They Are Returning to Zion

September 26, 2019

by: Janet Aslin

Millennia ago Isaiah prophesied “And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion…” (Isa. 35:10). Today we use a specific term for this return—aliyah. It’s a Hebrew word whose root is from the verb meaning “to go up.” Conversely when Israeli citizens decide to move to another country for a while, they are referred to as yoredim. Can you guess the origin of that word? It comes from the verb “to go down” which is used to describe falling rain, getting off the bus or leaving the Land of Israel.

Israel’s Central Bureau of Statistics recently released statistics for the first seven months of 2019 and the good news is: immigration (aliyah) is rising while emigration (those leaving) is falling. Although immigration numbers are small when compared to the early years of statehood when Israel’s Jewish population rose from 806,000 to over two million a mere nine years later, the numbers are steady and they are growing. The Central Bureau of Statistics also reported that emigration numbers, or those Israeli citizens who do not return from abroad for more than one year, are the lowest they have been in nearly a decade.

In May, Israel celebrated 71 years since the modern state was established. From her beginnings, Israel has welcomed Jews from around the world to return and help build the nation. She also stands as a refuge for those who suffer from anti-Semitism. For instance, since early 2000, due to a rise of violence against them, the Jews of France have made up a large proportion of those making aliyah. In 2018 alone, 29,600 French Jews chose to make Israel their home. Reports continue to come in of rising anti-Semitic activity around the globe.

Bridges for Peace stands ready to welcome new immigrants at our assistance centers in Jerusalem and Karmiel in the north. We provide help through a variety of programs but primarily we want to let the Jewish people know that they are not alone. Christians around the world contribute financially so we can supply food, welcome gifts of blankets, pots and pans for the kitchen and Tanakhs, (Gen.–Mal.), and other practical assistance.

Millions of Jews remain in the Diaspora (countries outside Israel). At Bridges for Peace, we believe that the Lord is bringing them home and will continue to bring them back in ever increasing numbers. Won’t you consider a donation to our New Immigrant program today? You can be a part of Bible prophecy being fulfilled and make a difference in the life of a Jewish family.

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Posted on September 26, 2019

Source: (Bridges for Peace, September 25, 2019)

Photo Credit: Aleks Megen/pixabay.com