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(Washington, D.C.) -- Let's be honest. The cynics and haters won't be able to say one good thing about it. But the only fair analysis is that the President's two-day visit to Israel was the most successful visit by an American leader to the Jewish State in decades.
It was meticulously planned, remarkably well executed, safe from start to finish, and it accomplished just what it had to. What's more, the visit didn't get derailed by unforced errors or unnecessary controversies.
Above all, President Trump's visit profoundly reset and immensely strengthened the relationship between the U.S. and Israel, so badly strained after the eight years of the Obama administration. This is a very good and highly welcomed development.
The President had four clear objectives for the visit. He came:
To show his love for the State of Israel and reaffirm the U.S.-Israeli alliance
To stand in solidarity with the Israeli people against radical Islamist terrorism -- especially the threat of Iran and ISIS -- and in solidarity with the Jewish people who suffered catastrophically in the Holocaust
To visit Jewish and Christian holy and historic sites and show respect for both faiths
To meet with Israeli and Palestinian leaders to discuss next steps towards peace
He accomplished all this in spades. Indeed, to his credit, Mr. Trump is now:
The first U.S. President ever to visit Israel on his first official trip abroad.
The first U.S. President to visit the Western Wall, the holiest site in modern Judaism, and spend time in prayer and reflection there.
The first U.S. President to fly directly from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to Tel Aviv, Israel (promptly Prime Minister Netanyahu to say he hopes that a regional peace can be established that would allow him to fly from Tel Aviv to Riyadh.)
These firsts -- plus his clearly warm and personal interactions with Israeli leaders and his equally warm and encouraging official words reaffirming the U.S.-Israeli alliance in all of his prepared remarks -- were deeply appreciated by the Israeli people.
As the Times of Israelnoted, this was a "reference to the salaries paid by the [Palestinian Authority] to jailed Palestinian terrorists and to the families of Palestinian prisoners killed while committing terror attacks."
The President should be commended for raising this immensely important issue. As I've written, "It is impossible to move forward with any kind of peace process if the Palestinian government is paying more than $300 million a year to reward terrorists and their families. The Israeli government has called for an immediate repeal of this PA law and practice. The U.S. and other Arab governments should do so, as well, in order to truly move the prospects for real and lasting peace forward."
Hopefully we will soon learn that the President and his aides pressed this point even more in private discussions with Mr. Abbas.
On a separate note, I found it encouraging to see an American leader praying and meditating at the Western Wall. It was also encouraging to see him bring his family -- including his Jewish daughter and son-in-law -- to Yad Vashem, the Holocaust memorial museum, to show their respects to the six million Jews who perished at the hands of the Nazis.
What's more, consider what the President did not do on this trip. He:
Did not unveil an American-imposed peace plan and pressure Israel to accept it
Did not even use the words "two state solution" during his entire visit
Did not criticize Israeli settlements, or mention them publicly at all
Did not criticize Israeli policies of any kind
Did not surprise the Israelis with major announcements of any kind, much less any policies that weren't carefully discussed in advance
Did not go off message, either in his public remarks or on Twitter
Given the train wreck of the last eight years, and the tumultuous nature of the President's first 100 days, these are not small matters. Coming on the heels of a very successful -- and impressive -- visit to Saudi Arabia, they suggest Mr. Trump's seriousness about rebuilding U.S. alliances in the epicenter.
True, the President did not announce that he was moving the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, though he has repeatedly promised to do so, and which he should do. That said, most Israelis won't be bothered by this. The reset of the alliance is what matters most, and this was advanced beautifully.
What does the future hold? That's a great question. Even while saying countering Iran and eradicating the Islamic State are his top regional priorities, the President seems determined to get a comprehensive peace deal between the Israelis and Palestinians. Most experts see very little chance of a breakthrough any time soon. Indeed, there's a very real risk that such efforts could distract from efforts to deal with Iran and ISIS. I'll analyze this in the weeks ahead.
For now, it's enough to be grateful for a successful presidential visit to the epicenter. Finally we have an administration that wants to reset and strengthen the U.S.-Israeli alliance. Finally we have an administration willing to call out radical Islamist terrorism. Indeed, finally we have an administration willing and able to recognize -- and determined to capitalize on -- the historic strategic alignment underway in the region between Israel and the Sunni Arabs.
