Black Community News News and Commentary for Christians
Shalom from Northern Israel –
I have experienced a mix of emotions over the last week as I reflected on the situation my beloved country has been in since last October. The horrific October 7th massacre happened. Obviously, God allowed it to take place. We can and should hold the perpetrators responsible and accountable. They should all be given the maximum punishment, particularly so they will never get a chance to be released in a future hostage deal. However, just like the fall of Jerusalem’s first and second temples are often considered the direct result of the moral, cultural, and spiritual collapse within the nation of Israel, we must not overlook this aspect in the case of our current day’s disaster.
The inner division within Israel today has without doubt encouraged our enemies to carry out their vicious plan. They even admitted that in their interrogations. There is a powerful and loud minority in Israel. It is well funded and it skillfully communicates its agenda as it owns most media outlets and advertising agencies. The flagship theme of this minority is that God, the Bible, and the Jewish faith are the reason for all of Israel’s problems. They don’t see a strong, spiritual connection to the land of their forefathers, nor do they see the amazingly obvious miracles (which were predicted by the prophets of Israel) that led to the birth of the state of Israel in 1948.
These people want a liberal, secular, and progressive society. Democracy is a word they often use, but in reality, they won’t respect/accept the will of the majority as long as it contradicts their agenda. Their idea of democracy is that a legally-elected government by a legally-elected parliament must not do anything against the will of the liberal-packed supreme court. In other words – a non-elected supreme court is their God. These people are the “deep state” and they hold powerful positions within government offices, the IDF, the Israeli police, our secret services, our security establishment, as well as the academia and media.
They were incredibly threatened by the judicial reform that was about to fix my country’s sick reality, and they remain completely willing to bring the nation down as long as they don’t lose their powerhouses. So, yes, God has allowed October 7th to happen. But much of the responsibility for what happened is on the shoulders of these people. Now it’s up to the rest of the nation to either capitulate to them or to vomit this sick phenomenon from among us! This situation is the reality in many other western countries as well. And prayer is the most effective weapon! In our fallen world, we are called to be a light and the salt of the earth. We are called to spread the gospel and announce that there is hope! It’s not found in democracy, capitalism, socialism, or any other “ism” you may think of. Our hope is in the Lord.
Philippians 3:20
For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior.
Before I dive into the latest regarding current events in Israel and the region, I want to remind you that the best way to stay up to date regarding world events – especially those impacting Israel – is to subscribe to my Telegram Channel. This is the one-stop shop for my real-time news updates. You can also follow me on Instagram for news updates in the form of stories.
And let me just say, I touched on several of the items listed below in our very first MidEast Update from CONNECT on Monday! I am so thankful to finally be able to share content on a weekly basis from our new studio here. Make sure to tune in!
The Middle East
Hezbollah
I wish I could say that things were starting to slow down, but that would be a lie. Aside from the day-to-day attacks from Hezbollah and the Israeli airstrikes in response, Northern Israel’s hospitals are preparing for the looming war with our enemy. We continue to intercept explosive projectiles on a daily basis. War is not a matter of if, but when. In the meantime, Israeli officials have voiced that part of the reason we’ve delayed entering a war is to build up our munitions supply – offensive and defensive. I don’t mean this arrogantly, but Hezbollah is going to be sorry by the time this is done. Hezbollah and Lebanon are bracing for impact. In fact, Lebanese sources reported that Amos Hochstein delivered an Israeli message to the Lebanese government according to which: If Hezbollah does not retreat north beyond the Litani River by 6/24, Israel will start a war in Lebanon.
I gave a breaking news update on the countdown to war with Hezbollah on Wednesday! Make sure to give it a listen.
In his speech just a couple of days ago, Hezbollah Leader Hassan Nasrallah communicated that: 1) The party that should be in fear now is the enemy, not us. 2) Hezbollah will continue its operations in support of Gaza and is prepared for all scenarios. 3) We possess a significant amount of information. The drone footage published yesterday is just a small part of many hours filmed in Haifa. 4) We know that Israelis are conducting drills in Cyprus and its airports, which they plan to use if their own airports or facilities are struck. 5) We warn Cyprus against opening its facilities to Israel. If it does, we will consider it part of the war. 6) All the weapons meant for Lebanon have already arrived. 7) These weapons will be revealed when necessary, and we have new weapons to introduce. 8) We produce some of the rockets we need. 9) We have a large number of drones because we manufacture them. 10) Hezbollah has a comprehensive and accurate target bank inside Israel and the capability to reach these targets. 11) The enemy must be prepared for us on land, air, and sea, and we will fight without constraints or limitations. 12) The Israeli enemy knows that what awaits it in the Mediterranean Sea is substantial. 13) This threat may also include the US.
However, the Cyprian ambassador to Israel responded to this threat by stating that the country’s relationship with Israel is strong and that Nasrallah should really just bite his tongue. Moreover, the Cyprian foreign minister assured the terrorist group leader that Lebanon will pay a heavy price in response to any retaliation on Cyprian soil. The foreign minister even revealed that, if necessary, their fighter jets will accompany Israel in its attacks targeting Hezbollah. It’s nice to have a friend as a neighbor.
