SITUATION ANALYSIS -- 57

Jerusalem, Israel

DECEMBER 2012 PRAYER UPDATE

Israel and the Middle East

There is a constant reminder in the north of Israel that the IDF is preparing for another war; one that could be much worse than the one it just fought in Gaza. There are, approximately, 200,000 missiles that could be used against Israel, contained in arsenals in Syria, Lebanon, Iran, and Gaza. Israel is concerned about the Iranian Fajr-5 rocket that Hamas used against Israel in the recent war. Hezbollah has the same missiles that they may try to launch against Israel’s command and logistic centers; communication networks; radar stations, airports; economic hubs; fuel installations; factories, etc. 

·        Declare Isaiah 41:11-16 over Israel at this time; that those who oppose her will become as nothing and perish. Thank the Lord for holding Israel’s right hand, helping her through wars and rumors of war, so that she will rejoice in the Lord and glory in the Holy One of Israel. Pray that whoever tries to attack the Jewish State, according to Isaiah 54:15, will surrender to her.  Intercede according to Psalm 27:1-3, that Israel’s enemies and foes will stumble and fall. Proclaim that if war breaks out in the north, Israelis will recognize that the Lord is their light and their salvation, of whom shall they be afraid? Decree, according to Psalm 24:8 and Exodus 15:3, that the Lord is the King of Glory; strong and powerful; mighty in battle. He is Israel’s Warrior King!

Israel continues to fight a diplomatic war as well as a public relations war, plagued by biased media reporting and anti-Semitism in the international community. Israel’s sovereign right to the land is being placed on the UN chopping block, once again. Those who hate Israel are re-writing history to make it look like there is no rightful connection between the Jews and the covenant land God has given them, including His beloved city, Jerusalem.  The “usurper” (the devil) is using the Palestinians to claim that they are the rightful owners and overseers of this land. The diplomatic battle has intensified since Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas brought his statehood bid to the UN and 138 nations approved.  (See Isaiah 8:10).

·        Please pray, continually, that the “usurper” of Israel’s land will not be able to seize and hold positions of power, through ignorant or racist leaders who are intent on hurting the Jewish people. Declare that all Palestinian illegitimate claims to the land will be exposed and all legitimate Jewish biblical rights to the land will be acknowledged by the global community. Pronounce that what God has intended for Israel through His covenants will be upheld by world leaders; and that the Lord will judge those states that act against His will and plans.

·        Praise God for the brave nations who recently stood with Israel and against the Palestinian bid for statehood in the United Nations General Assembly. These include:  the U.S., Canada, Micronesia, Palau, Panama, the Czech Republic, Nauru, and the Marshall Islands.

In this current season of diplomatic warfare against Israel, it is expected that there will be high-level delegations wanting to visit and establish full embassies within the land that the Palestinians now occupy. It’s likely that Hamas will be receiving these same diplomats in Gaza.  If Abbas is able to unite the West Bank (Judea and Samaria) with Gaza, integrating both areas as one Palestinian state with defined borders, then the push for Israel to compromise land for peace will intensify.  

Furthermore, the Palestinians can be expected to immediately continue their accusations that Israel committed war crimes in Gaza during Operation Cast Lead (2008-2009), and Operation Pillar of Defense (the recent Gaza war in 2012).  Abbas will look for ways of bringing Israelis before the International Criminal Court, presenting a legal nightmare for leaders in Jerusalem. This kind of pressure on Israel hinders the IDF’s ability to win wars as it has to stiffen its rules of engagement, not able to hit enemy targets for fear of diplomatic retaliation later on. 

Now that the Palestinians can sit in the UN with observer status as the state of “Palestine,” they will look for every opportunity to damage Israel’s credibility in public forums.  

One dangerous possibility is that they may take measures in the West Bank to build up their military force, while pushing for the UN to send troops into the area to protect Palestinian communities within the Green Line.  This would put foreign armies on Israel’s eastern border challenging Israel’s authority and rule over its own territory!  (See Zechariah 12:1-9).

·        Declare Psalm 27:11-14 over Israel, expecting that the Lord will show the Apple of His Eye His clear and straight path. Thank the Lord that He will put down Israel’s oppressors and will not turn Israel over to the desires of her foes. For all those false witnesses that have risen up against the Jewish State, pray that God, Himself will deal with malicious accusations against His Chosen People in the United Nations and in all international forums.

