“You’re doing the right thing, son,” his mother said as they stood at the door.
The young man left his home in England and headed for what was still called the “British Mandate of Palestine.” Since 1922, the British had been responsible for the area and were charged with helping establish a Jewish homeland there. In 1947, they turned the matter over to the United Nations.
Until it gained sovereignty, the would-be State of Israel was forbidden to buy or manufacture ammunition or formally build the infrastructure for an army. Meanwhile, Arabs were already attacking and fighting to drive the Jewish people out. The fledgling Jewish state had to defend itself – to protect their lives as well as the Land that God had given them long ago, and the United Nations was about to return to them. So, they called on the Diaspora – Jewish people living outside the Land. And volunteers came from all around the world.
The young Englishman left his home and family to fight in a volunteer army thousands of miles away to gain and preserve a Jewish homeland. His proud mother supported his decision. “My mother, bless her, gave me a kiss and wished me good luck. A kiss, and out the door,” he said with a sigh.
Barely 20 years old, he went to war and faced head-on the challenges of being a combat soldier. “We had to take a hill,” he remembered. “How do we take a hill which is full of Egyptian infantry and backed by artillery? At 4:30 one morning, a surprise attack. We were halfway up the hill before they knew what was coming, and,” he said, “we took it.” Astonishment still ringing in his voice, he added, “I think it was a miracle. We took it!” The next day, reinforcements arrived, and the volunteer Jewish army held the hill.
Being a part of creating and defending a Jewish state still moved the English soldier more than six decades later. “That feeling of a homeland at last,” he said, “where nobody could kick you out – it was yours! It was a marvelous feeling.”
Unlike Vidal Sassoon, thousands of soldiers didn’t survive Israel’s War of Independence. In new battles through subsequent years, thousands more were added to the rolls of those who gave their lives to build and defend the State of Israel.
On Yom HaZikaron (YOHM Ha-Zee-kar-OHN), Israel’s Memorial Day, the State of Israel stops to honor those who lost their lives for the cause of Israel’s freedom. Two sirens sound. The first marks the beginning of the holiday in the evening, and the second signals the reading of public prayers during the day of commemoration. The blasts are two minutes long, and for that time, all Israel stands still. Traffic stops, commerce stops, everything stops, and Israel stands in silence to honor the fallen.
As we rejoice that God has kept His promises to bring Israel back into the Land He gave them long ago, we recognize this prophetic fulfillment did not come without cost. And we stand with Israel on this day commemorating their losses, both early and recent.
Yom HaZikaron begins at sunset on May 7, 2019, and ends at sundown May 8.
Vidal Sassoon’s story is part of a Toldot Yisrael video called The Volunteers: Answering the Call of History.
Holidays can be especially lonely for Holocaust survivors who have no relatives nearby. But many members of this unique generation have found a family in the community of fellow survivors brought together by JVMI’s ministry partners in Israel who conduct Bible studies, home visits and special events for them.
Recently, one such event took place when Holocaust survivors were invited to a Passover Seder. They enjoyed a delicious Passover meal and dined to live music performed by a Messianic worship team. Throughout the Seder itself, guests heard the leader explain the amazing symbolism of Yeshua (Jesus) as the Lamb of God represented in the various Seder elements. The Jewish holidays provide exceptional opportunities to bring up a discussion of Yeshua (Jesus) as there are so many connections we can show between Him and the Biblical Feasts.
Each guest received a beautiful Passover gift bag from Jewish Voice Ministries International (JVMI). The gifts included halvah (hal-VAH) – a sweet, Middle Eastern treat made from sesame seed – plus an assortment of teas and a pair of mugs. The attached card affirmed God’s tremendous love for each of the recipients. JVMI gave out 100 gift bags at the event. The whole evening was a lovely celebration, and everyone had a marvelous time.
JVMI’s ministry to Holocaust survivors is not like our Medical Outreaches to Africa where hearts are more open and ready to receive Yeshua. Many of these people witnessed or endured horrific acts of violence. Some of them saw their parents, siblings and other relatives killed before their very eyes.
After what they’ve gone through, many Holocaust survivors do not believe in God at all. As we minister to them, the kindness and compassion we show helps open their hearts to believe in Him again.
“It is a process,” says a JVMI staff member in Israel. “We need to continue and not give up. It is working. God is softening hearts.”
At the same time, the ministry is urgent. The people who endured the Holocaust as children are now elderly and thousands of them die in Israel each year.
We greatly appreciate your ongoing prayers for Holocaust survivors in Israel and our ministry to them.
Filled with interesting stories and background information, Dr. Michael Brown’s comprehensive guide answers the 60 most common questions Christians ask about Jewish people and culture. As a Messianic Believer, Dr. Brown provides articulate answers to questions about modern and historical Jewish practices and beliefs.
Last week Israeli voters reelected Benjamin Netanyahu as prime minister of Israel.
After an election cycle steeped in controversy and a victory of slim margins, Israel – and even the world – is watching as Prime Minister Netanyahu builds his new coalition and what that may mean for the future of Israel’s government.