Hamas
While the IDF is making so much headway in Gaza, Israel has encountered its moments of sadness. On Saturday, Hamas fired an anti-tank missile at an IDF military vehicle, killing eight soldiers inside. Three more IDF soldiers died in separate events in Gaza just hours later.
Sadly, on a day when we were brokenheartedly burying 11 of our sons who fell in the Gaza Strip defending the people and the land, the IDF announced that they would grant 11 hours of humanitarian ceasefire in the Rafah area to bring in hundreds of aid trucks for Hamas and its supporters. I know who is putting the pressure on us and I know why we had to surrender to it.
The eyes of the cabinet are already on the northern border and we simply can’t afford any halt and/or delays in US-made armament shipments. So now you know who threatens us and how. If that’s not enough, these violence-loving cowards continue to use civilians as human shields where our troops are operating in Gaza.
The IDF is expected to have full control of Rafah in the next couple of weeks.
The International Community
Allow me to remind you that while so much is happening in my neck of the woods, Russia’s agenda hasn’t left the scene. Vladimir Putin, just a few days ago, told all foreign powers to leave Asia & Europe. Interestingly enough, according to Ezekiel 38, he’ll one day get his way!
Haven’t heard of the Taliban in a while? Don’t worry – They’ve voiced to Iran recently that they’re prepared to send thousands of fighters to go to war against Israel should Iran be interested. Iran is ready to flood Southern Lebanon and Southern Syria with waves of human fighters from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, and Yemen in any upcoming war on Israel’s northern front – and America knows it. Israel intercepted a suspicious projectile from the east just days ago. Guess what – It was a cruise missile launched by the Shiite militias in Iraq.
The United States
Don’t underestimate the coming elections in America! Strong demonic powers are active right now to try and bring that country down so the next phase of the globalist plan can begin. The wars in the Middle East and Ukraine, and the failed immigration policies in America, Canada, Western Europe, and Australia all contribute to this picture. State-level cyberattacks and brainwashing tactics are being deployed by Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea. The gullible, younger generation is under mental attacks like never before, while corrupt leaders are drugging their countries to do whatever it takes to avoid a conflict and pretending to have peace and safety.
As an Israeli born Jew, I have no solution! But as a born-again believer I do! This is the essence of our faith in the Messiah!
2 Corinthians 4:16-18
“Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.”
The Ministry
Please make sure to stay tuned with what’s taking place at CONNECT! In the weeks and months ahead, we will have a wide variety of different broadcasts we will be revealing that will enable us to cover a vast range of topics. There will be Q & A sessions, CONNECT Round Tables, MidEast Updates, podcasts, Explore the Bible installations, and more on a day-to-day basis. We still need a lot of prayer when it comes to the remaining staffing needs at CONNECT, so please ask God to provide the right people.
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.
Tune in tomorrow, Friday, at 12:00 PM PDT on Facebook & YouTube! The deity of Jesus Christ is something that has been under fire throughout the centuries. In fact, to the New Testament authors, it was one of the determining factors as to whether or not someone was holding to the truth. Does Jesus exemplify the same divine characteristics of the God we read about in the Old Testament? Is believing in the deity of Jesus necessary for one’s personal salvation? Join Amir and his special guest, Dr. Seth Postell, as they get to the bottom of the question; Jesus – Man or God?
We’re also continuing to look ahead to the future seeking God’s wisdom in our planning. From tours to speaking engagements to conferences and more, we’re asking God to give us discernment and wisdom in all of our decision making. Will you do the same on our behalf? I am so grateful for your abundant generosity and faithful prayers that fuel what we do each and every day.
You Are a Watchman
You can either take part in the globalist agenda or do your part to stand up against it. The fact that a person has a suicidal mindset doesn’t mean we need to assist him in carrying it out. The same is true with our fallen world. We have a responsibility! We need to bring the light of the gospel and the hope of salvation to people! We need to live lives that reflect our faith. We need to make smart choices based on our strong convictions regarding family, sexual identity, the sanctity of life, and supporting Israel. If we say that as believers, we can’t or shouldn’t be involved in politics, it’s equal to running away from responsibility. This is especially true if that decision causes us not to vote! Remember: We are all watchmen! We’re aware of things on a spiritual level as well as the physical. The Lord said the following about the role of the watchman:
Ezekiel 33:3-6
“When he sees the sword coming upon the land, if he blows the trumpet and warns the people, then whoever hears the sound of the trumpet and does not take warning, if the sword comes and takes him away, his blood shall be on his own head. He heard the sound of the trumpet, but did not take warning; his blood shall be upon himself. But he who takes warning will save his life. But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet, and the people are not warned, and the sword comes and takes any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at the watchman’s hand.”
Awaiting His Return,
Amir Tsafati
Photo credit: By Tasnim News Agency, CC BY 4.0, link
Amir, 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.
