CHRISTIANS UNITED FOR ISRAEL - UK ISSUE 11 | OCT 2018

MAGAZINE

RECLAIMING ZIONISM

The Origin UNRWA, Palestinian of the word “refugees”, and the hidden “Palestine” agenda to destroy Israel Introduction Contents

Welcome to Christians United for Israel UK’s 3 The Origin Of Palestine eleventh issue of TORCH magazine.

In this issue we are countering the lies of Israel haters to present the truth of key narratives within the Israel-Palestinian conflict. Over the years, anti-Israel activists 8 Israel’s new “Nation-State have been consistent in their denigration of Law” embodies everything the word “Zionism” to the point where many Christian Zionism stands for believe it to be a hateful ideology. Clearly, this is a lie spread by the enemy to deceive 12 Reclaiming the definition of the masses and distort what God intended Zionism and why it should for good. It is time to reclaim Zionism as the matter to Christians positive belief we hold dear to our hearts. The Origin 15 Out of Zion Also in this issue we unearth the origins of the word “Palestine”, with some surprising finds, and take a deep look at UNRWA, of Palestine the organisation established to resolve the Palestinian refugee crisis, only to become one of the largest barriers to peace. We are also 16 UNRWA, Palestinian challenging the negative view spread about “refugees”, and the hidden erminology is Is Palestine Israel’s Nation State Law, which we believe agenda to destroy Israel important, especially mentioned in confirms our Christian Zionist beliefs about when it comes to Israel. 20 Operation Good Neighbour T the Bible? defending Israel. Palestinian leaders will We hope you are encouraged, informed and The word Palestine, sometimes Palestina, is make bizarre claims of rarely used in the Old Testament translations. equipped by this latest issue of TORCH as we having descended from the shine truth in the darkness and challenge the But where it does occur, it is certainly not lies of the enemy. Canaanites or even that referring to its modern usage. Jesus was a “Palestinian”. Palestine (or Palestina) is from the Greek 22 The Kenyan athlete who Meanwhile, politicians and word Palaistine and is derived from the Hebrew Thank you for your continued support for our won the heart of Israel “Plesheth” or “Pelesheth” or “Peleshet”, a work, Bible teachers alike run the risk of falling into anti-Israel name used frequently in the Bible, which in propaganda by its misuse. English translations of the Bible is termed Yet, how do we maintain “Philistine”. It originally identified “the land of the Philistines”, a southwestern coastal area strong support for the Jewish of Israel. It is never used to refer to the whole Des Starritt connection to the land of land of Israel. But before Israel entered the Executive Director Israel, whilst not condemning Promised Land, it would be generally correct CUFI-UK those who identify themselves to say that this coastal area was called Philistia as “Palestinian”. This article (the Way of the Philistines), meanwhile the Christians United for Israel UK gives a brief overview of central highlands were called Canaan. Both the PO Box 3837, Swindon, SN3 9DS the word “Palestine” and Canaanites and Philistines had disappeared Tel: 01793 862210 counters some dangerous as distinct peoples at least by the time of the Web: www.cufi.org.uk misconceptions. Babylonian Captivity of Judea. Neither “Palestina” or “Philistia” occurs in Published by: the New Testament. © CHRISTIANS UNITED FOR ISRAEL UK All Rights Reserved CUFI.ORG.UK 3 The Origin of Palestine The Origin of Palestine

