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. For I will take you from among the nations, gather you out of all countries, and bring you into your own land” (Ezekiel 36:22-24).
4 | AUGUST 2021 ICEJ TEACHING
ICEJ TEACHING
Tel Aviv
It is rather astonishing that the world media is still so preoccupied with Israel, even 73 years after its establishment. As the Swiss theologian Karl Barth stated in 1967: “Now you can read it in the newspapers; God is fulfilling His promises.” Or as Ezekiel said, God is sanctifying His name before the whole world. By looking to Israel, the world can see that God is still alive and He is a promise-keeping God! Therefore, whenever you pray the Lord’s Prayer, “hallowed be Thy name,” also pray for Israel and God’s faithfulness to the Jewish people.
REASON #4: Israel is a key for revival and future blessing for the Church! According to the apostle Paul, Israel’s full restoration will release an unprecedented blessing to the church. In Romans 11, Paul makes two most amazing statements:
Now if their fall is riches for the world, and their failure riches for the Gentiles, how much more their fullness! (v. 12)
For if their being cast away is the reconciling of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead! (v. 15)
Paul presents it as almost a mathematical formula. First, looking at Israel’s fall (or failure) and casting away, he still sees blessing released of “riches for the gentiles” and “reconciliation of the world.” Then he looks to Israel’s future fullness and acceptance and foresees an even greater release for the world of “life from the dead.”
In Acts 3:19–21, Peter also sees that a spiritually restored Israel will release “times of refreshing” from the presence of the Lord (v. 19) and the “times of the restoration of all things” (v. 21), which eventually brings the return of Christ. That means Israel’s restoration is key for everyone who thirsts for the outpouring that God still has in store for the church. Or to put it another way, if you thirst for revival, pray for Israel!
REASON #5: We owe it to the Jews! In his letter to the Romans, Paul recounts the Macedonian churches’ lavish love offering for the “poor saints” in Jerusalem. It was such a substantial gift that Paul personally delivered it to Jerusalem. But why did they give so much? Paul explains: “For it pleased those from Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor among the saints who are in Jerusalem. It pleased them indeed, and they are their debtors. For if the Gentiles have been partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister to them in material things” (Romans 15:26–27).
The believers of Macedonia understood an important principle. Salvation came from the Jews (John 4:22), and they were obligated to return a gift of thanks. Jesus was Jewish, the authors of the Bible were all Israelites, and everything that defines our faith today—even the sacrifice of Jesus and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit—took place in Israel through Jews. Thus, Jesus himself declared: “Salvation is of the Jews!” (John 4:22). Have you ever shown your gratefulness to God’s people for administering to us the means of His eternal grace? If not, I encourage you to follow the Macedonian example and express your appreciation to Israel.
REASON #6: Our roots are in Israel! Romans 11 contains a botanical miracle. Paul identifies a natural—or noble—cultivated olive tree and a wild olive tree (wild olive trees are scrubs that bear inedible fruit). He then describes God doing something no farmer would ever do—he cuts off limbs from the noble tree and grafts wild olive branches in their place. Normally, this process is done exactly the other way around: noble branches are grafted onto wild trees. But Paul relates this strange botany experiment to Israel and the gentile nations. The wild gentile nations are grafted into the noble Jewish olive tree by faith in Jesus and are nourished by the rich sap rising from their prophets, patriarchs, and kings.
4 | AUGUST 2021 5 |WORD FROM JERUSALEM ICEJ TEACHING
Paul, therefore, tells the gentile church in Rome to “remember that you do not support the root, but the root supports you” (Romans 11:18). Our spiritual roots are not in Rome, Geneva, or Azusa Street. They lay in Jerusalem—with Hebrew prophets, Jewish apostles, a Jewish Savior, and a Bible written by Jews (see also Ephesians 2:11–13). So let us honor our spiritual roots, knowing Paul also declares that one day the original natural, noble branches will be grafted back into their own tree.
REASON #7: Now is the right time to do it! Psalm 102 is one of the most powerful prophetic passages in the Bible. Whenever I read the first 11 verses of this “Psalm of the afflicted,” I see in my mind’s eye the crematories of Auschwitz and the emaciated bodies of Buchenwald. It is a cry of hopelessness where the Psalmist sees his people withering like grass. But suddenly, the tone of this Psalm dramatically changes and becomes one of restoration, culminating in the Lord “building up Zion” and “appearing in glory” (Psalm 102:16).
The key verse is verse 13, where God suddenly takes action: “You will arise and have mercy on Zion; for the time to favor her, yes, the set time, has come” (Psalm 102:13). The Hebrew word for “set time” is mo’ed, which also is used for Israel’s annual holidays. They are the set or appointed times of the Lord. We should see them as eternal entries in God’s appointment diary. And here, the psalmist sees that God has fixed a day for the restoration of Israel to arrive.
