Palestinian State being built with Israeli Assistance

This brilliant article on Israeli assistance in building a prosperous and independant Palestinian state changes ones views on the conditions of the Palestinian camps, the prospects of a genuine solution, and on Israel's efforts towards peace and co-existence. The West should understand that Israel's government is serious about peace and co-existence, wants peace and prosperity for all peoples in their area, and knows how to get the job done. The West should learn from Israel and work together with it, rather than setting unrealistic goals and demanding methods that don't work. Read it to be informed more objectively!

Anti-Semitism in the UK

The Jewish Chronicle shows a video at a recent Carol Service in London. An outspoken British anti-Semite named John Sullivan, said, among other things, the following:

'Everybody in Britain can see what a nasty, unpleasant type of people Jewish people are in English [sic; i.e., England?]... [Jewish people] like parasites... you are not part of my country... you are cruel and unpleasant people... Jewish people, when you look through the history, are vindictive, probably evil... very unpleasant... if you're Jewish... adjust to the British way of life, which is basically Christian, trusting and charitable.'

A few words in response are necssary. I am writing as both a British national and a Christian.

There are 'nasty, unpleasant' people among all races, nationalities, and religions. To generalise and condemn any one people as such is outrageous. Certainly among the Jewish people one will find more decent, hard-working, and loyal people than among many other people groups. To use the word 'parasites' made me feel like being in the Middle Ages with its stereotype anti-Semitism that condemned Jews simply for being Jews, blamed and persecuted them for things they didn't do, and demonised them unlike any other people group in history. Mr Sullivan mentioned history, which really reveals his terrible ignorance - it's embarrassing really - and how it apparently shows how 'vindictive, 'evil' and 'unpleasent' Jewish people are. If anyone was vindictive and evil in history it was the Christian 'church' towards the Jews: they persecuted and killed Jews for allegedly killing Jesus; they tormented and tortured Jews in the most brutal and evil ways, the Holocaust being its climax. What kind of history books Mr Sullivan reads is a mystery to me... Demanding for Jews to adjust to the British way of life is an insult to a people who had to, were forced to, assimilate more than any other people. Jews adapted to forgein environments in an exemplary manner. Mr Sullivan should make the same remark to Musilms today who want Sharia law, don't want to teach their children English, German or Dutch (depending on the country they live in), and hardly dress the way a country's nationals do. Mr Sullivan's 'descriptions' (i.e., caricatures) of Jewish religion and philosophy is absurd (and shows again his ignorance): 'Love thy neighbour' is from the Jewish Bible (Leviticus 19:18), promoted by Jewish rabbis as the most important commandment (e.g., Hillel, Yeshua), and today seen as the foundation of Judaism and Jewish life. Christianity has adpoted Jewish values because its Messiah and Lord was a Jewish rabbi who simply taught what the Torah teaches. Mr Sullivan also misinterprets 'an eye for an eye,' which is not a vindictive law, but one of justice, which sought to restrain damage inflicted on others. Leviticus 19:18 makes clear beyond a doubt that Jewish religion does not want revenge, again a core value adopted by Christianity. Finally, not accepting Jewish people as part of Britain is not only anti-Semtic, but also racist - and therefore unacceptable!

On behalf of philo-Semite Christians and Britons, I would wish to extend by deepest apologies to all Jewish people in Britain and elsewhere for these remarks, which clearly do not represent the general British or Christian view of Jewish people or Israelis.

Shalom,

Gordon

Religious Hatred and Racism in Football?

Egypt's Amr Zaki refused to join a football club in England because two Israelis and one Algerian are part of that club. I engaged in the discussion (below article) and it is interesting - have a look if you want. If FIFA and UEFA won't take action against such statements that reveal religious hatred and racism, their anti-racism campaign is a joke! Let's see what the response will be... [more to follow]

Jews against Extremism London/UK

In this brilliant article on the fight against extremism, Martin Bright advocats 'an urgent need for a strategic alliance between British Jews, the anti-Islamists within the Bangladeshi community and other citizens concerned about the revival of totalitarian politics in Britain today.' Jews have a tradition to fight totalitarianism and should therefore be at the forefront of the struggle against radical Islam and neo-fascism in East London - for the sake of 'the fight against neo-fascism and radical Islam and to defend this country’s [i.e., UK] traditions of freedom and tolerance.'

Well said, well argued, well written - and concerned Christians should join Jews and moderate Muslims in the fight against fascism and radicalism. The 'enemy' is not a certain group of people, but the evil ideology that drives them. It is this ideology that needs to be dealt with - everywhere it is found, be it in the UK, Israel, or Bangladesh!

Islamic Ideology to Exstinguish Israel

In this article, it is once again clearly expressed that the Palestinian principles are to fight to the death until Israel no longer exists. Hamas will never accept a Jewish state, and is determined to even fight any agreement with Israel made by the PA (Palestinian Authority).

Analysis: actually, not much analysis is needed here, since the obvious hindrance to peace is stated clearly by Israel's enemies. They simply won't want , nor will ever accept, a Jewish state. And this is the key problem in the conflict. It's not the 'Israeli occupation,' the '1967 borders,' or the 'war crimes' against Palestinians. The root problem of the Middle East conflict - and the major hindrance to peace - is the islamic ideology to exstinguish Israel; it's an anti-Jewish, hatefilled, arrogant, inhumane ideology that can only be compared with that of Nazi Germany or the Ottoman oppression with its forced-conversions of Christians in Eastern Europe. No wonder that an anscestor of Yassir Araft was a friend of Nazi Germany and rejoiced at their treatment of Jews. Speaking of the PLO, the biggest lie here is that it was founded because Israel conquered Palestinian territory in 1967. The irony is that the PLO was founded in 1964! Its aims: to annihilate Israel. So again, the aim for the radicals is not to get Palestinian lands back, but to destroy the Jewish state - not because of its 'war crimes' or occupation, but simply because that ideology has not room for Jews but seeks islamic dominance in all things.

PA Mufti Ikrama Sabri:
Jerusalem is a symbol for every Muslim in the world. The claim of the Jews to the right over it is false, and we recognize nothing but an entirely Islamic Jerusalem under Islamic supervision...

Apart from the historical lies that Jews have not historic roots in Jerusalem and that the Quran actually never mentions Jerusalem by name, the ideology is again evident - Islam will dominate these lands and thers is no room for Jews in their ancient homeland.

Jacques Ellul:
For the conquering Islam of today, those who do not claim to be Muslims do not have any human rights recognized as such. In an Islamic society, the non-Muslim would return to their former dhimmin status [i.e., second-class citizen], which is why solving the Middle East conflict by the creation of a federation including Israel within a group of Muslim peoples or states, or in a "Judeo-Islamic" state, is a fantasy and an illusion. From the Muslim point of view, such a thing would be unthinkable.

The West is still misinformed and doesn't understand that the islamic ideology is both the root issue and the core problem. Truly, 'The Oslo peace process seems to have failed because of its pretense that the conflict is not a religious war' (Andrew Greeley). For the radicals it's all about Islam and its victory over the infidels. The Quran calls for Muslims to fight Jews. So how can Muslims obey what they see as the Word of God unless they fight Israel? And it's here where the radicals are placing more and more pressure on the moderate Muslims, and worse, on the peaceful Muslims who don't want anything else in life than to make a living and enjoy their families and life. Peace will only come once all sides recognise each other and allow the other to follow their religion and share the land in a fair way for all. As long as islamic ideology at the root of the problem is not dealt with, peace remains an illusion and bloodshed will continue.