revolt against Rome. ancient enemy of Israel, the Philistines, and Misuse of the word Who were the The first use of the word “Palestine” for the Latinised it to “Palestina”, applying it to the Palestine in Bible Philistines? land of Israel is very important to note and in entire Land of Israel. some ways laid the foundation for what would Let’s be clear, Hadrian intended to wipe translations Evidence from Egyptian inscriptions continue to be an assault on Jewish heritage to the name of Israel from the map. The invented identify the Philistines as “Sea Peoples”. this very day. name, “Palestine”, was nothing more than Nearly all Bible translations today use Pottery from the cities of Ekron and Britons may be familiar with Hadrian an anti-Semitic attempt to erase Israel from “Philistia” in their Old Testament portions for Ashdod in Philistia lead historians to believe for the wall he commissioned between memory. Thankfully, the re-establishing of the original Hebrew Peleshet. The King James they originated from the Aegean Sea area, Roman Britain and Scotland, but Hadrian has the State of Israel has reversed Hadrian’s evil Version prefers the Greek word Palestina on including Cyprus and Crete. been described as the “emperor of the first attempt, but the effects of the propaganda war four occasions, but again only in reference to This would also confirm what the Bible Holocaust”. Over half a million Jews were he started continues and the Philistine hatred the Philistines. says. For example, Amos refers to “The killed in battle or died through starvation or for Israel that he reignited lives on in the hearts Philistines from Caphtor” (Amos 9:7 NKJV). disease during the revolt. of those that want Israel destroyed. Howl, O gate; cry, O city, Jeremiah forewarns that the day is coming It was no coincidence that Hadrian chose thou whole Palestina, art dissolved. when the Lord will “plunder the Philistines, the the name “Palestina”. He understood the (Isa 14:31a KJV) remnant of the country of Caphtor. (Jer 47:4 power of propaganda and began to undertake The British NKJV). a major delegitimization campaign that is But extreme caution From the moment the disturbingly reminiscent of current attempts Mandate of must be taken to ensure Israelites entered Canaan to strip Israel and Jerusalem of its Jewish Palestine that this is the only case From the moment under Joshua’s leadership, the connection. where “Palestina” is the Israelites Philistines were arch enemies of Hadrian replaced the shrines of the The word Palestine continued with the used. For example, the entered Canaan Israel. Perhaps one of the most Jewish Temple and the Sepulchre of Christ Ottomans, who used it as a geographic term New American Standard under Joshua’s familiar stories of the Bible is in Jerusalem with temples to pagan deities. to describe the geographic land south of Bible (NASB, 1973, 1995) David’s victory over the Philistine He changed the name of Jerusalem to Aelia Syria. Jews living in the region were known places “Palestine” in the leadership, the giant Goliath. Capitalina and banned surviving Jews from as “Palestinian Jews”. Contrary to the lie that margins for Daniel 8:9 Philistines were But the spirit of the entering. Significantly, he took the name of the Jews “colonised” Israel after World War 2, Jews and 11:16 to explain the arch enemies of Philistines – their mockery of were in fact the largest people group in phrase “Beautiful Land” Israel. God’s people and their confessed Division of the British Mandate of Palestine Jerusalem by the mid-1800s. even though it is referring aim to destroy Israel – is in The name “Palestine” was still to Israel and Jerusalem. contrast to the confidence of the in use in 1917 when British Foreign The Message (2002, 2007) goes further by God of Israel’s anointed king, David. It remains Secretary, Arthur Balfour, issued replacing “Beautiful Land” with the phrase a shadow of the battle that continues today; a a declaration calling for a Jewish “lovely Palestine” – completely misleading and battle that still “belongs to the Lord”. homeland in Palestine, which was then indicative of a pro-Palestinian narrative. known as southern Syria and included Similar care must be given to what is today all of Israel and Jordan. commentaries. For example, The New Scofield The anti-Semitic After World War 1, the Council of Reference Edition of the Bible has maps in the the League of Nations (predecessor back entitled “Palestine under the Herods”, agenda of Rome to the UN) granted the victorious even though there was never was a Palestine Allies control of the Middle East in under the Herods. Fast forward to the Roman occupation, preparation for eventual independence Meanwhile, the MacArthur Study Bible with the Philistines now only an archaic enemy being granted to the local peoples. contains a map called “Palestine in Christ’s of the Jewish people, the Romans initially used When they met in San Remo in 1920, Time” and other references to “Palestine”. the terms Judea and Galilee to refer to the Land the Council became legally bound to Isaiah 14:31 states very clearly, “Palestina” of Israel, including during the time of Jesus. help Jewish people create a state there or the Philistines, are dissolved. Today’s When Emperor Titus destroyed Jerusalem in and granted Britain as the Mandatory Palestinians therefore have no connection to 70 A.D., the Roman government issued a coin entrusted with the administration of the the Philistines and Palestine has no connection with the phrase “Judea Capta,” meaning Judea Land of Israel. to Philistia historically. To state otherwise is has been captured. But in 135 A.D., there was The word “Palestine” was chosen for this British Mandate and included not only inaccurate but dangerous, as we will a major, tragic twist when Emperor Hadrian British Mandate Zone, 1922-1940 continue to read. applied the term Syria Palestina to the province land on both sides of the Jordan River. Area Separated and Closed to Jewish Settlement, 1921 after the Romans crushed the second Jewish Two years later, however, the land 4 CUFI.ORG.UK CUFI.ORG.UK 5 The Origin of Palestine The Origin of Palestine

originally set aside for the Jewish people had the same year, the Arab League’s aspirations been drastically reduced. Around 77% (land Contemporary were clearly focused on destroying the State of east of the Jordan River) was given to a new Palestine Israel: Arab kingdom of Transjordan, which later “The Council has unanimously defined became Jordan, whilst a much smaller Jewish Any use of the description “Palestine” the national cause as that of liberating State remained guaranteed under international today, other than in its historical context Palestine from Zionist imperialism and law. associated with Roman, Ottoman or British pursuing a plan of joint Arab action both During the British Mandate of Palestine, empires, is extremely misleading. It is simply during the present stage - for which plans many Arabs and Jews considered themselves inaccurate because no such place exists. have already been laid down - and at the next “Palestinian”. There was the Palestine Furthermore, it is somewhat unknown what stage, for which it has already been decided is meant. Is a person using Palestine to refer to make preparations.” Symphony Orchestra (later The Israel to the West Bank, Gaza, Israel, former British The PLO terrorist organisation demanded Philharmonic Orchestra), Anglo-Palestine Mandate, etc? It has as much modern relevance the entire liberation of Palestine and called for Bank (later Israeli Leumi Bank) and even the as calling England, Land of the Angles. the destruction of Israel, but noticeably did Palestine football team, comprising of Jewish However, it is understandable that those Arabs not challenge Egyptian or Jordanian rule of players. An advert (right) has often been used who today identify as Palestinian, particularly the former Mandate - only Israel. After the Six by anti-Israel activists, but was actually created those with genuine links to the region, have Day War of 1967, in which Israel was required as a tourist poster by Zionists. The coin is a sense of frustration and disillusionment to defend itself from Arab invasion, Israel won inscribed with “Palestine” alongside Hebrew. over the lack of national independence. back control of the Jordanian controlled West The flag of Palestine, adorned with the Star However Israel is not to blame. Instead it Bank and Egyptian controlled Gaza Strip. of David, speaks for itself (right). A “Jewish” is the repeated failure of Arab leadership to Palestine is difficult to ignore, yet anti-Israel accept the opportunity for statehood and, in activities are quick to point out the usage of the spirit of ancient Philistia, an obsession with Summary “Palestine” in support of denying Israel’s right Israel’s destruction that is greater than national to exist and not the Star of David that shines so sovereignty. Meanwhile, the fact that an actual radiantly reminding us of the Jewish homeland. Arab state, Jordan, had already been created The term “Palestine” isn’t just inaccurate, In 1945, the UN’s charter gave recognition out of a large part of the former Mandate of but it is the cornerstone of the propaganda Palestine is deliberately ignored by many. war against Israel and the Jewish people for to the right for Jewish people to settle in But even after Israel took the opportunity almost 2,000 years. Christians should desire to Palestine from the river to the sea - west for national independence, it wasn’t until the use terminology that is in the Bible wherever of the Jordan to the Mediterranean Sea. 1960s that the term “Palestinians” became possible. Whilst its usage is applicable for Two years later when the British Mandate synonymous with an Arab people group. In historical context (i.e. The British Mandate expired, the UN divided what was left of 1964 the Arab League initiated the creation of of Palestine), why would we want to use a Palestine into two independent states - one the Palestinian Liberation Organisation (PLO), word created by the enemies of Israel with Jewish (56%) and the other Arab in what is with the aim of establishing a Palestinian the purpose of destroying the Jewish people? known as the 1947 Partition Plan. The Jews entity within Israel and the The Bible should always be accepted the UN resolution, calling their state “Palestinian” people group The term the primary reference for Israel. The Arabs rejected the two-state plan emerged as a mobilised every Christian believer and and attacked Israel in 1948 after the British political movement. It is “Palestine” isn’t with the Jewish people having departed and immediately after Israel declared remarkable that Emperor just inaccurate, returned to their homeland, independence. Hadrian’s propaganda tool but it is the we celebrate the nation of After the Arab-Israel war, Jordan annexed was once again in effect for cornerstone of Israel – its historic significance, Judea and Samaria, the so-called “West Bank”. precisely the same reasons. present existence and future By its second summit of the propaganda purpose. Egypt took over the Gaza Strip. Both areas war against that were originally assigned to the Arabs in Israel and the the partition plan. Despite gaining control, neither country saw the need to establish an Jewish people. independent Arab state. Israel meanwhile, continued to flourish.

