ISRAEL A BoardMAGAZINE for Publication

Volume 23 No. 5 - May 2020 Haman's

MakeEars Them Yourself! See the recipe on page 9

Minister in Budapest How Wondrous are God’s Ways!

The Shabbat as a Sign of the Covenant of Grace From the Editor Rev. A. Schot Colophon

In this issue of the Israel Magazine you will many gifts from congregations, individuals, fi nd Rev. I.L. Zöld’s fi rst article. He tells us and businesses. We hope this work will be a moving story from his work experience, in fi nancially supported in the years to come, Conversations which he describes the conversations with and we thank you very much for all your The Israel Magazine is a publication of the Board for a Jewess. This once again shows the impor- (additional) gifts. Israel of the Netherlands Reformed Congregations, for tance of a personal approach. the proclamation of the gospel and diaconal aid. You will also fi nd contributions from former ISSN 2589-8477 with a Editor L. Vogelaar interviewed the chairman board members Rev. J.M.D. de Heer and Rev. Editor-in-chief: Jewess of the Anti-Semitism Prevention Founda- C. Neele. The children’s page is about “eating Rev. A. Schot tion. This foundation does a good job by kosher” and there is even a recipe to make Editors: calling attention to fi ghting anti-Semitism “Oznei Haman” [Haman’s Ears]. J. J. de Jong, J. M. Schot, L. Vogelaar at schools. “He who wants to fi ght anti- Children's pages: Semitism, must start with young people.” Finally, I would like to mention the contribu- T. M. Bruijnzeel-Lodder, I. M. Janse, and A. M. Roukens- Meeuse Shockingly, the number of registered anti- tion in a series of articles by board members Semitic incidents has increased for the third Rev. Den Haan and Rev. De Wit about the Contact: Postbus 400 consecutive year to 182 in 2019. This even Sabbath as a sign of the Covenant of Grace. 3440 AK Woerden, the Netherlands excluded the expressions of anti-Semitism on They pay attention to the different perspec- Tel.: +31 (0)348-489929 E-mail: [email protected] the Internet. tives of the Sabbath commandment in Exodus 20 as compared to Deuteronomy 5. “With Presenters: J. A. Jobse, J. J. de Jong, A. Karens; appointments via the Treasurer J. van Wingerden refl ects on the respect to the Shabbat a striking thread above-mentioned telephone number or e-mail address money received in 2019 and provides a pre- runs through God’s Word from the Creation, or via one of the ministers who are members of the view of the expected expenses for 2020. We where God rested from His creating work, board. are glad the work among the Jewish people through the redemptive work of Christ in the Financial contributions: was so widely supported again during the Old and New Testaments, to the everlasting IBAN ING: NL10INGB0000338952 – BIC INGBNL2A (for individuals) previous year. This spring we intend to start rest which remains for God’s people.” Will IBAN ABN: NL49ABNA0461863723 – BIC ABNANL2A the training of offi ce-bearers in . that also be your eternal future? (for consistories) both in the name of Deputaatschap voor Israël This is an important task for Rev. M.L. Dek- Gereformeerde Gemeenten in Woerden. ker. For the board, this training will require a Last wills: large investment from them, but we received The ‘address’ of last wills for the benefit of the Board for Israel must be written as follows: Deputaatschap voor Israël voor Evangelieverkondiging en diaconale hulp- verlening van de Gereformeerde Gemeenten, gevestigd te Woerden, zelfstandig onderdeel van het kerkgenoot- schap van de Gereformeerde Gemeenten

Translation: A. P. Meeuse, MA Worker in Israël: Birthdays: Design: www.hrv-reclame.nl Fam. Rev. M.L. Dekker Carel Dekker May 4 Printing: POB 2156, Elleboog 2 Fresh Design, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada Nof haGalil (Nazareth-Illit) 6713 KP Ede 1751508 Israel The Netherlands Photograph on cover: View of the Danube River and Budapest, the city An expression of support is Rev. M.L. Dekker May 20 where Rev. Zöld lives and has his ministry. very much appreciated!