Let's be grateful that some of our prayers have been answered. And as we continue praying for the peace of Jerusalem, and for stability and security for everyone in the region, let's keep praying for U.S., Israeli and Arab leaders to have the wisdom to make continued progress, despite so many obstacles, challenges and enemies.
Love For His People Editor's Note: I wholeheartedly agree with Joel on this (as I seem to always do on everything he presents.) Well said as usual Joel! Steve Martin Founder/President Love For His People, Inc.
President Donald Trump spent much of the final day of his two-day visit to Israel speaking.
The president's most important speech, arguably, was his final speech of the day at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem. Prior to his remarks, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke about the thousands of years of Jewish history in the Holy Land, as well as the alliance between the U.S. and Israel.
The following is a transcript of President Trump's speech:
Thank you very much. It's very nice. And thank you to Prime Minister Netanyahu. And I also want to thank Sara for hosting us last night in really a very unforgettable dinner. We had a great time. We talked about a lot of very, very important things. And thank you to Ambassador David Friedman and Mrs. Friedman for joining us, along with a number of very good friends who have come from our country to yours, as we reaffirm the unshakable bond between the United States of America and Israel. Thank you.
I'd like to begin my remarks today by sending the thoughts and prayers of the entire American people to the victims of the terrorist attack in Manchester. You know—you've all been watching. You've seen just a horrible thing going on. I want to send our condolences to the many families who lost their loved ones. Horrific, horrific injuries. Terrible. Dozens of innocent people, beautiful young children savagely murdered in this heinous attack upon humanity. I repeat again that we must drive out the terrorists and the extremists from our midst, obliterate this evil ideology, and protect and defend our citizens and people of the world.
All civilized nations much be united in this effort. This trip is focused on that goal: bringing nations together around the goal of defeating the terrorism that threatens the world and crushing the hateful ideology that drives it so hard and seems to be driving it so fast.
It is a privilege to stand here in this national museum, in the ancient city of Jerusalem, to address the Israeli people and all people in the Middle East who yearn for security, prosperity and peace.
Jerusalem is a sacred city. Its beauty, splendor and heritage are like no other place on Earth. What a heritage. What a heritage. The ties of the Jewish people to this Holy Land are ancient and eternal. They date back thousands of years, including the reign of King David whose star now flies proudly on Israel's white and blue flag. Yesterday, I visited the Western Wall, and marveled at the monument to God's presence and man's perseverance. I was humbled to place my hand upon the wall and to pray in that holy space for wisdom from God. I also visited and prayed at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, a site revered by Christians throughout the world. I laid a wreath at Yad Vashem, honoring, remembering and mourning the six million Jews who were murdered in the Holocaust. I pledged right then and there what I pledge again today: the words "never again."
Israel is a testament to the unbreakable spirit of the Jewish people. From all parts of this great country, one message resounds, and that is the message of hope. Down through the ages, the Jewish people have suffered persecution, oppression and even those who have sought their destruction. But, through it all, they have endured and, in fact, they have thrived. I stand in awe of the accomplishments of the Jewish people, and I make this promise to you: My administration will always stand with Israel.
Through your hardships, you have created one of the most abundant lands anywhere in the world—a land that is rich not only in history, culture and opportunity, but especially in spirit. This museum where we are gathered today tells the story of that spirit. From the two Holy Temples, to the glorious heights of Masada, we see an incredible story of faith and perseverance. That faith is what inspired Jews to believe in their destiny, to overcome their despair, and to build here—right here—a future that others dared not even to dream.
In Israel, not only are Jews free to till the soil, teach their children, and pray to God in the ancient land of their fathers—and they love this land, and they love God—but Muslims, Christians and people of all faiths are free to live and worship according to their conscience, and to follow their dreams, right here.
Today, gathered with friends, I call upon all people—Jews, Christians, Muslims, and every faith, every tribe, every creed— to draw inspiration from this ancient city, to set aside our sectarian differences, to overcome oppression and hatred, and to give all children the freedom and hope and dignity written into our souls.
Earlier this week, I spoke at a very historic summit in Saudi Arabia. I was hosted by King Salman -- a very wise man. There, I urged our friends in the Muslim world to join us in creating stability, safety and security. And I was deeply encouraged by the desire of many leaders to join us in cooperation toward these shared and vital goals.