6 CUFI.ORG.UK CUFI.ORG.UK 7 Israel’s new “Nation-State Law” embodies everything Christian Zionism stands for

n 19 July, the Knesset (Israel’s of the Jewish people, in which it actualizes its parliament) passed the Nation-State natural, religious, and historical right for self- Bill into law with 62 votes in favour determination. The actualization of the right of Oand 55 against. The law declares Israel national self-determination in the state of Israel as the nation-state of the Jewish people, is unique to the Jewish people.” with Jerusalem as its capital. Simply put, This is a fundamental principle that is everything Christian Zionism stands for. denied by those wanting to deny all Jewish Despite the widespread criticism of the bill, connection to the land of Israel. As Christians, the new law effectively cements reality, and we understand that this connection is more significantly reaffirms biblical truth that underpinned by promises God made to Israel is the homeland of the Jewish people. Abraham, Isaac and Jacob as well as supported The law also declares the Jewish people’s by 3,000 years of historical record and right to self-determination and sovereignty and archaeological evidence. designates Hebrew as Israel’s official language. Secondly the bill lists the national symbols Legislation comes amid a backdrop of of Israel – the flag with a blue Star of David, the attempts to reject or undermine the Jewish Menorah with seven branches, olive leaves on people’s connection with the Land of Israel each side, and the word Israel at the bottom, and Israel’s existence as the nation state and Israel’s national anthem, Hatikvah. of the Jewish people. Israel has no written Thirdly, the bill states a “unified and constitution, a situation it inherited from complete [city of] Jerusalem is the capital British law. Instead, Israel has passed a series of Israel”. Indeed, Jerusalem is the eternal, of Basic Laws that together were intended undivided capital of Jerusalem and every as a blueprint for an eventual constitution. Christian should defend the Jewish people’s Basic Laws take precedence over other Israeli connection to the holy city. legislation, guide judicial interpretation and Fourth, the bill states that “Hebrew is the shape future legislation in the absence of a language of the state”. Again, a statement of constitution. This new bill essentially enshrines reality and affirmation that Israel is a Jewish Israel’s quasi-constitutional Basic Law that state. It adds “The Arabic language has a special Israel is the nation-state of the Jewish people. status in the state; the regulation of the Arab Israel’s Declaration of Independence language in state institutions or when facing repeatedly notes the connections of the Jews them will be regulated by law.” This has caused to Israel and that Israel is being established as the most controversy with some claiming that the nation-state of the Jewish people. Unlike Arabic should be an official language alongside the Basic Law, however, the Declaration of Hebrew. But the special status of Arabic reflects Independence is not a legal document. The the fact that Arabic is very firmly established fact that this bill passed in the 70th anniversary as a language used in Israel for both signage, year of Israel is significant. government documents, etc, and there is no Prime Minister Netanyahu referred to the doubt that this isn’t going to change under the new law as “a defining moment in the annals of new law. Zionism and the history of the state of Israel… Fifth, it says “The state will be open to 122 years after Herzl made his vision known, Jewish immigration and to the gathering of with this law we determined the founding the exiled”. This is the reason the State of principle of our existence.” Israel was created. This new law includes this Let’s look at the bill more closely: wording, again, because it is the reality – Israel The law has 11 stipulations, the first, was reestablished to enable the Jewish people declaring the State of Israel as “the nation-state to return to their historic homeland. 8 CUFI.ORG.UK CUFI.ORG.UK 97 Sixth, the bill says that Israel will “labor to self-determination in Israel. It also maintains ensure the safety of sons of the Jewish people the rights of all Israeli citizens, Jews and and its citizens who are in trouble and captivity non-Jews alike, to preserve their culture, their due to their Jewishness or their citizenship.” heritage, their language and their identity.” and that it will “act to preserve the cultural, He then spoke of the new law in relation to historical and religious legacy of the Jewish the diaspora, Jewish communities outside of people among the Jewish diaspora.” Israel, stating “The new law affirms Israel’s Seventh, Israel encourages Jews to commitment to preserving the bond between settle in Israel saying the state “views Jewish Israel and Jews around the world. The unity settlement as a national value and will labor to of our people is a key source of our strength. encourage and promote its establishment and Israel will continue to be a home for all Jews, development.” no matter where you are from or how you Eighth, “the Hebrew calendar is the pray.” He added “Israel’s democracy will This double sided fold-out leaflet with official calendar of the state and alongside it always continue to flourish. For that, we can all Reasons Why Christians Should the secular calendar will serve as an official be proud.” Support Israel and a selection of relevant Subscribe to TORCH calendar. The usage of the Hebrew calendar Meanwhile, Turkey accused Israel of Scriptures on the reverse. Handy pocket and of the secular calendar will be determined apartheid with a spokesman for Erdogan size makes it is a useful tool for personal Magazine for free by law.” stating, “We reject the decision to proclaim use or as a tract to give away. Ninth states that “Independence Day Jerusalem as the capital of Israel as well as the is the official holiday of the state” and “The decisions to create new settlements aimed Request your free leaflets from CUFI.ORG.UK/SUBSCRIBE Memorial Day for those who fell in the wars of at the systematic stripping of Palestinians www.cufi.org.uk/prayer/resources Israel and the Memorial Day for the Holocaust from their land, and the Israeli government’s and heroism are official memorial days of the attempts to establish an apartheid state… state.” This racist step, which represents an attempt Tenth, it states that “Saturday and the to wipe the Palestinian people out of their Jewish Holidays are the official days of rest motherland, not only materially but also legal, in the state”. It adds that “Those who are not cannot be accepted in any way.” “I consider CUFI to be a vital part Jewish have the right to honor their days of rest The Arab League condemned the law, and their holidays. Details concerning these claiming Israel’s government is “trying to of Israel’s national security” matters will be determined by law.” forcibly enforce are null and will not give any The bill concluded with “This Basic Law legitimacy to the Israeli occupation.” Jordan’s Benjamin Netanyahu may not be altered except by a Basic Law that Foreign Minister took to Twitter, claiming Prime Minister of Israel gained the approval of the majority of the that the nation-state law is “a violation of Knesset members”. international law, human rights. It is an act that will further fuel tension. International Reception