You do not need to be a prophecy expert to see this set day has arrived. Already for 100 years, the Lord has been busy restoring Zion. God has arisen to actively show mercy to Zion. Therefore, it is also time for us to arise and join what God is doing!
REASON #8: God has changed His way of dealing with Israel! Now, this statement might sound almost heretical. In the end, we all believe God never changes—right? He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Yet centuries before the birth of Christ, the Lord announced that one day, He would change the way He deals with Israel: “‘But now I will not treat the remnant of this people as in the former days,’ says the Lord of hosts. . . . ‘Just as I determined to punish you when your fathers provoked Me to wrath,’ says the Lord of hosts, ‘and I would not relent, so again in these days I am determined to do good to Jerusalem and to the house of Judah” (Zechariah 8:11–15).
These verses describe a total reversal of how God relates to Israel. It is a radical shift in gears—from reverse to fast forward. In previous centuries it might have been difficult to see His ongoing faithfulness to Israel. Many theologians saw this dispersed and downtrodden people as an eternal state of judgment on the Jews. But God never gave up on them. And today, we are without excuse when even our newspapers report that Zion is being restored! And if God has changed His approach to Israel, then He will also help you to arise and bless His people.
REASON #9: The Jews are the family of Jesus! This may be the simplest yet most powerful reason: Jesus is a Jew! Paul puts it like this: “. . . of whom are the fathers and from whom, according to the flesh, Christ came, who is over all, the eternally blessed God” (Romans9:5 ).
Years ago, when I spoke about this in a church in Bavaria, a brother came to me after the service saying: “Yes, it is true, Jesus was born to a Jewish mother. But you forgot one thing. When Jesus rose from the dead, he received a glorified body. He stopped being Jewish, and now he is the universal brother of all mankind.” I was truly impressed. Jesus, the universal brother of mankind, sounded amazing. But in Revelation, I read that Jesus—in his glorified body—is still the “Lion of the tribe of Judah” (Revelation 5:5). The very last words of Jesus in the Bible, often standing out in red letters, are: “I, Jesus . . . am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star” (Revelation 22:16). So even on the very last page of the New Testament, Jesus reminds us that his great, great, great . . . grandfather is a Jewish king from Jerusalem. When we serve the Jewish people, we serve the earthy family of Jesus. And I truly believe He takes notice when we do so.
REASON #10: The Bible commands us to comfort Israel! Finally, and most importantly, we need to bless Israel because it is God’s command. Isaiah delivers this divine imperative, saying: “‘Comfort, yes comfort My people’ says your God” (Isaiah 40:1). This is not a call to the Jewish people; otherwise, they would be comforting themselves. Rather, it is a call to a gentile people to stand alongside Israel and bless and comfort her. It is a command for a time when Israel’s warfare has ended (40:2), a set time when God is restoring Zion. And Isaiah 40 is also clearly not a suggestion or discussion point where He invites our opinion. Instead, God Himself, the Creator of heaven and earth who calls out the stars by name (Isaiah 40:26), tells us to arise and stand with His people in comfort and love.
It is precisely for these reasons why the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem was established in 1980 to stand with and comfort Israel, and with God’s help, we will continue to do so in the decades ahead. Let us all do this together!
6 | AUGUST 2021 ICEJ COMMENTARY
Israel’s new government seeks broad consensus, hangs by A thread BY David Parsons, ICEJ VP & Senior international Spokesman
srael finally has a new government in place, and alternate prime minister until he takes over Bennett will focus on getting back to good ending Benjamin Netanyahu’s historic 12- the top job in August 2023. governance, passing a proper state budget, Iyear run as prime minister. But the protracted making decisions by consensus, dealing with political impasse of the past 30 months is far Head of the right-wing Yamina party, Bennett societal tensions, and considering all sectors of from over, as the extremely broad coalition may is a former commander of elite IDF units the populace. prove unworkable and is hanging on by the and a successful hi-tech entrepreneur. Born thinnest of margins. into a secular family, he became religiously Meanwhile, Lapid will handle foreign policy. observant and more conservative in his views, Few expect much movement toward a “two-state Over the past two-and-a-half years, Israel has even heading the Yesha settlements council solution” with the Palestinians, as it could unravel stumbled through four elections in a political for a while. He is Israel’s first premier to wear the fragile coalition. Rather, Lapid’s main efforts deadlock that has become mystifying. The latest a kippa regularly. will be building ties with the Biden administration ballot was closer than ever, but the forces of and European Union and repairing the breach with “change” finally