Israel InSight Magazine, June 2024 by israelinsightmagazine

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VOL. 1 ISSUE 2 • June 2024

FEELING THE LOVE IN NASHVILLE

AT NATIONAL RELIGIOUS BROADCASTERS ANNUAL CONVENTION CUFI ON CAMPUS STEPS UP TO THE CHALLENGE MEET THE CONGRESSMAN WHO WORE THE U.S. AND ISRAELI UNIFORMS JEWS, CHRISTIANS IN ARKANSAS UNITE FOR JOINT PROJECTS TO BENEFIT ISRAEL ISRAEL IS FIGHTING AMERICA’S ENEMIES 76 BIBLE VERSES CELEBRATING ISRAEL

Family members of Israeli hostages in Gaza tell their stories at the National Religious Broadcasters Convention

Golda Meir mural in the Machane Yehuda market in Jerusalem, part of a series of murals on shop doors.

I n S ide

National Religious Broadcasters support Israel. A bold plan for the future of Israel. Coalition urges Keep God’s Land. Inside the Israel War Room. Don’t call it “West Bank.”

CUFI on Campus standing in unity with Jewish students at a time of turmoil at universities across the country.

Activist from radical Codepink group harasses Rep. Mast

My Israel Story Rep. Brian Mast Caroline Bass

“While so many speak of human rights… all of a sudden, when it comes to Israel, to Israeli women, those values do not apply.” Anat Sultan Dadon, Israel’s consul general to the Southeast U.S., at a forum about the silence of women’s groups to the use of sexual violence by Hamas against Israeli women. Story, page 28.

The fallacy of the International Court of Justice’s prosecution of Israel

Protecting the Flag — and seeing first-hand that Israel’s enemies are America’s enemies

Through JNF, the Jewish and Christian communities in Arkansas unite to support Israel projects

For Israel’s 76th birthday, 76 Bible Verses Celebrating Israel

4 From the Editor 74 Reading Israel

60 Israel on Campus 77 Biblical Calendar: Sivan

72 Israel Sports 85 Israel Marketplace Israel InSight • June 2024

The Beginning Covering anti-Israel rallies is interesting, but not exactly fun.

Sure, in the mainstream press, the demonstrations and encampments are called pro-Palestinian, but we all know that isn’t the case. If these people really were pro-Palestinian, as in caring about the average person in Gaza or the territories, they would be demanding that Hamas free the hostages and surrender, end their reign of terror against Gazans and have some entity that would give the Palestinians some hope of an actual future. One that does not involve the impossible dream of eliminating Israel, and the indoctrination that their highest aspiration is to be a martyr while murdering as many Jews as they can.

They would also march against the far worse conditions Palestinians face in Lebanon, Syria and many other countries, or against Egypt for closing off aid at Rafah. No, they’re interested in the Palestinians only as far as they are useful as a tool to beat up on Israel. Therefore, these are all anti-Israel rallies.

And the only kind of peace that is aspired to is one where Israel does not exist.

With those rallies constantly in the headlines, universities under siege, random attacks against people who wear Israel-related items or are identifiably Jewish, it has been a very tense time for the Jewish community. That is why it is so important when Christians speak up and speak out — whether through public advocacy for Israel and the Jewish people, on social media, or just in reaching out to Jewish friends or local Jewish institutions.

With so many groups that preach tolerance and acceptance turning their backs on their Jewish former allies, the sense of betrayal and being alone is widespread. That is background as to why working on this issue of Israel InSight was both interesting and fun. This issue contains comprehensive coverage of the National Religious Broadcasters Convention, held earlier this year in Nashville.

No need to worry about chants of “Free Palestine” there. While the event always has some Israel elements, this year there were numerous programs, panels and educational opportunities, generally about October 7 and its aftermath. It was a place where love and appreciation for Israel was widespread, and there was a realization that Israel is fighting the first battles for Western civilization against a radical Islamist ideology that has no more patience for the “Sunday people” than it does the “Saturday people.” At a time when the anti-Israel, anti-West crowd is making itself heard, do not remain silent. Speak up, speak out — and let Israel know that they are not alone.

Lawrence Brook Publisher/Editor

We thank our many, many friends in the Christian community throughout the region who have been so helpful with their feedback, suggestions and insights as we launch this important publication, and we welcome your continued comments. Please subscribe if you haven’t already, and urge your friends to do the same! Your support is valued and needed.

June 2024 • Israel InSight

PUBLISHER/EDITOR Lawrence M. Brook ASSOCIATE EDITOR Richard Friedman ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER/ADVERTISING Lee J. Green CREATIVE DIRECTOR Ginger Brook SOCIAL/WEB Eugene Walter Katz CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Rivka Epstein, Nathan Klein, Tally Werthan, Bebe Hudson, Belle Freitag, Claire Yates MAIN OFFICE P.O. Box 130052 Birmingham, AL 35213 205/870.7889 TOLL FREE 866/446.5894 israelinsightmagazine@gmail.com israelinsightmagazine.com ADVERTISING Advertising inquiries to 205/870.7889. Media kit, rates available upon request. SUBSCRIPTIONS $24/year Subscribe online, call 205/870.7889 or mail payment to the address above. Copyright 2024. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or part without written permission from the publisher. Views expressed in Israel InSight are those of the respective contributors and are not necessarily shared by the magazine or its staff. We retain the right to refuse any advertisement.

Eagles’ Wings planning “most significant” Israel solidarity tour around Day of Prayer Eagles’ Wings will hold an Israel solidarity tour this fall, and it is being called “the most significant tour” in their 30-year history. Bishop Robert Stearns will lead hundreds from around the world in standing with Israel, in a tour that will include the first anniversary of the Oct. 7 invasion of Israel by Hamas. The tour will also include the 20th anniversary of the Day of Prayer for Peace of Jerusalem, and the celebration of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. The group will “speak comfort to Jerusalem,” praying at Zion’s gates as Watchmen on the Wall. After starting in Tel Aviv, the group will visit Jaffa and Independence Hall before heading to Jerusalem for Rosh Hashanah. There will be a tour of Christian sites, including the Garden of Gethsemane and the Palm Sunday Walk. There will also be visits to the Cardo and the Church of St. Anne’s and a walk of the Via Dolorosa. The next day includes a visit to the Western Wall, walk and prayer on the Ramparts of the wall, and visits to the Garden Tomb and the Machane Yehuda Market.

There will be a day trip to Masada and the Dead Sea, and a visit to Yad Vashem, Israel’s national Holocaust memorial. On Oct. 6 there will be a ceremony for the Day of Prayer for the Peace of Jerusalem. Those who are in Israel at that time but are not on the tour can register for the Oct. 4 Ramparts Walk and the Oct. 6 solidarity and day of prayer events. Registration is free, but required. On Oct. 7, the group will visit Abraham’s Bread, to see how Eagles’ Wings is partnering with organizations to help the underprivileged. The group will also join with the people of Jerusalem in solidarity events marking the anniversary of last year’s “Black Sabbath.” The tour will continue with visits to Caesarea and Mount Carmel, a baptism service in the Jordan River, the Mount of Beatitudes, Sea of Galilee, Capernaum and Magdala, before heading back to Tel Aviv. A deposit of $1,000 secures a place on the mission. The air and land package from New York has a June 15 deadline, the land-only package is through July 15.

Christians United for Israel convening 2024 Washington Summit in late July The annual Christians United for Israel Summit will be held July 28 to 30 at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, Md., eight miles south of Washington, with the backdrop of Israel at war against Hamas and under the threat of Hezbollah and Iran. The summit will start with an optional Daughters for Zion prayer conference on July 28, followed by the summit’s evening program. On July 29 there will be morning

and afternoon sessions, along with the Night to Honor Israel. After the morning session on July 30, delegates will go to Capitol Hill to meet with their representatives. That evening, there is a CUFI partner banquet. Plenary and breakout sessions gen-

ICYMI

In Case You Missed It The Maldives announced that it was barring Israelis from the country, because of the war in Gaza. About 11,000 Israelis visited the island archipelago last year. In response, Rev. Johnnie Moore said the Congress of Christian Leaders is issuing a worldwide travel warning, saying “no Christian should feel safe in a country where Islamic extremists determine national policy.” In 2008, the country passed a law saying anyone seeking Maldives citizenship is required to convert to Islam. By a single vote, the Dutch parliament voted that chanting “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” is now considered a call for genocide and incitement to violence. The motion is not binding on prosecutors or judges.

Eighty former U.S. generals and admirals called in an open letter on May 10 for a reaffirmation of the U.S.-Israeli bond. “Given our experience as retired American military leaders, we are very concerned about the security impacts of increasingly strained U.S.Israel ties, as Israel becomes a growing source of domestic division,” the group wrote in a letter, which the Jewish Institute for National Security of America released. The group stated that it feels “compelled to declare that a strong Israel is vital to the United States national security, and it is imperative that America unequivocally stand by this indispensable ally.” Israel InSight • June 2024

ICYMI

In Case You Missed It The IDF released videos and images showing the entrance to a Hamas tunnel system where the bodies of four hostages — Ron Benjamin, Amit Buskila, Itzhak Gelerenter, and Shani Louk— were found on May 24. The entrance was located in the bedroom of a home in Jabalya and went down over 30 feet underground. Israel’s economy sharply rebounded in the first quarter of 2024 after taking a hit late last year from the war that Hamas started on Oct. 7. According to preliminary estimates from the Central Bureau of Statistics published on May 16, gross domestic product grew at an annualized rate of 14.1 percent in the first three months of the year, after having contracted at an annualized 21.7 percent in the previous quarter, revised from a previous estimate of 21 percent. The rebound was led by a large increase in private spending and investment, especially in the residential sector. Illegal occupation: The Israel Land Authority notified the United Nations relief agency UNRWA that it must vacate state land and buildings in northern Jerusalem, which it had occupied illegally, and constructed buildings without a legal permit. Israel is also seeking $7 million in compensation for use of the land. The order to vacate gives the agency 30 days.

June 2024 • Israel InSight

erally feature Israeli and U.S. political figures and policy experts. This year, there are two add-ons — a CUFI Vacation with a Purpose Biblical American Heritage Tour from July 24 to 28, and the Daughters for Zion conference. The Vacation with a Purpose is a custom tour of Washington and the surrounding areas, with an emphasis on the Biblical heritage upon which the country was founded. There is a land-only package, and a land-and-air

package from San Antonio. The Daughters of Zion conference is hosted by National Director Lynne Hammond. It includes a fellowship luncheon and sessions on prayer and intercession on behalf of Israel. Featured speakers include Billye Brim, Cheryl Morrison, Lynne Hammond and Diana Hagee. Camp CUFI will be a track for ages 5 to 15, with hands-on activities and learning sessions, focusing on developing a love of Israel.

Japanese Christians donate ambulances to border towns near Gaza By Etgar Lefkovits

(JNS) — A group of Japanese Christians are donating two ambulances to Israeli communities along the border with Gaza, in a show of faith-based support. The symbolic move by the group of Christian politicians from across Japan comes at a time of surging international censure of Israel over the nearly eight-month war against Hamas in Gaza. The group is led by the mayor of Gifu, which is the birthplace of a diplomat who saved thousands of Jews from the Nazis during World War II. The first of two fully equipped ambulances were presented to Israeli rescue officials during a late May visit to Israel by the Japanese delegation in a donation made via the Jerusalem-based evangelical organization Bridges for Peace. The Japanese group visited the Israeli communities near the Gaza borders which came under attack during the Oct. 7 massacre, met with President Isaac Herzog and then presented Israel’s Magen David Adom rescue services with a $150,000 mobile intensive care unit ambulance to replace one of the 14 ambulances destroyed during the Hamas attack. The second ambulance will be delivered later this year.

Gifu is the birthplace of Chiune Sugihara, who was recognized by Jerusalem’s Yad Vashem Holocaust Center as a “Righteous Among the Nations” for his courageous actions which helped more than 6,000 Jews escape war-torn Lithuania in the summer of 1940. “Today, 84 years later, the Jewish people are once again facing a tidal wave of antisemitism, and as the mayor of Gifu City, I am deeply honored to continue in Chiune Sugihara’s legacy of standing with our Jewish brothers and sisters,” said Mayor Masanao Shibahashi in a written statement. Shibahashi also serves as co-founder of the Japanese Christian Politicians Prayer Network comprised of 50 members from across the Japanese political spectrum who pray and advocate for Israel. “As propaganda and slanders threaten to sway public opinion against the Jewish state, it is our honor to remind Israel that it is not alone, that its Christian brothers and sisters in Japan stand with it, support it and pray for it,” Shibahashi said. “We know that Israel is at the forefront of a battle between light and darkness and that the sons and daughters of Abraham are leading the charge on the side of light,” he said.

Israel InSight • June 2024

ICYMI

In Case You Missed It For decades, school textbooks in the Arab world would not acknowledge Israel’s existence in maps of the region. As a sign of the thaw with Saudi Arabia, a new report from IMPACTSE shows that new textbooks in the kingdom are often removing the term “Palestine” where it completely replaced Israel, and are just leaving the area unnamed, along with other countries that do not directly border Saudi Arabia. Other sites that were previously mentioned as being in Palestine are listed just by the city they are in, and one social studies textbook completely removed a chapter on the Palestinian cause. The website Elder of Ziyon reported that a United Nations report has buried information about how some Gaza women are being forced into prostitution by aid workers in order to receive food, young girls are being married off to older men in the shelters, and women are eating and drinking less because of sexual harassment in food distribution lines. This admission has gone unreported in the mainstream press.

In a speech, former President Jimmy Carter said Gazans were being “starved to death” by Israeli actions, and received fewer calories per day than the poorest areas of Africa in an “atrocity” of “collective punishment.” For anyone wondering when someone in hospice could give such a speech — these remarks were given at the American University in Cairo, in April 2008.

June 2024 • Israel InSight

How is Israel part of the NBA Finals? Is there a Middle East element to the National Basketball Association championships? Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving showed up to Game 2 of the Finals on June 9 with a keffiyeh hanging from his backpack. He wore one at a November press conference, and after Oct. 7 posted a message of support for “oppressed” Palestinians and accused Israel of crimes against humanity. In 2022, when he was with the Brooklyn Nets, he reposted an antisemitic film on social media. He apologized but later removed the apology. In January, Utah Jazz fans held Jewish pride signs when the Mavs were in town, and Irving demanded their removal. Conversely, Jewish businessman Mark Cuban, a minority owner of the Mavs, said he would like to see the Mavs do a friendly game against Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem in Israel. Cuban said Irving wants to support

all people in peace, and that he actually loves Israel. Miriam Adelson, who has given a lot of money to Israel causes, is the current majority co-owner of the Mavs. On the other side, forget going to Disney World — Boston Celtics Coach Joe Mazzulla has said that if the Celtics win, the team is going to Jerusalem. He said they would go to Jericho and walk to Jerusalem, especially through the Kidron Valley, where Jesus walked. “It’s the most important place to go back and recenter yourself,” he said. The day after Oct. 7, Mazzulla closed his press conference with expressions of concern for Israel. “There should be a lot of thoughts and prayers out to those people,” he said. Mazzulla has visited Israel twice, and in a video posted by Athletes for Israel, showed a lot of religious items from Jerusalem in his home. One of his trips was a few years ago with his high school priest, who he had remained close friends with.

IFCJ helped Israeli families on Passover The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews supported as many as 100,000 people in Israel during Passover, focusing on families directly affected by the ongoing war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Those include Bereaved families, relatives of hostages still being held captive in Gaza, and the tens of thousands of Israeli evacuees from areas in the north and south of the country near attack zones. As part of the 2024 Passover program, IFCJ distributed nearly 19,000 600 shekel ($162) debit cards for evacuated families to buy food. The cards were also delivered to families of injured soldiers, as well as relatives of those who were killed at the Nova music festival in the Negev Desert on Oct. 7. An additional 2,000 cards were given directly to survivors of the festival.

Evacuees were provided with another 400 shekels earmarked specifically to buy holiday clothing. IFCJ estimated that the 2024 program totals more than 18 million shekels ($4.9 million) in distributions. Since the outset of the war, the Fellowship has distributed more than 25 million shekels ($6.7 million) to evacuated families to purchase basic goods like food, medicine and hygiene products. An additional 2 million shekels ($539,702) were earmarked for families of injured soldiers and civilians who were often unable to support themselves as a result of their injuries. “Wartime brings so many challenges — constantly changing and impacting how and where people need help. This is a home-front crisis the likes of which Israel has never faced, impacting

dozens of communities and hundreds of thousands of people,” said IFCJ president Yael Eckstein. “As we prepare for the holiday of Passover, it is our sincere hope to be able to help those most impacted by the war in the north and the south to have a sense of joy and celebration. This is only made possible through the support of our global community of donors who share our mission in providing for the people of Israel and have responded so generously over these past months,” she added. In the first three months of the war, the IFCJ disbursed in excess of 80 million shekels ($21.6 million) in a wide variety of areas, including supporting civil defense; investing in security for Israel’s hospitals; purchasing shelters and armored vehicles for border com-

munities; and distributing hundreds of first-responder medical kits. That comes in addition to other areas identified in partnership with local and national authorities, and the IDF Home Front Command. An expected $125 million donated in 2024 will continue to focus on supporting the emergency defense needs of the country. Founded in 1983, the Fellowship is the largest provider of humanitarian aid in Israel and supports needy populations through a variety of projects and initiatives aimed at strengthening the country’s security and civilian homeland defense, immigration and poverty relief. “The scope of need since Oct. 7 has been enormous but so has been the international response,” said Eckstein.

Advocate calls out anti-Israel “disinformation” in Memphis schools Laurie Cardoza Moore, president of Proclaiming Justice to The Nations, a Tennessee-based pro-Israel Christian organization, is calling on the Superintendent of Schools to remove all instructional materials that are promoting the terrorist group Hamas in schools across the Shelby County and Germantown school districts or be held liable for being in violation of state law. She said Todd Starns broke a story about a Ramadan party for teachers and staff at Houston High School and Houston Middle School, which included pro-terrorist, anti-Israel propaganda materials for the faculty to use to teach students about the “war in Gaza.” The disputed material stated, “While we know when our next meal is, people in Gaza are dying of starvation.” “This is outright disinformation”, stated Cardoza Moore. “If there are people starving to death, it’s not because of Israel, it’s because of Hamas. They are withholding the distribution

of supplies and food. We have seen tractor-trailers loaded with food and humanitarian aid for the citizens of Gaza, but Hamas is controlling its distribution… They are falsely accusing Israel for crimes committed by Hamas.” Cardoza Moore said she has reached out to both principals and the Jewish Federation to see what sort of instructional materials were provided to the faculty. “As a member of the Tennessee Textbook and Instructional Materials Quality Commission, I was appointed by Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton to serve the parents and citizens of Tennessee by reviewing textbooks and curriculum to insure that all instructional materials used in Tennessee classrooms are in compliance with state statutes and standards,” she said. “The law requires that they must be accurate, unbiased and they must reflect the values of the community.”

ICYMI

In Case You Missed It Nastaran Mohit, organizing director of the union NewsGuild of New York at the New York Times, calls Zionists “butchers” who “know how to kill” and are “depraved monsters who will meet their fate one day.” In South Africa, the ruling African National Congress lost its majority for the first time since 1994. The antiIsrael ANC now has to cobble a coalition government, with one option seen as being a moderating force regarding Israel, while the other is just as extreme. South Africa spearheaded the genocide charge against Israel at the International Court of Justice, and there are reports that Iran has been funding the ANC in return. In May, South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Nalendi Pandor said “America is next” for prosecution at the court, since “I cannot lead a jihad.”

Nine foreign college students are being deported for their role in anti-Israel protests that turned hostile and resulted in 28 arrests. Not in the United States — in Greece, where the protests took place at Athens Law School in May. A dozen Jewish groups ended financial support of the Oregon Food Bank after it issued a statement “Calling for a Ceasefire of Israel’s Violence Against Palestinians,” blaming Israel for the situation in Gaza, and after criticism of the statement, accused Israel of engineering a “full-blown famine” in Gaza. Israel InSight • June 2024

ICYMI

In Case You Missed It After Spain recognized Palestine as a state in May, it was assumed that an embassy would open soon in Ramallah. However, the Spanish diplomats in Israel are refusing to move, citing safety and quality of life concerns. Spain reportedly can’t afford sending additional diplomats or reassigning people from other countries, so Palestinian Authority citizens will need to rely on the Spanish consulates in Tel Aviv or Amman, as Israel has already barred the consulate in Jerusalem from serving anyone but Jerusalem residents, under threat of being shut down completely.

Zahra Billoo, the executive director of the self-styled civil rights group Council on American-Islamic Relations in San Francisco, who was dropped as a board member of the Women’s March because of antisemitism, stirred controversy a couple years ago by labeling synagogues, Jewish Federations and Hillel houses as “enemies” especially if they are “polite Zionists” who try to have positive relations with Muslims. She recently stated that pro-Israel means progenocide, and prayed for the “Most Merciful” to have “His wrath rain down on Zionists in Israel and elsewhere. May the ground beneath their feet shake until it opens up and swallows them.” Israel will send around 85 athletes to the Summer Olympics in Paris next month. Look for a preview in the next issue of Israel InSight.

June 2024 • Israel InSight

Study: Gaza food shipments more than adequate for current needs (JNS) — More than a half-dozen senior Israeli health and medical academics conducted an in-depth study of food aid to the Gaza Strip and determined that a sufficient amount had entered to meet the needs of the entire population. The researchers analyzed food shipments delivered into the Gaza Strip by land Photo by Abed Rahim Khatib/Flash90. from January to April 2024 Terrorists on trucks loaded with aid entering as recorded by COGAT, the Gaza through Israel’s Kerem Shalom Defense Ministry arm coordi- Crossing, April 3, 2024. nating aid supplies to Gaza. COGAT database from January to The researchers classified the food April. consignments by type, i.e. specific food On average, 3,729 food trucks entered commodities, standardized food parGaza per month (124 per day). That’s cels containing recommended items, more food trucks entering Gaza per day cooked meals, infant foods, etc. than before the war in January-SeptemResearchers also estimated the total ber 2023 (100), researchers noted. energy (kcal/ton), protein (gm/ton), fat The report did not study food distri(gm/ton) and iron (mg/ton) content of bution and accessibility given the lack each shipment according to food comof reliable data. It recommended that position values. further studies should investigate disTheir conclusion: “The amount of tribution specifically. food delivered per capita should be Numerous media stories have resufficient for the entire Gazan populaported that Hamas has been stealing tion, and meets Sphere humanitarian recommendations for food aid delivery aid entering Gaza for its own purposes. The report’s authors include Naomi to conflict affected populations, during Fliss Isakov, head of the Nutrition Rethe period examined.” search Department of the Israeli MinThe Sphere standards are the most istry of Health; Dorit Nitzan, director commonly used set of core humaniof the Master’s Program in Emergency tarian standards for food security and Medicine-Preparedness and Response nutrition in humanitarian contexts. at Ben-Gurion University; Moran “Additional sources of food aid proBlaychfeld Magnazi, deputy director of vided by air, sea and via the Egyptian the Nutrition Division at the Ministry border were not taken into account,” of Health; Aron Troen, director of the the report noted. “Therefore, our results Master’s Program in Biochemistry, do not represent the entire food supply Food and Nutrition Science at the Heavailable to the population, which may brew University; Sharon Alroy-Preis, have more fruit and vegetables.” director of Public Health at the MinisThe report analyzed data from try of Health; and Ronit Endevelt, head 14,916 trucks weighing 227,853.8 of the Nutrition Department at the tons of food items, as recorded in the ministry’s Division of Public Health.

CUFI’S OVER 10 MILLION MEMBERS DEFEND ISRAEL AND FIGHT AGAINST ANTI-SEMITISM IN OUR COMMUNITIES, CHURCHES, COLLEGE CAMPUSES, THE MEDIA AND ON CAPITOL HILL.

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Israel InSight • June 2024

Big Issues

The real story behind the headline or the 30 misleading seconds on the evening news…

International Court of Injustice World body issues orders against Israel based on lies, omissions By David Litman

The Facts: Omitted is that Al Najjar Hospital had limited capacity — only 63 beds — which has been more than (CAMERA) — Unsurprisingly, the International Court of made up for by the establishment of field hospitals in the Justice caved to the cynical game being played by Hamas’s Rafah Governate. For example, there is an International ally South Africa to try and halt the Israeli military operation launched to destroy the terrorist organization after its Medical Corps field hospital in al-Mawasi with 140 beds and a Palestinian Red Crescent field hospital with another horrific massacre on October 7, 2023. 50 beds in the Tal as Sultan area. Israel has also facilitated Equally unsurprising is that the ICJ justified its order the establishment of six other field hospitals, many of them by relying on only a thin, distorted, and inaccurate set of located in areas to which those in Rafah have been instruct“facts.” In its May 24 order, the Court relied on a small ed to evacuate. This includes the Jordanian, UAE, and IMC number of dubious, generalized and misleading claims field hospitals with a combined capacity of nearly 400 beds made by various United Nations figures. in the Khan Yunis and Deir al-Balah areas, as well as several As Judge ad hoc Aharon Barak points out: floating hospitals with a combined 168 bed The Court relies primarily on statements capacity. Several of these were specifically The court blames made by United Nations officials on social constructed in order to support the evacuaIsrael for the actions tions from Rafah. media and on press releases issued by relevant organizations (see Order, paragraphs of others, and orders As is a pattern with the ICJ’s decision, the 44-46). It relies on these statements and responsibility of other parties for the siturestrictions that press releases without even inquiring into ation is omitted. It is well-established that what kind of evidence they draw upon. The many of Gaza’s hospitals have been exploitwould keep Israel Court’s approach is in stark contrast with by Palestinian terrorist organizations like from being able to ed its previous jurisprudence, in which it has Hamas and forced Israeli forces to operate stated that ‘United Nations reports [are] redefend itself against those terrorists exploiting these liable evidence only ‘to the extent that they medical facilities. are of probative value and are corroborated, Indeed, it is worth noting that the “ongoing hostilities” in if necessary, by other credible sources’…. the area of Al Najjar Hospital that the ICJ claims forced the Indeed, as has been pointed out many times before, the hospital’s closure on May 8 included the barrage of rockets United Nations reports on Israel, on which the ICJ seeks to fired from inside Rafah — including the area of Al Najjar rely on, are replete with dubious claims and outright lies. Hospital — by Palestinian terrorists just the day before, on Below are four claims on which the ICJ based its decision, May 7. followed by the actual facts disproving the narrative crafted Under the ICJ’s logic, the IDF must stand and take it as by the Court in an effort to deprive the Jewish state of its Hamas launches rockets from Rafah. right to self-defense. ICJ Claim #2: “On 17 June 2024, the World Food ProICJ Claim #1: “For instance, on 8 June 2024, the Direcgramme warned that it had been unable to access its tor-General of the World Health Organization stated that warehouse in Rafah for over a week and observed that ‘[t]he the Al Najjar Hospital, one of the last remaining medical incursion into Rafah is a significant setback to recent modest facilities in the Rafah Governorate, was no longer functional progress on access’.” due to the ongoing hostilities in its vicinity.” The Facts: Once again, the ICJ is deceiving the public by

June 2024 • Israel InSight

Photo by Bastiaan Musscher/U.N. Photo/ICJ-CIJ

View of the International Court of Justice courtroom during the court’s ruling on May 24, 2024 that was critical of Israel’s military operations in Rafah.

omitting the responsibility of parties other than Israel for the situation. Much, if not all, of the responsibility for the aid situation in Rafah lies with Palestinian terrorists, looters and Egypt. One of the main reasons the WFP has been unable to access its warehouses has little to do with the IDF. In many cases, mobs of Palestinians are stopping aid convoys and looting the supplies destined for WFP warehouses. Another party responsible for this situation is Egypt. The May 17 WFP report the ICJ cites does indeed claim, “We’ve not been able to access our warehouse in Rafah for more than a week,” but in the very next sentence it then explains, “We have very little food and fuel coming through the border crossings in the south.” There are two main crossings in the south, both of which have been disrupted by the actions not of Israel, but of Palestinian terrorists and Egypt. The Rafah Crossing, between Gaza and Egypt, was shut down not by Israel but by Egyptian authorities on May 7. As a consequence, much of the food aid meant for Gaza has sat on the Egyptian side of the border with much of it either rotting or being offloaded and

sold in Egyptian markets. The other crossing in the south is the Kerem Shalom Crossing, which has been repeatedly disrupted and shut down due to the deliberate targeting of the crossing by Palestinian terrorist organizations. Four Israeli soldiers were killed on May 5 by one such barrage. All of this has occurred while Israeli forces have worked to facilitate the delivery of aid into Gaza. On a recent day, for example, “50 trucks containing flour for the World Food Program” were transferred through the Kerem Shalom and Erez West crossings. Earlier that week, another 62 trucks containing flour for the WFP were also transferred from the Ashdod Port through the crossings. The week before, 204 trucks of flour were transferred for the WFP through the crossings. But it’s not just the Egyptians and Palestinians causing these problems. The UN itself is demonstrating an inability to do its job in the Gaza Strip. As has been repeatedly documented, hundreds of truckloads of humanitarian aid are consistently left waiting for collection and distribution by aid agencies like the WFP because they lack “logistical Israel InSight • June 2024

capabilities” and have “manpower gaps.” When pressed as to why UN agencies like the WFP are failing to deliver the aid while private organizations succeed, UN spokespersons have themselves admitted to these failures. In short, the ICJ is casting blame solely on Israel despite the well-documented acts and failures of others, even as Israelis are killed while protecting aid crossings into Gaza.

