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Peace process
Israeli official: Hamas will change in 4-5 months
31/5/06
Retired Brigadier General Eival Giladi, who coordinated the disengagement from the Gaza Strip last summer, has stated that Prime Minister Olmert's "convergence" plan will not require a full scale military operation, rather people will be persuaded to move through an improved government compensation scheme. Ehud Olmert intends to move around 80,000 Israelis from the West Bank to the Negev desert over a period of four years, paving the way for Israel to finalize its borders by the year 2010. The Gaza disengagement which saw the removal of around 8000 Israelis, was highly successful in the time it took to execute but many citizens are still without homes and adequate compensation. This time the government hopes to have housing for the citizens already in place, and will compensate them for their property and businesses. According to a recent poll, a majority of Israelis are willing to move from the West Bank if they are compensated for their losses. Giladi also said he believes Hamas will not modify its charter and recognize Israel's right to exist, but the Palestinian Authority government could fall within 4-5 months due to the current fiscal crisis, enabling a more moderate administration to take office.

Quote: "Another issue Giladi discussed at the Haifa University was the Hamas, saying that he didn't expect the Hamas to govern the Palestinian Authority. He also thinks that Hamas will not change its ideology soon but it may change the line-up of its government. "The Hamas will change its ideology quickly and easily. It's not a Hamas 'problem' only; the Jewish people spent 2,000 years in the Diaspora without changing its beliefs. What is achievable is a thorough change in the means and patterns of conduct. I presume that we will witness a change in four to five months. I don't think it will be in a way of elections, but there is a good chance that reality will force the Hamas government to fall, and they will establish a new one, composed of different partnership."

I thought Giladi's statement regarding the fall of the Hamas government was very interesting. I recently reported how Iran believes Israel will strike its nuclear facilities within a year. If a more moderate Palestinian Authority administration was elected within 4-5 months, that would give adequate time for Israel to be at rest, before the Russian / Islamic invasion begins. 

Ezekiel 38:12 
Thou shalt ascend and come like a storm, thou shalt be like a cloud to cover the land, thou, and all thy bands, and many people with thee. Thus saith the Lord GOD; It shall also come to pass, [that] at the same time shall things come into thy mind, and thou shalt think an evil thought: And thou shalt say, I will go up to the land of unwalled villages; I will go to them that are at rest, that dwell safely, all of them dwelling without walls, and having neither bars nor gates, To take a spoil, and to take a prey; to turn thine hand upon the desolate places [that are now] inhabited, and upon the people [that are] gathered out of the nations, which have gotten cattle and goods, that dwell in the midst of the land.

Source YNet News

Morals
Netherlands paedophiles launching political party
30/5/06
Voters in the Netherlands, which has the most liberal laws in the Europe Union, may soon find themselves with the option of voting for a political party that plans to legalize bestiality, permit child abuse by lowering the age of "consent" to 12 before removing it altogether, and encourage the broadcasting of pornography on day time television. The party called Charity, Freedom and Diversity is being formed by a group of paedophiles, who's aim is to abolish the laws that prohibit sexual sin.  

Quote: "The party said private possession of child pornography should be allowed although it favours banning the trade of such materials. The broadcast of pornography should be allowed on daytime television, with only violent pornography limited to the late evening, according to the party. Toddlers should be given sex education and youths aged 16 and up should be allowed to appear in pornographic films and prostitute themselves. Sex with animals should be allowed although abuse of animals should remain illegal, the NVD said. The party also said everybody should be allowed to go naked in public.

With many states in Europe having already legalized gay "marriage" in all but name, and other groups now calling for the legalization of bigamy, it looks like our leaders have started the nations on a slippery slope into the depths of hell. And what can we do? If you legalize sodomy, you may as well legalize everything else under the sun, for if you don't you are violating people's human rights. And if sodomy is an acceptable "alternative lifestyle" according to the school curriculum, why not bestiality and so on? I do wonder, unless the animal happened to be Balaam's ass, how "consent" from an animal could ever be proven in a court of law. I guess the Scriptures are true, "and every man did that which was right in his own eyes", Judges 17:6. 

1st Corinthians 6:9-10 
Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.

Source Reuters

Anti-Semitism
International Solidarity Movement starting summer recruiting
30/5/06
The name sounds impressive but don't let that deceive you. The International Solidarity Movement has started recruiting students who are willing to take a few weeks out to travel to Israel to help Palestinians achieve statehood. They call the scheme Freedom Summer 2006 - Building Bridges, but the aims of ISM are neither freedom for the Palestinians nor is it to build bridges with the Israelis. The ISM was formed by the terrorist group, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine in 2001, and cooperates with Islamic Jihad and Hamas. The ISM has a worldwide network of branches that offer training for volunteers who sign up to the programme. Activists are ferried to different Palestinian towns, where they are instructed on how to protest against IDF soldiers,, and if willing, act as human shields for Palestinian terrorists. Israel officially regards the ISM as a terrorist organization, after two British members of the organization entered Israel and blew themselves up in Mike's Place, a Tel-Aviv nightclub, killing dozens of Israelis.

Quote: "Kaplan, who has attended many ISM meetings in the United States, writes that the organization's volunteers are told to work "in solidarity" with Arabs who throw Molotov cocktails or rocks at soldiers. The goal is two-fold, he writes: "To try and create an international incident by having ISM activists from abroad be arrested by Israeli Authorities to undermine Israeli sovereignty, and to train US and other foreign anarchists for their perceived 'revolution' against the capitalist West and, most notably, eventually against the United States itself." Kaplan says he knows of an ISM cell in Massachusetts, named Boston2Palestine, whose members are apparently "planning on going to the Middle East for a summer of fun interfering with the Israel Defense Forces and aiding the new Hamas government in the Palestinian Authority." He has forwarded their photos to the Israel security services. In Georgetown several months ago, would-be ISM volunteers changed their minds about joining when they heard that their identities would be forwarded to the Israeli border authorities.

On the ISM's London website, activists are encouraged to risk their lives for the sake of "peace", by becoming human shields for Palestinians caught up in "Israeli violence".

Quote: "Another, very dramatic, tactic is to provide human shields against Israeli military or settler attacks against Palestinians. An Israeli woman, Neta Golan, did that very thing to protect Palestinians from her own nation’s troops and settlers, as they picked olives. As the Christian Peacemaker Teams motto says, Neta “got in the way” by putting her life on the line for true peace.

Neta is unfortunately just one of many who "got in the way". People like Rachel Corrie are idolized as heroes by the ISM, who ended up paying the ultimate price for their hatred of the Jewish state. These stories about international "peace" activists, risking their lives while coming face to face against what is portrayed as a brutal, totalitarian regime, are lapped up by the liberal media. One need only look at the BBC's Orla Guerin and her criticism of the IDF when it intercepted a teenage suicide bomber and paraded him before the international media. Orla condemned Israel for exploiting the situation for a "propaganda exercise". It is that media influence that encourages Western organizations to continue their anti-Semitic boycott of Israel. 

Source Arutz 7, Front Page Mag, ISM London

Anti-Semitism
Reuters employee issues death threat against blogger 
30/5/06
An American blogger who runs the Little Green Footballs weblog has received a death threat from an employee working at the news organization Reuters. Charles Johnson who runs the site and often reports on events in the Middle East, exposing media coverage of the "intifada", received a message stating "I look forward to the day when you pigs get your throats cut" from a fake email address, zionistpig@hotmail.com. When Johnson checked the IP address of the sender which is automatically recorded on the site, he found it traced back to none other than Reuters news. The threat, which clearly comes from a Muslim - noting the reference of Jews as "pigs" and "cutting throats" being the preferred method of execution of infidels according to the Qur'an, is believed to have come from Inayat Bunglawala, Media Secretary of the Muslim Council of Britain. Reuters has suspended the employee who was responsible for the email, and claims he did not work in the news division. 

Quote: "In the threat, the Reuters staff member, who has not been named, left his email address as "zionistpig" at hotmail.com. Reporting the message to his readers, Johnson wrote on his website: "This particular death threat is a bit different from the run of the mill hate mail we get around here, because an IP lookup on the sender reveals that he/she/it was using an account at none other than Reuters News." Speaking to YNetNews, Johnson said: "I was surprised to receive a threat from a Reuters IP, but only because it was so careless of this person to use a traceable work account to do it." He added: "I think it's more than fair to say that Reuters has a big problem."

But as Johnson continues to report, the IP address is still being used to access his site, and the only pages being accessed by this address are the stories about the Zionist death threat. I always knew the BBC was up to no good with its coverage on the Middle East and the conflict in Israel, but I thought Reuters news generally gave a better balance in their reporting. But what this reveals is the kind of mindset those who are responsible for reporting our daily news possess. 

Source YNet News, RIPE

Wars and rumours of wars
Iran believes Israel will attack within a year
29/5/06
Sorry I missed this last week. 

A senior Lebanese politician has told WorldNetDaily that Iran has started preparing for an Israeli strike against its nuclear facilities, it believes could occur within a year. According to the anonymous source, Iran has been briefing Hizbullah on military and civilian targets it wants the terrorist group to attack in the event of a strike. This includes attacks against Western interests in Iraq, which Iran believes could prompt a US or British retreat from the war-torn country. The IAF recently carried out its most extensive bombardment of Hizbullah positions in southern Lebanon in recent years, after a barrage of Katyusha rockets struck towns in northern Israel yesterday morning. According to former Israeli general, Eitam, Israel is already preparing for an all out war with Hizbullah, in the event Israel will have to take Iranian matters into their own hands. 