Conflict cannot continue forever. The only question is when nations will decide that they have had enough -- enough bloodshed, enough killing. That historic summit represents a new opportunity for people throughout the Middle East to overcome sectarian and religious divisions, to extinguish the fires of extremism, and to find common ground and shared responsibility in making the future of this region so much better than it is right now.
Change must come from within. It can only come from within. No mother or father wants their children to grow up in a world where terrorists roam free, schoolchildren are murdered, and their loved ones are taken. No child is born with prejudice in their heart. No one should teach young boys and girls to hate and to kill. No civilized nation can tolerate the massacre of innocents with chemical weapons.
My message to that summit was the same message I have for you: We must build a coalition of partners who share the aim of stamping out extremists and violence, and providing our children a peaceful and hopeful future. But a hopeful future for children in the Middle East requires the world to fully recognize the vital role of the State of Israel. And, on behalf of the United States, we pledge to stand by you and defend our shared values so that together we can defeat terrorism and create safety for all of God's children.
Israelis have experienced firsthand the hatred and terror of radical violence. Israelis are murdered by terrorists wielding knives and bombs. Hamas and Hezbollah launch rockets into Israeli communities where schoolchildren have to be trained to hear the sirens and run to the bomb shelters—with fear, but with speed. ISIS targets Jewish neighborhoods, synagogues and storefronts. And Iran's leaders routinely call for Israel's destruction. Not with Donald J. Trump, believe me.
Despite these challenges, Israel is thriving as a sovereign nation, and no international body should question the contributions Israel makes to the region and, indeed, the world. Today, let us pray for that peace and for a more hopeful future across the Middle East.
There are those who present a false choice. They say that we must choose between supporting Israel and supporting Arab and Muslim nations in the region. That is completely wrong. All decent people want to live in peace, and all humanity is threatened by the evils of terrorism. Diverse nations can unite around the goal of protecting innocent life, upholding human dignity and promoting peace and stability in the region.
My administration is committed to pursuing such a coalition, and we have already made substantial progress during this trip. We know, for instance, that both Israelis and Palestinians seek lives of hope for their children. And we know that peace is possible if we put aside the pain and disagreements of the past and commit together to finally resolving this crisis, which has dragged on for nearly half a century or more.
As I have repeatedly said, I am personally committed to helping Israelis and Palestinians achieve a peace agreement, and I had a meeting this morning with President Abbas and can tell you that the Palestinians are ready to reach for peace. I know you've heard it before. I am telling you—that's what I do. They are ready to reach for peace.
In my meeting with my very good friend, Benjamin, I can tell you also that he is reaching for peace. He wants peace. He loves people. He especially loves the Israeli people. Benjamin Netanyahu wants peace.
Making peace, however, will not be easy. We all know that. Both sides will face tough decisions. But with determination, compromise and the belief that peace is possible, Israelis and Palestinians can make a deal.
But even as we work toward peace, we will build strength to defend our nations. The United States is firmly committed to keep Iran from developing a nuclear weapon and halting their support of terrorists and militias. So we are telling you right now that Iran will not have nuclear weapons.
America's security partnership with Israel is stronger than ever. Under my administration, you see the difference—big, big beautiful difference—including the Iron Dome missile defense program, which has been keeping the Israeli people safe from short-range rockets launched by Hezbollah and Hamas, and David's Sling, which guards against long range missiles. It is my hope that someday, very soon, Israeli children will never need to rush towards shelters again as sirens ring out loud and clear.
Finally, the United States is proud that Israeli Air Force pilots are flying the incredible, new American F-35 planes. There is nothing in the world like them to defend their nation, and it was wonderful to see these mighty aircraft in the skies over Israel recently as you celebrated the 69th anniversary of Israel's independence.
But even as we strengthen our partnership in practice, let us always remember our highest ideals. Let us never forget that the bond between our two nations is woven together in the hearts of our people, and their love of freedom, hope and dignity for every man and every woman. Let us dream of a future where Jewish, Muslim and Christian children can grow up together and live together in trust, harmony, tolerance and respect.
The values that are practiced in Israel have inspired millions and millions of people all across the world. The conviction of Theodor Herzl rings true today: "Whatever we attempt there for our own benefit will rebound mightily and beneficially to the good of all mankind."