Refugees in the Near East, Mr Philippe Lazzarini, on 18 June 2024, “[t]he areas that people are fleeing to now do not have safe water supplies or sanitation facilities. Al-Mawasi — as one example — is a sandy 14 square kilometre agricultural land, where people are left out in the open with little to no buildings or roads. It lacks the minimal conditions to provide emergency humanitarian assistance in a safe and dignified manner.” ICJ Claim #3: “On the basis of the information before it, The Facts: Set aside that Lazzarini plainly cannot be the Court is not convinced that the evacuation efforts and considered a reliable source of information. The quote the related measures that Israel affirms to have undertaken to ICJ uses intentionally works to mislead on the reality of enhance the security of civilians in the Gaza Strip, and in the humanitarian zones. It omits that the IDF dramatically particular those recently displaced from the Rafah Goverexpanded the humanitarian area, which now stretches from norate, are sufficient to alleviate the immense risk to which al-Mawasi east all the way to Salah a-Din Road and all the the Palestinian population is exposed as a result of the miliway north to Deir al-Balah. It comprises an area many times tary offensive in Rafah… On 6 June 2024, the United Nations larger than just a “sandy 14 square kilometre agricultural Children’s Fund (UNICEF) indicated that about half of the land” and includes built up urban areas. Neither the ICJ approximately 1.2 million Palestinians sheltering in Rafah nor Lazzarini can claim they did not have access to this were children, and warned that military operations therein knowledge, given that the IDF announced would result in ‘the few remaining basic serthis expansion on May 6 — 12 days before vices and infrastructure they need to survive The UN blames Israel Lazzarini’s statement and 18 days before the being totally destroyed’…” for its own inability ICJ order. The Facts: The ICJ is, in short, denying Even as of a month ago, the IDF had alreality. The Court can only claim to be to distribute aid in ready facilitated the delivery of 53,400 tons unconvinced that the Israeli efforts are not Gaza, while private of shelter equipment into the Gaza Strip, “sufficient to alleviate the immense risk” if it was developing “several dedicated shelter has completely ignored the fact that the IDF organizations are not areas” in al-Mawasi, and was working on has already safely evacuated the vast mahaving similar issues additional plans for the entry of 44,800 jority of Gazans in Rafah. In fact, the IDF more tents. The IDF has also more recently “moved somewhere between two-thirds to facilitated the expansion of field hospitals, 80 percent of the Palestinian civilian population out of Raand facilitated the increase in delivery of water, food, and fah — with a minimal number of casualties — in under two medical supplies to these humanitarian areas. weeks,” despite even “U.S. predictions that the civilian popIn truth, it has been organizations like Lazzarini’s — UNulation could not be evacuated without a huge death count RWA — which have acted as barriers to the facilitation of or without leaving around four months to do so.” these humanitarian zones, pledging to refuse an evacuation It is worth also pointing out the inadequacy of the ICJ’s of the city after the IDF encouraged “international organizahedging language about relying on “the basis of the infortions working in the area… to temporarily evacuate prior to mation before it.” As noted in an earlier separate opinion by the beginning of the operation” for their own safety. Judge ad hoc Aharon Barak, the ICJ has grounded many of It is worth noting, in conclusion, that earlier in the week, its previous conclusions in this case on “several declarations Shurat HaDin and other legal experts pointed out the coby United Nations officials and reports by intergovernmenincidence of meetings between leaders of South Africa’s tal organizations that were not submitted by either Party.” ruling ANC party and Iranian and Hamas officials, as well That is, the ICJ has repeatedly relied on information not as a “sudden financial turnaround,” for the formerly cashplaced before it. Barak’s concern was, of course that this meant that neither party had “the opportunity to comment strapped party in the immediate aftermath of its bringing claims at the ICJ. That the Court would so easily fall for this on any of the evidence relied upon by the Court.” shameful ploy, and in the process debase the very concept ICJ Claim #4: “The Court observes, for instance, that of international law, should prompt a reevaluation of the according to a statement by the Commissioner-General of institution by all democratic countries. the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine

June 2024 • Israel InSight

From Medicine to Intelligence:

How the Hebrew University of Jerusalem’s unique partnership with the Israeli Defense Forces is bettering the world Since the Oct. 7 terrorist attacks against Israel, the students and faculty at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have been focused on their continued mission of making the world a better place. Yishai Fraenkel, vice president and director general of the university, says the campus Photo by Yoram Aschheim communities of the 100-year-old institution are experiencing a range of psychological and emotional traumas. There are those who have lost friends or family members or have suffered physical injury themselves. Still, they strive for a sense of normalcy. “We are not stopping. We are not halting or looking for excuses,” says Fraenkel. “Hebrew University is one of the most important civilian institutions in Israel, and we want to continue offering a world class education and world class research.” While their academic offerings cover a broad spectrum of disciplines from social sciences to medicine, the university’s partnership with the Israeli military has resulted in multiple programs that have been advancing research and development on a global scale for decades. “We have three major programs done in collaboration with the Israeli military: Havatzalot, Tzameret and Talpiot,” explains Fraenkel. “These military programs are very important because this is an army to protect democracy, which is very precious.”

physicians in training, including those that have already finished training, exceeds 590. Like many of their other programs, Tzameret has a global reach. Up to 20 students in their sixth year of study are selected to participate in a onemonth exchange program with other military-oriented medical programs around the world.

Talpiot: Cultivating the next generation of leaders in defense and technology

When you think of Talpiot, think of it as training people who develop technologies like the Iron Dome. The Talpiot pro- Photo from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem gram is one of the most prestigious academic and military programs in Israel, selecting exceptionally talented individuals from across Israel for training in science, technology and leadership. “Talpiot takes those extremely bright scientific minds, those who excel in mathematics and physics so they can apply their talents to the development of military technology,” says Fraenkel. “Many graduates of this program go on to have a successful military career and later make their way into civilian life as successful entrepreneurs. They’re idea generators.” Though these three programs might be the most well-known, you’ll also find programs like the Institute for Research in Military Medicine where research and development in the areas of post-traumatic stress disorder, combat casualty trauma and forenHavatzalot: Training future military intelligence leaders sic medicine (or identifying victims) takes place. Additionally, the More than a decade ago, the Military Intelligence Division estab- six-year-old Bina Elite Dentistry Reserve Track allows student-sollished a program to recruit members of the Israeli Defense Forces diers to maintain rigorous combat training standards. The Bina with the potential to excel as officers in the field of intelligence. The cadets serve as critical dental officers as needed. program has been at Hebrew University of Jerusalem since 2019. “Havatzalot is a three-year program that allows young students Solidarity across an ocean These programs, Hebrew University and the wider community who are also cadets to complete a double-major bachelor’s deare receiving critical support through the We Are One campaign, gree with a combination of military studies and one other science a special initiative organized by American Friends of Hebrew Unilike mathematics, computer science, economics and sometimes versity along with the international chapters of the organization. philosophy,” says Fraenkel. “They finish their training, and they “First and foremost, the We Are One campaign shows the soliserve basically as the backbone of Israeli intelligence.” Troops who join the program graduate with the rank of lieu- darity of people throughout the world,” says Fraenkel. “Secondly, tenant and must join the Military Intelligence Unit for at least six given these hardships as a university, the campaign makes it possible for us to continue our mission. We’re not just pursuing life, years. but the fullness of its potential.” Tzameret: Elite military medicine that save lives Resources from the initiative support a wide range of immediServing as a military doctor is not for the faint of heart, and ate community needs from mental health services and legal asadmission to the Tzameret program is highly competitive. sistance to hosting displaced individuals and funding unique Candidates for the program must meet rigorous cognitive and scholarships for reservists called to duty. The initiative is physical fitness requirements. While participating in the proalso looking at rebuilding the future with programs program, students are allowed to defer their military service and moting mental health, a shared society between Arabs later give five years as military doctors in the IDF. and Jews and even agricultural innovation. One of the main objectives of the program is to increase Show your solidarity with the the number of career military physicians. The more highly Hebrew University of Jerusalem trained doctors in the field, the better for anyone in need by giving to the We Are One campaign. of critical care. The program is in its tenth year. As of the 2018-2019 academic year, the total number of new military

Learn more or donate at AFHU.org Israel InSight • June 2024

“Insulting” interpretation

In voting against antisemitism measure, Reps. Gaetz, Greene claim stating that Jews killed Jesus would be considered a criminal act; pro-Israel Christian groups say that’s nonsense While many House Democrats opposed a bill defining facilities requests, and that administrator is in charge of coantisemitism by claiming it might criminalize anti-Israel ordinating those spaces, the hostile posts become germane rhetoric, some Republican opponents used an even older in determining if discrimination is at play. argument — that it would criminalize Gospel claims that Greene said that she would vote against the bill because Jews killed Jesus. of the role of “the Jews” in the crucifixion. Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia and Matt Gaetz “Antisemitism is wrong, but I will not be voting for the of the Pensacola area of Florida made that claim in defend- Antisemitism Awareness Act of 2023 (H.R. 6090) today that ing their vote against the Antisemitism Awareness Act, could convict Christians of antisemitism for believing the which passed the House 320-91 on May 1. There were 70 Gospel that says Jesus was handed over to Herod to be cruDemocrats who voted against the bill, and 21 Republicans. cified by the Jews,” Greene wrote. The bill, aimed at combating rampant antisemitism on Crucifixion was a Roman form of capital punishment, and U.S. college campuses, adopts the International Holocaust in those days the Jewish leaders did not have the authority Remembrance Alliance’s working definition of antisemitism to condemn anyone to death. in determining whether a crime is antisemitic. It would Greene cited the definition’s ninth require the Department of Education to example, “using the symbols and images use the IHRA definition when considassociated with classic antisemitism “Claims that the ering whether Jews had been discrimi(e.g., claims of Jews killing Jesus or blood nated against under Title VI of the 1964 Antisemitism Awareness libel) to characterize Israel or Israelis.” Civil Rights Act. The IHRA definition is Act is anti-Christian are The claim that Jews killed Jesus fueled not binding under law. church-sanctioned antisemitism and The U.S. Department of Education has as insulting as they are mass murder for centuries. used the IHRA definition of antisemiinjurious.” In modern-day usage, anti-Israel tism in civil rights cases since 2018. The groups routinely use imagery of Israel definition was given the force of law for and Jews in general crucifying Palestine, killing Jesus a executive agencies after former president Donald Trump second time, or tying Israel’s actions against Palestinians as issued an executive order applying the IHRA definition to having its roots in the Jewish treatment of Jesus. Title VI cases in 2019. The Jewish Community Relations Council of Atlanta said Opponents of the IHRA definition, which has been adthere is no controversy in the IHRA’s definition of that aropted by dozens of countries and a over two-thirds of U.S. gument as antisemitic. “Blaming Jews for the death of Jesus states, claim the definition goes against First Amendment is antisemitic. It has been the most consistent, most used rights of freedom of speech, but the IHRA definition comes excuse for Jew-hatred for nearly 2,000 years.” into play only after a crime has been committed, as an adviGaetz said “This legislation is written without regard sory opinion of whether or not antisemitism was part of the for the Constitution, common sense or even the common motivation behind the crime. understanding of the meaning of words,” Gaetz wrote. “The Those simply making statements defined by IHRA as Gospel itself would meet the definition of antisemitism unantisemitic could not be prosecuted for their speech, but der the terms of this bill!” if they committed a connected crime, that speech could “The Bible is clear,” Gaetz added. “There is no myth or be used as a factor to determine whether hate crime status controversy on this.” should be used. Gaetz further quoted Acts 4:10, “Be it known to you all, One example cited is that a school administrator could and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus not be targeted for online posts that run afoul of the Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified,” and 1Thessalodefinition. However, if there is a Title VI suit against the university by Jewish student organizations who are the only nians 2:15, “for you suffered the same things from your own ones running into “no available space” responses to routine countrymen as they did from the Jews, who killed both the

June 2024 • Israel InSight

Lord Jesus and the prophets.” He then stated that “To be clear — I take no view on who killed Jesus in how I voted on this measure. It was a matter of the Constitution. The Bible is clear in that its words plainly, textually, would violate this law. That is nuts — and in deep conflict with the First Amendment.” He later defended his vote to Politico, saying he condemns antisemitism, but approving a “poorly drafted bill that could literally deem the Bible antisemitism is our response, then the antisemites win.” The pro-Israel Christian organization Passages blasted Greene and Gaetz, with CEO Scott Phillips saying “It is exactly at this moment, as the Jewish people are under attack across our country that Christians are called to be firm allies… Unfortunately, there are some Members of Congress, who have a history of flirting with conspiracies against Jews who have tried to appropriate Christian Scriptures to defend their unjustifiable beliefs.” In 1965, the Catholic Church repudiated the idea that Jews were collectively responsible for the crucifixion, and in a 2011 book, Pope Benedict XVI specifically said there is no scriptural evidence to back the idea of Jewish culpability.

Photo by Gage Skidmore via Wikimedia Commons.

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) at the 2021 AmericaFest in Phoenix, Ariz.

Movement and Christians United for Israel applauded the bill’s passage in the House. On the Democrat side, Rep. Jerry Nadler opposed the “misguided” bill on First Amendment grounds. Anti-Israel groups claim that passage of IHRA has a “chilling effect” on free speech and their ability to criticize Israel. Rep. Ritchie Torres of New York, one of the Democratic “Insulting” claim Christians United for Israel released a letter on May 3 from co-sponsors, said Nadler’s objections were “complete nonsense.” its national chairman, Pastor John Hagee, and Ralph Reed, He told NPR “If you can figure out how to critique the chairman of the Faith and Freedom Coalition, both of whom policies and practices of the Israeli government without praised the passing of the Antisemitism Awareness Act. calling for the destruction of Israel itself, then no reasonable They wrote: “As is clear, the world’s oldest hatred is alive and well on both fringes of the partisan divide. Likewise, as person would ever accuse you of antisemitism.” Kenneth L. Marcus, founder and chair of the Louis D. American colleges are taken over by hordes of pro-Hamas Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law, praised demonstrators claiming their genocidal ambitions are the House’s passage of the bill, which he called “the merely anti-Israel, this legislation is timelier than ever.” game-changing response that we’ve been waiting for.” They pushed back against claims that it could punish “The Biden administration has long promised to codify Christian free speech. “To the biblically literate, claims that the IHRA definition via regulation, but they have repeatedly the Antisemitism Awareness Act is anti-Christian are as missed their self-imposed deadlines. From conversations insulting as they are injurious,” wrote Hagee and Reed. They said those opposing the law seem to ignore that it is with numerous administrators, I can say that many univerfocused on “preventing unlawful action, not speech. For the sity leaders are unaware that the IHRA definition is already woven into the Department of Education’s current, active law to apply, a student would have to have an unlawful act guidance, hampering how they address soaring antisemcommitted against them first.” itism on their campuses,” added Marcus, a former U.S. They added that “this law no more stifles free speech than assistant secretary of education for civil rights. “Today’s the presence of a thermometer would change the tempera- monumental vote will remove all doubt.” ture. This law is sound. The biblical and moral mandate is “From a federal perspective, this legislation won’t change clear.” current practice so much as it will reinforce it. From a uniCUFI sent the letter to leaders in Congress. versity perspective, however, there are few U.S. universities The Jewish Federations of North America, AIPAC, the that are consistently applying the IHRA definition in approConference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Orpriate cases,” he added. “This legislation should put a stop to ganizations, the Orthodox Union, Combat Antisemitism that.” Israel InSight • June 2024

Fifty two UN “experts” and seven major lies

Once again, initial headlines about Israeli strikes “on” Gaza tents, killing civilians, inflame the world but turn out to be wildly inaccurate By David Litman

(CAMERA) — After several dozen Palestinians were reportedly tragically killed in Tal al-Sultan on May 26, misinformation ran rampant among social media users and even journalists. Unfortunately, they weren’t alone, and even the “several dozen” figure is being revised downward. Over 50 United Nations “experts” — individuals ostensibly tasked with informing and advising the nations of the world — followed suit by giving their own error-laden statement about the incident. Though it should be of no surprise, given the UN’s track record, it is still deeply concerning. After all, not only do news networks repeatedly rely on these UN actors for “expert” commentary, but institutions the International Court of Justice — currently embroiled in a cynical legal exercise launched by South Africa against Israel — and the International Criminal Court often uncritically rely on their statements in deciding on cases. The statement put out by the UN experts, however, is riddled with serious factual errors. Below are seven of them, as well as an examination of the disturbing, hyper partisan language used to attack Israel on the basis of those seven major lies.

Error #1: “Israeli air strikes on a camp sheltering displaced civilians…”

The Facts: In just the first nine words of the statement, the “experts” got two major facts objectively wrong. First, there was one strike, not strikes plural. Second, the air strike was not “on a camp sheltering displaced civilians.” The air strike hit a Hamas target 180 meters away from the nearest shelters. The munitions used were two very small warheads containing 17 kilograms (about 37.5 lbs.) of explosives each, making it extremely unlikely, bordering on impossible, that the munitions could have directly caused any harm to the shelter. Furthermore, the strike was not located inside of the designated humanitarian zone, contrary to the false claims of the usual bad actors. Rather, the site of the strike was 1.7 kilometers away from the humanitarian zone. The tragic deaths at the Tal al-Sultan shelters — 180 meters away from the location of the strike — appear to have occurred due to unforeseen circumstances. As the investigations continue, the most likely explanation emerging is

June 2024 • Israel InSight

that the strike ignited a nearby, unknown terrorist weapons cache, which set alight some of the shelters. The IDF has since shown aerial footage showing a rocket launcher site located between the building struck and the shelters. Footage purportedly from the scene also supports this theory, showing what appear to be secondary explosions after the strike.

Error #2: “Reports emerging from the ground indicate that the strikes were indiscriminate and disproportionate…”

The Facts: The “experts” declare a legal conclusion without ever engaging with the facts. Far from being indiscriminate, the strikes successfully targeted two senior Hamas terrorists, Yassin Rabia and Khaled Nagar. Far from being indiscriminate, “the strike was based on precise intelligence that indicated that these terrorists, who were responsible for orchestrating and executing terror attacks against Israelis, were meeting inside the specific structure” that was targeted. Furthermore, the munitions used were literally the “smallest the military’s jets can use.” The claim about the strike being “disproportionate” is likewise contradicted by the evidence. Prior to the strike, the IDF surveilled the building and its surroundings and determined there was no significant civilian presence in the anticipated affected area. The “experts” instead appear to be using an erroneous interpretation of the legal concept they claim to be experts on. Proportionality is not a rule focused on the actual results of a strike, but rather on the decision making before the strike is launched. The question is whether the anticipated civilian harm is disproportionate to the concrete military advantage to be gained. As explained by LTC Geoffrey Corn (ret.): “In the context of hostilities, this is often translated into the ‘reasonable commander’ test: was the attack decision one that another reasonable commander, facing the same situation and with the same information available, would have also made? If so, the attack was lawful, even if the result turned out to contradict the expectation at the time it was launched. If not, the attack was unlawful. This is why the instinct to rely on ‘effects-based’ condemnations — to condemn an attack as a war crime based only on the civilian harm inflicted by the attack — is legally invalid. Yet this legally invalid instinct is exactly what the UN “ex-

perts” are engaging in.

Error #3: “These barbaric attacks are a flagrant violation of international law.”

The Facts: See Errors #1 and #2. The authors are declaring a “violation of international law” based on inaccurate factual claims and erroneous interpretations of the law. It is worth pointing out, too, that these UN actors declared there was a violation based only on “reports,” without having engaged in any actual investigation or legal analysis. Worse, the authors omit entirely the legal responsibility of Hamas, which had embedded military targets in a civilian area near the shelters.

Error #4: “On Tuesday, another attack in alMawasi in Western Rafah…”

tional upon the italicized language, as noted in the separate declarations and dissenting opinions of Judges Nolte, Aurescu, Sebutinde, and Barak. As expertly pointed out by The Facts: In this instance, the “experts” are peddling a UK Lawyers for Israel, one need only contrast the language completely unsupported rumor in order to attack Israel. used in the May 24 ICJ order with the language used in There is simply no actual evidence such an attack in althe Ukraine/Russia case, in which the Court wrote: “The Mawasi occurred. As even the far-left outlet Haaretz wrote, Russian Federation shall immediately suspend the military “That allegation disappeared from the media within a few operations that it commenced on 24 February 2022 in the hours, without proof being provided that an additional event territory of Ukraine.” No qualification. had occurred or that Israel was to blame for such an event.” The IDF has also flatly denied carrying out any such strike. Malicious Language on Top of False Claims

Error #5: “Recklessly targeting sites known to shelter displaced Palestinians…”

The sheer number of basic factual errors exposes, at the very least, a deeply concerning lack of actual expertise and professionalism among these UN actors. The demonizing The Facts: See Errors #1 and #2. Note, also, the contralanguage on top of these factual errors brings the statement dictory language. On the one hand, the authors claimed into the territory of malice. the strike was “indiscriminate,” before later claiming it was Not content with simply lying about Israel, the UN actors “targeted.” work to depict the Jewish state as an enemy of mankind. Error #6: “Even if Israeli leaders claim now that Israel, we’re told, engages in “barbaric attacks… on human the strikes were a ‘mistake’…” decency and our collective humanity.” That is, the Jewish The Facts: No Israeli leader called the strike a “mistake.” state stands outside of “human decency” and “humanity.” Once again, the “experts” are peddling a demonstrably false They then go on to call for punishment of the Jewish state claim, based on an inaccurate translation of a speech given for the sins they allege, which again lack any real basis in by Prime Minister Netanyahu to the Knesset on May 27. factual or legal reality. Israel “must be held to account” for The word that was mistranslated was the Hebrew word “these atrocities,” and the world must “sanction” and “pres“takala,” which does not mean “mistake,” but rather is closer sure” Israel to give up its right to self-defense against the to “mishap” or “breakdown.” It was not an admission of a terrorist organization Hamas. guilt or responsibility. Taken together, the statement shows why the media and Error #7: “…a landmark ruling by the Internathe ICJ cannot — if they wish to be considered credible tional Court of Justice (ICJ), which ordered Israel to organizations — rely uncritically on the statements of these UN “experts.” After all, this wasn’t just a statement put out immediately halt the military offensive…” The Facts: The ICJ did not order Israel to halt the military by just one or two of them; it was signed onto by over 50 UN “experts.” Put another way, 52 UN experts either didn’t offensive. What the Court actually said was, “The State of bother to fact check their own statement or had no qualms Israel shall…[i]mmediately halt its military offensive, and about spreading lies about the Jewish state in order to acany other action in the Rafah Governorate, which may cuse it of all manner of evils. inflict on the Palestinian group in Gaza conditions of life Journalists must now be put on notice: if they seek credithat could bring about its physical destruction in whole or ble expertise, the United Nations is not the place to look. in part.” The language about halting the offensive is condiIsrael InSight • June 2024

Screenshot/Bryan Anderson on X

Jewish and non-Jewish students at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill hold up the American flag. A full water bottle thrown by a pro-Hamas protester at the students can be seen passing the flag.

It isn’t just about Israel

Hamas supporters’ anti-U.S. agenda opened eyes at North Carolina By Mike Wagenheim

volved at all [in the protests], who just care about America, of who these people were, and what they want to accom(JNS) — When anti-Israel protesters at the University of plish,” said Rosenbaum. “It wasn’t just about the PalestinNorth Carolina at Chapel Hill hurled slurs and objects at ians. It was about their whole agenda, their whole ideology.” Jewish students, it drew little attention. Rosenbaum was one of an estimated 12 to 20 Jewish UNC Late last month, when those same protesters ripped down students pictured in widely-circulated images helping to the American flag in the center of the public school’s camprotect the American flag when Hamas supporters attemptpus and replaced it with a PLO one, it seemingly served as a wakeup call to patriotic students that the ideological battle ed to rip it down from its posting, even after the university’s interim chancellor, Lee Roberts, had ordered its restoration being waged on campus stretched far outside the confines on the pole on the campus’ main quad. of the Israel-Hamas conflict. Rosenbaum said many of the Jewish students there that “They’re basically saying, ‘If you’re not with us, you’re day were from his UNC chapter of Alpha Epsilon Pi, the against us.’ That’s the message you’re sending when you’re Jewish fraternity. He said he is also involved with other Jewtaking down the American flag, because no matter what, ish organizations on campus, including Chabad and Hillel, we’re supposed to be united under that flag,” Brendan Rosenbaum, a political science junior from Rockland Coun- and attends events put together by the student-run Heels for Israel. ty, N.Y., told JNS. When it became evident that the protestors call not just “They’re sending a message to people that weren’t in-

June 2024 • Israel InSight

for death to Israel, but to America as well, there was a silent campment began on campus. Rosenbaum said that during realization among non-Jewish students there that day that that time, it was “tough for different Jewish students to walk the Jewish and pro-Israel students had been fighting a wor- by.” Seeing signs in the encampment such as “Resistance is thy battle largely on their own, he said. not terrorism” made it difficult to “function like a normal student,” he added. Rosenbaum said that since the incident and the Jewish students’ involvement in protecting the Stars and Stripes, When the university ordered the encampment to be taken “there is a lot more sympathy, and I think there’s a lot more down, Rosenbaum said he felt he could focus on class again. understanding” of what Jewish Tar Heels have been going That only lasted until the next day, when he and others through. heard of another pro-Hamas protest set to take place. “It’s not just a Jewish issue. These people show that that is “Me and a couple of people in a small group chat decided an American issue, too,” Rosenbaum told JNS. “And people to show up, and then one of my friends who was part of became more invested. I got so much support, coming from my fraternity who never comes to any of the protests just people that I haven’t spoken to or seen in had enough, and he showed up,” said years, or people I just see in the street.” Rosenbaum. “I had an Israeli flag. So I The flag incident Rosenbaum said that “to have that as asked him if he wanted to hold the flag led to much more a Jewish student, when sometimes we together.” feel we’re alone on a really big campus, For some 90 minutes, he and his friend understanding of what is amazing. It became something really were screamed at and told “that we Jewish students have should die, and that we should go kill positive from a really negative experience, something I genuinely value.” ourselves,” Rosenbaum said. had to endure After the protest moved to the cenClearly a Jewish presence ter of campus and the PLO flag was raised in place of the Dan Stompel, a political science sophomore from MiAmerican banner, “it was honestly just a crazy sight. And as ami, was also there that day. He told JNS he had organized soon as that happened, one of the people in my fraternity counter-protests before, and was standing with his friends, ran back to the house and actually grabbed an American absorbing the insults being slung at them by terrorism sup- flag. And then from that point on, it became an Israel and porters. American issue,” he said. He couldn’t pinpoint an exact number of Jewish students After the American flag had been restored by university who had arrived, “but there was clearly a Jewish presence administration, only to be taken down again by Hamas there. There wasn’t an organized response, and there never supporters, “that’s when me and my friends moved in, surreally is on this campus.” rounded the flag and made sure that the protesters didn’t Stompel, who is Jewish but not a member of AEPi, said take it,” Rosenbaum said. Jewish organizations on the Chapel Hill campus “haven’t Full water bottles were thrown at him and his friends, done much. They kind of say, ‘Don’t get involved,’” as an opening up a cut on one of their faces, he said. unofficial response to efforts to organize a response to the “At one point, they tried to take fences and block us in, so protests. they could surround us and basically scream at us. I had to He said he is involved in Chabad and Heels For Israel, take the gates down and sit on them,” said Rosenbaum. “But along with politically conservative organizations on camit was important for us to stand there and show that our pus. beliefs matter no matter what and that we weren’t going to The incident came some five days after a pro-Hamas enback down.”

