Exciting Finds in First-century Water Channel

{image_1}The clearing of Jerusalem’s Second Temple Period water channel, a seven-year project, was reported in our April Dispatch. Now we’re receiving reports of what was found there. The channel runs south from Robinson’s Arch (just south of the Western Wall) along the western edge of the City of David to Siloam Pool (at the end of Hezekiah’s Tunnel). Soon it will open to the public; meanwhile, the exciting finds that were unearthed there breathe new life into the story of the destruction of the Second Temple.

Israel Sets Maritime Borders

{image_1}On July 10th, Israel ratified an agreement with Cyprus which sets Israel's maritime borders. Lebanon has rejected the borders set by the two countries, claiming the state [Israel] is impinging on its naval territory, but [Israel] Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman said Israel would not cede “one centimeter.” Lieberman also denied reports that the United States supports Lebanon's claims, calling them “nonsense.”

One-state Solution?

{image_1}World leaders speak about the need for a two-state solution for the Israeli–Palestinian conflict, frequently using the catch phrase “two states for two peoples.” Surprisingly, voices have been raised recently calling for a one-state solution. Yoram Ettinger, a former consul-general of the Israeli Consulate in Houston in the United States and now the CEO of “Second Thought: A US–Israel Initiative” spoke to Bridges for Peace about his ideas.

Hooked on Fish: Sea Bass with Tahini Sauce

{image_1}When we think of all the creatures referenced in the Bible, especially those mentioned for food, fish probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. The sacrificial system which fed the priesthood, the meals prescribed for celebrating the various feast days, and the fatted calf that fed the ancient visitor were all based on red meat. As such, cattle are mentioned many times in the Scriptures. In the earliest references, the use of the word simply means “domesticated animal” and might have included other species. And of course, sheep and goats are referred to literally hundreds of times. No wonder we think of these creatures first.

“All Aboard!” – on Jerusalem’s New Light Rail

{image_1}On August 19, an estimated 40,000 passengers rode the new light rail for the first time.

A Roll Call of the Nations

{image_1}“Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision! For the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision.” Joel 3:14

Why Israel Matters to the World

{image_1}Israel played a role in developing the cell phone; it has an important research location for the Intel computer processor; it’s one of the first nations to help disaster-struck Haiti; and it’s a world-leader in defense technologies. Yet, it’s a tiny country consisting of roughly 7 million people and a territory about the same as Wales, the state of New Jersey, or Kruger National Park in South Africa. Prior to recent natural gas discoveries, it was generally considered devoid of natural resources.

The Jewishness of Jesus

{image_1}One of the main reasons for Christians to be interested in the Hebraic Roots of Christianity is the fact that we serve a Jewish Savior. As Christians, we often talk about our love for Yeshua (Jesus). If we really love Him, then it seems obvious to me that we will want to know everything we can about Him.

Mobile Phone Keeps Tabs on Malaria

{image_1}A simple mobile-phone imaging system developed in Israel for diagnosing and monitoring malaria has won its developers a [US] $100,000 grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. This new inexpensive weapon against Africa's second-leading cause of death will be tested in the field in 2012 where the disease causes an estimated 1,900 deaths every day in children under the age of five. Using a mobile phone camera with a [US] $15 specialized lens, the system can detect malaria by imaging the eye or the skin to look for hemozoin, a pigment generated by the malaria parasite.

Saving the Galilee: Turning Gray Water Green

{image_1}The facts on the ground are stark: Israel has a serious water shortage. The Sea of Galilee is shrinking, as are its underground aquifers, yet water needs are increasing. One answer to this crisis may be found in “gray water,” the water sent down the sink and bathtub drains. Much of this can be treated and reused to flush toilets and water gardens.

Advanced Cell Therapy for Chronic Wounds

{image_1}The physical deterioration of old age and illness is often manifested in what doctors call chronic wounds, wounds that just will not repair themselves. An Israeli biotechnology company has developed a product that aims to do what the body can’t—heal wounds that have festered for months, if not years. CEO of MacroCure Dr. Michael Shirvan said, “Our product CureXcell is on the market in Israel. It has already been administered by physicians to more than 4,500 patients with severe chronic wounds that would probably have remained with them for years.”

Courage—Amatz

{image_1}Fear seems to grip the hearts of modern-day men and women. Certainly the headlines give much cause for fear and trembling. Everywhere we turn, we hear predictions of disaster. Some say that a double dip recession is inevitable. Others draw our attention to the dangers of globalism.

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