Quote: "Eitam, a former Israeli army general, warned the Jewish state would need to attack Iran by itself if the international community led by the United States fails to successfully halt Tehran's nuclear program within about a year. "With or without a world coalition, Israel will have to take action at some point when we are fully sure Iran's nuclear project is coming to a point of no return," he said. " I am worried all mechanisms of diplomacy used by the Iranians in response to the international movement against it are to buy time as they camouflage the real nature of their programs." Asked to offer a timeline for the point at which he feels Israel would have to strike Iran by itself, Eitam replied, "We are talking about the period when Iran would have enough uranium to build a bomb. The information indicates this is not long away. Six months to a year or not much more.

This news was confirmed a few weeks ago by an Israeli official in Pakistan, who believed Israel would indeed strike Iran's nuclear reactors, only his estimates were within 2-3 months. But the fall out from such an attack could reach farther than Israel is expecting. Javier Solana, the High Representative for the European Common, Foreign and Security Policy, believes a deal is possible. But knowing what sort of man Ahmadinejad is, I personally believe that is unlikely. With international consensus from all countries, bar the US, opposed to any punitive measures against Iran, and Russia actively involved in Iran's nuclear programme, Israel could find itself having to deal with more than just Hizbullah.

Ezekiel 38:15-16 
And thou shalt come from thy place out of the north parts, thou, and many people with thee, all of them riding upon horses, a great company, and a mighty army: And thou shalt come up against my people of Israel, as a cloud to cover the land; it shall be in the latter days, and I will bring thee against my land, that the heathen may know me, when I shall be sanctified in thee, O Gog, before their eyes.  

Source Liberty Post, Middle East News Line

Anti-Semitism
Canada union joins Israel boycott
29/5/06
The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), has joined a growing list of public bodies in the Western world, that believe applying financial pressure on Israel will force the Jewish state to make peace with its enemies. The boycott, according to the article, has the support of many North American churches. And as has already been reported, the anti-Semitic boycott also has the support of the Church of England, the AUT, the NATFHE, the Church of Scotland and the World Council of Churches. All these organizations apparently believe the lie that Israel is the sole cause of conflict in the region, and refuse to boycott Hamas which is responsible for carrying out of dozens of suicide bombings, killing hundreds of Israeli Arabs and Jews. 

Quote: "According to the report, CUPE also condemned what they called Israel's "apartheid wall," saying it is illegal under international law. "Boycott, divestment and sanction worked to end apartheid in South Africa," Katherine Nastovski, chairwoman of the CUPE Ontario international solidarity committee, said. "We believe the same strategy will work to enforce the rights of Palestinian people, including the right of refugees to return to their homes and properties," she added.

As the Scripture says, "as much as ye have done it unto the least of these My brethren, ye have done it unto Me", Matthew 25:40. At the return of Christ, the nations will be judged on how they treated God's people, Israel. Yes, God does use ungodly nations to judge his own people. But if you look through the Scriptures at what happened to nations like Babylon, and half a dozen other countries that went beyond what God required and persecuted His people, their judgement was delayed but when it happened, it was swift and came at a time they were least expecting it. I've always wondered why when Russia and the Islamic armies invade Israel in Ezekiel 38-39, there is only a limited protest. Apparently even America will refuse to get involved. Perhaps this ingrained anti-Semitic spirit that is pervading the Churches of the "young lions" of Ezekiel's prophecy will form part of the reason why no nation will come to Israel's aid. 

Isaiah 2:4 
And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into ploughshares, and their spears into pruning hooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. 

Source YNet News

Apostasy
Pope questions God over holocaust
28/5/06
German born Pope Ratzinger is on an official tour of the Auschwitz and Birkenau concentration camps in Poland, in memory of the millions of Jews that lost their lives in Hitler's "final solution". On his tour of Birkenau, where no doubt one must get a sense of absolute unspeakable horror in a place where so many suffered excruciating death, the Pope effectively blamed God for letting the Holocaust happen, questioning where God was when Hitler ordered the extermination of the Jewish race...

Quote: "German-born Pope Benedict, head of the world’s largest church, asked on Sunday where God was when 1.5 million people, mostly Jews, died at the former Nazi death camp at Auschwitz. Speaking at the Birkenau section of the camp, near where Jews were led from trains to be gassed and cremated, the head of the Roman Catholic Church said it was almost impossible to speak in “This place of horror,” especially as a German Pope. “In a place like this, words fail. In the end, there can only be a dread silence - a silence which is itself a heartfelt cry to God: Why, Lord, did you remain silent? How could you tolerate all this?” He said in a speech delivered in Italian. “Our silence becomes in turn a plea for forgiveness and reconciliation, a plea to the living God never to let this happen again,” He said at the end of a four-day visit to Poland.

I find Pope Ratzinger's words particularly hard to stomach especially in light of the Roman Catholic Church's appeasement of Hitler's war machine, and no doubt many Jews will feel the same way. For the Catholic Church not only remained silent while Hitler sent Jews to the gas chambers, Pope Pius personally met with Mussolini and Hitler during the war, and signed a concordat which promised the Fuhrer would restore the Temporal Power of Rome if his conquest of Europe succeeded. Hitler would get what he wanted, the Church's sanctioning of his Jewish holocaust, and the Vatican would get what it wanted, religious control of Europe. That is why the Vatican remained silent on the Holocaust, and refused to excommunicate Adolph, who was a member of the Roman Catholic Church. And Ratzinger has the audacity to blame God for remaining silent? Where was Ratzinger when the holocaust was happening? Serving in the Hitler Youth.

The same question was of course asked by many unbelieving Americans following the September 11th attacks. In the weeks after the planes struck the twin towers, church buildings were packed. Suddenly the nation had realized there was a vacuum in their hearts that needed filled, and people from all walks of life came together to "do something" to show their grief over what had happened. Some prayed, but few stayed. "Normality" soon kicked in again, and people started doing what they do best, trying to find someone to blame for it all. They looked past their own sinful hearts and found President Bush a willing victim. I guess that was Satan's biggest trick, to dampen people's perception of eternity. The reaction of men's hearts that we are seeing now, to horrific events such as 9-11 and the Holocaust, will also mark the tribulation period. Men will blame God for what is happening to them, but they will under no circumstances repent of their sins.

Revelation 16:10-11
And the fifth angel poured out his vial upon the seat of the beast; and his kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for pain, And blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and repented not of their deeds.

Source YNet News

The times and laws
California OKs promotion of Islam in schools
28/5/06
The 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled in favour of school children being taught Islam in the classroom, in what looks to be yet another attempt by left wing activist judges to undermine America's Christian heritage. Groups like the ACLU have spearheaded attempts to de-Christianise American culture, trying to get the government to remove the phrase "In God We Trust" from coinage, prohibit the recitation of "One nation under God" in the pledge of allegiance, and to permit Muslims to sware to Allah on the Qur'an in a court of law. Some states have even banned the display of the 10 commandments and nativity scenes in public places. But teaching children about Islam, including the recitation of Islamic prayers, learning the Muslim profession of faith - "There is no God but Allah and his prophet Mohammed", and chanting "Allahu Akbar" in class is not promoting religion, it's simply educating children about another "culture". That's according to the same court that ruled taking the pledge of allegiance is unconstitutional.

Quote: "Parents of seventh-graders, who after 9-11 were taught the pro-Islamic lessons as part of California's world history curriculum, sued under the First Amendment ban on religious establishment. They argued, reasonably, that the government was promoting Islam. But a federal judge appointed by President Clinton told them in so many words to get over it, that the state was merely teaching kids about another "culture." So the parents appealed. Unfortunately, the most left-wing court in the land got their case. The 9th Circuit, which previously ruled in favor of an atheist who filed suit against the words "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance, upheld the lower court ruling. 

Unfortunately, these affronts to Christianity in the public sphere are just symptoms of a rebellious society that does not want to retain God in its knowledge. A friend of mine once said, the world is not anti-God, it's anti-Christ. Any god will do but the one true God, Jesus Christ. That is the pervading mentality in our society today. And the Antichrist, when he comes, will pander to that ideology, and give the people what they really want. A world without God...

Daniel 7:25 
And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.

Source Investor's Business Daily

Earthquakes
4000 dead in Indonesia quake
27/5/06
A large earthquake struck Indonesia this morning, measuring 6.2 on the Richter Scale, causing widespread devastation and loss of life. The earthquake struck 15 miles south of Yogyakarta, on the island of Java. Around 4000 people have been reported killed and many more injured, and those figures are continuing to rise. Although quakes of this magnitude now occur daily, most happen in sparsely populated areas causing minimal damage. Yogyakarta is one of Indonesia's largest cities and many of the older buildings south of the city have been completely flattened. There are not enough doctors to cope with the number of casualties, and residents are still living in fear of a volcanic eruption which has been threatening the island for weeks. 

Quote: "The quake's epicenter was close to the Mount Merapi volcano, which has been rumbling for weeks and sending out large clouds of hot gas and ash. Activity increased as a result of the temblor, with one eruption that came soon after the quake sending debris some 3.5 kilometers (2 miles) down its western flank, said Subandrio, a vulcanologist monitoring the peak. "The quake has disturbed the mountain," he said. There were no reports of injuries as a result of the eruption.