      Intercede for God to change atmospheres so those situations which are meant to harm Israel will be turned around, providing Israeli diplomats with great favor when dealing with global leaders. Pray for Israeli Ambassador to the UN, Ron Proser; that he would be given insight from the Lord in how to deal with evildoers who prosper in their ways within UN organizations that are anti-Israel. (See Psalm Chapter 37; Psalm 35:1). Pray for the Palestinian people to receive dreams and visions from the Lord and come to faith in Him.

Praise God for a constant source of support for Israel in the U.S. Congress, which has the power to withhold U.S. aid to the UN and the Palestinian Authority. 

·        Pray for a unified, strong, bi-partisan bill in Congress that would be in Israel’s favor; a bill that would deny the Palestinian Authority aid should Abbas bring a case against Israel in the International Criminal Court. 

·        Pray that the Lord gives pro-Israel supporters in Congress the discernment and understanding of events that are coming which could hurt Israel’s diplomatic standing.  Pray that these U.S. Congressional members receive God’s wisdom in how to use U.S. aid as leverage when dealing with UN organizations and nations that work against His purposes concerning Israel. (See Isaiah 60:12).

Now that the war is over in Gaza the concern Israel has is that Hamas and other terrorist organizations will not keep the cease-fire. Hamas sees Palestine (all of Israel) as an Islamic Wakf (gift from Allah), throughout the generations until the Day of Resurrection. 

Hamas international leader Khaled Mashaal has claimed Palestinian territory as being from the River to the Sea; from the north to the south. He has declared this territory, which is biblically Israel’s, as his own. He sees it as the land of his fathers and grandfathers, inhabited by the Palestinian people from long ago. 

The Hamas leadership will not give up on trying to destroy Israel until the land becomes theirs, so they can turn it into an Islamic state. The Hamas government sees the current cease-fire as a “hudna”, a temporary truce. It brings a sense of quiet and calm to Israel and Gaza. But, it is deceiving because it allows time for Hamas and other Palestinian terror groups to re-build, re-arm, train and get stronger so they can prepare for future attacks.

During this particular cease-fire, Israel is indirectly negotiating with Hamas through Egypt. Egypt’s President Mohamed Morsi is acting as a mediator.  Hamas is demanding that Israel lift its military blockade of the Gaza Strip. It is also insisting that all borders with Gaza (both on the Israeli and Egyptian side) remain open.  Meanwhile, the U.S. and Israel are trying to stop the flow of rockets and arms from Iran to Gaza which are being smuggled through underground tunnels and hidden in freighters at sea.

  

·        Pray that all pressure on Israel from Hamas, Egypt, and the U.S. will not cause a security risk to the Jewish State. Through intercession acknowledge that the Lord will fight for Israel in every detail of negotiations, dealing strongly with Hamas and Israel’s other adversaries. Declare these great scriptures: Exodus 14:14; Deuteronomy 1:30; Deuteronomy 3:22! 

·        Thank the Lord that the strong strategic military cooperation between the U.S. and Israel, including shared intelligence, will stop the flow of missiles and armaments to Hamas.

If Hamas and Palestinian terrorists do not keep to the cease-fire, the IDF plans to go into Gaza with a ground offensive, along with continued air strikes. Israel’s current Defense Minister Ehud Barak has said that Israel has no problem getting into Gaza; it is getting out of Gaza that is the problem. In other words, Israel needs an exit strategy (which is difficult to figure out in an urban warfare jungle). 

Current Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman said that it will take more than four months to conduct a ground operation in Gaza if the IDF has to go in. It might even entail re-occupying the Gaza Strip. Any such move will anger the international community even though Israel has a right to defend itself.

Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has implied to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that a ground offensive would be illegal under international law. 

·        Pray that the Lord will give Israel’s generals successful strategies for overcoming their enemies in urban warfare settings. Declare, according to Isaiah 54:17, that no weapon forged against Israel will prevail. Pray that Israeli leaders will be able to refute every tongue that accuses the Jewish State, falsely. Intercede that whatever Israeli leaders need to do to defend the Jewish state will be done, successfully, without hindrance by world leaders. Pray for the Lord to vindicate Israel according to Isaiah 50:8-9.

There were miracles spoken of during Operation Pillar of Defense (Operation Pillar of Cloud in Hebrew).  More than 1500 rockets were fired on Israel’s population during the eight days of war, with only six Israelis killed. That, in itself, is a miracle!  During the war, Israel’s rabbis called the masses to pray at the Western Wall.   Rabbi Ovadia Yosef requested that Israelis recite Psalm Chapter 83, including a special prayer for IDF soldiers and residents in the south of the country. 