2 Israel Magazine May 2020 Israel Magazine May 2020 3 Colophon Conversations with a Jewess rs. Zsoka (not her real name) is an active member of interrupted me and one of the Jewish clubs in Budapest. I met her several said: “Look, after my M years ago when I attended their program. We had a accident, I started to good conversation, but she was not open to the Gospel at all. We met think about death. three or four more times, but again and again she said, “I am not What is the theo- interested in ministers’ talk” (the Gospel). logical understanding She did not want to meet me again for one and a half years. After about this topic in that period, she emailed to ask me to have coffee when I would be in your church?” Budapest. Together we went several times to the synagogue service I was so happy with on Friday evenings, and afterwards we had good conversations about this question, as this was the time when I could share prayer, the Torah, Jewish tradition, suffering, etc. But as soon as the Gospel with her. I was praying in my heart: “Lord, give me wis- I started to mention the New Testament or Jesus, everything was dom and strength to be able to preach the good news.” finished. I wanted to begin, but suddenly her spine started hurting. She said: In the summer of 2018, we came to Budapest with our children and “Sorry, I cannot sit longer than three hours. I need to lay down and we were invited to have lunch together with a Jewish family. Mrs. rest. Could you come back some other time?” I said yes. Zsoka was also there. We had quite cool conversations and I realized A few days later, when we spoke about the subject again, I explained from the beginning that she did not want to listen to me. We had no to her that death is not the last stage. “Life on the earth ends, but more contact since that lunch. I am fully convinced I will live forever by Jesus’ salvation. She said: One of my Jewish friends visited us in our home in October 2019 after “You are talking about Jesus again.” we moved to Budapest and he said: “Mrs. Zsoka had a bad accident I asked: “Do you know why Christianity spread so quickly all over falling down the stairs.” Some of her ribs were broken and her spine the world?” “I know,” she said. “Because in Christianity you can buy was seriously injured. She had surgery as well. After the surgery she forgiveness of your sins, and you do not need to do anything else. could not move at all, as she had to stay in the rigid gypsum cast. You kill your brother, then you pay the church, and everything is During this difficult period, she sent a short message to the club finished.” I said: “No, no, this is not a biblical teaching. Sadly, we see president, asking if some of the members could help with several in church history that the priests started to sell indulgences, but that small chores. The reply was: “Sorry; that is not included in our was one of the biggest delusions.” work.” Then I started to explain our view and who can give forgiveness of When she told me her story, she started to cry at this point. She said: our sins. We had a long conversation about these topics. At the end I “Two weeks before I had this accident, I organized a three-day trip to waited to see what would happen. She said: “This is completely new a nice part of . Before the trip, I travelled three times to the for me. Can you come back next week?” I said yes, so now we meet area. I read many books about the history of the place. Now that I am every Wednesday afternoon to talk. alone, no one from the club is coming to visit me. I am so happy you Please pray for her. I believe the Holy Ghost will complete God’s work are here now.” in her heart. She told me the long story for over two hours. Afterwards, she asked me how I was doing. I answered briefly. While I was still talking, she Rev. I.L. Zöld

2 Israel Magazine May 2020 Israel Magazine May 2020 3 An Instructive Series of Articles about the Unity of the Covenant of Grace, Revealed in Christ. Sometimes Reformed decide to become adherents of the Jewish religion. In this series we would like to share a few reflections i about this. It will be instructive for everyone who is in some way involved in the work among the Jewish people.

The SHABBAT as a Sign of the COVENANT OF 4 GRACE Revealed in the Old and New Testaments

4 Israel Magazine May 2020 - Israel Magazine May 2020 5 Rev. P.D. den Haan Rev. D. de Wit

In this article we would like to discuss servant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger His finished creation work on the seventh another sign of the Covenant of Grace that is within thy gates: For in six days the day. At the same time, this remembering as it is found in the Old Testament. This LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and will humble us when we see how, through all that in them is, and rested the seventh our deep fall in Adam, God’s creation sign is the “Shabbat.” With respect to the day: wherefore the LORD blessed the Sab- was ruined and rest has been replaced by "Shabbat", a striking thread runs through bath Day, and hallowed it.” unrest. Thus the line from Exodus 20 leads God’s Word from the Creation, where God The word “Shabbat” occurs frequently in to Genesis 3:1-6, our deep fall. What a ter- rested from His creating work, through God’s Word. We should be well aware that rible truth! the redemptive work of Christ in the Old this word was literally taken from the orig- and New Testaments, to the everlasting inal language. What does the word “Shab- Preserving and guarding bat” mean? It means “rest.” If we replace What a miracle of God's grace that there is rest which remains for God’s people. Let the word “Shabbat” with rest, we notice a second line from the fourth command- us take the fourth commandment of God’s a remarkable thing. The emphasis in the ment. Have you ever noticed that Deu- holy law as our starting point. fourth commandment is not on “the day” teronomy 5:12-15 uses different words? but on “the rest.” There it says: "Keep the Sabbath Day to Rest From Exodus 20:8-11, there is a clear line sanctify it, as the LORD thy God hath com- The literal meaning of the fourth com- to God’s creation. In verse 11, we read manded. Six days shalt tho labour, and do mandment is found in Exodus 20:8-11: that the LORD’s rest on the seventh day all thy work: But the seventh day is the “Remember the Sabbath Day, to keep it is the reason why God blessed and sanc- Sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all tified the day. God’s express command in shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, thy work: But the seventh day is the Sab- the fourth commandment is to remember nor thy daughter, nor thy manservant, nor bath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt the day when God rested from His creation thy maidservant, nor thine ox, nor thine not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy work. So we are led back from Exodus 20 ass, nor any of thy cattle, nor thy stranger daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maid- to Genesis 2:1-3: “Thus the heavens and that is within thy gates; that thy manserv- the earth were finished, and all the host of ant and thy maidservant may rest as well them. And on the seventh day God ended as thou. And remember that thou wast a His work which He had made; and He servant in the land of Egypt, and that the • Resting on the “Sabbath” Day rested on the seventh day from all His work LORD thy God brought thee out thence which He had made. And God blessed the through a mighty hand and by a stretched in the context of glorifying the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that out arm: therefore the LORD thy God com- in it He had rested from all His work which manded thee to keep the Sabbath Day.” Creator God created and made.” Also in Deuteronomy 5, the emphasis is on The LORD wants us to remember His rest- “resting.” Here the fourth commandment • In Deuteronomy 5, the fourth ing of His completed work with respect to does not begin with the word “remember” the Creation. He wants us to remember but with the word “keep.” Keeping means commandment does not begin that everything was created perfectly good. preserving or guarding. Why? The reason with “remember” but with the That this perfect creation praised the Lord, is mentioned. The people are commanded where man had his place, created in God’s to remember the deliverance from Egypt, word “keep” image, and where the creation found rest how the LORD had miraculously delivered in the finished work of a Triune God, in them from the bondage in Egypt and even- • There is a line from the order that we would glorify God by means tually led them into Canaan. of remembering. The LORD clearly connected the deliver- finished work of the Father to According to Exodus 20, resting on the ance from Egypt to the deliverance of His “Sabbath” Day must be done in the context Son. After all, a lamb had to be slaughtered the finished work of the Son of glorifying the Creator, who rested from and the blood must be put on the door