As we stand in Jerusalem, we see pilgrims of all faiths coming to this land to walk on this hallowed ground. Jews place the prayers from their hearts in the stone blocks of the beautiful Western Wall. Christians pray in the pews of an ancient church. Muslims answer the call to prayer at their holy sites. This city, like no other place in the world, reveals the longing of human hearts to know and to worship God.
Jerusalem stands as a reminder that life can flourish against any odds. When we look around this city—so beautiful—and we see people of all faiths engaged in reverent worship, and schoolchildren learning side-by-side, and men and women lifting up the needy and forgotten, we see that God's promise of healing has brought goodness to so many lives. We see that the people of this land had the courage to overcome the oppression and injustice of the past and to live in the freedom God intends for every person on this earth.
Today, in Jerusalem, we pray and we hope that children around the world will be able to live without fear, to dream without limits and to prosper without violence. I ask this land of promise to join me to fight our common enemies, to pursue our shared values and to protect the dignity of every child of God.
Thank you. God bless you. God bless the state of Israel. And God bless the United States. Thank you very much.
In the video clip above, you can see the president's full speech.
Prior to that, President Trump visited Yad Vashem, the memorial to the six million Jews killed during the Holocaust. The following is a complete transcript of his brief remarks at the memorial:
We are here at Yad Vashem to honor the memory of six million Jews murdered in the Holocaust. Two-thirds of the Jews in Europe were sent to their deaths. Words can never describe the bottomless depths of that evil or the scope of the anguish and destruction.
It was history's darkest hour. Millions of innocent, wonderful and beautiful lives—men, women and children—were extinguished as part of a systematic attempt to eliminate the Jewish people. It was the most savage crime against God and his children. And it is our solemn duty to remember, to mourn, to grieve and to honor every single life that was so cruelly and viciously taken.
As Elie Wiesel said: "For the dead and the living, we must bear witness." These words should be carved into the conscience of humanity forever. Only when we remember the families who were torn apart from everyone they loved, who suffered that terrible darkness and evil, who endured the unbearable horror of the Holocaust—only then can we prevent this agony from ever repeating.
This place, and this entire nation, are a testament to the unbreakable spirit of the Jewish people—and the hope that light can shine the path beyond the darkness. Through persecution, oppression, death and destruction, the Jewish people have persevered. They have thrived. They've become so successful in so many places. And they have enlightened the world. The state of Israel is a strong and soaring monument to the solemn pledge we repeat and affirm: Never again.
From the depths of the suffering, the Jewish people have built a mighty nation—and the Star of David waves proudly above this cherished land.
As long as we refuse to be silent in the face of evil, as long as we refuse to dim the light of truth in the midst of darkness, as long as we refuse to become bystanders to barbarity, then we know that goodness, peace and justice will ultimately prevail.
With sadness for the lives and dreams that were stolen from this earth, with determination to always keep the memories of the victims alive, and with resolve to confront evil wherever it threatens, we ask God to give us the strength, wisdom and courage to chart the righteous path.
Thank you. God bless the memory of the perished. God bless the survivors. God bless the Jewish people. And God bless the state of Israel. Thank you for having me. Thank you.
You can see that speech in the video clip below.
In his first speech of the day, however, he spoke jointly with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas following their meetings in Bethlehem. Much of his comments were directed toward the perpetrators of the Manchester concert bombing.
Abbas also spoke. You can see their entire event in the video clip below.
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Pastor Jim and Lori discuss things. With special guest Rabbi Jonathan Cahn.
Quotes
What happened in this election was not the answer. It’s a window. It’s a window for the answer. – Rabbi Cahn
But God uses unlikely people. He uses people who at times may not even know Him. He will use people. – Rabbi Cahn
I believe we have to speak to power. We have to speak to the throne. And the Lord just keeps opening the door. – Rabbi Cahn
Scriptures
II Kings 22:20 MEV Therefore, I will gather you to your fathers, and you will be gathered to your grave in peace. Your eyes will not see all the evil which I am about to bring upon this place.” Then they brought the king a report.
Genesis 12:3 MEV I will bless them who bless youand curse him who curses you, and in you all families of the earthwill be blessed.”
Jeremiah 30:2 MEV Thus says the Lord God of Israel: Write all the words that I have spoken to you in a book.