Of course, people will claim that we have always had earthquakes, and question how these things can be a sign of the end. And that is true, we have always had earthquakes. But earthquakes have a special significance in end times events. Matthew specifically mentions earthquakes as having occurred during the crucifixion and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. The book of Revelation, Psalms and Zechariah also mention several earthquakes which are prophesied to occur during the tribulation and at the Second Coming of Christ. The fact that the world is experiencing a general rise in the frequency and force of earthquakes should be a warning sign to those who still have not trusted Christ for salvation. 

Revelation 11:13 
And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city (Jerusalem) fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven.

Source YNet News

Idle Shepherds
Leaders stay away from Jerusalem Day celebrations
26/5/06
For many Jews living in Israel it's a time of celebration, commemorating the Six Day War when the nation experienced a true miracle and a Divine deliverance from their enemies, who were poised to "drive them into the sea". But celebrations took on a more sombre atmosphere for those who have recently suffered expulsion from their homes in the Gaza Strip, and now Judea and Samaria. The Jerusalem Day celebrations were once attended by many high profile figures, politicians, presidents, prime ministers and security forces. But this year not one high profile figure took part in the events. Perhaps they no longer care about Jerusalem, which is the city where God chose to place His name, or perhaps they realize something drastic is happening in Israel which is tearing the country in two. Many Rabbis did speak at the celebrations, and had this warning for Israel's leaders.

Quote: "During the ceremony itself, Kiryat Arba Rabbi Dov Lior, who has become known as one of the fiercest opponents of the pullout, told the audience: "during the times of previous generations there were evil people who decreed against the Shabbat, against circumcision and against Torah studies. Unfortunately there are criminals among the people of Israel who aid them, whether directly or indirectly." "Giving away parts of Israel goes against our holy Torah and must not be allowed. It doesn't matter if they call it a Knesset law, or army orders, or the sacred High Court of Justice, for us the Torah is above all other rulings," Rabbi Lior said.

I personally think its both reasons. A generation of secular leaders - idle shepherds, have taken power in Israel, that regard neither man nor God, but are prepared to divide His land for the sake of peace which cannot be obtained without Christ. Ordinary Israelis, whether religious or secular, are going to find their beliefs shaken to the core in the next few years. For the only thing that they believed guaranteed them safety in a world that has sought their destruction for centuries, Eretz Yisrael, is being given away piece by piece. And finally, at the end of the tribulation period, when they are surrounded by their enemies on every side with no more land to give, the only way to turn will be to the One whom they pierced, and then shall all Israel be saved.

Zechariah 12:9-10
And it shall come to pass in that day, [that] I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem. And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon (unto) me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for [his] only [son], and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for [his] firstborn.

Source YNet News

Wars and rumours of wars
Underground tunnels from Jewish revolt discovered
26/5/06
Israeli archaeologists have uncovered underground passages in Northern Israel dating back the the Jewish revolt in 66-70 AD. Israelis say the tunnels and chambers prove that the uprising against Roman rule at the time of Christ was well prepared and coordinated. The chambers would have been used to store supplies during the four year siege of the city, and were large enough to be used as a subterranean hideout. 

Quote: "Yardenna Alexandre of the Israel Antiquities Authority said the find shows the ancient Jews planned and prepared for the uprising, contrary to the common perception that the revolt began spontaneously. "It definitely was not spontaneous," Alexandre said. "The Jews of that time certainly did prepare for it, with underground hideaways here and in other sites we have found." The underground chambers at the Israeli Arab village of Kfar Kana, north of Nazareth, were built from housing materials common at the time and hidden directly beneath the floors of aboveground homes - giving families direct access to the hideouts. Other refuges found from the time of the revolt are hewn out of rock.

The siege of Jerusalem in 66-70 AD was one of the bloodiest wars the Jewish nation has ever experienced. At one time, over 500 Jews a day were being crucified by the Roman armies, until they started to run out of wood. The Romans completely destroyed the city and the Temple, as prophesied by Daniel and Jesus Christ, forty years after the Jewish nation rejected their Messiah.

Luke 21:20-23
And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh. Then let them which are in Judaea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto. For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled.

Unfortunately, this persecution which resulted in the Diaspora that lasted for 1900 long years, has not exhausted God's judgement upon the Jewish nation. Not until they turn to Yeshua HaMashiach for deliverance and Christ sets up His millennial kingdom, will there be true peace on earth for Jew and Gentile. 

Source Albuquerque Tribune

Jerusalem
Jerusalem marks 39 years of Jewish rule
25/5/06 
This day, 39 years ago, Israeli soldiers battled their way through the streets of east Jerusalem towards the Old City, on what has become known as the Six Day War. Egypt had blockaded Israeli shipping in the Tiran straits, and was massing forces in Sinai. Israel complained that unless the US and UK would reopen the shipping lanes, Israel would strike Egypt. Egypt stated that if Israel attacked, they would be aiming for nothing less than the complete destruction of Israel. On May 30th, Egypt signed a mutual defence pact with Jordan, placing their armies under the direct command of the Egyptian General. Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser boldly proclaimed, "The armies of Egypt, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon are poised on the borders of Israel ... while standing behind us are the armies of Iraq, Algeria, Kuwait, Sudan and the whole Arab nation. This act will astound the world." Nobody realized how prophetic his words would be. Algeria, Sudan, Kuwait and Iraq started mobilizing their armies. Completely surrounded by its enemies, Israel was left with only one solution. They launched a daring pre-emptive attack on Egypt on the 5th of June, completely disabling and destroying the nation's entire air force of some 450 planes. Israel pleaded with Jordan to keep out of the war, which then controlled the entire West Bank region, putting much of Israel within close range of attack. But in spite of the heavy losses, President Nasser persuaded the Jordanian King Hussein that victory was theirs. On the 5th of June, Jordan attacked west Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and Netanya. By the end of the day, the IAF had destroyed the Jordanian air force, and proceeded to send troops into the West Bank. Two thirds of the Syrian air force were also destroyed. By the 7th of June, Israeli paratroopers had entered the Old City via the Lion's gate, and captured the Temple Mount. Syrian troops continued to shell Israeli towns from the Golan Heights, and the decision was taken to capture the territory, despite heavy Syrian fortifications. By the 10th of June, Israel had won a miraculous victory against all odds.

Quote: "By June 10, Israel had completed its final offensive in the Golan Heights and a ceasefire was signed the following day. Israel had seized the Gaza Strip, the Sinai Peninsula, the West Bank of the Jordan River (including East Jerusalem), and the Golan Heights. Overall, Israel's territory grew by a factor of 3, including about one million Arabs placed under Israel's direct control in the newly captured territories. Israel's strategic depth grew to at least 300 kilometers in the south, 60 kilometers in the east and 20 kilometers of extremely rugged terrain in the north, a security asset that would prove useful in the 1973 Arab-Israeli War six years later.

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has stated in his address to the country in the commemoration of the Six Day War and reunification of Jerusalem, that the city will remain the home of the Jewish people forever. That is in spite of his plan, which will see the ceding of Palestinian areas of Jerusalem to the Hamas terror government, and the holy places which will come under a special status agreement. 

Quote: "Prime Minister Ehud Olmert took the podium in Jerusalem on Thursday as Israel marked 39 years since its unification in the 1967 Six Day War. The prime minister told the crowd, "Never in Jewish history has there been day like the one in which the words 'The Temple Mount is in our hands' were heard," referring to the conquest of the Old City during the war. Olmert added that "the Jewish people never had, nor will ever have a different home. We have returned to our holy places in order to never leave them again."

But despite the plans of Olmert to divide the city, the Muslim desire to destroy Israel, and the suffering the Jewish nation will endure during the tribulation period, God will defend Jerusalem and His people for His name sake.

Isaiah 31:4-5 
For thus hath the LORD spoken unto me, Like as the lion and the young lion roaring on his prey, when a multitude of shepherds is called forth against him, he will not be afraid of their voice, nor abase himself for the noise of them: so shall the LORD of hosts come down to fight for mount Zion, and for the hill thereof. As birds flying, so will the LORD of hosts defend Jerusalem; defending also he will deliver it; and passing over he will preserve it.

Luke 21:24 
And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.

Source Wikipedia, Jerusalem Post

Peace process
Abbas gives Hamas 10 days to agree to 1967 borders
25/5/06
President Mahmoud Abbas of the Palestinian Liberation Organization, has given ruling Hamas party 10 days to agree to the establishment of a state on 1967 borders, including east Jerusalem as its capital. If Hamas cannot agree to Abbas' terms, he will hold a referendum on the issue within 40 days. But it's not clear how Hamas could not agree to Abbas' terms. The document calls only for the establishment of a state on 1967 borders, without requiring recognition of Israel's right to exist. It is not likely this document in its current form would even be acceptable to Israel, calling for the right of return for thousands of Palestinian refugees and their families to the land of Israel, the release of all Palestinian prisoners, and continued resistance against lands captured in the Six Day War. The Jewish state would also be required to hand over Jerusalem, and all settlements beyond the 1967 border. President Abbas has stated he opposes leaving a "single stone of the Israeli settlements on the 1967 borders". The 18 points of Mahmoud Abbas' proposal are as follows...