4 Israel Magazine May 2020 Israel Magazine May 2020 5 posts. Then the angel of death would pass appointed by God. On the eighth day of the Feast of Taber- over them if he saw the blood. This was a The “Sabbath” as a sign of the Covenant of nacles, Jesus pointed at the cross, where spiritual lesson for the people of Israel. It Grace is much broader than only the rest the words “It is finished” (John 19:30) were taught them what was necessary to be pre- on the seventh day. The feasts appointed heard. Do you see the beautiful line in served from God’s judgments, because the by the LORD are also part of it–the Pass- God’s Word from the finished work of the blood of the lamb predicted the blood of over, the Feast of Firstfruits and the Feast Father (Genesis 2:1-3), which was ruined the great Sacrificial Lamb, Jesus Christ. of Tabernacles. Strikingly, during the Feast by sin, to the finished work of the Son Thus we see the exodus from Egypt is very of Tabernacles, it is not the seventh day (John 19:30), the “Sabbath” being given as much connected to the eternal covenant of which is a solemn assembly, but the first a sign of the Covenant of Grace? God, which He has also revealed to Abra- and the eighth days. It is the Lord Jesus The LORD has done amazing things. ham in Genesis 15 and 17. What a deep who reveals Himself to the on the Because of the finished work of Christ, spiritual meaning the fourth command- eighth day of the Feast of Tabernacles as “remembering” and “keeping” now ment has; thus the “Shabbat” is a sign of the Fountain of living water, inviting the focusses on the “rest” which is found in the the eternal Covenant of Grace, a sign of spiritually thirsty ones to come to Him great Rest-giver. That is why this “remem- the eternal Covenant of Grace in the Old and drink. In this way, Christ shows the bering” and “keeping” is now done on the Testament which anticipated the coming spiritual meaning of the Sabbath. True day of Christ’s resurrection, the eighth Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ. rest, which we have lost by our deep fall in day! What a unity of the Covenant of Grace Adam, can only be found in Christ. in the Old and New Testaments, also in the Spiritual meaning Remarkably, Jesus speaks the words of sign of the Sabbath. In this context we would like to mention John 7:37 on the eighth day of the Feast Now we may ask ourselves the personal Leviticus 25:2. This verse speaks of a “Sab- of Tabernacles. He points at Himself as question: Have I already learned that an bath year.” The annotation is very mean- the Sacrifice that would be offered to ful- eighth day is needed? Have I already begun ingful. Annotation 4 speaks of the word fil all “Sabbaths.” He would make sure that to see the need of Christ’s work as a Surety, “Sabbath.” Our annotators carefully prove atonement would be made through His by experiencing my deep fall in Adam? from God’s Word that also the feasts are merits, and the Holy Spirit would be pur- called “Shabbats,” and even that “Sabbath chased to save all the elect. (To be continued, the Lord willing) months” and “Sabbath years” have been

For more information about this subject, see the booklet “Gedenk de sabbatdag” [Remember the Sabbath Day] by Rev. P.D. den Haan (www.ripepublishing.com).