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If a Palestinian state were declared…

What will “The Next Day” look like? By Eric R. Mandel

lieve that the corrupt Fatah Party would not follow Iran to help it begin the next phase of destabilizing the Jewish state (JNS) — The Biden administration, as well as almost by lawfare and terror. every nation in the world, is pressuring Israel to create an Next, from its allied Palestinian state, Iran would target immediate pathway for a Palestinian state. In theory, separating from the Palestinian Arab population — if it could be the American ally Jordan by destabilizing the economically done with all security safeguards in place — accepting Israel troubled country, plagued with a growing Islamist population as well as millions of refugees from the Syrian and Iraqi as a Jewish state and signing an end-of-conflict agreement would be a reasonable alternative to the present situation, if wars. This is all part of Iran’s strategy to expand its “ring of fire” to team up with its proxy network extending from Lebit were possible. anon to Syria to Iraq and Yemen. But does anyone look at what a Palestinian state would The international community and the American adminisbe and how faithful its leadership would be to any signed tration, which advocate prematurely for a Palestinian state, agreements the day after the ink dries? remain trapped in a utopian view that Let’s start with an independent Palestoday’s Palestinians would end their hatinian state’s diplomatic position. PalFar from being a tred toward Jews and their goal to eradestinians’ closest allies are Iran, Russia, icate the Jewish state. They never look democratic haven, China, Venezuela, Cuba, South Africa at the “day after” independence. Perhaps and almost all of the world’s non-demoPalestine would become they don’t care as long as it undermines cratic countries, all adversaries to Amera shell that Iran would the Jewish state and doesn’t threaten ica and Israel. them, but Islamists have their eyes on Let’s begin with Iran. There is little use to do its bidding the West, too. doubt that unless there is a change in The case against a Palestinian state the Iranian regime, its defining mission in this generation does mean that you are for annexing the to spread the Islamic revolution will remain its top priority. West Bank. It means you are a realist and in favor of the That is also the mandate of its armed wing, the Islamic Revsurvival of the independent democratic Jewish State of Isolutionary Guards Corps, true believers in radical Islamism, rael. For the foreseeable future, a leadership that is corrupt antisemitism, unfettered power and subjugating all foes. and supports terror, which includes Fatah, the PLO and An independent Palestinian state would facilitate Iran’s Hamas, makes the premature push for a Palestinian state access and involvement in the region exponentially, as it is more of a plan for the destruction of the State of Israel than almost impossible to imagine the Palestinians under Hamas it is for lasting Palestinian self-determination as a peaceful or Fatah distancing themselves from Iran, no matter what nation. is written. With a base in their capital in eastern Jerusalem, If only the Palestinian people had not gone through genIran would begin to destabilize the Palestinian state, createrations of brainwashing against Israel’s right to exist in any ing a scenario where it turns the Palestinian Authority into territorial dimension, and the Palestinian leadership was a satrapy, as it did in Syria and Lebanon. It would actively recruit and manipulate a compliant P.A. to be dominated by not compromised by volumes of blood-thirsty statements and actions over decades. Then, the idealistic desire for a Islamists, linked, if not in name, to the Palestinian Islamic Palestinian state living side-by-side with Israel in Gaza and Jihad and Hamas terror groups. There is no reason to bein the West Bank would be a reasonable goal.

June 2024 • Israel InSight

So, do Arab states really want a Palestinian state? Based on the statements from Arab capitals, you would think for sure they would. But when the Palestinians asked the Arab League and Organization of Muslim States in November to cut off relations and trade with Israel, the answer was no. It should be remembered that the states that made peace with Israel through the 2020 Abraham Accords voiced demands for a Palestinian state but, after parroting the required rhetoric, moved on to priorPhoto by Chuck Kennedy/U.S. State Department itize their interests, which included U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken meets with Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas in Amman, Jordan, on Oct. 13, 2023. relations with Israel. In the Middle East, words are bas’s Fatah faction participated in the Oct. 7 slaughter and ephemeral; actions matter. terrorist attacks against Israeli soldiers and civilians. Abu For Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, Mohammed, the official spokesman for Al-Aqsa Martyrs the Muslim Brotherhood — of which Hamas is a charter Brigades (Fatah) said, “On Oct. 7, our heroes in the brave member — is a threat whose goal is the overthrow of their unit participated in the invasion of the colonies surroundgovernments and installation of an Islamist regime. Why ing Gaza, and together with our brothers in the Palestinian would the United States, other than for utopian ideals and struggle organizations (Hamas and PIJ), captured many placating anti-Zionists, want to undermine its national seZionists; some of them were transferred to us, and some are curity by advocating for a Palestinian state before its time, still in our hands…” A Fatah terrorist said, “We broke into as it will most likely become a new base for enemies like Nahal Oz… we took as plunder what we took, and we killed China, Russia and Iran? soldiers and stepped on their heads.” Nadav Shragai in Israel Hayom wrote, “The U.S. is failing The P.A. president is the head of Fatah. in its attempt to transform the Palestinian Authority and If the “day after” a Palestinian state is one where Iran’s establish what American envoys call a ‘renewed Palestinian ring of fire extends to the West Bank, Gaza and Jordan, then Authority,’ as a prelude to what will eventually become a for not only Israeli national security interests but for AmerPalestinian state… there is no truly ‘renewed’ Palestinian ican ones, Israel should say thank you, but not now. With a Authority. This is evident from the high number of incifuture administration that is more tethered to the reality of dents in which Palestinian Authority officers and security the Middle East, Israel and the United States should create personnel are involved in terrorist activities or firing on Israel Defense Forces… In counterterrorism and arrest op- a pathway towards greater independence with non-negoerations, not only Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad op- tiable benchmarks or legal fictions. Unfortunately, it will eratives are being neutralized or arrested, but also hundreds likely take generations to accomplish, as it will require the Palestinians to change their narrative from one of victimof Fatah members.” hood and the destruction of Israel to one that prioritizes the The only reason the West Bank does not look like Jabalia Palestinian people’s legitimate quest for a better life. or Rafah in Gaza is that Israeli security has a free hand in Dr. Eric R. Mandel is the director of MEPIN, the Middle Judea and Samaria. Paradoxically, it does get occasional East Political Information Network, senior security editor of help from the schizophrenic P.A., which one day works The Jerusalem Report and a contributor to The Hill and The with Hamas in Gaza, and the next day works with the IDF Jerusalem Post. He regularly briefs member of Congress and against Hamas and PIJ. their foreign policy advisers about the Middle East. Bassam Tawil in Gatestone reminded his readers that AbIsrael InSight • June 2024

A nice surprise Gesture of support as Atlanta coalition tries to break the silence on Hamas violence against women At a time when pro-Israel events are shut down on campus by protests, or “sick-outs” by venue employees cause the cancellation of Jewish performers such as happened to Matisyahu in several cities, a recent event in Atlanta proved to be a sharp contrast to all the bad news. For International Women’s Day on March 8, a coalition of groups, including the Atlanta Israel Coalition and the Consulate General of Israel to the Southeast, held an event on the Atlanta Beltline. They displayed a new exhibit from the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, detailing the sexual violence perpetrated against Israeli women by Hamas and Gaza civilians on Oct. 7, acts that continue with the women still in captivity in Gaza. In planning for the event, Cheryl Dorchinsky of AIC contacted numerous security companies, including a couple in the Jewish community. Response was lackluster, including one company that did not get back to her until a couple days after the event, and several did not respond at all. A relatively new company, Spartan Security Group,

June 2024 • Israel InSight

stepped up to take on the event. Chief Operating Officer Tracey Folds reassured Dorchinsky, saying he would make sure there were plenty of personnel on hand. “They did such a good job, it was unbelievable,” she said. “So professional and so incredible.” But the surprise came after the event — when Dorchinsky was told that the company was donating the time that their 15 security personnel were present. “I was literally in tears,” she said. “I had no idea.” She was told that they believed the message and cause were important. As of press time, they had not responded to our inquiries. “I’m beyond thankful for their support of our community,” Dorchinsky said. “There are still good people out there who want to be sure we are protected.” Tammy Kadish-Harper worked with the Forum to bring the exhibit to Atlanta. The exhibit began with an Israeli expat living in Madrid who wanted to explain what happened

to Israeli women on Oct. 7, frustrated by how women’s movements “were completely ignoring” the atrocities. The exhibit was created from eyewitness testimonies, reports from rescue professionals and videos distributed by Hamas terrorists themselves on social media. After Madrid, the exhibit was displayed in Paris and Vancouver, and on Women’s Day, it was in Boston and Amsterdam in addition to Atlanta. After Kadish-Harper found out about the exhibit, “within a week our Israeli community here raised the money” to bring it to Atlanta “and it was very powerful.” They put it on the Beltline because “we wanted people to see.” She did not know what to expect, and “I had all these scenarios that there would be confrontations.” What she did not anticipate was “apathy and no interest, people pass by.” There were people who saw the images, “came back and asked questions.” Volunteers from the community were on hand to provide information, including one volunteer who lost many family members on Oct. 7. “That was very powerful,” Kadish-Harper said. Dorchinsky noted that “we did get a few crazies, but it was uneventful.” She has video of a woman passing by, gleefully proclaiming that “I’m a Palestinian woman.” She then returned, smiling and waving at the camera, proclaiming

“I’m so cute to film” then blowing a kiss before walking away. Kadish-Harper said they would like to continue to show the exhibit in Atlanta and other places. “With all the fake news around… we’d like to flash a light on that.”

Israel InSight • June 2024

Israelis feel the warmth, thanks to quilters in Alabama A group of Israeli soldiers returning from Gaza and their families are feeling the warmth from Alabama, thanks to the Cotton Boll Quilt Guild in Auburn. On March 19, former U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman presented dozens of hand-made quilts through Eretz Hemda, a small congregation in Jerusalem which assists returning Israeli reservists and helps restore them to family life. In many cases, the soldiers become parents while being away in combat. The quilts were made by the guild’s women in Ambassador David Friedman presented quilts made in Alabama to Israeli Auburn, and were presented at an event held at the families in Jerusalem. Waldorf-Astoria in Jerusalem. Friedman said that he was introduced to the guild “by my dear friend Coach Bruce Pearl of Auburn University.” The guild, which is 38 years old, currently has over 40 members. Esther Flitcroft, who initiated the Israel project, He addressed the crowd sporting an Auburn shirt, “to honor all of Israel’s friends from Auburn.” He added, “I was said “we generally just sew for ourselves, our families and friends.” Some quilt by hand, others use computer-guided proud to explain to the Israeli soldiers and their families just how much love was felt for them in this small universi- longarm machines. ty town in Eastern Alabama.” She initiated a service project in 2017 after seeing a news report where police officers were comforting children in the cold. The guild made quilts for officers to have in their cars for when they encountered children in a traumatic situation, so they could be comforted, and then be able to keep the quilt. Recently, a guild member was downsizing her home following the death of her husband. Judy Feyen, who is originally from Chicago and has Jewish ancestry, had a large amount of quilting fabric, but because of her own health issues, she could no longer quilt. Flitcroft noted that quilting fabric is quite expensive, generally from $11 to $18 a yard. As an example, she had just done a king-size quilt where the fabric alone cost $450. They tried to find a buyer for her fabric but were unsuccessful, so Flitcroft reminded her of the police project and said they would find a charitable use for the fabric. “She said, ‘make sure you use it for good’.”

June 2024 • Israel InSight

A week after the Oct. 7 attack on Israel by Hamas, Flitcroft saw footage of Israelis who were evacuated from the border towns, suitcases in hand, not knowing what the next day would bring and where they would stay. “We just don’t think about that happening,” she said. She went to a fellow guild member’s house, where they talked about doing quilts for families of the hostages, the survivors of Oct. 7 and their children. The guild board unanimously decided to form a charity quilt committee “to assist the victims of the current conflict in Israel.” Using fabric from Feyen, they had a cutting day with about 15 members, had volunteers make packets and directions, and at a second meeting distributed them so members could start putting together the quilts at home. “By the 17th of October, we had a mission.” Flitcroft said she told Feyen what they were doing, “and she started to cry,” concerned for “my people.” She said they made “lap quilts” in sizes for children and adults. These are smaller than bed quilts, but with the families moving around, the smaller size is much more portable.

They used most of Feyen’s fabric and finished 83 quilts. “I’m just sorry we had to stop at 83.” A big question was how they would get the quilts to Israel and make sure they were properly distributed. Pak Mail worked with them on the best way to ship and did so at cost, and Pearl contacted Friedman. They arranged a Sew Day at the Chamber of Commerce on Jan. 27, for completion of the quilts. To thank Pearl for his role in ensuring the quits would get to Israel, they also made him a quilt with Auburn fabric, with the guild members signing the label. Since Oct. 7, Eretz Hemda has delivered over $4 million in equipment and Judaica supplies to Israeli soldiers, and hosted events for couples with a member serving in the military, focusing on mental health and relationship issues. Friedman said it was an “extraordinary experience” to visit this “very special organization.” Seeing photos and footage from the ceremony, Flitcroft said “it was lovely to see babies wrapped” in the quilts. “It was a labor of love.”

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From left: Consul General Anat Sultan-Dadon, Tina Kempin-Reuter, Miriam Schler, Meredith Jacobs and Joyce Vance.

Speaking out about silence

Women’s panel discusses the lack of response to Hamas’ sexual violence against Israelis The mantra that when it comes to sexual violence, women are to be believed and such actions condemned has been prominent in recent years, with the emergence of #MeToo and the Women’s March. But the sudden silence when Hamas terrorists perpetrated rape, torture and mutilation on Israeli women on Oct. 7 has shocked and frustrated Jewish women and a few allies — but not the vast majority of those who were presumed before Oct. 7 to be allies. That frustration was evident at “Using Our Voices,” an international panel at the Birmingham Museum of Art on April 4. Coordinated by the Women’s Philanthropy division of the Birmingham Jewish Federation, the panel was moderated by former U.S. Attorney and MSNBC legal analyst Joyce Vance. About 300 attended the discussion among Jewish Women International CEO Meredith Jacobs, University of Alabama at Birmingham Institute for Human Rights Executive Director Tina Kempin-Reuter, Tel Aviv Sexual Assault Crisis Center Executive Director Miriam Schler, and Consul General Anat Sultan-Dadon of the Israeli consulate in Atlanta. Zhaundra Jones, vice president of philanthropy and learning at the Women’s Foundation of Alabama, welcomed the audience to the discussion of “a matter of grave importance.” She condemned the “heinous acts of violence and terror” on Oct. 7, and said “WFA stands firmly against any violence against women.”

June 2024 • Israel InSight

She concluded by referencing Martin Luther King’s disappointment in “the appalling silence of the good people” in the face of injustice. Vance started the discussion by detailing Hamas’ use of sexual violence as a tactic of war. “This was not a byproduct of war, it was a deliberate way of striking fear.” But the women’s groups who would normally be outraged met the news with a “shrug,” as “there was silence and even denial that the sexual assaults and rapes that were well documented had occurred.” Vance noted, as did the panelists throughout the evening, that “we should have no difficulty in saying that rape is wrong. Rape is always wrong, it does not matter who the victims are.” In the face of the silence, Vance said, “we can arm ourselves with information… we can have a willingness to speak out.” Jacobs said JWI is part of a feminist coalition, with a call among the group leaders every Thursday. During the call the Thursday after Oct. 7, the facilitator, who is Jewish, asked Jacobs if she wanted to talk about what happened. “Normally, that is what we do,” she said. But she sensed that it would not be safe for her to discuss it, and declined, as did Sheila Katz from the National Council of Jewish Women. October 7 was still brought up during the call, and Jacobs said usually when something like that happens, the chat is filled with hearts, direct messages, others asking what they could do.

Israel InSight • June 2024

Silence. mented, took pride in those atrocities they were committing, they uploaded them to social media.” “I have not returned to those calls,” Jacobs said. Another objection, a lack of forensic evidence, comes In those spaces, she explained, “we are taught to believe from watching too many crime shows. There were 1200 all women,” but in this case, proof was demanded. Not only murdered by terrorists on Oct. 7. The crime scenes were that, the narrative was twisted around to state that “rape is places of active warfare, “the last thing people were thinking resistance.” about was extracting evidence of sexual assault,” Schler said. That narrative says “those women deserved what hapThere were truckloads of bodies that had to be identified pened to them. That somehow their bodies represented the and then given to their families for burial. state of Israel, the oppressor… it is beyond horrific. The ”double standard and hypocrisy” have been “a huge “The disbelief has been so painful. I believe it is antisedisappointment, a feeling of betrayal, a feeling of abandonmitic. It is dehumanization, it is delegitimization and it’s a ment.” double standard,” echoing Natan Sharansky’s definition for Based on the testimony of hostages that were released when criticism of Israel crosses over into antisemitism. toward the end of last year, Sultan-Dadon said, there is ev“One of the worst traumas for us was the deafening siidence that hostages are facing sexual violence in captivity. lence of the world,” Schler said. The feminist icons she was “It cannot be that every person in the world who talks about raised on, such as Judith Butler and Susan Sarandon, were human rights is not screaming for their release.” stating “either it didn’t happen, or it was justified because of Kempin-Reuter said sexual violence is the occupation.” prevalent in war, but even in the Geneva “No matter what your political opinion #MeToo unless Convention in 1949, it wasn’t really talked is… rape can never be a weapon of war.” about. It wasn’t until the 1990s in Rwanda Jacobs said the United Nations was silent. the victim is and Yugoslavia that attention started to be Finally, 50 days after Oct. 7, there was a paid. Israeli tweet condemning the Hamas attack and Even so, sexual violence is still seen as a calling for the release of the hostages. “It “side note” to war, and it takes a long time was deleted,” Jacobs said. for any type of prosecution. She said there were four trials After numerous Jewish women’s leaders pressured the a couple years ago for crimes that took place in the 1990s. U.N. in December, a special envoy was sent to examine “There could and should be more done from international what happened, and though she characterized the result actors.” as positive, she said the envoy complained about not being Schler said not to look for criminal prosecutions for Oct. able to talk to survivors. “There are very few survivors left,” 7. Most survivors will not come forward, and most don’t Jacobs said, “and they aren’t going to trust the U.N.” know who the perpetrators were. “We’re talking about Schler said that is part of an unrealistic expectation being thousands of terrorists who infiltrated Israel.” And many of imposed on Israeli victims. “It is as if everything we know the surviving terrorists are likely to be released in a possible about sexual assault and what happens to victims has been swap of Palestinian prisoners for Israeli hostages. erased when it comes to the victims of Oct. 7.” The message of tearing down the silence and the double While skeptics demand more evidence, Schler said what standard is needed, Sultan-Dadon said. “Silence is not an is actually available is the dream of everyone involved in option… if I am not taking a clear stand and using my voice prosecuting sex crimes. “If they had this amount of eviagainst evil, then I am enabling evil.” dence — it’s always he said, she said. We never have this “The astonishment in Israel,” Sultan-Dadon said, “is that abundance of evidence,” from eyewitnesses who were forced we woke up to the realization that while so many speak of to watch their loved ones being raped, to the perpetrators human rights… all of a sudden, when it comes to Israel, to filming their actions. Israeli women, those values do not apply. Similarly, “victims don’t come forward” in the vast ma“That is what we still can not digest.” jority of cases, especially to relive their trauma in public. Jacobs related a story from San Diego, which welcomed There’s a demand “to be this freak show where the survivors a delegation from its Israeli sister city. As the community have to come out in front of the world… and tell their story.” came out for a huge welcome, a young Israeli girl burst into Sultan-Dadon noted that many victims can not give their tears. The girl, Jacobs said, expressed “I thought everyone stories “because they are no longer alive.” But there is plenty hated us.” of evidence, because “the perpetrators themselves docu-

June 2024 • Israel InSight

Israel InSight • June 2024

Alabama resolution strongly backs Israel, condemns Hamas and its supporters

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey signed a joint resolution history.” from the Alabama Legislature on April 9, expressing the Sultan-Dadon said that statement is important “because state’s “unequivocal support” for Israel in its war against of all the false narratives we hear about us, as if we are soHamas. called occupiers of the land… and recognizes our historic The resolution, SJR29, was presented by Senator Arthur ties to our ancient homeland.” Orr of Decatur. It details Alabama’s historical support for Many legislators attended a March 5 screening of the raw Israel and honors the memory of those killed on Oct. 7 in footage from the Oct. 7 atrocities, held in Montgomery an “unwarranted and unjustified vicious assault.” by the Israeli Consulate in Atlanta. There have also been Anat Sultan-Dadon, Israel’s consul general to the Southscreenings in Birmingham and Huntsville. eastern United States, based in Atlanta, said that as Israel That night, the Senate passed the resolution unanimously, fights a genocidal terrorist group, “we are grateful to the with all senators added to the bill as co-sponsors. The bill state of Alabama for its clear stand against terror and in then went to the House, where it was passed on March 7, support of Israel.” and officially enrolled on March 14. The She was pleased that the resolution inAlabama was the passage in both chambers was by voice vote. cluded references to the “intentional and The delay in publicizing the resolufirst state to call for tion systematic” torture and gender-based viocame from attempting to schedule lence committed by Hamas against Israelis, the reestablishment a public signing ceremony with Ivey and since “to a large extent we have seen interSultan-Dadon, and to avoid anti-Israel proof the Jewish national women’s organizations stay silent tests, as had occurred at a couple delegation in the face of these atrocities.” homeland meetings earlier in the year. The resolution not only condemns Sultan-Dadon said it was important to Hamas, but also “all those who support their violent, geno- note the overwhelming bipartisan support for the resolucidal, and hateful acts — globally, in the United States, and tion, “a reflection of the nature of the U.S.-Israel relationin the State of Alabama.” It references attempts by Hamas ship, which have always been and should always remain to “ethnically cleanse the land of Jews.” bipartisan.” It also reaffirms “unequivocal support for the State of IsShe added that the war against Hamas is not just Israel’s rael as a Jewish state,” recognizes that the Jewish people are fight, and part of the larger fight against Iran. “The fight indigenous to the land, condemns all attacks on the people for life, freedom and humanity is the fight of the entire free of Israel and supports Israel “in lawful acts of self-defense.” world, in stark opposition to those who glorify death and The resolution also opposes economic and political isoseek a radical Islamist world order.” lation of Israel internationally, and “all efforts to assault the John Buhler, co-chair of the interfaith Alabama-Israel legitimacy of Israel as the sovereign homeland of the Jewish Task Force, said the resolution “made a strong and emPeople.” phatic statement as an uproar of false accusations and The resolution concludes with a rejection of the claim misleading narratives unjustly condemn Israel and assert a that Jews are colonizers or occupiers in Israel, citing “testinauseating false equivalence with the genocidal atrocities mony including more than 3,000 years of archaeology and of Hamas.”

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Alabama Governor Kay Ivey signs a resolution supporting Israel and condemning Hamas. Behind her are (left to right) Rep. Phil Ensler, who is also director of the Jewish Federation of Central Alabama, Rep. Laura Hall, Israel Consulate Director of Government and Political Affairs Karen Isenberg Jones, Consul General Anat Sultan-Dadon, Sen. Arthur Orr, Rep. and Pastor Mark Gidley, Major Liron D., and Alabama-Israel Task Force co-chairs Laura King and John Buhler.

He added, “it is vital to not remain silent, and bear witness to the truth, when so many shout or repeat unfounded outrageous claims, echoing Hamas, originally fueled by bigotry and Jew-hatred, and now twisted and cloaked in a facade of justice and nobility to infer Israel is somehow to blame or at fault.” The resolution is the latest in a long series for the state. Alabama was the first state to call for the establishment of the Jewish homeland, in 1943, five years before Israel’s rebirth. In 2019, Alabama was reportedly the first state to use the language “eternal undivided capital of Israel” in reference to Jerusalem. Sultan-Dadon said “we commend Alabama for once again standing on the right side of history.”

UAB student resolution condemns Israel In contrast, a resolution offered by the Student Senate at the University of Alabama at Birmingham on Feb. 25

“condemns the ongoing occupation, settler colonialism, apartheid, ethnic cleansing of Palestinians since 1948” and “the plausible genocide of Gaza since October 2023.” It calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and states that the student government “stands in unwavering solidarity with the Palestinian people… until the Palestinian people are given their due rights and until Israel faces justice and consequences for its actions against them.” The resolution also calls for a Palestinian flag in the Hill Student Center wall of flags, which shows what countries students are from. Israel is on the wall, along with Saudi Arabia, Oman, UAE, Lebanon, Iran, Yemen, Syria, Kuwait, Egypt, Jordan and Libya. Hamas is not referenced in the resolution. The UAB resolution was written by Nooraldein Alabsi, president of the Muslim Students Association. UAB historically has had a very small Jewish student population. Israel InSight • June 2024

With a few objections, Tennessee passes joint resolution supporting Israel The Tennessee General Assembly overwhelmingly passed a joint resolution in support of the State of Israel, but not without some bumps in the road by some representatives who stated that they support Israel, “but…”, and in some cases the “but” included comparisons of Israel’s actions to Nazi Germany and a charge that Israel is prolonging the war to benefit Prime Minister Netanyahu’s political future. The resolution notes that Israel has repeatedly been forced to defend itself and its people, and on Oct. 7, “Tennesseans, alongside people around the world, were horrified by the violent terrorist attacks launched against the Jewish people and the State of Israel.” The resolution stated that Tennessee is “an unequivocal supporter of the State of Israel and its right to exist and to defend itself against terror and threats to the security of its people,” with an “unwavering commitment.” Therefore, the resolution stated, the legislators “reaffirm our support for all people of the State of Israel and express our hope that the State of Israel and its neighbors can live in freedom and peace with mutual recognition of each other’s dignity and autonomy.” It condemns the “terrorist actions that began on Oct. 7,” offers “heartfelt condolences” to “all victims of the attacks” and reaffirms the state’s support for Israel. The bill was introduced on Jan 23 by Sen. Joey Hensley of Hohenwald. On Feb. 22, it passed the Senate, 29-2, with one present. The House passed it on April 4, 76-10, with 11 voting present. Rabbi Dan Horwitz, the CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville, said ““We’re grateful to our elected leaders who recognize the strong and important bonds between Israel, the United States, and the State of Tennessee. It is humbling, and so appreciated, to see so many folks in our state government make it clear that they stand with Israel in the face of Hamas terror.” Before each vote, several representatives spoke out against the bill, some citing trips to Israel that were meaningful to them spiritually and where they connected to Israeli people, but nevertheless expressed doubts about Israel’s conduct. On Feb. 22, Sen. Heidi Campbell of Nashville called the resolution “a struggle for me.” She said that Hamas is an evil terrorist organization and the actions of Oct. 7 were “evil and irredeemable,” but “they were not perpetrated by innocent Palestinian families.” She said she supports Israel’s right to defend her people

June 2024 • Israel InSight

but “the answer is not to kill innocent people.” She also stated that “I do not support their current prime minister, Bibi Netanyahu, who may be intentionally prolonging this issue as a means of holding on to power.” While she stated “I love the Jewish community and the hostages must be released,” she said she could not support the resolution without a line “expressing support for the Palestinian community.” Sen. London Lamar of Memphis, who was among those who visited Israel a couple years ago, said “It’s really hard to see a group who has experienced so much tragedy also support the tragedy of another group.” Lamar said “I do not condone the attack done by Hamas or any terrorist group… they must be brought down.” However, “that does not require the mass slaughter of Palestinian babies… what this resolution should be doing is calling for a ceasefire” and figuring out how to live together in peace. “Support Israeli families and Palestinian families living in peace,” she concluded. “I’m sick of Jewish babies and Palestinian babies being slaughtered.” When Sen. Charlane Oliver of Nashville visited Israel two years ago, “I was taken aback by what I saw” in refugee camps in the territories, looking like the blighted neighborhoods in north Nashville and south Memphis. She said, “I know oppression when I see it and I just cannot for the life of me understand how a group of Jewish people who were unfortunately terribly persecuted by the German Nazis are now inflicting this kind of persecution on another group of people.” She said it is important to separate views of the Israeli people from their government, and Palestinians from Hamas. Oct. 7 “was a terrorist attack, and it was wrong… but also, 12,000 children have been slaughtered in Gaza. I can’t turn my back on that.” Oliver charged that Israel is “a government that is committing war crimes with impunity.” As for the resolution itself, she said “this is a complex issue” and this resolution is crafted in a way to make those opposing it seem antisemitic. Sen. Raumesh Akbari of Memphis also went two years ago and was baptized in the Sea of Galilee. She said that Hamas is not the Palestinian people. “We can condemn what happened on Oct. 7, wish for peace in the region and not be against the Palestinian people. That is what I am hoping this resolution is doing,” Ak-

Rep. Chris Todd of Jackson speaks in the Tennessee House about the pro-Israel resolution

bari said, expressing hope in a “two state solution so both entities can live in peace.” Responding to the criticisms, Sen. Mark Pody of Lebanon said “We have stood with them in peace, and we stand with them in war.” To those who questioned why Tennessee would speak about overseas issues, Pody said “Tennessee has a voice. I am taking a side. I am firmly standing with Israel. Israel is fighting for its existence. There are nations around them that want to genocide them.” Lt. Gov Randy McNally said “As a nation, as a state, we should take a very firm stand against Hamas… all those organizations that believe Israel should not live in peace. I believe we should take a firm stance against Iran that is supporting all this.”

