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| Visit our Web site: www.bridgesforpeace.com | December 3, 2010 |
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1. Fires Rage in the North - Prayer and Funds Needed2. More than 15,000 Residents Evacuated3. International Firefighting Aid Coming to Israel4. The Miracle of Hanukkah5. Threatened Christians Flee Iraq and Other Middle Eastern Countries6. Uncompromising Iran to Renew Talks with West7. Israel Nabs Terrorists Responsible for Shooting Attack8. Israelis See Palestinian Article as Indication Peace not at Hand9. Group that Sings about Destruction of Israel Named National Band
1. Fires Rage in the North - Prayer and Funds Needed
"A friend loves at all times and a brother is born for adversity" (Prov 17:17).
My heart is heavy as I feel the pain of the nation of Israel at this moment as fires ravage northern Israel and threaten the city of Haifa. According to the Jerusalem Post, quoting Haifa firefighter spokesman Hezi Levi, "If we don't get foreign assistance tonight, I doubt we will be able to control the fire, and it will stop only at shores of the Mediterranean." As I read those words, a chill ran down my spine, because the city of Haifa with its population of 250,000 is between the Mediterranean and the raging fire.
At this moment, the resources of the nation's emergency sector have raced to deal with the many aspects of the disaster. Surrounding nations are sending firefighting teams and aircraft. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called this a day of mourning in Israel. Forty people have been consumed, their lives snatched by the voracious fire. But, for now there is no time to mourn, rather it is all hands on deck as the nation fights to save more communities from destruction.
At Bridges for Peace, we are preparing to deliver massive amounts of food to those who have had to flee from their homes. We call out to you who love Israel to assist us in this endeavor and show the people of Israel that they have "brothers and sisters" who step up to assist in this time of adversity.
First, we call on the intercessors to pray for God's deliverance. We can stand in the gap for the people of Israel much as Moses did. The fires are consuming vast tracks of native forest which because of the drought are extremely dry. For eight months, virtually no rain has fallen in Israel. For weeks, we have been calling out to God that in His mercy He would send the rains. Please continue to pray for the winter rains to arrive. The fire is also expanding because of winds. Pray that God will come and deliver, that the winds will die down and that torrential rains will fall putting out the blaze.
"When I shut up the heaven and there is no rain…if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sins and heal their land" (2 Chron. 7:13-14). We can call on God and seek His face on behalf of the nation of Israel. We can stand in the gap for them. Many of the leaders in the Bible did just that. I am reminded of the prayer of Daniel on behalf of the people of Israel in Daniel 9. Israel's chief rabbis have called on the nation to repent and fast and pray for the rain to come. We can join in this chorus of prayers ascending to the Most High.
Second, many families have lost loved ones in the last 24 hours. Pray that God will comfort those that mourn. Many have lost homes. At this time, reports are saying that the entire community of Kibbutz Beit Oren is destroyed. This community of 200 has lost everything. Pray for God's provision.
Third, we ask you to give generously to help us care for the people at this time, and to help rebuild what was lost. Click on this link to make your donation to assist the people of Israel NOW when the need is great. http://www.bridgesforpeace.
With a heavy heart,
Rebecca J. Brimmer, International President and CEO
Prayer Focus
Call out to God for deliverance, to send rain, to calm the winds, and to comfort His people.
Scripture
"'Comfort, yes, comfort My people!' says your God" (Isaiah 40:1).
My heart is heavy as I feel the pain of the nation of Israel at this moment as fires ravage northern Israel and threaten the city of Haifa. According to the Jerusalem Post, quoting Haifa firefighter spokesman Hezi Levi, "If we don't get foreign assistance tonight, I doubt we will be able to control the fire, and it will stop only at shores of the Mediterranean." As I read those words, a chill ran down my spine, because the city of Haifa with its population of 250,000 is between the Mediterranean and the raging fire.
At this moment, the resources of the nation's emergency sector have raced to deal with the many aspects of the disaster. Surrounding nations are sending firefighting teams and aircraft. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called this a day of mourning in Israel. Forty people have been consumed, their lives snatched by the voracious fire. But, for now there is no time to mourn, rather it is all hands on deck as the nation fights to save more communities from destruction.
At Bridges for Peace, we are preparing to deliver massive amounts of food to those who have had to flee from their homes. We call out to you who love Israel to assist us in this endeavor and show the people of Israel that they have "brothers and sisters" who step up to assist in this time of adversity.
First, we call on the intercessors to pray for God's deliverance. We can stand in the gap for the people of Israel much as Moses did. The fires are consuming vast tracks of native forest which because of the drought are extremely dry. For eight months, virtually no rain has fallen in Israel. For weeks, we have been calling out to God that in His mercy He would send the rains. Please continue to pray for the winter rains to arrive. The fire is also expanding because of winds. Pray that God will come and deliver, that the winds will die down and that torrential rains will fall putting out the blaze.
"When I shut up the heaven and there is no rain…if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sins and heal their land" (2 Chron. 7:13-14). We can call on God and seek His face on behalf of the nation of Israel. We can stand in the gap for them. Many of the leaders in the Bible did just that. I am reminded of the prayer of Daniel on behalf of the people of Israel in Daniel 9. Israel's chief rabbis have called on the nation to repent and fast and pray for the rain to come. We can join in this chorus of prayers ascending to the Most High.