·        Pray, according to Psalm 83:15-18, that God will pursue Israel’s enemies like a tempest and terrify them like a storm!  Proclaim that the Lord brings shame to those who would come against His nation and people. Intercede that international leaders will stop conspiring together against Israel and, instead, turn to Yeshua and receive His salvation!  Pray that the Lord will let these rulers know that He and He alone is the Most High over all the earth!

During the war, Netanyahu said that Israel was operating on four levels:  the military front; the home front; the diplomatic front; and the public diplomacy front. He encouraged public relations volunteers to fight for the truth and the facts; to refute the industry of lies; and, to reach many sectors of their populations.
 

After the war, Netanyahu spoke at a military ceremony and during his remarks he made this statement:  “Anti-Semitism exists, it changes its forms – and the Jewish People have still not found rest; and, it is doubtful if it will come in the form that our prophets hoped it would. The only thing that separates the fate of our people from that of the dark periods in our past is the IDF, the security services, and our ability to realize the mighty potential that there is here in order to defend our people.”

·        Intercede for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu who is facing new elections on January 22, 2013. Pray that he puts his trust in God and not in men. Declare Psalm 20:7 over him and all of Israel: “Some boast in chariots and some in horses, but we will boast in the name of the Lord our God.”  Proclaim: Deuteronomy 20:1; Proverbs 21:31; Isaiah 31:1; Jeremiah 9:24 for Netanyahu, Lieberman, and other leaders in Israel seeking re-election.

  

SITUATION ANALYSIS -- 56

Jerusalem, Israel

NOVEMBER 2012 PRAYER UPDATE

Israel and the Middle East

·        The sins of Israeli society provide an opening for the enemy.  One example of this is Israel’s abortion rate.  Reports indicate that nearly 20,000 applications for a legal abortion in 2010 were approved by public abortion committees in Israeli hospitals. In 2011, that number was 19,000, which showed some decrease in legal abortions. But, if you consider all abortions taking place in Israel, the number for 2012 is expected to be 40,000. The abortion rate is 10.8 per thousand among fertile Israeli women.  

At a recent city-wide prayer gathering of believers in Jerusalem; and, at a nation-wide prayer gathering in the north; believers have been repenting for the sins of this nation according to 2 Chronicles 7:14, asking God’s forgiveness.  This is especially true regarding abortion.

Pray for the unborn child in Israel to be protected according to Psalm 139:13-16. Pray that Israeli women repent for ending the life of their babies in the womb. Pray that the Lord will change the laws in Israel and make it difficult for Israelis to get an abortion. Women in Israel are currently entitled to one free abortion during their army service. Pray that all funding for government approved abortions will cease immediately.

·        Because elections have been called in Israel, there has been less public discourse on Iran within the country. Israeli leaders are still speaking loudly in international forums that red lines must be set to stop Iran from building a nuclear bomb. But, inside Israel, the focus is on election campaigning.  Meanwhile, Iran is increasing the speed of installing centrifuges at its underground nuclear facility, bringing it closer to being able to make weapons-grade uranium. Iran is enriching uranium up to 20% now, and as it produces more, this will shorten the time it will take Iran to “break out” and begin building a bomb. Nuclear experts fear that Iran could accumulate significant quantities of weapons-grade uranium for one bomb in as little as nine months.

Intercede for Israel, remembering Psalm 50:15. Pray that the citizens of this nation will call upon the Lord in their day of trouble when Iran is aiming to destroy the Jewish State. As God rescues His people by stopping Iran from becoming a nuclear power, pray that Israelis will honor the Lord and give Him glory for the things He has done on their behalf. 

·        In early October, Iran directed Hezbollah to send a drone into Israeli airspace.  The Iranians claimed that the drone was not only able to cross into southern Israel, but to stay there gathering intelligence information for several hours regarding Israel’s secret military installations. The drone was finally shot down by Israel’s Air Force and landed in a forest so that no one was killed and no property was destroyed. Israel has the Iron Dome anti-missile defense system in place, but it is not designed to shoot down drones. It only has the capacity to shoot down short-range missiles aimed at Israel. Meanwhile, Israeli southern communities were subjected to increased missile fire from Gaza terrorists in October, only partially protected by the Iron Dome. 