Never Again (Rap)

Egypt blames Hamas for War

Col. Richard Kemp on Gaza War on BBC

Col. Richard Kemp on Gaza War at UN

The Third Jihad (Part 4 of 4)

The Third Jihad (Part 3 of 4)

The Third Jihad (Part 2 of 4 )

The Third Jihad (Part 1 of 4)

The Third Jihad (Movie Trailer)

Tell me why (Declan Galbraith)

Hypocrisy at the UN - exposed!

Click here for a short, but very good and impressive video clip on the hypocrisy of the UN.

Jews for Jesus (Meyer)

Goldstone Report and Jewish Response in the UK

So, things are going the way the UN has been dealing with Israel for the last decades - sadly so... The major Jewish organisations have responded with their disappointment at the UK's lack of action: abstaining from the vote is really not in line with what was said about it earlier. It is alarming that the UK seems to have the same double-minded approach as in the 1920s and 1930s when it failed to establish a Jewish state which could have spared millions of Jewish lives from the Shoah (Holocaust).

Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.

George Santayana (American Philosopher)

Is the UK and others in that danger repetition of history - at Israel's expense (again)? Israel wants peace and security - and rightly so; every nation and people are entitled to peace and security. Yet, as former Lebanese PM said, 'They want peace and security, and they want to occupy our land. It's impossible.' So, how shall peace be established with a people who won't give in unless they get everything they seek? In plain words, peace in the Middle East can only be established once the Jewish State is abolished and Jews dispersed from their Land - again. From Osama bin Laden's camp the message is clear: 'The United States and Israel want to destroy Islam, but Islam will destroy them first.' While the former part of the sentence is untrue, the latter statement is the clear objective - explicitly stated by the radicals, and implicitly pursued by the 'moderates.'

When will the Western politicians wake up to what is really going on?

Does God Exist? Consider ENERGY

Gerrard and Torres!

Man U vs Liverpool 1:4 (2009)

Liverpool: from terrible to terrific!

Now that was a game and a result! Who would have thought that Liverpool would win against Man U? Not me, for sure! But, hey, it's the same old story: never write off Liverpool, especially not in a derby match. But the key question is: can they build on that victory, form, and play? Mascherano says, they must! And he's dead right!

'Yoss da Boss' (Yossi Benayoun) was outstanding - man of the match - together with Jamie Carragher - absolute world-class defending (unlike his recent form...) Even Lucas appears to have had a good game! Tor..Torr...Torres was fantastic, what you would expect. But to be honest, he was disappointed in the past, where as a lone striker he just couldn't get through (e.g., Chelsea defence). But poor Vidic - Torres is his worst nightmare...

Anyhow, tomorrow they'll play Arsenal in the League Cup and then Fulham at Craven Cottege in the Premier League - the game that will really show how they'll deal with Sunday's smashing victory. Liverpool lost four times - and that's about enough for this season, and certainly enough if they want to contend for the title. As I always say, consistency is the key. But it seems that they are getting used to playing with Alonso - something that needed time - and with Yoss da Boss (Yossi Benayoun) being a heck of a force, things are exciting!

You'll never walk alone

Persecutions of Christians by Muslims in the West Bank

Middle East Bias in Faith Schools in the UK

This report shows how British school autorities are concerned over the biased way Muslim pupils are taught about other religions and the Middle East situation. It is alarming, to say the least. If these things are visible in an official visit by the authorities, what is going on when no outsider is present?

A distant relative of mine is a teacher of religion in East London. Most of his pupils are young Muslim boys. When we talked about Islam in the UK, he confirmed all my observations about it - and he is a secular guy who doesn't believe in God and does certainly not subscribe to any religion. What was amazing in what he said about his pupils was that they don't know much about the UK, yet they know exactly who should be killed (foremost Jews and Christians).

Our secular politicians would want to make us believe that the radical part of Islam is only a very tiny minority, yet the truth is that this radical movement is growing fast at grassroot level. These young Muslim pupils are being raised under Wahabbi Islam, the most conservatice Islam from Saudi Arabia. They may not all be suicide-bombers in five or ten years, yet if Muslim politicians and scholars become more influential, things will change very fast and very much to the worse. They make no secret that freedom of speech, tolerance, and other religions - values highly esteemed here - have no place in the kind of Islamic state they want to turn the UK into - the very posters and slogans chanted at Wilders' visit and other demonstrations clearly showed this. Only a fool can deny that these are their aims. 'Islam will dominate' is their declared belief and aim - and they are busy working towards it.

When will people wake up to what is emerging here? Rejecting all articles calling for serious attention to such issues as 'Islamophobic' is foolishness! Let's be honest about it and deal with reality, rather than thinking things are different and that they can be solved by politics and appeasement.

Goldstone Regrets over UN Resolution Draft

"This [UN] draft resolution saddens me as it includes only allegations against Israel . . . There is not a single phrase condemning Hamas as we have done in the [Goldstone] report. I hope that the council can modify the text."

Judge Richard Goldstone

So, what is the UN playing at? What's going on? Who truly controls the UN? Read more, click here.

Who can explain why the UN is only taking the anti-Israel stuff out of the report? Even the HRW had condemned Hamas for what they did! Again, who truly controls the UN?

Liverpool: from bad to worse

Not much can or must be said; Liverpool is going from bad to worse. Last season they were at their best since the last title win, and building on that team would have made the title very likely this season, plus perhaps even the Champions League. Yet Rafa not just messed up that team by selling Alonso - the key man missing now - he also plays wierd tactics in Gerrard's and Torres' absence. Three central defenders? When has that ever worked? They were all over the place and confused; Riera on the bench? The team line-up would have been simple enough: Voronin up front, Kuyt on the right, Riera on the left, and Benayoun as supporting striker (Gerrard's role). Bring Babel on for Riera or Voronin later, or perhaps for a midfield player. Lucas and Mascherano as holding midfielders and a four-men defence (Agger for Skrtl, Aurelio for Insua). It's simply frustrating, and then on top of all that, the beach ball misery... do I have much hope for them to turn it around? Unfortunately not much, yet some improivement is certain (not just because it can hardly get worse...). I just hope it won't be too humiliating this season (e.g., losing the Champions League spot for next season and not making it beyond the group stage in this year's Campions League). It's simply frustrating, but then life is not football - at least not for me.

Goldstone Report accepted by UN

The UN has accepted the controversial Goldstone Report which accuses both Hamas and the IDF of war crimes, yet in the final wording only Israel stands condemned. Even Goldstone objects to this! Nothing new, then, from the UN - the old anti-Israel stands since the 70s...

The prelude has been intense, especially has Israel had refused to cooperate with the investigation for a very good reason: the terrible anti-Israel bias; it was so bad, eventhough Israel is used to dealing with biased groups, governments and media, that Israel couldn't participate in this unworthy venture. What the Israeli government offers online is for people to read the facts and make up their own mind: check it out!

The simple truth is this: '...the decision harms efforts to protect human rights in accordance with international law and hinders efforts to promote the peace process as well as encouraging terror organizations around the world.' Further, 'The decision ignores the fact that the Israel Defense Forces took unprecedented measures to avoid harming innocent civilians, and the fact that terror organizations used civilians as human shields in Gaza.'

What is shameful, is that the UK abstained; yet well done France for taking action!