Second, many families have lost loved ones in the last 24 hours. Pray that God will comfort those that mourn. Many have lost homes. At this time, reports are saying that the entire community of Kibbutz Beit Oren is destroyed. This community of 200 has lost everything. Pray for God's provision.
Third, we ask you to give generously to help us care for the people at this time, and to help rebuild what was lost. Click on this link to make your donation to assist the people of Israel NOW when the need is great. http://www.bridgesforpeace.
With a heavy heart,
Rebecca J. Brimmer, International President and CEO
Prayer Focus
Call out to God for deliverance, to send rain, to calm the winds, and to comfort His people.
Scripture
"'Comfort, yes, comfort My people!' says your God" (Isaiah 40:1).
2. More than 15,000 Residents Evacuated
More than 15,000 people were evacuated from their homes by late Thursday [December 2] as a massive fire continued to rage in northern Israel. Thursday night, officials in Haifa, Israel's third largest city, ordered the evacuation of several streets in the Denia neighborhood. Mayor Yona Yahav estimated that some 2,500 people will be evacuated from their homes and sent to stay at shelters elsewhere in the city.
Earlier in the evening, some 5,000 residents in the town of Tirat Carmel were ordered to leave home and thousands of others were evacuated from various northern communities. Two prisons and a psychiatric hospital were also evacuated for fear the flames would reach them.
At least 40 Prison Service officer course cadets were killed in the fire earlier Thursday after their bus burned down en route to an evacuation mission in Damon Prison. Several other people were injured in the blaze, including Haifa Police Chief Ahuva Tomer, who was gravely hurt. The Interior Ministry's casualty information center has been reopened for the first time since the Second Lebanon War to collect all the information on blaze victims.
Speaking earlier in the evening, Israel's firefighting chief Shimon Romach said he was not optimistic about the prospects of containing the fire at this time. "I'm hoping that with our effort tonight [Thursday], and tomorrow [Friday] we'd be able to contain the fire, yet the wind is making it difficult for us, and it's expected to grow stronger by early morning. Hence, I cannot paint an optimistic picture at this time," he said. The upper neighborhoods in Tirat Carmel were almost completely evacuated by Thursday night with many residents heading to their relatives or moving to the lower neighborhoods in town.
Albert Schatz is one of the locals forced to leave their home. He told Ynet that around 7:30 pm [Thursday] residents in his area were ordered to evacuate the area, and 15 minutes later, he was already out the door.
"I packed a small bag, my wallet, ID, a few pictures and other important things. I quickly took my wife and kid to our relatives, living in the lower neighborhoods," he said. "The fire was spreading massively. One moment, we saw it at the edge of the mountain ,and the next moment, it was already making its way downhill. We realized we had no choice but to leave."
Schatz said he has no idea what happened to his house. "We can't go up there. It was a scary scene. I've lived here for 20 years, and we've encountered a few fires before, but never a fire this size" he said. "It was amazing-within 30 minutes almost half the forest was in flames."
Immigrant Absorption Ministry Director General Dimitry Apartsev, who arrived at Tirat Carmel, said: "This is an emergency, and we're here to help. The minister wanted to come here immediately, but we just calmed her down and told her there's no need. We bought with us Russian and Amharic [Ethiopian language] speakers to help the police and security forces communicate with residents who are new immigrants. I just spoke with the mayor and told him we'll do anything we can to help."
The evacuation of Damon Prison ended in tragedy, after 40 cadets in a Prison Service officers course were burned to death in a flaming bus sent to help in the prison's evacuation. Apart from the 40 victims, several firemen and three police officers who drove a police car behind the bus were also injured.
Internal Security Minister Yitzhak Aharonovitch visited the site of the massive fire which broke out in the Carmel on Thursday, the largest in Israel's history, and provided the media with details on the circumstances of the tragedy. Aharonovitch sent his condolences to the victims' families. "We are dealing with a mass-casualty event. There are some missing people who have yet to be located-two to three."
Haifa firefighter teams made a desperate plea to all fire brigades in Israel to help contain the fire. "The war on the Carmel is the war on the State of Israel," Reshef Levy from Haifa said. "The work will last days. These are crazy fire sites." The Haifa Municipality said that all Chanukah events scheduled for the weekend were canceled in light of the tragedy.
(Excerpts of an article by Ahiya Raved, Hassan Shaalan and Raanan Ben-Zur contributed, Ynetnews, December 3, 2010)
Prayer Focus
Pray that the Lord will move swiftly and mightily to stop the spread of this disastrous fire. Pray for the fire-fighters, for the evacuees and for the families of the victims that the Lord will be their strength and their consolation.
Scripture
"'And I will make you to this people a fortified bronze wall; and they will fight against you, but they shall not prevail against you; for I am with you to save you and deliver you,' says the Lord. 'I will deliver you from the hand of the wicked, and I will redeem you from the grip of the terrible'" (Jeremiah 15:20-21).
Earlier in the evening, some 5,000 residents in the town of Tirat Carmel were ordered to leave home and thousands of others were evacuated from various northern communities. Two prisons and a psychiatric hospital were also evacuated for fear the flames would reach them.
At least 40 Prison Service officer course cadets were killed in the fire earlier Thursday after their bus burned down en route to an evacuation mission in Damon Prison. Several other people were injured in the blaze, including Haifa Police Chief Ahuva Tomer, who was gravely hurt. The Interior Ministry's casualty information center has been reopened for the first time since the Second Lebanon War to collect all the information on blaze victims.
