Politics
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Shalom Haverim,
PEOPLE
Dear Friends,
Aviel Schneider and the israel today editorial staff
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‘Jewish’ Star in the NBA
Arab Press
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P.A. TV: Israel Is Palestine
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Palestinians
10 The Palestinian Double Standard Focus on Jerusalem
11 The bin Laden Villa in Jerusalem Perspective
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The World’s Obsession with the Mideast Conflict
Word From Jerusalem
14 To Hear and to Obey BIBLE STUDY
15 What Are Proselytes?
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The Land
16 The Kibbutz Celebrates 100 Years Debate
18 How Will We Know the Great Apostasy? Prophecy
19 The World’s 40 Most Influential Jews Messianic Jews
21 Virtual Evangelism Leads to Real Faith Christians
22 Bollywood Makes Jesus Flick in Israel Archaeology
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23 3,000-Year-Old Beehives culture
COVER - SUNSET on the Mediterranean (Israel Images)
This summer was incredibly hot in Israel with temperatures in the desert soaring to 120°F (49°C). It was a fierce 108°F (42°C) here in Jerusalem, which is especially uncomfortable since most homes in the usuallytemperate capital do not have air conditioning. It was described as the hottest summer in 100 years and the country seemed ready to boil over. It could be global warming or it could be a reflection of the political situation, which is heating up with the launch of Israeli-Palestinian peace talks for the first time in nearly two years. But as if Israel doesn’t have enough problems with its Arab and Islamist enemies, the Jews are divided among themselves. There is a growing Orthodox-secular divide, with the two camps squabbling over everything from Daylight Saving Time to the role of religion in government. The religious are divided too: one ultra-Orthodox sect considers itself more loyal to the Torah and Jewish Law than another; the national-religious camp sees the State of Israel as a tool of redemption and opposes the anti-Zionist doctrines of the ultra-Orthodox. Jewish settlers seek to live in all the biblical Land of Israel, while left-wing Israelis see them as an obstacle to peace. White Israelis often view their Ethiopian brothers with disdain, seeing them as primitive. Even among the Messianic Jews, there are differences with regard to theology, liturgy and law. The issues are so charged that certain believers cast doubt on whether or not some of their brethren are even saved. Believers sometimes forget Yeshua’s admonition: “Do not judge so that you will not be judged” (Matthew 7:1). Before the political, spiritual, and societal kettle boils over, we hope and pray that God will intervene. Though the situation appears confusing, we can have peace of mind because God is in control and has a good plan for Israel. In the wake of Rosh Hashanah, we wish all of our readers Shana Tova, a Happy New Year from Jerusalem!
The Escalating Danger of Peace Talks Why Was the Israeli Army Chief Forced Out? Settlements Grow Despite Opposition
24 Israeli Tenor Becomes Italian Knight Behind The Scenes
25 Summer Time Blues MILITARY
27 Camera Plugs Holes in Security Fence Nature
28 New Tangerine Is Big Success Economy
29 Positive Outlook for New Year In Brief
30 Nazi Hunter Worked with the Mossad 31 ‘Righteous Gentile’ Meets Woman She Saved
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Publisher: nai – israel today | Founder of nai: Ludwig Schneider | Editor-in-Chief: Aviel Schneider | Co-Editor & Art Director: Michael Schneider | Senior Editor/Correspondent: Shlomo Mordechai | Editor: Barry Rosenfeld | Website/Staff Writer: Ryan Jones | Managing Editor/Director of Marketing: Lorraine Rubinow | Administrator: Daniel Goldstein Biblical Commentary, Word from Jerusalem, Debate, Prophecy: Ludwig Schneider | Politics, Focus on Jerusalem, Arab Press: Aviel Schneider, Ryan Jones | Messianic Jews, The Land, Profile, In Brief: Michael Schneider, Tzvi Sadan | Military, Tourism, Nature, Archeology, Jewish Affairs: Netanel Doron | Christians, Diaspora, Culture, Economy: Judith Jeries | Islam: Victor Mordechai | Text Advisor: Dov Chaikin | Financial Director: Anat Schneider | Translator: Judith Jeries, Beverly Bayliss | Graphic Designer: Pavel Permyakov, Larisa Kaplan Israel Today magazine – a monthly publication from Jerusalem | 1 Year Subscription: $43 US, IL / £30 UK / $49 US all other countries • 2 Years: $75 US / £53 UK / $86 US all other countries • 3 Years: $99 US / £70 UK / $115 US all other countries • IT Electronic Edition (1 Year): $25 US / £18 UK /$25 US all other countries | Contact information: Israel Today, 1 Shmuel HaNagid St. P.O. Box 7555 Jerusalem 91070, Israel | Tel: +972.2.622.6881 | Fax: +972.2.622.6882 | TOLL FREE ORDERING: 1.866.854.1684 (North America) | 00.800.60.70.70.60 (UK/Norway/) | www.israeltoday.co.il | www.jerusalemdepot.com (subscribe online)