Much as happened in the last week in Israel and in the nations surrounding us.
Hamas Reaches a New Low— Arson Birds
Gilad Gabai, who works for Israel’s Park and Authorities, discovered a falcon in a tree not far from Gaza. The bird was dead, but flammable materials were tied to its legs. It had been sent by Hamas into Israel, with the hope that it would start a fire.
Gabai said, “Animals are already being burned as a result of the fire kite and balloon terrorism. Now we see that [Hamas] have moved on to using animals as a weapon. This is very distressing.”
On the same day, a balloon carrying a flammable device was sent from Gaza and landed in a preschool courtyard while the kids were outside. The children were taken inside, but it could have turned out differently, if the balloon landed near one of the children.
The world is largely silent regarding Hamas’ terror against Israel. Maybe they will speak out, now that they are torturing animals in their efforts to harm Israel. While PETA would never side with Israel over Hamas, I imagine they will have something to say about this.
Since March 31, the terrorists’ burning kites and balloons campaign has claimed more than 8,200 acres of Israeli lands—forests and farms—with over 1,000 attempts. The damage is costing Israeli citizens tens of millions of dollars.
Russian Forces Attack Innocent Syrians—200 Syrians Come to Israel’s Border
Russian forces attacked (by air) a school that was being used as a shelter for displaced Syrians. There were 10 causalities. More and more Syrians are fleeing to the south, as the Russian-backed Syrian army plows through the country. Already, tent cities have been erected in the ceasefire zone—a narrow 80-kilometer strip on the Israeli/Syrian border. In 1974, Israel and Syria agreed that this would be a demilitarized zone, if Israel would cede lands back to Syria that it won after Syria attacked Israel in the Yom Kippur war.
Some 200 civilians, who survived the attack, fled to the border, holding up white flags. The IDF soldiers told them to go back, as there are still live mines that Syria planted many decades to ago. Israel is committed to getting aid to the innocent civilians as part of their Operation Good Neighbor. Israel has treated more than 5,000 wounded Syrians, both in field hospitals set up in the Golan Heights, and in Israeli hospitals.
Israel Targets Iranian Base in Syria
The Israeli Defense Forces are staying true their promise that they will not allow Iran to gain a foothold in Syria. Last week, Netanyahu urged Putin to get the Iranians out of Syria. Putin does not want Israel involved in the conflict because of her superior military power. He needs Syria to remain a paying client of Russia.
But, just a few days ago, Israel reportedly bombed a military base housing Iranian soldiers. According to rebel forces, 22 soldiers were killed – including nine Iranians. But the Syrian official news agency denied the deaths saying,
“The Zionist enemy (Israel)… targeted with its missiles one of our military positions north of the Nayrab military airport, but the damage was only material.”
“The Israeli missiles targeted an Iranian Revolutionary Guard center, near the Nayrab military airport,” said the spokesman for a Syrian human rights group.
Note to Tourists
Despite what you read here, Israel is safe! I live here and have no plans to leave. If you are considering coming to Israel for a tour, you should! All of the violence is way in the north or deep in the south. Fortunately, it is does not touch Jerusalem, Tel Aviv or the Sea of Galilee. Since we built the Security Fence, starting in 2005, terrorist bombings in Israel have virtually ceased.
In the past two years, Israel has broken all of its tourism records. If you are interested in coming on our next tour, the dates are May 29th through June 8th. We have added an extra day in Tel Aviv, without raising the price! Click here for more info.
Help Us Help Tel Aviv!
Messiah’s Mandate seeks to support our congregation each month with roughly $10,000. This goes to pay salaries, our building rent, outreach, gives help to the needy, renovations and more. This year, we have had three months where we could not give or only give partially. We are seeking to raise $10,000 in fixed monthly support for Tiferet Yeshua. As our way of saying thank you, anyone who pledges $20 a month or more, will be included in a raffle this November, where we will give away a free trip to Israel on our 2019 tour. Just go to www.standwithmmi.org to make your pledge!
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