Day of Prayer for Israel (4 Oct 2009): My Speech

Today is a Day of Prayer for the peace of Jerusalem; it is a day to pray for Israel and the Jewish people, God's people; it is a day to pray for peace and reconciliation in the Middle East, a time to pray for Jews, Arabs, Christians, and everybody else in and around the Holy Land. Over 200,000 churches in 175 nations around the world are praying for Israel today. We are privileged to be a part of this today.

Yet such an event, the Church praying for the Jewish People, would have been unthinkable 1,500 years ago, when the Church Fathers called the Jews 'Christ-killers' and 'the most worthless of all men,' inflamed Christians at Easter to beat Jews to death for what they allegedly did to Jesus, and condemned the Jews as an evil and perverse sect.

Such an event, the Church praying for the Jewish People, would have been unthinkable a 1,000 years ago, when the Crusaders on their misguided tour to reconquer the Holy Land plundered Jewish homes, slaughtered thousands of Jews, and burned synagogues while triumphantly carrying large wooden crosses and singing hymns from the Book of Psalms, the Jewish prayer book.

Such an event, the Church praying for the Jewish People, would have been unthinkable 800 years ago, when the institutional Church at the time officially approved the oppressive and violent conduct of Christians toward Jews and forced them to wear a yellow badge to single them out for ridicule.

Such an event, the Church praying for the Jewish People, would have been unthinkable 600 years ago, when the Spanish Inquisition forced Jews to convert to Christianity, calling them marranos, Spanish for 'pigs,' and eventually expelling them from Spain in 1492 (one of many expulsions in Europe). Ironically, Columbus, himself thought of as having Jewish blood, set out the same month to discover what later would become a safe-haven for the Jewish people.

Such an event, the Church praying for the Jewish People, would have been unthinkable 500 years ago, when Martin Luther, the great German Reformer, after speaking so highly of Jewish learning, turned against God's chosen people, calling for the burning of synagogues, destroying Jewish homes, depriving them of their books, forbidding rabbis to teach, forbidding Jews to travel, and driving them out of their system in order that 'we may all be free from this insufferable devilish burden—the Jews,' thinking all along that this was honouring to God.

Such an event, the Church praying for the Jewish People, would have been unthinkable 80, 70, or 60 years ago, during the rise and rule of Nazi Germany who saw itself as serving God seeking to rid the world of the Jews. Nations, such as Switzerland, have failed to provide refuge for Jews fleeing the Holocaust Those who opposed Nazi policy against the Jews, like Dietrich Bonhoeffer, would often pay the ultimate price. Most churches would shut their eyes, ears, and hearts to the Jewish People even though they knew what was going on; congregations were ordered to sing louder so that the cries of women and children who were buried alive could not be heard.

Yet today, millions of Christians have gathered together to pray for a People the Church once condemned as despised and rejected by God, a people harassed and persecuted from one corner of Europe to another.

The Church wrongly believed that she replaced Israel as God's People; the Church wrongly assumed she was the New Israel, and the old is no longer God's People and that God no longer has a plan or place for Israel; the Church wrongly pursued a course of action we now feel so ashamed of.

Indeed, as Marcel Rebiai wrote in his book on Islam, Israel and the Church,

'With a few exceptions, the Church has failed during the centuries to comfort the Jews... The result is that the heart of the Jewish people was endlessly wounded by all the humiliation and injuries... The problem is that with a few exceptions, the Jewish people has never experienced the Church as the one who is at God's heart.'

But today a large part of the Church of Jesus Christ stands with Israel in all her struggles and sufferings, prays for Israel in all her difficulties and battles, and supports Israel through all her trials and tribulations. Things are different today within the Church, and Israel and the Jewish People know it!

But not only failure of the Church historically should make us support and pray for Israel and the Jewish people. The Apostle Paul himself prayed and interceded for his people, wishing himself to be separated from Christ for the sake of the salvation of his countrymen according to the flesh (Romans 9); in that he followed the example of Moses. And, of course, Jesus gave His own life for the sake of His own people, the Jewish people. These men have demonstrated that a true believer's heart goes out for the salvation and welfare of Israel, God's eternally chosen and covenanted people.

In the last 30, 40 years a tremendous shift has taken place in the Church and biblical scholarship: not only has the Roman Catholic Church corrected its position towards the Jewish People in the 1960s and publicly repented through John Paul II, scholars from different quarters of Christianity have been researching Jesus the Jew, exploring the real setting of His life, and seeking to understand the true meaning of His teaching accordingly. Things are different today within the Church, and Israel and the Jewish People know it!

Thanks to Christian support for Jews and Israel, many rabbis are taking another look at Jesus, and Israel as a nation and people are beginning to trust Christians despite the terrible past. And not to forget a precious movement among Jews who find that Yeshua is truly their Messiah and Saviour, the movement of the Messianic Jews, who sometimes themselves suffer persecution.

All these things have had a tremendous effect on Jewish–Christian relations. Things are different today within the Church, and Israel and the Jewish People know it!

Yet we are not only called to pray for and support Israel. Christians are called to pray and act for the welfare of all people and peoples, but especially those in need. Our hearts must, therefore, also go out to the thousands of Arab civilians, including Arab Christians, who are drawn into the Islamic struggle against Israel as a Jewish State. They are left with no choice but to hate Israel and Jewish people; they are drawn into a hate-filled propaganda that distorts facts and figures, misuses human dignity, and sacrifices its own people to achieve their ultimate goal: the total destruction of Israel. But how can one blame a Holocaust people for defending itself in every possible way after what the Jews have experienced and in view of the aims of their hostile neighbours? Israel needs our prayers; the Arabs need our prayers.

In the midst of all this chaos and injustice, with failures on all sides, God is fulfilling His plans for His people, Israel, and this despite her shortcomings and failures. God is fulfilling His plans for all nations.

The Church must proclaim peace, forgiveness, and reconciliation, and not take sides over against another. While we can stand with Israel, we are equally concerned for the well-being of Arabs—Muslim and Christian—and all other peoples involved. We must not be misled by the Western media-bias and ignorantly condemn Israel with the rest of the world; we must make informed decisions, and not be manipulated or emotionally drawn in by false propaganda.

As the Church we must seek to fulfil our biblical mandate to proclaim peace, forgiveness, and reconciliation through Jesus the Messiah; He is the Prince of Peace.

This is no easy task, yet ministries like that of the Community of Reconciliation lead by Marcel Rebiai in Jerusalem are a witness to love in a world of strife; evidence of forgiveness in a world of bitterness; proof of reconciliation in a world of enmity. Their basis is peace through Jesus the Messiah.

This is no easy task, yet we can always pray; prayer is the very thing we can all do.

In closing, let me refer to the words of a Messianic Jew, Ruben Berger:

'The Lord wants to give his burden of prayer for Israel to many more persons in the Church. The Church is called to seek him in fasting and prayer, in weeping and travail, for the fulfillment [sic] of God's ultimate redemptive purpose in Israel. This event will flow over into the end-time, worldwide salvation and the revelation of God to all humanity.'

God's ultimate aim, my friends, through both Israel and the Church, is to bless all nations, all peoples, and all people. This must be at the centre of our prayer.

Let's pray.

BBC's anti-Israel bias exposed

Honest Reporting has, once again, exposed a major media bias, this time by the BBC. I am appalled that the UK allows such distorations of facts and manipulation of children to go on. Whatever is installed in children will usually remain with them and shape their value system. Such reports are, to state it simple, anti-Semitic propaganda 'nicely' put. It is totally unacceptable and very shameful.