Ask the Lord to protect Israeli air space where the drone violation occurred. The drone intrusion exposed how vulnerable Israel’s skies are. Pray that the Lord will seal shut every opening in Israel’s defenses that would be susceptible to an evil incursion.  Pray, according to Ephesians 6:11 that Israel’s air force fighters would put on the full armor of God in their battle with hostile forces, so they can stand, with His authority, against the wiles of the enemy. Declare Psalm 91:7 over Israel, praying that the Jewish people will be protected from the on-going missile war in the south of the country.

·        Israeli leaders continue to observe the strengthening of the Moslem Brotherhood in the Middle East. The first country for this Sunni Islamic group to gain power was Egypt. Now, its increased influence has extended into Syria and Jordan. It has close ties with Hamas in Gaza, as well.  A recent report indicates that the Moslem Brotherhood does not believe in the sovereignty of nation states. Gulf Arab countries are trying to work together to stop the Brotherhood from taking over their governments in the region.  The aim of the Brotherhood is to use its increased power throughout the Middle East to establish one big Islamic state under Sharia Law.  The Brotherhood is becoming a formidable enemy of Israel, and of moderate Arab nations. 

Pray according to Psalm 9:3, that Israel’s enemies will turn back, stumble and perish in the Lord’s Presence. Pray that as God’s people call for help, He will answer them, and they will know that He is with them in their struggle (Psalm 56:9). Pray that God will thwart every wicked scheme that the devil is using to cause havoc and instability in the Middle East!

·        The IDF is concerned that Hamas or other terrorist operatives may try to kidnap an Israeli soldier. The strategy would be to develop a crisis that would force Israel to release Palestinian terrorists who are being held in Israeli prisons.

Declare that God will rescue Israeli soldiers from any kidnapping attempts because they hide themselves in Him. (Psalm 143:9).  Pray that Israelis will see that their times are in God’s hands and He will deliver them from the continual pursuit of their enemies. (Psalm 31:15).

·        Al-Qaida inspired Salafist-Jihadists have infiltrated countries surrounding Israel. They are especially prominent in Syria, Egypt’s Sinai, Jordan, and Gaza. They are also stirring up trouble in Yemen, Tunisia and Libya. They have penetrated Israel, as well.  A court in Nazareth convicted an imam because he founded a Salafist-Jihadist group with Al-Qaeda ideology. 

These terrorist groups, which have been operating among the rebels in Syria, could become a major threat to the Jordanian government. Meanwhile, Israel’s border with Syria is being transformed from a quiet zone to a frontier of global jihadists, especially on the Syrian side of the Golan Heights. Israeli military officials have stated that Israel has to be ready for war on multiple fronts, simultaneously. This could include Syria, Lebanon, the Sinai, Gaza, and possibly Iran. 

Pray that the Lord will foil all the plots of His adversaries and disrupt any coordinated effort that would try to come against His Chosen People, Israel. Pray that He will bring confusion into the ranks of the enemy camps that surround Israel. Pray that Israeli leaders are provided with excellent intelligence information; are prepared for any cross border infiltrations; and will be alert to strike at any terrorists trying to harm the Jewish State. Declare Psalm 27 over all of Israel, as a hope and encouragement to the nation.

·        The Palestinians have threatened to take their statehood bid to the UN General Assembly after the U.S. elections. Their goal is to be seen as a UN member of a non-state entity. They want to change the legal status of the settlements in Judea and Samaria, through international law. Right now, those settlements are legally considered “disputed territory”.  The Palestinians have already convinced diplomats and the media that the land is “occupied territory”. They continue to demand that Israel withdraw from their territory, back to the 1967 Green Line or the 1949 armistice lines.  The Palestinians, along with the rest of the world, have also declared that Jerusalem is not the capital of Israel. The Palestinians proclaim that Jerusalem is their capital.  

Declare, according to God’s covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, that Israel has inherited the biblical heartland… Judea and Samaria. Proclaim that Jerusalem belongs to the Lord, Himself. He has given stewardship over the land and His beloved city to the Jewish people. He is a covenant God, and He does not break covenant with Israel. (See Exodus 2:24; Psalm 105:8; Psalm 105:42).

·        There is a concern in Israel that a future missile war could cause widespread wildfires. Israel has not fully examined the threat of damage to the homefront by wildfires. Israel lacks a strategic plan that would enhance the nation’s aerial firefighting capability.  When a major fire broke out on Mount Carmel in December 2010, Israel asked assistance from over 20 countries to contain the fire. Today, Israel has made little progress in the ability to help firefighters in spite of the growing threat of wildfires. 