Speaking earlier in the evening, Israel's firefighting chief Shimon Romach said he was not optimistic about the prospects of containing the fire at this time. "I'm hoping that with our effort tonight [Thursday], and tomorrow [Friday] we'd be able to contain the fire, yet the wind is making it difficult for us, and it's expected to grow stronger by early morning. Hence, I cannot paint an optimistic picture at this time," he said. The upper neighborhoods in Tirat Carmel were almost completely evacuated by Thursday night with many residents heading to their relatives or moving to the lower neighborhoods in town.
Albert Schatz is one of the locals forced to leave their home. He told Ynet that around 7:30 pm [Thursday] residents in his area were ordered to evacuate the area, and 15 minutes later, he was already out the door.
"I packed a small bag, my wallet, ID, a few pictures and other important things. I quickly took my wife and kid to our relatives, living in the lower neighborhoods," he said. "The fire was spreading massively. One moment, we saw it at the edge of the mountain ,and the next moment, it was already making its way downhill. We realized we had no choice but to leave."
Schatz said he has no idea what happened to his house. "We can't go up there. It was a scary scene. I've lived here for 20 years, and we've encountered a few fires before, but never a fire this size" he said. "It was amazing-within 30 minutes almost half the forest was in flames."
Immigrant Absorption Ministry Director General Dimitry Apartsev, who arrived at Tirat Carmel, said: "This is an emergency, and we're here to help. The minister wanted to come here immediately, but we just calmed her down and told her there's no need. We bought with us Russian and Amharic [Ethiopian language] speakers to help the police and security forces communicate with residents who are new immigrants. I just spoke with the mayor and told him we'll do anything we can to help."
The evacuation of Damon Prison ended in tragedy, after 40 cadets in a Prison Service officers course were burned to death in a flaming bus sent to help in the prison's evacuation. Apart from the 40 victims, several firemen and three police officers who drove a police car behind the bus were also injured.
Internal Security Minister Yitzhak Aharonovitch visited the site of the massive fire which broke out in the Carmel on Thursday, the largest in Israel's history, and provided the media with details on the circumstances of the tragedy. Aharonovitch sent his condolences to the victims' families. "We are dealing with a mass-casualty event. There are some missing people who have yet to be located-two to three."
Haifa firefighter teams made a desperate plea to all fire brigades in Israel to help contain the fire. "The war on the Carmel is the war on the State of Israel," Reshef Levy from Haifa said. "The work will last days. These are crazy fire sites." The Haifa Municipality said that all Chanukah events scheduled for the weekend were canceled in light of the tragedy.
(Excerpts of an article by Ahiya Raved, Hassan Shaalan and Raanan Ben-Zur contributed, Ynetnews, December 3, 2010)
Prayer Focus
Pray that the Lord will move swiftly and mightily to stop the spread of this disastrous fire. Pray for the fire-fighters, for the evacuees and for the families of the victims that the Lord will be their strength and their consolation.
Scripture
"'And I will make you to this people a fortified bronze wall; and they will fight against you, but they shall not prevail against you; for I am with you to save you and deliver you,' says the Lord. 'I will deliver you from the hand of the wicked, and I will redeem you from the grip of the terrible'" (Jeremiah 15:20-21).
3. International Firefighting Aid Coming to Israel
Help is on the way, as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that foreign nations have already sent aircraft to help Israel deal with the massive fires in Israel's North. In comments posted on the Prime Minister's Office Web site, Netanyahu said Thursday evening [December 2] that a total of 10 aircraft from Greece, Spain and Cyprus were en route.
Other nations are providing support as well. In the US, President Barack Obama expressed his condolences in comments posted on the White House Web site and said that the American government was working on seeing what firefighting assistance they have available and to provide it as soon as possible. Said Obama, "That's what friends do for each other."
The Jerusalem Post reported that assistance is also set to come from Britain, Russia, Egypt, Azerbaijan, Romania, Jordan and Bulgaria. The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on their Web site that they are "in contact with almost all European countries, and with Middle Eastern states regarding assistance in extinguishing the blaze. A number of nations have sent firefighting aircraft as well as equipment and supplies to help control the flames."
The firefighting efforts have also expanded beyond the fire department in Israel to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The Israeli army said in a press statement that IDF fire trucks have been involved, along with search and rescue teams, paramedics and more. The Homefront Command also has worked to deal with hazardous materials at the scene.
In his comments, Netanyahu noted the significance of the fire, saying that "It is by no means certain that the fire will be extinguished immediately; it will take time." However, he expressed confidence that they can work through it. "This is a national event, a major disaster, but we are dealing with it, and we are in control of it…I think that together, we will surmount this."
Netanyahu also expressed his support for those who are suffering. Said the Israeli leader, "Good people, men and women, have shown tremendous strength and heroism. People sacrificed themselves to save others. I would like to say to the families, who are now dealing with the personal catastrophes that have befallen them, we support you and are with you."
(By Joshua Spurlock, BFP Israel Mosaic Radio, December 2, 2010)
Prayer Focus
Pray that the Lord will bless and strengthen those that are bringing aid to Israel. Pray that they will see the hand of God Himself as they work side by side with Israelis to combat this threat to the nation. Pray that God will be, as He has promised, revealed to the nations through His relationship with Israel.