Quote: "1. Establishment of a Palestinian state, return of refugees to their homes. 
2. Incorporate Hamas and Islamic Jihad into PLO. 
3. Resist Israeli occupation of lands captured in 1967 (West Bank and Gaza). 
4. Formulate political plan including Arab summit resolutions, PLO platform and fair international proposals. 
5. Consolidate the Palestinian Authority as the core of the state. 
6. Set up a national unity government for all factions, especially Fatah and Hamas. 
7. PLO and President Mahmoud Abbas would be in charge of peace negotiations. 
8. Freedom for all Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. 
9. Aid for refugees. 
10. Set up united movement for resistance against Israeli occupation with political backing. 
11. Maintain democratic elections and politics. 
12. Condemn Israeli and US siege on Palestinian people. 
13. Promote national unity by backing the Palestinian Authority, president, PLO and government. 
14. Ban on use of weapons in internal conflicts and renouncing divisions and (internal) violence. 
15. Improve participation of people of Gaza in freedom and independence. 
16. Reform and develop the security forces. 
17. Pass laws to reorganize the security forces and ban security officers from political activity. 
18. Boost efforts of international solidarity groups in struggles against Israeli occupation, settlements and security barrier.

In reality, this document is not aimed at promoting a peace agreement between Israel and the Palestinians. As you can see from the above points, its aim is rather to consolidate power under President Abbas, uniting the bickering Palestinian factions, and focusing on the common enemy - Israel (and US support). It will be interesting to see how the mainstream media interprets this development. As I was saying a few days ago, this may not be it, but eventually the Palestinians may come up with a proposal that the international community will pressure Israel into accepting. It will bring a limited peace, but will result in the greatest catastrophe for Israel they have ever experienced.

Quote: "Knesset Member Yossi Beilin (Meretz-Yahad) called in Prime Minster Ehud Olmert to cooperate with PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas following the ultimatum he gave to Palestinian organizations to recognize a state on the '67 borders. "Olmert must realize that something major happened in the Palestinian leadership, and that Abbas' call to accept the prisoner's plan… obligates Israel to take up intensive negotiations immediately with the Palestinian side," Beilin said. (Attila Somfalvi)

Source Jerusalem Post, Jerusalem Post, YNet News

Wars and rumours of wars
Hamas seeks planes for 9-11 style attack
25/5/06
Hamas leader, Abu Abdullah, had said in an interview with WorldNetDaily, that the group is seeking to acquire small planes which could be used to carry out a terror attack against Israelis. The planes would be laden with explosives and flown into high buildings, possibly in Tel Aviv. Abdullah stated Hamas would not carry out these attacks immediately, but they could be carried out when their "long term truce" falls apart. 

Quote: "Abdullah's statements come after Palestinian security officials told WND they believe Hamas recently smuggled into the Gaza Strip three small airplanes that can carry explosives and be used to attack Israel. They said information indicates the aircraft were purchased from eastern European dealers and that Hamas members received flight training from professionals in the Sudan, Iran and Syria. Abdullah refused to confirm the reports, but said his group has the right to acquire aircraft. 

Hizbullah carried out a similar operation a few years ago, flying a remote controlled drone into Israeli airspace and back again. Although no attack was carried out, it demonstrated the need for the IAF to ensure the integrity of Israeli airspace. Palestinians have been attempting to hit the Dimona nuclear plant with Kassam rockets, and just a few days ago a light aircraft was escorted away by fighter jets after straying too close to the facility.

Source WorldNetDaily

Anti-Semitism
Scottish Church asks Israel to label settlement products
24/5/06
The Church of Scotland has become the latest in a long line of British organizations seeking to punish Israel for the "occupation". Just a few days ago, the World Council of Churches released a report accusing Israel of being the sole cause of the conflict, and called on member churches to use legitimate means of pressure to to promote a "just peace" and an end of "unlawful activities" by Israelis and Palestinians. The British Association of University Teachers called for a boycott of Israeli universities in the territories, much to the dismay even of Palestinian academicians, who believed the decision would harm Israeli Palestinian relations and further education. Not to be outdone by the AUT, the British association of further and higher education, NATFHE, recently urged its members to boycott all Israeli academics no matter where they lived, if they did not explicitly distance themselves from the "occupation". The Anglican Church, despite its subsequent denials, called on its members to divest from Israeli firms that operate in the territories, prompting former Archbishop Lord Carey to exclaim that he was "ashamed to be called an Anglican". And now the Church of Scotland...

Quote: "Mylne, who reported to the General Assembly on Tuesday, said the church advocated clear identification of products from illegal settlements to enable consumers to make informed choices. The Church of Scotland, formerly the official church in Scotland, is a Presbyterian body. The Presbyterian Church (USA) last year identified five companies in which it had investments in companies which it said contributed to "ongoing violence that plagues Israel and Palestine." 

What is the matter with the "Church" today? Have we become so politically correct, that we no longer care about the bloodshed and loss of life? Are we prepared to reward terror by punishing Israel for a war they did not create? The ironic thing is, in spite of all these boycotts, and in spite of the disengagement, Israel's economy has never been better. Those who curse Israel are literally reaping their own reward. 

Genesis 12:2-3
And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.  

Source Jerusalem Post

Mark of the Beast
VeriChip Chairman offers to chip immigrants
24/5/06 
This from my friend Adam

The Chairman of the VeriChip corporation, Scott Silverman, has proposed the compulsory implanting of immigrants as a possible method to help solve the current Mexican border crisis. President Bush had called for high-tech ways to be found to prevent hundreds of illegal immigrants from attempting to enter the US every day. But rather than erecting an "electronic fence" to physically prevent people from crossing the border, VeriChip's Scott Silverman has offered to implant immigrant workers with his RFID tag which would enable an individual's movements to be tracked. The government would then know exactly who was in the US, and those that don't abide by the law could be easily located and deported. The same proposal was made by Colombian President, Alfaro Uribe, just a number of weeks ago. America is currently implementing a similar compulsory scheme to track cattle.

Quote: "VeriChip's Silverman bandied about the idea of chipping foreigners on national television Tuesday, emboldened by the Bush Administration call to know "who is in our country and why they are here." He told Fox & Friends that the VeriChip could be used to register guest workers, verify their identities as they cross the border, and "be used for enforcement purposes at the employer level." He added, "We have talked to many people in Washington about using it...."

Of course, VeriChip, who have found the US a hard sell for their RFID products, would stand to make millions from an official government endorsement. And if the American public perceive the VeriChip can help protect them from the ill effects of illegal immigration, the company will have won a major PR battle. The pressure will then be on for the public to accept mandatory identification tags in the interest of the "greater good".

Quote: "The numbering and chipping of people seems like a plot from a dystopian novel, but the company has gotten the buy-in from highly placed current and former government officials, including Columbian President Alvaro Uribe. He reportedly told Senator Arlen Specter (R-PA) that he would consider having microchips implanted into Colombian workers before they are permitted to enter the United States to work on a seasonal basis. "The mantra 'chip the foreigners' has little appeal once people realize the company wants to stamp its 'electronic tattoo' into every one of us," cautions McIntyre. "Electronically branding and tracking visitors like cattle is VeriChip's excuse to get the government on board. But if that happens, we'll all be in their sights."

That phrase is interesting, the "numbering" and "chipping", for that's exactly what we have described in the book of Revelation.

Revelation 13:1617 
And he (Antichrist) causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark (Greek actually means an incision, or a tattoo-like identifying mark) in their right hand, or in their foreheads: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark (chip), or the name of the beast, or the number of his name (identification number).

Source FreeMarket News

Pestilences
WHO investigating human to human bird flu case
24/5/06 
The World Health Organization is investigating a possible case of human to human transmission of the deadly H5N1 virus in an Indonesian family. Although they believe the virus has not mutated into a human variant, the WHO believes that the virus can spread through close contact with those who are suffering from bird flu. A top Russian biologist recently stated that he believed the virus is likely to mutate into a human form once it reaches America and Britain, due to a high number of viruses already present in the population.  

Quote: "Six of the seven people in the family from northern Sumatra who have caught the deadly disease have died, the most recent on Monday. It is one of the largest human clusters ever reported. Bjorge, who is the team leader at the village in Kubu Sembelang, said none of the poultry in the area tested positive for the H5N1 bird flu virus, which has led a team of international experts to explore whether the virus spread among the relatives. He warned, however, that such isolated cases of very limited human-to-human transmission have been documented — including a case in Thailand involving a mother and child — and that it does not mean a pandemic flu strain has emerged. 

Source Fox News

Wars and rumours of wars
Israel developing cruise missiles for Iran
23/5/06
Israel is speeding up development of its cruise missile technology, according to Israeli security sources, increasing speculation that Israel intends to "go it alone" with Iran when diplomacy fails in regards to the nuclear crisis. Israel is currently the only nation in the world to have a function missile defence shield, but needs to develop rockets with the capability of penetrating Iranian airspace undetected. Israel had previously requested the use of Tomahawk missiles in the event of disengaging from the Golan Heights, but the request was refused by America over fears the missiles, which are capable of carrying a nuclear warhead, could escalate tensions in the region. With the current crisis in Iran, and President Ahmadinejad threatening to destroy Israel, that request could be granted. A few weeks ago, an Israeli official in Pakistan confirmed that the weapon of choice for taking out Iran's nuclear facilities would be missiles, and that Israel would mount an attack within 3 months. 