Pray that God would raise-up capable men and women who can help Israel with aerial firefighting capability.  Ask the Lord for short-term and long-term strategies that will prepare Israel’s Homefront Command to be ready during times of crisis.  

PRAISE REPORT!  The water level of the Sea of Galilee has risen. It is at its highest level in six years!  In 2011, Israel had a wet winter after seven years of drought. This year’s early rains were encouraging. Pray for a wet and rainy 2012 fall and winter season in Israel. 

  

SITUATION ANALYSIS -- 55

Jerusalem, Israel

ISRAEL’S BEST FRIENDS

Two dozen members of parliaments from 17 countries traveled to Jerusalem this week as guests of the International Israel Allies Foundation (IIAF).  Speaking at the Feast of Tabernacles celebration, and meeting with reporters at an ICEJ press conference in Jerusalem, these government leaders had much to say about their love and support for Israel. 

At a time when Israel feels more and more isolated on the world stage, it’s rare to find a group of so many pro-Israel government leaders who are outspoken in their admiration for the Jewish State.

The number one issue that has been Israel’s concern is the threat of Iran becoming a nuclear state.  Not only is Iran striving for nuclear military power, it is also bent on terrorizing the world in its quest for hegemony.

U.S. Congressman Trent Franks (R-AZ) talked about his concern regarding Iran’s refusal to bend to diplomatic pressure, which has been a frustration for western leaders, despite multiple UN sanctions.  Furthermore, Iran has been behind terrorist attacks on American interests overseas even though western powers have been willing to try and negotiate a nuclear settlement with the Persian State. 

“This is very frightening to me. Because it shows they have no concern for the Obama Administration’s determination or commitment.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s demand for the international community to set “red lines” as a way of threatening Iran with military action has met Franks’ approval. He would like to see U.S. President Barack Obama set “red lines” as well.  Franks believes America should work with Israel and with the Free World, and, say, unequivocally, that there is a line that Iran must not go past or military intervention will occur.  He thinks it is the safest and best opportunity to prevent conflict, and to prevent Iran from gaining nuclear weapons.

Other friends of Israel spoke at the ICEJ Feast and press conference of how their government has supported the Jewish State.  James Lunney, a Member of the Canadian Parliament since 2000, explained that Canada has taken a strong position against Iran, and considers the Persian State the greatest threat in present times. He recalled how Canadian Prime Minister Steven Harper pulled Canadian diplomatic staff out of Tehran on September 7^th and closed its embassy there. Five days later all Iranian diplomats were required to leave Canada. This was a bold move, according to Lunney, but necessary until Iran stops trying to obtain nuclear capability for military purposes.

“We have closed our mission in Iran and we hope other nations will increase sanctions, economically, against Iran. We are encouraging other nations to take this threat seriously…. There is a lot more that could be done. So, we have increased pressure to the maximum, in terms of financial transactions, including any business dealings with Iran.” 

In addition, Canada has listed Iran as a state sponsor of terrorism. 

“We have underscored the fact there is Holocaust denial, anti-Semitism, and de-stabilization of governments. We feel this is unacceptable.”

At the UN and in international forums, where Israel is subject to perpetual de-legitimization and denunciation, especially accusations that set a double-standard against the Jewish State, Lunney says Canada has taken a strong stand. In the future, Canada will use its efforts wherever possible to make sure that decrees coming out of these forums will not be a condemnation of Israel.

What Canada cannot do, according to Lunney, is follow Israel’s example and set “red lines” in terms of military conflict. This is mainly due to the fact that Canada has a small army. But, despite not being able to give Iran a military ultimatum, Canada is working behind the scenes to encourage stiffer UN sanctions.

“We are encouraging nations to ramp up pressure to try and prevent military conflict. At the same time we are very aware that the number one responsibility of any nation is the security of its population.”

Lunney mentioned several historical facts including Israel’s bombing of the Iraqi nuclear reactor in 1981 that prevented Saddam Hussein from acquiring nuclear weapons. He also spoke about the 39 Scud missiles that Iraq launched against Israel in the 1991 Gulf War.

“They didn’t do a lot of damage, but if just one of them had had a nuclear warhead, this nation (Israel) would not exist. So, we are very cognizant of the threat to this nation. We are doing everything we can to encourage the international community to put pressure on Iran to prevent a conflict because the enemy is not the Iranian people; it’s a rogue regime that is incompatible with the rest of the world.” 