Why the Return to Zion? by Dr. Alex Grobman

Here's a brilliant, yet brief, article by Dr Alex Grobman on why Jews persisted on establishing their home in Eretz Israel (the Land of Israel). To view this article online, click here.

Not long after the establishment of the State of Israel, Abba Eban, Israel's representative to the United Nations, remarked, "The peace on Israel's borders may be no more than the peace of a quiescent volcano; and the crisis of state in its immediate external relationships remain unsolved."(1)

Given the intractable nature of this conflict, many ask why the Jews have been so tenacious in their desire to reconstitute the Jewish state in the land of Israel. What is it about this land that has inspired their love of Zion through centuries of exile?

Culturally, during the 18 centuries of Jewish life in the Diaspora, the connection to the land of Israel played a vital role in the value system of Jewish communities and was a basic determinant in their self-recognition as a group. Without the connection to the land of Israel, the people who practice Judaism would simply be a religious community, without national and ethnic components. Jews were distinct from the Muslim and Christian communities in which they lived because of their religious beliefs and practices, and the eternal link to the land of their forefathers. That is why Jews considered themselves - and are seen by others - as a minority living in exile.(2)

As Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel explained: "For the Jews and for them alone [the land of Israel] was the one and only Homeland, the only conceivable place where they could find liberation and independence, the land toward which their minds and hearts had been uplifted for a score of centuries and where their roots had clung in spite of all adversity.... It was the homeland with which an indestructible bond of national, physical, religious and spiritual character had been preserved, and where the Jews had in essence remained - and were now once more in fact - a major element of the population."(3)

The Jews did not publicly challenge the occupation of their land by the empires of the East and West. They did so in their homes, sanctuaries, books and prayers. Religious rituals were instituted to remember the destruction of the Temple and the subsequent exile. During times of joy and sorrow, Zion is always part of a Jew's thoughts and liturgy. At least three times a day, observant Jews pray for the redemption of Zion and Jerusalem and for her well-being.(4)

When the Muslims invaded Palestine in 634, ending four centuries of conflict between Persia and Rome, they found direct descendants of Jews who had lived in the country since Biblical times. Rabbinical leaders there continued to argue about "whether most of Palestine is in the hands of the Gentiles," or "whether the greater part of Palestine is in the hands of Israel."

Such a determination was essential, since according to halacha [Jewish law] if Jews ruled the country, then they were obligated to observe religious agricultural practices in one way, and in another if they were not in control.(5)

As Muslim hegemony prevailed, major Arab contributions to history originated in Damascus, Mecca, Cairo and Baghdad. Little came from Jerusalem, indicating the low regard the area held for its captors and its minimal occupation by 16 nations. Similarly, while the land of Palestine was two percent of the Arab-controlled land mass, to the Jewish people it was forever the fount of their religion, their homeland.(6)

In testimony before the Anglo-American Committee of Inquiry on Palestine in 1947, David Ben-Gurion, later Israel's first prime minister, pointed out that more than 3,000 years before the Mayflower left England for the New World, Jews fled from Egypt. Jews even slightly cognizant of their faith know that every spring Jews commemorate and remember the liberation from slavery and the Exodus from Egypt to the land of Israel. Those who observe the Seder (the Passover meal and retelling of the exodus from Egypt), end it: "Next year we shall be in [Jerusalem] the land of Israel. This year we are slaves; next year we shall be free."(7)

Though bound to its religious foundation, a Jewish State also means "Jewish security. Even in countries where he seems secure, the Jew lacks a feeling of security. Why? Because even if he is safe, he has not provided his safety for himself. Somebody else provides for his security. The State of Israel provides such security."(8) There Jews will be "free from fear, dependence, not the objects of pity and sympathy, of philanthropy and justice, at the mercy of others. We believe we are entitled to that as human beings and as a people."(9)

To the Arabs who opposed the Jewish return, Ben-Gurion, said that the "the closer and more quickly we draw together, the better it will be both for us and for you. The Jewish people and the Arab people need each other in the fashioning of their future as free people in this part of the world."(10)

Footnotes
1) Aubrey S. Eban, "The Future Of Arab-Jewish Relations," Commentary (September 1948), 199.
2) Avineri, The Making of Modern Zionism: The Intellectual Origins of the Jewish State, New York: Basic Books, Inc. Publishers, 1981), 3.
3) Abraham Joshua Heschel, Israel: An Echo Eternity (New York: Farrar, Straus, 1967), 57.
4) Ibid. 55, 61-67.
5) Yaacov Herzog, A People That Dwells Alone (New York: Sanhedrin Press, 1975). 33; Ibid. 57. While Jewish settlement in recent times began in 1881, in the 3rd and 4th centuries, Palestine was probably the largest and most significant Jewish community in the world. Benjamin of Tudela, Saadia Gaon, Maimonides and Judah Halevi were there from the 12th century and Nachmanides from the early 13th century. Rabbi Estori HaParhi, author of Kaftor va-Ferah, demonstrates how, since Biblical times, Jews have lived on the land continuously.
6) Heschel, Israel: An Echo Eternity, 59.
7) The Jewish Case Before the Anglo-American Committee of Inquiry on Palestine (Jerusalem: The Jewish Agency For Palestine, 1947), 63.
8) Ibid. 68.
9) Ibid. 65.
10) Ibid. 75.

Tishrei 23, 5770 / 11 October 09

Jewish Lawyers for Muslim Terror Suspects

Did you know that many Jewish lawyers in the US defend Muslim terrorist suspects held at Guantanamo? Read it for yourself! The Jewish tradition is one of justice for all - that is clearly demonstrated by these noble lawyers. While terrorist suspects should be handeled thoroughly, because real terrorists are a serious threat, justice must prevail, and Jews are at the forefront to establish it. Good for them - mazel tov! I hope the Arab world can understand that the Jewish tradition is one of justice, and I hope they can acknowledge that and start to work on an equal basis to find a peaceful solution to all the troubles in and around Israel.

Message by David Wilkerson

Day of Prayer for Israel (4 Oct 2009)

On Sunday 4 October over 200,000 Churches from around the world join in a Day of Prayer for Israel (see: www.daytopray.com). While the Jewish people have been the most persecuted, rejected, and tortured people in history, the 'scapegoat misuse' of God's beloved people still contines. Today many people around the world hate Israel, and the very existence of a Jewish State is unnacceptable. This is not only true for many followers of Islam, but also of secular Europeans, who are being influenced by a pre-determined anti-Israel attitude and, worse, by media bias that is distorted by subjectivity and a humanistic agenda. Over against all that anti-Semitism and hatred against the Jewish people and their tiny State, there is a large movement of Christians who stand with, support, and pray for Israel, the Jewish People and the State of Israel.

On Sunday 4 October, as every first Sunday in October of the year, Christians from around the world are gathering to pray for the peace of Jerusalem (see Psalm 122:6). As Christians we are called to be those who promote love, peace, forgiveness, and reconciliation - and where is this more needed than in Israel?! The whole issue is ever so controversial and complex, to say the least, and everybody around the world seems to have an opinion! But sometimes these opinions are based on emotional reactions to biased media reports, and are not informed opinions based on research and objective analyses. Too often those with the strongest and loudest opinions are those who are least informed!