community must stand against it as yet another measure that threatens security, Prime Minister Netanyahu gave a televised stability.” statement in English following criticism from Head of the European Union’s Foreign cufi some Jewish communities abroad, based Affairs, Federica Mogherin, expressed “We are mainly on the view that the bill didn’t promote concerned. We have expressed this concern pluralism inside the Jewish state and that and we will continue to engage with Israeli Arabic is not an official language. Netanyahu authorities in this context. We’ve been very membership highlighted Israel as the only democratic state clear when it comes to the two-state solution. in the region stating “I am proud of the vibrant We believe it is the only way forward, and any Individuals · Groups · Churches democracy we have built in our ancestral step that would further complicate or prevent homeland. Israel grants equal rights to all this solution of becoming a reality should be citizens regardless of religion, race, nationality avoided.” With your support we can make an even or gender. We are strong not in spite of The Basic Law, however, represents the our diversity; we are strong because of our truth and reflects reality. The Jewish people greater impact for Israel in the UK diversity.” have every right to self-determination. Israel is He clarified that the “Nation-state law the Jewish state, its capital is Jerusalem and as defines the rights of the Jewish people to Christian Zionists we should celebrate it. Join online at www.cufi.org.uk/membership 10 CUFI.ORG.UK or call 01793CUFI.ORG.UK 86 22 10 117 indigenous people, persecuted and scattered An offence to Christians throughout the world, returning to their homeland. RECLAIMING THE It’s worth pointing out that “Zionists” But to imply that Zionism is solely include Christians and others also. So an attack a political issue is to ignore the Biblical DEFINITION OF on “Zionism” is also an attack on Christian foundation that underpins the ties that Jews belief. The Church should be hurting right have to the Land of Israel. now. It should be calling into question how Modern Zionism is not a colonial a view so central to our faith is allowed to be endeavour, as sometimes claimed by attacked. It should be defending the hundreds opponents. If it had been, the Jews would have of thousands of Christians across the country left in a similar manner to every other colonial who describe themselves as Zionists. It should power that has set foot in the Middle East. be offended and bruised. It should feel an But the nation of Israel is going nowhere. The urgency to seek justice. But due to either reason is why Jews have longed passionately silence or blindness it still only remains a for the land which is indigenously theirs. It is “Jewish problem”. why Jews over thousands of years have prayed AND WHY IT SHOULD Rabbi Sacks told the BBC’s Andrew Marr, towards Jerusalem. This is a land that has “Anyone who uses the term Zionist, loosely, been longed for, fought for and defended. No MATTER TO CHRISTIANS without any care, is attempt by Israel’s enemies is in danger of engulfing going to change the reality that Britain in the kind Israel exists. of flames of hatred Israel becoming an When anti-Semites attack “Zionists” they usually mean Jews. that have reappeared independent state in 1948 was As Christians, this should be enough for us to rally to the defence of throughout Europe the result of the modern Zionist our Jewish brothers and sisters. But the church needs to wake up and and is massively movement’s effort to secure a realise that an attack on Zionism is also an attack on Christians. irresponsible.” safe and secure homeland for Any church Jews, but Jewish people had leader that contributes to this kind of hatred already started returning to Israel a Century he silence from the church amid the Zion (mentioned 150+ times in the Bible) is should be ashamed. The damage caused by before. current Labour anti-Semitism crisis in fact central to Christian faith and theology. the delusional opposition by some within the The Israeli Declaration of Independence of Thas been deafening. The respected Why not talk about it? Why not discover what church to Israel has consequences that may 1948 summarises Zionism well, Rabbi Sacks told the British public on a God has to say about Zion, the place the Bible only be realised when the church becomes the “The Land of Israel was the birthplace of Sunday morning television show that Jews describes as God’s city? next target of the same “flames of hatred” that the Jewish people. Here their spiritual, religious are now seriously considering whether it Jeremy Corbyn has repeatedly stated his have reappeared throughout Europe. and political identity was shaped. Here they is safe for Jewish families to raise their position that anti-Zionism is not anti-Semitism. The church’s silence on the current anti- first attained to statehood, created cultural children in this country. Meanwhile the In his infamous defence in the Guardian, Semitism crisis is a failure that the church may values of national and universal significance church in Britain is standing on the side- Corbyn said that “to assert that ‘anti-Zionism still have time to address. But time might be and gave to the world the eternal Book of lines. What is it waiting for? is racism’” is wrong. As has been widely stated, running out. Books. the term “Zionists” is commonly used by anti- It begins with a better understanding of After being forcibly exiled from their land, Semites as a veiled attack on Jews, which is Zionism. Here is a brief look at what Zionism the people kept faith with it throughout their A silent church why it must be included in the anti-Semitism means to Christians and why it should be Dispersion and never ceased to pray and hope definition and why Corbyn’s resistance on its preached in the church. for their return to it and for the restoration in it Many sincere church leaders in the UK inclusion is incredible. of their political freedom.” hold the view that talking “Zionism” is a Others say “anti-Zionism” is not against If you believe that Jews have a right to live political subject that might cause unnecessary Jews, but against the State of Israel. If they Understanding the in the land of Israel, you are a Zionist. controversy and lead to division. Not talking mean criticism of Israeli policy, then why not term “Zionism” about it, however, could be one of the biggest call it that? But what they usually mean is the mistakes by the church so far this century. “problem of Israel’s existence”, or putting it By its organic definition, Zionism is “Zionism” is not a The church is silent because many have another way, “the presence of Jews in Israel”. the belief that the Jewish people have an political issue bought the lie that Zionism – the view that This is anti-Semitic pure and simple. It is indigenous right to live in the land of Israel. Zion is the homeland for Jewish people – is a racist and evil and Christians should be at the In a political sense, it supports the belief that If Jews having a right to self-determination political topic or worse still, a dirty word. It is forefront of speaking out against it. Jews have the right to self-determination in the is political, then it became so when the “land” a political topic when a person makes it one. re-established State of Israel. It represents an was promised to them 3,000 years ago. But