ousted Netanyahu in June. As leader of the centrist Yesh Atid faction, Lapid the progressive Left, beginning with American The new government, led for now by Prime is a former TV talk show host who entered Jewish leaders. The Bennett-Lapid government Minister Naftali Bennett, was approved by a politics a decade ago to represent young, secular will also try to continue the momentum of the single Knesset vote—and it remains in constant Israelis who resent the inordinate power and Abraham Accords toward normalization with peril of collapse. favoritism enjoyed by the ultra-Orthodox the Arab world. community. The new ruling coalition consists of eight Those regional accords undoubtedly influenced diverse parties from right to left held together They are joined in the coalition by former Likud Ra’am to become the first Arab party to sit as full- by their common desire to keep Netanyahu from member Gideon Sa’ar of New Hope, Russian fledged members of an Israeli cabinet. Netanyahu returning to power. Netanyahu managed an strongman Avigdor Liberman of Yisrael legitimized such a move by first reaching out unprecedented run as prime minister because Beiteinu, former IDF general Benny Gantz of to Mansour Abbas ahead of the last election, of his diplomatic and economic acumen, his Blue & White, Merav Michaeli of Labour, Nitzan but he eventually chose to go with the “change” mastery of Israeli politics, and above all, his Horowitz of Meretz, and—the unlikeliest of movement, putting the Bennett-Lapid alignment reputation as “Mr. Security.” Most Israelis came partners—Mansour Abbas of the Arab-Islamist over the top by one seat. to trust him to keep them safe, and for the faction Ra’am. most part, he did. But the scandals surrounding This has now put Netanyahu and the Likud Netanyahu weakened his support on the right, The common denominator between them is a party in the unfamiliar position of sitting in the and now a new generation of leaders is taking sense that Netanyahu based so many important Opposition, and they are vowing to bring down the reins of power. They are generally younger, decisions in recent years not on national the Bennett-Lapid coalition as soon as possible. forward-looking, and concerned with the well- interests but on simply staying in power to No doubt, Likud will file weekly no-confidence being of the entire nation. gain an advantage—and even immunity—in motions against the government, which means his ongoing corruption trials. He also has lawmakers on both sides will not be traveling The incoming coalition was forged around a sided with the ultra-Orthodox on many issues, abroad much over the coming months, as the rotation agreement between Naftali Bennett and thereby alienating many Israelis and much of thinnest of margins separates Israel from yet Yair Lapid. Lapid will serve as foreign minister Diaspora Jewry. another election.
6 | AUGUST 2021 7 | WORD FROM JERUSALEM
September 20–26, 2021 catch the fire of the feast Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet from your home! before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord. - Malachi 4:5–6
Feast speakers (invited)
Dr Jürgen Angus Suzette Lou Israel Philip Peter Bühler Buchan Hattingh Engle Pochtar Mantofa Tsukahira
Malcolm Hedding, Daniel Yahav, George Anadora, Joel Goldberg, Manasa Kolivuso, RT Kendall, Mosy Madugba, and many more.
Worship leaders (invited)
Birgitta Vesna Eddie Sarah Shilo Joshua Sakhnini Veksler Bühler James Liberman Ben Hod Aaron Brothers
Elihana Eli, Thais Schucman, Dorothy Bedford, Indonesian Worship Team, Stuttgart Worship Team, and many more.
FEAST TESTIMONIES from last year’s online feast
Elisabeth Annette & Ulrich Anette, Siegried & Angi
On Wednesday, October 7, we joined the online Congratulations and many thanks for the The three of us were keenly watching, sometimes Feast with some people from our Isaiah 62 festive, spectacular, and informative online together with our Israel small group. Thank prayer group. We loved the mixture of worship, Feast! Certainly, I will watch some more you for the wonderful program! The Messianic special guests, and teachings and the helpful seminars. God’s love for the people of Israel worship was refreshing. We enjoyed particularly German translation. Through the live streaming and the fulfillment of His promises through the song “Dai Li /Enough,” from Shilo Ben Hod. we had seats “in the front row” during the Feast the worldwide ministry of ICEJ is impressive. The Sukkah in front of the beautiful backdrop and enjoyed the panorama of the city we love Thank you for the many testimonies of the of Jerusalem was gorgeous, and we loved the so much. miracles God did in the 40 years of ICEJ history! guests—like Rabbi Bowman and Yehuda Glick— Israel is a light and a blessing for the nations. the talks and the biblical input. Annette and Ulrich Freischlad, Isaiah 62 Prayer Group in Krefeld (Germany) Elisabeth Rust, Freistadt (Austria) Anette, Siegfried, and Angi Walch (Germany) Ascend to Jerusalem for our most exciting Online feast!
Join the biggest Feast ever and feel like you are right here with us in Jerusalem! The Online Feast will be available on our exclusive streaming platform and will include live streaming of all Feast events, plus over 80 seminar teachings and other unique online content viewable on demand.