While the issue is too complex to be treated in a single blog post, here are five points why Christians should pray for Israel:

1. The Jewish People are God's People (Gn 17:7; Ex 19:4-6; Jer 31:35-37; Rom 9:4-5; 11:1-2): They are chosen, beloved and enterally covenanted with the God who calls Himself the God of Israel. Those who bless Israel will be blessed by God (Gn 12:3; 27:29). Despite their short-comings in history and political and morals failures today, the Jewish people are and remain to be God's people. It is therefore imperative that we support them and pray for them as Christians who are fellow citizens with the Jews through our faith in Yeshua the Messiah (Jesus Christ) as Shaul (Paul) taught (Eph 2).
2. The Church owes ever so much to the Jewish People (Ex 20; Jn 4:2; Rom 9:4-5): Not only have Jews been and still are a tremenduous blessing to the whole world (especially in science, the economy and the arts), Christianity owes everything to them. 'Salvation is of the Jews,' in the words of the Messiah Himself (Jn 4:22). Israel didn't just give us the Word of God (Bible), but also the Saviour of the world, through whom everybody can find salvation. Jewish wisdom in Scripture is absolutly leading, and the moral teachings of Jesus found fans in various religions and sectors of society, from John Lennon to Mohandas Gandhi! Abraham Lincoln considered the Bible to be the greatest gift from God - and it came through the Jewish people. Today the moral code of Scripture is the basis of our legal system and democracy. But the Church owes Israel not only because of the good things she has blessed us with, but also because of all the harm that has come to the Jews at the hands of the institutional Church, starting with the anti-Semitism of the Church Fathers (early church leaders, 3rd and 4th cent. CE), to the Inquisition and various expulsions from one corner of Europe to another (Middle Ages), to Martin Luther's anti-Jewish propaganda, to the climax of 23 centuries of anti-Semitism: the Shoah (Holocaust) at the hands of Nazi Germany during WWII (only just over 60 years ago!). Christians are to protect and support the Jews in order to show them that Christians today are not the same as the Christians of the Middle Ages or the Reformation.
   
3. Israel and the Jewish People are seriously threatened (Ps 83). Throughout history Israel has suffered more than any other people, not least at the hands of the institutional Church in the Middle Ages. We are to support persecuted and rejected peoples, be they in Africa, South America, the Far East or the Middle East. Today Iran and other nations of the Arab world (to a lesser extent) pose a serious threat to Israel and the Jewish people as their officially declared goal is the total destruction of the State of Israel. In fact, according to Iran, peace will prevail once Israel is annihilated - what a solution to the Middle East conflict! And this not from an extremist, radical, Islamic organisation, but from a head of state, who is presently arming himself with a nuclear weapon to fulfill his hateful aims. Christians are to pray and use their influence to oppose such terrible plans.
4. We are to pray for the Peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6). All of God's people are called to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. This is ever so important in our dramatic times today. God loves not only His own people (Israel), but all peoples, especially the suffering Arab population. We are to pray that peace can prevail and that the suffering of the innocent can be stopped. While the Arab nations accuse only Israel for the suffering of the Arabs in and around Israel, we should know that the civilians are used by such leaders as of the PLO, PA, Hamas, Hizbollah, in order to win the support of the nations against Israel. While Jordan occupied the West Bank (1948-67), did they solve the problem of the refugees? (a problem, by the way, caused by the Arab attacks on Israel in 1948). What ever the political and historical causes, we need to pray for peace on all sides. As Christians we are to stand up for peace, forgiveness, and reconciliation!
5. Christians are to love, bless and pray for both neighbours and enemies (Mt 5:43-45; Lk 10:27). We are called to bless, not to judge; we are called to be peacemakers and promote reconciliation through the Gospel message (2Co 5:18-20). So, whoever we might consider neighbour (those we like) or enemy (those we dislike), we should love, bless, and pray for both sides. In fact, we shouldn't dislike any people, nor take sides over against another. We can stand by Israel, while at the same time help the suffering Arab civilian population. Yet we must clearly understand how Islamic hate-ideology is fuelling the fires of anti-Semitism and hatred, something we can clearly not support whatever Israel might do wrong. At the same time, addressing political and moral issues with Israelis in a respectful way is not anti-Semitic (many Israelis struggle with some of their own politicians - at least, they have the freedom to think, debate and disagree).

Yes, it is very complex and controversial, but hopefully these points will help in our prayers. We should pray for people on all sides and in all positions, but above all for the truth to be revealed and the purposes of God to come to pass - He wants blessing, peace and salvation for all human beings, no matter what they believe, what their background is, or what crimes they have commited. There is forgiveness, healing, and reconciliation through the One called Prince of Peace, Yeshua HaMashiakh.

Netanyahu at the UN

The report by Haaretz covers the main trust of Netanyahu's speech at the UN today. I admire him for standing up for the rights of Israel in the face of all the opposition she faces. What troubles me is that he even has to defend the historicity of the Holocaust! It is outrageuous that we have come thus far.

Netanyahu is dead right in making clear how dangerous the fundamentalist Islam promoted by Iran is and that not only Israel but other nations are endangered by it, especially if Iran could attain nuclear weapons. Israel's promise for peace stands: 'Every time an Arab leader truly wanted peace, they got it,' Netanyahu said in his UN speech. 'If the Palestinians truly want peace, we will make peace.' It is no good for Arab leaders to make peace on paper and than launch an intifada (uprising) against Israel; it is no good for Arab leaders to speak of peace in English and of war in Arabic! I salute all Arabs and Muslims who genuinely seek peace, tolerate others of different religions and politics, and mean what they say - the world needs more people like you!

Israel has all the rights to have security - and security is the key issue. Israel has certainly learnt from her tradgic history that when a nation says it wants to destroy the Jews she will take it serious! 27 May 1967: 'Our basic objective will be the destruction of Israel,' Gamal Abdel Nasser, President of Egypt; 'Our goal is clear - to wipe Israel off the map,' Abdel Rahman Aref, President of Iraq. The same is being said by Hamas and Iran today - but will we take it serious? The Jews do - and rightly so! Ahmadinejad is, as German FM rightly said, 'a disgrace to his country.' The UN better act now before it's too late. I say yes to diplomacy, but only as long as it works - during the rise of Hitler it didn't.

Boycott Israel? Think again!

This video is very revealing - yet a bit cynical, sorry. But sometimes you must reveal certain foolish things in that way to get people thinking. Check it out - you might be surprised just how much good Israel is doing arond the world to bless, care and help!

John Hagee rightly wrote that 'if an anti-Semite had the courage to truly boycott everything Jewish, his life would regress to the Dark Ages.'

Holocaust Denial - Outrageous, Hateful, Revealing

Iran's President has once again denied the Holocaust - the greatest tradgey in both world and Jewish history. Just as Israel is the focus point of much of world history and politics today, so were the Jewish people the main victims of WWII. Yet almost the whole world was involved, just as it is today. The truth is this: no one can deny Israel her right to do everything in her power to avoid another such catastrophe, especially in view of the fact that the threat to destroy Israel is a very real one. For Ahmadinejad the Middle East peace process is easy: destroy Israel and peace will prevail. Great idea, isn't it? That's like saying: the way to abolish poverty is to kill all poor people! But few leaders have reacted to such blantant 'strategies' by a mad leader whose agenda is supported nationally; he's not leader of some small terrorist group, no, he's a leader of a country - one that is amasing neuclear weapons, by the way...