12 CUFI.ORG.UK CUFI.ORG.UK 137 note, the claim was not man-made, but rather in him will never be put to shame” (1 Peter 2:6). granted by Almighty God. Taking this promise For Christians, Zion is not only held dear and bringing it down from heaven to a simple for being part of the Christian story, but is political narrative undermines the Sovereign central to a Christian understanding of God’s authority of God. Those that deny the Jewish future plans including the belief that Jesus will people’s connection to the land of Israel return to Zion as Messiah. therefore deny the authority and accuracy of The church must wake up to the fact that the Bible. Those that refuse to accept God’s God’s love for Zion has not changed. It is Oution is a beautiful wordof for Jews and Christians.Zion We don’t have to promise to Israel, effectively place themselves difficult to imagine the Lord Jesus returning be ashamed to call ourselves Zionist. Those that hate Israel place in opposition to God. for a church that has denied the place that He Zthemselves in opposition to God, but for those that hold Zion dear, it loves. It is still at the centre of His plans. remains a place of unparalleled hope. Take a moment to meditate on some of the treasures from God’s Word that The importance of remind us of what comes “out of Zion”: “Zion” to Christians The Beauty of Zion “For out of Zion the law shall go forth, And In the Bible, Zion describes the city of As Christians, remember that good things Jerusalem (Isaiah 40:9), the land of Judah come from out of Zion. Good things. Beautiful the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.” Micah 4:2 (Jeremiah 31:12), and the nation of Israel as things. a whole (Zechariah 9:13). Zion also refers Psalm 50 states, figuratively to Israel as the people of God “Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, “Oh, that the salvation of Israel would come (Isaiah 60:14). God will shine forth. out of Zion” Psalm 14:7 & 53:6 According to Psalm 87, the word “Zion” is a Our God shall come, and shall not keep silent; place that God loves. A fire shall devour before Him, “The Lord loves the gates of Zion more And it shall be very tempestuous all around “Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God than all the other dwellings of Jacob. Glorious Him. things are spoken of you, city of God.” (Psalm will shine forth.” Psalm 50:2 87:2–3) Zion is not a dirty word. It isn’t a word Zion first took significance when David to be ashamed of or avoided. It is a beautiful immediately brought the Ark of the Covenant word. It is a place of hope. A place from which “The Lord shall send the rod of Your strength into the stronghold of Zion, also called the God will shine forth. out of Zion.” Psalm 110:2 “City of David”. Jerusalem is called “Zion” not just because it is another name, but because it is the city of God’s presence and the city of “The Lord bless you out of Zion, And may great hope for His people. (Ps 51:18; Ps 9:11; Ps 74:2) you see the good of Jerusalem All the days of The Bible explains that Zion was not only your life.” Psalm 128:5 where God was present and near to His people, but it became the source of deliverance and salvation (Ps 20:2; Ps 3:4). “Blessed be the Lord out of Zion, Who dwells When the church sets itself against Israel, it ignores Biblical prophecy of the miraculous in Jerusalem! Praise the Lord!” Psalm 135:21 return of scattered Jews from across the globe to their historic homeland and opposes the will of God. Further importance to Christians In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is referred to as the Cornerstone of Zion: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts

14 CUFI.ORG.UK CUFI.ORG.UK 15 fter World War II, Europe had to escape war, persecution or natural disaster”. to manage an unprecedented The only way for refugee figures to grow is if refugee crisis, yet in six short more people are expelled from their homes A (something which hasn’t happened in Israel years, sixty-million refugees were resettled throughout Europe. since 1948). The 1951 UN Refugee Convention A few years later, in 1947, the Indo-Pakistani ruled that “a person shall no longer be War created thirteen-million refugees. All of considered a refugee if… he has acquired a new these refugees were resettled within a few nationality.” years in what became a massive population Of the 5 million Palestinian refugees alive exchange. today, 1.6 million of them have Jordanian A year later, in 1948, the state of Israel citizenship. And more than 2 million was reborn as a nation. Immediately after its Palestinians live with Gaza and the so- creation, the Arab states that surrounded Israel called West Bank. They are already living in attacked the new Jewish state. As a result of Palestinian towns under Palestinian control in this conflict, and at the behest of their leaders, an area that they claim is “Palestine”, and yet around 600,000 Arabs left Israel and moved to they are still labelled as refugees. other countries in the region. At the same time Palestinian refugees are also the only as this, more than 850,000 Jews were forcibly refugees who inherit their refugee status. evicted from Muslim-majority nations in North According to UNRWA, “the descendants of Africa and throughout the Middle East. Today, there are no Jewish refugees. All of them resettled in other countries. Most of them went to Israel and today, more than half THEY ARE ALREADY LIVING of Israel’s population is made up of Jews who IN PALESTINIAN TOWNS were forcefully expelled from Arab lands. UNDER PALESTINIAN So what happened to the Palestinian refugees? CONTROL IN AN AREA In 1949, the United Nations created the THAT THEY CLAIM IS United Nations Relief and Works Agency for “PALESTINE”, AND YET Palestinian Refugees, otherwise known as UNRWA. This was the first refugee agency THEY ARE STILL LABELLED created by the UN and is the only refugee AS REFUGEES. agency to deal with a single group of people. The second refugee agency, the United Nations Palestinian refugee males, including legally High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) was adopted children” are also classified as created a year later, in 1950, and oversees all “Palestine refugees”. other refugees around the world. Furthermore, unlike all other refugees The difference between these two groups they cannot lose their refugee status. Based is seen in the number of refugees the two on UNRWA’s definition, even if a Palestinian agencies have resettled. Since 1950, UNHCR child was born in America, went on to become has resettled more than 50 million refugees. President, UNRWA would still list that person On the other hand, since 1949, UNRWA has as a “refugee”. not resettled a single Palestinian refugee. That’s This is where we get into the realm of zero. None. the absurd. Where words no longer mean In fact, the number of Palestinian refugees what they should. There is a reason for this under UNRWA has grown from 600,000 in misuse of language, however, as calling 1949, to more than 5 million in 2018. Palestinians “refugees” helps to paint them The fact that the numbers are growing as a victim to the majority of the world who should actually be impossible because a do not understand the situation. When we refugee loses their status as a refugee as soon think of refugees we think of people who have as they become a citizen of another country. abandoned their homes, been left with very The definition of a refugee is “a person who little and living in tented camps. This is the has been forced to leave their country in order case for most refugees, but not Palestinians.

