ISRAELI LIFE

Israel in the News Aug/Sep 1993

When Switzerland’s Federal Assembly elected her interior minister in mid-March, Ruth Dreyfuss became only the second woman ever named to the notoriously conservative seven member Federal Council that runs the country…

Zvi Aug/Sep 1993

In Isaiah 2:3 it is written, “out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lᴏʀᴅ from Jerusalem.” Most people in Israel know this passage of Scripture…

Terror in the Streets

The bombing of the World Trade Center in New York did more than shake the skyline of the teeming metropolis. Americans were rudely awakened to the fact that terrorism is not a phenomenon…

Israel in the News Jun/Jul 1993

Gies and his wife, Miep, helped hide the Frank family and five other Jews in a loft above Otto Frank’s own business from July 1942 until August 1944, when the entire group was discovered…

Zvi Jun/Jul 1993

As it is written in Proverbs 19:21, “There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless, the counsel of the Lᴏʀᴅ, that shall stand.” I recently took my wife to the hospital for treatment…

Israel in the News Apr/May 1993

Israeli officials are outraged over the possible sale of an American super-secret spy satellite to the United Arab Emirates. For years Israel has begged Americans, with out success, to receive detailed satellite pictures…

Zvi Apr/May 1993

Recently I answered a knock at my door, and before me stood several young Hasidic boys who were students at a nearby yeshiva (ultra-Orthodox religious school). They looked rather ashamed of themselves, and I asked…

Israel in the News Feb/Mar 1993

The proportion of immigrant scientists has risen over the past few months from 15 to 25 of every 1,000 olim. Absorption Minister Yair Tsaban said the increase could be attributed to the deteriorating economic situation…

Zvi Feb/Mar 1993

For many years, the people of Israel have been singing about the time of the Messiah’s coming. Of course, we who believe in Christ according to the Scriptures know that He has already come…

Israel in the News Dec/Jan 1992

Is expansion possible? Prospects of possible expansion to the south were surrendered by Israel when it returned the Sinai to Egypt. To the north? Israel regards its presence in southern Lebanon as a temporary security…

Zvi Dec/Jan 1992

The Lord has taught us in His Holy Word how to pray, but sometimes we repeat those words without paying attention to them. If we consider the words carefully, we can see the great meaning…

Israel in the News Oct/Nov 1992

A host of scholars gathered here for the first international seminar on anti-Semitism in post-totalitarian Europe were unable to agree on what has kept hatred of Jews alive for 2,000 years.

Zvi Oct/Nov 1992

During the recent election campaign here in Israel, the various candidates and parties were engaged in a battle of prestige. Of course, everyone wanted to be prime minister, but, as we say, two kings cannot…

Israel in the News Aug/Sep 1992

The vast majority of Muslims are not Arabs. India, for example, has a Muslim population of about 95 million. Indonesia, a Pacific Ocean archipelago, has a total population of more than 190 million;

Zvi Aug/Sep 1992

The Orthodox have many sayings, and by using them they can turn black into white and white into black. Of course, all of this is done in a nice way so that no one is…

Israel in the News Jun/Jul 1992

Likud USA mourns the passing of one of Israel’s Founding Fathers, Menachem Begin. Begin was one of the “Gedolei HaDor,” or giants of his generation. He was one of the greatest Jewish leaders…

Zvi Jun/Jul 1992

In Isaiah 11:6 it is written, “The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid.” One day recently I prayed before leaving my home to go out…

Israel in the News Apr/May 1992

The heads of a visiting Odessa delegation last week warned their Israeli hosts of the dangers inherent in nuclear weapons falling into the hands of Soviet Moslem republics about to declare their independence.

Zvi Apr/May 1992

We recently experienced something we have not seen in Israel for many years—a storm that produced 16 inches of snow! The children were delighted that they had a few days off from school and could…

Israel in the News Feb/Mar 1992

More than 100 Christian leaders, representing more than 20 million “Bible-believing” Americans, visited Israel recently with the Memphis-based Religious Roundtable. They came, along with a small group of Jews, to express their support…

Zvi Feb/Mar 1992

Since suffering a heart attack several years ago, I must go to the doctor every four months for a checkup. There are usually many people waiting in the doctor’s office, and it often takes several…

Israel in the News Dec/Jan 1991/1992

More than half the Soviet people want all Jews to leave the country, according to a poll released … at the international conference on antisemitism held in the Soviet Union.

Zvi Dec/Jan 1991/1992

My wife suffers from rheumatism, and recently her doctor prescribed a visit to the Dead Sea. Many people from the Middle East, Europe, and other parts of the world come to the Dead Sea…

Zvi Oct/Nov 1991

I recently noticed several posters in my neighborhood announcing that a famous rabbi would be speaking at our community center. I remembered this rabbi from many years ago when he was a popular television entertainer…

Israel in the News Aug/Sep 1991

Aircraft from Ethiopian Airlines, El Al and the Israeli Charter Co. began lifting off from Addis Ababa Airport about 1:30 p.m. yesterday for the 1/2-hour flight to Tel Aviv.