The Germans are brave: they will boycott any speech today at the UN that will deny the Holocaust. At least the Russians were clear on criticising Ahmadinejad for his Holocaust denial - and they are right, constructive dialogue with world leaders will only become more difficult with such outrageous claims and distortion of history. How to deal with Iran? The Middle Eastern way, perhaps. Are Western politics and mindset realy the answer in a culture not fully understood by them? When the US sought to defeat Vietnam, they learned too late what kind of people they were and at the terrible cost of tens of thousands of dead they couldn't achieve victory. Israel understands best how to fight and win this struggle. Yet Israel is bound by virtually everybody's opinion on how to go about. Well, good for Israel that they actually are seeking diplomatic solutions, but sadly this is not recognised by the international community as it should. Not just are the distortion of the media in the West alarming, the very mindset that is formed by it leads to the ultimate aims of radical Islamic leaders: they are seeking the support of the world to actually execute their plans to destroy Israel - ultimately. Israel has always been the scaptgoat throughout history; that's why they were an easy target for Hitler. But in Bulgaria, for example, it was the Bulgarian population who stood up against deportations of fellow (Jewish) citizens who were good people, hard work, beloved. That is bravery.

But what of Ahmadinejad's rhetoric? Why does he need to deny the Holocaust in order to achieve his ultimate plans to destroy Israel? Well, the answer is obvious: because the Holocaust is real reason for the Jewish people to have their own land, for land means security. The very fact that the Holocaust is sought to be denied - and the brainwashing and distoration of histoiry works in places where people don't have freedom to think, disagree or read certain sources - reveals that it is - even for Ahmadinejad - a real reason for the Jews to have their land! The problem is not Israel; the problem in the Middle East is the hateful, radical, intolerant ideology to destory Israel simply becauise it exists - not because Zionism has 'stolen land,' or 'displaced the people who actually belong there,' etc. Jewish settlers have bought land, and most Arab Palestinians moved to the Land once settlements increased. At the very heart of this lies Muslim politics of the Middle Ages: force Jews into dhimmi status (second-class citizens). If the Islamic leaders wouldn't misuse the civilian population to fight its war against Israel, the refugee problem could have been solved a long time ago. If the Islamic leaders would recognise a Jewish state where it belongs, peace would prevail in no time - and the refugee problem could have been solved a long time ago.

Whatevery the outcome today, I doubt that the biased UN will solve the world's most important problem. Unless world leaders radically fight Islamic ideology that seeks to destory a people, it will never deal with the root of the problem - that is the true cancer in the Middle East and the main hindrance to peace.

'You're not Shaken' by Phil Stacey

Good Stuff!

So COOL, FUNNY, and ORIGINAL!

Jesus take the Wheel

Heimlicher

Appeasement doesn't work!

Jesus Culture UK Tour (Sept/Oct)

Here are the dates for the UK Tour of Jesus Culture. Highly recommendable!

Violence Not the Answer to Islam's Advance

The recent roits in Harrow have shown at least two things: (1) there are groups in the UK who disapprove of Islam's advance and (2) that Muslims are quick to defend themselves. But is violence the answer to the problem posed by the advance of Islam in this country? Is violence the way to respond? Yet what excatly is the problem of Islam's advance around the world?

While many people have different views and issues with Islam, two major problems I see are (1) the advance of Wahhabi Islam, the most conservative form of Islam promoted in and sponsored by Saudi Arabian oil-dollars, and (2) the anti-assimilation attitude of most Muslims. Wahhabism is very conservative and strict, extremely discriminatory towards free thinking and women, and seeks serious domination of society. Many university chairs in the US are sponsored by Saudia Arabia, and thus they determine how Islam and the Muslim world is being presented in the West (i.e., important facts are whitewashed or simply ommitted). Wahhabi Islam is very intolerant and often the breeding ground for extremism. Yet such kind of intolerant, strict extremism simply doesn't fit into the Western world! While I take many issues with modern Western society, there are elements deeply rooted in our Judeo-Christian heritage that are invaluable (values non-Jews and non-Christians value, too!): the tradition of the freedom of speech and thought, the freedom to analyse religion and politics and form one's own opinion, the freedom of variety and pluralism, and pursuit of individual aims, the democratic attitude of discussion and sharing of views and opinions to find the best solution, the right to protest and object to government policies, and the security among decent citizents. There is more to share, but these are elements few Westerners would trade for a rigid religious regime that imposes almost everything on its citizens from dress-code to creed, from food-laws to forms of worship. The other serious problem with the advance of Islam is the anti-assimilation attitude one finds among most Muslims. While we respect and appreciate different cultures and their customs - many of which enrich society and make it pluralistic and open-minded - the refusal to adapt and assimilate in some way is alarming. Islam is not just a set of beliefs for private religion; it involves every aspect of life, including politics. The thought of democracy does in fact contradict the very core of Islam: it's not about what people want, but what Allah commands (the most recent example: Iran). That does not fit into the West, and certainly not into a secularised West! Ironically, it is the humanistic, free-thinking, secular people group who don't seem to understand what really is at stake. The very people who condemn Christianity for its Crusades a thousand years ago (!) and hate Isrel for defending herself as she sees fit, are those who all but welcome the spread of the undoubtedly most intolerant religion of all time. Strange...

However, the way to deal with the issue is not violence, but open, tolerant discussion, the free expression and sharing of information about all religions, including Islam, and the possibility to critically evaluate the nature and consequences of religious teachings. The last point is the biggest problem for many Muslims. As soon as someone even questions any element of Islam or the Quran, it is considered blasphemy - and there's only one punishment for that: execution. In our liberal society this is unthinkable, yet Western politicians sucumb to the pressure in order not to offend any one. But you cannot be tolerant towards people who are not tolerant towards others. Appeasement doesn't work with a hungry crocodile! Winston Church is reported to have said, "An appeaser is one who feeds the crocodile hoping it will eat him last." Appeasement is giving people tolerantly want they want, while the other side doesn't make concessions whatsoever. Yes, of course, these are usually radical politicians and leaders (e.g., Hamas) - but that is exactly the very war Israel is fighting for over 60 years now. Peace treaties are rejected by Arab leaders, and whenever one was signed, it was soon broken by stirring a riot (e.g., Arafat). These kinds of leaders will simply not give in until they reach their goals: and their goals are the destruction of Israel, the subordination of Western, Anglo-Saxon society, and the complete control of Islam in every area of society. It's that simple; it's that serious. While a few cartoon strips about Muhammad apparently gives the 'right' for Muslim riots, Israel-haters are allowed to weekly, often daily, publish the most gross and false caricatures of Jews - and no-one objects, oh yes, except the Jews, but who takes them serious enough? Well, some do, but too few. They know exactly how to fight this war, and instead of the West trying to tell Israel how to do things, we should learn from them.

But again, in terms of demonstrations etc the answer is not violence - on neither side - but open, tolerant discussion, the free expression and sharing of information about all religions, including Islam, and the possibility to critically evaluate the consequences of religious teachings. National politics is another matter: sometimes a pre-emtive strike is necessary in order to prevent a great evil (Israel is facing this dilemma with Iran's serious nuclear threat). But one thing is certain: Western politicians cannot surrender these core values of our society, else we WILL wake up in another dictatorial nightmare, for most Westerners are already dreaming!

Churchill has the last word: "I never worry about action, but only about inaction."

The serious Threat of Radical Islam

While both good-willed and ignorant people in the West only want to see Islam as a peaceful religion and the threat of radical Islam as minimal, this article exposes tremenduous facts and analyses of how radical Islam is taking over in non-violent ways, using millions of dollars to buy into university chairs in the US and other ways to influence Western culture and slowly convert it to build the global Islam nation. The new movie The Third Jihad is a dramatic demonstration of how alarming the threat of radical Islam is. It can be viewed for free until Thuesday: click here.