Lunney added that Iran is embracing an ideology that is a jihadist mentality. 

“You can’t threaten to destroy your neighbor; any neighbor of the family of nations. It’s not acceptable.”

Canada wants to avoid a conflict that will potentially harm many Iranians.  But, Lunney and other Canadian leaders have acknowledged that the Iranian regime is intent on destroying Israel. 

“We are very concerned about the state of Israel. Canada is doing everything we can with the tools available to us to prevent the kind of conflict that will cause massive loss of life; and, also to prevent the creation of the kind of weapons in a rogue state that could threaten the very existence of this nation. It is a very serious threat. But, we will stand with Israel. Our Prime Minister said, against the haters of Israel, Canada will stand with Israel no matter what the cost. ”

Lunney also spoke about matters of faith:  “I’m encouraging the people that believe -- the Christians in our faith community -- to pray for the peace of Jerusalem and for the state of Israel, because the God of Israel has weapons far beyond anything that our military has in Canada to offer the state of Israel.”

Among other dignitaries that were given the opportunity to speak at the Feast of Tabernacles was Kenneth Meshoe. He has served as a member of the South African Parliament for nearly twenty years.  Meshoe is the leader of the African Christian Democratic Party, which is one of the opposition parties in the South African government.  In an interview this reporter conducted with him after the ICEJ press conference, Meshoe shared his heart for his country.

“Please pray for a new South African government because we are hoping to have, and planning to have, a Christian government within the next seven years.”

There are a few things that Meshoe would like to see happen. Firstly, he wants to see South Africa become a friend of Israel, so that in the UN Security Council African countries will stand with Israel.  Secondly, he wants to move the South African Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem which he proclaims is, “the undivided capital of Israel”. Thirdly, he wants his country to invite Netanyahu to address the South African Parliament, and would expect this to happen within the first 12 months of a new government coming into power. Meshoe would also like the President of South Africa to come to Israel to affirm the fact that South Africa should be one of the closest allies of Israel.

“It is a prayer of my heart, and it is my goal, that before I die, to see an alliance between Israel and South Africa that would be as close as many Western nations.”

Meshoe acknowledged Israel has a lot to offer to Africa. He claimed that many African leaders are unwilling to affirm this because they do not care for the African people who are in need and are poor. Instead, they choose political correctness rather than caring for their people.

“I am convinced that any African leader who truly cares for his people is going to say to Israel, come and help us. Let’s form a partnership because you have what we don’t have. You have the knowledge, the skills and the expertise that we don’t have. Israel can help Africa. And, I am looking forward to the day when Israel and Africa will form a very strong partnership.”

According to Meshoe, many countries on the African continent do not have clear drinking water. Israel has the skills of purifying water; preserving water; and converting sea water to drinking water. He also mentioned that though Israel does not have enough water, Israelis are able to irrigate. “Their innovation skills, I believe, would help Africa a lot.”  

Meshoe spoke of South Africa’s current President Jacob Zuma. “He is a tough nut. I don’t think he will change his position. He is surrounded by Moslems. They are promising him oil and money. They are buying their way into every area of government. He will not do anything…..Pray that there should be a change of government, that’s what we want.”

At the Feast this year, several prominent Jewish leaders spoke of their own faith that Israel will survive.

Dan Dyker, Secretary General of the World Jewish Congress said that the danger from the Iranian Persian State meant that the Jewish State faced threats of a biblical proportion.  Dyker got a rousing applause from Feast delegates when he proclaimed that Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad should read the Book of Esther!

Rabbi Benny Elon, Chairman of the IIAF delegation, refuted Iran’s rhetoric against Israel when he stated: “They have no chance because they are fighting against the God of Israel. No one can change His Master Plan. No one can break His eternal covenant with the Jewish people; the people of Israel.”

MK Yuli Edelstein, Israeli Minister of Public Diplomacy and Diaspora Affairs, spoke boldly of God’s ability to protect His Chosen People and land.

“The Lord will do as He sees fit.  Evil does not only challenge us, but other free peoples, as well.”  He added that Israel did not overcome evil powers in the past to now succumb to Iran, Hezbollah and Hamas.

As a prayer from his heart that was felt by some 5,000 Christians from 80 nations attending the Great Feast, Edelstein quoted Psalm 29:11:

“May the LORD give strength to His people! May the LORD bless His people with peace!”