Zvi Aug/Sep 1991

We are approaching the two greatest holy days on the Jewish calendar, Rosh Hashana (New Year) and Yom Kippur, which is the most solemn day of the year.

Israel in the News Jun/Jul 1991

Israel’s first group of exchange students to the People’s Republic of China has gotten a close-up look at Chinese rural life. The first Israelis … have just finished their first semester at an out-of-the-way teacher’s…

Zvi (Joel Of Jerusalem) Jun/Jul 1991

In the aftermath of the Persian Gulf War, there is no longer a gloomy spirit here in Israel. Many people are walking along the streets of Jerusalem singing Israeli folk songs…

Silhouette of man speaking.

Patriots All

When the first SCUD missiles broke the night skies over Tel Aviv, Israelis raced for gas masks and the world braced for what Israel would do in retaliation to the attacks.

Israel: Changing Faces

The face of our world is changing at an incredible rate. Armies moved through the Middle East packing a military punch never before witnessed on the face of the planet.

Israel in the News Apr/May 1991

The European Community, in a major turnabout, has decided to negotiate an enhanced role for Israel in the economically integrated Europe of 1992. The Brussels-based European Community Commission has informally jettisoned its policy of linking…

The Israeli Response to the Russian Immigration

In the last year, 200,000 new immigrants came to Israel, most of them from the Soviet Union. In one week during December 1990, 12,000 new immigrants arrived, more than in all of 1988!

Zvi (Joel Of Jerusalem)

In Deuteronomy 20:1 it is written, “be not afraid … for the Lᴏʀᴅ thy God is with thee.” Here in Israel, we are living in the light of this promise day by day…

Israel in the News Feb/Mar 1991

Following a foiled attempt to infiltrate Israel by three Jordanian police officers and one civilian, Israel is looking closely at the stability of King Hussein’s regime in Jordan. Israeli military leaders have continually expressed concern…

Joel of Jerusalem

I recently visited the ultra-orthodox section of Jerusalem, and whenever I go there I always begin the conversation by talking about anything and everything because this is the way to gain their attention and friendship.

Joel of Jerusalem Dec/Jan 1990/1991

We are quickly approaching the Feast of Hanukkah, or, as we call it, the Festival of Lights. The celebration is always the same, year in and year out. People recite the same words…

Joel of Jerusalem Oct/Nov 1990

I don’t have to tell you that the situation between Jews and Arabs is very bad, and that is especially true here in Israel. Many Arabs live in my neighborhood, and because I speak Arabic…

The Star and the Crescent

Jews and Arabs have lived as neighbors for nearly three thousand years. The entrance of the sons of Isaac into the land of the sons of Ishmael may go back as far as the days…

Joel of Jerusalem Aug/Sep 1990

As you know, we are experiencing a large immigration of people to Israel from Eastern European countries, especially from Russia. Because Israel is a small country, every area is receiving its share of these immigrants…

Temple Fervor

Interest in rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem rose to a fever pitch last October when a group calling themselves the “Temple Mount Faithful” attempted to lay a cornerstone for the “Third Temple” at the Western…

Joel of Jerusalem Jun/Jul 1990

The Lord Jesus said, “when they bring you unto the synagogues, … be not anxious how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say; For the Holy Spirit shall teach you in…

Joel of Jerusalem Apr/May 1990

I recently met an old friend and learned that he had been very ill and in the hospital for quite a while. I could tell just by looking at him that he was not…

Joel of Jerusalem Feb/Mar 1990

It is no secret that people have a fear of death. It is an unknown commodity, and people are naturally afraid of the unknown. But death cannot be avoided.

Joel of Jerusalem Dec/Jan 1989/1990

It is getting near the time of year when Jews over the world celebrate Hanukkah, the Feast of Lights, an exciting time, especially for the children. Of course, there is very little said in Israel about Christmas

Intifada: A Special Report

Intifada—the word carries the ring of a ricocheting bullet. It translates to English as uprising, the symbol of Arab rebellion against Israeli rule. To Ishmael’s children, it is a dream word, a word pregnant with visions of an Arab mini-state.

Miraculously Spared

Abu Ghosh, Israel—Miracles do not happen everyday; therefore, when they do occur, we must thank the Lord, who alone has the power to perform miracles. So it was with my wife and me on Thursday, July 6.

Joel of Jerusalem Aug/Sep 1989

In Ecclesiastes 1:9b–10 it is written, “there is no new thing under the sun. Is there any thing whereof it may be said, See, this is new? It hath been already of old time, which was before us.”

Joel of Jerusalem Jun/Jul 1989

I recently read an interview in one of Israel’s largest newspapers concerning a woman who was celebrating her one hundredth birthday. She lives in a nursing home which accepts only those who are capable of paying the expensive rates charged.

A Man Called Hezi

Sunday, February 26, was a beautiful morning in Midland, Texas. In less than five minutes I would be preaching the first two morning messages at the Midland Bible Church. I was anxious to get into the pulpit.