House protests The debate was shorter in the House on April 4, but when the question was called, chants of “Let Gaza Live” could be heard in the chamber. Surrounded by co-sponsors, Rep. Chris Todd of Jackson thanked those who had worked on the resolution and made sure it would be a bipartisan expression of “our string support for the state of Israel.” Todd said Oct. 7 was “unspeakable… by an enemy that was not provoked.” He added, “We stand with Israel, they are our friend and our ally. This is a very serious moment for the state of Israel and we stand with them 100 percent.” In her criticism of the resolution, Rep. Aftyn Behn of Nashville, who used to work in the United Nations, stated that “Israel is committing genocide, funded by the United States, and this resolution condones genocide.” She ticked off a list of statistics, many of which have been long debunked, starting with “46,496 children killed.” As of early April, the Gaza Ministry of Health statistics, which come from Hamas and are unverified by any outside source,

claims a total of 33,000 killed in Gaza since Oct. 7. The ministry claims the majority are women and children, and does not mention any number of Hamas combatants killed. Israel estimates 14,000 Hamas combatants have been killed, which would make the civilian to combatants killed ratio one of the smallest in the history of warfare. She said those killed by Israel in Gaza are “72 percent children and women, with a daily death rate surpassing that of any major conflict in 21st history (sic),” ignoring Syria, Sudan Ukraine and Yemen, among others. Behn also mentioned “2 million people displaced, 443 damaged schools, 349 healthcare professionals killed, 300 healthcare facilities destroyed,” not mentioning that schools and healthcare facilities were used by Hamas for military purposes. She further charged that “this conflict has killed more aid workers than have been killed in any country in the last 30 years.” She asked “how does this resolution enhance the safety and well-being of Jewish Tennesseeans that face tangible material threats of white Christian nationalism and right wing violence?” She said that after Oct. 7, she worked with Jewish constituents on legislation that she could not get a first or second for in committee, “while a resolution was passed declaring November Christian heritage month… We have to be working on legislation that protects our Jewish Tennesseans on the ground.” Dwayne Thompson of Memphis said he has been a supporter of Israel and will continue to do so, “but their reaction to this has been abysmal.” Thompson said “They are out there killing civilians, hundreds if not thousands of children.” He said “I hope they defeat Hamas… but the majority of people killed are innocent civilians.” He hoped for a change in Israeli policy, and “maybe a change of prime ministers.” Israel InSight • June 2024

SUPPORTING Israel

Feeling the Love in Nashville National Religious Broadcasters’ Christian Media Convention has special emphasis on standing with Israel With its indoor river and expansive gardens, the Gaylord Opryland Hotel in Nashville seems like its own little bubble in the universe. For those who have been dealing with the venom and invective aimed at Israel and its response to Hamas’ Oct. 7 invasion and massacre, with anti-Israel demonstrations taking place repeatedly across the country and worldwide, the hotel was indeed an oasis as the National Religious Broadcasters held its annual Christian Media Convention in late February. Reflecting the high level of support for Israel in the evangelical Christian community, NRB has long been vocally supportive of the Jewish state, with an annual Israel breakfast and usually a session or two about Israel. In 2019, there was a particular emphasis on battling a national rise in antisemitism. With the war against Hamas raging, this year’s NRB had much more of a focus on Israel, with numerous expressions of love and support. Along with the breakfast, there were several programs with families of Israeli hostages held in Gaza, discussions on how to support Israel, and the announcement of an NRB trip to Israel for the end of May. Troy Miller, CEO of NRB, told this publication that he had visited Israel in December, and saw the aftermath of Oct. 7. “There is no other description, it was pure evil,” he said. “This was an attack on the Jewish people and on humanity.” Keep God’s Land, a new organization dedicated to advocating for Israel to maintain sovereignty over the territories that most of the world chalks up to a future Palestinian state, was also unveiled. With that, NRB made headlines through the Biblical Heartland Resolution, a request for member outlets to stop using the term “West Bank” in Middle East coverage, and instead use the correct Biblical names, Judea and Samaria. Also receiving a lot of attention was an

June 2024 • Israel InSight

announcement of the Friedman Plan for Peace, an idea from former U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman that could settle the conflict with the Palestinians over the next generation. The NRB also passed a resolution pledging “its continued support and friendship with Israel in her time of need,” condemning terrorism and calling on the hostages to be released, and noting the important role Christian media play in educating about antisemitism. The resolution said “an attack on the Jewish people and their historic connection to the Land of Israel is an assault on the deep roots of the Christian faith.” There were also screenings of the 45-minute documentary of raw footage from the Oct. 7 attacks, filmed by Hamas members who were looking to boast about their atrocities. Israel365 held an Israel War Room experience, with briefings on the situation, a conversation with hostage families and suggestions on how to engage in the social media battle. The Israel Prime Minister’s office hosted “Bear Witness,” an immersive virtual reality visit to the aftermath of Oct. 7. In the expo, there were numerous Israel-focused booths, including Magen David Adom, the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, Tennessee-based Proclaiming Justice to the Nations, the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem, the Philos Project’s White Rose Resistance, and the Israel Ministry of Tourism, along with a couple vendors of Israeli products. “The Christian community has always had a strong affinity for Israel and for the Jewish people,” Miller said. “The events of Oct. 7 have only solidified that,” and while many among the left and progressive communities have “abandoned” Israel, “the Christian evangelicals support Israel stronger than ever.” Getting a geographical briefing inside the Israel War Room at NRB. Story, page 51.

Israel InSight • June 2024

Trump: “Israel wouldn’t have been attacked” with him in office

Ambassador David Friedman talks to President Donald Trump during

Just as Israel was a major focus of events Trump’s speech at NRB at the National Religious Broadcasters “They said the world was going to come to an end,” convention in Nashville, it also was a focus of President Trump recalled. “Nothing happened. They said this will be Donald Trump’s address to the group on Feb. 22, as he said the October 7 attack by Hamas would not have happened if the bloodiest thing that ever happened in history, and nothing happened.” he were in office. He then related that he called those world leaders the fol“Israel wouldn’t have been attacked,” Trump said. lowing Monday with a “Hi, what’s up?” “Ukraine wouldn’t have been attacked. China wouldn’t be thinking about Taiwan.” He also said that recognizing Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights “was a big one.” After various administraA very friendly crowd of thousands crowded the ballroom at the Gaylord Opryland to hear the former president, who tions had numerous summits and discussions about the was delayed by almost two hours because of thunderstorms Golan, with nothing happening, he contacted U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman and asked him to explain that delayed his landing. the Golan in five minutes or less, and “I said let’s do it, and Troy Miller, president of NRB, noted that the organization is non-partisan, and that President Biden had also been we did it.” But he said the biggest thing was that his administration invited to speak. He then gave a silent shrug. “withdrew from the disastrous Iran nuclear deal. The Biden While Trump recounted his first-term successes, includadministration did nothing. We could have made any deal ing confirming three new Supreme Court justices who then we wanted. Iran was broke.” overturned Roe vs. Wade, standing up for religious liberty Trump said Iran was hurting because his administration and sanctioning Iran, the largest applause line of the night was when he spoke about moving the U.S. embassy in Israel said any country buying oil from Iran was not going to do business in the U.S. As a result, Iran “had no money for to Jerusalem. Hamas, no money for Hezbollah, they were totally broke, Trump said that he “will stand proudly with our friend and we could have made any deal we want.” and ally, the state of Israel.” When the election “ended” in 2020 “and it was a great By moving the embassy in 2019, “I kept my promise, rectragedy,” Trump said, that approach to Iran changed. ognized Israel’s eternal capital. That was a big thing. Every At one point, Trump invited former U.S. Ambassador to president for decades was saying during their process of getting elected that we will move to Jerusalem, we will do all Israel David Friedman to the stage, where Friedman furthered that argument. these things. It never happened.” Calling Trump “the greatest friend Israel ever had in the Trump added, “I understood why. Once I got in, the presOval Office,” Friedman said Oct. 7 “this wouldn’t have hapsure that was put on me by other countries was extraordipened if you had been in power and I had been working for nary.” you, for obvious reasons.” He said he was getting calls from numerous world leadThe money Iran has received from the loosening of sancers, urging him not to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. On a Wednesday he told his people to “tell them I’ll call tions under Biden “was the lubricant that enabled Hamas to conduct their horrible attacks, and Hezbollah too. It took a them back Monday,” then he made the announcement of lot of money. You cut it all off and Biden brought it all back.” the move on Thursday.

June 2024 • Israel InSight

Friedman added, “We really wish you were still in office, because we’re feeling the pain right now.” He also spoke of the embassy move, recalling that “you got pushback from other countries, but you also got pushback from your own people.” He continued, “You said ‘I promised I was going to do this, this is the right thing’,” which sent a signal “to the whole world that the United States will stand with its allies, and the United States will not flinch from the threats of rogue nations. “That message resonated in North Korea, it resonated in Iran, it resonated in Russia,” and that is why there were no new wars during his administration, Friedman said. Trump noted that when the decision to move the embassy was made, there were proposals to build a new embassy in Jerusalem, with a price tag that could reach over $1 billion. Trump asked if there was a better option, and Friedman found that the U.S. owned a building that met security requirements in a better location, and repurposing it for the embassy would cost about $490,000. Trump related that he then asked if Jerusalem stone could be used, and Friedman said the whole city was Jerusalem stone, it’s in plentiful supply. It took five months to open, and “it’s such a beautiful building,” and he has a piece of the Jerusalem stone in his office. Trump said “we will restore peace through strength.” He added, “blessed are the peacemakers.”

The legacy of peace, through the Abraham Accords, was “one of the greatest things ever done for peace in the Middle East, and the Biden administration didn’t take advantage of it, and they didn’t take advantage of the weakness of Iran,” Trump said. “If the election had not been rigged, we would have had a deal” keeping Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, he said. He also cut off funding for United Nations agencies that were teaching terror to Palestinians and hindering efforts for peace in the Middle East. “Joe Biden gave it back.” Trump mocked Biden numerous times during the evening. “We’ve got an incompetent president… he will not lead us to the Promised Land.” He spoke of the anti-Israel protests, adding the context of unchecked immigration leading to undesirables from around the world infiltrating the U.S. “They’ve unleashed mobs of foreign jihadists that praise Hamas in our streets… while they slander law-abiding Americans.” Trump also pledged to get rid of the Johnson Amendment, which was passed in 1954 and bars tax-exempt organizations from directly or indirectly participating in political campaigns for elected office. They can, however, do “issue guides” for voters and speak out on issues of concern. “We want to hear from the preachers, the ministers, the rabbis,” Trump said.

Christians, Jews unite to Keep God’s Land

While the National Religious Broadcasters Convention leadership urged members to use the terms Judea and Samaria to refer to the territories often called the West Bank (story, page 53), a relatively new group held a session announcing its coalition of Jewish and Christian voices to advocate for Israeli sovereignty over those areas. Keep God’s Land held an event on Feb. 22 with a series of speakers and panels, highlighted by the unveiling of the Friedman Plan for Peace, designed by former U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman (see page 42). Erick Stakelbeck, host and executive producer of The Watchman, said “we’re talking about the Biblical heartland, Judea and Samaria. If the Bible calls it Judea and Samaria, that’s good enough for us.” Rabbi Tuly Weisz, founder of Israel365, said this is a new moment for “Christians uniting with Jews for Israel’s right Ruth Guggenheim, Rabbi Elie Mischel and Billye Brim to its Biblical homeland in Judea and Samaria.” discuss Christian-Jewish unity at Keep God’s Land panel Israel InSight • June 2024

Keep God’s Land has initiatives in education, advocacy and prayer, and each initiative is led by a rabbi and a minister. He said they are developing a curriculum for young people to teach “what we are fighting for and why we must do it together.” Stakelbeck said the world has aligned against Israel in a moral inversion where “good is called evil and evil is called good.” Nevertheless, “we are going to stick to it, we are going to finish the job” in Gaza. He also said calls for a Palestinian state are “tone deaf ” given what Hamas did in October. Michele Bachmann, former Representative from Minnesota, decried the unilateral push for Palestinian statehood, Blowing the silver trumpets ignoring the parties involved. Between that and all the anti-Jewish atrocities over the cenShe said God’s covenant is His “love story to all of manturies that “were done under the sign of the cross,” she said, kind, played out through Israel,” and that it is God’s plan “to “it’s a wonder the Jews will let us in the door.” bless all peoples… through one people, the Jewish people, Rabbi Elie Mischel of Israel365 responded that “it has takin a specific land.” en the Jewish people some time to get used to this change… Bachmann said it is “dangerous to divide God’s land,” and be patient with us, we’re coming around.” any nation that does so “will bring judgment on itself.” Mischel said this is not a time to be silent, and even when She said former Palestinian Chairman Yasser Arafat was one does not know what to say, “just being there” is import“anything but a peace partner” and that “Oslo was a sick, ant. cruel joke that 30 years later led to a genocide of 1200 Jews Panel moderator Ruth Guggenheim, director of interfaith and the taking of 200 hostages.” relations for Emunah Israel, reiterated the importance of In addition to Oslo being over, “the two-state solution is “taking our faith and turning into action.” dead. Dividing God’s land will not work,” she concluded. Among the actions, as Weisz noted, is that “hundreds of Ohad Tal, a member of the Knesset in the National ReliChristian volunteers are in the fields in Judea and Samaria. gious Party, said “the main challenges we are facing, Jews Your presence from across the world gives us strength and and Christians, are so similar, and we have to stand togeth- gives us the spirit to keep on fighting until Israel achieves er.” total victory.” He reiterated that Israel is facing “absolute evil,” though As part of the program, Pastor David Swaggerty of “Israel is a country that desires peace more than anything.” CharismaLife Ministries was honored for his efforts to build Attempts to establish a Palestinian state “after October 7 bridges of friendship with Israel and the Jewish community. is simply to reward terrorism,” and the day before, the KnesThe program ended with the sounding of two silver set voted overwhelmingly to reject such attempts, “left and trumpets. While the Jewish practice of blowing the shofar is right, coalition and opposition, we rejected the idea.” widely known, there is a much less known precedent from Still, “we all have a vision of peace and prosperity,” though Biblical days to also blow two silver trumpets in times of Oct. 7 moved it further away. war and troubles for the Jewish people. Billye Brim spoke of how she has seen a major change The Temple Institute in Jerusalem, which has crafted among Christians in approaching the Jews in friendship. garments, vessels and other items for an eventual Third Part of it is the repudiation of “this horrible thing called Temple, crafted the trumpets. After the war broke out, the Replacement Theology” that held that God’s covenant with trumpets began to be used in numerous places around Israthe Jews had been revoked and replaced by the church. el and around the world.

June 2024 • Israel InSight

History of the Territories

The Biblical heartland was part of what was proposed as an Arab state when the United Nations voted in favor of a two-state partition in 1947. That partition was immediately rejected by the Arabs, with anti-Jewish violence breaking out immediately, and five Arab countries attacking the newly declared Jewish state in 1948. When fighting stopped, a temporary armistice line, the Green Line, was established. Judea and Samaria had been captured by Jordan, along with the older sections of Jerusalem, and over 100,000 Jews were forced out of the area. Jordan gave it the name West Bank, and there was no discussion of that territory becoming an independent Arab state. In 1967, when Israel launched a pre-emptive attack on Egypt and its ally Syria in response to acts of war by Egypt, Israel urged Jordan to stay out of the fighting. Instead, Jordan attacked, and Israel captured the territories. The United Nations urged negotiations for return of “territories,” and the word “all” was rejected as it was assumed that the 1949 accidental armistice lines were not secure. The Arab nations rejected any form of negotiations with Israel. In recent years, the Green Line has been regarded as a sacred immutable border. The Oslo Accords in 1993 gave the Palestinian Authority autonomy in enclaves of the territories, known as Area A. Area B had more joint responsibility, while Area C remained under Israeli control pending negotiations. Recently, the Palestinians have been building illegally in Area C, with the support of European groups. The launch of terrorism campaigns, known as the Intifada, prompted Israel to start building a barrier roughly along the contours of the territories, in an effort to cut down on infiltrators who were carrying out suicide attacks. Most of the barrier is simple fencing, with concrete in closer quarters. Each concrete section, though, has a hole in the top, to make it easy for the barrier to be removed, should a peace agreement actually happen. A point of contention since 1967 has been the presence of Israelis in the territories. There are numerous villages and a few small cities in the territories, a large number of which are bedroom communities to Jerusalem. Contrary to popular misconception, when “expansion” of the “settlements” is mentioned, the footprint of those communities does not increase, though the population does, in the already-defined boundaries. Conversely, the Palestinian Authority has declared that no Jew would be allowed to live in a Palestinian state, and it is a capital crime for a Palestinian to sell land to a Jew.

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Friedman Plan would Keep God’s Land

Plan of the “possible” would give Palestinians a future, with security for Israel With support in Israel for a two-state solution cratering, states, and the Palestinians would have “maximum civil and a one-state solution a non-starter, former U.S. Ambas- autonomy,” with Israel retaining control of security. sador to Israel David Friedman unveiled the Friedman Plan The Palestinians would have permanent resident status for Peace on Feb. 22 at the National Religious Broadcasters and Israeli documents. The only restriction would be that convention in Nashville. while they could vote in local elections, they could not vote Friedman unveiled the Friedman Center for Peace in national elections, because that would give them a way to Through Strength’s plan during a session introducing Keep change Israel from being a Jewish state. God’s Land, a coalition of Christians and Jews “dedicated “There are 30 Muslim states. If you want to live in one, to strengthening and defending Israel’s right to its biblical pick one. There’s only one Jewish state,” Friedman said. This homeland, with the ultimate goal of sovereignty over Judea will give the Palestinians full civil rights, “other than the and Samaria.” right to destroy the world’s only Jewish state through demoFriedman said his plan deals with security, being Biblical- graphic power.” ly correct regarding God’s promise of the land to the Jewish For those who would consider the plan to be apartheid, people, and civil rights for all. He said it “recognizes that Friedman asks “is America an apartheid state?” After all, every human being is created in the image of God.” residents of territories like American Samoa, Guam, Puerto When it comes to the Palestinian issue, he said doing Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands can not vote in national nothing is not tenable, especially with how the world is elections, and have just non-voting representation in Conturning against Israel. The two-state solugress. “These arrangements are accepted tion is non-realistic and it is time to “give because there are significant reciprocal “Those of you who benefits,” he explained, and “Israel has up all the fantasies.” want to kill us, we’re to help the Palestinians get out from the The two-state solution, currently being depths.” pushed by the United States and many othgoing to kill you er countries, has been “the mother’s milk There would be no change in status for first… Those who Israeli Arabs, they would retain their naof the Democratic party, and to an extent, the Republicans.” After Oct. 7 “there can’t want to live with us, tional voting rights. be a two-state solution,” especially given While there inevitably will be objections, live with us.” that polls show 85 percent of Palestinians Friedman said “let’s not let the perfect get approved of the Oct. 7 attacks. in the way of the possible.” He anticipates Until a few months ago, Israelis were 50-50 on a two-state Palestinian opposition, but without a clear successor to the solution. “Not any more,” he said, noting that the day before aging and widely unpopular Palestinian Authority Chairhis presentation, all members of the Knesset, from far right man Mahmoud Abbas, and in the aftermath of the war to far left, who are not in Arab parties, voted to reject any against Hamas, “Israel will have to increase security” to deal unilateral declaration of Palestinian statehood. The vote with the “vacuum.” was 99-11, with the 11 Arab party members voting against Initiatives to build real lives for Palestinians, rather than and the Labor Party boycotting the vote. recycling the refugee camps and a grievance mentality, “will Friedman said his plan is a “generational plan” and is not improve stability” as they come on line, and there needs to going to happen in just a year or two. be promotion and empowerment of Palestinian leaders who The plan starts with an ultimatum to terrorists. “Those of can give the Palestinian people the opportunity for a better future, free of conflict. you who want to kill us, we’re going to kill you first. We’re not going to give in to terrorism.” But, “those who want to The plan “addresses needs on the ground, including the live with us, live with us.” In the Bible, he said, there were need to improve the Palestinian quality of life,” Friedman plenty of groups who peacefully lived in the area under Jew- said, and it builds upon the Abraham Accords. ish sovereignty. With Israel retaining sovereignty in Judea and Samaria, it The plan would then be led by Israel, the United States also ensures that the holy sites of all faiths remain open and and the Abraham Accords countries, with Israel retaining are protected. sovereignty in Judea and Samaria. There would be a MarThe message to the Palestinians would be “you’re going to shall Plan to build up Palestinian areas, funded by Gulf live here forever… we can prosper together.”

June 2024 • Israel InSight

Ambassador David Friedman unveils his peace plan for Israel and the Palestinians at the National Religious Broadcasters convention on Feb. 22.

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The difference 36 hours makes

Large delegation from International Christian Embassy Jerusalem held solidarity celebration near Gaza on Oct. 5 October 7 ushered in “a new era on the importance of standing with the Jewish people,” said Chris Mitchell, Jerusalem bureau chief of the Christian Broadcasting Network, at an NRB forum on the future of U.S. and Israel relations from a Christian and Jewish perspective. He said, “I’ve never seen the Jewish people feeling so alone, so isolated” by the world’s response to the Oct. 7 invasion and Israel’s attempts to uproot Hamas from Gaza. Juergen Buehler, president of the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem, said that they had over 3500 pilgrims in Israel for Sukkot the week before the attack, and just two days earlier, a delegation of about 700 from over 50 countries went to the Gaza envelope for a celebration. “We didn’t have any inclination something would be coming up within 36 hours,” he said. They were in the area on Oct. 5 for a solidarity gathering with the Israeli communities who had been living under constant threat of rockets from Gaza. With representatives of Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael-Jewish National Fund, they dedicated a section of the Be’eri Forest that had burned in recent years. The 126-acre section was renamed the Christian Embassy Nature Park. The forest was among the areas burned by incendiary balloons and kites launched from Gaza into Israel, with the express purpose of causing wildfires. KKL-JNF had planted thousands of dunams of trees along the Gaza border over the decades, only to see 70 percent of these forested areas scorched by the rash of Palestinian arson attacks since 2018. The delegation also visited some of the over 140 bomb shelters that ICEJ donated in the region, and held a rally

June 2024 • Israel InSight

Just 36 hours earlier… Planting trees in the Be’eri Forest at the new Christian Embassy Nature Park on Oct. 5.

and security briefing at the Sha’ar HaNegev Regional Council near Sderot, 10 miles from Be’eri. They “felt an incredible presence of God there,” Buehler said. “Thirty-six hours later, the streets we were driving on became killing fields.” Be’eri Forest starts just a few hundred feet from the Gaza border and is between Gaza and Kibbutz Be’eri, which became one of the focal points of the Hamas attack on Oct. 7. Over 110 residents of Be’eri were murdered, and 23 were taken hostage. In March the Czech branch of ICEJ donated a fully-equipped military ambulance to serve the area, part of a campaign to replace dozens of ambulances that were destroyed on Oct. 7 and after. The ICEJ fundraiser was sparked by footage of Hamas gunmen shooting up an ambulance during their attack on Kibbutz Be’eri. Among the speakers at the ICEJ rally on Oct. 5 was Ofir Libstein, head of Sha’ar HaNegev. Buehler tried to call him after hearing of the attack, but he soon found out that Libstein was the first confirmed fatality in the Hamas attack, along with one of his four children. Buehler said the Hamas killing spree was “demonic” and “you were really looking at the face of Satan… I didn’t even think animals would do that.” And yet, “before any Israeli soldier put a foot in Gaza, there were tens of thousands of people in the streets” around the world, protesting the notion of any Israeli response. He added that “it is very important that Israel has the support of the U.S., that they finish the job, that they not negotiate with terrorists.” Buehler’s son is among the soldiers in Gaza, and reported that the soldiers can feel that there are people praying for them. He also reported that he had been in life-threatening situations, and “either Hamas is the worst shooters, or God

is protecting me.” Joel Rosenberg, editor in chief of All Israel News, said Hamas had a long-term plan to feign cooperation and progress — “Make Israel feel secure, then invade them.” The plan was “not to just kill everybody but take hundreds back because then they won’t invade, they’ll have to surrender.” Instead, Israel launched a major response as Hamas threatened to repeat Oct. 7 until the Israelis leave the region.

Mitchell said the network of terror tunnels that Hamas built throughout Gaza have shafts “in supermarkets, schools, mosques and homes.” He saw a terror tunnel in Khan Yunis, with a leadership center 75 feet underground, likely where Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar had been at one point. There was also a room with a cage, and he said that is where 12 hostages had been held. Mitchell said he is also praying for the Palestinian people, “to be free of the tyranny under Hamas.”