Seminar tracks: Feast Highlights: Feast Theme of “Days of Elijah” Israeli and Global Speakers Feast of Tabernacles & Biblical Holidays Israeli and Global Worship Leaders Currents Affairs in Israel & Region Roll Call of Nations Local Believers in Israel Jerusalem March Isaiah 19 Highway 24/7 Prayer Watch Next Generation Interactive Streaming Platform Global Prayer & Praise Reports Live Chats/Share Photos Virtual Tours to Key Bible Sites Plus much more
The Online Feast 2021 comes to you from exciting new locations across israel! Desert Celebration at Special Prayer Service at Qumran/Dead Sea the Western Wall Roll Call of the Nations at Communion at the Garden Tomb Southern Steps in Jerusalem Worship Concert at the Sea of Galilee Jerusalem March Grand Finale on Mount Carmel
Three Options for Online Feast 1. BASIC PACKAGE 2. ELIJAH PACKAGE US $5000 US $9999 • Full Feast registration • Nine months access includes 90 days to VOD content access to VOD • Digital certificate content of participation • Digital certificate • ICEJ official pin and 2022 of participation Israel calendar shipped to you
3. HOST A FEAST WATCH PArty Celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles with the ICEJ by To find out more about gathering a group to watch online and receive registering for our online a FREE registration*. Global Feast 2021, go to: See page 19 for details. www.icejusa.org/FEAST-ONLINE *Restrictions apply, and registration requires prior approval. ICEJ ALIYAH
Bringing Jews Home From All Directions! By Anastasiya Gooding
ver the first six months of 2021, Israel complications to obtaining visas and permits were quickly put in place to bring half of them has welcomed more than 7,000 new for flights. Hence, their arrival from Alma Ata earlier. An initial group of 160 Bnei Menashe OJewish immigrants, marking a rise of was a small miracle, according to one JAFI landed in Israel on May 31 as part of the 14 percent in Aliyah compared to the same time official. emergency airlift arranged by the Jewish Agency last year. And once again, the International and Shavei Israel. The Christian Embassy Christian Embassy Jerusalem has played a Despite the recent Gaza conflict, Israel also sponsored flights for 99 of these olim. significant role in this wave of Aliyah by assisting welcomed a wave of over 500 Jewish immigrants Unfortunately, another 115 members of this group 20 percent of these olim (newcomers) in from more than 20 countries during an were held back after several dozen tested positive reaching the promised land. We can do this unprecedented “Aliyah Super Week” at the end for COVID-19, thereby delaying their amazing work thanks to the generosity of of May. The ICEJ was one of the main sponsors homecoming. Christians around the world who continually support our Aliyah efforts. It has been a difficult experience as they were all so eager to reach Israel after 27 centuries of exile So far this year, the Christian Embassy has from their ancestral homeland. But suddenly, helped more than 1,600 Jews immigrate to they were stopped in transit and placed in Israel, including our sponsorship of Aliyah quarantine in New Delhi, where they remained flights for 1,164 new arrivals from 17 countries, until Israeli and Indian health authorities agreed while funding pre-Aliyah programs for another it was safe for them to travel to Tel Aviv. They 500 newcomers from Central and Eastern had no means to pay the costs of their housing, Europe. bnei menashe Olim food, and medical care and were dependent on the mercy and generosity of others. This was a One highlight came in early March, when the dilemma we could not ignore, so the ICEJ covered last Aliyah flight of “Operation Rock of Israel” of this special weeklong effort by funding flights their housing and meals for about one-third of arrived, bringing the final group of some 2,000 for 148 of these new immigrants who arrived their four-week stay in New Delhi. Ethiopian Jewish immigrants involved in this from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, France, Russia, emergency airlift first launched last December. South Africa, Sweden, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Thankfully, after their complete recovery, a group Through this special airlift, the ICEJ has Finland, Switzerland, Netherlands, the United of 114 Bnei Menashe finally landed in Israel on sponsored Aliyah flights for 402 Ethiopian Jews Kingdom, and the United States, among other June 27. In total, the ICEJ sponsored flights for this year, making their dream of returning to countries. 131 out of the 274 Bnei Menashe who were the Jewish homeland come true. brought to Israel over the past month. The next Due to the surge in coronavirus cases in India, airlift of another 274 Bnei Menashe is expected In April, a special evacuation flight arranged by the Israeli cabinet also decided to launch an in two months. the Jewish Agency for Israel and sponsored by emergency airlift for 548 members of the Bnei the ICEJ brought 102 Jewish immigrants from Menashe community in northeast India. Thank you for your support of the ICEJ’s many Kazakhstan to Israel. Their Aliyah came at a Claiming descent from the Israelite tribe of Aliyah efforts as we bring Jews home from all challenging time due to corona-related health Manasseh, they already had been approved to directions, just as the Hebrew prophets foretold rules and travel restrictions, which added immigrate to Israel later this year, but plans (Isaiah 43:5–6).
1010 |AUGUST | JULY 2021 2021 Donate today at: www.icejusa.org/aliyah ICEJ Aliyah
Kazakhstan Preparing the Way for Aliyah By Anastasiya Gooding
ince our founding in 1980, the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem has assisted more than 160,000 Jews to make the journey home to Israel. This journey Sof Aliyah begins long before a Jewish family boards a plane for Tel Aviv. New immigrants to Israel usually go through months and even years of preparation to make the move to the promised land. And for several decades now, the ICEJ has been actively assisting thousands of Jewish people with the pre-Aliyah process. This often includes sponsoring Aliyah fairs and seminars, such as the recent Aliyah weekends we have helped to host in Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, and the Baltic States, among other countries.