Scripture
"Sing to God, you kingdoms of the earth; oh, sing praises to the Lord, to Him who rides on the heaven of heavens, which were of old! Indeed, He sends out His voice, a mighty voice. Ascribe strength to God; His excellence is over Israel, and His strength is in the clouds. O God, You are more awesome than Your holy places. The God of Israel is He who gives strength and power to His people. Blessed be God!" (Psalm 68:32-35).
Other nations are providing support as well. In the US, President Barack Obama expressed his condolences in comments posted on the White House Web site and said that the American government was working on seeing what firefighting assistance they have available and to provide it as soon as possible. Said Obama, "That's what friends do for each other."
The Jerusalem Post reported that assistance is also set to come from Britain, Russia, Egypt, Azerbaijan, Romania, Jordan and Bulgaria. The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on their Web site that they are "in contact with almost all European countries, and with Middle Eastern states regarding assistance in extinguishing the blaze. A number of nations have sent firefighting aircraft as well as equipment and supplies to help control the flames."
The firefighting efforts have also expanded beyond the fire department in Israel to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The Israeli army said in a press statement that IDF fire trucks have been involved, along with search and rescue teams, paramedics and more. The Homefront Command also has worked to deal with hazardous materials at the scene.
In his comments, Netanyahu noted the significance of the fire, saying that "It is by no means certain that the fire will be extinguished immediately; it will take time." However, he expressed confidence that they can work through it. "This is a national event, a major disaster, but we are dealing with it, and we are in control of it…I think that together, we will surmount this."
Netanyahu also expressed his support for those who are suffering. Said the Israeli leader, "Good people, men and women, have shown tremendous strength and heroism. People sacrificed themselves to save others. I would like to say to the families, who are now dealing with the personal catastrophes that have befallen them, we support you and are with you."
(By Joshua Spurlock, BFP Israel Mosaic Radio, December 2, 2010)
Prayer Focus
Pray that the Lord will bless and strengthen those that are bringing aid to Israel. Pray that they will see the hand of God Himself as they work side by side with Israelis to combat this threat to the nation. Pray that God will be, as He has promised, revealed to the nations through His relationship with Israel.
Scripture
"Sing to God, you kingdoms of the earth; oh, sing praises to the Lord, to Him who rides on the heaven of heavens, which were of old! Indeed, He sends out His voice, a mighty voice. Ascribe strength to God; His excellence is over Israel, and His strength is in the clouds. O God, You are more awesome than Your holy places. The God of Israel is He who gives strength and power to His people. Blessed be God!" (Psalm 68:32-35).
4. The Miracle of Hanukkah
The festival of Hanukkah, which in Hebrew means "dedication," is an eight-day celebration most famous for the hanukkiah candelabras that traditionally sit in the windowsill during the holiday in Jewish homes around the world. This year, hanukkiah candles will be lit each night from December 1 through December 8. Though not mentioned among the traditional "feasts of the Lord" in the book of Leviticus, the holiday of Hanukkah has important significance for Jews and Christians alike.
The holiday remembers the account of the Maccabee revolt during the second century BC. The Greek empire at the time controlled the Holy Land, and the foreign ruler Antiochus Epiphanes was effectively in the process of cultural genocide in Israel. According to Chabad.org, Jews were prohibited from engaging in essential aspects of their own culture, including circumcising their children, while Anticohus also destroyed the scrolls of the Torah, the first five books of the Bible.
Though the Maccabees were facing a superior foreign army that was even equipped with war elephants, God miraculously led the Maccabean revolt to victory, defeating Antiochus' forces and establishing the first independent nation of Israel in centuries. When the Maccabees took back the Temple, however, they found it had been defiled. The Maccabees then began the process of cleaning up and rededicating it, hence the naming of the holiday as the Feast of Dedication, or Hanukkah.
Tradition holds that as part of that process, it was discovered that additional oil was needed for the Temple's menorah, an oil lamp with seven branches that was supposed to be always lit. However, the amount of time it would take to replenish the holy supply of oil would be eight days, and there was only enough oil for one day. Tradition says that miraculously, the one day's worth of oil burned for all eight days. In honor of the miracle, the hanukkiah candelabra is lit, using either oil or candles. increasing the number of candles lit each night.
Christians also can see God's miraculous provision in the holiday. It marks an immense victory for Israel that vividly portrays God's salvation and blessing. And lest we think such miracles no longer happen, the creation of the modern state of Israel is very similar to the Maccabean revolt. Attacked by five Arab nations and outgunned, God miraculously enabled the Jewish people to hold on in 1948. And like the Maccabean victory, the 1948 war resulted in the first independent Israel in centuries.
For us personally, Hanukkah can be a season to reflect on God's provision and blessing in our own lives. Most importantly, it is an opportunity for us to rededicate ourselves just as the Maccabees rededicated the Temple (1 Cor. 5:19-20). Hanukkah, then is a time when we can search our hearts and remove the selfishness, the immorality, the greed-which is a form of idolatry-and other forms of wickedness, and rededicate ourselves to God's service.
We here at Bridges for Peace would like to wish all our readers a blessed Hanukkah, Chag Sameach! Have a happy feast.
Prayer Focus
Israel is again facing tragedy and enemies on nearly every side. Pray that the people of Israel will remember the miracle-working God who loves them and will cry to Him for deliverance. Pray that the Lord will move with mighty power to put out fires, rout enemies, bring rain, and bless His people again in this holiday season.