6 Israel Magazine May 2020 Israel Magazine May 2020 7 he month of January was marked by the 75th anniversary At the end of the article, Gerstenfeld discusses the present-day of the liberation of the concentration camp Auschwitz. accusation that Israel is a “colonial power” towards the oppressed T Much attention was paid to anti-Semitism, which is still Palestinians. In unambiguous terms, Gerstenfeld points at Western present in the world. Numerous stories of Holocaust survivors ap- European countries. Israel’s behaviour “bears no resemblance to the peared in newspapers and on different media. While reading this, the massive crimes of the Belgian, British, Dutch, French, German, Por- question always arises: How could this ever happen? tuguese, and Spanish colonizers against the conquered people over If you live in Israel and are part of social life, you experience the the centuries. Those countries subjugated people to make money. extremely poignant burden that this nation carries from history into Jews did the opposite. They invested great effort and substantial the future. sums of money into reviving their ancestral land from long-standing neglects.” Around the commemoration, the media showed many images of the war. While we were waiting at the counter in a large furniture When reading the article, I thought of the attitude of churches in the store, we automatically looked to the large screens over the counter. war. What role did we play? On my son Pieter’s bookshelves I found You often see all kinds of advertising or news. Now there was a long several volumes by Dr. L. de Jong about the occupation. There Dr. De documentary about the Holocaust, and Hitler and his followers were Jong quotes the memorandum of six Protestant denomina- frequently shown. The Nazis made such vicious use tions against the first anti-Jewish measures. The letter of propaganda. The pictures were alternated is addressed to Chancellor Seyss-Inquart. The letter with the consequences of satanic anti-Sem- reads as follows: itism: the Kristallnacht, the burning “In our view the spirit of these regulations, synagogue, the ruined stores, the first which bear in a special way upon im- measures against the Jews, and the portant spiritual questions, is contra- deportations. Passive people without dictory to Christian mercy. Moreover, hope in their eyes who are put in cattle these regulations also affect members trucks. of the church itself insofar as they I looked around. How did all those have adopted the Christian faith waiting Israelis in the furniture store re- in recent generations and who have spond? Some people stared at the images been received as perfect equals into the with straight faces, others looked away. churches, as is expressly demanded by the There was no relaxed atmosphere. What are Holy Scripture (Romans 10: 12; Galatians 3: they thinking? I thought. Undoubtedly, many of 28). Finally, the churches are deeply concerned them carry wounds, passed on to them by their rela- since this affects the people from whom came the tives. As an outsider I cautiously try to empathize with the Saviour of the world, and for whom all Christians intercede suffering of this nation, which we will never be able to fully under- that they may recognize in Him their Lord and King. For these stand. My family was not arrested and transported to a concentra- reasons we urgently appeal to your Excellency to induce the tion camp. We should empathize with them, at a distance. authorities to abolish the said regulations. Moreover, we refer to your Excellency's solemn promise to respect our national charac- I was deeply moved by an article in The Post just in ter and to refrain from enforcing on us any ideology alien to us.” front of the Holocaust Forum in Jerusalem. It was decorated with This declaration was signed by six denominations, including the Martin Luther’s portrait. The author of the article, Manfred Gers- Dutch Reformed Church, the Reformed Churches in the Netherlands, tenfeld, gives an overview of anti-Semitism in the West. For more and the Christian Reformed Church. The Netherlands Reformed than a thousand years, anti-Semitism was part of Western culture. Congregations are missing. Where were we? The Roman Catholic Church was the source of the belief that Jews represented evil. Christian theologians, and also Protestant ones (!), MLD stigmatized the Jews.

6 Israel Magazine May 2020 Israel Magazine May 2020 7 For the Eating children! Kosher You have probably heard before that the Old Testament contains food laws for the people of Israel. The Israelites were not permitted to eat everything. They could eat clean animals such as cows, sheep, goats, and deer. But they were forbidden to eat camels, pigs, hares, and most shrimps and lobsters, because those animals were unclean. An animal was clean if it had a cloven hoof and if it chewed the cud. Just read Leviticus 11 or Deuteronomy 14 to find out more about it!

Orthodox Jews still live by these rules. If their food is prepared according to the dietary laws, they call it “kosher.” Kosher literally means “proper,” so it can be eaten. Also the way of preparation must be kosher. For example, the knives must be razor-sharp and dead straight; to make sure the animals die quickly and suffer the least. Also all the blood must be removed, because it is forbidden to eat blood (Leviticus 22).

It is also very important to keep milk and meat separate. The Bible says, “Thou shalt not seethe a kid in his mother’s milk” (Deuteronomy 14:21). So the meat must absolutely not be baked in butter. Orthodox Jews even use separate washbasins and tea towels for milk and meat!

Which apostle saw a vision in which clean and unclean animals were mixed up? Do you know what the Lord wanted to tell him in this vision?

8 Israel Magazine May 2020 Israel Magazine May 2020 9 For the children! Oznei(Haman's Haman Ears) Preparation time: 30R minutes E C I P (Source: E sjalomvoorisrael.nl)

Oznei Haman means “Haman’s ears.” These cookies are eaten during Purim. During this feast, it is commemorated how the Jews were delivered from terrible destruction by means of Esther. You can read about it in the Book of Esther. Haman was the man who wanted to kill all Jews because Mordecai refused to bow for him. Esther convinced the king that Haman had an evil plan. Haman was killed and his evil plan was not carried out.

IIngredients • 240 grams of flour Method of preparation • 200 grams of margarine Mix all ingredients in a food processor • 2 tablespoons of sunflower oil into a thick paste. • 1 package (16 grams) of baking powder • 35 grams of sugar Apricot filling Ingredients Method of preparation • 250 250 grams grams of of pitted pitted apricots apricots 1. Preheat the oven to 170 degrees C. • 3 tablespoons of honey 2. Combine all the ingredients and knead them • 1 cinnamon stick into a smooth dough. If the dough sticks too • Water much to the hands, add some flour. 3. Roll out the dough on a floured surface until it is Method of preparation approximately 3 mm thick. 1. Put Put the the apricots, apricots, the the honey, honey, and and 4. Cut out circles. the cinnamon stick in a jar and 5. Divide Divide the the filling filling on on the the circles circles and and fold fold them them add enough water so that eve- into triangles with the filling showing. rything is just below the water 6. Put them in the centre of a preheated oven for surface. 12-15 minutes, until the edges of the cookies 2. Bring Bring it it to to a a boil boil and and simmer simmer for for become light brown. 15 minutes until the apricots are soft and most of the water Several fillings are possible for the cookies: has evaporated. 3. Remove Remove the the cinnamon cinnamon Date filling stick and mash the mixture Ingredients using an immersion blender until • 100 grams of pitted dates it is a thick paste. • 100 grams of pitted plums If theIf the mixture mixture is toois too • 100 100 grams grams of of raisins raisins thick, add some • 25 grams of chopped walnuts boiling water. • 80 ml of orange juice • 2 tablespoons of honey Enjoy!

