.

Heavy rains and howling winds blasted the coastal plain and central mountains of Israel, with flooding being reporting in a number of areas. The ports in Tel Aviv and Caesarea sustained considerable damage.

So, the long-awaited arrival of winter is a mixed bag for Israel. The flooding and high winds have caused widespread damage, and at least 30 people have been injured by falling objects. The recently scorched Mt. Carmel is also at risk of experiencing major mudslides.

At the same time, the Sea of Galilee rose a fair amount, and all the snow currently on the Hermon and the Golan will eventually melt and run down into the dwindling lake.

The storm was a much needed boost to a country in the midst of a severe drought, but it did come at a cost.

Restoring the Land: Plant a Tree in the Israel Today Forest
Israel Today Newsletter, Monday, December 07, 2010

There are many stories of tragedy and woe coming out of the Carmel forest disaster. But the one that is going to effect Israel the longest is the loss of a major national forest. Experts predict that it will take about 40 years before 12,000 acres that were torched are rehabilitated. Not only has the fire destroyed a once lush landscape, but the loss of five million trees has caused serious ecological damage to the area. Together with the Jewish National Fund, Israel Today is preparing to do its part to help restore this beautiful portion of the Land of Israel by planting the "Israel Today Forest." We want to invite all of you to partner with us in this endeavor.

The Israel Today Forest will be made up of 3,000 trees, and will be clearly marked so that all who contribute toward this effort will one day be able to visit the very trees they helped plant in Israel's time of need.

A large stone engraving placed in front of the forest will tell all Israelis that it was planted by the readers of Israel Today Magazine.

This is a limited offer, as the area set aside for the Israel Today Forest not accommodate more than 3,000 trees, so act now to be part of this important effort to restore the land.

Visit our Jerusalem Depot store to buy your tree in the Israel Today Forest

* Please note that the land of the Carmel forest reserve is still scorched, and the authorities have determined that it must be allowed to lie fallow for one year before replanting efforts begin. As such, the Israel Today Forest will be planted toward the start of 2012.

Thank you Lord!!!
Winter finally arrives, Carmel inferno extinguished
Ryan Jones, Israel Today, Monday, December 06, 2010

Winter finally arrived in Israel on Monday morning, and it couldn’t have come at a better time. The winter rainfall that Israel has been desperately waiting for since the season officially began several months ago gave firefighters the final push they needed to fully extinguish the enormous wildfire that had consumed the Carmel forest reserve.

The Carmel fire burned for over 80 hours starting last Thursday, consumed 15,000 acres of forest, burned over five million trees, destroyed homes in a number of local villages and claimed the lives of 42 Israelis.

While the long-awaited winter rain did help final mopping up operations, it was the assistance of firefighting teams from across Europe, the Middle East and even the United States that helped Israel push back the destructive flames. More than 30 foreign firefighting aircraft took part in the battle, including the Evergreen Supertanker, the largest firefighting aircraft in the world.

Israeli authorities held farewell ceremonies at Air Force bases in northern Israel on Sunday to thank and see off the foreign firefighters. Each of the 192 foreign firefighters were awarded Air Force medals for their bravery and assistance in Israel’s time of need.

A number of the foreign teams remained in Israel on Monday just in case the wildfire reignited.

The winter rains should help prevent the fire from erupting again, as the northern forests finally have some moisture.

December 5, 10 PM: According ynetnews.com the fire is contained!
Thank you Yeshua!!!

Urgent prayer alert! I just had the info that the fire was ignited deliberately, they appeared simultanuously at three different places at the same time. and in some villages with mainly Arab population, jig dances have been observed on the streets...
Carmel Disaster: Fire claims 41 lives, consumes northern Israel
Ryan Jones, Israel Today, Friday, December 03, 2010

The worst wildfire in Israel’s history had claimed the lives of 41 Israelis, burned nearly 7,500 acres of forest and countryside, and caused millions of dollars worth of damage by Friday morning, less than 24 hours after starting. The first started shortly before noon Thursday somewhere outside the northern port city of Haifa in the heavily forested Carmel Mountain range. By the early afternoon, it was threatening a number

of local towns and two prisons in the area.

Additional prison wardens were called to the area to help evacuate the prisons. But one of the buses carrying 40 wardens misjudged the speed at which the fire was moving and was consumed by the flames en route to the prison. All 40 guards were burned alive, and the Haifa Police Department’s deputy commander, Ahuva Tomer, who was driving behind the bus, was critically injured.