Quote: ""A top priority has been put on developing this technology, in light of the Iran situation, as well as improving the Arrow," an Israeli security source said, referring to the anti-missile defense system designed by state-run Israel Aircraft Industries. Jane's Defense Weekly said in 2004 that Israel Military Industries had fielded the country's first cruise missile, but its range was only around 300 km (190 miles). There have also been media reports that government arms manufacturer Rafael created at least a prototype cruise missile by attaching a jet booster to its medium-range Popeye missile.

President Bush has also expressed his support for Israel during his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert today, and promised to defend the nation if it was attacked by Iran. Former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon had stated Israel would "know what to do" if attacked, and from Scripture I believe God will give Israel the victory without the help of any other nation, so His name will be sanctified in the eyes of all nations. In other news, Iran test-fired a Shihab-3 missile today, which is capable of reaching Israel, coinciding with the Prime Minister's visit to the US.  

Quote: ""Israel is a close friend and ally of the United States. In any event of an attack on Israel, the US will come to Israel's aid," Bush said during a joint press conference at the White House. (Ronny Sofer, Washington)

Ezekiel 39:6 
And I will send a fire on Magog, and among them that dwell carelessly in the isles: and they shall know that I am the LORD.

Source Reuters, YNet News, Jerusalem Post

Peace process
Hamas: 1967 borders will bring peace
23/5/06
Hamas Prime Minister, Ismael Haniyeh, offered Israel a pseudo-peace this morning, stating that there would be "peace" between the two peoples if Israel withdrew to 1967 borders. But Hamas refused to halt terror, and said co-operation would only take place on a practical level, not on religious or political terms. In other words, more cash and land could be given to the terrorist organization, but they would not call a stop to the religious jihad, or recognize Israel's political right to exist. Israel rejected the offer out of hand, as long as it refused to abide by the UN Security Council resolution, calling for recognition of that right to exist, to end violence and honour previous PA agreements with Israel.

Quote: "Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh stated on Tuesday that an Israeli withdrawal to the 1967 borders would result in peace between the two peoples. The Palestinian prime minister said that the Hamas-led PA would be willing to engage in a long-term, renewable ceasefire agreement if Israel withdraws. He also stated that his government was willing to engage in talks with Israel on practical, though not ideological or political matters, and was surprised that, according to the prime minister, Israel did not reciprocate.

Why does the international community have such a short memory? Or do they forget that even when Israel occupied the 1967 borders, a full-scale Arab war was launched in an attempt to wipe out the Jewish state? And all the false prophets in the World Council of Churches continue to prophesy peace, when there is no peace! With events heating up in regards to Iran, and Prime Minister Olmert only promising Hamas 6-9 months now, I'm looking for Hamas to make some sort of interim agreement within the next few months. It will probably fall short of full recognition of Israel, but will end the violence temporarily, and the international community will pressure Israel into accepting the deal to make the best out of a bad situation. Israel will then be at rest, and not expecting a massive Russian/Muslim invasion, which will probably occur after the Iranian nuclear facilities are hit. Prime Minister Ariel Sharon previously stated that he believed Russia had no intention of attacking Israel. Perhaps he also believes these false prophets.

Quote: "“President Putin told me that he had previously given a commitment to (the coma-stricken Israeli Prime Minister) Ariel Sharon that Russia would never do anything to harm the state of Israel and that that commitment applies to me as it did to Ariel Sharon,” Olmert, the acting prime minister, told public radio.

Jeremiah 14:13-14
Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, the prophets say unto them, Ye shall not see the sword, neither shall ye have famine; but I will give you assured peace in this place. Then the LORD said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart.

Source Jerusalem Post, Moscow News

Peace and safety
American Indians offer Jerusalem mayor peace-pipe
23/5/06
Not really news, but I thought this was very intriguing. North American Indians have offered Jerusalem Mayor, Uri Lupolianski, the Peace Pipe on the 39th anniversary of the reunification of Jerusalem. The Peace Pipe was given to the Mayor as a gesture of peace and goodwill for Israel from the Indians.

Quote: "Native American leaders presented Jerusalem Mayor Uri Lupolianski with a peace pipe on Monday, a few days ahead of Jerusalem Day and the 39th anniversary of the reunification of the city under Israeli rule. The peace pipe, which had previously been kept at the United Nations and by the Dalai Lama, was given to the mayor for safekeeping for the next seven years as a blessing of peace for all residents of the city.

Ironic, isn't it? When every country in the world is trying to divide the city, Native Americans are giving Jerusalem their blessing of peace, and for the next seven years. Seven years is of course the exact period of time that the Antichrist will make the agreement for, as prophesied in the book of Daniel. I wonder if the American Indians are seeing what the average Christian (i.e. the WCC) doesn't?

Numbers 23:20,23 
Behold, I have received [commandment] to bless: and he hath blessed; and I cannot reverse it. Surely [there is] no enchantment against Jacob, neither [is there] any divination against Israel: according to this time it shall be said of Jacob and of Israel, What hath God wrought!

Source Jerusalem Post

Anti-Semitism
WCC blames Israel for Middle East conflict
22/5/06
The World Council of Churches has slammed Israel following a meeting of its executive committee in Geneva. The religious body lays the sole blame for the conflict in the Middle East at Israel's feet. The WCC accuses Israel of blatantly disregarding international law, annexing "Palestinian" land - labelling the territories captured in the Six Day War as "unlawful gains", destroying Palestinian livelihoods - by implementing stringent security measures against the constant barrage of Kassam rockets fired daily into Israeli towns, and crushing Palestinian "democracy" - the Hamas terror government. 

Quote: ""One side is positioning itself to unilaterally establish final borders on territory that belongs to the other side; the other side is increasingly confined to the scattered enclaves that remain. On one side there is control of more and more land and water; on the other there are more and more families deprived of land and livelihoods. On one side as many people as possible are being housed on occupied land; on the other side the toll mounts of refugees without homes or land. One side controls Jerusalem, a city shared by two peoples and three world religions; the other-Muslim and Christian-watches its demographic, commercial and religious presence wither in Jerusalem," the WCC said.

The WCC calls on its member churches to "use legitimate forms of pressure to promote a just peace and to end unlawful activities by Israelis or Palestinians." But the question is, how can there be a "just peace" when bodies like the WCC, the Anglican Church, NATFHE, and others refuse to present a "just view" of the Middle East conflict? 

One side has never started a war before, yet was attacked by six Arab nations upon declaring independence, and has been attacked two times since; the other side continues to cause instability in Gaza, Jordan and Lebanon through terrorism;  One side has offered recognition of a Palestinian state on many occasions and was rebuffed; the other side refuses to recognize Israel's right to exist. One side has over 3000 years of recorded history in the land; the other side has never experienced autonomy in the region. One side erects walls to protect its people from attacks; the other side believes murder is a legitimate means of resistance. One side builds settlements to try and house refugees - which no other Arab nation will do; the other side demolishes the settlements as soon as they come into possession of the land. One side permits access to the holy sites for all religions in Israel; the other side refused access to Christians and Jews while they controlled Jerusalem long before 1967... 

I could go on, but I think you get the picture. There is a deep, ingrained, anti-Semitic spirit that pervades the "Church" today. It stems from Augustine's replacement theology, from the hatred between Jacob and Esau, from the bitterness between Isaac and the son of the bond-woman, from Cain and Abel, right back to the enmity between the seed (Christ) and the serpent. This hatred will culminate in the greatest persecution for Israel they have ever experienced. But those who find themselves perpetuating this hatred will ultimately find themselves fighting against the Mighty God of Jacob.

Email the World Council of Churches (EAPPI) and let them know they are standing alone.

Quote: "The EAPPI is an initiative of the World Council of Churches under the Ecumenical Campaign to End the Illegal Occupation of Palestine: Support a Just Peace in the Middle East. Its mission is to accompany Palestinians and Israelis in their non-violent actions and concerted advocacy efforts to end the occupation. Participants of the programme are monitoring and reporting violations of human rights and international humanitarian law, supporting acts of non-violent resistance alongside local Christian and Muslim Palestinians and Israeli peace activists, offering protection through non-violent presence, engaging in public policy advocacy and, in general, standing in solidarity with the churches and all those struggling against the occupation.

Isaiah 10:20-21
And it shall come to pass in that day, that the remnant of Israel, and such as are escaped of the house of Jacob, shall no more again stay upon him that smote them; but shall stay upon the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, in truth. The remnant shall return, even the remnant of Jacob, unto the mighty God.

Source Jerusalem Post , EAPPI

Wars and rumours of wars
Israelis planning to sue Ahmadinejad
22/5/06
A group of Israeli diplomats are planning to bring President Ahmadinejad to court regarding his address to the World Without Zionism conference, where he called for Israel to be "wiped off the map". They have also taken into consideration the President's denial of the holocaust, Iran's support for terrorism, and efforts to procure atomic weapons. The diplomats have discussed their proposal with legal experts from around the world, and have come to the conclusion that President Ahmadinejad could be sued for conspiracy to commit genocide, and for a direct and public incitement to commit genocide. The case would be held in the International Court of Justice in the Hague. 

Quote: "The Convention on genocide defined genocide as acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group. The acts for which countries can be punished as part of the Convention include physical genocide, conspiracy to commit genocide, as well as a "direct and public incitement to commit genocide." Rosen and Gold write in their document that "Ahmadinejad's remarks constitute without a doubt a 'direct and public incitement' to commit genocide. The Iranian regime supports terror organizations, such as the Islamic Jihad, which continuously carries out murderous terror attacks against innocent Israeli citizens. However, the gravity of Ahmadinejad's remarks is particularly outstanding in light of Iran's attempts to develop mass destruction weapons."

