News and Prayers for Israel
Barry Segal / Aimee Herd reporting : Aug 12, 2005
Israel Today, Jerusalem Post, Arutz-7, HaAretz
Included is a story about some residents in the Gush Katif community who turned in their handguns and government-issued guard duty rifles. With this voluntary gesture, they are stating that they are not in a war and not against the IDF and that they will use their "tools of faith" to fight the expulsion.
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Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.-Lamentations 3:22-23
TISHA B'AV - The 9th of Av marks a day of tragedy, sadness, and fasting for the Jewish people. From sunset, August 13th to nightfall August 14th, Jews around the world will be remembering the destruction of the 1st and 2nd Temples (568 BC & 70AD) as well as other calamities linked by the same date. The first Crusade was declared by Pope Urban II. In 1290, a decree expelling Jews from England was signed. In 1492, the Jews in Spain were expelled. In 1914, WWI began with Germany declaring war on Russia. On this day, no bathing, anointing, leather shoes, sexual relations or food and drink are allowed. In the synagogue, the book of Lamentations is read in low light and sitting on the floor or a low bench. The ark, which contains the Torah, is draped in black. The important thing to remember on this day is not man's inhumanity to Jewish people, but that God has preserved His people in spite of the best attempts of Ha Satan. The month of Av is the fifth month. (Internet) - Remember, O Lord, what has happened to us; look, and see our disgrace. Lamentations 5:1
FAITH INSTEAD OF GUNS - Last Thursday residents of the Gush Katif community of Netzer Hazani turned in their personal handguns, as well as their army-issued rifles used for guard duty. This was a voluntary gesture by the residents. "We are not in a war and not against the IDF. They are our soldiers. We will use our tools of faith to fight the expulsion. We have said love will conquer, and this is not just a slogan. It is the truth. The army now will have to take the responsibility itself," a resident of Netzer Hazani told reporters. (IsraelToday) I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him." Lamentations 3:24
ADDITIONAL DISENGAGEMENT UPDATE - Last week's rally of 25,000 to 40,000 began in Sderot and moved to Ofakim for the night. They then marched towards Gush Katif ending up spending the night on Route 241. Several smaller groups tried alternative routes to get into the Gaza Strip. Several hundred got in. Some were arrested on the way whilst others were rounded up later on and taken out by the army. Eventually the march fizzled out. At the weekend, Binjamin Netanyahu handed in his letter of resignation just before the cabinet approved the evacuation of the first three communities beginning next Monday, August 15th. The following morning it rained, which normally doesn't happen in August in Israel. More rallies and prayer gatherings are planned for Tel Aviv and at the Western Wall and in Gush Katif during the next few days. A few residents of Gush Katif are packing. Most continue to put their faith in G-d, that He will intervene and cancel this evil plan. All the while the "Palestinians" prepare to celebrate and then to continue their battle for Jerusalem. El Elyon, in wrath remember mercy. Glorify your name, Your Kingdom come, Your Will be done!
MEGA PRAYER MEETING AT WAILING WALL - Wednesday evening, 50,000 to 150,000 people from all over Israel gathered at the Western Wall Plaza and in and around the Old City of Jerusalem crying out to G-d with prayers of repentance for His mercy and the cancellation of the disengagement plan. The peaceful meeting was led by religious, orthodox and ultra-orthodox Rabbis and lasted several hours. (HaAretz) Hear my cry for mercy as I call to you for help. Psalm 28:2
PA ARMY - According to Palestinian government officials and military sources, the PA is building a force of some 25,000 soldiers and police and as many as 30,000 Fatah militiamen to help secure Israel's mid-August withdrawal from the Gaza Strip. That Gaza-based force - the largest assembled in Palestinian history, according to PA Cabinet Secretary Samir Huleile - is charged with thwarting the launch of rockets and mortars at the departing troops and settlers during the upcoming evacuation of Israeli settlements in Gaza and northern Samaria. They are also tasked with preventing a flood of looters and souvenir seekers from surging towards the settlements once the Israeli forces leave. (JP) Yeshua, we pray that these people would have a life changing encounter with you.
10-YEAR-OLD CASUALTY - Palestinian terrorists fired from a passing vehicle, seriously wounding a 10-year-old en route to Ateret. An emergency Magen David Adom medical team administered first aid to the boy, who had taken at least one bullet in his head. He was then flown by helicopter southward to Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital in the capital. Army forces pursued the terrorists and found the abandoned car burnt near Jelazun, just northwest of Beit El. The condition of the boy - Pinchas ben Sarit - is reported to be serious but stable. Doctors are checking the extent of brain damage. Pinchas' father was standing, unharmed, by his son's side, reciting Psalms on his behalf. Israeli sources report that Palestinian terrorists have obtained bulletproof vests used by the UN. It is feared that the terrorists will attempt to use the vests in attacks against Israelis. (Arutz-7) Abba, we cry out to you for a complete restoration of this young lad.
Blessings from Jerusalem,
Barry Segal with the Editorial Staff