With group tourism down, focus on “voluntourism” Israeli officials say now is an especially meaningful time to visit Tourism to Israel in 2023 was shaping up to be the best year ever, “better than the pre-pandemic year of 2019,” said Lorin Mauguery, the Israel Ministry of Tourism consul for tourism affairs to the Southern United States. Then, October 7 happened. As Jill Daly, director of the Israel Ministry of Tourism’s Midwest region reported, before Oct. 7, there were over 12,000 visitors arriving in Israel daily. On Oct. 8, there were 26. While a lot of group trips were put on hold due to the war with Hamas, participants on an Israeli tourism panel held at the National Religious Broadcasters Convention said that tourism is starting to pick up, often in a very different form. “The best way to support Israel is by visiting Israel,” Mauguery said, adding that is why the panelists were at NRB. “We see support through volunteer and solidarity trips,” Mauguery said, “from the Christian community and the Jewish community, and it is so important.” As of mid-February, there had been about 60,000 visitors from the United States. Complicating matters is that many airlines shut down their flights to Israel after Oct. 7. Daly said the January tourism figures were about 30 percent of normal, and a lot of the visitors are coming for “voluntourism.” Mauguery added, “It means so much for (Israelis) to see people from abroad, you cannot imagine.” Ohad Roth, director of incoming tourism for the Jerusalem Development Authority, said it is important for those coming to Israel on volunteer trips to “be flexible and ready to adapt.” That is also the case for all tour groups, as most check on conditions daily and don’t go to areas where there is the potential for incidents. Roth urged those coming to Israel to learn about Israel and the people, and to be realistic in what they will do while there. “You are coming for a short time, don’t think you are

Israel tourism panel at NRB

going to change the world. Do your best.” Jordan Marcellino, president of the Beautiful Land Initiative, said “come with an open heart.” The environmental stewardship organization coordinates volunteers from around the world for litter cleanups, with about 75 percent Christians from abroad, and 25 percent local Israelis. They also coordinate $1,000 sponsorships of public trash bins in Tiberias and around the Sea of Galilee, with 94 deployed thus far. Marcellino said a group of 60 young volunteers recently went to a dirty stretch of beach, and in an hour that beach was as clean as it has ever been, with over 80 bags of trash collected. It’s “a way for us to serve, to shine, to share our love.” Another way to get to know the Israeli people is through Shabbat of a Lifetime, an opportunity for tourists of all backgrounds to experience an authentic Shabbat dinner at the home of a family in Jerusalem. Over 200 hosts have welcomed 150,000 people thus far. Most of all, they emphasized, now is an especially meaningful time to be in Israel. “We wouldn’t invite you if we didn’t feel you would be safe when you are there,” Daly said. Israel InSight • June 2024

Photo by Yossi Aloni/Flash90.

The aftermath of Hamas’s Oct. 7 invasion in Kibbutz Nirim, near the Israel-Gaza border southern Israel.

Living through a day of death and destruction

Survivor from Kibbutz Nirim talks about the terror of October 7, the “Black Sabbath” One morning, Adele Raemer decided to skip out on her passion of taking photos of wildflowers at sunrise. Had she gone out that morning, she told an audience at the National Religious Broadcasters convention, “I would not be sitting here today.” That morning was Oct. 7, and Raemer is from Kibbutz Nirim, which was one of the battlegrounds after Hamas terrorists flooded into the region from Gaza, killing over 1,200 Israelis. She spoke at a session organized by the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews. Governor Mike Huckabee interviewed her and reflected on his own recent visits to that area. He was in Israel on a trip just before Christmas and “I saw the homes of Jewish families that were destroyed by Hamas… the destruction that was intentional and despicable.” Seeing video of it “doesn’t touch it.” Huckabee’s first trip to Israel was in July 1973, he has been to Israel “over 100 times” since, leading tours for thousands of Americans. But none of those trips was “like what I

June 2024 • Israel InSight

experienced being there after Oct. 7.” He reflected, “It’s bad enough they did what they did, but they did it with an extraordinary sense of glee. So that’s what makes it more difficult to comprehend.” It was also incomprehensible for the residents of Kibbutz Nirim, who were optimistic about a peaceful future in the area. The kibbutz was one of 11 established by David Ben-Gurion to promote a Jewish presence in what was the wilderness of the Negev, and the kibbutz had just celebrated its 77th birthday the night before. Around 6:30 a.m. on Oct. 7, the Hamas rocket warnings were sounded. Being so close to Gaza, that gives the kibbutz residents about 10 seconds to get to a shelter. The “unprecedented barrage” was aimed to the area from Tel Aviv to south of the kibbutz, and Raemer was too scared by the intensity to close the shelter screen on their safe room that protects from shrapnel. But the rockets were “to camouflage the main event” taking place at the border, she said. On their phones, she and her son started seeing messages from people who said they were hearing Arabic being spoken outside their homes…

then inside. “The Nazis of 2023 were invading my community,” she said. A small team of first responders tried to keep the kibbutz safe and were able to delay the terrorists by 10 to 15 minutes. But the text messages showed the progress of the terrorists through the area. “All of a sudden, we heard Arabic outside our home.” As they were saying their goodbyes to each other, she heard someone shout in Arabic “get away from there,” then there was quiet for quite some time. But then, terrorists started breaking through the slats of the window across from their safe room. “For some Mike Huckabee and Adele Raemer at NRB reason — divine intervention or dumb luck — they decided to move on.” Rimon, had been released in November. At their daughter’s house, where they have three grandEvacuating children, their son-in-law was a first responder who was On October 8, everyone assembled to be evacuated to unable to go out, and told the children to hide under blanEilat. kets and not come out, no matter what. “I’m not an observant Jew,” she said, “but I am a Jew. For The son-in-law saw the front door handle start to move, the first time ever I Googled Birkat HaGomel,” the tradiso he kicked through the door and shot the terrorist. tional prayer offered by one who has survived a near-death The first troops began to arrive around 1:30 p.m. “That’s seven hours after the nightmare began.” They went house to experience. With the kibbutz devastated, they stayed for a while in house, killing any terrorist they found. Eilat, then most of the kibbutzniks decided to go to a differAt one house, the terrorists set the house on fire with the ent place near Beersheva, which is about 40 minutes from family, including a 10-day-old infant, in the safe room. The the kibbutz. soldiers were able to extract them and the infant survived, “A hotel is not a place to be with a family with children for she said. The soldiers got to her house at 5:15 p.m. “We were in the a long time,” she said, and the close-knit family nature of a kibbutz is hard to replicate elsewhere. safe room all that time.” In the kibbutz, she said, 30 houses need to be bulldozed, One of the soldiers told her they were supposed to be and another 40 suffered damage. But she is certain that they going to another location, but they came across a family will rebuild. “We were pioneers in 1946 and we believe we with the house on fire and an infant inside, “so we had to go there first.” She credits that baby with saving a lot of lives in are going to be able to be pioneers again.” She believes Nirim will be one of the first communities the kibbutz. able to return, and will inspire other communities, but She noted that safe rooms were built to protect against the overall process will take years. “We know we will be in rockets, not from intruders. In fact, they specifically were Beersheba until the end of the school year, and the rest dedesigned not to lock from the inside. pends on the IDF doing their job.” Five kibbutz members were abducted into Gaza, “stolen She has spoken to many soldiers since Oct. 7 “and they from their homes in their pajamas.” Three were released in are guilt-ridden that it was able to happen, and they are goNovember, two remained captive. ing to see to it that it never happens again.” Since NRB, though, it appears that both of the remaining Would she consider moving elsewhere? “Where would I hostages from Nirim have died. go?” she asked. The Galilee has been dealing with rockets On May 11, Hamas aired a propaganda video of Nadav from Hezbollah in Lebanon, and she reminded everyone Popplewell, 51, and then claimed that the British-Israeli had that the day before she arrived in Nashville for the talk at been killed in April. He had been abducted along with his NRB, there was a parade of neo-Nazis downtown. mother, and his brother was killed on Oct. 7 in the kibbutz. “I was born in the Bronx,” she said. “I don’t do ‘victim’ In March, Hamas stated that Yagev Buchshtav, 34, had well… I’m not going to let terror win.” died “as a result of a lack of medicine and food.” His wife, Israel InSight • June 2024

One thing that has changed is the idealism so many in Kibbutz Nirim felt. “We’ve only ever held out our hands in peace to our neighbors,” Raemer said. One resident routinely shuttled Gazans from the border to hospitals in Israel. The kibbutz’s motto has been that “we’ll have peace in this area, sit with Ahmed around the campfire, complaining about (things), and take our guard tower and bring it to the (Gaza) beach as a lifeguard tower.” But that seems farther away. She said something in her DNA changed on Oct. 7, as she thinks she got the ratios wrong. “I know there are people who want to live in peace. Unfortunately, Hamas is an excellent educator… and they have been teaching their population to hate us.” The sheer number of regular Gazans who flooded into Israel to take part in the attack with Hamas demonstrated that. “I can’t live with neighbors like that any more,” she said. Instead of building a “beautiful Gaza” with aid from the international community, they used those funds to build “an entire terror city underneath Gaza.” She feels an obligation to tell the story of Oct. 7, as “I’ve

lost more people than I can even count.” Being at NRB “is so inspiring. To see the support we are getting from the Christian community here… we need your strength,” as do American Jews who are feeling fear and isolation after Oct. 7, she said. It is also important to “recapture the word Zionism” which she noted has been turned “into a four-letter word by our detractors.” Huckabee told her “In America, there is a whole lot of Christians who love Israel and who will not let you feel alone.” Raemer said when they got to Eilat with virtually nothing, one of the first things they received was a voucher for clothing and a debit card from ICEJ. “The love we get from you is priceless.” As for that missed early morning photography walk? Close friends Judi and Gadi Haggai, both Israeli-Americans, went for their usual sunrise walk in the fields in their neighboring village, Kibbutz Nir Oz, and were reported abducted into Gaza. Both were confirmed dead at the end of December, having been killed on Oct. 7 and their bodies taken into Gaza.

Kibbutz Nirim’s Baby Kai

Deborah Mintz went to visit her daughter, Aimee, her son-in-law Uriel and 10-day-old grandson, Kai, at Kibbutz Nirim on Oct. 6. The family slept in the safe room, and when the rocket alerts started on Oct. 7, they told Deborah to join them. Ten minutes after the sirens began, they heard shooting and Arabic outside the home. They briefly were able to see what was going on through a phone app for their security camera, but that was soon shut off. The terrorists tried to get into the safe room, but Aimee and Uriel managed to keep hold of the handle and prevent it. The terrorists then piled furniture in front of the door and set it on fire to smoke them out, using gas as an accelerant. Though clothing stuffed at the base of the door helped a little, thick black smoke went into the safe room, and Deborah started sending goodbye messages to friends. Aimee and Uriel decided to take a chance and open a window every so often and place the infant on the windowsill for fresh air, closing it when they figured terrorists were nearby. “Ultimately, Kai’s parents saved his life, and mine. I believe he’s the reason they fought so hard to survive. If it wasn’t for Kai, perhaps none of us would be here,” Deborah told JNS in a recent interview.

June 2024 • Israel InSight

Baby Kai undergoes oxygen treatment after Oct. 7.

Six hours after the fire was set, they were rescued, with soldiers helping them leave through the window. Since first responders could not get into the active battle zone, two unarmed soldiers took the family to a hospital in their car. “I saw some horrendous sights on the way,” Deborah said. “Headless bodies, dead bodies, burnt bodies — just couldn’t believe what I was looking at. I had no idea of the scale. Hamas are evil, they are monsters, subhuman monsters. A normal human being could not do what they did.” The baby was on oxygen for three days, then they were all re-hospitalized for bronchitis, but they have been told there likely will not be any long-term effects.

NRB’s annual Israel breakfast takes more urgent tone Early in the morning of Feb. 22, hundreds of delegates to other.” the NRB convention turned out for “one of the most signifiThere has also been a spiritual renewal, Buehler said. He cant Breakfasts to Honor Israel in the history of the NRB.” showed a video of hundreds of soldiers singing in a tent by That was how Chris Mitchell, Jerusalem bureau chief at Gaza and said “this is not a Pentecostal gathering.” MeanCBN News and emcee for the breakfast, described the sold- while, “the synagogues in Israel are full.” out event. He said Israel needs to have a decisive victory over Hamas Susan Michael, U.S. director for the International Chrisso there can be a Marshall Plan for Gaza, and a deprogramtian Embassy Jerusalem, said the annual breakfast is “like ming of the decades of Palestinian hate education regarding going home for Christmas. You just have to be here.” Israel and Jews. He related what his father told him about his own experiences as a soldier for Hitler’s Wehrmacht. Mitchell noted the show of support for Israel comes during the war against Hamas, the possibility of a wider war “You have to be thankful what America did to our nation. with Hezbollah, legal proceedings in heavily-biased interna- They brought us to our knees to eradicate any form of National courts, a United Nations that has “a lopsided General zism from our country.” Assembly and a hostile Security Council,” and efforts in Buehler said “We are praying at the ICEJ every day that Washington to impose a two-state solution “that would God would release 4000 missionaries to Gaza” to build divide God’s land.” Not to mention Iran’s “genocidal plans to schools and hospitals, “to educate a new generation… like wipe Israel off the map.” America did 75 years ago to my country.” “Our times cry out for unprecedented cooperation beFighting Hamas a moral issue tween Jews and Christians,” Mitchell said. Anat Sultan-Dadon, Israel’s consul general to the SouthThe keynote address was given by ICEJ President Juergen eastern U.S., told the crowd that supporting Israel against Buehler, who has lived in Israel for 30 years and has two Hamas “is not a political issue, it is a moral issue.” sons in the Israel Defense Forces, including one in Gaza. She reiterated that Israel did not want After Oct. 7, there was a massive callup this war. “Our choice as a people and a of IDF reservists, and more showed up nation has always been peace,” but “we than were actually called up — including are fighting to defend ourselves, which an 80-year-old who showed up with his is the right and duty of every sovereign gun “saying I am ready to fight.” nation.” He said Oct. 7 was “a game changer The battle is not just against Hamas, for Israel. Many Israelis on the left and nor is it just Israel’s fight, she said. It is extreme left lost any trust to live in peace part of “a genocidal Islamist ideology that with their Arab neighbors” because of is a threat to the free world.” the surprise attack. And yet, the world has not spoken up After the attack, he tried to reach a for Israel, or to condemn Hamas. “The friend who lived close to Gaza, who had silence by those who should be speaking spent years working on a plan to build up is deafening,” she said, including inindustrial centers and infrastructure in ternational women’s organizations who Gaza so the Gazans could live in peace “have mostly been silent in the face of and prosperity. His friend “who was givgender-based violence carried out against ing his whole life to the vision of peace Israeli women and girls.” with Gaza” had been murdered by the She also called out the rampant anterrorists. tisemitism on college campuses that is He said the young soldiers, previously “being tolerated by too many,” including belittled as the “Tik Tok generation,” have Consul General Anat Sultan-Dadon “genocidal chants for the elimination of been “amazing” in their defense of the the state of Israel.” country. They have a feeling of guilt over Hamas’ success on She said Palestinian self-determination will never happen Oct. 7 and have vowed not to let it be repeated. “at the cost of the existence of the state of Israel.” After the war, “you will hear one miracle story after anIsrael InSight • June 2024

But this is nothing new, Sultan-Dadon said. During a 3,000-year history, “we have experienced persecution and attempts to destroy us, and we have prevailed.” Similarly, “we will win this war, because we have no other option. We will ensure our continued survival.” She urged everyone at the breakfast to “use your voices to share the truth of Oct. 7,” and speak out against demonstrations “that are called pro-Palestinian,” but are actually “pro-terror, E.J. Kimball addresses the Israel Breakfast pro-murder and pro-rape.” If they were truly pro-Palestinian, “they would be using E.J. Kimball, director interfaith outreach and engagement their voices with us in calling for Gaza to be free of Hamas.” at the Combat Antisemitism Movement, reiterated the She said “every single one of you has the power to do so importance of education. He referenced a study of those much.” And that includes visiting Israel. “If you are asking participating in anti-Israel rallies where “from the river to yourself if now is the time, now is the time.” the sea” was chanted. “Over two-thirds of the students, after Sultan-Dadon also urged those at the breakfast to remind getting basic facts about the situation, rejected that call.” the world that there were still, at that point, 134 Israeli hosEducation about Israel “has to happen at an early age. By tages in Gaza, including five Americans. “Use any platform the time they get to college, it’s not too late, but it is runyou may have, to call for their immediate and unconditional ning uphill.” With basic facts about Israel and Jews, “when release.” these kids are confronted with the lies and distortions, they are equipped to fight it.” Governmental bodies from city councils to state legislatures are being pressured to pass resolutions calling for IsHe also noted that the Gaza rallies in Arab countries were rael to cease fire, when “these resolutions should be calling far fewer and smaller than those in Europe or the U.S. on Hamas,” she said. Kimball also pushed for more universities and governUniversity administrators have not clearly stood against mental bodies to adopt the International Holocaust Reantisemitism and terror, she said. “Hate is being tolerated, membrance Alliance’s working definition of antisemitism. if not condoned. What kind of leaders will (the students) The non-binding definition gives guidance as to when critbecome?” icism crosses the line into antisemitism as a motivation for when a crime is committed. Buehler echoed Sultan-Dadon’s call for action. “The events of Oct. 7 need to be a game-changer for the church. The IHRA definition was adopted by NRB in 2022. It is not enough any more to say we love Israel, or we stand Kimball reiterated that the current war against radical with Israel. We need actions today. We need the church to Islam in Gaza is not just Israel’s fight. “It is not going to only stand up and pray for Israel like never before.” affect Jews. They are coming after you, too… we must defeat He added, “don’t allow a Sunday service to pass without it, united.” praying for Israel at your church.” Two representatives of Magen David Adom, Israel’s emerHe also expressed that “I am very concerned that in our gency service, spoke about their work, starting off by saying Christian countries and nations, more Muslims are on the “A Christian, a Muslim and a Jew get into an ambulance” streets demonstrating against Israel than Christians who are and how that isn’t the start of a joke, it is the start of a workstanding up for Israel,” and that has to be reversed. “Help day with MDA as they work to save lives. Israel see they have friends all over the world.” Mark Jenkins, associate pastor at Berea Baptist Church in Michael related how the ICEJ, when it was established in Rockville, Va., led a prayer for Israel and a prayer for the cap1981, was “part of pioneering a brand new relationship with tives. “We pray for the nations to remember your covenant the Jewish people, a relationship built on trust.” with Abraham,” he said, and “that the U.S. will be a blessing She said that “never has Israel needed that message more,” to Israel, and may we not falter in our support of Israel.” that Christians around the world “are supporting them, The breakfast was sponsored by American Friends of Mapraying for them, sending financial aid to them.” gen David Adom, the Combat Antisemitism Movement and Sultan-Dadon said that “we know we do not stand alone.” ICEJ. Israeli singer Yair Levi provided entertainment.

June 2024 • Israel InSight

Inside the

Israel War Room

Israel365 brings immersive Oct. 7 educational experience to NRB

This year, the hospitality lounge for Israel365 at the National Religious Broadcasters convention was a bit different than anything the convention has seen. Instead of having snacks and promotional materials, their Israel War Room was an immersive, interactive space to learn about the Oct. 7 Hamas invasion of Israel and its aftermath, modeled on an Israeli command center. Israel365 was founded in 2012 by Tuly Weisz, an Orthodox rabbi from Columbus, Ohio, who moved to Israel and has worked to build bridges between Jews and Christians in support of Israel. Groups of up to 20 participants started the experience by watching an exclusive 12-minute video about Oct. 7, put together by The Israel Guys, an online pro-Israel media initiative started by the non-profit HaYovel. Previously the Joshua and Caleb Report, it has evolved into its current form with five different hosts. Numerous dignitaries took turns participating in the presentations. In one, former Congresswoman Michele Bachmann read the traditional Jewish memorial prayer, El Malei, in English, in tribute to those who were murdered by Hamas. Former U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman Luke Hilton talks about the war front where everyone can do battle — social media read the prayer for Israel. The next part of the room held a strategic map of the rewife and children and put them on the back of two motorgion, with an Israel Defense Forces officer giving a briefing cycles, heading to Gaza. They encountered Israeli tanks, at about the current situation. which point the motorcycles separated, with Batsheva and Hamas’ name for Oct. 7 was Al-Aqsa Flood, taking off on the two younger children losing sight of 12-year-old Eitan. an old anti-Israel rallying cry about the The three of them managed to escape, Jews endangering the historic mosque 12-year-old Eitan Yahalomi running for three hours. on the Temple Mount where the anEitan became a hostage and rewas held hostage with cient Israelite Temples stood. It was turned as part of the temporary cease10 others in a room at a mentioned that one of the most popular fire deal in November. He reported uniform patches for Israeli soldiers that he was forced to watch footage hospital in Khan Younis. in Gaza is one that depicts the future from Oct. 7 and was threatened with Third Temple. Everyone attending the War Room experia gun if he cried. He was beaten and had just a pita and a ence was given one of those patches. cucumber each day for the first two weeks. He was then The third room included family members of three Israelis moved to another location and locked in a small room with currently being held hostage in Gaza. 10 other hostages, including five children. That room was in the Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis. Effi Yahalomi spoke of her brother, Ohad Yahalomi, 49, who was wounded in the arm and leg while trying to proOhad went missing and was presumed to be a hostage in tect his wife, Batsheva, and three children in the family’s Gaza. In January, Hamas released a propaganda video of safe room in Kibbutz Nir Oz. The terrorists then took his him. As the video was released, the Al-Nasser Salah al-Din Israel InSight • June 2024

Brigades, the military wing of the Popular Resistance Committees in Palestine, claimed that Ohad had been deliberately killed by Israel in a targeted airstrike, but there has been no confirmation either way. Omri Miran, 46, was taken into Gaza from Kibbutz Nir Oz, captive in his own car. Moshe Lavi shares the story of his brother-in-law, who is a shiatsu therapist and gardener. He, his wife and two small daughters were in their safe room when terrorists kicked into the house. The terrorists brought a 16-year-old neighbor over and threatened to harm him if they did not open the safe room door, so they opened it and were led to a neighbor’s house, where the neighbors’ 18-year-old daughter had already been murdered in their safe room. Two more women were brought to the house, then the fathers of both families were taken, along with their cars, to Gaza. On April 27, Hamas released a video of Miran. Propaganda videos of hostages are generally considered to be war crimes. Omer Shem Tov, 21, was taken from the Nova Music Festival, where over 300 had been killed. He was a waiter who was saving money to travel the world, and had planned to go to another music festival in Amsterdam the following weekend. His father, Malki, explained how they heard from him at 6:30 a.m. on Oct. 7, as he ran away from the gunmen, looking for a place to hide. Two hours later, he found a friend’s car and tried to pick up his friends before leaving, but ran

Ambassador David Friedman reads the Prayer for Israel at the beginning of the Israel War Room experience

June 2024 • Israel InSight

The “most desired” patch among Israeli soldiers in Gaza depicts the future Third Temple in Jerusalem

into terrorists who abducted him. At his parents’ request, he turned on his live location on his phone, and saw it suddenly head toward Gaza. Not realizing he had been abducted, they tried to reach him to tell him he was going the wrong way. Later that day, they saw video of him handcuffed in a Hamas truck, and that is the last they saw of him. Making matters worse, he has celiac disease and asthma, and what little the hostages have reportedly been given consists mainly of bread products. “It’s bad,” Malki said. “We need you to be our voices.” The families urged those in the War Room to help in the effort to bring them home, by spreading the word, learning their stories to humanize them, and to send messages to Congress to keep the pressure on. They also urged attendance at pro-Israel rallies, or organizing events where there are none, and being active on social media. The final section of the War Room was the social media space, where Luke Hilton explained the importance of being active online, as highly-organized anti-Israel groups are flooding social media with their misinformation. Rabbi Eliezer Mischel, director of education at Israel365, spoke about the relaunch of The Israel Bible, an online site developed by Orthodox Jews for Jewish and non-Jewish readers. He said “the goal is to bring us together,” not to change either group. The site contains thousands of essays on Biblical topics and the Jewish holidays. First published in 2018, The Israel Bible is the first Tanach — Hebrew Bible — focused on the land and people of Israel, with commentary that explores God’s focus on the land of Israel. Rabbi Tuly Weisz, founder of Israel365, said he hopes to bring the War Room experience to churches and synagogues across the United States.

Photo by Doron Horowitz/Flash90

The Judea and Samaria security barrier as seen from Kibbutz Meirav, with Jalbun and Jenin in the background.

Stop calling Judea and Samaria the “West Bank” By Etgar Lefkovits

stand that the West Bank is within the biblical boundaries of Israel,” he said. (JNS) — The head of a prominent group of American Today, about 500,000 Jews live among 3 million PalesChristian media broadcasters on Feb. 21 urged members of tinians in the territory, which much of the international the association to cease using the term “West Bank” when community favors turning into a Palestinian state. A vast reporting about Israel’s biblical heartland. The announcement by the National Religious Broadcast- majority of Israelis oppose such a move, according to recent opinion polls, a view only reinforced by the Oct. 7 Hamas ers during their annual Christian Media Convention in massacre, which saw 1,200 people — mostly civilians — Nashville comes amid an intense media war of narratives in reporting about Israel as the war against Hamas in Gaza killed and about 250 others abducted to Gaza. “People need to understand that language matters,” rages. said Josh Reinstein, president of the Israel Allies Founda“NRB opposes the use of the erroneous term ‘West Bank’ tion. ”Language has been taken over and held hostage,” he to describe the biblical heartland of Israel and calls on its members to refer to the region by its historic name of Judea said, adding, “Christians don’t understand that the West and Samaria,” read a statement released by the organization. Bank, and Judea and Samaria, are the same place.” Some 70 percent of all the biblical places are in the bibliThe resolution was announced with the Knesset Christian cal heartland, noted Rabbi Tuly Weisz, founder of Israel365, Allies Caucus and Israel365. an Orthodox Jewish institution that works with Christian Two terminologies for the same place supporters of Israel. The head of the Christian media group said that an edThe announcement, titled the “Biblical Heartland Resoluucational campaign was needed for young Christians who tion,” notes the charged and competing claims to the Land know the ancient history of the Jewish people as recounted of Israel over the centuries, dating back to the Romans rein the Bible but who are not as well-versed in modern hisnaming it “Philistia” (or the Greek Palestina) in an attempt tory. to erase the Jewish connection to the land, up to Jordan’s renaming Judea and Samaria the West Bank during its oc“Words matter in how we control the conversation and the language,” said Troy Miller, president of the NRB, urging cupation of the territory between 1948 and 1967. his constituents to reinforce the Jewish heritage of the land “It’s time to step up and be honest about the definition of as recounted in the Bible. “Younger Christians don’t under- this land,” said Miller. Israel InSight • June 2024

MY Israel STORY

Meet the Florida Congressman who wore the U.S. and Israeli uniforms

Anti-Israel protestors prompted him to learn about — and support — Israel (JNS) — “You’re a heartless man,” a Code Pink activist tells Rep. Brian Mast (R-Fla.) in video that the congressman shared on social media. “You lost your heart somewhere.” At issue, to the anti-Israel activist, is Mast’s refusal to call for a ceasefire in Gaza. A strong supporter of Israel, Mast met with wounded Israeli soldiers alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in December. He told JNS in May about the circumstances under which he donned an Israel Defense Forces uniform, of which he is proud. “Do you know where we stand on terrorists?” Mast told the Code Pink activist, who was apparently following him in the U.S. Capitol complex. “You’re a terrorist,” she told him. Credit: Courtesy. Rep. Brian Mast (R-Fla.) volunteering on a military base near Tel Aviv in January “Do you know where we stand on terrorists?” 2015. Mast repeated. “We stand on their throats.” “Oh my god,” she said. “You are a monster.” The jeers represented the “first catalyst” for the congressman’s decision to connect much more deeply with the Mast’s colleague Rep. Mike Waltz (R-Fla.) shared the Jewish state. post. “My favorite tweet of the week,” he wrote. “These people, who were out there to protest Israel, all of Mast serves Florida’s 21st district, which goes from just a sudden wanted to pick a fight with me, which is just fine. north of West Palm Beach to St. Lucie on Florida’s eastern I don’t mind getting into verbal or physical confrontations coast. with other people,” Mast, 42, a fourth-term congressman, Responding to anti-Israel activists told JNS. “It’s not hard to figure out that I’m a veteran. I don’t have “It was the first time this fight had really ever been any legs, and I wear a hat that says ‘Army Ranger,’ so most thrown at my feet in that way, where people were trying to people with half a mind can put two and two together,” drag me into what I was seeing in the news,” he said. Mast told JNS last May. Mast found their verbal assaults hypocritical. He told Mast had retired in 2012 after a dozen years of service as JNS that he had said of the attacks on Israel in one of his an explosive specialist who lost both legs to a bomb in AfHarvard classes, “If it was Mexico or Canada or some Caghanistan in 2010. He was studying at Harvard University, ribbean country firing rockets into America, then guys like and he and his then-pregnant wife, Brianna, and their two me would go and kill them, and every American would be sons (they now have four children) would go to the picturproud of us for doing so.” esque Public Garden in the evenings so the kids could ride He came home after enduring the taunts one night and their bikes and play in the grass. told his wife, “I don’t know what it’s going to look like, but Anti-Israel protesters wearing Palestinian flags, who I’m going to find a way, and I’m going to go and show my showed up weekly or so, decided to yell things like “You’re support for Israel. I’m going to go out there and find a way the big Satan” and “You’re a pawn” at Mast, the congressto fight against this hypocrisy.” man told JNS. Mast, who is Christian, hadn’t followed Israel Back in Boston in 2014, when “Operation Protective closely at the time, although he saw references on the news.

