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INTERNATIONAL CHRISTIAN EMBASSY JERUSALEM // AUGUST 2021 // USA EDITION WORD FROM JERUSALEM WHY SUPPORT ISRAEL? 10 REASONS TO STAND WITH THE RESTORED JEWISH NATION FROM THE PRESIDENT'S DESK Dear Friends, As we once again make final preparations for the ICEJ Feast of Tabernacles, I am reminded of the rich heritage behind our annual celebration of this Feast of the Lord. In the late 1970s, a gifted Canadian couple living in Jerusalem, Merv and Merla Watson, received from the Lord a vision to invite Christians from around the world to join them in celebrating Sukkot, or the Feast of Tabernacles. They were inspired by the promise in Zechariah 14:16 that one day, the gentiles would come up to Jerusalem to celebrate Sukkot alongside the Jewish people. In 1979, a few hundred Christians responded to the invitation. But the next year, more than 1,000 believers from some 32 The International Christian Embassy Jerusalem was established in nations arrived for this unique Christian gathering in Jerusalem. 1980 in recognition of the biblical significance of all of Jerusalem and its unique connection to the Jewish people. Today the ICEJ It was during that Feast of Tabernacles celebration in 1980 that the International represents millions of Christians, churches, and denominations to Christian Embassy Jerusalem was born. The following year, the Feast moved to the the nation and people of Israel. We recognize in the restoration of Israel the faithfulness of God to keep His ancient covenant Jerusalem Convention Center, and some 3,000 pilgrims showed up from all around with the Jewish people. Our main objectives are: the world. Since then, each and every year has witnessed a miracle, as thousands of • To stand with Israel in support and friendship; Christians ascend to Jerusalem from across the globe to mark this biblical holiday. • To equip and teach the worldwide church regarding God’s purposes with Israel and the nations of the The Feast of Tabernacles is more than just “another Christian conference.” I will Middle East; never forget my first visit to Israel in 1991. Our tour guide told us, “You have to visit • To be an active voice of reconciliation between Jews, the Feast!” He took us to the evening celebration, and I will always remember what Christians, and Arabs, and to support the churches and congregations in the Holy Land. I experienced. Thousands of Christians from around the world were worshiping God together with many Jews in the city of Jerusalem. I felt like we were in heaven. From its head offices in Jerusalem, the ICEJ reaches out into Tears were running down my face as I witnessed something I knew was enormously more than 170 countries worldwide, with branch offices in over 90 nations. important to God. Our vision is: • To reach every segment of Israel’s society with a Christian As you read in this issue the reasons Christians should stand with Israel (page 4) and testimony of comfort and love, and catch up on the latest news from our Haifa Home for Holocaust Survivors (page 12), I • To reach and actively represent to Israel the support pray you also take time to consider how you and your family will observe the Feast of of denominations, churches, and believers from every Tabernacles this month. nation on earth. The Christian Embassy is a non-denominational faith-based Whether it is in person with a tour group, virtually online (page 8), or in a Watch ministry supported by the voluntary contributions of our partners Party (page 19) with your church or small group, I encourage you to join us for this and friends across the globe. We invite you to join with us as we significant, prophetic event. minister to Israel and the Jewish people worldwide by donating to the ongoing work and witness of the ICEJ. Thank you again for joining us to bless this people beloved of God. WORD Yours in Christ, FROM JERUSALEM CREDITS ICEJ President Dr. Jürgen Bühler US Director Susan Michael Dr. Jürgen Bühler VP International Affairs Dr. Mojmir Kallus President INTERNATIONAL CHRISTIAN EMBASSY JERUSALEM // AUGUST 2021 // USA EDITION VP Finance David van der Walt VP Operations Barry R. Denison International Christian Embassy Jerusalem VP International Spokesman David Parsons WORD VP AID & Aliyah Nicole Yoder FROM JERUSALEM Managing Editor/Publications Director Laurina Driesse USA Managing Editor Julaine Stark Copy Editor Karen Engle Staff Writers Anastasiya Gooding COVER PHOTO: Top: The new Azrieli Center “spiral Graphic Design/Illustrator Ryan Tsuen, Peter Ecenroad, tower” now under construction will stand 1,100 feet over modern- Nancy Schimp day Tel Aviv. See the artist’s rendering at viewpoint.co.il. Photography Shutterstock, ICEJ Staff and Branches, Associated Press, Wikimedia Commons, iStock, Ynet Bottom: Camels