“I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee, and  in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed” (Gen. 12:3).

“And the LORD appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto thy seed will I give this land”( Gen. 12:7).

“As birds flying, so will the LORD of hosts (the armies), defend Jerusalem; defending also he will deliver it; and passing over he will preserve it” (Is. 31:5).

Dear Friends of Israel:

Greetings from Jerusalem. It has been almost a month since the October 7th, “Black Shabbat” occurred. The world is quickly forgetting the price that Israel suffered at the hands of a cruel and merciless enemy: 1400 people murdered including numerous citizens from foreign lands, 3,500 injured and some 241 kidnapped and held hostage. These abductees include a 9-month-old baby, many young children, teenagers, adults, foreign workers, IDF soldiers, and senior citizens. Although 5 hostages have been released or recovered, nothing else is known of the whereabouts of the rest. The United States is has been reported is flying a Predator drone, equipped with specialized equipment to track their location. Other reports cite the presences of specialized commando groups (U.S, U.K. IDF) within the Gaza Strip.

I was talking to one of my Jewish neighbors here in the neighborhood. He wanted to see the “headlines” on the Jerusalem Post, that I had bought. And after showing him, the report, I parted with the words: “Am Ysrael Chai” or “The People of Israel Live” which is a phrase in normal times you would be encouraged with or sung with joy. He quickly corrected me and said: “Am Yisrael Cries” a sobering retort. Yes, this is a nation in grief, sorrow and deep mourning. “Why God” many have asked, did you let this sorrow come upon us?” I have no answers but can only say, the LORD will avenge His people. He will vanquish those that foment evil.

There have been world wide protests against this nation. The hatred against the Jewish people has been so pronounced that you can feel it in the atmosphere. It takes a lot of courage as a gentile to say: “I stand with Israel, I stand with the Jewish people.” Those words can get you killed in some parts of the world, including the United States. Yet, we believe in God’s promise to Abraham, “I will bless those that bless you, and I will curse those that curse you.” Marylois and I bless the Jewish people. After all Jesus, our Messiah was Jewish and we are also “grafted into the tree.”

State-Craft

This has been a week of “State-craft” or Diplomacy, or the lack of it. The Yemenite Houthis, a Iranian sponsored rebel group has declared war on Israel, and has been targeting Israel with cruise missiles. Thankfully they all have been intercepted. Algeria today, also issued a war declaration. Syria and Lebanon are currently “at war” with Israel with Iran carefully orchestrating events. A representative of Russia during the United Nations General Assembly announced that “Israel has no right to defend itself.” Bolivia broke diplomatic relations with Israel this week and the nations of Columbia and Chile recalled their ambassadors. Jordan, Israel’s neighbor, also recalled its ambassador and asked Israel’s representative to leave. Japan’s Foreign Minister Kamikawa though while on an official visit here, announced that nation’s support for “Israel’s right to defend itself.” (i24news)

U.S. Secretary of State Blinkin was also in Jerusalem today for diplomatic talks. He was here to “press” Netanyahu into granting a short term “pause” (read cease fire), in order to remove Palestinian Authority wounded (Hamas terrorists) and any hostages. Thankfully Netanyahu said “No.” Just such a “pause” would give Hamas time to rearm and redeploy its fighters. Such a “pause” though might help President Biden, temporarily quiet his Islamic supporters, who are angry at U.S. “favoritism” towards Israel. He finds himself walking a “political tightrope” as he sides with Israel, provides it with armaments, yet at the same time, pressures Netanyahu to provide humanitarian assistance to Gaza, demands restoration of internet and cell phone and now fuel. Blinkin apparently went away “empty handed” this trip, but he will soon be back.

The Armies of Israel

The IDF after a long delay, crossed over into the Gaza Strip. It has been a week of fierce combat. Twenty five IDF soldiers have given their lives for the nation. Yet, the city of Gaza (perhaps home to some one million people) is now surrounded. Hamas is also forbidding these Gazans from evacuating and is using them as human shields, or simply shooting them. Pray Psalm 91 over the IDF soldiers.

Ben Yehuda Street

I visited Ben Yehuda Street today, Jerusalem’s largest open air shopping experience. While many of the shops were closed, the falafel eateries, the bagel restaurants and coffee shops were open. Crowds were sparse. Yet there were the regular musicians playing with each one looking for a gift. But what caught my eye were the children. Such joyful innocence. One toddler was dancing to a drummer, another went by with her mom, eating an ice cream cone. Two more were laughing as I passed by. Just normal life on ere Shabbat. But then my thoughts quickly shifted to the fate of the 30 children, kidnapped by Hamas and hidden away, possibly abused or denied even the simplest pleasures of life. My heart’s cry and please make it yours is “Lord, rescue your little ones.” And that’s why the IDF is in Gaza: to destroy Hamas, and rescue the captives.

Defending Jerusalem

I began this letter with a scripture from Isaiah: “As birds flying, so will the LORD of hosts defend Jerusalem.” This city is the seat of government, the capitol of all Israel. Without Jerusalem, there is no Israel. Yet, the LORD promises He will defend this nation, against all odds, and all evil works. This tiny nation is in a fight for its existence. Prime Minister Netanyahu told the nation last week: “This is our second war of independence.” And with God, the Jewish people will triumph, once again over their enemies. . . Am Ysrael Chai!

Thank you for all your prayers!

Shabbat Shalom,

Gene and Marylois Little

House of Peace