Dispatch from Jerusalem

Synagogue worship

One of my most enjoyable experiences in Israel was when I attended a Friday night Shabbat (the Sabbath) service in a Jewish friend’s synagogue. Because religious Jews don’t drive on Shabbat, a synagogue is located within walking distance. Before we left the house to walk to her modern-Orthodox synagogue, I was instructed not to carry a purse nor pen and paper, because writing and carrying are considered work. Questions would have to be asked later, not during the service. And, of course, women are not allowed to wear slacks.

Hula Valley – 500 million birds visit every year

“Even the stork in the heavens knows her appointed times; and the turtledove, the swift, and the swallow observe the time of their coming…” Jeremiah 8:7, NKJV. The Hula Valley is an agricultural region in northern Israel that also represents a rare meeting place for African and European flora and fauna. I went there recently with a group of journalists and photographers at the invitation of the Jewish National Fund (JNF), which manages the forests, parks, and nature reserves of Israel.

Israelis Developing Alternatives to Arab Oil

An Israeli inventor and company are trying to use garbage and leftover olive pulp from olive-oil factories, respectively, to replace oil in providing fuel and electricity to the Jewish state. From one ton of garbage, half a ton of oil or 300 kg (662 lbs.) of gas or 150 kg (331 lbs.) of green coal can be extracted to produce electricity, according to inventor Dr. Sergei Rosenberg.

Rosenberg gained the experience necessary to come up with his invention from working in Russia before he immigrated to Israel. “In Russia, I helped with the building of an artificial reservoir, a number of power stations, and I designed the water system for the nuclear core in Chernobyl.”

Computer Virus-  Are Their Days Numbered?

A Tel Aviv team has cornered the deadly, dastardly computer virus menace. The thought of those vicious virus monsters cringing in fear of their demise is a delight.

Olive Oil & Balsamic Vinegar Herbed Dipping Sauce

By Richard Bristol, PhD

You cannot visit Israel without witnessing the significant place olives play in the agriculture and diet of the people of the Land. Olive trees are found from the north to the south of the Land. When you sit down to a meal in Israel, you will usually find olives on the table, even for breakfast! Olives have been grown here from antiquity; so when we eat olives, we can’t help but envision the patriarchs of Israel enjoying olives with their meals.

Ukrainian University Calls on the UN to “Close Israel”

The Interregional Academy for Personnel Management, known by its Russian acronym MAUP, has issued statements in support of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s recent call to destroy Israel. The Kiev-based university, which has gained international notoriety for its anti-Zionist propaganda and anti-Semitic publications, now wants the United Nations to “close” Israel.

Fatah Agrees- “Wipe Out Israel”

A military wing of the Palestinian Authority’s (PA) ruling Fatah faction declared its support for Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s desire to see Israel “wiped off the map.” In a leaflet published by Fatah’s Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade, the group stressed its “identification with and overall support of the position and declaration of the Iranian president, who called with all honesty to wipe Israel off the map of the world.”

Understanding Israel’s Elections during a most precarious time

Why should Christians be concerned about the political system and the upcoming elections in Israel? Because, we are at a point in history where God’s promises to His people are coming under attack. Just as we are to be good stewards of the things God puts into our hands and use those gifts toward His will, we also must be good stewards of the Land He has given to His people.

Israel You Are Not Alone, Whether We Like It or Not!!

By Ron Ross, Bridges for Peace, Host of Israel Mosaic Radio
Many, who are advocates for God and for Israel, protest aggressively when signs of anti-Semitism occur. However, we often do not connect Jews and Christians as co-targets. Islamic terrorism has both Jews and Christians in their sights and the violence is not just verbal. An oft repeated canard of Islamic extremists is “First the Saturday people and then the Sunday people.” Today, we see attempts to act upon this conviction with rioting in the streets of many Western countries, including Australia and France.

Iran´s New Satellite Capable Of Spying On Israel

Iran, just weeks after its president called for Israel’s destruction, admitted that its new Sina-1 satellite is capable of spying on Israel. The Islamic country insisted the satellite was for scientific purposes, prior to its launch aboard a Russian rocket in October 2005. Officials said its purpose was to take pictures of Iran and monitor regions prone to earthquakes.  The head of the country’s space program, however, said that the satellite is able to easily spy on the Jewish state from outer space.