I doubt very much if suing Ahmadinejad will help any. The EU seems so keen to throw money at the President to try and persuade him to follow the path of peace, that it would probably offset any financial pressure from the Hague. The world at large wants to "contain" Iran as long as possible, rather than facing up to the problem. 

Isaiah 54:15 
Behold, they shall surely gather together (for war), [but] not by me (the Lord): whosoever shall gather together against thee (Israel) shall fall for thy sake.

Source YNet News

Wars and rumours of wars
Israeli officials: US will not strike Iran
22/5/06
We've been saying this would probably happen for a few months, and today Israeli officials are speculating that the US will not be in a position to strike Iran within the next 12 months. Israeli analysts believe that President Bush's bargaining position with Iran has been weakened because of the war in Iraq, and growing influence from China and Russia. President Bush has also been weakened by the EU, several nations having already ruled out military action completely. This news is increasing expectations that Israel will have to "go it alone", and launch a surprise attack on Iran to prevent it developing a nuclear weapon. An Israeli official in Pakistan, speaking anonymously, confirmed that Israel would probably strike Iran within the next 3 months using bunker-busting missiles. 

Quote: "Government sources said Israel's military and intelligence community does not expect the Bush administration to order a U.S. strike on Iran over the next year. The sources said the Israeli assessment determined that President George Bush would be deterred by insufficient U.S. intelligence as well as declining popular support. "Bush is weak within the United States, and the chance that he'll launch an attack against Iran is slim," Israeli Retiree Affairs Minister Rafi Eitan said.

Possibly the US will provide a support role for Israel, but politically America is isolated in regards to Iran, encumbered by the international community, who are resolved to do everything except launch a military strike against the nuclear facilities. If Israel attacks without international consensus, as it did in 1981 against Saddam's Osiraq reactor, there is no doubt they would immediately incur the wrath of Gog and his armies. There would be little President Bush could do to prevent a retaliatory attack, for Israel would have acted against the wishes of the international community. That is the exact picture we have in Ezekiel 38-39, a Russian/Muslim invasion of Israel with limited international protest.

Ezekiel 38:13 
Sheba, and Dedan, and the merchants of Tarshish, with all the young lions thereof, shall say unto thee, Art thou come to take a spoil? hast thou gathered thy company to take a prey? to carry away silver and gold, to take away cattle and goods, to take a great spoil?

Source Middle East News Line

Wars and rumours of wars
Olmert: Iran months away from nuclear know-how
21/5/06
Israeli Prime Minister Olmert is currently on a trip to the US to meet with President Bush, where he will discuss numerous matters including "convergence" and Iran. Bush is under pressure to caution the Israeli Prime Minister not to go ahead with his withdrawal from Judea and Samaria, from both the Palestinians and right-wing conservatives who believe his plan is a recipe for destruction. Olmert had previously stated that he would give Hamas 6 to 12 months to recognize Israel, or they would disengage in steps before unilaterally drawing Israel's border by 2010. Meanwhile, Iran continues to press on the Prime Minister's mind. Iran recently rejected a UN proposal to end the nuclear crisis, before it was even put on the table, stating their "right" to enrich Uranium. Prime Minister Olmert has commented that Israel believes Iran is just months away from perfecting their nuclear knowledge, and possibly 6 months away from developing a nuclear device.

Quote: "Olmert said the key issue regarding Iran was not when they build a nuclear bomb, but rather when they acquire the knowledge they need to manufacture such arms. "This technological threshold is nearer than we anticipated before. This is because they are already engaged very seriously in enrichment," Olmert said. "The technological threshold is very close. It can be measured in months rather than years."

Pakistani officials have advised Iran on how to proceed with their efforts to achieve nuclear capability. General Mirza Aslam Beg has suggested Iran take a "hostage" in order to prevent any pre-emptive strike on the nation's nuclear facilities. This was supposedly why the international community permitted Pakistan to develop the bomb... if anyone hit Pakistan, India would "get it". And that is precisely what the head of the Iranian Revolutionary guards has suggested doing.

Quote: "Retired Gen. Mirza Aslam Beg said he suggested their government ''make it clear that if anything happens to Iran, if anyone attacks it -- it doesn't matter who it is or how it is attacked -- that Iran's answer will be to hit Israel; the only target will be Israel.''

It seems President Ahmadinejad is on an intercept course  to fulfilling Ezekiel 38-39. There is absolutely nothing we or anyone else can do to prevent this happening. It's a foregone conclusion, the question now is when and how this invasion happens. And if Israel is determined at halting Iran's nuclear programme, you can bet it will be sooner rather than later.

Source Jerusalem Post, Free Republic

Anti-Semitism
New Iranian law would require Jews to wear armbands
19/5/06
This from my friend Rick

The head of the Simon Wiesenthal Centre in Los Angeles, Rabbi Marvin Heir, has announced that "Iran was nearing Nazi ideology", with the revival of an Islamic dress code law that would require Christians and Jews to physically identify themselves in public. Sharia law dictates that Muslims who shake the hands of non-Muslims in public are unclean, and this new law will establish "visual equality" for Iranians preparing for the coming of the 12th Imam, the Muslim Messiah. If the new law is passed by Ayatollah Khameini, Jewish people will be required to wear yellow armbands, and Christians red ones, a law reminiscent of Nazi Germany, that will undoubtedly evoke strong memories for those who survived the Holocaust. 

Quote: "Under the new law, which still awaits final approval from Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Jews will have to wear a yellow band on their exterior in public, while Christians will be required to don red ones. Internal Security Minister Avi Dichter responded to the new law Friday night, saying, "Whoever makes Jews anywhere wear the yellow star again, will find themselves in a coffin draped in black."

The law will also require Muslims to dawn full Islamic dress in public. Ahmadinejad had previously denied the country was intending to implement an Islamic dress code law, but now it seems the President is putting pressure on his government to pass the legislation. And of course the yellow armbands would be a further snub to Jews from the man who denies the Holocaust ever occurred. Groups like the Simon Wiesenthal Centre have long campaigned both against those complicit and sympathetic to the Nazi regime, in an effort to prevent the horrific mass slaughter of Jews happening again. With recent polls showing a majority of British youth do not even know what the Holocaust was, and with Neo-Nazi groups gaining strength in England, Poland and Germany, it looks like they are fighting a losing battle. Although there is no doubt the Holocaust was an horrific event, and we all should do our utmost to ensure it never happens again, the Bible states that for the Jewish nation, the worst is yet to come.

Matthew 24:21 
For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.

Zechariah 13:8 
And it shall come to pass, that in all the land, saith the LORD, two parts therein shall be cut off and die; but the third shall be left therein.

Source Jerusalem Post

Believing the lie
Muslims blast Da Vinci Code film
19/5/06
This from my friend James

It's one of a few dozen books now being released that denies the Divinity of Christ, claims Jesus had an affair with Mary Magdalene, and states the Church committed murder to bury this dark story. It's a novel that blends historic fact with fiction, resurrecting ancient beliefs about the Merovingian blood line (the descendants of Jesus and Mary), and the Holy Grail. The best seller, Dan Brown's Da Vinci Code, has been boycotted by Catholics and called "welcome dialogue" by others. In any case, the liberal media is giving agnostic and blasphemous theories regarding early Christianity its undivided attention, whether deserving or not. It's a theory which incidentally, the Royal Family of England hold to most dearly. Prince Charles believes he is a direct descendant of the bloodline of Jesus Christ, among many other kings, and therefore has the "legal right" to be proclaimed king of Jerusalem. Some Christian organizations are doing their bit to arm the public with the truth of this end times deception. Many are not. It's against this onslaught that many Muslims in Russia are now speaking out, and calling for the film to be banned. 

Quote: "’The Central Spiritual Directorate of Muslims of Russia has spent much effort to stop the Russian Muslims from bringing their anger against the scandalous cartoons out in the streets. It would be equally difficult to do the same without the timely reaction of the state to the irresponsible film distributors’ action’, the statement reads. The CSDM expressed their indignation at ’the negligence of the Prosecutor’s Office and irresponsible attitude of the Federal Agency for Culture and Cinematography that authorized the showing of the Da Vinci Code film that we think to be blasphemous and hostility-inciting.

It's no coincidence that so much media attention is now being given to stories that deny the truth of Scripture. Satan doesn't want to destroy religion, it's probably his best tool. And he can't destroy God's Word, that is eternal. As always, his aim is simply to muddy the waters, and discredit the truth of Scripture in the eyes of the world. If you tell a lie often enough, the saying goes, people will start to believe it. But then that's what the Bible said would happen in the last days.

2nd Timothy 4:3-4 
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away [their] ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

2nd Thessalonians 2:11-12 
And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

For information about this issue, visit The Truth About Da Vinci

Source Moscow News

Wars and rumours of wars
Ahmadinejad to send letter to Pope
18/5/06
President Ahmadinejad is planning to send a letter to Pope Ratzinger within the coming days, an Iranian source has revealed. A few weeks ago, Ahmadinejad had sent a lengthy letter to President Bush, proposing new solutions to some of the current problems facing the world. This was the first high-level contact between the two nations since the Islamic revolution in Iran 20 years ago. The letter, which contained references to history, philosophy and Islam, was rejected out of hand by the US administration as a cynical ploy to distract the international community's determination to resolve the nuclear issue. 