June 2024 • Israel InSight

Edge” was unfolding in Israel, Mast had a philosophy that also been bomb techs (in Yahalom). “There’s immediate kinrecognized the vast gulf between social media and real life. ship because bomb tech is a very small world of people,” he said. “Working with some of these people and realizing that “I’m not going to say I don’t participate in Facebook and we had served with some of the same units throughout the Twitter and things like that. Sure, I do. That world is a virtual, fake world of not real work. And I’m not trying to take years in different places.” away from influencers, but it’s not real,” he told JNS. “ComAnd on weekends, he saw families host “lone soldiers,” plaining about what’s going on with the attacks in Israel is young people in the IDF who don’t have family in Israel. not the same thing as going there and helping.” They invited him to join them on visits to Yad Vashem and “You gotta get your hands dirty. You gotta get involved in elsewhere. real life,” he added. “One of the most important things that I realized, as we were sitting there to have these Shabbat dinners, every With his wife’s blessing, Mast contacted every advocacy family was waiting for a son or daughter or a grandson or a group he could, including the Israeli consulate in Miami, granddaughter to come home for Shabbat,” Mast said. “That to find a way to volunteer in uniform on an Israeli military was really one of the biggest ways that I realized how much base. He got his chance in January 2015, on a base outside Tel Aviv, “to show support for the freedom Israel represents service over there touches every single family — unlike throughout the Middle East and the world,” per his congres- the way that it does here in America, where we have a very small percentage of people that serve.” sional website. That taught him the most important lesson that he took He arrived back stateside just in time for his wife to give away from Israel. “They don’t want birth to their third child. war. They don’t want to have rockets Mast’s cutting response Volunteering on the base near Tel to an anti-Israel CodePink fired at them. They don’t want to go Aviv was his first time in Israel. “I can’t into shelters. They don’t want to hear sit here and pretend that I had this activist went viral sirens,” he said. “They want their kids longstanding dream of going and walkto grow and have families and survive. ing the footsteps of where David killed As much as I hope all four of my kids serve in the military, I Goliath or be baptized in this river. It wasn’t this longstanddon’t want to see them have to go to war.” ing dream for me,” he said. “When a fight is laid in front of Mast credited former President Donald Trump (he supme, I’m going to fight it. And I’m not going to fight it in a ports him in the upcoming presidential election, although virtual way. I’m going to find a way to get my hands dirty he said he remains friends with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis) and make a real tangible difference.” with moving the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem, “something so In Israel, word spread quickly that a legless U.S. Army simple, but that so many politicians were so afraid of for so veteran was on the base, and people flocked to meet the many years.” He also praised the 2020 Abraham Accords celebrity visitor. and called the Iran nuclear deal, which the Trump adminis“I was working very hard, waking up very early every tration nixed in May 2018, “just absolute garbage.” morning. Eating in the chow hall with the troops. Putting The congressman is fairly active on social media, where on my uniform. Going out there and working,” he said. “But he has often come to Israel’s defense. “I’m proud to be the it became somewhat of a national event. I’m not trying to only member of Congress who has worn both the uniform oversell it. A lot of people read about it and knew there’s of the United States Army and the uniform of the Israel this injured American service member over here serving in Defense Forces, and I’ll continue to stand for the strongest our military. What’s this all about?” partnership possible between our two countries,” he tweetAn “endless stream” of “people with access” found its way ed last May. to him. “I had visits with Yitzhak Rabin’s family,” he said, In May 2021, after Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) accused referring to the former Israeli prime minister and defense Israel of terrorism for defending itself against Hamas, Mast minister who was assassinated in 1995. “I had people comread dozens of examples of Hamas terrorist attacks into the ing from other bases.” He visited Beit Halochem, House of Congressional Record. Two days later, he tweeted: “I served the Warrior, “their place for wounded warriors like myself.” alongside the Israeli military after losing my legs, and so, it’s He played wheelchair basketball and shot pool with fellow personal to me when Hamas attacks Israel and House Dems injured soldiers. “Had that exchange, that fellowship with actually defends the terrorists.” them,” he said. With reporting from a May 2023 JNS profile by Menachem He connected particularly with Israeli colleagues who had Wecker. Israel InSight • June 2024

Argentina: Turning the Tide from a Curse to a Blessing New president quickly reversing decades of hostility or indifference toward Israel By Jonathan Feldstein

Jerusalem’s Kiryat Hayovel neighborhood has a distinct international flavor. Streets are named Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Uruguay and more, recognizing Latin American countries that voted to establish a Jewish state in the Land of Israel in 1947. Notably missing from the top of the list is Argentina, which abstained during the 1947 United Nations vote. Recently, Argentinian President Javier Milei arrived in Israel to show solidarity at this time of war, and to turn the tide from the stained past of his country’s relationship with Israel. Milei’s visit was significant and historic on many levels. He arrived shortly after being elected in November, signifying the significance he places on Israel and his country’s relationship with Israel, which was a foundation of his campaign. Indeed, it was Milei’s first state visit overseas. Milei’s arrival also made him the first head of state to visit Israel from South America since the inhuman Hamas attack on Israel and massacre, the beginning of a war that’s now well into its eighth month. As many foreign dignitaries have done, Milei visited communities next to the Gaza border that were overrun by Hamas terrorists, among which some 1200 people were massacred by the terrorists, and from which hundreds were take hostage. Indeed, the significance of President Milei’s visit was punctuated by his being accompanied to Israel’s Gaza border by Israel’s President Isaac Herzog Presidents Milei and Herzog were accompanied by former hostage Ofelia Roitman, a woman originally from Argentina, who moved to Israel in 1985. This was her first visit back to the farming community from which she was kidnapped. Milei gave unconditional backing to Israel, calling Hamas, the Palestinian Arab Islamists, a “terrorist group” who had committed “a crime against humanity.” Mieli noted, “The free world can’t remain indifferent in this case, as we see clear examples of terrorism and antisemitism and what I would describe as 21st century Nazism. When we hear about the methods that were used this time, it reminds us of the atrocities of the Holocaust.” Milei’s visit was also noteworthy in that he prayed at the Western Wall, danced with Israeli worshippers, and affirmed his intention to move Argentina’s embassy to Jerusalem. During his visit, some of my Argentinian friends went

June 2024 • Israel InSight

out of their way to express their pride and joy in seeing their president turning the tide on relations with Israel that have been marred by a history that’s less than positive, and previous leaders whose positions who have been decidedly hostile to Israel, or ambivalent at best. Argentina welcomed and gave refuge to Nazi leaders and war criminals following the Holocaust. Two massive Islamist terrorist attacks took place there, targeting the Israeli embassy (1992) and Jewish Community Center (1994) in Buenos Aries. Investigations into these and the culpability of its leaders at the time also lead to the mysterious death of a Jewish prosecutor on the eve of a trial that would have made much of this public. President Milei’s visit made me think of my friend Diego Freytes and his profound and personal essay in “Israel the Miracle,” published by the Genesis 123 Foundation, featuring 75 essays by Christian leaders from around the world about why Israel is significant to them. Diego not only refers to Argentina’s bitter past in blocking Jewish immigration in the 1930s, harboring Nazi war criminals and terrorists, and covering up its compliance as a base for Iranian terror. He does a deep dive into the meaning of the verse, Genesis 12:3. More than just a cursory repetition of the Biblical verse, he looks at the root of the Hebrew words and what they mean, noting not just that it is an imperative to bless Israel. Diego writes that the root of the word “to bless” is the same as the root of the word “knee.” He explained that it’s not just a concept, but an active duty, as in to bend a knee. Literally, to stand in solidarity. President Milei’s visit clearly did that. The corollary to actively blessing Israel is cursing Israel. Despising Israel. A simple English or Spanish translation does not reveal the depth of the verse in the original Hebrew. The consequence for cursing, or “looking down on someone” is not simply a non-descript curse. Diego notes the Hebrew for the second part come from the word that means “to destroy completely.” Reflecting on Argentina’s past, Diego notes the consequence of its actions that have been a curse to Israel, and how that has been a scar on Argentina for decades, leading to multiple examples of a country that once had a glorious past, spiraling downward to near utter destruction in the 80 years since it began cursing Israel. He writes before Milei’s election, as a reflection and seeking forgiveness for Argentina’s past, and as a prayer for its future. “What happened to my nation? Argentina is in a deep economic, political, and

social crisis that has lasted more than 80 years. Inflation grows at over 100 percent per year. There is only a memory of that dazzling nation.” Diego Freytes’ words and President Milei’s visit came together as the beginning of a hint of turning the tide. In the early hours of Feb. 12, the IDF conducted a seamless and bold military operation in the southern Gaza city, Rafah, rescuing two hostages. Rafah remains the last stronghold of Hamas to where its terrorist leaders have fled, and where they have brought the remaining hostages being held ever since Oct. 7. Of 136 hostages being held, it could have been any hostages found and brought home. However, the two rescued were born in Argentina. When President Milei visited the Gaza border area, he knew these Argentines were still in captivity just miles away. Is this a coincidence, or a divine wink that the tide is turning in the right direction, that the blessing is beginning? Only God knows. But may He continue to work through President Milei to heal the decades-long rift, and may all the remaining hostages be rescued and come home soon.

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Israel InSight • June 2024

Beeson student making the speaking rounds as Christian defender of Israel By Richard Friedman

Shortly after the Oct. 7 terrorist attack against Israel, Birmingham Jewish community members Susan Greene and Caryn Corenblum were walking on Overton Road near the building that had housed Knesseth Israel synagogue. They noticed a tall young woman walking toward the building carrying a bouquet of white roses. They told her that the synagogue was closed and asked if they could help her. The woman introduced herself, explaining that she was Caroline Bass, a graduate student at Samford University’s Beeson Divinity School. She told them that she was affiliated with Passages, a national organization of young Christians who have allied themselves with the Jewish people and Israel. The white roses were significant. They were the symbol of a young group of Christians in Germany in the 1930s who spoke out against Nazism as Hitler was rising to power, often paying for their disobedience with their lives. Bass and others involved with Passages have adopted the white rose in the wake of the horrific massacre of Oct. 7 to affirm their support for Israel, and had committed themselves to hand deliver bouquets to Jewish institutions where they live. The meeting with these two Birmingham Jewish women would lead to Bass becoming involved with the Jewish community’s post-Oct. 7 efforts to educate the broader population, especially the Christian community, about Israel and the antisemitic assault on the right of Jews to express their faith and support for Israel openly. Bass has been a huge asset in this effort. Though just 23, she has an impressive presence, speaks with authenticity and knowledge, and in a soft spoken yet forthright way, commands the attention of her audiences, often made up of people two to three times her age. Speaking about Israel at Birmingham’s Highlands United Methodist Church to an adult Sunday school class recently, Bass seamlessly juxtaposed her Christian faith with an analysis of the current conflict between Israel and Hamas. As she shared words of Scripture, she referenced the civilian casualties in Gaza that have largely been caused by Hamas planting itself in and under civilian installations. She challenged her fellow Christians to think beyond the daily news coverage, contending that at times there is evil afoot in the world — in this case, Hamas. And yes, while Christians should never shrink from love for their fellow human beings, which, she said, is one of the most important

June 2024 • Israel InSight

Photo courtesy John Killian

Caroline Bass speaks at event in Fayette, Ala.

commandments that Jesus taught, Christians also must acknowledge that such evil exists and they must stand against it.

Trusting Faith

Bass’ knowledge of Israel is grounded in the experience she had spending a semester studying at Hebrew University in Jerusalem. Once she finishes her master’s degree at the Beeson school, she would like to pursue her doctorate in Israel. Spending time with this determined young woman provides deeper insight into her thinking about her faith, her life and the ways she views the world in general. At the center of her life is her family and her Christianity. She speaks passionately about her family with love, reverence and gratitude, particularly when it comes to her grandparents in Murfreesboro, Tenn., with whom she is very close. She speaks inspiringly about her trusting faith in God. Yet, she is intensely curious and respectful regarding how other people, including Jews, think about God.

She’s not hesitant to dive into a deep conversation about faith, spirituality, life’s journey and purpose, wanting to learn how the other person thinks. “Tell me about your relationship with God. What has led you to it?” she asks, listening intently. One comes away from a conversation with this graduate divinity student sensing that she is on a journey, destined to make an impact, poised for achievement. None of this is surprising to those who know her father. Bass is the daughter of Samford University history professor Jonathan Bass, who wrote “Blessed Are the Peacemakers,” a well-received book on Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “Letter from Birmingham Jail,” which King addressed to eight white clergymen, including Temple Emanu-El’s Rabbi Milton Grafman. Grafman believed the “Letter” painted an unfair portrait of his Civil Rights work in the Birmingham community. Bass herself first developed an interest in the Jewish experience and Israel during her undergraduate years at Samford University in a course on leadership, when she did a paper on Henrietta Szold, a transformative Jewish leader who founded Hadassah, the Women’s Zionist Organization of America.

“You Are Blessed”

Today, in addition to carrying an intensive graduate school course load, Bass continues to make herself available to assist the Jewish community’s outreach and education efforts on behalf of Israel and combating antisemitism. Recently, she journeyed to Fayette, Ala., to co-present a program on Israel at a gathering convened by the Fayette County Baptist Association. Invoking Scripture and fielding questions, this white rose ally made an impact. One person who was there — an older member of the

audience — wrote this in an email afterward to Bass: “What an honor to have met you. Like you, Caroline, my heart is with Israel and her people. You are blessed to be so involved, so young, and to have your level of knowledge.” More recently, as it was starting to become increasingly difficult to do Israel programming on college campuses — due to fears of anti-Israel demonstrations that often implicitly or explicitly express support for the terror group Hamas, and many colleges unable or unwilling to provide adequate security for Israel-related speakers — Bass stepped forward, determined to make a difference. She arranged an excellent program at Samford’s Beeson school for students and faculty, highlighted by her conducting a question and answer session with Anat Sultan-Dadon, Israel’s Consul General to the Southeast. Impressed by her, the Consul General later said “It was inspiring to meet and witness a student who is choosing to play an active role in supporting Israel and the Jewish people, especially at this time. Caroline is a reminder of the difference that a single person can make, and of the fact that Israel and the Jewish people are not alone.” That evening, Bass and a fellow Beeson divinity student attended a Birmingham Jewish Federation program at the Birmingham Museum of Art that focused on the sexual violence committed by Hamas on Oct. 7 and since then against Israelis the terror group is holding hostage. Watching her sitting rapt in the front row, her anguish and compassion were apparent as she gently nodded her head, absorbing every word, bearing witness as an ally, and — with a gentle touch of her hand — comforting a Jewish friend seated next to her.

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Coffee with CUFI

CAMPUS Israel

Campus Presence With anti-Israel demonstrations rocking universities, CUFI on Campus stands with Jewish students in fighting back With a flood of anti-Israel demonstrations and recent illegal encampments, universities have become an even more hostile environment to those who support Israel’s right to exist, with a huge increase in antisemitic incidents. While Jewish students have felt more isolated and threatened on campus, Kirby Calhoun, director of CUFI on Campus, said “We will not be silent when Jewish students are being targeted for who they are.” Part of Christians United for Israel, CUFI on Campus has the mission “to educate and activate Christian college students from around the country about the Biblical and moral mandate to stand with Israel and the Jewish people,” Calhoun said. He became director of the group in December, and said “Never in my wildest dreams would I ever have thought that terrorist sympathizers would be occupying and rioting at some of our nation’s most prestigious educational institutions — yet, here we are.” A 13-year Army combat veteran, Calhoun was a human intelligence collector and a special forces communications sergeant, serving in Iraq, Afghanistan and Colombia. In 2019 he published “Single Set of Bootprints: A Story of a God-made Green Beret,” and was founder of the CUFI on Campus chapter at the University of West Florida. Since Oct. 7 and the resulting surge in anti-Israel activity on campus, “our students have been doing everything in their power to ensure that the Jewish students on their campuses know that they are not alone,” he said. “It is a sad, sad day when simply saying that you are a friend to the Jewish people has become something controversial,” he said. “There’s never been a better time to have courage and backbone as a Christian.” Coffee with CUFI is a way to engage fellow students in conversations about Israel through a table with free coffee. Beads for Blessing is an initiative for students to make personalized bead bracelets for mothers of children undergoing heart surgery at Israel’s Save a Child’s Heart facility, or for Ukraine refugees in Israel. Based in Holon, Save a Child’s Heart has been adopted by CUFI on Campus for advocacy and fundraising programs each February. SACH serves children from all over the world, whose families can not afford lifesaving heart sur-

June 2024 • Israel InSight

gery, or who live in places where it is unavailable. There are also prayer events for Israel, and a Shine the Light on Antisemitism initiative that educates on antisemitism, how anti-Zionism is a modern-day form of antisemitism, and urges students to sign pledge cards to stand against antisemitism. The initiative is year-round but especially focuses on Apartheid Week, a highly-visible anti-Israel campaign coordinated nationally by Students for Justice in Palestine. CUFI on Campus also launched the Proud Friend Campaign, where Christian students pledge to “bless the nation of Israel and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our Jewish brothers and sisters even if it’s unpopular on our campuses.” Campaign participants share information about Israel on social media “to educate those who wish to learn, spread truth, and inspire friends to join us in being proud friends of the Jewish community,” and write letters of solidarity. CUFI supplies graphics to use on social media, declaring solidarity and support. Writing opinion pieces for campus newspapers has also been a focus, though there are some campus newspapers that have openly refused to run anything supportive of Israel. Trevor Hodges, a CUFI student at Regent University, wrote in an op-ed that “standing up for the Jewish community on college campuses represents a crucial part of ending antisemitism in America as Christians can reach the younger generation and spread their condemnation of such heinous acts.” Isaac Scott, a CUFI student at Tennessee-Chattanooga, wrote “As a Christian, I am deeply saddened to see my Jewish peers on campus, and throughout the state of Tennessee, experience such hate… it would be such an encouragement to our Jewish neighbors to know that there are students standing with them in these dark times. “To my Jewish brothers and sisters, we will always stand by your side,” Scott added. For students involved in exceptional advocacy work, CUFI Fellows recognize their effort with a personal prize of $500 per semester. For even greater involvement, the one-year Bonhoeffer

Fellowship is designed to “strengthen the character, faith, and voice of our top students in issues pertaining to Israel and their faith-walk.” Fellows serve as leaders at the CUFI Summit and on campus, and take part in a 10-day trip to Israel. They also study and implement “key principles of courage and conviction as found in the life and activism of German pastor and theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer.” For women’s history month, CUFI on Campus urged students, “if you stand with women,” to be the voice for hostages Daniella Gilboa and Agam Berger, both of whom are 19. At Ohio State, CUFI on Campus students created petitions and staffed information tables opposing a special election that called for divesting from Israel. Like their Jewish counterparts, students with CUFI on Campus have been bullied, harassed, screamed at, and suppressed when involved in pro-Israel advocacy on their campuses. One student even had a rock thrown at her for supporting Israel and the Jewish people. Alcinia Armstrong, a CUFI alumna, said “now more than ever, I stand with Israel and the Jewish community because it is our Christian mandate to support, uplift and pray for Israel.” Because anti-Israel bias is filtering down from the college level, there is also CUFI High School, for activism in high

school and preparation for college advocacy. High school club projects include raising awareness of Israel’s humanitarian and relief work worldwide, and raising awareness of persecuted Christians throughout the Middle East, and how their only safe haven is Israel. Each year, CUFI partners subsidize hundreds of students to attend the Washington Summit, covering most of the registration fee, along with hotel and transportation. There is also a Student Advocacy Leadership Training conference each winter in San Antonio. During the 2023 Washington conference, student delegates toured the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, showing the importance of educating about antisemitism. Destiny Albritton, a 2015 Missouri graduate, recently became CUFI’s senior director of Next Gen, working with CUFI on Campus and CUFI High School. Twelve years ago she was a CUFI on Campus student at the SALT program, this year she was senior director. She previously worked with the Israel on Campus Coalition, and was recently named one of the 18 American Zionist Women You Should Know by Hadassah. In February, sporting her Proud Friend shirt, Albritton was picking oranges at Kibbutz Mefalsim, helping out during the wartime labor shortage as part of a solidarity mission. “Israel and the Jewish people need friends who will stand with them and take action,” she recently said. “We were born for this moment and divinely placed for such a time as this.” Calhoun said that CUFI students “genuinely love their neighbors and show it time and time again” through those forms of advocacy, or “simply joining a Shabbat dinner at one of the local Hillel chapters to show solidarity.”

Campus battles

Aubrey Baldonado said there has been “many people engaging in very violent protests and aggressive behavior” at the University of New Mexico, culminating in anti-Israel groups occupying and barricading themselves in the Student Union Building on April 30. According to a statement from the university, the activists “remained unlawfully in the building past closing time and proceeded to vandalize the building, damaging furniture, walls, and doors, writing graffiti with markers, paint, and chalk, on the walls, on ban-

isters, in bathrooms, and more. Beyond this property damage in the SUB, graffiti was spray-painted across campus. Students who were trying to study in the SUB were verbally harassed.” A SWAT team and 70 police officers cleared the building, arresting 16, of whom five were students. Baldonado said Jewish students had asked some of the activists basic questions “from a neutral platform. This was met with very shallow knowledge of anything regarding the Israel/Hamas conflict and an aggressive, defensive tone.” At New Mexico, CUFI students “reached out to as many Jewish students on campus as possible to offer support and resources. We emailed many high-level officials in UNM to lobby for swift action and denouncement of this violence and blatant hate against the Jewish people,” Baldonado said. Throughout the semester, CUFI students posted flyers, including those of the Israeli hostages in Gaza, “and each time, our posters of the hostages have been torn down and vandalized,” and one student was harassed while hanging posters. “However, we remain focused and ready to rise to each challenge.” At Virginia Tech, Benjamin Comire reported, a coalition of Christians and Jews were able to repel numerous anti-Israel actions on campus. “Various students, faculty and community members have tried bringing forth Boycott, Divest and Sanction resolutions in Undergraduate Student Senate meetings this semester,” and weekly rallies “in support of Hamas would occur in the community on one of the main roads in Blacksburg.” Comire said there was an attempt to pass a ceasefire resolution during Passover when many in the Jewish community would not be able to respond, “and it was hoped by many Undergraduate Senators that the budget would not pass without also passing the ceasefire resolution.” There was also a weekend-long encampment that was broken up by police, with over 80 arrests. Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares met with the Hillel at Virginia Tech to hear their concerns and express his support. Comire said he has worked with Hillel and Students for Israel, attended Student Senate meetings and coordinated

with Hillel and Jewish student leaders “to best coordinate and strategize our responses to anti-Israel and antisemitic sentiment on campus. These efforts have been successful, and the campus is much safer and inclusive because of it.” He said the anti-Israel activism at Virginia Tech has not been as severe as other campuses, “and the strength and resilience of the Jewish community to persevere under intense pressure has been both inspiring and incredible to see.” He added that when a leader of Students for Israel thanked him for his support and “for fiercely loving Jewish friends and community,” it “was one of the highest compliments I have ever received.” “This is one of the most important moral conflicts in history,” Baldonado said. “We will not stand by and watch our Jewish brothers and sisters be treated as less than human by those who wish to destroy them. Never Again means never again.” Calhoun said that they are “well positioned to redouble our efforts and continue to reflect the love of Christ on college campuses by standing up for what is right,” with the upcoming CUFI Summit and Bonhoeffer trip, as well as the restructured CUFI on Campus team. “We will not be silent during Israel’s time of need. We will not be silent when Jewish students are being targeted for who they are,” he said. “We will pray for our enemies, we will love our neighbors and we will stand with Israel because that is what we are called to do.” Israel InSight • June 2024

Photo by Arwcheek via Wikimedia Commons.

Texas A&M University in Education City, Al Rayyan, Qatar.

After concerns expressed, Texas A&M votes to close campus in Qatar From JNS and SJL reports

The board of regents of Texas A&M University, a nearly 150-year-old public school with an undergraduate enrollment of more than 60,000, voted on Feb. 8 to undergo a “multi-year process” to close its campus in Qatar. “The board has decided that the core mission of Texas A&M should be advanced primarily within Texas and the United States,” stated Bill Mahomes, chair of the board. “By the middle of the 21st century, the university will not necessarily need a campus infrastructure 8,000 miles away to support education and research collaborations.” He noted that Texas A&M and affiliated System agencies collaborate on research with about 30 other nations without operating separate campuses on foreign soil. The university in College Station, Texas, noted that it will take four years to terminate its agreement with the Qatar Foundation. The university’s campus opened in Qatar in 2003. “In the coming days, the university administration will

June 2024 • Israel InSight

assemble a team to ensure several imperatives: Students complete their education, faculty and staff are supported and research obligations are appropriately fulfilled,” it stated. In late 2023, the Institute for the Study of Global Antisemitism and Policy released a report that suggested that Qatar could influence nuclear research at Texas A&M, and how the Qatar Foundation gains complete ownership of technology and intellectual property developed at Texas A&M University of Qatar. Texas A&M’s departure from Doha’s Education City “marks a significant and meaningful shift in U.S. academia’s ties to the Qatari regime,” stated Charles Asher Small, the ISGAP director. “We urge the remaining U.S. universities there—Virginia Commonwealth, Weill Cornell Medicine, Carnegie Mellon, Georgetown and Northwestern—to follow suit and relocate their educational endeavors elsewhere, refraining from accepting funding tainted by an anti-western, anti-demo-

cratic, pro-Jihad regime,” Small added. The Simon Wiesenthal Center also expressed hope that other campuses would follow Texas A&M’s example. Texas A&M’s decision to close its Qatar Campus “has demonstrated a commitment to academic integrity, ethical principles and national security concerns,” he added. “This is an important statement affirming that there is no place in U.S. academia for billions of dollars coming from a state that supports and funds terror, and promotes and spreads the extremist Islamist ideology from the Muslim Brotherhood.” On Jan. 5, the Jerusalem Post reported that ISGAP research showed “Qatar has acquired full ownership of more than 500 research projects at Texas A&M, some of which are in highly sensitive fields such as nuclear science, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, biotech robotics, and weapons development,” and that Qatar and Qatari state agencies had given over $1 billion to Texas A&M for ownership of those projects. General (Ret.) Mark A. Welsh III, president of Texas A&M, stated that the Qatar campus “has advanced ideals, graduated exceptional Aggie engineers and is cemented as an important legacy of Texas A&M. “As we look to the future of our land-, sea- and spacegrant university, the global exchange of research and education will continue to be integral to our world-class campuses here in the U.S.,” he added. Welsh told KBTX that allegations that Qatar secured sensitive national security information from A&M were “insanity” and “irresponsible.” The next day, he said concerns about ties with Qatar’s regime “are fair concerns.” The Texas A&M board of regents “decided to reassess the university’s physical presence in Qatar in fall 2023 due to the heightened instability in the Middle East,” the university stated. The motion to close the Qatar campus passed 7-1. “The work in Qatar is great work,” the board chair Mahomes stated. “But it is a fraction of what Texas A&M accomplishes year after year.” The Middle East Forum pointed out that the “heightened

instability” came from Qatari-backed Hamas attacking Israel on Oct. 7. Pastor John Hagee, founder and chairman of Christians United for Israel, praised the decision by the university, which a CUFI release described as his alma mater. “I am deeply grateful to Texas A&M chancellor John Sharp and the entire Board of Regents for making the right decision in ending the university’s association with Qatar,” Hagee stated. “Doha has decided to side with terrorists; as such, Aggies have no business associating with that regime.” “Across the country, we’ve seen examples of leaders at (allegedly) elite institutions fail to even articulate the right decision, let alone act on it,” Hagee added. “Chancellor Sharp and the Board of Regents’s actions should be an inspiration to others in academia across the country. We should have no business with supporters of terror and no tolerance for antisemitism, no matter the context.” Qatar hosts leaders of Hamas. Washington and others have also praised its role in helping free hostages from Gaza. U.S. Ambassador to Qatar Timmy Davis said he was disappointed by the decision, as the Qatar outpost “proudly represents American values and inspires innovation for students who might otherwise not have access to an American education.” The Qatar Foundation said in a statement that the Texas A&M decision “has been influenced by a disinformation campaign aimed at harming the interests of QF. “It is disturbing that this disinformation has become the determining factor in the decision and that it has been allowed to override the core principles of education and knowledge, with no consideration to the significant positive impact that this partnership has brought for both Qatar and the U.S.” The Foundation said the university did not “attempt to seek out the truth from Qatar Foundation before making this misguided decision” and allowed politics to influence its decisions. “We have always firmly believed that education should be above vested interests and harmful influences, and we always will.”

