Black Community News News and Commentary for Christians
Shalom from Northern Israel!
Happy Feast of Weeks (Shavuot) to Israel, and Happy Birthday to the Church! One of my favorite aspects of these annual feasts in Israel is the reminder that they’re only the shadow of what was and what is to come. Yes, the celebrations are something to look forward to. Yes, I enjoy the fact that they distinguish the Jews as a people with a unique relationship with the Lord. But most of all, I love that they point to the substance – Messiah Jesus.
Colossians 2:16-17
So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths, which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ.
Sadly, this year’s Shavuot celebration was met with hundreds of rockets being fired over our northern border via Hezbollah. Anymore, we basically anticipate our terrorist neighbors will ramp up their attacks during Jewish holidays. God is good. My family is safe. And while I know our military is prepared to deal with this issue, I’m not looking horizontally for my hope.
Psalm 20:7
Some trust in chariots, and some in horses;
But we will remember the name of the Lord our God.
As I give you a synopsis of the key events in my region of the world over the last week, I just want to remind you to subscribe to my Telegram channel if you haven’t already. Telegram is where I post real-time news updates concerning Bible prophecy and current events, and it’s the only platform that enables me to be transparent and get the truth out!
The Middle East
Hamas & Gaza
You likely know by now that God delivered in a massive way just days ago when four Israeli hostages were rescued alive at the conclusion of an amazing operation carried out by the IDF. Andrey Kozolov, Noa Argamani, Almog Meir, Shlomi Ziv were all rescued as a result of a joint operation by the IDF, Shin Bet, and Yamam (the anti-terror unit of the police). This operation had been in the making for weeks! They were able to rescue four hostages and kill terrorists at the same time. This operation consisted of many moving parts, as well as a host of explosions. The Gazans, including the terrorists, were shocked. The US was even involved in providing intel to make this mission a success. You can learn more about this incredible event in my Breaking News segment.
However, this did not come without the tragic news of the loss of Captain Arnon Zamora – the team commander of the anti-terror unit – who sacrificed his life to bring them home. He will never be forgotten. He was the first person through the door where the hostages were being held. This operation has since been renamed, “Operation Arnon.” Am Yisrael Chai! This means, “The people of Israel live!”
In what’s not a surprise, Hamas has increased its phycological warfare ever since, threatening to make the living conditions of the other hostages even worse. We’re not finished. As Netanyahu said, our troops are going to bring everyone home. Given that Hamas rejected our most recent offer, we’re here to stay. By the way, the leader of Hamas even voiced that he believes civilian deaths are “necessary sacrifices.” He believes Gazans need to die. Israel is trying to spare as many as possible.
As the IDF continues to purge this lump of evil called Hamas from our midst, the depravity of these animals seems to be bottomless. Aside from the other grotesque things I’ve shared, the IDF is finding terror tunnel shafts in bedrooms belonging to girls. This is how these cowards operate. On a positive note, the IDF has seized full control of Philadelphi Axis and reached the Mediterranean Sea near Rafah. Hamas is now cut off from all sides. Now we have to purge them from the main city that’s dozens of feet underground. That said, nearly 40% of Rafah is now in our hands, but not at the cost of nothing. Tragically, an explosive-rigged building collapsed on Monday, resulting in the deaths and injuries of IDF soldiers.
Our military remains active in Judea & Samaria on a daily basis as well. These terrorists are everywhere.
Hezbollah & Lebanon
Throughout Northern Israel, including the Golan region, rocket attacks coming from Hezbollah in Lebanon are basically a daily occurrence. We’re dealing with them at an increasing rate. Israel is continuing to strike throughout Southern Lebanon. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – War is imminent. Rockets and drones are constantly being intercepted in our airspace. That said, in the last couple of days, we’ve eliminated some key Hezbollah leaders.
As of today, it’s war in Northern Israel. Rockets are nonstop and civilian areas are being targeted by the minute.
I’m torn between wanting us to strike back at Hezbollah right NOW and knowing the reason why we shouldn’t do it a minute before it’s the exact right time. In times of war, one must think from the head and not from the stomach. In times of war, one must exercise composure and not impulsivity. In times like these, I pray even harder for our prime minister and his war cabinet members who don’t have the luxury other politicians have to make empty promises and hollow threats. I also know the importance of the verse:
כִּי בְתַחְבֻּלוֹת תַּעֲשֶׂה לְּךָ מִלְחָמָה וּתְשׁוּעָה בְּרֹב יוֹעֵץ.
Proverbs 24:6
For by wise counsel you will wage your own war,
And in a multitude of counselors there is safety.
The United States
Sadly, the White House continues to undermine our government. Biden’s puppet inside Israel’s war cabinet – Benny Gantz – is leaving the government at the order of the White House and the State Department in an attempt to topple Netanyahu. In response, Netanyahu said, “Israel is in an existential war on several fronts. Benny, this is not the time to abandon the campaign. This is the time to unite the forces. My door will remain open to any Zionist party that is ready to help bring victory over our enemies.”
Foolishly, the US is providing another $400 million in aid to the Palestinians.