The Christian Embassy has partnered with the Jewish Agency for Israel in new and innovative ways to facilitate the continuing Aliyah from the former Soviet republics, according to Howard Flower, the ICEJ’s Director of Aliyah. One initiative is the new “Shabbaton” Aliyah seminars. These extended weekend gatherings provide comprehensive ICEJ pre-Aliyah processing to alleviate concerns, answer questions, and educate participants Country using trained counselors. Sponsored Argentina 5 Another innovative program introduced just last year is the OFEK 300-hour Hebrew language course (ulpan) and job placement program. After being approved for immigration Belarus 5 to Israel, participants begin an intensive ulpan that features a 300-hour concentrated online study program and job search coaching, which also explores the possibility of Belgium 2 newcomers working remotely from Israel for companies in their country of origin.
Brazil 8 Flower says the Christian Embassy expects to assist well over 1,000 Jewish people from the former Soviet republics this year in the pre-Aliyah programs, including weekend Chile 1 and summer camps, preparation seminars, Hebrew lessons, travel to consular services for immigration visas, transport to the airports, and extra baggage on flights. Normally, Ethiopia 402 some 35 to 50 percent of the people who attend the Aliyah seminars will make the move to Israel in a short time. Finland 4 The most recent ICEJ-sponsored Aliyah weekend took place in Minsk. Among the 63 France 91 participants was the Makarov family. The father, Vadim, was grateful for all his family experienced. “Thanks to your passion, active financial participation, and sponsorship of India 136 various events in the Jewish world, you provide an opportunity for us to meet, communicate and learn more about the traditions and history of Israel,” he said. Italy 1 So please consider joining the ICEJ to help sponsor an Aliyah weekend retreat, which will Kazakhstan 103 help launch Jewish families on their exciting journey to Israel, their ancestral homeland.
Netherlands 2
Russia 368
South Africa 10
Sweden 4
Switzerland 4 United 18 Russia FINLAND Kingdom Total 1164 “Shabbaton” Aliyah seminars
1010 |AUGUST | JULY 2021 2021 11 | WORDonD FateROM JERUSALEMtoday at: www.icejusa.org/aliyah HAIFA HOME ICEJ HAIFA HOME FOR HOLOCAUST SURVIVORS
Haifa Home gets a new resident! by Laurina Driesse
t can be extremely traumatic to pack up a home, downscale dearest possessions, and Ileave most memories behind—especially when it might be the last move.
For Holocaust Survivor Yaacov Grossman, however, his decision to move was a choice Yudit Setz with Holocaust Survivor Yaacov Grossman that he could make for himself, unlike during the war years when he was forced to move from as no one wanted to let a father with four boys Knowing that a chapter of his life is ending and his home in Poland to far-away Siberia. into their home. Eventually, a farmer showed a new beginning, Yaacov said: “The question pity and allowed them to live in his cowshed is only how much time, how many years I will As a young boy, Yaacov’s family owned a until they acquired a single room that they all still enjoy living here?” clothing factory in Poland. When he was five cramped into. years old, the Germans invaded his hometown In this next season of his life, Yaacov will be and threw his family out of their home. Soon the After the war ended, they returned to Poland comfortable and cared for by the dedicated men of the city were led out of town, and Yaacov, in 1946 to discover that his mother had fallen ICEJ team of Christian volunteers serving at along with his father and three brothers, found ill and died during one of the infamous death the Haifa Home, Israel’s only assisted-living themselves traveling through Eastern Europe marches. community dedicated to caring for Holocaust to Ukraine. Meanwhile, his mother and sister Survivors in need. In addition, he will be able to remained behind in Poland, with his mother Unfortunately, Yaacov could not remain in befriend other Survivors residing at the facility left to run the family business. Poland and ended up traveling from place to and enjoy all the social interactions and activities place, eventually ending up in an orphanage in provided there. While in Ukraine, the Russians told his father Germany. “It is almost impossible to describe that they should register if they wanted to the nightmare we went through all these years,” Your continued support of the Haifa Home return to Poland. Instead of returning, they says Yaacov. ensures that these Holocaust Survivors will were taken during the night to Siberia, where enjoy a good quality of life for their remaining life was extremely difficult: they had nothing to Finally, in 1949 he traveled together with his years. eat, and they suffered from hunger, illness, and father to Israel. Later in years, Yaacov became a the freezing cold weather. Little Yaacov and his shoemaker and acquired a little store, while his brothers were left alone during the day while father was a cook working in a children’s home. their father worked doing forced labor. To support our work with needy “I expect good things. I move with joy,” Yaacov Holocaust Survivors in Israel, please donate today at: Yaacov’s father tried to grow vegetables, but this shared with Yudit Setz, ICEJ AID’s Director for www.icejusa.org/haifa was hardly sufficient to sustain them. Yaacov Holocaust Survivor Projects, concerning his remembers sitting outside in the harsh winter, arrival at the Haifa Home.
