SITUATION ANALYSIS -- 126

Jerusalem, Israel

DECEMBER 2017 PRAYER UPDATE

Israel and the Nations

DID TRUMP GO FAR ENOUGH?

The Israeli government and many of its Jewish citizens are rejoicing in the recent statement of U.S. President Donald Trump. On Wednesday, December 6, he declared, several times, in a White House speech, that Jerusalem is Israel’s capital. He also announced plans to move the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem. Israelis braced for the Palestinian and Arab rage that would follow. Nations lined up for and against the declaration.

While thousands of Jews celebrated at the Western Wall, with the good news that the greatest superpower in the world finally acknowledged that Jerusalem is the capital of Israel, others expressed concern as to whether Trump’s statement was simply symbolic, or would have real lasting results.

From the Palestinian point of view, it expressed Jewish identity in Jerusalem, and hurt the Palestinian narrative of what they perceive is their rights over this holy city. But, Israel’s sovereign authority over Jerusalem has reached deep into the evangelical community surrounding Trump, with the biblical point of view that Jerusalem has been the capital of the Jewish homeland of Israel for more than 3,000 years.

THE DELAY AND THE SIGNING OF THE WAIVER

Trump is still delaying the move of the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem. This move of the U.S. embassy became an act of Congress 22 years ago, with a provision that the U.S. President could delay the move by six months when signing a waiver. Every U.S. President has signed the waiver since that time.

Trump signed the waver, according to his aides, for financial reasons, because the U.S. government would be obligated to set aside and use monies, within a short period of time, which would be allocated toward the embassy move. Trump wanted more time to find property and construct a new embassy in Jerusalem… maybe, even a few years. He did not want to hold up State Department allocated funds.

On a conference call with Israeli Deputy Minister Michael Oren, he was asked in a question posed by this writer, why one of the buildings already in use as an American consulate in Jerusalem could not house American embassy officials. His response was that the buildings were not large enough for U.S. embassy staff. However, as one analyst later expressed, all the United States needs to do is put their U.S. Ambassador to Israel, David Freidman, in an office in one of the consulates in Jerusalem, and this begins official American representation in Israel’s capital!

THE OFFICIAL LINE OF THE STATE DEPARTMENT

The State Department held a briefing on Friday, December 8, stating that there would be no change in consular services. Anyone born in Jerusalem, in the past or currently, would not be able to change their passports from their birthplace being “Jerusalem”, to “Jerusalem, Israel”. These Israeli citizens would still be “stateless”. For the State Department, even though the Trump White House was recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, it didn’t mean that the State Department was recognizing that Jerusalem was actually in the state of Israel! This must be sorted out between the members of the Trump Administration so that everyone is on-board with the declaration.

WHAT DOES THE TRUMP STATEMENT MEAN?

There was no mention in Trump’s speech about Jerusalem being the “united” and “undivided” capital of Israel, a mantra declared by several of Israel’s leaders, past and present. This is a key point where clarity must be brought forth.

Russia and the Czech Republic are interested in locating their embassies to “West” Jerusalem. The Palestinians will continue to fight for “East” Jerusalem as their capital. Leaders in Saudi Arabia, apparently, don’t mind Trump stating the fact that Jerusalem is Israel’s capital, as long as that doesn’t include any change in the status quo regarding the Temple Mount and the Al-Aksa Mosque. This is still considered Moslem property to the Arab nations; still controlled by the Jordanian WAQF; still in dispute with Israel as to who governs this, and who has the authority to make changes in the eastern part of Jerusalem.

Without Trump stating that Jerusalem will be “united” under Israel authority; without him stating that Jerusalem will be “undivided” under Israel authority, the United States is still opening the door for part of Jerusalem’s sovereignty to be contested in the future.

Respecting Jerusalem as Israel’s capital is a good “first start”, but it should not end there. Oren stated that it has been 70 years since the U.S. Truman Administration recognized Israel’s independence.

The question is, will it take another 70 years before the United States recognizes Israel as the Jewish State of the Jewish People with authority over all of Jerusalem, a capital that will never, again, be divided?  

This is something to consider!

PRAYER POINTS:

*Pray for the protection of Israelis at this time as the Palestinians rage and commit violent acts because of Trump’s declaration. Pray for all Jews throughout the world, especially Europe, as anti-Semitic attacks have already begun.

* In a few days, American Vice President Mike Pence will be in the Middle East, meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Reuven Rivlin, and others in the region. He could firm up U.S. support for the peace process, and echo Trump’s proclamation that a two-state solution is possible if the Israelis and Palestinians agree to it. Dividing the land is not the solution! Pray for wisdom for Pence as he travels here, especially that he brings biblical principles into meetings with Israeli and regional leaders. He also needs an extra measure of protection because of the anti-American sentiments that are being expressed by Arabs on the streets in the Middle East.