carry construction materials to build the new city of Tel Aviv circa 1920. Photo by Abraham Soskin, Wikimedia Commons. WHY SUPPORT ISRAEL? The New King James Bible is used for all Bible 10 REASONS TO STAND WITH references unless otherwise noted. THE RESTORED JEWISH NATION Word From Jerusalem is published by the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem. Reproduction in whole or in part without written FOR MAGAZINE ARCHIVES permission is prohibited. Word From Jerusalem has no subscription visit: www.icejusa.org/wfj price and is supported through contributions worldwide. The ICEJ USA Branch is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with offices in Tennessee, Florida, and Washington, DC. All gifts to this ministry are tax-deductible according to United States law. INTERNATIONAL CHRISTIAN EMBASSY JERUSALEM - USA Support our ministry online at: www.icejusa.org Contents AUGUST 2021 USA EDITION WHY ISRAEL? 10 REASONS WHY EVERY BELIEVER AND CHURCH 4 SHOULD STAND WITH THE RESTORED JEWISH NATION ISRAEL’S NEW GOVERNMENT BRINGING JEWS HOME 7 SEEKS BROAD CONSENSUS 10 FROM ALL DIRECTIONS! CALL CENTER LAUNCHED TO THE ROAD 13 HELP HOLOCAUST SURVIVORS 14 TO DAMASCUS ICEJ TEACHING Jerusalem Chords bridge, a famous, unique landmark, with aerial view of the city. WHY ISRAEL? 10 REASONS WHY EVERY BELIEVER AND CHURCH SHOULD STAND WITH THE RESTORED JEWISH NATION BY dr jürgen Bühler • ICej PresIdenT here is no doubt that Israel enjoys growing support from the Evangelical movement today. At times, this support is little understood, especially because for centuries, the church struggled to understand the “Jewish question” and even displayed and instigated militant anti- TSemitism against God’s chosen people. They taught that God was finished with the Jews. This has changed dramatically, yet the question remains: Why do we support Israel today? I invite you to take your Bible and consider with me 10 reasons why all believers in Jesus should support, bless, and stand with God’s chosen people, the Jews. REASON #1: GOD LOVES ISRAEL! The prophet Jeremiah states very clearly: “‘The people who survived the sword found grace in the wilderness . .’ The Lord has appeared of old to me, saying: ‘Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you. Again I will build you, and you shall be rebuilt, O virgin of Israel!’” (Jeremiah 31:2–4a). After a season of judgment (“the sword”), God is motivated by His “everlasting love” to restore Israel. Note that it is an everlasting love . unceasing, never-ending! It was this love that birthed God’s plan with Israel (Deuteronomy 7:7), and this love will also bring it to a glorious end (Romans 11:25–28). Someone once asked me: “How can God love a sinful nation like Israel?” The answer is simple: with the same unconditional love the Lord has toward the church. Indeed, “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). So here is a simple rule for all believers: we should love what Jesus loves. How is your love for Israel? Just ask God to give you His love for the Jewish people! REASON #2: GOD IS A COVENANT-KEEPING GOD! God affirmed His promise to give Israel the land of Canaan with a sworn covenant. In Genesis, we read how God appeared to Abraham to promise him a land and descendants as innumerable as the stars of heaven. Abraham replied: “How can I be sure you really will do this?” God answered by coming down as a burning torch that passed through sacrificial animals to seal the land promise with Abraham by covenant oath (Genesis 15:17–18). One of God’s main character traits is that He is a covenant-keeping God. Some Christians insist God has changed His mind about Israel, given up on them, and has established a new covenant with the church—the “new Israel.” But that would be devastating news for every believer today. With every sin, lukewarm attitude, or lack of commitment, do we need to fear that God will change His mind about us too? No, for even “if we are faithless, He remains faithful—for He cannot deny Himself” (2 Timothy 2:13 ESV). Thus, the great hope for both Israel and the church is that God always keeps His covenant promises—forever! REASON #3: GOD HALLOWS HIS NAME! The prophet Ezekiel powerfully described in chapter 36 how God will restore the Land and people of Israel in the last days. When he sees them returning from the nations and being filled with God’s Spirit, he gives a clear reason why God is doing this: “...I had concern for My holy name, which the house of Israel had profaned among the nations wherever they went” (Ezekiel 36:21). Then he declares to Israel: “[Not] for your sake, O house of Israel, but for My holy name’s sake [I will restore you]...And I will sanctify My great name...the nations shall know that I am the Lord,” says the Lord God, “when I am hallowed in you before their eyes.