Sorrow and Hope

Dispatch from Jerusalem

Gaza Again? Hamas Pledges War

Gaza is ramping up for another war with Israel and openly says so. Hamas leader Ismael Haniyeh is pledging to attack and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu is pledging a devastating response. As a result, there is talk today in Israel that another Gaza war might be only months away. Experts in Israel say that Hamas

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Israel Prepares for ISIS Threat from Sinai

A tense quiet has characterized the Israel-Egypt border for the past year, as the threat of the Islamic State has grown, leading the IDF [Israel Defense Forces] to realize that it could end up affecting Israel directly—specifically its southern towns. The IDF has taken this danger to heart, and has been preparing. The IDF Southern

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Flying Safe the Israeli Way

Every air traveler has a story of suffering the indignation of security searches, interrogations, long delays, unpacking and repacking suitcases while departure time looms, etc, etc, etc. Many are of the opinion that airlines are taking this security issue just a step or two too far. After all, who really wants to stand in that

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Pushing Back Time

February 10, 2016

A joint study by researchers of the Weizmann Institute and the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) examined fava seeds (broad beans) found in archaeological excavations in recent years at Neolithic sites in the Galilee in northern Israel. Seeds found at the prehistoric sites show that the inhabitants’ diet at the time consisted mainly of fava beans,

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Breathtaking Mosaic

February 10, 2016

The Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) revealed for the first time another hidden treasure located in the city of Lod: a breathtaking Roman-era mosaic dating back nearly 2,000 years. The archaeological find was uncovered by chance during the construction of the visitor center for the famous “Lod Mosaic,” believed to have served as the living room

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Fortress of Antiochus Ephiphanes

February 10, 2016

 Some years back, the ruler of a superpower set up headquarters in Jerusalem. Near the Temple courts he constructed a massive fortress. From its ramparts, he held Jewish rebels at bay, launching spears and slinging metal slugs emblazoned with symbols and inscriptions representing favorite deities. Determined to convert the Jews, and if not to squash

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To Do the Will of Our Father in Heaven: Toward a Partnership between Jews and Christians

February 10, 2016

    For the past 50 years we have been building bridges between the Christian and Jewish worlds. Others in the Christian world have been reaching out with hands of friendship and respect. Today, we are embarking on a new era as many in the Jewish world are now seeking to forge respectful, sincere relationships

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God’s Greatest End Time Sign

February 10, 2016

Many have been looking for a sign from God. We look in the biblical calendar and find out about the shmitah and Jubilee years. We gaze at the heavens and see blood moons and solar eclipses. We watch Russian actions in Syria; we shudder as we observe the nations turning against Israel. But, His greatest

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Tourists Undeterred

As the tales of nearly daily terror attacks on Israeli civilians and security personnel continue to demand media attention across the globe, international tourists remain undeterred in their desire to visit the Land of Promise. In fact, according to statistics released by the Central Bureau of Statistics, October 2015 proved a record-breaking month as far

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Epic Mountain Bike Race

With no cancellations and an increase of 250 riders from last year’s race, close to 1,000 riders, including 58 professional international riders from abroad, participated in the three-day event that journeys through biblical landscapes and breathtaking views. Epic Israel is designed for mountain bikers who love the hours on the saddle, the spectacular views of

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