16 CUFI.ORG.UK CUFI.ORG.UK 177 Support for Palestinian refugees shows being the eighth most obese. Bear in mind 47.5% would be Jewish and 2.9% for all other Even more shocking is that the textbooks they are the most lavishly funded in the world. that if most of the Palestinians living in these minority groups. The Arab population would which contain these lessons are approved of by A 2017 report that was given to the UN showed territories are “refugees” then that means there be larger than the Jewish population, thus the United Nations and are funded by Western that Palestinian refugees are given four times are a lot of obese refugees. Clearly, this could leading to the elimination of the Jewish state. governments. more money per person than other refugees. be a sign that they are living on a poor diet of Gamal Abdel Nasser, the President of In 2017, the top five donors to UNRWA And whilst UNHCR has funding for one staff imported, processed food, however, if anyone Egypt from 1956 to 1970, who declared war with were the US who gave £275 million, the EU member per 5,948 refugees, UNRWA has one says Palestinian refugees are “starving” (as even Israel during the Six Day War, said this about donated £108 million, Germany donated staff member per 191 Palestinian refugees. the Palestinian envoy to the UK has claimed) Palestinian refugees: “If refugees return to £58 million, the UK donated £51 million and The standard of living between the two this is clearly not the case. Israel, Israel will cease to exist.” groups is also very different. Most Palestinian By contrast, the UNHRC reported last year This phrase has been repeated in some refugees live in developed towns and cities that in Africa alone they have over 4 million form or other by many Arab leaders throughout within the Palestinian territories. These places refugees who live in areas where there is famine the decades. Fatah’s own website stated, “To IT EXPLOITS have apartment blocks, shopping malls, with up 75% of refugee children, under the age us, the refugees issue is the winning card which PALESTINIAN REFUGEES thriving businesses and privately owned cars, of five, suffering from “acute malnutrition”. means the end of the Israeli state.” Another AND BRAINWASHES THEM yet they are described as “Refugee camps”. Before dismissing the experiences of Egyptian minister said, “In demanding the Education is another area where Palestinian refugees, many do have real issues return of the Palestinian refugees, the intention INTO HATING ISRAEL Palestinian refugees are thriving when to deal with and most are by no means living is to exterminate the Jewish State.” AND EVEN BREAKS THE compared to other refugees. Whilst UNHCR a life of luxury. However, in most cases it is far Unfortunately, this is the mentality being RULES IT IS SUPPOSED reports that only 46% of the world’s child from the image of a refugee that we imagine taught to the Palestinian people. UNRWA refugees are able to attend school. UNRWA and see in other countries. does not just keep Palestinians as perpetual TO UPHOLD. We can see from the mission statements “refugees”, they also do it with indoctrination. of both UNRWA and the UNHCR that this Most Palestinian children are educated in Sweden donated £47 million. (It is worth disparity is actually deliberate. The UN an UNRWA run school, and half of UNRWA’s noting that since the US decision to cut THE PALESTINIANS ARE has been perpetuating the crisis instead of annual budget is spent on education. Therefore funding the UK has increased its funding). The KEPT AS “REFUGEES” resolving it. The mission of the UNHCR, which the greatest outworking of UNRWA is in USA, Europe, Japan, South Korea, Canada and handles all refugees, is to “resolve refugee education, and there is a reason for that. Australia provided roughly 90% of UNRWA’s BECAUSE PALESTINIAN problems by repatriation, resettlement or Numerous studies into these school have funding in 2017. LEADERS ARE USING integration” whereas the mission of UNRWA, consistently found that the “Right of Return” The Arab League, on the other hand, which THEM, WITH THE which handles only Palestinian refugees, is to for Palestinians and “armed struggle” against includes every Islamic nation (and some very ASSISTANCE OF THE “provide direct relief and work programs.” Israel are core themes within the system. For wealthy oil states) donated less than 8% of the So, why are Palestinian refugees being example, science textbooks teach Newton’s total budget of UNRWA. This is despite this UNITED NATIONS, AS treated differently to all other refugee groups laws of motion with a depiction of a Palestinian bloc of twenty-two nations meeting each year A POLITICAL PAWN and why is UNRWA not resettling Palestinian terrorist using a slingshot to launch a stone to declare the “Palestinian cause” their top AGAINST ISRAEL. refugees? at an Israeli, asking the student to calculate priority and using their political and financial The reason is because Palestinian refugees the velocity of the stone. Geography lessons muscle to pressure countries into voting AND THE OBJECTIVE IS claim the “right of return” which is a fictitious replace the map of Israel with a map of against Israel at every opportunity. THE DESTRUCTION claim that Palestinian refugees have the right “Palestine”, with all the towns, cities and The United Nations Relief and Works OF ISRAEL. to return to the land that is now Israel. The regions renamed into Arabic names. History Agency is just another weapon being wielded Palestinians are kept as “refugees” because lessons erase the Jewish history of the land of against Israel in an attempt to destroy the Palestinian leaders are using them, with the Israel and instead teach lies and distortion. Jewish state. It exploits Palestinian refugees reports that 91.4% of Palestinian child refugees assistance of the United Nations, as a political Researchers from three organisations, and brainwashes them into hating Israel and attend school and literacy rates among pawn against Israel. And the objective is the The Center for Near East Policy Research, the even breaks the rules it is supposed to uphold. Palestinians are some of the highest in the destruction of Israel. Simon Wiesenthal Center and the Middle All of this is accomplished by draining the world. Israel is a nation of just 8.5 million people. East Forum concluded that “UNRWA, in fact, resources of Israel’s allies, some of whom are Life expectancy in the Palestinian Jews account for 74.5% of the population not only does propagate a non-peaceful line too ignorant or compromised to do anything territories is also increasing year on year. (about 6,556,000 individuals) and Arabs contrary to UN resolutions on the Middle East, about it. Infant mortality rates are one of the lowest account for 20.9% of the population (about and not only does allow the presentation of As Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin in the Middle East, and far lower than that of 1,837,000 individuals) and a combination of Israel and its Jewish citizens as illegitimate Netanyahu said, “I regret that UNRWA, to a developing countries. There is also no shortage minorities account for the remaining 4.6% with heavy layers of demonization. UNRWA large degree, by its very existence, perpetuates of food for Palestinian refugees. The UN’s (about 400,000 individuals). also betrays its moral obligation toward the – and does not solve – the Palestinian refugee World Health Organisation ranks Palestinian If five million Palestinians were given the Palestinian children and youths’ human rights problem. Therefore, the time has come to women in Gaza and the West Bank as being “right to return” and moved into Israel then and well-being, by letting the PA prepare them disband UNRWA and integrate it into the the third most obese in the world, with men 49.6% of Israel’s population would be Arab, for a future war with Israel.” UNHCR.”