The misjudgment by the bus driver and other officials was understandable. As the bus set off for the prison, winds suddenly caused the fire to start expanding at a rate of more than one mile every two minutes. Officials later said that due to the size and the speed of the fire, the bus never stood chance.

Every firefighter in Israel (all 1,500 of them) was called to the north to help battle the blaze. Even so, by Thursday evening, the Haifa Fire Department declared that the fire was out of control and that Israel did not possess the means to stop it.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pleaded with European nations and US military bases in the region to send aid. By Friday morning, 25 foreign firefighting aircraft, dozens of firefighters and a large amount of equipment were either en route or had arrived from Spain, Greece, Italy, Cyprus, the UK, Bulgaria, Azerbaijan, Croatia, Russia and Romania. US President Barack Obama pledged to send help from American military bases in the region. And neighbors Egypt and Jordan also pitched in to help stop the fire. Even Turkey sent two firefighting airplanes, despite mounting diplomatic tension with Israel

Despite the tremendous effort, the fire continued to burn and expand by mid-morning Friday, and was threatening the outskirts of Haifa, Israel’s third largest city, and several of the surrounding towns. More than 15,000 Israelis were evacuated from their homes.

At this time, police officials believe the fire started at an illegal landfill site, and are opening a criminal investigation. There were also early reports by fire officials that the blaze appeared to heave began at three different points simultaneously, suggesting possible arson.

However the fire started, it could never have become so destructive if not for the almost total lack of winter rainfall so far this year. Israel does not receive even one drop of rain during the late spring and summer months. And with only a handful of days with light rain so far this winter, that means Israel’s forests and countryside have received almost no rainfall for about eight months.

Unless Israel starts receiving a significant amount of winter rain, not only will the nation face possible water rationing next summer, but it will remain at risk for another devastating wildfire.

Amish community asks forgiveness of Jews at Kotel
Newsletter of International Christian Embassy Jerusalem ICEJ, November 29, 2010

A "study" based on lies??? Isaia 5:20: "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter." This of course, includes lies... How can it be that long since proven historical realities are being denied in such a way and the world .keeps silent..
Palestinians at it again, claim Jews have no ties to Temple Mount
Ryan Jones, Israel Today Newsletter November 24, 2010

One of the most telling stories to come out of the spectacular failure that was the 2000 Camp David Summit between Israeli and Palestinian leaders was Yasser Arafat’s turning down of a pretty comprehensive peace deal because he refused to recognize Jewish historical ties to Jerusalem’s Temple Mount.

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak, to the horror of many Israelis, had offered to divide Jerusalem between Israel and the Palestinian Authority, with the caveat that Jews be allowed to continue visiting the Western Wall of the Temple Mount, Judaism’s holiest site, unimpeded.

To the astonishment of their host, former President Bill Clinton, Arafat rejected the proposal on the grounds that the Jews never had a temple at the site, and that it was wholly an Islamic site with no connection to the Jews or the their Bible.

Former US Middle East negotiator Dennis Ross later told Fox News that Arafat was not only not accommodating to the Israeli side, but was determined to “deny the core of the Jewish faith.” Read full article...

When will the world finally understand what is really going on?
Hamas and PA will never give in...
Palestinians fire phosphorous shells into Israel
Ryan Jones, Israel Today, Sunday, November 21, 2010

Palestinian terrorists operating out of the Gaza Strip fired seven mortar shells into southern Israel on Friday, as local Jews were preparing for the Shabbat. Of particular note was that four of those shells were packed with white phosphorous. There were no injuries caused by the phosphorous, but Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman instructed Israel’s envoy to the UN, Ambassador Meron Reuben, to file a stern formal complaint nonetheless. Israel is angered by the lack of a UN response to the

use of phosphorous shells by the Palestinians, after the UN-sanctioned Goldstone Committee made such a big deal of criticizing Israel’s use of white phosphorous during the 2008-2009 Gaza war. The committee’s accusations fueled widespread claims of alleged Israeli war crimes.

The truth is that white phosphorous shells, when used to create a smoke screen for troops or to mark enemy positions, are not prohibited under international law. But when used as an incendiary weapon, especially against civilian targets, white phosphorous shells are indeed prohibited.

During the Gaza war, Israel used US-made marker shells that even UN-aligned forces make regular use of. The intent was clearly to provide cover for Israeli troops and to mark Hamas positions. The same clearly cannot be said for the Palestinian use of white phosphorous on Friday.

CLICK HERE to read more about the threat of Gaza rockets, and how some Israelis are responding in a biblical way.