8 Israel Magazine May 2020 Israel Magazine May 2020 9 War against Anti-Semitism: Talk to Young People

He who wants to fight anti-Semitism must in other Western-Europe countries. In start with young people. That is why the America you see an explosive increase Anti-Semitism Prevention Foundation in the number of incidents.” • Increasing number of anti-Semitic Vink experienced it in his own neigh- (SAP) gives guest classes. “It sometimes bourhood. “A Jewish father and mother incidents causes emotional responses. However, heard from their child what other as guests we leave after an hour; that- is pupils at school told him: ‘We hate • There is much ignorance. That is why we can sometimes say more than a Jews,’ and similar things. And these why young people must acquire school teacher.” were toddlers! Of course they say what they hear from adult people. The Jew- knowledge about the Jewish people ish couple decided to move to Israel. Thanks to his work for “Christenen voor They sold their house and left. It is • Anti-Semitism has a spiritual Israël” [Christians for Israel], E. Vink, shocking that these things are happen- founder and chairman of the founda- ing in The Netherlands.” dimension: as expression of hatred tion, knew how the increasing number of anti-Semitic incidents affects the Jewish Stereotypes against the position that God gave community in The Netherlands. “Some- The annual Monitor Anti-Semitic Inci- times people feel like they are not very dents of the Center for Information and the Jews in the history of the world welcome in our country. This is also felt Documentation Israel (CIDI) shows an

10 Israel Magazine May 2020 Israel Magazine May 2020 11 L. Vogelaar

increasing number of occurrences. “But has changed. “In the past we saw the num- SGP magazine De Banier. “Anti-Semitism who stands up to do something about it? ber of incidents increase as soon as some- is not an isolated phenomenon, but always Many organizations are occupied with thing happened with respect to Israel, for a harbinger of more misery in society, the environment and poverty reduction, example, a collision with the Palestinians. with the anti-democratic movements as but there was no foundation that only However, lately we see outbursts of hatred the most important hotbeds: extreme left, focussed on preventing anti-Semitism.” without a clear cause,” says Vink. “In extreme right, and Islamic fundamental- Vink established it in January 2019. “To January 2015, someone left a fake bomb ism.” that purpose we met in HaCarmel, the at the restaurant HaCarmel. On the Inter- CIDI pointed out that anti-Semitism in kosher restaurant in Amsterdam that was net, this immediately led to an avalanche education is not only found among stu- attacked several times in a short period. of curses towards Jews. This is really a bad dents, but also among teachers. This was Such incidents must be addressed. It is situation.” clear from a question a teacher asked dur- even better if they can be prevented. That ing a workshop of the Anne Frank Foun- is why we focus on prevention.” Stumbling block dation: “What responsibility do the Jews Vink is one of the four guest teachers Vink mentions several possible causes. have in that which happened to them in who visit the schools. “There is much “It is in line with the general brutaliza- the past?” ignorance. That is why young people tion in the media. On the Internet, people must acquire knowledge about the Jewish tend to react violently. Moreover, we see Uniqueness of the Holocaust people. They often thoughtlessly believe anti-Semitism revive when society is Interest in the Second World War stereotypes and conspiracy theories: Jews under pressure, for example, with environ- increases, even though this period is get- are believed to aspire to world dominion mental problems and the issue of immi- ting further behind us. “At the same time and they are behind everything, whether it gration. Attacking one population group is the number of people who deny or down- be the attacks on the World Trade Center, an outlet for people. play the Holocaust increases,” says Vink. the fire in the Notre Dame, or the death of As a Christian, I also see a spiritual dimen- Holocaust education--instruction about olive trees in Italy. It is all nonsense, but sion of anti-Semitism with Israel, the what happened under the Nazi regime--is these beliefs are trumpeted around. That people of the Bible, as a stumbling block. necessary, but there is also a risk attached is why we tell about the history of the Jew- Anti-Semitism as an expression of hatred to it, as he learned during a course in the ish people and about the valued position against the position that God gave the Jews memorial center Yad Vashem in Jerusa- it has had in Dutch history for many cen- in the history of the world. In the psalms, lem. “We have to continue to emphasize turies.” we can read how hatred against the Jews that the Holocaust is something unique in can also be hatred against the God of the world’s history. Other events are eas- Avalanche Israel. But of course not any expression of ily compared to it. Things are called Nazi Every two weeks, SAP publishes a news- anti-Semitism can be traced back to this.” practices, but this waters down the image letter and lists incidents on the website of the terrors that took the lives of six mil- antisemitismepreventie.nl. It intends to Also teachers lion Jews.” hold a conference each year. The first The problem should not be underesti- According to the SAP chairman, it becomes one was on June 20, 2019, with the theme mated, says Vink. There is much slander, even more dangerous if anti-Semitism also “New anti-Semitism.” particularly in digital media. “Some Jews raises its head in political organizations. It is urgent. In 2017 CIDI registered 113 tell me: I am not so much online; I do not “Think of the Socialist Labour Party in anti-Semitic incidents and 135 in 2018 and encounter much anti-Semitism. But those England and the Hungarian government. even 182 in 2019. A rapid increase. And who are active online are shocked by what We should not compare the situation to that does not even include expressions of they see.” the thirties of the twentieth century too Jew-hatred on the internet. “That which is normal in the digital world rashly, but we cannot deny the fact that an Anti-Semitism is back without ever been will gradually also become normal in the increasing number of politicians in Europe gone, as some people say. Still something real world,” said CIDI manager Luden in say anti-Semitic things.”