18 CUFI.ORG.UK CUFI.ORG.UK 197 also helped to alleviate other issues for needy monsters. Syrians also. Whilst there were no reports of “They teach us that Israel is the country mass starvation in that particular part of Syria, that hates us the most,” a Syrian woman who there have been shortages for certain foods. had received treatment said. “We came and In response, Israel provided several hundred saw with our own eyes what they are giving tons of flour, cooking oil, sugar, salt, canned us here. Israel is everything to us as a result of and dried foods, twelve-thousand cases of baby what it is giving us.” formula and tens-of-thousands of nappies and “Israel is the only country that has done more each year. Israel also donated cars and something like this with the Syrians,” a donkeys to Syrian communities to help with wounded Syrian man who had been brought to transport and farming. Israel for treatment said. “Israel is the friend of Critics of the Jewish state often accuse the Syrian people, a humanitarian country.” Israel of using events like this for media “In this difficult situation Israel stood by attention in an attempt to “trick people into our side, helped us with everything that we thinking Israel is good”. The reality is that Israel need,” another Syrian woman told the press. is good. And far from promoting this work, the “We very much respect the people in Israel”. IDF kept Operation Good Neighbour secret for All the identities of the Syrians that Israel more than three years until finally revealing it assisted are kept private for safety concerns in June 2016, updating the as each one is returned to media every few months on Syria after their treatment progress. has come to an end. In It is interesting to note “IN THIS DIFFICULT terms of the children’s that Israel has done all SITUATION ISRAEL reaction, many Israeli of this to help the Syrian STOOD BY OUR soldiers reported being people, yet Israel and Syria SIDE, HELPED US given pictures from the are technically at war with children and the children each other. Israel is viewed WITH EVERYTHING themselves wanting to draw Operation Good Neighbour as an enemy by Syria, yet THAT WE NEED. the Israeli flag, because they it has assisted the Syrian WE VERY MUCH saw the flag as a symbol of n 7 February 2013, seven wounded up to 500 Syrians per day with around 5,000 people more than their RESPECT THE good that was helping them Syrians approached the border patients being transferred to hospitals inside of close allies in the region. PEOPLE IN ISRAEL”. get better. of Israel. Israeli troops guarding Israel if they required more extensive medical This leads us on to one The IDF say that Othe border realised they needed medical treatment. of the most special parts of turning hearts away from treatment and brought them in, Syria’s medical system has been drastically Operation Good Neighbour, hatred was not a goal of transporting them to a hospital in northern affected by the ongoing conflict meaning that the way in which it has transformed the the operation, but an unintended (and highly Israel. regular treatment for people with ongoing attitudes of Syrians towards Israel. valued) consequence of their actions. No one Over time, as the crisis in Syria worsened medical conditions has in some cases stopped Early on, the IDF established that they knows what the future holds between Israel and as rebels took over the Syrian portion of altogether. As a result, Israel found itself wanted to welcome Syrians into Israel in a and Syria, but the actions of Israel today could the Golan Heights, many more needy people dealing with routine medical conditions for way that showed they cared for them, to break have a lasting impact. There is no doubt that came to Israel’s border for assistance. The people with illnesses unrelated to the war. down any barriers. One way they did this was the Biblical lesson of treating your neighbour as Israel Defence Forces (IDF) quickly realised To help cope with their ongoing needs, for the children who had pre-existing medical yourself will bear fruit. the ongoing need and launched Operation in 2016, the IDF began facilitating the conditions. Each week dozens of children, Operation Good Neighbour came to an Good Neighbour, a mission of compassion for construction of two clinics within Syria accompanied by their mothers, would come end in September 2018. The Syrian army has the people of Syria. itself. Israel organised their construction to the border and the Israeli soldiers would now retaken the Syrian section of the Golan At first it started with medical teams on the and provided the building materials. They transport the families in buses to a waiting Heights from rebel fighters. Israel is hoping border, with severely wounded people being also kitted the hospitals with the medical facility where they were greeted with a that the Syrian government will now be in a transferred into Israel to awaiting hospitals. equipment needed to run effectively. Both breakfast and refreshments and some playtime position to care for their own people more Eventually the IDF established a field hospital facilities are staffed by Syrian medical teams for the children before being taken to Israeli effectively and the clinics that Israel has built in named Mazor Ladach, which translates into that receive funding from international hospitals for treatment. Syria are designed to provide for the people of English as “bandaging those in need”. This was charities. They will give ongoing support to In addition to being helpful for obvious Syria for many more years to come. located in an uninhabited military post in the 80,000 Syrians living in the area. nutritional reasons, this welcoming breakfast There is no doubt that if the needs of the Golan Heights on the border between Israel Operation Good Neighbour’s primary served a more important function: showing Syrian people rise once again, Israel will be the and Syria. This field hospital was used to treat focus was on medical aid, however, Israel has the Syrians that the Israeli soldiers were not first to help. After all, Israel is a good neighbour.

20 CUFI.ORG.UK CUFI.ORG.UK 217 RoyalCOMMEMORATIVE Visit to GIFTS Israel

These commemorative gifts mark the first ever official visit to Israel by a member of the British Royal Family. Our exclusive design honours the historic moment that Prince William prayed at the Western Wall. It is decorated by a meaningful collection of emblems representing the United Kingdom and Israel as well as the home nations, England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. It also recognises the Jewish connection to Jerusalem and Britain’s role in defending Israel.

THE KENYAN ATHLETE WHO LIMITED EDITION WON THE HEART OF ISRAEL Commemorative Mug Commemorative Magnet £70 donation Any donation amount onah Chemtai Salpeter was faster than the time required to compete born in Kenya, but this year she at the Olympics. Later that year, after she Lbecame a hero of Israel. became an Israeli citizen, she flew to Brazil Lonah first came to Israel in 2008. She and represented Israel at the 2016 Rio was the nanny for Kenya’s Ambassador Olympics with her coach to Israel and worked at the Kenyan husband and son cheering embassy. In her spare time Lonah her on from the side- would exercise, running through the lines. Lonah competed parks of Tel Aviv. One morning she in the marathon but was running around Tel Aviv’s Herzliya unfortunately had to drop park when she was noticed by a out of the race at the running coach who encouraged her to thirty-third kilometre due train professionally. to a shoulder injury. From that point on Lonah took Determined to come running more seriously and was back stronger, Lonah eventually introduced to Israeli competed for Israel this running coach Dan Salpeter who helped her year at the European Championships 2018 in her training. The two fell in love and in in Berlin. On 8 August 2018, Lonah Chemtai 2014 the couple were married. Nine-months Salpeter, at the age of 29, won the gold medal later their son Roy was born. for the 10,000 meter race. Amazingly, Lonah never ran marathons, After winning the race, draped in the Donate today to receive she only trained for short distances and it Israeli flag, Lonah said her victory was her was only after she got married, and while way to honour her country, her family and your exclusive gifts she was pregnant, that she ran her first herself. marathon. It was Israel’s first-ever female gold at In 2016, whilst she was still breastfeeding the European Championships and led to her son, Lonah took part in the Tel Aviv wide praise for the Kenyan-born athlete who www.cufi.org.uk/RoyalVisitGift Marathon. Amazingly, Lonah completed has been welcomed with open arms by the Tel: 01793 862210 the course in 2:40:16, almost five minutes Jewish state. 22 CUFI.ORG.UK 7 NOW IS THE TIME TO BE A Watchman on the wall

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