Join us on our podcast each weekday for an interesting story, well told, from Charisma News. Listen at charismapodcastnetwork.com.
Seizing on an Iranian missile test, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and new U.S. President Donald Trump are nearing common ground on a tougher U.S. policy towards Tehran ahead of their first face-to-face talks at the White House.
But people familiar with the Trump administration's thinking say its evolving strategy is likely to be aimed not at "dismantling" Iran's July 2015 nuclear deal with six world powers—as presidential candidate Trump sometimes advocated—but tightening its enforcement and pressuring the Islamic Republic into renegotiating key provisions.
Options, they say, would include wider scrutiny of Iran's compliance by the U.N. nuclear watchdog (IAEA), including access to Iranian military sites, and removing "sunset" terms that allow some curbs on Iranian nuclear activity to start expiring in 10 years and lift other limits after 15 years.
In a shift of position for Netanyahu, all signs in Israel point to him being on board with the emerging U.S. plan. Two years ago, he infuriated the Obama White House by addressing the U.S. Congress to rally hawkish opposition to a budding Iran pact he condemned as a "historic mistake" that should be torn up.
As Trump and Netanyahu prepare for their Feb. 15 meeting, focus has shifted to Iran's ballistic missile test last week.
The White House said the missile launch was not a direct breach of the nuclear deal but "violates the spirit of that." Trump responded by slapping fresh sanctions on individuals and entities, some of them linked to Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards (IRGC).
A U.N. Security Council resolution underpinning the nuclear pact urges Iran to refrain from testing missiles designed to be able to carry nuclear warheads, but imposes no obligation.
However, Trump tweeted, "Iran is playing with fire" and "they don't appreciate how 'kind' President Obama was to them. Not me!" Trump's national security adviser, Michael Flynn, said Washington was putting Tehran on notice over its "destabilizing activity." Netanyahu "appreciated" the comments.
Tehran bristled, warning that "roaring missiles" would fall on its enemies if its security is threatened. It also said its military would never initiate a war.
Meeting of Minds Over Missile Test
Beyond the rhetoric, the missile test gave the new Republican president and the conservative Israeli leader—who had an often acrimonious relationship with Trump's Democratic predecessor Barack Obama—an early chance to show they are on the same page in seeking to restrain Iranian military ambitions.
Netanyahu wrote on Facebook last week: "At my upcoming meeting with President Trump in Washington, I intend to raise the renewal of sanctions against Iran in this context and in other contexts. Iranian aggression must not go unanswered."
In London for talks with British Prime Minister Theresa May on Monday, Netanyahu said "responsible" nations should follow Trump's imposition of new sanctions as Iran remained a deadly menace to Israel and "threatens the world."
Netanyahu also said Washington should lead the way, with Israel and Britain, in "setting clear boundaries" for Tehran.
But he stopped short of any call to cancel the nuclear accord. Israeli officials privately acknowledged that he would not advocate ripping up a deal that has been emphatically reaffirmed by the other big power signatories—Britain, France, Germany, Russia and China—since Trump's election victory.
Russia said on Monday it disagreed with Trump's assessment of Iran as "the number one terrorist state" and a Russian diplomat said any move to rework the nuclear pact would inflame Middle East tensions. "Don't try to fix what is not broken," Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said.
Iran has ruled out reworking the deal, and Trump's stance could weaken the hand of pragmatists in Tehran who have been willing to negotiate a detente with the West after decades of volatile confrontation, a former senior Iranian official said.
Under the accord, Tehran received relief from global economic sanctions and in return committed to capping its uranium enrichment well below the level needed for bomb-grade material, cutting the number of its centrifuge enrichment machines by two-thirds, reducing its enriched uranium stockpile and submitting to a more intrusive IAEA inspections regime.
Diplomats close to the IAEA consider the deal a success so far, voicing little concern with overall Iranian compliance—despite Netanyahu's insistence that it will only pave the Islamic Republic's path towards nuclear weapons once major restrictions expire 15 years after its signing.
Pressure Points Other Than Scrapping Deal
With German, French and British firms busy cultivating new business with Iran, Washington's peers in the six-power group almost surely would rebuff any U.S. thrust to reopen the deal.