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The anti-American, antisemitic and anti-Israel conquest of academia by Sandra Alfonsi

(JNS) — The current situation on college campuses and in K-12 schools across the United States did not emerge in a vacuum. It is the result of years of preparation. It grew from seeds planted some time ago in the soil of American academia. These seeds were planted by foreign actors determined to infiltrate and indoctrinate the nation. They hoped this would destroy our republic and all it represents. First and foremost, they desired the destruction of America’s Judeo-Christian foundation. Islamism and globalism are organizing and funding this attack. They are doing so because their ideologies are anti-Western, anti-Judaism and anti-Christianity. Let me, an American academic and former university professor, be perfectly clear: The once sacred “Halls of Ivy” — as American institutions of higher education were referred to by many — no longer exist and, in my opinion, will never exist again. An overt anti-America ideology permeates academia from the top echelon (the professors and the administration} down to the lowest (the student body). This ideology is anti-America, anti-West, anti-Israel and antisemitic, which is pure Jew-hatred wrapped in a more acceptable name. This ideology is not new. In the past, it was more skillfully hidden and cloaked in acceptable terms. Now, the façade has been removed. New words have been created; a new language is being spoken; there are new “oppressors” and a new “oppressed.” There are new policies like Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. There are entirely new areas of study — such as Critical Race Theory, Critical Ethnic Studies and Critical Zionist Studies — each debased by Marxism, Islamism, anti-Americanism, antisemitism and anti-Zionism. Antisemitism is nothing new in academia. It has been part of the American educational system since I was in elementary school. It never went away; it merely changed its form. I grew up in Washington at a time when Jews were not permitted to live in certain neighborhoods. As a result, certain schools were not open to us. This was overt anti-Semitism. Tests were given on Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and other Jewish holidays. This was covert antisemitism. When I started college, there were unofficial “quotas” imposed to limit the number of Jewish students. There was “quiet” antisemitism against students and professors. Over 10 years of study, I acquired a B.A., M.A. and Ph.D. I began teaching at the university level while studying for my M.A. Thus, I can bear witness to the vile academic antisemitism I faced as a student and a professor. But this antisemitism appeared to be a more “civilized”

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antisemitism; until I was blacklisted by the head of the Middle Eastern Studies Department. My crime was supposedly being an extremist because I am a Jew. What had I done to earn this indictment? I was a faculty advisor to the Middle Eastern Studies Club. I was chosen by my students, who believed that I could get along with Arab, Christian and Jewish students and speakers. The word “extremist” used against me and blamed on my Judaism is proof that, even then, academia had been infiltrated and indoctrinated by Islamism. It was then that I understood where this infiltration and indoctrination was leading. I knew that I, as a Jewish professor, had no recourse against this antisemitism, neither in the university nor in the Jewish community. Only the academic consul at the Israeli consulate in New York stood by me. By 1995, this indoctrination had become my field of research. I often gave speeches on the subject. I am both proud and saddened that the Israeli consulate remained my only ally. It also helped ensure that my research was brought to the attention of both the American and Israeli governments. But the leftist U.S. State Department and leftist Israeli leaders refused to acknowledge my research into anti-Israelism, antisemitism and anti-Americanism in doctoral dissertations and K-12 curricula. The same is true of most Jewish organizations and their leaders. Only National Hadassah gave me an important venue to discuss curriculum and textbook issues. Now, as academic advisor to Tennessee-based Proclaiming Justice to the Nations, which is led by Laurie Cardoza-Moore, I finally have an all-encompassing platform from which to create white papers on these issues. The topics include the physical, emotional and intellectual impact of the indoctrination-fueled campus riots on American Jewish students, professors and teachers; the Arab and globalist funding of American education; the reappearance of Holocaust denial and/or revisionism; the pervasive attack on our Constitution; the use of offensive anti-Israel slogans and propaganda; and many others. Unless we eliminate the ancient, potent curse of Jew-hatred, however, my work will be to no avail. There are parties in America who want to lead the country down a dark path: To hold Israel and the world hostage to their genocidal Marxist, Islamist, antisemitic and anti-Israel ideology. Sandra Alfonsi was born and educated in Washington. She is a Senior Academic Advisor to Laurie Cardoza-Moore and Proclaiming Justice to the Nations, and a Permanent Member of the National Board of Hadassah, the Women’s Zionist Organization of America. She currently lives in Jerusalem.

Christians must march with Israel

The rotten antisemitism of the universities is a rejection of Judeo-Christian values By Luke Moon

(JNS) — Jordan B. Peterson has said that most people are wrong in imagining they would be Oskar Schindler, the industrialist who risked his life to shelter approximately 1,100 Jews during the Holocaust. It is far more likely that they would be silent or even participate in the mass murder. Recently, I joined thousands of Christians at Columbia University to stand in solidarity with the Jewish community. We did so due to the antisemitic demonstrations spreading across U.S. campuses. We worshiped, prayed and marched around the perimeter of the university. Whenever I looked behind me, I saw the entire block flooded with American and Israeli flags. It might have been one of the most incredible sights I have ever witnessed. At Columbia, Yale, MIT and other top universities, anti-Israel protestors have not only called for violence against Jews but physically assaulted and intimidated identifiably Jewish students. This is not a new trend. American students have been primed to celebrate terrorism against Israel and Jews for decades. The silence from mainstream media and our politicians is deafening. Just a few examples: At Yale, a Jewish student was stabbed in the eye with a Palestinian flag. Another was encircled by protestors who prevented him from entering campus. At Columbia, a pro-Hamas student pointed a sign towards Jewish students that read, “Al-Qassam’s next target” (Al-Qassam is Hamas’s terrorist wing). A Jewish student’s Israeli flag was set on fire and he was chased off the grounds. Columbia announced it would conduct classes remotely due to the violence. At Yale, almost 50 people were arrested after more than 100 arrests earlier that week at Columbia. At Columbia, protestors set up a “Gaza Solidarity Encampment,” complete with dozens of tents and Palestinian flags. Michigan University jumped on the bandwagon with its own “Liberated Encampment Zone,” where pamphlets proclaiming “Death to America” and calling for a third intifada were handed out. These antisemitic demonstrations, which not coincidentally began on the eve of Passover, are a new low in a long line of pro-Palestinian protests that have taken place on American campuses since Oct. 7. The antisemitic students

Christians march in New York City in late April

involved refuse to condemn Hamas, while they overtly celebrate the Oct. 7 atrocities and parrot terrorist propaganda. All of this has gone largely unchallenged. We must ask, when did our moral compass shatter? Why are we yielding to genocidal terror supporters? In Dec. 2023, we witnessed the then-presidents of Harvard and UPenn, as well as the still-sitting president of MIT, state before a congressional hearing that calls for the genocide of Jews only violated their universities’ policies “depending on the context.” This total moral bankruptcy was irrefutable and disturbing proof of the rotted values of our academic institutions, which have also bred far-left ideologies like DEI that pander to Marxist ideologies of perpetual victimhood. Higher education’s anti-morality has now allied itself with Islamist antisemitism, paving the way for yet another iteration of the racist motif of Jews as the world’s ultimate oppressors. This alliance between far-left ideologues and Muslim antisemites is destroying the credibility of our premiere educational institutions and our society is silent. Who will speak out for the Jewish community? Christians must stand with the people whose values are the foundation of our civilization. The West was built on Judeo-Christian principles. Today, those who reject those principles are yet again revolted by the people to whom God revealed his law. This is the moment for Christians to join in prayer and worship, and march in solidarity with Israel. We must march and pray wherever antisemitism raises its head, including on the campuses of Yale and Columbia. Unopposed antisemitism is an unmistakable sign of cultural decay. Now is the time for a new generation of leaders to rise to restore and heal our troubled land. Luke Moon is the executive director of the Philos Project and regularly comments and writes on issues related to Israel and Jewish-Christian relations. Israel InSight • June 2024

SUPPORTING Israel

Becoming family through supporting Israel Jewish, Christian communities in Arkansas work together to benefit JNF projects After the horrors of October 7 became apparent, the Jewish National Fund-USA assisted in evacuating residents from the communities near Gaza to the region that a coalition of Christians and Jews in Arkansas have been investing in for the past decade, said Reagan Weil, JNF-USA Southwest regional director. He made those remarks at a Feb. 29 “Build Together: Arkansas Stands with Israel” interfaith event in Little Rock, while reflecting on how the Christian and Jewish communities in the state have been working together on several initiatives in Israel, while building their own friendship at home. Held at Agudath Achim in Little Rock, the event was co-hosted by the Jewish Federation of Arkansas, Lubavitch of Arkansas, Congregation B’nai Israel and Commission Fields, an Arkansas-based non-profit that does faith missions from “A to Z, agricultural to Zionist,” connecting Christians to their Hebraic roots. JNF-USA CEO Russell Robinson attended the event, discussing how their Israel team mobilized to support the affected communities, evacuating, feeding, clothing, and providing other supplies and trauma therapy to tens of thousands of evacuees. At the time of the event, JNF-USA had raised almost $60 million in immediate relief funds through its Resilience Campaign, including a “Livnot B’Yachad — Build Together” plan, to restore the Israel Envelope near Gaza. “With volunteers from Israel and around the world coming together and working with community leaders, we will rebuild, repaint, and replant,” said Robinson. “We will provide new furniture. We will place benches on front lawns, redo the roads, rebuild parks, and repaint shelters and buildings. The sound of building is the sound of creating tomorrow.” At the event, the Federation presented a check for $36,000 toward the effort.

Cathie Dorsch was on the pastoral staff of Agape Church in Little Rock, which has long held Nights to Honor Israel. Dorsch said she “grew up loving Israel, and being part of a congregation that wanted to do tangible things.” She became friends with Tettlebaum, and while serving as interim principal of her school, she hosted Tettlebaum, Weil, and Joel and Irene Spalter for a meeting in the school office. The Spalters, of Fayetteville, are members of the JNF Housing Development and Arava Task Forces. At the time, the school had launched an introduction to Hebrew class, and “B’reisheet,” Hebrew for “in the beginning” was on the blackboard. “Joel walked in and saw the Hebrew, it probably looked very elementary, and said ‘can you read it.’ I read it to him and we laughed.” It was an auspicious beginning, and the group evolved from there. The first project they supported together was a Magen David Adom emergency station at JNF’s new Emergency Response Center in the central Arava region, in Southern Israel near the Jordanian border. In November 2016, the Federation voted to commit to raising $100,000 toward the project to replace a dilapidated 40-year-old clinic, located in a place 80 miles from larger communities like Beersheva and Eilat. In all, Arkansas donors contributed $200,000 toward the effort. According to a 2019 Federation release, “The further development of the Arava depends on the region’s ability to provide basic public services to its current and future residents.” In 2018, the group participated in a mission to Israel, to dedicate the facilities Arkansas had supported. Weil said that trip “really solidified the connection between the Agape Church and the Jewish community,” and the church has focused its philanthropy from their Nights to Honor Israel on the joint projects sponsored by the Arkansas Jewish community. Dorsch said she “has evolved from being a friend on the periphery to a real family member,” and “I don’t think we Interfaith partners knew at the time how far we could go.” Marianne Tettlebaum, former executive director of the She left Agape and started Commission Fields that year, Jewish Federation of Arkansas, said developing the partner- her work evolving “into a network of clergy and partners, ship was one of the highlights of her tenure. It is estimated who want to do this through the Arkansas community.” that there are about 2,250 Jews in Arkansas. On the 2018 trip, they decided their next project would “We’ve become family over the last eight years,” Weil said. be the Red Mountain Therapeutic Riding Center, and

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Arkansas delegation at the Red Mountain Therapeutic Riding Center Israel InSight • June 2024

Dorsch said that project “really began to expand the involvement of other Christian congregations, individuals and businesses in Arkansas.” The riding center is located 45 miles north of Eilat and provides horseback riding therapy to children with physical or mental disabilities, and emotional and behavioral issues. Because of the threat of missile and terrorist attacks, all public spaces are now required to have protective spaces. Since the school did not have a bomb shelter, they would have been forced to close. In 2018, the Federation, Commission Fields and Agape committed to build a dual-use facility that can serve as a classroom and a bomb shelter, enabling the facility to remain open. Joel Spalter said that the next project at Red Mountain, in 2023, came from Dorsch’s love of gardens. “A shelter isn’t enough because it is hot in the Negev, and there are plenty of people who accompany the person getting therapy, and it would be nice if they had a comfortable place to talk to each other,” he explained. Dorsch said “nature is part of the healing process in re-

Irene Spalter and Cathie Dorsch in Israel in 2018

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covery from war trauma,” and the project provides “a more restful environment.” The project included a patio and pergola attached to the building, a garden, trees and a playground coordinated by a different donor. “Multiple projects were accomplished through that addition,” she said. The outdoor area was completed just before October 7. Spalter said their bags were packed and they “were ready to fly to Israel” on Oct. 9 to visit and dedicate the projects. “That trip was not cancelled, it was postponed,” he said.

Southern roots

Dorsch said Arkansas is a “Southern community, doing something for the Southern community of Israel,” putting “deep South roots” with projects that speak to them. Tettlebaum said that working with JNF enabled them to “find projects that fit our community, those interests we had a passion for, and gave something tangible that people could see when they go to Israel.” She added, “We wanted people in Arkansas to see that you can have this tangible impact on an important part of Israel.” Weil said that Red Mountain has been a partner with JNF for over 20 years, and is one of over 70 groups they work with “to create a quality of life that enables people to move to more remote parts of the country.” Aside from special projects like the bomb shelter and the garden, JNF raises funds for scholarships at Red Mountain, to cover costs for families in need. The group continues to work on Israel projects, focusing on the Resilience Campaign for post-October 7 needs. A large number of evacuees from the border communities near Gaza wound up in the area near Red Mountain, and have been receiving therapy there. They are also embracing the Halutza village concept, rebuilding the area near the Gaza border so residents can return. The original Halutza community was constructed near the meeting point of the borders of Israel, Egypt and Gaza, in a place where there had not been a community before. The residents are those who were evacuated from the Jewish communities in Gaza when Israel withdrew from the area in 2005, and took on the mission of expanding physical presence in the Negev. Dorsch said this will be a long, ongoing project, and they are working to get the word out, “so we can adopt Halutza and help rebuild the area.” Weil also noted that Dorsch recently made “the largest order of JNF Blue Boxes ever,” referencing the charity boxes that have been ubiquitous in Jewish homes for a century, as a fundraiser for needs in Israel. She ordered 1,000 to place in churches and Sunday School classrooms.

The dual-use classroom and bomb shelter at Red Mountain

Tettlebaum said it is important to note that “This is a joint effort, this is us deciding together where we want to move forward. This isn’t one or the other saying this is where we want to go,” but Dorsch and Agape have “always been willing to support what the Jewish community’s priorities were, and this has continued into a great mutual relationship.” Dorsch said “we’re called to a leap of action,” and “this is the place where our faith and our action get to work together.” They’ve had to overcome some of the unpleasant history of Christian interactions with the Jewish community, but now they have “put a stake in the ground” for moving forward in “a productive, life-giving, genuine relationship.” Spalter said there is a commonality of purpose between the Christian and Jewish communities, as “this is the front line of the preservation of Western society.” He said that “until we understand” Houthis, Hezbollah, Hamas and Iran “are all an axis, just as there was an axis in the 1930s, we will not defeat them. We have to understand they are all one and the same.” By working in Halutza, he added, “we are standing to-

gether defending the U.S. as well as Israel, and defending all of western civilization. That’s why we continue on.” Weil said that since 2018, the Jewish and Christian communities in Arkansas have contributed roughly half a million dollars to Israel. “JNF-USA has been the vehicle, but through their philanthropy they have created real, tangible impact to the citizens of the Arava.” As Dorsch has built her organization, Weil said, “she has spread the relationship throughout many different pockets of the non-Jewish community,” far beyond the involvement of any one church. “Everywhere I go, people want to do something,” Weil said. “I haven’t seen anybody be able to actually put it into action the way that Arkansas has,” with that kind of interfaith partnership. He explained, “It takes progressive leadership, it takes trust, it takes faith, it takes love and it takes selflessness. There can be no ego in who gets credit, who raises the most money, who makes decisions. That’s been the secret to the success.” Israel InSight • June 2024

SPORTS Israel

Israeli soccer player makes debut with Charlotte Abada left his former team in Scotland over anti-Israel hostility from fans Liel Abada, an Israeli footballer who sat out games for his Scottish club amid fan protests of the war in Gaza, has joined Major League Soccer’s team in Charlotte. The team said on its website on March 7 that it had paid $8 million to acquire Abada’s contract from Glasgow’s Celtic FC. He will be Major League Soccer’s second active Israeli player, joining Tai Baribo of Philadelphia Union. Abada, 22, tallied 29 goals and 22 assists over 112 matches in his two seasons with Celtic; the team won its Scottish League this year and last. Abada is from Petach Tikva, a city east of Tel Aviv, and had 20 goals and 10 assists in 76 matches during his breakout at Maccabi Petach Tikva. He had signed a four-year contract last summer. But the team’s home stadium became inhospitable last fall. Celtic fans have long been vocal supporters of Palestinian rights, which they associate with their own historic struggles against dispossession, famine and racism. Since Oct. 7, that has become the central aesthetic in the home stands, where thousands wave Palestinian flags and — in the first game following the Hamas attacks — unfurled giant banners that read “Free Palestine” and “Victory To The Resistance.” Abada has voiced his displeasure over the displays to the team’s leadership. The club distanced itself from the slogans, but Brendan Rodgers, Celtic’s manager, recently acknowledged that it would be hard for the Israeli to perform in such an environment, and implied a change of scenery might be inevitable. “This is a young guy, 22 years of age, far, far away from home,” Rodgers said in February before a Celtic match. “People can talk about what’s going on there and then they can forget about it. This is the reality for him, this is his life. Every single day, every night, families in a war. So it’s a really, really tough situation for him. On a human level, I have real, real empathy for him.” Abada sat out the team’s previous five games, without saying why beyond “personal reasons.” “Leaving Celtic wasn’t in my plans, yet life’s unpredictable turns remind us that we’re not always in control,” Abada wrote on Instagram on March 7. “The past six months have been a personal challenge, yet the overwhelming support from the gaffer (manager), coaches, and board has been my rock. Their unwavering faith during these times won’t be forgotten, but cherished forever.” He also paid tribute to the “incredible Israeli community in Glasgow” and thanked the Celtic fans “that stood by me.” Avi Luzon, chief of Maccabi Petah Tikvah, told London’s

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Jewish Chronicle that Abada had no choice but to leave because of the indignation of fans “on the street towards him… Liel felt unwelcome where he was — there were hostile looks and it’s not nice to feel that.” Abada, a 5-foot-6 forward, will make $200,000 a year in Charlotte. “Liel has been one of the most exciting young wingers in Europe and we’re delighted to welcome him to Charlotte,” Zoran Krneta, the team’s general manager, said in a news release. “He’s an elite goal scorer and chance creator who is a proven winner who is determined to bring trophies home to the club and our supporters.” Abada could form a first-choice front three in Charlotte alongside Copetti and winger Kerwin Vargas. He joins midfielder Djibril Diani and winger Iuri Tavares, among others, as key additions for 2024. “To bring a player of his caliber to Major League Soccer speaks to the strength of the league, but also that Charlotte FC is an attractive destination for top foreign talent,” Krneta said. “He’s a player that I know well coming from the UK,” Charlotte Head Coach Dean Smith said in a media availability. “I know he’s been playing in Scotland, but there’s not many English people who don’t know about Celtics and Rangers players because they’re always in the news and they’re on the TV a lot. “They’re both two big clubs and to get a player of his caliber and the consistency he’s had in the last couple of seasons with Celtic is a big coup for ourselves, I believe.” Charlotte, now in their third season, made the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs last year as the Eastern Conference’s No. 9 seed. Abada is under contract through the 2026 MLS season, with an option for 2027. Charlotte FC is owned by David Tepper, who is Jewish and also owns the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League. He made his Charlotte debut on March 30 against FC Cincinnati, being substituted in at the 61st minute. He had two shots on goal but did not connect in the 1-1 draw. As of May 29, Charlotte was 6-6 with 5 draws, for 7th in the 15-team division, after falling to the NY Red Bulls, 3-1. In that match, Charlotte’s record 523-minute defensive shutout streak came to an end. Abada has been in eight matches, starting six, with one goal.

By Louis Keene of The Forward and Israel InSight reports. Louis Keene is a staff reporter at the Forward covering religion, sports and the West Coast. He can be followed on Twitter @thislouis.

Israel InSight • June 2024

READING Israel

Christian leaders get personal about Israel New book has commentary from 75 contributors on why Israel matters to them

In October 2022, Jonathan Feldstein had an idea for the then-upcoming 75th anniversary of the modern state of Israel — a book highlighting pro-Israel Christian leaders and why they are passionate about Israel. A modern Orthodox Jew living in Efrat, in the territories, Feldstein is founder of Genesis 123, a foundation that works to build relationships between Jews and Christians focusing on support and love of Israel. Friends in the publishing field told him there was no way he would be able to get a book like that done in time for the anniversary in 2023, but he pushed forward with the idea of having 75 Christian leaders write personal essays about their relationship with Israel. The trick was to get exactly 75 responses for the book, knowing that some people he approached would be “too

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busy, or for their own reasons didn’t want to be associated with some of the other people” in the book. There was also a tight deadline he was working with — four to six weeks to receive up to 1,000 words. “There are people I regret are not in the book for a lot of reasons, but we have a solid lineup,” he said. He had an original list of 200, and though he did not have a particular checklist, he wound up with a diverse group of backgrounds, geography and denominations. “I wanted to recognize the bona fide Christian leaders who support Israel.” The submissions come from ministers, political figures, activists and authors. Some are well known all over the world, others just in their own areas. One danger in a project like this is that too many submis-

sions would repeat the same Biblical verses that everyone knows. “That didn’t happen,” he said. The essays were “unique, creative, meaningful thoughts, all very personal and very significant.” Many essays complement others in the book, forming “a mosaic.” With none of the 75 entries being redundant, it shows the diversity of how and why Christians relate to Israel. The essays arrived in the first three months of the year, and by the time the 2023 National Religious Broadcasters convention convened in May, he had a proof copy to show people. The book starts with Pat Robertson’s essay. Feldstein said that Robertson died around the time the book was going into production, “so I made an executive decision” to have him at the front. “As great as he was, it was an appropriate way to honor him.” The rest of the contributions are in alphabetical order, a who’s-who of Christian Zionism. There are also letters from Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Minister of Tourism Haim Katz. Biographies of each contributor appear in the back of the book. The lavishly-illustrated coffee table book rolled off the presses in September 2023, and Feldstein planned to give the proceeds to the 12 projects that the Genesis 123 Foundation supports. Then, October 7 happened. Feldstein launched the Genesis 123 Israel Emergency Campaign, with proceeds going to projects for recovery and healing as a result of the Gaza war. Proceeds from the book will now go to those causes. To further assist in the recovery, a second printing recently came off the presses, using the print shop at Kibbutz

Be’eri, one of the communities devastated by the Oct. 7 attack. “As significant as this book is in celebration of Israel’s 75th, it’s even more significant now,” he said. “It underscores the reasons why Israel should be so significant to Christians.” “Israel: The Miracle” is “a book for Christians by Christians,” he said, but not exclusively. A lot of people in the Jewish community don’t understand Christians and Christianity, or their motivations when it comes to Israel, he noted. “I do want Jews to read this. I do want Jews to understand the depth and breadth of Christian support.” Another challenge he faced came with shipping books. The title of the book was on the cartons, and he found that at some point during transit with the U.S. Postal Service, some boxes were deliberately damaged. One box was cut open and all the books removed, with just the empty box arriving. The next shipment of books from Israel was a pallet with 500 books in 50 boxes. Before mailing, he had the books repackaged in boxes that did not have the name on them — and this time, none were damaged. He originally planned a book tour for last November, postponing it until February when he was able to attend this year’s NRB convention and schedule some tour dates.

Israel InSight readers can get a 10 percent discount by going to https:// israelthemiracle.com/product/israel-themiracle-the-book/?coupon=israelinsight, or using the code Insight when ordering at israelthemiracle.com.

In case of Rapture… who takes care of the dogs? An unusual request from a small town in Mississippi leads to a “fun” novel by Rabbi Jonathan Miller What is a rabbi doing writing a novel about the Christian view of the End of Days? When Rabbi Jonathan Miller was still rabbi at Birmingham’s Temple Emanu-El, he got an unusual phone call that led him to say “I’m going to write a novel about this when I retire.” That novel is now complete — “Take My Dog: A Southern Detour Through the Apocalypse.” The phone call came in 2016 from a Christian living in a small town near Meridian, over two hours from Birmingham. The caller was taking classes at his church about the Rapture, when faithful Christians are swept up into heaven before the War of Armageddon takes place on Earth.

When he disappeared, what would happen to his dog, he worried. Who would still be around? He didn’t want to entrust the dog to an atheist, so he figured he needed to find someone Jewish, thus the call to Miller. Miller reassured the caller that he would be honored to do so. In the novel, the call comes in to Rabbi Tuvya Greenblatt, a mediocre rabbi who can’t get out of his own way. His series of congregational stops has placed him in fictional Cumberland, Ala., where he has to deal with a somewhat indifferent congregation and a “vindictive” congregational president who is working feverishly to get rid of Greenblatt. Through that phone call, Greenblatt’s story intersects Israel InSight • June 2024

with unusual events in Brookhill, Miss., where the very Christian small town near Meridian goes through a theological crisis as many members of the two main churches are attracted to a teen, A.J. Pierson, with odd visions and prophecies. Some follow him as a prophet while others deride him as troubled, but it sets in motion a series of inexplicable events that end up with dozens of dogs suddenly being delivered to the synagogue in Alabama, in the middle of Rosh Hashanah services. Even so, Greenblatt’s moment in the sun soon comes back to bite him. Miller cautions readers — especially back in Birmingham — not to try and connect characters and events to reality. “With the exception of the phone call, everything is from my imagination.” The book’s Temple Sim Shalom does not reflect Temple Emanu-El, nor does Greenblatt’s dysfunctional family have any parallel to his own. While he uses thinly-disguised euphemisms for some public figures and place names, on occasion he will mention the real things, such as naming the actual Birmingham television stations when referencing news coverage of an event in the book. Aside from the phone call, “nothing in here is based on truth,” he said. “Humor, and this is my attempt at it, is an exaggeration of things that are true.” “It’s meant to be a fun read,” he said. Unlike his decades of sermons, “nobody is meant to learn lessons about life, or Torah.” But he does hope that people come away with an appreciation for the challenges rabbis and ministers have in guiding their communities, and they have many of the same issues everyone else deals with. The book is certainly meant for both Christian readers and Jewish readers. At one point, Miller went to a Sunday school class at South Highland Presbyterian Church, which is across the intersection from Emanu-El and has a

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long-standing relationship with the temple, and read excerpts, “and they roared.” While Southern readers will find familiar elements, Miller also regards the novel as a glimpse into Southern culture for his colleagues who have never served in the region. Miller arrived in Birmingham from Los Angeles in January 1991 with the idea that he was coming for five years. “They were extended,” he explained. “We liked it.” He retired from Emanu-El in 2017. Noting that he has always loved to write, he has kept himself busy with a free Substack, doing “little essays, typically 1,000 words, just observations about life.” He had already written a book in 2016, “Legacy: A Rabbi and a Community Remember Their Loved Ones,” a collection of eulogies he had delivered during his time at Emanu-El. It is hard to write about Southern culture without referencing college football. “There’s always football,” Miller said, and perhaps surprising for a rabbi from Birmingham, though the Alabama Crimson Tide gets some play in the story, “Take My Dog” actually highlights Mississippi State football culture, cowbells and all. Miller said that the late Mike Slive, a congregant who was commissioner of the Southeastern Conference, took him to a couple games at Mississippi State, located just up the road from Meridian — and probably near where Brookhill would be. “I love the small-town Mississippi culture,” Miller said. The story itself went through “many iterations,” and “so many people encouraged me along the way,” he said. Friends who are Christian clergy added their input. Scott Stantis, long-time editorial cartoonist at the Birmingham News, did the cover illustration. The book is also an exploration of how every community has secrets — the book opens with a lynching in the Mississippi town early in the 20th century — and how those debts must eventually be paid.