10 Israel Magazine May 2020 Israel Magazine May 2020 11 J. van Wingerden € Finances: Looking Back and Looking Forward

Also in 2019, our congregation, schools, societies, Here follows a summary of the expected expenses for our companies, and individuals remembered our board. We are main goals. glad to report that the amount of money received was once again higher than the year before. In 2019 more than € 906,700 was collected, which is 1.5 times higher than Work in Israel in 2018. € 116.000,- The money received from collections even showed an € 280.000,- Work in Eastern Europe increase of more than 10%. It is good to see that the € 189.000,- work among the Jewish people finds so much support in Reading materials our denomination. In a “synod year” we are accustomed to report the money received during a period of three € 132.000,- Education and advertising years. The amount received in 2016 to 2018 was more € 230.000,- than 14% higher than in 2013 to 2015. General costs Considering the work that can be done and the board’s liabilities, it is also necessary for the board to receive more money. In August 2019 we sent out a minister for In order to balance the money received and our expenses, in work in Israel and in 2019 Rev. Zöld settled in Budapest. 2020 we will need to receive € 40,000 more than in 2019. The The costs for the latter project are approximately € 65,000 decisions to accept new obligations were made carefully. On per year. With respect to this work, there is an increase of the one hand, we can see that the Lord always gave financial approximately € 50,000 in the board’s liabilities as compared resources when they were needed. On the other hand, we to previous years. can fill a small gap from the continuity reserve for a limited The total expected expenses for 2019 were € 907,000. number of years. As you can see, this amount almost equals the money As we have been convinced for a long time, it is necessary received. In 2020, we expect to spend € 947,000. Besides the for the future of the congregation in Nazareth to make above-mentioned expenses, we spend money in Israel for sure that the consistory members are theologically trained the rent and staffing of coffee house Balalaika. In Eastern and speak the language of their country. For Elder Khalil Europe, diaconal needs are supported by the Board for we can say both aims are met. However, this is not the Special Needs. Also training is given. case with the other office-bearers. They grew up in Span- Moreover, we distribute reading materials. Besides ish-speaking countries and have no theological knowledge. translating and publishing theological books, we cooperate Initially, we thought the language studies could take place with other boards and the website biblicalreformedbooks. in the evenings. However, it becomes clearer that this is com. Together with GBS and Steunfonds Israël Isaac not possible. In order to earn a basic income, they have da Costa, the board guarantees the new publication long working days and they also spend time for work in the of the Delitzsch translation. However, the amount of congregation. In Israël, it is quite impossible to reduce one’s money received for this project which lasts until 2021 is work days by one day. There are enough possible employees disappointing, which means that we contributed an amount so employers will choose someone else. Moreover, the from our own resources in early 2020. In the Netherlands office-bearers are eager to receive theological instruction we have the costs of the office, Israel Magazine, Israel Day, and Elder Khalil, who now also works in the Balalaika, etc. can do work for the persecuted church. He can evangelize