If 'only' 15 to 20% of Muslims are radical, while the rest is non-violent, we are speaking of about 300 million radicals. They will take passages from the Quran literal which speak of killing infidels and subduing the world to Islam. One would think that 9/11 in the US and 7/7 in the UK should have made plain to the world how serious the threat is, yet the West's politicians still deny it. If Obama seriously wants Americans to stand up for the country they love, he'd better take the threat of both violent and non-violent Islamicism serious. But these secular and humanistic politicians don't understand the determination of a radical religious fanatic nor the midset of the Middle East, yet they want to tell Israel how to fight her war against Iran and the like. All Ahmadinejad wants is the destruction of Israel, the same aim as all radical terrorist groups fighting Israel's independence since it started in 1948. But peace will only be possible once all Islamist nations recognise Israel as a Jewish state in the Middle East.

DaVinci Code (Movie)

I'm watching the DaVinci Code movie at the moment - I must say, I have never heard so much nonsense and unhistorical statements in such a short time... I don't even know where to start - it's such rubbish they claim about Jesus' physical bloodline through Mary and the history of Christianity. It's so silly and stupid, I wonder how anyone can give thought to such ridiculous theories... Please, dear reader, do not believe a word they promote. Countless trusted, liberal and sincere scholars have time and again proven the trustworthiness of the Gospel tradition, Church history and the realiability of the Bible. It's simply unthinkable in our world today that such 'secrets' can be kept. The Church has no such power as is claimed, certainly not since the Reformation and the emergence of numerous different streams of Christianity, all doing their own research and investigations. The DaVinci Code is pure fiction, and people who promote theories like these simply do it to excite readers with fantasy and to make money.

Federer - the true Champion!

Federer is the true Champion of all times!

'Your Love never fails' by Chris Quilala/Jesus Culture

'How He loves us' by Kim Walker/Jesus Culture

'Where You go I go' by Kim Walker/Jesus Culture

Defiance - comments, reflections

Defiance is a truly great movie which shows the dramatic and moving story of Jews in Belarus surviving in the forests from Nazi persecution and execution during WWII. They were led by a group of brothers who took in any Jew on the run, provided for them, and defended them. The circumstances under which they had to survive were tremendous. It shows how they stuck together through it all, how they organised themselves and how they found ways of survival in impossible circumstances.

Defiance tells yet another dramatic story of Jewish survival during WWII. What these six years have done to that persecuted people is hardly understandable for outsiders. It certainly explains why Israel today is so determined to defend herself in order to avoid another such catastrophy. Finally, since 1948, Israel received back her land and can be independent and able to defend herself. The Holocaust is not the first terrible thing that happened to the Jews: they were persecuted for centuries, persecuted from one corner of Europe to another; there were blood libels, progroms, random plunderings and killings; there false accusations, blaming the Jews for all kinds of evils, and treating them as scapegoats; the Crusaders killed Jews, burning them in their synagogues, while singing Psalms from the Bible (!) and holding up large wooden crosses; the Inquisition forced conversion on Jews, else excluding them from trade; the Muslims made them second-class citizens, taking up to half their earnings, and sometimes killing at will; the list goes on and on... The Holocaust is really only the climax of all the Jewish people had to endure over the centuries. Who can deny a post-Holocaust people the right to defend itself after all their suffering?

Defiance - great movie!

A very funny Confusion... (Rush Hour 3)

Liverpool Comeback - but Worries remain...

It was a fantastic comeback against Bolton yesterday, but going behind twice and getting the victory with one man more is actually not as impressive as some think. Let's face it: Liverpool has not been doing well, except in their game against Stoke (4:0). From a possible 12, they have now only 6 points, which means they have already dropped 6 over against Chelsea and Spurs. The biggest worry, however, is the lack of depth. They are already playing with their strongest side and struggle against Bolton. The Reds have several such comebacks against Teams like ManCity, yet won after their opponents went down to 10 man - it's simply not assuring that they will be serious title contenders this year. What should have happened is that they should have kept Alonso, bought Barry and get another striker of Torres' class (i.e., David Villa). Lucas should have been sold and perhaps Voronin, too. Liverpool's missed chances at the end of the Bolton game showed that the attacking force is not in he kind of harmony as you need them to be. Johnson was a fantastic signing, but it's not enough to compete with Chelsea, Arsenal and Man U for the title, let alone with Real Madrid and Barca for the Champions League. Consistency was the problem last year and still is the problem this year. Time will tell how costly Ronaldo's and Tevez' departure will prove for Man U and whether Arsenal and Spurs will be consistent. But whether Liverpool has the same capacity to challenge for the title as last year is doubtful - not because of their lousy start, but lack of good players. Anyway, let's see what they can draw from that victory and how things will progress from now - still hopeful, but also realistic.

Liverpool Worries...

Yossi Benayoun is adament that their title challenge is not over despite the two defeats. Yet the problem is not two defeats - everyone loses some times. The big worry is depth and hence consistency. They were so close last year, and should have strengthened, not weakened, the team. They should never have sold Alonso, they should have taken Barry on board and invested to get Silva and/or Villa. Downing and Lenon would have been great signings too. Lucas can and should be sold, it just doesn't work for him and I can't understand why Benitez wants to keep him.

Yes, they made stupid mistakes, including 'the boss on the field' - Steven Gerrard - who wasn't in charge last night. They should have started with Gerrard in midfield and Voronin up front. Gerrard needs to take control of midfield, as the combination of Mascherano and Lucas is too weak top give the backup and support Gerrard needs as second striker. However much we love to see Torres and Gerrard up front, it simply won't do unless you have guys like Alonso and Barry (Essien would be my first signing) there to control midfield and play good passes.

Allen Hansen said it well: 'you can't win the leage in the firt 6 games, but you can certainly lose it.' Liverpool simply lacks depth and hence the problem of consistency can't be overcome. I think the team is a lot weaker now, and they can't afford it! It's not just a matter of having a bad day and making mistakes; it;s a matter of depth that guarantees consistency (e.g., Man U and Chelsea). Man U are also weaker (Ronaldo is no thing, but letting Teves go is a mystery to me), but Chelsea are clearly favourites to win the title this year. Spurs are a delight to watch, City could reach the top 6, and Arsenal will give it their best shot, but I fear they, too, lack depth.

Anyway, let's hope that the new Italian signing will bring something to the squad and that Riera will improve. Gerrard and Torres must be tops in all games, but can they be world-class every time?

The Chance to get away...

Jean Valjean received a new life and identity, only it hid his old. Things were going well for him, no one knew of his past, he was wealthy and popular. But one day he was confronted with a decision that would change his life once again.

The police had arrested a man believed to be Jean Valjean, yet the real Jean knew it was a false accusation. What should he do? If he were to speak and reveal the truth, he would be condemned (by the court), yet if he were to remain silent, he would be damned (by God). He faced that most serious of choices: a man was accused to be Jean Valjean, the hunted one; if he was condemned, the real Jean Valjean would forever be free of his old life and its tough consequences. Yet, how could he face himself ever again?

Jean Valjean would not be able to allow this poor man to be condemned in his place, and reveals his true identity - forever to be hunted... the beautiful life he had, the second chance, would all be gone. For him what God thought of him was more important than earthly goods, status and well-being. He lays down his life again - but not for the last time. See Les Mis (11) below!