Daniel Shapiro, who recently ended his tenure as U.S. ambassador to Israel under Obama, told Reuters he would be surprised if Trump and Netanyahu "determined so early in the time working together that they would rather scrap that agreement than try to enforce it in a tough manner and put other pressures unrelated to that deal on the Iranians."
Some foreign policy experts say U.S. efforts to tighten the screws on Iran could seek to goad it into ditching the nuclear accord in hopes that Tehran—and not Washington—would then have to shoulder international blame for its collapse.
According to Israel's Haaretz newspaper, an Israeli intelligence assessment recently presented to Netanyahu said revoking the pact would be an error, causing a chasm between Washington and other signatories like Russia and China.
Amos Yadlin, former head of Israeli military intelligence, said there were many areas outside the deal where pressure could be applied on Iran to change what he called its negative behavior of "subversiveness, supporting terrorism."
But beyond new sanctions and sharpened rhetoric, analysts say, it is unclear how far Trump could go. Arguments for restraint would include the risk of military escalation in the Gulf, out of which 40 percent of the world's seaborne crude oil is shipped, and strong European support for the nuclear deal.
Though the new U.S. strategy is in the early stages of development, the Trump administration, the sources say, is considering a range of measures, including seeking "zero tolerance" for any Iranian violations.
Trump's aides accused the Obama administration of turning a blind eye to some alleged Iranian infractions to avoid anything that would undermine confidence in the integrity of the deal. Obama administration officials denied being "soft" on Iran.
Other U.S. strategy options, the sources say, include sanctioning Iranian industries that aid missile development and designating as a terrorist group the Revolutionary Guards, accused by U.S. officials of fueling Middle East proxy wars. That designation could also dissuade foreign investment in Iran because the Guards oversee a sprawling business empire there.
The administration, one source said, is counting on the Europeans to eventually get on board since their companies might think twice about closing major deals in Iran for fear new "secondary" U.S. sanctions would penalize them too.
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Benjamin Netanyahu's outrage over President Obama's final attempt to harm Israel is justified.
Shortly before lighting the first candle of Hanukkah commemorating the rededication of the Temple over 2,000 years ago, Netanyahu attacked the American, saying that "the Obama administration carried out a shameful anti-Israel ploy at the UN."
So it was that on the eve of Hanukkah, the UN Security Council approved yet another anti-Israel resolution, which says among other things that the international community "reaffirms that the establishment by Israel of settlements in the Palestinian territory occupied since 1967, including East Jerusalem, has no legal validity and constitutes a flagrant violation under international law and a major obstacle to the achievement of the two-state solution and a just, lasting and comprehensive peace."
Such a resolution is nothing new, as Israel is repeatedly condemned by this institution. What's new is not only Obama's blatant refusal to honor his written commitment to stand by Israel at the UN. It is also safe to assume from Netanyahu's response that Obama was the instigator of said resolution. "We knew that this [shameful ploy] is possible and we expected that it will come," the Israeli said.
Netanyahu's opponents at home insist this was Obama's payback for his hostility toward the American president. But this explanation contradicts all those who kept emphasizing that the Obama administration is not motivated by feelings, but by American interests, including maintaining a strong alliance with Israel.
If this is the case, and I think it is, Obama's part in concocting this anti-Israel resolution, which goes so far as to call the Western Wall an occupied place, represents American interests, which are now evidently opposed to the interests of the State Israel as represented by Israel's Prime Minister.
Obama's hostility toward Israel was played out before. Well remembered is the angry 2009 phone conversation between the two leaders, after which the White House released a picture with the soles of Obama's shoes on full display. For the uninformed, it simply shows the president in a relaxed posture. But those more familiar with the Arab world know it was a carefully-calculated effort to humiliate Netanyahu. For Israel's Arab foes, showing the sole of one's shoe is an insult of the highest degree.
Obama's resentment toward Israel has come out on numerous other occasions, including the suspension of weapons shipments during the 2014 military campaign against Gaza.
The proximity between Hanukkah and Obama's final attempt to harm Israel is peculiar, to say the least. Jews across the world are now lighting the Menorah for eight days, during which they sing the ancient poem of Maoz Tzur Yeshuati (my refuge and rock of salvation). This poem reminds us that:
Furiously they assailed us, But Thine arm availed us, And Thy word broke their sword, When our own strength failed us.
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