Israel suspends ties with UNESCO over Rachel’s Tomb
ICEJ Newsletter, November 5, 2010

On Wednesday, Israel suspended cooperation with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization in reaction to its statement that the cave of the Patriarchs and Rachel’s tomb were parts of the “occupied Palestinian territories." According to Deputy foreign minister, Danny Ayalon, the Palestinian Authority was behind the statement which came as a result of an Arab majority on the UNESCO board and Israeli officials suspects that the move is part of a larger plan by the PA which has lately spoken of turning directly to the United Nations to seek a formal recognition of a state along the pre-1967 borders. Arab League Secretary-General Amr Moussa told Fox News earlier this week that Mahmoud Abbas and the Arab League want the UN to lead the peace process. On Sunday, Netanyahu will travel to the US in order to hold talks with both vice president Joe Biden and Secretary of state, Hillary Clinton regarding the future of the peace talks. He will also travel to New York to meet with UN General Secretary Ban Ki-moon where he is expected to urge him not to support a Palestinian bid for unilateral statehood.

Israel slams UNESCO decision to turn Jewish shrines into Palestinian mosques
Newsletter of the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem,
October 30, 2010

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday blasted a recent UNESCO decision which demands that Rachel's Tomb in Bethlehem and the Cave of Patriarchs in Hebron be removed from the new list of Israel's heritage sites, calling it an “absurd attempt to cut Israel off from its heritage.” The United Nations body in charge of preserving historical sites worldwide decided last week to redefine the two Jewish shrines as Palestinian mosques. Both sites have been flashpoints between the two sides for decades. The traditional Bible portion for this week in Judaism is centered on the story of the Hebrew Patriarch Abraham buying the Cave of Machpelah in Hebron as a burial place for his wife Sarah; Abraham, Isaac and Jacob were also buried there along with their wives. "If the places where the fathers and mothers of the Jewish nation are buried, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Sarah, Leah and Rachel some 4,000 years ago are not part of the Jewish heritage then what is?" insisted Netanyahu today. "It is regrettable that the organization established to promote historical heritage sites worldwide is trying for political reasons to detach the ties between the Jewish people and their heritage." UNESCO, in its biannual session which ended last week, adopted five proposals initiated by Arab member states regarding Jewish and Muslim holy sites, including one that seeks to rename Rachel’s Tomb as a mosque. Army Radio on Friday also quoted a Foreign Ministry statement as describing the UNESCO decision as “shameful.”

Christian Embassy calls on Vatican to refute Bishop’s smear against Jews
(see preceeding article)
Malcolm Hedding, Director of the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem,
Newsletter October 29, 2010

The International Christian Embassy Jerusalem has joined with those Jewish leaders currently calling on the Vatican to issue a firm and unequivocal repudiation of the outrageous and undignified comments by Archbishop Cyril Salim Bustros at the close of the special Catholic Synod of Middle East bishops which concluded last weekend in Rome.

“The Archbishop’s remarks reflect a perilous reversion to classical Replacement theology, which bore such horrific fruits over many centuries for Jews living in the heart of Christian Europe,” said ICEJ Executive Director Rev. Malcolm Hedding. “The Catholic Church renounced this teaching at the landmark Vatican II conclave, but that important reversal means nothing if they do not now censure senior clerics who so brazenly stray back into the poisonous mindset of contempt for the Jews.”

It is not enough to dismiss this smear as a mere “personal opinion,” Hedding insisted, since the comments were made while Bustros was introducing an official document in his capacity as secretary for the Synod. “He purported to speak for all the bishops present,” said Hedding. “The Vatican has had several days to respond properly, and cannot allow this calumny to stand.”

Hedding also noted that “rarely have I ever heard Israeli officials resort to the Bible to justify their actions, nor do they cite it as their title deed to the Land of Israel, even though they could rightfully do so. They do, however, point to the Jewish people’s deep historic bond to the land, and the indisputable fact that the Hebrew Patriarchs, prophets and kings all once walked these very hills and plains. It was this unassailable historic connection and claim which persuaded the international community last century to recognize the Jewish people’s right to be reconstituted as a nation in their ancient homeland.”

Hedding added that while he does not intend to give Bible lessons to Catholic Bishops, if there is anything that the New Testament makes clear, it is that the promises of the Abrahamic covenant – including the promise of the land – are irrevocable and were indeed 'confirmed' by Christ, rather than nullified by him. (Romans 11:28-29, 15:8-9; Galatians 3:17; Hebrews 613-20).

