Friday, December 29, 2006

The Middle East in Focus

This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:

"Lord, You have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. Before the mountains were born or You brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting You are God." (Psalm 90:1-2)

1. Islamic Jihad: We are firing more accurate rockets - Ynet News

The Islamic Jihad seemingly didn't receive notice of the ceasefire. From their stand point, the rocket firing will continue.

2. US, EU challenge Israel on new W. Bank settlement - Ynet News

Israel's plan to construct a new settlement named Maskiot in the Jordan Valley drew rare criticism Wednesday from the United States and the European Union.

3. Defense officials demand end to policy of restraint - Jerusalem Post

Senior defense officials called on Prime Minister Ehud Olmert on Tuesday to give the IDF a green light to strike back at the Palestinian terrorists behind the firing of seven Kassam rockets at the western Negev. One of Tuesday's Kassams, fired at Sderot after nightfall, left a 13-year-old critically wounded from shrapnel. Doctors were battling to save his life at press time. Another rocket, fired earlier in the day, landed next to a strategic installation in the Ashkelon Industrial Zone.

4. Christians Plan “Night to Honor Israel” - Ha'aretz

A leading evangelical US pastor has announced plans to hold a “night to honor Israel” in every major American city as part of an evangelical political campaign.

Pastor John Hagee, a Christian leader from Texas, was given an award by the Knesset [Parliament] Christian Allies Caucus during a ceremony, jointly held with the World Jewish Congress Monday night [December 18], to “honor our Christian allies.” Addressing the conference by a satellite-linked screen, Hagee delivered an emphatic speech, declaring: “It’s time for us Christians in America, from coast to coast, to speak up for Israel.” He added that his organization aimed to hold “every congressman and senator accountable for their position on Israel.”

(The date of the Night to Honor Israel has yet to be announced -- the editor.)

5. Aliyah 2006: 25% Increase in British Immigrants - Ynet News

While 2006 may not have been a particularly impressive year for aliyah [immigration to Israel] due to the last war in Lebanon . . . the Jewish Agency and Nefesh B’Nefesh are still very pleased with this year’s statistics, citing a massive increase in immigration from North America and Britain.