5784

The Biblical Calendar Sivan/Tammuz

The Hebrew month of Sivan begins on June 7 this year, 2024 on the common calendar and 5784 on the Jewish calendar. Because Sivan has 30 days, there is a two-day New Moon observance for the next month, Tammuz, on the 30th of Sivan (July 6) and 1st of Tammuz (July 7). Shavuot: This year, the Shavuot observance starts at sunset on June 11, the 6th of Sivan. In Israel, it is observed for one day, outside of Israel it is customary to observe two days, through sunset on June 13. Shavuot is a holy day where one refrains from working, similar to Shabbat. One of three Pilgrimage Festivals, Shavuot celebrates the conclusion of the grain harvest in Israel, and is traditionally seen as the day when the Ten Commandments were given at Mount Sinai. Shavuot is the Hebrew word for weeks. Starting with the second night of Passover, there is a count of 49 days — seven weeks — to the festival of Shavuot. Rather than a countdown, it is a count-up, from one to 49, done every evening. Since the festival is 50 days after the Passover Seder, the holiday is sometimes referred to by a Greek term, Pentecost, meaning 50, but that is far more common in Christian circles than in the Jewish community. To reenact the excitement of receiving the law at Mount Sinai, it is traditional to engage in late-night or even allnight Judaic study on Shavuot. The holiday is seen as a reaffirmation of the gift of Torah each year. Because it is at the beginning of summer, Shavuot often

has been overlooked. In recent years, an emphasis on the tradition of eating dairy on Shavuot has transformed the celebration, as synagogues will often have an ice cream party, or cheesecake, along with the ceremonial reading of the Ten Commandments. It is also traditional to read the Book of Ruth during services, as she was an ancestor of King David, who died on Shavuot. The story of Ruth is also a reminder of the importance of non-Jews who became part of the Jewish people. Sheva Asar b’Tammuz: Falling this year on July 23, the 17th of Tammuz is one of the sadder days on the Jewish calendar, and is one of four “minor fasts,” where one abstains from food and drink. Unlike the major fasts, which last from sunset to sunset, just over 25 hours, minor fasts are from sunrise to sunset. There are no work restrictions. The date signifies when the Romans breached the walls of Jerusalem, three weeks before destroying the Second Temple on the 9th of the month of Av in 70 C.E. Other calamities are also attributed to that date, including Moses breaking the first set of the Ten Commandments upon seeing the Golden Calf. It is traditional among many Eastern European Jews to refrain from celebrations or holding weddings during the three weeks, or listening to music or getting a haircut. The last nine days, the first nine days of Av, are even more intensely seen as a period of mourning, with some not partaking of meat or wine.

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Israel InSight • June 2024

Unorthodox: London Catholic in Poland becomes leading pro-Israel voice online By Etgar Lefkovits

(JNS) — Talk about an unorthodox voice for Israel at a time of global opprobrium. He’s a 31-year-old London-born Roman Catholic of Polish and South African descent, who grew up in a conservative family, and who set up a PR firm in Warsaw that worked with Poland’s previous nationalistic government that clashed with Israel over the Holocaust. He then created a “side project” to offer an alternative view of the news on social media for Central and Eastern European countries as opposed to the monopoly of the mainstream media. Today, Stefan Tompson’s social-media platform, Visegrád 24, is one of the most popular X (Twitter) accounts on the Middle East with nearly 1 million followers. The account has grown so rapidly that it has hit 1 billion impressions a month, more than mainstream broadcasters, such as BBC World News on X. At a time when world opinion is highly critical of Israel in the wake of the six-month-old war against Hamas terrorists in the Gaza strip, his platform is unabashedly pro-Israel. This has won him accolades from the State of Israel, where he was feted this week in Jerusalem. “I didn’t expect that we would be such a lone voice in the non-Jewish world covering the conflict, and that so many European and American media outlets would either outright parrot Hamas propaganda or at least give them some form of legitimacy. So, once I started, I felt an obligation to stay on,” Tompson said on April 2 in an interview with JNS in Tel Aviv. “It is absolutely shocking how the mainstream media has shaped the conflict and has given an unashamedly biased level of legitimacy to Hamas,” he said.

‘No one cares about facts’

Tompson’s first major clash with mainstream media in Europe was over their portrayal of the wave of migrants from Africa and the Middle East being stranded on the Polish and Lithuanian borders via Belarus as refugees. He soon found himself immersed in the turmoil of Middle East politics after the Oct. 7 Hamas onslaught in southern Israel. He felt compelled to disseminate the story after watching gruesome videos of the attacks in which 1,200 people were slaughtered, thousands more wounded,

June 2024 • Israel InSight

Credit: Courtesy

Social-media influencer Stefan Tompson (center; at right is the singer Matisyahu) is honored by Israeli Minister of Diaspora Affairs Amichai Chikli in Jerusalem on March 31.

and more than 250 men, women and children abducted by Hamas terrorists into Gaza. Some 134 are still languishing there, though not all are determined to still be alive. A war he thought would last a week is now nearing a six-month milestone. “To the world, October 7 is already ancient history,” he said. “The repeated use of words such as ‘genocide’ and ‘famine’ is keeping the lie simple.” In the interview, Tompson said that it was not so much that Israeli PR is ineffective, but that the enemies’ PR — aided by state-run actors like the Qatari-based Al Jazeera network has been better. “Israel brings facts to the table, but no one cares about facts,” he said. In the last half year, he has worked with his small team of four full-time workers, as well as employees from his PR firm and a coterie of volunteers and friends to give Israel a face in his company’s videos. A whopping 60 percent of their content is now focused on the Israel-Hamas war. “The assumption is that Israel is a Western country, but people in the West don’t get the reality of living in the Middle East surrounded by nations that seek your destruction,” he said. “You have a young generation in the Western world that is being brainwashed and fundamentally misinformed in a very deliberate way by enemies of the West who would like to see the West fail.” Tompson said that it was critical to provide alternate content to viewers in what he views as a war against an Iranian, Chinese, Russian and Qatari axis of evil. “You have already been attacked but we are next,” he said. “Global jihad is a real thing. This is not a conflict about land, but a conflict of ideology, culture, civilization and religion.”

Israel InSight • June 2024

Facilitating “Pay to Slay” terrorist salaries Palestinian Authority relies on Red Cross visits and documentation By Itamar Marcus

Accordingly, the Red Cross is a central cog in facilitating the (Palestinian Media Watch) — The International Commit- terror rewards. Additional PA regulations reveal that the Red Cross is tee of the Red Cross has been complicit in the facilitation quite active in the process. They require an initial Red Cross of rewards to imprisoned Palestinian terrorists. In so doing, visit and a minimum of four visits a year to prisoners until the ICRC plays a central role in providing “economic incenthe completion of their trial and conviction. tive for terrorist activity,” as defined in Israeli law. The same PA regulations require that another important In January 2024, Qadura Fares, the director of the PLO form be provided by the Red Cross, that of the Power of AtCommission of Prisoners’ Affairs, alleged on official PA torney. With this form, terrorist prisoners can designate an television that: individual who will open a bank account for them or receive The occupation [i.e., Israel] is preventing the Red Cross terror reward payments on their behalf: from visiting the prisoners, and as a result, the Red Cross Clause 5 — Power of Attorney: (3) The authorization cannot provide the document given to new or veteran of a representative is executed through a power of prisoners showing that they are still in prison. This is attorney issued by the Red Cross signed by the pristhe document that we established in our [prisoners’ oner, or through a personal power of attorney signed law] regulations as a main document [to confirm salaby him and certified by a lawyer of the Ministry and by ry eligibility]. [emphasis added] the General Administration for Legal Matters of the [Official PA TV, Jan. 31, 2024] Ministry. The document will be valid only at the MinThe prisoners’ law to which Fares was referring is Palesistry for the purpose of paying the salaries. [emphasis tinian Authority (PA) “Government Decision Number 23 of added] 2010, Regarding the Regulation of Payment of the Monthly The last line of this regulation is of particular significance. Salary to the Prisoner.” The law specifies: It states that the PA would use the power of attorney proClause 3 — Documentation vided by the Red Cross for one purpose only — to facilitate financial reward for terrorism. For the purpose of the payment of a prisoner’s monthly salary, his relatives are required to present the necessary Red Cross documentation also plays a central role in documentation to the authorized administration: guaranteeing jobs within the PA to released terrorist 1. An original document of the Red Cross attesting to prisoners, as stated in PA Government Decision — 2006, his arrest, and an updated document must be brought Regarding the Regulations of the Law of Prisoners and every three months for a prisoner who is still in deten- Released Prisoners — Regulation for Ensuring Jobs for the Released Prisoners”: tion. [emphasis added] The prisoners who are entitled to a monthly salary from the PA are those who have been imprisoned for acts of terrorism, as specified in the “PA Law of Prisoners and Released Prisoners number 19 of 2004”: Prisoner: Anyone imprisoned in the occupation’s [i.e., Israel’s] prisons as a result of his participation in the struggle against the occupation [i.e., PA euphemism for terror] … (7) (1) The Authority will pay every prisoner a monthly salary (ratib) that will be determined in the regulations. [emphasis added] The PA has arranged that the Red Cross supply the forms for the imprisoned terrorists as proof of their imprisonment, and has written this into PA law and regulations.

June 2024 • Israel InSight

Clause 3. Every released prisoner has a right to be guaranteed a job in one of the ministries or the PA apparatus, if the following conditions are met: 1. He was imprisoned for 5 or more years, because of resistance to the occupation; that is whether this period was consecutive or broken into different time periods. 2. These period/periods is/are documented in official documents of the Red Cross organization, or in a document from the responsible ministry that will verify his imprisonment. [emphasis added] PA Government Decision No. 15 of 2013 — Regulation for Ensuring Jobs for Released Prisoners was enacted to replace the previous regulation of 2006, but the role of the Red Cross remained the same:

Clause 4: The fixed salary The criteria for receiving the fixed salary [after release from prison] 1. The prisoner was imprisoned for a period of 5 or more years … 2. The period is confirmed by official documents from the International Committee of the Red Cross, or any other legal document that confirms the arrest, the indictment, and decision of the court. [emphasis added] The fundamental role of the Red Cross in the PA terror rewards program was demonstrated yet again in December 2023, when the PA published the following announcement: Honored prisoners’ relatives, please produce a Red Cross document for those who have no sentence whose names appear below; [(a list of names followed] a Red Cross document accompanied by a new administrative [detention] order for the administrative detainees; and a Red Cross document accompanied by a verdict for the sentenced prisoners. In addition, the PLO Commission of Prisoners’ Affairs published the following: “The relatives of the prisoners whose names are noted below must produce the signed Red Cross documents. Respectfully.” The document shows a list of prisoners from the PA’s Hebron District whose period of eligibility for PA terror salaries would end in December 2023. Next to the prisoners’ names is written either, “Bring a new Red Cross document” or “Bring an administrative [detention] document with the Red Cross’ [signature].” List: “The relatives of these prisoners must hurry and bring new signed [Red] Cross documents — before Dec. 5, 2023” [PLO Commission of Prisoners’ Affairs – Hebron Directorate, Facebook page, Nov. 26, 2023]

How the Red Cross incentivizes terrorism

In 2018, Israel passed the Law on the Deduction of Allocations to Palestinian Prisoners and Families of Martyrs from Palestinian Clearance Revenues, which defines these terror salaries as an “economic incentive for terrorist activity.” This law penalizes the PA for paying stipends to Palestinian terrorists and their families by ordering that Israel withhold the monthly transfers of tax revenues that it collects on the PA’s behalf. The Red Cross, by facilitating these payments, is enabling “economic incentive for terrorist activity.”

The Palestinian Authority’s policy of paying salaries to imprisoned terrorists, including murderers, has been universally condemned by Western governments. Ignoring this, the International Committee of the Red Cross has chosen to play a central role in facilitating these payments to the terrorists. As can be seen above, the Red Cross is actively involved in ensuring that terrorists receive their salaries and thereby plays an important role in incentivizing Palestinian terrorism. Every time a Red Cross representative brings forms to the PA after a visit with terrorists, the Red Cross is enabling “economic incentive for terrorist activity.” The Red Cross has been under severe criticism since Oct. 7 for its lack of initiative in helping the Israeli hostages in Gaza. This Palestinian Media Watch report makes clear that while the Red Cross seems to have no problem being complacent when it comes to the welfare of Israeli hostages, the Red Cross is proactive in being complicit in the reward of Palestinian terrorists. The Israeli government has been committing a gross oversight by enacting laws that curtail terror salaries on the one hand, but permit the Red Cross to openly facilitate those illegal salaries on the other. The Israeli government, which has suspended Red Cross visits to imprisoned terrorists, must notify the Red Cross that any future visits are contingent on the Red Cross’ commitment not to supply any forms to the PA that will enable terrorists to receive the terror salaries. It must further prohibit anyone, including imprisoned terrorists’ lawyers, from processing any forms on behalf of the terrorists that allow them to receive these illegal terror payments, and if necessary, enact legislation to prohibit this. Itamar Marcus is Founder and Director of Palestinian Media Watch, where a version of this article first appeared.

Red Cross responds

The International Committee of the Red Cross responded to this article with this statement: “The ICRC provides documents, called Attestations of Detention (AoD), which certify that an individual has been detained. This is a humanitarian activity undertaken by the ICRC in many places worldwide in line with the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949. Such a document in Israel is issued based on notification from the detaining authority. The ICRC is not involved in any stipend payment program involving the Palestinian Authority.” Israel InSight • June 2024

76 By Rabbi Tuly Weisz

Bible verses that celebrate Israel

(JNS) — Yom Haatzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day, is always the best time of year to consider our connection to Israel and the deep connection between Judaism and Zionism. As Olim, we ask ourselves and explain to our children why we moved here. The young generations who have never lived through a war are now confronted with the fact that we cannot take Israel for granted. After 76 years, we are still defending the legitimacy of our presence in our own homeland. Since Oct. 7, anti-Israel protestors and much of the global community have rejected this legitimacy. But for hundreds of millions of people around the world who honor Judeo-Christian values, there is one simple and fundamental reason for this legitimacy. Even a cursory reading of the Bible clearly demonstrates that its primary theme is the special relationship between the Jewish people and their eternal homeland. Love for Israel bursts from every page of the Torah. This demonstrates that God wants and even needs the Jewish people to dwell securely in the Land of Israel. To celebrate Israel’s 76th birthday, here are 76 verses (translations from The Israel Bible) that prove God gave all of the Land of Israel to the Jews: 1. It is a Land that the Lord your God seeks out; the eyes of the Lord your God are always upon it, from the beginning of the year to the end of the year. (Deuteronomy 11:12) 2. For from Zion shall come forth the Torah and the word of God from Jerusalem. (Micah 4:2) 3. I will return the captivity of my people Israel and they will rebuild desolate cities and settle them. (Amos 9:14) 4. Surely God is present in this place! (Genesis 28:16) 5. This Land shall become yours as an inheritance. (Ezekiel 47:14) 6. If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget its cunning. (Psalms 137:5) 7. Tabor and Hermon sing forth Your name. (Psalms 89:12) 8. Zion shall be redeemed through justice. (Isaiah 1:27)

June 2024 • Israel InSight

9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31.

He gave us this Land, a Land flowing with milk and honey. (Deuteronomy 26:9) Pray for the peace of Jerusalem; those who love you will be serene. (Psalms 122:6) There shall be no woman who loses her young or is barren in your Land. (Exodus 23:26) The people all assembled as one man to Jerusalem. (Ezra 3:1) To your offspring, I will give this Land. (Genesis 12:7) Sojourn in this Land and I will be with you and bless you. (Genesis 26:3) They found rich and good pasture, and the land was wide open, quiet and peaceful. (I Chronicles 4:40) We can be fruitful in the Land. (Genesis 26:22) Do good in Your favor unto Zion; build the walls of Jerusalem. (Psalms 51:18) David assembled to Jerusalem all the leaders of Israel. (I Chronicles 28:1) They came to Hebron wholeheartedly, to crown David king over all of Israel. (I Chronicles 12:39) David ascended from there and dwelt in the strongholds of Ein Gedi. (I Samuel 23:29) The entire people of the land rejoiced and the city was tranquil. (II Chronicles 23:21) There was great joy in Jerusalem. (II Chronicles 30:26) He planted a tree in Beersheva. (Genesis 21:33) Like flying birds, so will God protect Jerusalem. (Isaiah 31:5) The Jews who went up from you have arrived in Jerusalem. (Ezra 4:12) No longer will violence be heard in your Land. (Isaiah 60:18) Do not give Him silence until He establishes Jerusalem as a source of praise in the Land. (Isaiah 62:7) For from Jerusalem shall emerge a remnant and survivors from Mount Zion. (Isaiah 37:32) You will yet plant vineyards in the mountains of Samaria. (Jeremiah 7:4) Drink water from your own cisterns and flowing water from your own well. (Proverbs 5:15) I will establish My salvation in Zion, my splendor for Israel. (Isaiah 46:13)

32. The entire Land is at rest and tranquil, they broke out in glad song. (Isaiah 14:7) 33. Return, O Maiden of Israel, return to these cities of yours. (Jeremiah 31:20) 34. Be glad and exult with all your heart, O daughter of Jerusalem! (Zephaniah 3:14) 35. Fear not, O Land; exult and be glad, for God has done great kindness. (Joel 2:21) 36. Everything has an appointed season and there is a time for every matter under the heavens. (Ecclesiastes 3:1) 37. On that day this song will be sung in the Land of Judah. (Isaiah 26:1) 38. I shall take you one from a city and two from a family and I will bring you to Zion. (Jeremiah 3:14) 39. The desert will be glad and blossom like a lily. (Isaiah 35:1) 40. Shake the dust from yourself; arise and sit, O Jerusalem. (Isaiah 52:2) 41. And they will come and sing joyously on the height of Zion. (Jeremiah 31:11) 42. Every place upon which the sole of your foot will tread I have given to you. (Joshua 1:3) 43. You shall emerge from the vineyards and take a wife from the daughters of Shiloh. (Judges 21:21) 44. The people blessed all those who volunteered to settle in Jerusalem. (Nehemiah 11:2) 45. Tabor and Hermon sing forth Your name. (Psalms 89:12) 46. When God will return the captivity of Zion, we will be like dreamers. (Psalms 126:1) 47. Jerusalem will be settled beyond its walls. (Zechariah 2:4) 48. May you see children born to your children, peace upon Israel. (Psalms 128:6) 49. My cities will once again spread out with bounty. (Zechariah 1:17) 50. A Land where you will eat bread without poverty; you will lack nothing there. (Deuteronomy 8:9) 51. The dew of Hermon descends upon the mountains of Zion. (Psalms 133:3) 52. On Mount Zion there will be refuge and it will be holy. (Obadiah 1:17) 53. May there be peace within your wall, serenity within your palaces. (Psalms 122:7) 54. A king will reign and prosper and he will administer justice and righteousness in the Land. (Jeremiah 23:5)

55. I brought you to this country of farmland to enjoy its fruit and bounty. (Jeremiah 2:7) 56. Blessed is God from Zion, He Who dwells in Jerusalem, Hallelujah! (Psalms 135:21) 57. I will be to Israel like the dew and he will blossom like a rosebush. (Hosea 14:6) 58. The built-up Jerusalem is like a city united together. (Psalms 122:3) 59. Jerusalem, mountains enwrap it, and God enwraps His people. (Psalms 125:2) 60. God will have mercy on Zion again and will choose Jerusalem again. (Zechariah 1:17) 61. The builder of Jerusalem is God, the outcast of Israel He will gather in. (Psalms 147:2) 62. I myself have anointed my king over Zion, My Holy mountain. (Psalms 2:6) 63. Go walk through the Land, describe it in writing and return to me. (Joshua 18:8) 64. May Mount Zion be glad, may the daughters of Judah rejoice. (Psalms 48:11) 65. And the streets of the city will be filled with boys and girls playing. (Zechariah 8:5) 66. God loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob. (Psalms 87:2) 67. God is recognized in Judah; in Israel His Name is great. (Psalms 114:2) 68. It is He who makes your borders peaceful. (Psalms 147:14) 69. Dwell in the Land and nourish yourself with faithfulness. (Psalms 37:3) 70. Judah will exist forever and Jerusalem from generation to generation. (Joel 4:20) 71. On that day, it will be said to Jerusalem, “Have no fear! O Zion, do not despair!” (Zechariah 3:16) 72. You will arise and show Zion mercy, for the time to favor her, the appointed time has come. (Psalms 102:13) 73. All the nations will praise you, for you will be a Land of delight. (Malachi 3:12) 74. May God bless you from Zion, Maker of Heaven and Earth. (Psalms 134:3) 75. I will take you from among the nations and gather you from all the countries, and I will bring you back to your own land. (Ezekiel 36:24) 76. I will gather all the nations and bring them to the Valley of Yehoshafat, where I will judge them for their treatment of My people, Yisrael, which they scattered among the nations, and for dividing My land. (Joel 4:2) Israel InSight • June 2024

Israeli faith leaders issue unprecedented call for coexistence

(University of Haifa) — University of Haifa’s Laboratory for Religious Studies, in collaboration with the Israeli Ministry of Interior’s Department for Religious Communities, issued a statement from 20 prominent leaders from across the religious spectrum in Haifa, calling for cooperation between their religions. The statement marks the first time such a diverse array of religious leaders publicly backed such a partnership, and is a testament to the rich tapestry of coexistence in Israel’s third-largest city. “We, representatives from the Jewish, Muslim, Christian and Druze religious communities in Haifa, gathered in recent months at the behest of the University of Haifa’s Laboratory for Religious Studies and the Ministry of Interior Affairs department for religious communities in order to become better acquainted with each other and each person’s religious beliefs,” the statement begins. “During this difficult and tense period, we saw how critical it is to establish a group of religious leaders of various faiths who could promote being respectful neighbors for the sake of upholding the diverse fabric of life of our city.” In addition to the statement, the group formed a steering committee that will work on putting their words into action by expanding the reach of this network and being a resource for communities who may experience flare-ups of tension. The Laboratory for Religious Studies hopes that if this formula succeeds, it can serve as a template for other mixed cities across Israel and beyond, where religious leaders can act as ambassadors of peace and dialogue. Moreover, the laboratory hopes that the creation of this committee will enable leaders to respond to conflicts as well as devise means for enhancing and broadening the scale of collaborations across religious divides in an unprecedented display of collaboration. The statement comes after six intensive sessions of dialogue spearheaded by the university’s Laboratory for Religious Studies that were facilitated by the nongovernmental organization Search for Common Ground. The laboratory, which offers research initiatives and public outreach to

June 2024 • Israel InSight

Photo courtesy University of Haifa

University of Haifa’s Laboratory for Religious Studies identified a need for inter-religious dialogue in the wake of the October 7 Hamas massacre and now during the Iron Swords War.

facilitate inter-religious dialogue and understanding, identified a need for such critical discussions in the wake of the Oct. 7 Hamas massacre and now during the Iron Swords War. The laboratory was also inspired by the fear that violence would spill into the streets of mixed cities in Israel as it had in May 2021 during Israel’s last confrontation with Gaza. As such, the statement acknowledges that “trust between the members of the group grew incrementally, meeting after meeting, and served as a basis and model for religious communities that each of us represent. The personal security of all of us rests on our internal cooperation, our ability to reduce friction and be a source of inspiration for respectful discourse which strives for being agreeable between neighbors.” The Laboratory for Religious Studies is part of the University of Haifa’s broader effort to pioneer a model for shared society in Israel’s most diverse major city. Arabs comprise 40 percent of the school’s student body and the institution also plays a key role in creating the country’s middle class; 47 percent of its undergraduates are in the first generation of their family to enroll in higher education. Moreover, 84 percent are from the northern Israeli periphery, positioning the school as an educational, economic and social anchor in that region. Uriel Simonsohn, head of the laboratory and senior lecturer at the University’s faculty of humanities, said, “This is a statement where close to 20 leaders — men, women, Jews, including Orthodox, Chabad and Reform, Muslims, Christians and Druze — all expressed how they value working together and how they would like to treat each other with dignity and tolerance in order to maintain the kind of peace you see in mixed cities in Haifa.” To that end, the statement conveyed: “Haifa, our beloved city, is defined by its different groups and communities, which is a mosaic of diversity that sits between the Carmel

The Marketplace Mountains and the Mediterranean Sea. We are all interested in the prosperity of this city and its residents, which stems from a deep commitment to the State of Israel and its laws.” Simonsohn said, “From my perspective, this is the greatest achievement of the laboratory thus far. A short while ago, it wasn’t even possible for many of these people to be in the same room together, but now they’re willing to listen to each other with respect and be patient.” The statement added that the notion of fostering understanding is a value upheld across all the Abrahamic faiths. “The dialogue shared between us where we uphold tolerance and mutual respect is anchored in our respective traditional scriptures that we all share. The Bible says we are all God’s creation. Psalm 24:1 states that, ‘The Earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof; the world; and they that dwell therein’.” The religious leaders who signed the statement included: Imam Rashad Abu al-Hijaa, imam of al-Jarina Mosque, old Haifa Father William Abu Shkara, priest of the Catholic Church and head of the archbishop’s bureau in Haifa Rabbi Eli Blum, rabbi of Rambam congregation, Newe Shanan Ms. Rabi’a Bsis, Druze social and political activist Rabbi Ne’ama Dafni-Keln, rabbi of Or Hadash congregation Rabbi Ben-Zion Gagula, director of Chabad House, the German Colony Sheikh Tawfik Halabi, imam and member of the Druze religious committee, Dalyat al-Karmel Mr. Muhammad Ijbaria, muadhin (caller for prayer) – Haj Abdallah Mosque, Halisa Ms. Christin Khazen, member of the Catholic Church in Haifa Sheikh Jaber Mansur – Druze imam, Isfiya Amir Muhammad Sharif Odeh, head of the Islamic Ahmadiyya Community, Kababir Ms. Du’a Odeh, head of the women’s council in the Islamic Ahmadiyya Community, Kababir Ms. Avital Peleg, principal of the Amit Ulpana Father Demetrius Samra, priest of the Greek Orthodox Church in Haifa Rabbi Shemuel Sasson, head of the Garin Torani (Torah Nucleus), Hadar Ms. Hiam Tannous, member of the Christian Forum and the Catholic Church in Haifa.

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