12 Israel Magazine May 2020 Israel Magazine May 2020 13 among Muslims and support ex-Muslims. The SHALOM vacancy that will arise in the Balalaika as a result can be filled by one of the other office- At 7:40 a.m. I hear someone calling bearers. Considering the large amount of work my name. I quickly drink my last sip of and also from a practical point of view, it would coffee, grab my backpack, and hurry to be wonderful if both office-bearers could be the ambulance. “Yalla; yalla!” (Come on! exempted from work. Rev. Dekker will be able Hurry!) to instruct both, and they can assist Rev. Dekker With utmost ease, the driver drives in the many things that have to be done in the through the streets of , despite Work in Israel small congregation. the morning rush hour. Within several As you will understand, this will cost money. minutes we arrive at the apartment of our Work in Eastern Europe An initial inventory tells us an additional patient with health problems. My workday has started. 60,000 per year will be needed. The board does The 72-year-old woman did not feel well when she awoke. My colleague Reading materials not dare to decide to commit to this obligation asks her several questions while I connect the monitor. We check a few without any money being pledged to this things and take her to the hospital. Her extremely high blood sugar level Education and advertising purpose. For this reason, a letter was sent to explains part of her complaints. When I am sitting next to her in the ambu- the consistories, but we also appeal to your lance, I discover that she can speak some English. She tells me she works General costs generosity. Perhaps there are readers who are as a psychologist. This is a special job for someone her age! I ask her to willing to give a one-time amount or a structural share something about her work and she tells me about young Israeli sol- additional amount for a number of years to diers she has helped coping with their (war) traumas. We do not have much support this project. We would be glad to receive time to talk, because we soon arrive at the Emergency Room. your contribution on NL10INGB0000338952 with the description “project office-bearers I am doing volunteer work in Israel for several months for Magen David Israel.” If you intend to support this for several Adom (Red Shield of David). MDA provides medical (emergency) aid to years, please inform us about it, for example, by everyone in Israel, regardless of one’s religion, gender, or ethnicity. This is sending an email to [email protected]. mainly done by ambulance services but also by managing a national blood We feel at liberty to appeal to your generosity bank. for this project. We would also like to thank MDA Overseas is an international program for young people who work out you for your support during the past years. of an ambulance in Israel after completing a course. Through this program Most importantly, we ask you to continue to I worked in for some time and now I work in Haifa. remember the work in your prayers. It is very interesting to get to know this country from inside. Because of the volunteer work, I come to many different places. Sometimes we help people in the street. This reminds me of my night shifts in Tel Aviv. We often took a homeless person to hospital. Sometimes it seems useless. How helpful are a bed, a hot meal, and a shower for the long term if a per- son ends up on the streets again? There is no answer. We helped wherever we could. Some shifts are busy, other shifts are quiet, but this is not important. It is important to be there when it is needed, with a helping hand, or sometimes just a listening ear. I have come to know Israel better in a few months’ time. It is enriching to see more than just the tourist attractions. In short, I have had a great opportunity to put my commitment to Israel into practice!

Consistory of Nechama. From left to right: Frederiek Goud from Waarde, Elder Hilton ben Shimon, Rev. M.L. Dekker, The Netherlands( Deacon Ari ben Dayan, and Elder Khalil

Israel Magazine May 2020 13 Rev. C. Neele, former board member

From the Board’s History and Budapest

A number of years ago, several board compassion for the Jewish people. He lived send “our well-educated theologians” to members visited Romania, where Rev. Zöld in Transylvania, a Hungarian-speaking Romania in the future. It was an instruct- lived in a remote village. We had a layover part of Hungary. We were on our way to ive experience. in Budapest. It was a special experience to meet him. land in the capital of Hungary on a clear Dutch books day. The Danube River was clearly visible. Not easy Dutch theology was formerly not unknown On one side was the section Buda, and on A short domestic flight took us from Buda- in Transylvania. We visited a theological the other side was Pest. In the nineteenth pest to Târgu Mureș in Romania. From university in Cluj Napoca. The library century, both sections were connected by the airport we continued our journey by looked very disorganized, and the books the so-called “chain bridge,” which was car, on our way to the little village where had been placed in high stacks. Shaky, also clearly visible from the airplane. Rev. Zöld was the minister. The road was wooden stairs were meant to make the first made of asphalt, but then it changed. library a little accessible. It was around this time that missionary A dirt road led us through a hilly forest. work among the Jews in Budapest began. Eventually we reached the hamlet. We saw Imagine our surprise when we found sev- “Rabbi” Duncan played an important role an unpaved, dusty square with a few chick- eral age-old so-called “liber amicora” in this. The Jewish Saphir family is an ens, and there was a little wooden church (books of friends). In the seventeenth cen- example of a blessed sharing of the gospel bordering the square. Here a “conference” tury, students from The Netherlands had for lost sinners. was held with ministers from the Hun- studied at this university! Undoubtedly, garian Reformed Church. Rev. Zöld had they also brought Dutch theology to Tran- Until the Second World War, there were encouraged them to meet to think about sylvania. a lot of Jews in Budapest. However, tens the position of Jews in the Bible. We had of thousands of them were killed by the been asked to give a few lectures. God’s work continued among the Jewish Germans during the war. The work among people, despite persecution and the Second them seemed over for good. After the war, I expected to meet simple ministers, but World War. Who could have imagined that the Hungarian Reformed Church did not in reality it was very different! They were Rev. Zöld would one day live in Budapest pay much attention to the souls of the theologians who had graduated from uni- with his family and work among the Jewish “beloved for the fathers’ sakes.” It was versity. During the lecture I felt it was not people? The Lord’s ways are wondrous. quite a special experience when the board easy to make these people feel interested members met a young minister who felt in the Jewish people. I thought we should