Quote: ""President Ahmadinejad's second letter is for Pope Benedict and will be sent in the next days," Jomhuri-ye Eslami newspaper, which is close to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, quoted unnamed sources as saying. The newspaper gave no details of the letter's content. Iranian officials were not available to comment.

Some Islamic analysts feared that the letter sent to President Bush, in which Ahmadinejad is reported to have offered America peace in return for dhimmitude, may have according to Islamic teaching been a precursor to war. Osama bin Laden also followed a similar line with America before the Twin Tower attacks in 2001. The Qur'an teaches that Muslims are commanded to offer their enemies peace if they submit to Allah. If they reject that offer, then by the precedent of Mohammed, Jihad is permissible. It will therefore be interesting to see the contents of Ahmadinejad's letter to the Pope.

Source Reuters

Wars and rumours of chocolate
Iran criticizes EU nuclear offer
18/5/06
Javier Solana, the High Representative for the European Common, Foreign and Security Policy, has now become embroiled in the Iranian nuclear crisis. Previously, negotiations between Iran and Europe over it's nuclear programme were undertaken by the E3, Britain, France and Germany. Now it seems Javier Solana wants to be credited with solving the most dangerous development so far to face the Middle East. He has promised the most ambitious carrot any nation could conceive, offering to help Iran develop its civilian nuclear programme, financial aid and possibly security assurances. Solana hopes that only a fool would be willing to turn down such a big bribe. 

Quote: ""It will be a generous package, a bold package, that will contain issues relating to nuclear, economic matters, and maybe, if necessary, security matters," Solana said, arriving for a meeting of EU foreign ministers. "We are preparing a package [so] that it will be difficult for them to say no if what they really want is energy," he said, ahead of talks between the so-called EU-three diplomatic powers; Britain, France and Germany.

Unfortunately it may be the West that is playing the part of the fool, in believing a man like Ahmadinejad can be bought. President Ahmadinejad has ridiculed Solana's offer, saying it was like a man trying to give a child chocolate in exchange for gold. Iran's Foreign Minister, Hamid Resa Asefi, has instead offered Europe economic incentives in return for recognizing Iran's "right to enrich Uranium".  

Quote: "But in a nationally televised speech before thousands of people in central Iran, Ahmadinejad cast scorn on the proposal. "Do you think you are dealing with a 4-year-old child to whom you can give some walnuts and chocolates and get gold from him?" he said.

As my friend James says, there is no doubt Solana desperately wishes to be the one who solves this crisis, and he is prepared to move heaven and earth to do it. If he could solve the nuclear dispute with Iran, both Iran, the East and the West would owe it Javier Solana for bringing peace in part of the Middle East and he would gain unparalleled international recognition. The rider on the white horse strikes again.

Daniel 8:25 
And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand.

Source Mail & Guardian, Fox News

Dividing the land
Peres: Israel will give Hamas 6-12 months
18/5/06 
There was a time when Jewish leaders would not have even used the term "occupation". Israel never occupied another nation's land, because Palestine as a state never existed. The Golan Heights, East Jerusalem, the Gaza Strip, and other areas captured in the Arab-initiated Six Day War, were seen as the legitimate spoils of war - a war caused by Arab refusal to accept a UN Jewish/Muslim division of the region in 1947. But now the tables have turned. The "occupation" has become a political hot potato, and Israeli politicians are lining up to get rid of it. They are no longer afraid to use the term "occupation", but it has now become politically incorrect to use the term "disengagement", for that word is a signal to Palestinian terror groups that Israel is surrendering. Deputy Prime Minister Peres, who reportedly has ambitions to become President, has stated he is planning to give Hamas 6-12 months to agree to the proposals laid down by the UN Security Council and recognize Israel's right to exist, or... wait for it... Israel will give them more land from which to launch attacks. 

Quote: "Disregarding the Jewish People's national, historic and spiritual ties with the Land of Israel, Peres said, "We are trying to get rid of the occupation because occupation stands against everything we stand for. But at the same time we have to defend our lives, and this is the contradiction." Overlooking the thousands of deaths and the tragic political results of the Oslo process he initiated, Peres said that for peace, "you must be prepared to be generous, to be forthcoming." Peres ended his speech by saying, "Since optimists and pessimists are dying the same way, we might as well live as optimists."

Hang on a minute, I though Sharon said there would be no further disengagement without a halt to terror? Apparently according to Peres, lives no longer matter. "Facts" on the ground have taken precedence over the security situation,  and in an attempt to be politically "generous and forthcoming" Israel is preparing to commit state-suicide. Israeli leaders are risking the lives of their own Jewish and Arab citizens by handing land over to a terrorist organization that is committed to their destruction.  

Source Arutz 7

Thanks everyone for your patience and support. Thanks for sending me the news too. Although I won't reprint it here, it will give me an idea what's been going on in the world.

I had a lovely few days holiday. News will resume from today as usual!

News might be slow until Wednesday, I will be taking a few days off work as my friend Angela is coming down to visit.

Thanks

Dividing the land
Peres looking to become President
12/5/06

There is speculation today that former Israeli Prime Minister, Shimon Peres, could be in the running to become President. Although Deputy Prime Minister Peres has refused to confirm this speculation, he was reported to have promised the Vatican official status in Jerusalem. Olmert's relative inexperience will go against him if new elections are called, and Shimon Peres' previous experience of dealing with the Palestinians may boost his chances of election. 

Quote: "Not only Kadima members are looking forward to the coveted position of Israel’s ninth president, the appointment of which is slated to take place in July 2007. Some are already shuffling the names of possible candidates. Among them Shimon Peres of Kadima, Binyamin Ben-Eliezer of Labor, Rabbi Yisrael Lau, and former Supreme Court President Meir Shamgar have been mentioned in the Knesset halls.

As I have said many times before, this man's name is of the utmost significance. For "Peres" literally means "divided" in Hebrew, and it wouldn't surprise me in the least if he is the one that presides over the division of Jerusalem during the tribulation period. "Shimon" or Simeon means "hearkening" or "listening". Thus Shimon Peres is one who is hearkening to the policy of the division of God's land.

Daniel 5:28 
PERES; Thy kingdom is divided, and given to the Medes and Persians.

Source YNet News

Peace Process
Russians involved in Hamas/Fatah agreement
12/5/06
Senior leaders from Hamas and Fatah recently announced an agreement aimed to paving the way for the establishment of a Palestinian state, with help from Russia. Hamas has come under intense financial and political pressure from the international community to recognise Israel's right to exist, end violence and honour previous Palestinian Authority agreements. But this proposal falls far short of that. With Russian diplomatic help, Hamas has worded the document in such a way as to agree to the establishment of a Palestinian state on 1967 borders, but without recognizing Israel's right to exist. The document also calls on Palestinian terrorist groups to focus their "resistance" - i.e. terror attacks on land captured after 1967, and so is unlikely to be acceptable to Israel or the international community. 

Quote: "According to the Palestinian source, Hamas has decided it would consent to this phrasing –"the recognition of a Palestinian state next to Israel” – in order to bypass the international demand to officially recognize Israel’s existence. The letter notes that ensuing political negotiations would be steered by the PLO and PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas, the source said. Russia was apparently involved in convincing Hamas to adopt this phrasing of accepting in principle neighbouring Palestinian and Israeli states, without recognizing Israel, the source said, and in return, the Russians played an important role in the Quartet’s decision to grant the PA a special aid package, and promised to urge the renewal international aid.

With news of an impending Israeli strike on Iran, it is interesting to see Hamas at least trying to soften its stance. And with direct Russian involvement in this deal, could this be yet another hook in Gog's jaw, to bring Russia against the land of Israel in the latter days? The Bible states that Iran and Russia will come against Israel when they are at rest (same word for idleness or complacency). This proposal, while falling far short of a peace agreement, may eventually provide the opportunity for Israel to become careless, before the Gog/Magog invasion. 

Source YNet News

Wars and rumours of wars
Israeli official: Israel will strike Iran in months
11/5/06
This timely news from my local friend Jim

An unnamed Israeli official from Pakistan has stated that Israel will strike Iranian nuclear facilities within a matter of months, regardless of whether the international community has achieved consensus or not. It has been reported that the US was seeking to secure air bases in neighbouring countries ahead of any planned attack on the nuclear plants. But with the UN Security Council unable to offer a solution, and China and Russia actively hindering any form of action being taken against Iran, Israel may be forced to go it alone. Iranian President Ahmadinejad had previously warned America that Iran would harm US interests around the world if action was taken against it. The head of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards has also stated that if America attacks, Israel will be top of the list for retaliatory targets. So even if Israel keeps out of the situation this time - as America had preferred, it looks like Israel would need to brace itself  for an attack. The only solution would be to take the Iranians by surprise and strike first. How will they do that when Iran is hundreds of miles away? Possibly through the use of satellite guided missiles...

Quote: "The unnamed official told Arnaud de Borchgrave, editor-in-chief of the United Press International (UPI), at the recently held national day reception at the Israeli Embassy that he believed Israel would strike Iran first in the next two or three months and that fighter bombers would not be involved as they had been to take out Iraq’s Osirak nuclear reactor before it went critical in 1981. For Osirak, Israel had used 14 F-15s and F-16s. This time, the Israeli said, it would be missiles. Asked if Israel would employ Cruise missiles, he replied, “with a gesture of his hand that went up and down again”, which meant that it would be the weapon of choice.