ICEJ Feature Israeli TV features ICEJ work with Holocaust survivors
CEJ President Dr Jürgen Bühler made a special appearance on Israel TV Channel 13 in May, joining a panel discussion on “Who Truly Cares for Holocaust Survivors in Israel.” He spoke in IHebrew about his background as a German Christian who loves the Jewish nation and people, as well as the Christian Embassy’s extensive work with Holocaust Survivors. Other panelists included Israeli Minister of Intelligence Eli Cohen, our charitable partner Shimon Sabag of Yad Ezer L’Haver and Yad Rosa, and hi-tech pioneer David Perlmutter. The segment was part of a five-hour “National Conference” broadcast hosted by News 13 covering Israeli politics and culture today. 12 ICEJ AID
ICEJ Vice President & Senior Spokesman David Parsons at the dedication ceremony, along with Shimon Sabag of Yad Rosa, Rabbi Ari Lamm, the CEO of Bnai Zion, and Israeli-American actress and Haifa native Moran Atias. ICEJ Helps Launch National Call Center to Serve Holocaust Survivors By ICEJ Staff
he International Christian Embassy Jerusalem joined its charitable weekdays and will be manned by staff and community volunteers from partners Yad Rosa and Bnai Zion last month to open the first-of-its- across Israeli society, as well as youth performing their year of national Tkind National Call Center to serve the urgent needs of Holocaust service. These teams will actively reach out to scores of Holocaust Survivors and other elderly Israelis nationwide. Survivors every day to inquire about their condition and needs and then work to immediately assist them. Assistance may include medical The National Call Center was dedicated in the Hadar neighborhood of and rehabilitation equipment, oxygen generators, surveillance cameras Haifa, just two blocks from the ICEJ’s Home for Holocaust Survivors. for continuous assistance, prescribed medications, hot meals, and The call center was the vision of Shimon Sabag, CEO of Yad Rosa, groceries, all provided free of charge to the Holocaust Survivors and which opened an emergency call center in Haifa last year to reach out other elderly In Israel. The volunteers also will pay home visits and to Holocaust Survivors and other elderly in the surrounding area who deliver blankets, appliances, and other household items as needed. were confined to their homes due to COVID-19. The center began taking them groceries and hot meals, arranging home repairs, driving One special feature of the new initiative is delivering a free Medical Survivors to the doctor for medical care and vaccine shots, and sending Alert watch to every Holocaust Survivor in Israel. This digital watch volunteers on home visits to lift their spirits. Some received walkers can monitor the wearer’s vital signs and has an emergency alert button or wheelchairs to help them get around. The call center also acquired and GPS locator to alert the Yad Rosa teams and other first responders a fleet of scooters to ensure rapid responses to those with immediate when they have an urgent need and where they can be found. needs. In addition, the crisis center called Survivors to check in and let them know someone cared. Another key feature of the national emergency center will be the fleet of scooters to be deployed nationwide that will allow fast responses The ICEJ joined in supporting this local call center in Haifa earlier this to those who need urgent help. year, and the vision has since grown to provide one central emergency call center to serve the whole nation. Eventually, local distribution This new National Call Center provides a timely, effective, and warehouses will be set up in several large Israeli cities to cover all comprehensive means to meet the needs of many more worthy regions of the country. Holocaust Survivors throughout Israel. And we are looking to our Christian friends and supporters worldwide to help us fund this The ICEJ joined with Bnai Zion, an American Jewish charitable emergency center in the years ahead. organization, to provide seed funding to help the newly expanded National Call Center operate during its initial years of service. Please extend your hand of compassion to deserving Holocaust Survivors in Israel by supporting this nationwide calling center in The new National Call Center will operate 24 hours around the clock on Haifa. Thank you for caring and for acting today!