Many in Israel are predicting a similar coalition as the Prime Minister’s previous one. And they have also further stated doing so could complicate Israel’s relationship with the U.S. – both politically and with Jewish communities within the U.S
Do you want to know how to pray for Israel in greater detail and depth? Jewish Voice Ministries has put together this Intercessory Prayer Guide for Israel that provides focused, targeted requests to help you pray for the nation of God’s People. We hope this prayer guide can help both Messianic Jews and Christians pray their support for Israel.
Such a coalition of right-wing and religious parties would ultimately push Israel further to the right. And while it would strengthen Israel’s relationship with the current administration, it would weaken bipartisan support for Israel in Washington.
With a coalition consisting of many of the ultra-Orthodox parties, it’s expected they’ll have great influence over religious policies. This will set the stage for continued tension with the non-Orthodox streams of Judaism, the Jewish state and the largest Jewish community outside of it.
In his acceptance speech after learning of his reelection, Netanyahu declared, "I want all parts of Israeli society, Jews and non-Jews, to be part of the great success story called Israel. I believe there is a great opening for the future here, a great opening for hope.”
While the future isn’t clear, we know that God is always in control.We believe all things work together according to His purpose and in His time.
But what should be clear is for all of us to pray:
But in addition to your prayers, I’d also like to invite you to give. Even as I write, our ministries on the ground in Israel are actively working towards peace.
Whether it’s through providing survival resources to the “least of these,” supporting Holocaust victims or partnering with Messianic congregations – all our efforts are done in the name and through the power of Yeshua (Jesus).
And more than just providing immediate help, these outreaches and ministries are the greatest means we have to build relationships with the Jewish people that give us the opportunity to share the Good News. So if you feel led, please give your most generous gift now.
It was supposed to be a secret. Three hundred and fifty invitations had been sent for the momentous occasion held at a Tel Aviv museum. But word spread, and crowds gathered outside, singing in the streets. They sang words written some 70 years before, words that had become a part of their very lives and were the passion of their hearts. They sang of a specific hope.
An invitation to Israel's declaration of independence event on May 14, 1948. Dated May 13, 1948, the simple invitation asks attendees to keep the event secret and dress in dark-colored formal attire. This invitation is addressed to Tzvi Rachum of Mexico.
It was May 14, 1948. Inside the museum, David Ben-Gurion stood before members of the Jewish People’s Council and read The Declaration of the Establishment of the State of Israel.
The document officially commencing the new and sovereign Israel outlines the founding principles upon which the state was formed. It declares that the State of Israel will:
be open for Jewish immigration and for the Ingathering of the Exiles
foster the development of the country for the benefit of all its inhabitants
be based on freedom, justice and peace as envisaged by the prophets of Israel
ensure complete equality of social and political rights to all its inhabitants irrespective of religion, race or sex
guarantee freedom of religion, conscience, language, education and culture
safeguard the Holy Places of all religions
Israel’s Declaration of Independence asks peace from its Arab inhabitants:
“We appeal - in the very midst of the onslaught launched against us now for months – to the Arab inhabitants of the State of Israel to preserve peace and participate in the upbuilding of the State on the basis of full and equal citizenship and due representation in all its provisional and permanent institutions.”
Despite hostilities against her, the new Jewish State was determined to work with neighboring nations for the good of the region.
“We extend our hand to all neighbouring states and their peoples in an offer of peace and good neighbourliness and appeal to them to establish bonds of cooperation and mutual help with the sovereign Jewish people settled in its own land. The State of Israel is prepared to do its share in a common effort for the advancement of the entire Middle East.”
Israel opened its doors to Jewish people from all over the world and sought their help in building up and strengthening the fledgling state.
“We appeal to the Jewish people throughout the Diaspora to rally round the Jews of Eretz-Israel [the Land of Israel] in the tasks of immigration and upbuilding and to stand by them in the great struggle for the realization of the age-old dream - the redemption of Israel.”
“Accordingly we, members of the People's Council, representatives of the Jewish Community of Eretz-Israel and of the Zionist Movement, are here assembled on the day of the termination of the British Mandate over Eretz-Israel and, by virtue of our natural and historic right and on the strength of the resolution of the United Nations General Assembly, hereby declare the establishment of a Jewish state in Eretz-Israel, to be known as the State of Israel.”
Ever since moving to the Land in 1906, David Ben-Gurion had worked toward this day. After he read the Declaration to the group assembled there in Tel Aviv that night, he and 36 others signed the document. And Israel was reborn.
“Placing our trust in the Almighty, we affix our signatures to this proclamation at this session of the Provisional Council of State, on the soil of the Homeland, in the city of Tel-Aviv, on this Sabbath eve, the 5th day of Iyar, 5708 (14th May, 1948).”
The entire ceremony lasted a mere 32 minutes. The hope of 2,000 years had come true. And people danced in the streets as they sang Hatikvah, the song destined to become Israel’s national anthem.
This year, Israel celebrates its 71st anniversary. The 5th of Iyar of the Hebrew calendar begins on the evening of May 8 on the 2019 Gregorian calendar and ends at sundown on May 9. Israel Independence Day is known as Yom HaAtzmaut (YOHM Ha-AHTZ-mah-OOT) in Hebrew. It is a national holiday in Israel and a day filled with family gatherings, recreation, public events and celebrations.
Study the Torah the first five books of the Bible through the eyes of a first-century disciple. “Teachings of the Torah” invites you into the questions, stories, and interpretations that prove the Bible is a living book.