14 Israel Magazine May 2020 Israel Magazine May 2020 15 Voices

Rev. J.M.D. de Heer, former board member from the Past A Voice from Leiden

Annotation 125 to Romans 11:26 has were descended from the fathers, whom people with reference to Romans 11:25. become well known. In this text, the apostle God had chosen for His people.” For this In 1 Thessalonians 2:16, annotation 37, says, “And so all Israel shall be saved …” reason, they believe, God has His elect the translators say that the text cannot The annotators comment about the words among the Jewish people and this will be refer to an incessant wrath against the “all Israel”: “That is, not some few, but a gloriously clear one day. Jewish nation, because “this is repugnant very great multitude, and as it were the to the promise and prediction of the Apos- Spiritual interpretation tle Paul, Romans 11:25, etc. together with entire Jewish nation.” This expectation is also heard at several 2 Corinthians 3:15-16, and other places different places in the Dutch Authorized where the future conversion of the people Great numbers Version (Statenvertaling). In the annota- of the Jews unto Christ is foretold.” A simi- It is clear that Jacobus Rolandus, Antonius tions to the New Testament, this is clearer lar expectation is heard in annotation 34 to Walaeus, and Festus Hommius, the Dutch than in the annotations to the Old Tes- Revelation 12:14, where we read that “the translators of the Authorized Version of tament. The annotators of the Old Tes- Jews themselves shall be converted before the New Testament expected a national tament give a spiritual interpretation of the end of the world, and be gathered to conversion of the Jews. This is clear from many prophecies of salvation about the the true church of Christ, Romans 11:25; 2 a number of annotations to Romans 11. Jewish people. They see their fulfilment Corinthians 3:14, etc.” We read in the annotation about verse 12: in the New Testament Church, which con- Eventually, annotation 12 to Revelation “That is, when the Jews in great numbers sists of Jews and Gentiles. One example is 16:8 expresses the same expectation as and multitudes shall embrace the Gospel annotation 36 about Ezekiel 37:19. the annotations to Romans 11, because …” The words “great multitudes” are also Strikingly, this one and other annotations we read that “even the Jews shall receive found in annotations 67, 74, and 120. refer to Romans 11:25-26, the texts on Christ in great numbers, Romans 11:25- In the last annotation we read about the which the translators of the Dutch Author- 26.” blindness of Israel, “that is, not of all the ized Version base their hope for the con- Jews, but of some, though very many. For version of the Jewish people. For example, there is still always some remnant saved, annotation 54 about Song of Solomon 6:13 and hereafter they shall convert them- somewhat cautiously refers to “the calling selves in great multitude.” This conversion back and return of the Jews unto Christ. See will be fruit of the preaching of the gospel, Romans 11:25.” (Also see annotation 20 to as we read in the annotation to verse 26. Isaiah 2:6, annotation 39 to Isaiah 6:11). It is clear that the They also see verse 28 as an “answer to Annotation 49 to Isaiah 59:20 explicitly Dutch translators of the an objection that it was not very probable mentions that the Saviour would come “for that the Jews would be received again, for- the elect Jews, for the true Israelites, for Authorized Version of the asmuch as by their rejection of the Gospel the faithful and penitent. Compare Rom- they were hated of God.” The translators ans 11:25, etc.” New Testament expected continue: “The apostle acknowledges that indeed they were therefore hated, but that Final conversion a national conversion nevertheless, for another reason, they Annotation 11 to Hosea 3:4 simply speaks of the Jews were also beloved, namely, because they of the “final conversion” of the Jewish

14 Israel Magazine May 2020 Israel Magazine May 2020 15 Ezra for Israel

Dear Readers, By now you will have read the very interesting articles in this issue of the Israel Magazine. By way of this letter, we wish to thank each and every one of you for taking the time to read our magazine. We trust you find it interesting and informative. The circumstances surrounding this month’s publication have led to the digital publication of our magazine. In the providence of the Lord and according to His sovereign good pleasure, our countries have been struck with the judgement of the Covid 19 pandemic. May the Lord give us all a sincere bowing under His chastising hand. Israel has also been very severely affected by the pandemic. The country has been virtually shut down for the last 3 or 4 weeks. This has brought the less fortunate Jews and into a situation that is hard to imagine. Ezra for Israel has been supporting a used clothing store in Nazareth for the last two years. This organization, Yad Nechama (literally meaning Hand of Comfort), sells good used clothing for a very low price, but items are also given away at no cost to people who truly cannot afford even the smallest amount of money. These people are then presented with a free coffee card to the “Balalika Coffee House” next door. This “Coffee House” is owned and operated by the congregation of Rev. Maarten Dekker. When a client comes to redeem his or her voucher, they are greeted by one of the elders from Rev. Dekker’s congregation. These opportunities have led to many Jews and Arabs receiving the New Testament and many of them have been coming to the worship services held by Rev Dekker. May the Lord add His indispensable blessing to these means for the extension of His kingdom among “the beloved for the fathers’ sake” and their Arab neighbours. Ezra for Israel would like to complement the coffee cards with a food voucher which would be given to the church members who have a genuine need. Would you consider helping us in supporting this worthy cause? If your heart is so inclined, please click on the link as it will direct you to our website.

www.ezraforisrael.ca/donate-today/ Rev. Maarten Dekker has a video message for North American congregations. We sincerely thank you for your consideration.

On behalf of the entire board of Ezra for Israel, Hank Arnoldussen

Would you please consider supporting this worthy cause? Contact info: www.ezraforisrael.ca/donate-today/ Ezra For Israel Telephone: (403) 553-3582 PO Box 178 Cell Phone: (403) 308-0083 Canadian Charity: 815441563 RR0001 Diamond City, AB T0K 0T0 Email Address: [email protected]

ISRAELMAGAZINE Volume 23 No. 5 - May 2020