Scripture
"Our soul waits for the Lord; He is our help and our shield. For our heart shall rejoice in Him, because we have trusted in His holy name. Let your mercy, O Lord, be upon us, just as we hope in You" (Psalm 33:20-22)
The holiday remembers the account of the Maccabee revolt during the second century BC. The Greek empire at the time controlled the Holy Land, and the foreign ruler Antiochus Epiphanes was effectively in the process of cultural genocide in Israel. According to Chabad.org, Jews were prohibited from engaging in essential aspects of their own culture, including circumcising their children, while Anticohus also destroyed the scrolls of the Torah, the first five books of the Bible.
Though the Maccabees were facing a superior foreign army that was even equipped with war elephants, God miraculously led the Maccabean revolt to victory, defeating Antiochus' forces and establishing the first independent nation of Israel in centuries. When the Maccabees took back the Temple, however, they found it had been defiled. The Maccabees then began the process of cleaning up and rededicating it, hence the naming of the holiday as the Feast of Dedication, or Hanukkah.
Tradition holds that as part of that process, it was discovered that additional oil was needed for the Temple's menorah, an oil lamp with seven branches that was supposed to be always lit. However, the amount of time it would take to replenish the holy supply of oil would be eight days, and there was only enough oil for one day. Tradition says that miraculously, the one day's worth of oil burned for all eight days. In honor of the miracle, the hanukkiah candelabra is lit, using either oil or candles. increasing the number of candles lit each night.
Christians also can see God's miraculous provision in the holiday. It marks an immense victory for Israel that vividly portrays God's salvation and blessing. And lest we think such miracles no longer happen, the creation of the modern state of Israel is very similar to the Maccabean revolt. Attacked by five Arab nations and outgunned, God miraculously enabled the Jewish people to hold on in 1948. And like the Maccabean victory, the 1948 war resulted in the first independent Israel in centuries.
For us personally, Hanukkah can be a season to reflect on God's provision and blessing in our own lives. Most importantly, it is an opportunity for us to rededicate ourselves just as the Maccabees rededicated the Temple (1 Cor. 5:19-20). Hanukkah, then is a time when we can search our hearts and remove the selfishness, the immorality, the greed-which is a form of idolatry-and other forms of wickedness, and rededicate ourselves to God's service.
We here at Bridges for Peace would like to wish all our readers a blessed Hanukkah, Chag Sameach! Have a happy feast.
Prayer Focus
Israel is again facing tragedy and enemies on nearly every side. Pray that the people of Israel will remember the miracle-working God who loves them and will cry to Him for deliverance. Pray that the Lord will move with mighty power to put out fires, rout enemies, bring rain, and bless His people again in this holiday season.
Scripture
"Our soul waits for the Lord; He is our help and our shield. For our heart shall rejoice in Him, because we have trusted in His holy name. Let your mercy, O Lord, be upon us, just as we hope in You" (Psalm 33:20-22)
5. Threatened Christians Flee Iraq and Other Middle Eastern Countries
In the last ten years, the Christian population in the Middle East has decreased by 1.5 million people (from 15 million in 2000 to 13.5 million today).
In Egypt, the Copts suffer from violence and persecution by Muslim extremists. Last January, six Copts were killed. In November 2010, against the backdrop of the refusal of the Egyptian authorities to permit construction of churches, a Christian was killed in a confrontation between Egyptian security forces and Coptic demonstrators in the el-Giza neighborhood in Cairo. The Christian population of Bethlehem, which only three decades ago was in the majority, is now a fraction of the population as Christians flee from persecution and marginalization in the predominantly Muslim area.
In Iraq, barely a half a million Christians remain from a population of 1.3 million a few years ago. War is a major motivator. Since the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003, the Christians living among the Muslim population have been subjected to increasing economic and social pressures. Many Christians prefer to leave and look for other countries willing to accept them. In many cases, Christians are accused by extremist groups involved in terrorist activity of aiding Western military forces stationed in Iraq.
In October 2010, Pope Benedict XVI convened the Special Assembly for the Middle East of the Synod of Bishops to discuss the situation of the Christians in the Middle East. Some of the speakers blamed the Iraqi regime for not protecting the local Christian population from extremist groups who feel free to attack Christians. For example, recent attacks in residential neighborhoods and against businesses and churches resulted in innocent Christians being killed and injured, in addition to much property damage.
On October 31, al-Qaeda gunmen seized control of a Syrian Orthodox cathedral in Baghdad. When troops stormed the church, 46 Christians, including two priests, were killed in the ensuing shoot-out. American and Iraqi security forces personnel were also killed (total killed: 52), and many people were injured.
On November 11, al-Qaeda organized 15 attacks against Christian targets, simultaneously. Two Christians were killed and dozens injured. Most of the targets were in Baghdad. In an attack against churches and residences in Mosul (northern Iraq), a Syrian Catholic was killed. Muslim extremists in Iraq force Christians to sell their property at well below the market price and to leave the city and eventually the country.
As a result of the above situation, in Iraq, some countries, especially Italy and France, as well as the Vatican, have demanded of the Iraqi regime to increase security in residential neighborhoods, business districts and churches. Despite this, the Christian exodus from Iraq continues, and pessimists predict that eventually there won't be any Christians left in Iraq to protect.