Joel of Jerusalem Apr/May 1989

While traveling recently, I met and spoke with two men who are representatives of the educational system in Israel.  They had just returned from a visit to the United States to observe the schools in that country. 

Joel of Jerusalem Feb/Mar 1989

I live in an apartment-type building in Jerusalem, and all the residents own their own flats. We have a “house committee” to represent the residents, and for ten years I was a member of that committee.

Joel of Jerusalem Dec/Jan 1988/1989

There are some people in this world who will never be reached for the Lord through a verbal witness only. These people want to see action. They want us to put hands and feet to our words.

Joel of Jerusalem Oct/Nov 1988

When I was employed as a construction worker, I had many Arab friends, and they often came to my home to visit. Since the recent problems in Israel have developed, however, they don’t come to see me anymore.

Joel of Jerusalem Aug/Sep 1988

In the Talmud it is written, “Do not lose faith in divine retribution.” There are many people in Israel who are quick to despair because of the present situation in the nation.

Joel of Jerusalem Jun/Jul 1988

In 1 Thessalonians 5:13 the Lord admonishes us to be at peace among ourselves. However, some people who appear to be nice and peace loving are only trying to impress others with their lofty character.

Joel of Jerusalem Mar/May 1988

As we know, a small match can cause very great destruction. And so it is with the tongue, which is one of the smallest parts of the human body but also one of the strongest and  most  dangerous parts.

Joel of Jerusalem Aug/Sep 1987

Since my recent heart attack, I have been advised by my doctors to give up my employment as a carpenter and go on permanent disability. Of course, no one wants to become inactive, but I pray this will not be the case with me.

Joel of Jerusalem Dec/Jan 1986/1987

We read many times in the Bible that the people of Israel are God’s chosen people, His peculiar treasure. The people of Israel consider this to be a great honor, but most forget that there are some conditions involved…

Joel of Jerusalem Oct/Nov 1986

There is a saying here in Israel, “What the eye does not see the heart does not grieve for.” But I do see, and therefore I grieve and cannot be silent.

Joel of Jerusalem Aug/Sep 1986

Recently I had to pay a visit to the local medical clinic, and, as I am sure is the case ail over the world, I had to wait a very long time before I could see a doctor and receive treatment.

Joel of Jerusalem Jun/Jul 1986

“Who is like unto thee, O Lord, among the gods?” (Ex. 15:11). Not many peo­ple know this truth; therefore they live their lives hoping that better times will come. They live in fear of the situations that surround them.

Joel of Jerusalem Feb/Mar 1986

It seems that there is always something new coming upon the scene, and in Israel our something new is a new holy one. He is a rabbi whose father, a very famous rabbi him­self died about a year ago.

Joel of Jerusalem Jun/Jul 1985

Everyday I thank the Lord that I can go on the streets with a smile on my face rather than thinking, as so many people are doing, how I can take revenge on the people who made trouble for me so long ago.

Joel of Jerusalem Apr/May 1985

There is a very big competition raging in Israel at this time. It is not a competition in the business world, but something which has never been seen before in this nation – a competition to see who can bring more people to repentance.

Joel of Jerusalem Oct/Nov 1984

How I thank the Lord that I can walk down the street with my head held high and not downcast, as is the case with so many people here in Israel.

Joel of Jerusalem Aug/Sep 1984

Here in Israel we are facing new general elections, and it is almost like war. There is no consideration being shown. Instead, it is a wild competition. The people seem to be looking for a new king…

Joel of Jerusalem Jun/Jul 1984

Here in this land, from which the Word of the Lord first came forth, it is especially important to preach the gospel of the Lord to those who are so deaf. They are not physically deaf…

Joel of Jerusalem Oct/Nov 1982

I thank the Lord, for He is so, good. After a very long time of having three of our children away in the army, we recently had the family together again around the table.

Joel of Jerusalem Aug/Sep 1982

Two of my sons and my daughter are not at home these days. They have gone to the north (Lebanese front) with the army. And now I have received a nice letter stating that the army wants me to go also, but I said, “Not this time!”

Joel of Jerusalem Aug/Oct 1981

A few weeks ago I was thinking that I would like to go to the religious school, which is not far from my home, and give a witness about the Lord. Of course, I realized that this was impossible;

Joel of Jerusalem Jun/Jul 1981

Here in Israel it seems we are paying taxes even for the air we breathe. The more we earn, the more taxes they take and, as if this is not enough, I was recently called to the tax office for an audit.

Joel of Jerusalem Jun/Jul 1980

I don’t know how it is that so many people know about me here in Israel, but one evening as my family and I were returning home, two people stopped me…

Joel of Jerusalem Apr/May 1980

Recently I was in Hebron where I met many tourists. They were looking at the graves of our forefathers, but their guide was not giving them the right information about the place.

Joel of Jerusalem Dec/Jan 1979/1980

Here in Israel the people are looking forward to seeing the promises of Camp David become real. But where is the peace? War seems very near. Will the promises ever be kept?