Getting to the Bottom of the Middle East Conflict

{image_2} On September 21, 2011, US President Obama proclaimed at the UN General Assembly, “There is one issue that stands as…a test for American foreign policy, and that is the conflict between the Israelis and the Palestinians.” President Obama assumes that the Palestinian issue is a root cause of Middle Eastern turbulence, the crown jewel of Arab policy-making, and the crux of the Arab–Israeli conflict. Is it?

A Tribute to BFP’s Founder

{image_1} In 1976, Bridges for Peace was birthed from the vision of Dr. G. Douglas Young, an extraordinary man who made such an impact on Jerusalem—after only 15 years as a resident—that he was awarded one of Israel’s highest honors in 1978 by the city’s famed mayor Teddy Kollek. Yakir Yerushalym, “Worthy of Jerusalem,” was normally given only to Jewish people over 70, but he was 68 and a gentile.

Him Who Dwells—Shekinah

{image_1}It is almost impossible for our modern minds to imagine what it must have been like to actually see the manifest presence of God as His glory rested on the Tabernacle or filled the Temple. When His manifest presence appeared on Mount Sinai, it is described in the book of Exodus as fire, cloud, and thick darkness accompanied by earthquakes, thunder, and lightening. Exodus 24:17 calls the sight of Him a “devouring fire” in the eyes of the Children of Israel.

Strengthening Weak Hearts

{image_1}For many of the 26 million people with chronic congestive heart failure (CHF), medical treatment fails to get their hearts pumping normally. Shortness of breath and general weakness just don't go away, as heart muscle damaged by genetic conditions, heart attack, coronary artery disease, or persistent high blood pressure cannot deliver adequate oxygen and nutrients to the body.

Non-invasive Stimulation for the Brain

{image_1}Psychotherapy, drug therapy, hypnosis, cold turkey—whatever the remedy for addictions, doctors agree there is no one quick fix. However, a new tool from Israel promises to help alleviate addictions and at least a dozen other brain disorders, such as depression, Alzheimer's disease, and schizophrenia, in a non-invasive way with no side effects.

A Pest-free Cocoon for Crops

{image_1}Israeli-designed GrainPro Cocoons provide a simple and cheap way for African and Asian farmers to keep their grain market-fresh. When the ancient Israelite Joseph told Egypt's Pharaoh that there would be a famine, he implemented a plan to store the provisions. Israel's modern-day Joseph, Professor Shlomo Navarro, has developed a simple but effective solution to help communities and countries avert large damages to their stores of cereals and pulses [legumes] without using chemicals.

The European Enigma

{image_1}Israel’s relationship with Europe is complex to say the least. Anti-Semitism is on the rise, and Israel is routinely assailed by pro-Palestinian activists on the continent. At the same time, Germany has sold multiple nuclear submarines to Israel, and the British finally changed a law that results in less legal harassment for Israeli officials visiting the country. Two of Israel’s closer friends have recently been forced out of power, but one of their stronger critics was too. So, is the relationship getting better, worse, or staying the same? It depends on where you look.

Second Temple Mikveh Found

{image_1}A plastered building, probably a ritual bath (mikveh), dating to the Second Temple Period (first century BC to first century AD) was exposed in an archaeological excavation the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) conducted prior to the installation of a water line near Kibbutz Tzora 20 km (12 mi) west of Jerusalem near Beit Shemesh.

Rare Find: A Christian Prayer Box

{image_1}A tiny box made of bone was uncovered in the area of the City of David (south of the Temple Mount) in recent excavations. According to excavation directors, “The decorated sacred objects from the Byzantine Period [sixth-seventh centuries AD] that were discovered…are extraordinarily rare.”

Who Really Built the Western Wall?

{image_2}Every tour guide and student grounded in the history of Jerusalem would claim that King Herod built the walls around the Temple Mount. However, in archaeological excavations alongside the Western Wall, where the ancient drainage channel of Jerusalem has been uncovered, a mikveh (ritual bath) was discovered that challenges that understanding.

Hamas: Kidnap More Soldiers

{image_1}On October 17, 2011, Israel released 477 Palestinian prisoners, the first of 1,027 Palestinian prisoners to be released in exchange for the return of kidnapped Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit. Hundreds of the released Palestinian prisoners were serving life sentences for murder.

New Protective Items for Israelis

{image_1}Israel’s Home Front Command developed several items to help civilians living under the threat of rocket fire in addition to safe rooms. The Command recently completed the carefully tested items in the face of conventional threats.

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