Prayer Focus
Pray that the Lord will intervene and protect Christians in Iraq and other Arab countries from the very real dangers that they face. Pray that the nations of the world will continue to put pressure on these nations to insure the safety of their Christian citizens.
Scripture
"To You, O Lord, I lift up my soul. O my God, I trust in You; let me not be ashamed; let not my enemies triumph over me. Indeed, let no one who waits on You be ashamed; let those be ashamed who deal treacherously without cause" (Psalm 25:1-3).
In Egypt, the Copts suffer from violence and persecution by Muslim extremists. Last January, six Copts were killed. In November 2010, against the backdrop of the refusal of the Egyptian authorities to permit construction of churches, a Christian was killed in a confrontation between Egyptian security forces and Coptic demonstrators in the el-Giza neighborhood in Cairo. The Christian population of Bethlehem, which only three decades ago was in the majority, is now a fraction of the population as Christians flee from persecution and marginalization in the predominantly Muslim area.
In Iraq, barely a half a million Christians remain from a population of 1.3 million a few years ago. War is a major motivator. Since the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003, the Christians living among the Muslim population have been subjected to increasing economic and social pressures. Many Christians prefer to leave and look for other countries willing to accept them. In many cases, Christians are accused by extremist groups involved in terrorist activity of aiding Western military forces stationed in Iraq.
In October 2010, Pope Benedict XVI convened the Special Assembly for the Middle East of the Synod of Bishops to discuss the situation of the Christians in the Middle East. Some of the speakers blamed the Iraqi regime for not protecting the local Christian population from extremist groups who feel free to attack Christians. For example, recent attacks in residential neighborhoods and against businesses and churches resulted in innocent Christians being killed and injured, in addition to much property damage.
On October 31, al-Qaeda gunmen seized control of a Syrian Orthodox cathedral in Baghdad. When troops stormed the church, 46 Christians, including two priests, were killed in the ensuing shoot-out. American and Iraqi security forces personnel were also killed (total killed: 52), and many people were injured.
On November 11, al-Qaeda organized 15 attacks against Christian targets, simultaneously. Two Christians were killed and dozens injured. Most of the targets were in Baghdad. In an attack against churches and residences in Mosul (northern Iraq), a Syrian Catholic was killed. Muslim extremists in Iraq force Christians to sell their property at well below the market price and to leave the city and eventually the country.
As a result of the above situation, in Iraq, some countries, especially Italy and France, as well as the Vatican, have demanded of the Iraqi regime to increase security in residential neighborhoods, business districts and churches. Despite this, the Christian exodus from Iraq continues, and pessimists predict that eventually there won't be any Christians left in Iraq to protect.
Prayer Focus
Pray that the Lord will intervene and protect Christians in Iraq and other Arab countries from the very real dangers that they face. Pray that the nations of the world will continue to put pressure on these nations to insure the safety of their Christian citizens.
Scripture
"To You, O Lord, I lift up my soul. O my God, I trust in You; let me not be ashamed; let not my enemies triumph over me. Indeed, let no one who waits on You be ashamed; let those be ashamed who deal treacherously without cause" (Psalm 25:1-3).
6. Uncompromising Iran to Renew Talks with West
Iran and the West are set to return to high-level talks beginning on December 6 in Geneva for the first time in more than a year, according to The New York Times. However, heading into the talks, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad appears opposed to any significant compromise.
The New York Times said Iranian nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili is scheduled to meet with Catherine Ashton, the European Union's foreign policy chief. Officials from the so-called P5+1 (the US, Russia, China, the UK, France and Germany) were expected to join the meeting, with Ashton planning to represent the others in the talks.
However, the week before the talks are set to begin, Iranian Fars News Agency quoted Ahmadinejad as saying in a speech, "The Iranian nation has not and will not allow anyone to retreat even for an iota from its principled rights in talks and negotiations."
Those comments came one day after the Iranian president said that the nuclear fuel enrichment issue will not be negotiated, according to Fars. Despite that, he claimed Iran has "always been ready for nuclear cooperation," as well as cooperation in international matters.
It remains to be seen what agreement or progress the West can make with Iran should the Iranians stick to their intention not to discuss their enrichment of uranium, which can be used for nuclear energy or nuclear weapons if enriched to weapons grade. The enrichment matter is the primary reason the P5+1 has wanted to talk with Iran, as they fear it is part of a program to develop nuclear weapons.
Israel recently had an opportunity to bring up the Iranian issue again with Germany, one of the nations expected to be represented at the Iran-West talks. In a meeting with visiting German President Christian Wulff, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu briefly mentioned the threat of Iran acquiring nuclear weapons.
In comments posted on the Prime Minister's Office Web site, Netanyahu said, "I think that Germany can play a key role today in helping Israel meet the enormous challenges that we face. As we've just discussed-we were looking at a map in my office here, and this map clearly shows the Middle East-and the great challenge that confronts the Middle East and the peace of the world from Iran's attempt to develop nuclear weapons…Iran's pursuit of a nuclear weapons program is perceived as a threat not merely by Israelis, but also by states throughout the region and around the world."
(By Joshua Spurlock, BFP Israel Mosaic Radio, November 30, 2010)
Prayer Focus
Pray that the United States, together with the Israel and the rest of international community, will deal firmly and swiftly with the growing Iranian nuclear threat.
Scripture
"Behold, God is my helper; the Lord is with those who uphold my life. He will repay my enemies for their evil. Cut them off in Your truth" (Psalm 54:4-5).
