Sorrow and Hope

Life in Israel

Jerusalem under Siege

Jerusalem is one of the most amazing cities on earth, constantly in the global public eye and a destination for millions of pilgrims every year. This is interesting, since it is certainly not the most densely populated city, with less than a million people, or even the largest, covering less than 50 miles2 (129 km2).

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Diamonds Are Forever

Long before the creation of the modern State of Israel, the story of the Israeli diamond industry began. Inextricably linked with the story of the Jewish people, the craftsmanship of precious stones can be traced all the way back to the time of Moses, when different types of jewels were used in the breastplate of

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Cycles for Life: Israeli First Responders Ride to the Rescue

A call comes into the command center. There’s been a terror attack in the Old City of Jerusalem. Two people have been stabbed, one critically, and the terrorist is still on the loose. First responders jump into action, and within two minutes, paramedics arrive on the scene to stabilize both victims, armed only with their

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Chesed, One Paw at a Time: Israeli Guide Dogs Offer Sight to the Blind

  In a small community in central Israel, something momentous is about to happen: a mother golden retriever is ready to give birth to a litter of puppies. For dog-lovers everywhere, the birth of puppies is always eventful, but these particular puppies are destined for greatness—they will be raised solely as guide dogs for the

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Israel’s President: More Than A Figurehead

In Hebrew, the president of Israel is known as the nasi, which can also be translated in the Bible as “prince.” It’s a fitting title for a role imbued with limited official power but potentially significant influence. While presidents in Israel can never become king like a prince in England, the president holds both ceremonial

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Third Time’s a Charm? Israel Heads to the Polls—Again

The stroke of midnight on December 11 sealed a fate that Israelis had dreaded. With every avenue for a majority government—and the prime minister to lead it—exhausted, the short-lived 22nd Knesset (Parliament) officially dissolved, sending Israel to the polls for the third consecutive round of national elections in one year, a first in the modern

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The Valley of Defense: Why Israel Must Control the Jordan Valley

The Jordan River and surrounding valley have been a key part of Israel for millennia—from the parting of the Jordan River for Joshua to the baptism of Jesus (Yeshua) by John the Baptist. In recent decades, it has been key to the defense of the Jewish state. Since Israel captured the Jordan Valley from the

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Israel Champions Women’s Rights in the Middle East

“No Joke,” tweeted Hillel Neuer, executive director of UN Watch, “the UN just condemned Israel as the world’s only violator of women’s rights, backed by votes of council members Iran, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Yemen.” Of the 40 countries that condemned Israel in a July 2019 United Nations (UN) resolution, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Iran and

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China’s Hand in Israel

In Chinese tradition, the pig with its characteristically fat face and big ears is a mark of prosperity. It is appropriate then that as the Chinese year of the pig draws to a close, the world must take note of the prosperity and spectacular economic ascent of the People’s Republic of China. How exactly China

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Oh Little Town of Bethlehem

Every Christmas thousands of Christians flock to Bethlehem to celebrate the holiday close to where Jesus (Yeshua) was born. They marvel at the 40-foot Christmas tree, bow their heads at the Church of Nativity and sing Christmas carols in the frosty night air. Once Christmas is over, Bethlehem returns to normal. The tree comes down.

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