*Pray for the Lord to fortify Israel’s borders from any cross-border confrontation in the north or south by Israel’s enemies who are threatening to retaliate against the Jewish State because of Trump’s declaration.

*Declare scriptures about Jerusalem and Zion as you intercede for Israel and the nations: (Psalm 2:6; Psalm 48:2; Psalm 122; Psalm 132:13-14; Psalm 135:21;  Psalm 147:12-15; Zechariah  12:3; Isaiah 12:6; Isaiah 60:14; Jeremiah 17:25; and many more!)

SITUATION ANALYSIS -- 125

Jerusalem, Israel

ISRAEL’S LATEST MUSIC SENSATION: FROM THE EAST – MIQEDEM!

A unique group of talented musicians, who play both in Israel and the nations, has hit the music scene with a new sound. The band is called Miqedem, which in biblical Hebrew means, “from the east.” 

Based in Tel Aviv Israel, and formed in 2015, Miqedem musicians started their band by writing, recording and performing their own original Middle Eastern music with lyrics taken from the Hebrew Tenach (Old Testament). 

In early 2016, they created their first album in a small basement recording studio that they rented in South Tel Aviv. They completed that first project without any outside funding, using their limited equipment, as well as other gear they borrowed from friends. 

In May 2016, that first album was released by Miqedem, independently, and now they are on-the-road playing in worship settings, and sharing their passion for rhythms and biblical lyrics that are part of their Israeli culture and the regions beyond.  

The group is playing the music they love, reaching hearts with the ancient sounds of Hebraic melodies. So far, they have shared their new music not only throughout Israel, but also in the Ukraine, France, Poland, Sweden, Germany, England and the United States. 

The response has been positive, as Miqedem band members inspire others by singing biblical texts, while incorporating Israeli rhythms based on regional cultures and traditions.

One method that helps them in creating new music and songs is that they take the original words of the scripture, memorize a certain passage, and meditate on it. They repeat it over and over again until it becomes second nature. Then, they start to feel the beat, the kind of rhythms that work, and the poetry of the vocals come. The structure begins to form, resulting in several verses of a song developing. 

Jamie Hilsden, leader of Miqedem, explains that the first verse comes easier than the rest of the verses. But eventually, the song is completed. He is often looking for parallels that exist in how Hebraic words are expressed biblically, that compare and contrast. He also digs for the deeper meanings in scripture. 

Hilsden spoke to this writer about a song he shared two years ago, “Kol Haneshama,” when he was involved in a special project. It had a unique drum rhythm to it. The music, itself was western, but the drum beat was eastern. It opened up different kinds of sounds for him, “sounds I was familiar with all my life, but we had just never used them before in the congregation.” Hilsden said it has a kind of freshness to it, especially with the various percussions used. 

Hilsden sings vocals and plays guitar. His partner, Yaron Cherniak, shares the vocals with him, and plays several authentic Middle Eastern instruments. 

While Hilsden writes the songs, Cherniak makes sure that the distinctive melodies Miqedem creates stay within the biblical traditions of the east. Cherniak has a degree in eastern music, and is working on his masters now. He understands that kind of ancient composition, while Jamie brings the pop music background, which helps westerners enjoy the blend that is uniquely, Miqedem.

Shai Sol is the only female singer in the group. She plays guitar, and percussion instruments. Other band members are Vadym Sokolyk on bass, and Gabriel Elbaz on drums.

The purpose of the band coming together has been simply to get their inspiration from the people and ethnic groups around them; then, make music and worship God; using the Hebraic scriptures in song. This has been particularly interesting for native-born Israelis who are able to enjoy the music experience as part of their own culture.  

It seems, however, that the under 18 group in Israel still identifies with Hilsden’s previous music style which was based more on rock. But, young adults in their 20’s and 30’s, both in Israel and abroad, are starting to appreciate the new harmonies that Miqedem brings.

According to Hilsden, “I like it all. And, when I go back and just want to enjoy music, my default is still western music. It is still where I come from. It’s my default form of music. But, as far as trying to create something new and fresh, we look to the east.”

After 2 years of composing new scripture based songs, the band is now planning to record a second album. Already, they have written songs and started the pre-production process for the new album. They hope to do the final recording by the end of 2017. 

Hilsden gives a further explanation to the vision of the band members. He explains that in the Torah, “the story of redemption is from the east. Abraham was called out from that same part of the world to go to a land prepared for him. The story of redemption is the story from the east… Miqedem.”

“Declaring the end from the beginning. And, from ancient times, things which have not been done, saying, 'My purpose will be established, And I will accomplish all My good pleasure.’ Calling a bird of prey from the east, the man of My purpose from a far country. Truly I have spoken; truly I will bring it to pass. I have planned it, surely I will do it.”