PLEASE GIVE TO: WWW.ICEJUSA.ORG/CALL-CENTER
12 13 | WORD FROM JERUSALEM ICEJ TEACHINg: LESSONS FROM THE LAND
THE ROAD TO DAMASCUS Praying for the Middle East by Dr. Susan Michael, ICEJ USA Director
popular mountain peak frequented Praying for Our Enemy by tourists in Israel is Mount Bental The lesson from this story is to pray for everyone—even one’s enemies Ain the Golan Heights. From the top who are bent on doing harm. Today, a great spiritual battle is brewing of this mountain, you can see Lebanon to over the region, and the same forces that want to destroy Israel and the northwest and Syria to the east. The view Christian communities have been killing each other in the quest for brings home just how small Israel is—and how control. Mount Bental is the perfect place to intercede for all the people close her enemies: Hezbollah in South Lebanon caught up in this turmoil. and ISIS and other jihadist groups in Syria, not to mention the Syrian Assad regime. Praying for Christians The Middle East, the birthplace of Christianity, was predominantly Looking down into Syria, you can see a modern Christian before the Islamic forces invaded in the seventh century. A highway built in the general vicinity of one of thousand years ago, there were more Christians in the Middle East than the ancient roads leading into Damascus. Saul’s in Europe. Even a century ago, more than 20 percent of the region’s conversion in Acts 9 took place on just such a road, population was Christian. so this is a great place to review that story and act upon its lesson. Saul was an enemy of the believers Today, estimates put the Christian population in the region at less than in Jesus, and the high priest in Jerusalem had given 5 percent, and it will likely become extinct. After the Copts of Egypt, the him the authority to capture and bind believers and second-largest Christian community in the Middle East is the Syriac/ bring them to Jerusalem. Assyrian Christians from Iraq, Syria, and surrounding areas. They are now displaced. Many are refugees and will never regain their community’s The believers in Damascus were terrified and must have size. The only Christian community growing in the region is in Israel been praying for Saul because the next part of the story is and is very small. nothing short of a miracle. Jesus appears to Saul before he reaches the city, blinding him, and then tells Ananias Hearts should break over the human toll and suffering this conflict has to find Saul, lay hands on him, and pray for him to receive and could still potentially cause. All the peoples of the Middle East—Jew, the Holy Spirit. Saul spends the rest of his life as “Paul, a Christian, and Muslim—are, in one way or another, victims of the spiritual bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated stronghold over the region that causes hatred, violence, and death. to the gospel of God” (Romans 1:1).
14 |AUGUST 2021 ICEJ PODCAST: WALK THRU THE BIBLE
Praying for Revival Much prayer is also needed for the gospel to go forth throughout the God’s region and many to come to know the Lord. Throughout the Muslim world, Jesus is appearing to people in dreams and visions, and they Mercy in are turning to Him. What began as a small trickle in the early 80s has mushroomed to now millions of Muslims who have turned to Christ. Judgment The fastest growing church in the world is said to be found in Iran. by Dr. Susan Michael This means that while historic Christian communities which have maintained their faith and presence over generations are dying out, a new Dr. Susan Michael is ICEJ underground movement of Muslim Background Believers is growing. USA Director and host of the Out of Zion podcast. Praying for the Isaiah 19 Highway The prophet Isaiah had an astounding vision of peace and unity between the people of Assyria, Israel and Egypt in chapter 19. More astounding hrough the prophet Isaiah, was the fact that God called Assyria the work of His hands and Egypt the Lord sings a song over His people while referring to Israel as His inheritance. God loves all the THis vineyard—the nation of peoples of the Middle East—they are part of the world He loved and sent Israel. He goes into great detail His son to die for (John 3:16). This is just as true for the Arabs (Muslims) describing how the owner of the vineyard had chosen fertile ground, as it is for anyone else. We should pray for all of them to find the Lord tilled the soil, cleared it of stones, and planted the choicest vines. He and come to know the true peace Isaiah described. had built a winepress and looked for a crop of good grapes but only THE ROAD TO DAMASCUS found bad fruit. Therefore, he was giving the vineyard over to be God Chose Israel for Blessing destroyed. Then the prophet makes it clear that the vineyard of the God’s choice of Israel was not to bless the Jewish people to the exclusion Lord is the nation of Israel. of others but that through them, He would “bless all the families of the earth” (Genesis 12:3). It is because God loves the world that He brought When we read this song of the vineyard in Isaiah 5, we think that into existence the nation of Israel through whom He would bring about perhaps it is all over for Israel. But later in chapter 27, the Lord tells His redemptive plan. Isaiah to sing another song about His vineyard, and in it, He declares that Israel will take root again and fill the whole earth with fruit. Millions of people in the Middle East are caught in the crossfire of the With this hope, Isaiah watched the people of the northern kingdom forces of evil that hate God, His plan, and His people. Let’s pray for of Israel go into exile. them. A “Damascus Road” revelation of the Prince of Peace is their only hope. Isaiah’s song of the vineyard expressed the Lord’s tender love and care for His people. But they simply were not producing the fruit they were created for. So he raised up prophets to preach to them and to lead them back to Him. When that did not work, he allowed their enemies to begin to defeat them, and, little by little, they lost Let us help you territory until their kingdom was reduced to the capital city. But the people did not heed the prophets, nor the warnings, and eventually, experience Israel the end came.