With President Ahmadinejad's letter, open talk of the destruction of the Zionist entity, a possible Israeli missile strike on Iran only months away, and China and Russia both against any form of punitive measures, there is no doubt the prophecies of Ezekiel 38-39 are now coming to pass.

Ezekiel 38:16 
And thou shalt come up against my people of Israel, as a cloud to cover the land; it shall be in the latter days, and I will bring thee against my land, that the heathen may know me, when I shall be sanctified in thee, O Gog, before their eyes.

Source Pakistan Daily Times

Boycott Britain
British academics plan to boycott Israel again
11/5/06
If you love Israel, and don't necessarily live in Britain, sign this petition against the boycott.

If it's not the Church of England, it's the British Association of University Teachers (AUT). If it's not the AUT, it's the Swedish government. And if it's not the Swedish government, it's the National Association of Teachers in Further and Higher Education (NATFHE). What on earth am I talking about? You guessed it, another organization is planning to boycott Israel. But this time there is a difference. The Church of England was only interested in filling its coffers by boycotting goods produced in the "occupied territories". The AUT was only interested in boycotting universities built on what they perceived as Palestinian land. But this boycott by NATFHE will go much further. If the group decides to advocate the boycott, it will be placed against any Israeli academic regardless of where they work, amounting to what some are calling a "anti-Semitic boycott". 

Quote: "Speaking to Ynetnews, Ronnie Fraser of the Academic Friends of Israel organization, said that the organizers of the current attempted boycott against Israel took care to avoid potential legal challenges. "This year’s motion is worded in the form of a 'silent boycott' so that individuals will not be detected if they carry out a boycott nor they hope will the union be responsible for promoting a boycott," Fraser said. "We are responding in the usual way, but it will be very difficult to overturn it on the floor of the conference if it gets that far, as the majority are left-wing activists who do not believe that Israel has the right to exist, and that some criticism of Israel's policies can be anti-Semitic," Fraser said.

And the Labour government cringes at the thought of boycotting a terrorist government which is actively recruiting and training members to murder innocent civilians. We ought to be ashamed of ourselves. There is no doubt a culture of anti-Semitism is pervading our universities and colleges. The last boycott by the AUT was thankfully overturned, even the Palestinian academics were against it as they felt it would only harm higher education and ties between Israel and the Arabs. It's clear a majority of British academia and religious leaders see Israel as the sole cause of the Middle East conflict. That can only mean one thing, that this nation, which voted against the establishment of Israel in 1948, is setting itself up for judgement by the Mighty God of Jacob.

Source YNet News

Wars and rumours of wars
Ahmadinejad letter precursor to war?
11/5/06
The United States government openly criticized President Ahmadinejad's letter to President Bush last week, regarding the crisis in the Middle East. Ahmedinejad had written an extensive document to the President, detailing the delicate world situation, the root of existing problems, and proposed new ways of solving the current crisis. The US dismissed the letter, which contained a few dozen pages on history, philosophy and Islam, as offering nothing new. But analysts are becoming concerned that the letter, in which President Ahmadinejad offered the US peace (in return for dhimmitude - cultural submission to Islam), may according to Islamic teaching, just be the precursor to a war that could start within months. This link from my friend Adam gives more detail on President Ahmadinejad's letter, and how it ties in with the teachings of Islam regarding Jihad, and the fulfilment of Islamic "prophecies" regarding the end times including the appearance of the 12th Imam - the Muslim Messiah.

Quote: President Ahmadinejad wrote: "Mr. President, according to divine verses, we have all been called upon to worship one God [Allah] and follow the teachings of the divine [Muslim] prophets. We increasingly see that people around the world are flocking toward a main focal point – that is the Almighty God. Undoubtedly through faith in God and the teachings of the prophets, the people will conquer their problems. My question for you is: "Do you not want to join them?"

According to the precedent set by the prophet Mohammed, who destroyed Mecca after agreeing to a peace pact, Jihadists must offer their enemies the opportunity to repent before declaring war.

Quote: "Another observer of Islam, journalist Stephen Adams, said the letter seems to parallel a missive from al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden to Americans prior to the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. Interviewed on the Michael Medved radio show yesterday, Adams noted bin Laden stated his grievances against the United States and gave Americans the opportunity to "repent." Based on precedent, Adams continued, he expects the next step will be for Iran to make the invitation public. Then the "crimes" of the U.S. will be published and the grievances will be cited at Friday prayers in mosques. Finally, comes a fatwa, amounting to a declaration of war.

Regarding the nuclear impasse. the President of Iran has also offered to talk to any country in the world - apart from Israel, which he said today was a "tyrannical regime that will one day be destroyed". No doubt some of the greatest "crimes" of America and the "Crusaders" will be supporting the "Zionist enemy". If and when this fatwa is issued, I believe the time of the Lord's return to take the believers home will be very close. According to John Hagee, even if you are a pre-wrath rapture believer get ready, for God's wrath is coming...

Ezekiel 38:18-19
And it shall come to pass at the same time when Gog shall come against the land of Israel, saith the Lord GOD, [that] my fury shall come up in my face. For in my jealousy [and] in the fire of my wrath have I spoken, Surely in that day there shall be a great shaking in the land of Israel;

Source WorldNetDaily, Fox News, WorldNetDaily

Morals
UK Doctors enraged at law to legalize euthanasia
11/5/06
If you are from the UK, sign the CareNotKilling petition against Lord Joffe's bill. Signatures will be presented to Prime Minister Tony Blair on Friday before the vote is made. Over 80,000 people have so far signed the petition. 

Three quarters of UK doctors oppose it, the Royal College of Physicians and the Royal College of General Practitioners believe it runs against their Hippocratic oath to support life, but that's not stopping the UK government from attempting to legalize it. Lord Joffe is planning to put the new bill, which if passed will legalize euthanasia in the UK, to a vote in the House of Lords this Friday. It's not the first time the Labour government has attempted to legalize "mercy" killings. Last year the British Medical Association dropped its opposition to medically assisted suicide at the request of Tony Blair, who has promised in his manifesto to "increase choices" for cancer sufferers. All this despite vast improvements in palliative care over the last few years which has dramatically reduced the amount of suffering and pain terminally ill patients experience. 

Quote: "The Bill, proposed by human rights lawyer Lord Joffe, would enable adults who are suffering “unbearably” as a result of a terminal illness and are of sound mind to die at their own request. In practice this would mean that a doctor has to hand them a lethal drug. Doctors are also worried about pressures that the option of assisted dying would put on patients who might feel a burden to relatives.

Euthanasia already occurs in the United Kingdom. Doctors can legally withhold food and water in order to let a patient die, if they feel that is necessary. It is estimated 8 such deaths occur in the UK every day. But this law will mean people like Leslie Burke, a UK citizen with a terminally ill disease, who is just fighting for the "right to life" - to not be killed if he becomes unable to communicate through his disease, will have no hope. The UN Charter of Human Rights supposedly enshrines this right in law. State governments are trying their utmost to erode it.

Source London Times, IC Liverpool, Ekklesia, Will to Live

Wars and rumours of wars
US bows to EU pressure to fund PA
10/5/06
Well, I said this would happen months ago, and today the US finally bowed to pressure from the European Union to fund Hamas salaries, and prevent a growing humanitarian crisis. The EU, the largest donor to the Palestinian Authority, has proposed that a special account be created to through which the salaries of Palestinian civil servants could be paid, while bypassing the Palestinian Authority government. US officials had previously argued that this action would take pressure off Hamas to recognize Israel's right to exist, halt terror and honour Palestinian agreements with Israel. Britain argued that if the international community paid Palestinian Authority salaries, it would not harm consensus against Hamas but would rather undercut their credibility on the Palestinian street. 

Quote: "A senior State Department official, speaking anonymously under briefing ground rules, observed that the American and European governments faced different political pressures. In effect, the official said, Europeans are alarmed about reports of a crisis in the West Bank and Gaza, but Americans are not that upset. The Bush administration, reflecting that American view, argues that any crisis in the area results from Hamas's intransigence, specifically its continued militant opposition to the existence of Israel.

In reality it's our credibility that is licking the dust, for Hamas now knows Western diplomacy is weak, and that they can continue their Jihad against Israel and the international community will not bat an eyelid. In the world's eyes, terror pays, but not in God's eyes.

Ezekiel 35:5-6
Because thou hast had a perpetual hatred, and hast shed [the blood of] the children of Israel by the force of the sword in the time of their calamity, in the time [that their] iniquity [had] an end: Therefore, [as] I live, saith the Lord GOD, I will prepare thee unto blood, and blood shall pursue thee: sith thou hast not hated blood, even blood shall pursue thee.

Source International Herald Tribune, Free Republic

Anti-Semitism
Berlin Jewish attack unreported in mainstream media
10/5/06
With anti-Semitism on the rise across Europe, it's no surprise that we should often hear of attacks against Jewish people in the news. But every major media organization failed to report this incident, despite having taken place in the capital of a major European nation. A young Jewish student, who holds dual Israeli-German citizenship, was walking through the predominately Muslim community of Steglitz, Berlin last week. She was speaking to her friend in Israel on her mobile phone. As she passed by a group of young women she was set upon, after one of the women realized she was speaking in Hebrew. The subsequent attack left the student needing medical treatment for her injuries.

Quote: "While she was walking home and holding a conversation in Hebrew with a friend from Israel on her c