Catholic Church:
Christ nullified God's promises to the Jews

Ryan Jones, Israel Today, October 24, 2010

A Catholic synod called at the Vatican to address the rising persecution of Christian in the Middle East wrapped up on Saturday with a joint statement that focused a lot of attention on demanding Israel end its “occupation” of Arab lands.

The gathering was meant to address the various acts of persecution, intimidation and discrimination that are resulting in a severe dwindling of Christian communities across the region.

But the bulk of the two-week meeting was spent discussing how Israel is the root cause of all the Middle East’s woes, including those faced by its Christians. Read full article...

Mass European Rally in Support of Israel
Teresa Neumann, Breaking Christian News BCN, October 6, 2010

"We want to say 'enough' to all the lies about Israel and to claim that Europe loves Israel and wants it living in peace."

According to the report, more than 80 personalities, politicians, intellectuals, artists and journalists from all over Europe are registered to take the floor for a maximum of five minutes each. Opening the event will be former Spanish Prime Minister José Maria Aznar, president of "Friends of Israel."

To read more details about the event and the many dignitaries supporting and attending it, click on the link provided.
Source: Hillel Fendel - Israel National News

September 24, 2010
Spectacular opening ceremony yesterday
at Sukkot, the Feast of Tabernacles

Addressing of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

PM Netanyahu Addressing the Feast of Tabernacles 2010 from ICEJ on Vimeo.

Since yesterday, September 23^rd til September 29, the Feast of Tabernacles will be broadcast every day live. You can watch the live stream either on the website of the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem ICEJ or on the provider vision heaven itself. On September 29 is the closing celebration in En Gedi with evangelist Reinhard Bonnke.

Ahmadinejad Asks Allah To Hasten Coming Of The Twelfth Imam And Bring Islamic "Victory": How Should We Respond?
Joel C. Rosenberg weighs in on what the controversial U.N. speech was all about

By Dan Wooding, Founder of ASSIST Ministries, ANS, September 24, 2010

NEW YORK CITY, NY (ANS) -- Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad made yet another inflammatory speech to the U.N. General Assembly on Thursday (September 23, 2010). He began by praying, "O God, hasten the arrival of Imam al-Mahdi and grant him good health and victory and make us his followers and those who attest to his righteousness."

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad speaking at the U.N. on Thursday

In his latest blog, respected Christian writer, Joel C. Rosenberg, has now weighed in with his views about the speech and what it all means. (See http://flashtrafficblog.wordpress.com). Rosenberg said, "Imam al-Mahdi is another name for the 'Twelfth Imam' or the 'Hidden Imam.' Shia Muslims believe this Islamic messiah will come at the End of Days to destroy Judeo-Christian civilization as we have known it, force infidels to convert or be executed, and will set up a one-world Islamic government known as the 'caliphate.' Ahmadinejad

believes the way to 'hasten' the Twelfth Imam's coming is to annihilate the U.S. and Israel. This would bring about the 'victory' that Ahmadinejad prayed for on American soil." Read full article...

Palestinians say unwilling to compromise for peace
by Ryan Jones, Israel Today, September 07, 2010

Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas clarified for his people on Monday that he intends to make not even one concession or compromise in direct peace negotiations with Israel, and that for a final status peace to be achieved, Israel will have to fully meet all Arab demands and abandon its own conditions.

First and foremost, Abbas told Palestinian newspapers that if the Jewish building freeze in Judea and Samaria (the so-called "West Bank") is not extended indefinitely, the negotiations will come to an immediate halt. But Abbas also said he would walk out of the talks if he is pressured at all to alter the Palestinians' more hardline positions.

Hamas calls women and children 'military targets'
September 05, 2010 Israel Today Staff

The Palestinian terrorist organization Hamas on Saturday said that all Jews living in Judea and Samaria (the so-called "West Bank") are legitimate military targets, regardless of whether they are men, women or children.

Hamas spokesman Azat al-Ghashek told the London-based Arabic newspaper Al-Hayat that it is "natural" to want to harm any Jew that is found in these areas, as they are "the reserve force of the occupation army on Palestinian land."

Al-Ghashek was interviewed following last week's brutal execution of four Jewish civilians near the Judean town of Hebron that left seven Israeli children without parents. Hamas claimed credit for that attack and organized street rallies in Gaza City to celebrate the slayings.

Palestinian terror groups have long argued that even killing Israeli women and children constitutes legitimate military activity since all Israeli Jews eventually serve in the army.

Photos of that Gaza rallye can be found here (under the date of August 31^st)