What a beautiful story, what honour and dignity, what honesty and humility! This is ever so rare these days. Jean Valjean would live for others; he would place them before himself and the comforts of life. He gave his life for the wellfare of others. He gave a promise and stuck to it - all the way! Do we live as honourably and selflessly as Jean Valjean? What decisions are we taking under tough circumstances?

Few can score like Stevie G

Les Miserables (musical & story)

Yes, Les Mis is my favourite musical. I actually can't wait to see it again - soon, hopefully! The music is absolutely amazing, beautiful, strong yet gentle. Musical geniuses are behind its composition. The story by Victor Hugo is ever so amazing - the work of a genius. There are several versions of the book (however abbreviated you want it...); it's highly recommendable. The recent movie production with Liam Neeson and Uma Truman is very well done and get's one into this moving story.

It's a thoroughly Christian story: an former criminal and ex-prisoner receives forgiveness by a priest and thus a new life. Despite the ruthless justice system, he finds a way to get a new identity, free of this past that would ever haunt him. However, the ever-fanatical police officer can't accept that a human could change, but is finally convinced that it is possible afterall - yet can't take it.

The one forgiven lives for the welfare of others, not himself, notably for the girl left in his care by the woman he loved but lost... after fighting for her, protecting her and giving his all for her in fulfilment of his proimise to her mother, he finally makes one last sacrifice - himself: he releases her into the hands of the man she loves, yet loses her by doing so. But not his, but her happiness, is what he lived for...

If this gave you a little taste - get into the story and enjoy; you'll love it!

The Phantom of the Opera (musical & movie)

You guessed it right - I really like the Phantom of the Opera. The musical is great, the movie very well done. It's really worth seeing - if you can't make it to Her Majesty's Theatre near Piccadilly Circus, then get the movie and with it a good dose of this most excellent musical by a true genuis - Andrew Lloyd Webber!

That's the way they can win!

The Real Torres is what we need - I wrote in my last blog - and the real Torres is what we got on Wednesday! What a game it was: Gerrard top, world-class, fantastic, Torres on form, fast and furious, Kuyt in it with full force, and Benayoun as great as he can be - he is the playmaker we lost in Alonso (and I am glad Rafa read my blog stating that we need to give Yossi more time on the pitch). It was fanastic to watch, a real delight, football as it's supposed to be played by the Champions!

Yossi said that the Reds are now up and running - true, and more to come on Monday against Aston Villa. Even though Man U had their chances and the 1:0 defeat seemed a bit harsh, I think Arsenal, Chelsea, and Spurs are the teams to beat this season (and Man U of course, too). What we can't afford this season is the many draws... that really cost us the title. So, let's keep up the good game, cash in on all small teams, and get really going against the big boys! With the Reds on form as on Wednesday (Champions League day...), they can beat anyone - even Real, Inter, and Barca.

A lousy start for Liverpool...

I knew it would be a tough game against Spurs, but having such a lousy start to the new season is disappointing. Their low pre-season form can't persist into the League - they must shape up and have only three days to do so!

Skrtl and Carragher were not convicing at all, all a bit chaotic. Torres had one of his bad games (something Liverpool can't afford!), and the harmony between the attackers isn't there yet. Benayoun brought creativity and drive to the game, Voronin can be crucial, too. Lucas is not good enough, and Mascherano needs to shape up fast.

Their 2:1 loss to Spurs last season was a turning point for the Reds, but I hope it won't have the same negative effect as last year. It's early in the season, but if you want to win the title, you must get the points - that's what Man U does, last season and again today. It's these narrow victories on a consistent basis that earns a team three points - and that's all that counts in the end.

How costly Alonso's departure will be, will become evident in the weeks to come. I'm not sure whether the new Italian signing can make good for it. Gerrard should fall back into midfield and Voronin should play alongside Torres. Benayoun should get more of the game, as he brings some more creative force to it. Let's see what they'll get going against Stoke on Wednesday...

Michael W Smith - Agnus Dei (Lamb of God)

Third Day - Agnus Dei (Lamb of God)

Giraffe meets Rabbit

So, this proud griaffe meets this little rabbit and looks down on him. He goes on to boast how lovely it is to have such a long neck, as he is far above all other animals. But it is especially nice when drinking water - slowly, the giraffe explained to the rabbit, the cool water flows down his long neck and cools him off. What a feeling!

But the rabbit was unimpressed; he showed no reaction. All he asked with a sobret voice was this, 'Did you ever throw up?'

HRW: Hamas guilty of Gaza war crimes

According to Human Rights Watch, Hamas is guilty for war crimes in and from Gaza. Watch their video on the war crimes of Hamas. People, nations, and organisations should stop accusing Israel prematurly and wait for genuine reports followed by thorough investigation. The Jewish Chronicle from 7 August 2009 reports how The Guardian is under fire for such false accusations.

What Britain should be concerned about is the hate-preacher touring UK mosques at the moment - it is that kind of religion and philosophy that is the root-cause of all the suffering of civilians in Israel and the PA areas.

Get rid of such wicked indocrination and abuse and you pave the way for peace, mutual respect and possible co-existence. John Hagee wrote the following in his book In Defense of Israel (pages 4, 7-8):

Israel is not the problem, and making Israel the scapegoat will not solve anything. The problem is the rejection of Israel's right to exist. The problem is radical Islam's bloodthirsty embrace of a theocratic dictatorship that belives they have a mandate from God to kill. The problem is the failure of the moderates in the Arab and Muslim world to stand up and rein in these Islamic extremists... While we look on all the people in the Middle East with love and compassion, we cannot ignore the leaders of the radical factions and their lust for the death and destruction of the Kewish people and the nation of Israel.

Hagee is right: Islamic radicalism against Israel (or anyone else) must be stopped, and it must be stopped now. The UK and other nations cannot allow hate-preachers and university professors sponsored by Saudi Arabia to affect mosques and schools on that grass-root level. I say this: if the grass-roots are affected, soon the radical movement is no longer a matter of the few, but of the many. So, is 'the party of the many' in this country taking a stand for the many who will be affected by radical Islam once it seeks to take over?

Don't fool the Blind...

There was a blind rabbi; and, of course, he knew his Bible by heart and taught from the Jewish teachers by heart. The thing was, he only knew the name of one of his pupils (students): Samuel (or, Shmuel, in Hebrew). So whenever he wanted his students to read a text, he always called, 'Shmuel, you read!' So Shmuel read. But after weeks and weeks of being the only student having to read, he was fed up and thought of a way around it. The next time, he said to himself, I'll fool the blind rabbi!

The next class started, and once again the blind rabbi said, 'Shmuel, you read!' So, instead of reading, Shmuel said with a silly voice (pretending to be someone else), 'Shmuel is sick today.' So the rabbi wondered what to do for a second and said, 'Ok, you read then!' (So he had to read with that silly voice...)

Don't fool the Blind, it might back-fire.

DC Talk - good Christian music

Injuries...

Nevermind another lousy pre-season friendly, the injuries of Liverpool players is really worrying now... Unless we get all top player fit for most of the season, we won't win it. We need them all and we need at the top of their game throughout the season. Nevermind the Champions League, we need to win the League title!

Alonso - a loss for Liverpool...

The news of Alonso's departure is saddening and a loss for Liverpool, but who knows what else they bring on.

Indescribable II

GOD IS REVEALED IN HIS CREATION!

Indescribable

GOD IS AWESOME, AMAZING, FANTASTIC, OVERWHELMING - HE IS CREATOR OF ALL LIFE AND THE UNIVERSE!

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