The New York Times said Iranian nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili is scheduled to meet with Catherine Ashton, the European Union's foreign policy chief. Officials from the so-called P5+1 (the US, Russia, China, the UK, France and Germany) were expected to join the meeting, with Ashton planning to represent the others in the talks.
However, the week before the talks are set to begin, Iranian Fars News Agency quoted Ahmadinejad as saying in a speech, "The Iranian nation has not and will not allow anyone to retreat even for an iota from its principled rights in talks and negotiations."
Those comments came one day after the Iranian president said that the nuclear fuel enrichment issue will not be negotiated, according to Fars. Despite that, he claimed Iran has "always been ready for nuclear cooperation," as well as cooperation in international matters.
It remains to be seen what agreement or progress the West can make with Iran should the Iranians stick to their intention not to discuss their enrichment of uranium, which can be used for nuclear energy or nuclear weapons if enriched to weapons grade. The enrichment matter is the primary reason the P5+1 has wanted to talk with Iran, as they fear it is part of a program to develop nuclear weapons.
Israel recently had an opportunity to bring up the Iranian issue again with Germany, one of the nations expected to be represented at the Iran-West talks. In a meeting with visiting German President Christian Wulff, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu briefly mentioned the threat of Iran acquiring nuclear weapons.
In comments posted on the Prime Minister's Office Web site, Netanyahu said, "I think that Germany can play a key role today in helping Israel meet the enormous challenges that we face. As we've just discussed-we were looking at a map in my office here, and this map clearly shows the Middle East-and the great challenge that confronts the Middle East and the peace of the world from Iran's attempt to develop nuclear weapons…Iran's pursuit of a nuclear weapons program is perceived as a threat not merely by Israelis, but also by states throughout the region and around the world."
(By Joshua Spurlock, BFP Israel Mosaic Radio, November 30, 2010)
Prayer Focus
Pray that the United States, together with the Israel and the rest of international community, will deal firmly and swiftly with the growing Iranian nuclear threat.
Scripture
"Behold, God is my helper; the Lord is with those who uphold my life. He will repay my enemies for their evil. Cut them off in Your truth" (Psalm 54:4-5).
7. Israel Nabs Terrorists Responsible for Shooting Attack
Israel has arrested the three men responsible for a September terror shooting attack that injured a pregnant woman and her husband, according to a statement from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The men were arrested early October and have since confessed to the September 26 attack and planning more attacks.
The IDF said the men, members of the extremist Abu Musa terrorist organization, also admitted to "actively recruiting" for the group. The leader of the terror cell has spent time outside Israel, including being sent to receive military training in Syria. He received US $25,000 for arms.
According to the IDF, the men said during their questioning that they had planned more attacks. Said the IDF statement, "Specifically they had begun following an Israeli civilian. Initially, they had planned to kidnap him, until they had decided in favor of a shooting attack."
The questioning of the suspects also led the Israelis to find the terror cell's weapons cache, which not only included two M-16 assault rifles, but also a Light Anti-Tank Weapon rocket, night vision weapons equipment, an improvised TNT explosive device and more. The shooting attack was one of multiple shooting terror attacks that took place in less than a month. The worst of the attacks killed four Israelis, one of them pregnant, in late August.
(By Joshua Spurlock, BFP Israel Mosaic Radio, December 1, 2010)
Prayer Focus
Praise the Lord that these terrorists have been apprehended. Pray that the Lord will continue to give supernatural guidance to the police and military as they strive to protect Israelis from further such attacks.
Scripture
"Blessed be the Lord, who daily loads us with benefits, the God of our salvation! Our God is the God of salvation; and to God the Lord belong escapes from death" (Psalm 68:19-20).
The IDF said the men, members of the extremist Abu Musa terrorist organization, also admitted to "actively recruiting" for the group. The leader of the terror cell has spent time outside Israel, including being sent to receive military training in Syria. He received US $25,000 for arms.
According to the IDF, the men said during their questioning that they had planned more attacks. Said the IDF statement, "Specifically they had begun following an Israeli civilian. Initially, they had planned to kidnap him, until they had decided in favor of a shooting attack."
The questioning of the suspects also led the Israelis to find the terror cell's weapons cache, which not only included two M-16 assault rifles, but also a Light Anti-Tank Weapon rocket, night vision weapons equipment, an improvised TNT explosive device and more. The shooting attack was one of multiple shooting terror attacks that took place in less than a month. The worst of the attacks killed four Israelis, one of them pregnant, in late August.
(By Joshua Spurlock, BFP Israel Mosaic Radio, December 1, 2010)
Prayer Focus
Praise the Lord that these terrorists have been apprehended. Pray that the Lord will continue to give supernatural guidance to the police and military as they strive to protect Israelis from further such attacks.
Scripture
"Blessed be the Lord, who daily loads us with benefits, the God of our salvation! Our God is the God of salvation; and to God the Lord belong escapes from death" (Psalm 68:19-20).
8. Israelis See Palestinian Article as Indication Peace not at Hand
An article written by the Palestinian deputy information minister that denies any Jewish connection to the Western Wall in Jerusalem is being cited by Israelis as proof that the Palestinians are not prepared to make peace. Mutawakel Taha's article, which was published on the ministry's Web site, argues that, "The Al-Buraq Wall is the western wall of Al-Aqsa, which the Zionist occupation falsely claims ownership of and calls the Wailing Wall or Kotel."