ISAIAH 46:10-11

SITUATION ANALYSIS -- 124

Jerusalem, Israel

NOVEMBER 2017 PRAYER UPDATE

Israel and the Nations

·        Israel blew up a Hamas tunnel that had penetrated inside Israel on Monday, October 30, 2017. According to sources, the IDF conducted a controlled explosion meant to destroy the tunnel, but did not expect to also cause collateral damage. There were several terrorists inside the tunnel including senior leaders of Islamic Jihad that died. The terrorist group has said it is a “declaration of war” and have threatened to retaliate. They have an arsenal of GRAD missiles that can reach 42 kilometers into Israel. An Israeli spokesperson said it now brings the Israeli operation to a higher level and the IDF is on high alert. The Netanyahu government is not interested in an escalation, but the IDF has deployed Iron Dome troops and ground forces in the South to prepare for any possible response.

The timing of this pre-emptive strike by Israel is being criticized, but the IDF has a policy to strike as soon as they can after a threat to the homeland. This tunnel had infiltrated Israel’s border and was a danger to Israeli citizens living in the Kissufim community, only 2 kilometers from where the tunnel ended.

PRAYER POINT:

Pray for Israel at this vulnerable time, according to Psalm 121, claiming: “Indeed, He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.” He is the shade of your right hand. “The Lord will keep you from all harm— He will watch over your life. The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” We declare this over the Israeli citizens living so close to the Gaza border, especially during this critical time.

·          One reason that Israel’s timing of this operation has been criticized is that on-going meetings are continuing between Israel and the Palestinian government in the West Bank (Judea and Gaza), including the presence of U.S. special representative, Jason Greenblatt. Therefore, there are political sensitivities to consider. 

Israel has been furious about a recent Fatah-Hamas reconciliation, because Hamas refuses to give up its arms and continues to call for Israel’s destruction. On the other hand, Israel needs to talk to the Palestinian Authority representatives of the Abbas government about security issues, and wants to provide some incentives (economically) in order to gain leverage in negotiations to bring home Israel’s soldiers and civilians (including bodies of soldiers) that Hamas is currently holding.

PRAYER POINT:

Pray for wisdom for Israeli negotiators in talks with the Palestinian government. Pray that Israel does not fail in its efforts to get the release of soldiers that Hamas is holding. Intercede for Israel not to enter into a dangerous prisoner exchange, as they have several times in the past, where they release Palestinian terrorists with blood on their hands. Pray that the negotiations stay in Israel’s favor.  Declare over Israeli leaders from Psalm 4:5-6:  “Get wisdom, get understanding. Do not forget my words or turn away from them. Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you.” 

·        Israel is celebrating 100 years since the ANZAC battle, led by Australian forces that defeated the Ottoman Empire. This resulted in the eventual signing of the Balfour Declaration. Thousands of people, including high level government officials from Australia and New Zealand are currently in Israel for the ceremonies and re-enactments of the battles that were fought. This time period is crucial in developing closer partnerships between Israel and these international governments, which is happening on the sidelines of these historical events. 

PRAYER POINT:

Thank the Lord for this opportunity for Israel to shine as a beacon to other nations. This is part of Israel’s calling and destiny, according to Isaiah 49:6:  “…I will also make you a light for the Gentiles (the nations), that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.” Also, Isaiah 42:6:  “I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness. I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light to the Gentiles (the nations)…” 

Pray that Israeli citizens will repent of their sins so they can come into that place of a people called into righteousness; a people who can bring the good news of Yeshua to the rest of the world!

·        Hezbollah, the militant terrorist army operating out of Lebanon and Syria has been caught patrolling and filming Israel’s border, which they have done on several occasions, in violation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701. The UN Council will be meeting in early November to discuss the violation. Meanwhile, Hezbollah has been releasing images on social media, threatening Israelis in Hebrew, as a psychological-warfare tactic. Pictures of Israeli settlements along Israel’s northern border have been featured, along with military posts and IDF officers patrolling the border. Hezbollah has done this kind of fear campaign before, releasing aerial photos and other pictures of Israel far from the border. It’s to prove that Hezbollah has the power to infiltrate Israeli territory. Sometimes they use Lebanese shepherds grazing in the fields to document Israel’s presence in the area. 

PRAYER POINT:

Pray that when the UN meets, they will put a stop to Hezbollah’s spying on Israel. Pray that Israeli citizens will not be afraid of the taunts of Hezbollah. Intercede according to 1 Samuel 17:45, and 17:47:  “Then David said to the Philistine, ‘You come to me with a sword, a spear, and a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have taunted.….and that all this assembly may know that the LORD does not deliver by sword or by spear; for the battle is the LORD'S and He will give you into our hands!’ ”