From the Heart of an Israeli
My social media feeds are exploding with what appears to be God-fearing and Jesus-loving individuals who are attending some major conservative events. In my attempt to understand who some of them are, I often go to their social media profiles and see what they write and who they spend their time with. To my shock and astonishment in so many cases, I see that many antisemitic people are found on those profiles. Why am I embarrassed and sad? Here I am trying to explain to broken-hearted and devastated Israelis that their best friends are neither politicians nor the progressive media, but rather, the people of God. The Church! The real Church!
Remember, not all conservatives are Spirit-filled, born-again believers. In fact, most of them are not. Their “religious convictions” might make them say the right things about family, gender, and national identity. But when it comes to Israel, they will spew horrific words and follow conspiracy theories that revive old blood libels against Jews. Their biblical discernment is literally nonexistent. Why? Because they don’t have the Holy Spirit. They aren’t saved. They’re simply just religious people. Remember, religion was never the answer. If anything, Jesus pointed at it as the problem. I remember sitting on a rooftop of a building adjacent to the Vatican in Rome and giving the message: “It’s Not About Religion, Brother!” Neither Judaism nor Islam nor Catholicism nor Hinduism nor Buddhism can ever save anyone. You can’t be born into faith. You must be born again. Your first birth will never be enough!
Please try to understand: We are in a situation the Jews haven’t found themselves in since the 1930s and the 1940s of the 20th century. The silence of the world is incredibly loud! The amount of deception, ignorance, and hatred is very unfamiliar to young Israelis who were on their journey to becoming part of the global community. Suddenly, they were reminded what God, through Balaam, tried to tell us during the Exodus from Egypt:
כִּֽי־מֵרֹ֤אשׁ צֻרִים֙ אֶרְאֶ֔נּוּ וּמִגְּבָע֖וֹת אֲשׁוּרֶ֑נּוּ הֶן־עָם֙ לְבָדָ֣ד יִשְׁכֹּ֔ן וּבַגּוֹיִ֖ם לֹ֥א יִתְחַשָּֽׁב׃
Numbers 23:9
“For from the top of the rocks I see him,
And from the hills I behold him;
There! A people dwelling alone,
Not reckoning itself among the nations.”
Choose wisely who you associate yourself with. And, yes, check their stance on Israel. It will say an enormous amount about their spiritual state!
The Ministry
CONNECT
We recorded our very first podcast at CONNECT just days ago with my dear friends, Sarah & Steve Berger. If you didn’t get a chance to watch/listen to it, check it out HERE! We’re working through a broadcast schedule for the variety of different installments we’re planning to facilitate at CONNECT. So, make sure to stay tuned! I can’t wait to reveal what’s been in the making for so many months.
Premiere of the Week
So many religions have their secret teachings and hidden truths. In Christianity, however, all mysteries are revealed. In my teaching, “The Mystery of the Messiah”, I will look at the most wonderful of these truths – God’s plan for the salvation of the world, both Jew and Gentile alike, through the life, death, and resurrection of His Son, the Messiah. As members of His church, this revealed mystery should not have us looking to replace Israel, but instead seeking ways to bless them, including living such a vibrant relationship with the Lord that it provokes God’s Chosen People to jealousy. Tune in this Friday at 12:00 PM PDT on YouTube & Facebook.
October 7th Unfiltered
In the weeks ahead, I will air an unfiltered video of the October 7th events. The atrocities are very difficult to watch and so graphic that no social media platform will ever allow me to show this content. That is exactly what the deniers are banking on! In preparation, there are two ways you can help me: 1) Please send my telegram channel to everyone you know! 2) Please be there to watch and then forward the video! Here is a link to my telegram channel for you to share with others: https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel
Video Resources
Over the last couple of weeks, I released a series of short, informational videos covering a variety of topics related to the Bible, Israel, and current events. These videos are prefect for sharing with others to give them factual and spiritual food for thought. The latest video pertaining to Jerusalem can be found HERE.
My Latest Resource
Discovering Daniel is now available in the Behold Israel Shop! Moreover, the study guide that accompanies this bestseller is also available for order. I am so excited for this book to fall into the hands of believers and unbelievers alike. Understanding the Old Testament is the key to making sense of the New Testament. What Daniel foretells; Revelation fulfills. I believe you’ll find this new book to be a very helpful resource in your biblical studies.
Keep Looking Up!
I can’t thank you enough for coming alongside Behold Israel at such a paramount time in history. I’m encouraged to see how your faithful prayers and loving comments have increased since last October. Furthermore, I am so grateful for your generous financial support that helps enable the ministry to do what it does.
Friends, this is not our home. We were not destined for this earth. We dwell in the corruptible today, but we’re longing for the incorruptible. Yes, there is chaos here. Yes, we are living in the last hour of the last days. Knowing this, keep looking up! God is on the move and He desires to use you and me here and now.
1 John 3:2-3
Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.
Oh, how I long for the day when we will be like Him because we will be with Him.
Awaiting His Return,
Amir Tsarfati
Amir Tsarfati, a Jewish Christian, is the founder and president of Behold Israel, a news site to correct the scarcity in trustworthy reportage on issues and events impacting Israel, and to resolve the uncertainty about who or what to believe.
Photo credit: By Wayne McLean (Jgritz) – Own work, CC BY 2.0, Link