Mark Regev, Prime Minister Netanyahu's spokesman, told reporters that, "To deny the Jewish connection to the Western Wall is something that we wouldn't expect from a partner in peace."
There has been no comment from either Palestinian Authority head Mahmoud Abbas or Prime Minster Salam Fayyad regarding the article. Netanyahu has been demanding that the Palestinians acknowledge the Jewish character of the state of Israel, a demand rejected by both Palestinian leaders.
(By The Media Line, November 25, 2010)
Prayer Focus
Pray that these outrageous claims by the Palestinian Authority and other Arab groups will be recognized as the lies that they are. Pray that Israel will have God's wisdom in responding to such accusations.
Scripture
"Do they not go astray who devise evil? But mercy and truth belong to those who devise good" (Proverbs 14:22).
Mark Regev, Prime Minister Netanyahu's spokesman, told reporters that, "To deny the Jewish connection to the Western Wall is something that we wouldn't expect from a partner in peace."
There has been no comment from either Palestinian Authority head Mahmoud Abbas or Prime Minster Salam Fayyad regarding the article. Netanyahu has been demanding that the Palestinians acknowledge the Jewish character of the state of Israel, a demand rejected by both Palestinian leaders.
(By The Media Line, November 25, 2010)
Prayer Focus
Pray that these outrageous claims by the Palestinian Authority and other Arab groups will be recognized as the lies that they are. Pray that Israel will have God's wisdom in responding to such accusations.
Scripture
"Do they not go astray who devise evil? But mercy and truth belong to those who devise good" (Proverbs 14:22).
9. Group that Sings about Destruction of Israel Named National Band
A song and dance group that has recently performed hate and violence promotion songs in the PA [Palestinian Authority] has been honored and turned into an official Palestinian national band by decree of PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas. Among the performances that have been broadcast by the Alashekeen band on PA TV was a dance and song about conquering Israel through war.
Israeli cities Lod and Ramle as well as Jerusalem are presented as Palestinian cities to be liberated through "jihad" by Palestinians who have "replaced bracelets with weapons." The song says: "Pull the trigger" to "redeem Jerusalem, Nablus and the country." It also describes Israelis as "despicable" and says that "the Palestinian revolution awaits [them]." The band's logo includes the Palestinian flag next to the map of Israel presented as "Palestine" covered by a Kafiya, the Arab scarf.
This was the announcement in the PA daily: "The Palestinian Alashekeen band discovered yesterday that President Mahmoud Abbas recently published a presidential decision to turn the band, established in 1978 in Damascus, into a [Palestinian] national institution. Director of the Alashekeen band, Maisa Harb, said that the President had approved the decision as part of the presidential directives which he had announced during a banquet which he held in honor of the members of the band…The director of the band introduced her speech with gratitude to President Mahmoud Abbas for his interest in and admiration for the band." [Al-Hayat Al-Jadida, Nov. 22, 2010]
(Excerpts of an article by Itamar Marcus and Nan Jacques Zilberdik, Palestinian Media Watch, November 28, 2010)
Prayer Focus
Pray that this decision on the part of the PA will be seen by the international community as the travesty that it is, an insult to Israel and to peace-loving nations of the world.
Scripture
"Do not take me away with the wicked and with the workers of iniquity, who speak peace to their neighbors, but evil is in their hearts. Give them according to their deeds, and according to the wickedness of their endeavors; give them according to the work of their hands; render to them what they deserve" (Psalm 28:3-4).
Israeli cities Lod and Ramle as well as Jerusalem are presented as Palestinian cities to be liberated through "jihad" by Palestinians who have "replaced bracelets with weapons." The song says: "Pull the trigger" to "redeem Jerusalem, Nablus and the country." It also describes Israelis as "despicable" and says that "the Palestinian revolution awaits [them]." The band's logo includes the Palestinian flag next to the map of Israel presented as "Palestine" covered by a Kafiya, the Arab scarf.
This was the announcement in the PA daily: "The Palestinian Alashekeen band discovered yesterday that President Mahmoud Abbas recently published a presidential decision to turn the band, established in 1978 in Damascus, into a [Palestinian] national institution. Director of the Alashekeen band, Maisa Harb, said that the President had approved the decision as part of the presidential directives which he had announced during a banquet which he held in honor of the members of the band…The director of the band introduced her speech with gratitude to President Mahmoud Abbas for his interest in and admiration for the band." [Al-Hayat Al-Jadida, Nov. 22, 2010]
(Excerpts of an article by Itamar Marcus and Nan Jacques Zilberdik, Palestinian Media Watch, November 28, 2010)
Prayer Focus
Pray that this decision on the part of the PA will be seen by the international community as the travesty that it is, an insult to Israel and to peace-loving nations of the world.
Scripture
"Do not take me away with the wicked and with the workers of iniquity, who speak peace to their neighbors, but evil is in their hearts. Give them according to their deeds, and according to the wickedness of their endeavors; give them according to the work of their hands; render to them what they deserve" (Psalm 28:3-4).
Note: All Scripture is taken from the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.
| Bridges for Peace - 24 Hour Prayer Calendar Free registration - Signup today ! Isaiah 62:6-7 - I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, [which] shall never hold their peace day nor night: ye that make mention of the LORD, keep not silence, And give him no rest, till he establish, and till he make Jerusalem a praise in the earth. |
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