... that just today, America issued a travel warning around the world?
That Beer Sheeba (the capital city of the Negev – with a population of 200,000) was the recipient of several missile rockets during the Hamas-led Gaza Strip upheaval? That Jerusalem’s Iron Dome (sold to them by the U.S.) constantly intercepts continuous missile attacks? That the word “Christian” still brings terror into the hearts of Jews, and that even those who have received Christ refer to themselves as “Jewish believers in Yeshua”? That around 324 A.D., during the Byzantine Period, it was declared that "Jesus is done with the Jewish People," and the Christians changed the Sabbath Day from Saturday to Sunday? That from ca. 1516 to 1916 the Jews, under the Turks Ottoman rule, started purchasing as much land in the Middle East as possible, especially undesirable land that no one else wanted? That the British and the Australians defeated the Turks and took control of the Middle East? That since 1948, when Israel became a state, they either discovered or developed the cherry tomato – 120 different strains of cherry tomatoes; the "drip system" that makes the desert highly productive; three desalination plants; solar energy; computer intel.; and the use of greenhouses over various palm trees to create a humid, jungle-like environment for fruit production? That Israel is primarily powered by coal imported by ship from Turkey? That Israel has just discovered natural gas and will soon be able to export? That King Herod the Great built the magnificent city of Caesarea, on the shore of the Mediterranean Sea, strictly for pagan entertainment? That King Herod never visited the fortress of Masada, but had it built strictly to protect his family as he was fighting to maintain his throne? That today, Israel is the only democratic city in The Middle East? That most Arabs want to live in peace with the Jews, because they know it is the only place in The Middle East that they can live in freedom? That most Jews and Arabs get along, but the media reports only on the events of terror? And then…. With everything we experienced today, my highlights were still human connections. We went to an authentic Kibbutz just outside of Caesarea, and learned all about how they started and what they’ve become today. Kibbutz basically means "living off the land" – farming. Our guide was a lifelong friend of our tour guide and we got the royal treatment – a very unusual gift to us. We then went to a local restaurant called Rachelle, which is owned by a woman in her twenties. Her grandmother, Rachelle, had passed down all her authentic hummus recipes. We packed the restaurant, so we were a blessing to the young entrepreneur. Just as we were preparing to leave, a Jewish woman and her young son stood at the doorway with the idea of eating there, but saw it was full. She said something to her son in Hebrew. I said to her: “We are finished so in a minute there’ll be lots of room.” She said, “Oh, do you speak Hebrew?” I responded no and said that I had just noticed that she was looking for a table. She asked where we were from. I told her from all over and that we had come to learn about the history of the Jews and to do anything we could to help them recover. She was overwhelmed, and said she could feel our love, and also allowed me to give her a warm hug. Tonight we were blessed with an Israeli symphony cello player and a tenor – both Jewish believers in Jeshua – who played and sang for us. The cello player, Catherine, has studied harp and the scriptures with Canadian Michael Moon. Tomorrow is our last day, and I’m not sure if I can blog again until I'm back home. Thank you so much for traveling with me! One more day, - Michelle
1 Comment
11/27/2015 12:34:56 am
A great and informative read Michelle! Glad y'all had a great time and back home safely!
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AuthorMichelle Sim - licensed Christian minister, speaker, author, founder of Northern Praise Ministries Inc., and supporter and connector of creative people. Archives
June 2016
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