One kingdom was down, and while it would take another 150 years, there was one to go—Judah. God had promised His people safety and The US Branch of the International Christian Embassy security if they obeyed His commandments and lived in covenant Jerusalem (ICEJ) is here to help you experience Israel through and fellowship with Him. He had also promised their lack of safety our various Holy Land tours tailor-made for churches, young and security and warned of eventual exile from the land if they adults, pastors, leaders, and families. We also offer our annual disobeyed Him. Feast of Tabernacles tour. We are a non-denominational Christian ministry headquartered in Jerusalem for over 40 In the song over the vineyard, the owner asks the people, “What more years with biblical and modern-day experience that will bring could I have done?” (Isaiah 5:4). His mercy had run out. But even the Bible to life before your eyes and deepen your faith and in judgment there is hope of a future return and the fulfillment of relationship with God. Learn more today! God’s promises to use this vineyard to bless all the families of the earth (Genesis 12:3). Learn More Today! For more information on our tours, please go to www.icejusa.org/tours, Join me for the Out of Zion podcast episode: “One Down, One to Go.” call (866) 393-5890, Walk Thru the Bible with me each week by downloading our Bible or email us at [email protected]. reading plan, and get started reading right away! Invite your friends and family to join us! I can’t wait to Walk Thru the Bible with you!
15 | WORD FROM JERUSALEM
Your Israel Answer How Christians Are Celebrating the Feast By Dr. Susan Michael, ICEJ USA Director
ach year, thousands of believers from soon. In the end, it is all about Jesus. It is not ICEJ Born Out of the Feast around the world ascend to the city of about us, nor even about Israel, but about our “When the ICEJ was founded 40 years ago— EJerusalem for the Feast of Tabernacles returning King. during the first Christian celebration of the (Sukkot). It is the third great pilgrimage feast Feast of Tabernacles in 1980—there were of the Lord—a great prophetic sign of very few Christians worldwide who our times and powerful foreshadowing knew about or observed Sukkot,” said of even more glorious days ahead. the annual Feast of ICEJ President Dr. Jürgen Bühler. “But today, there are millions of Christians A Prophetic Sign Tabernacles is a prophetic around the globe who are discovering In 1979 as Merv and Merla Watson this biblical festival and joining in its planned the first Feast of Tabernacles declaration to Israel and traditions. And many of them will be celebration in Jerusalem, they were tuning in again for this year’s Feast uncertain about exactly how gentiles the church that Messiah is from Jerusalem, which is allowing us should celebrate this biblical feast, so to reach our largest audience ever with they asked the advice of a senior rabbi coming soon. a message of biblical faith and standing in Israel. They received his practical with Israel.” guidance, but as they were just about to leave, the rabbi called them back. The International Christian Embassy Global Gathering Online Jerusalem was born out of that first Feast “Mr. and Mrs. Watson,” he said. “That you, as In 2020, Israel’s coronavirus regulations of Tabernacles with a prophetic mandate gentiles, came here to ask me how to celebrate prevented this annual influx of pilgrims into of Christian support for Israel. Bringing Sukkot is quite unusual. Our prophets declare Jerusalem. But the ICEJ’s innovative online awareness of what God is doing in Israel is that in the Messianic times, all gentiles will Global Feast spawned hundreds of Sukkot an integral part of understanding His timetable come to Jerusalem to celebrate this feast with gatherings and watch parties in dozens of and the soon coming prophetic fulfillment of us. When you asked me today how to celebrate countries worldwide, drawing more Christians the Feast of Tabernacles. With branch offices Sukkot, I am hearing the footsteps of Messiah, than ever before into marking this joyous in over 90 nations and a reach into more than that He is coming.” biblical holiday together. 170 nations worldwide, the ICEJ is considered the world’s largest pro-Israel Christian ministry And this is what the Feast of Tabernacles is These Sukkot gatherings drew crowds ranging and is perfectly positioned to carry out this all about. Each year, the ICEJ is privileged to from small groups in underground churches in unique prophetic mandate. organize this incredibly unique event. It’s not China and Iraq to several thousand in a large just another Christian conference; the annual church in the Ivory Coast—which means the Join us for “Days of Elijah” at this year’s Feast Feast of Tabernacles is a prophetic declaration total participants of last year’s Feast was easily of Tabernacles celebration (see pages 8–9 for to Israel and the church that Messiah is coming in the hundreds of thousands. details).
Visit us at: www.IsraelAnswers.com and get your question about Israel answered!
18 | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020 18 | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020
20-26 catch the fire of the feast september from your home! 2021
Join the ICEJ for a Special sukkot journey through the land of Israel Seven Incredible Days of Feast Celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles like never Celebrations before as we host seven days of exciting IN ISRAEL Sukkot events in Jerusalem and across Israel, from Mount Zion to Mount Carmel.
Register today for the online Feast streamed live from Israel. Last year’s virtual Feast was a huge success, and this year promises to be even better with many inspiring new locations!
Ascend to Jerusalem for our most exciting Online feast ever!
Register for Virtual Feast Online Enjoy the Feast online from your home, with the option of watching content for either 90 days or 9 months! Two packages to choose from, starting at $50
HOST A FEAST WATCH PARTY Celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles with the ICEJ by gathering a group to watch online and receive a FREE registration.* See page 19 for details *Restrictions apply and registration requires prior approval
LEARN MORE at: www.icejusa.org/FEAST-ONLINE