Like a Cancer, Jimmy Carter Espouses Anti-Israel Venom - JONATHAN FELDSTEIN CHARISMA NEWS

Like a perennial groundhog, Jimmy Carter emerges to spout his anti-Israel venom. (Flickr )

Like a Cancer, Jimmy Carter Espouses Anti-Israel Venom

12/2/2016 JONATHAN FELDSTEIN  CHARISMA NEWS

It's always interesting when Jimmy Carter raises his head from the depths of his presidency in exile, like a perennial groundhog.

The main difference is that when groundhogs raise their head, it forecasts either more winter or an early spring. In Carter's case, it's always gloom and blame of Israel. As President Reagan famously and appropriately quipped, "There you go again."

It's novel for Jimmy Carter to use the anniversary of the U.N. Partition vote to be heard from most recently. He's too smart to make errors of the magnitude that he has in his New York Times op-ed, so I must write it off to his willfully misleading the reader. Let's address some of his misrepresentations.

For starters, if on Nov. 29, 1947 the Arabs (the only ones referred to as "Palestinians" then were Jews) had accepted the U.N. Partition Plan, they'd have a state today, side by side with Israel. 

Carter disingenuously denies this, asserting that "peace is in danger of abrogation" as if Israel is the sole cause for the lack of peace. The fact is that if the Arabs laid down their weapons and stopped their rhetoric and incitement against Israel, they'd have peace tomorrow. He writes with arrogance as if only his voice is valid, but the truth is many former presidents and world leaders have spoken the truth, which Carter conveniently ignores.

Take President Clinton, a fellow Democrat, who also spent more than a little time on the Israel-Arab conflict. Clinton blamed the Palestinians squarely for the failed negotiations during his presidency. "I killed myself to give the Palestinians a state. I had a deal they turned down that would have given them all of Gaza ... between 96 and 97 percent of the West Bank, compensating land in Israel, you name it."

He blamed Yasser Arafat directly for the failure of the 2000 Camp David Summit.

Continuing to rest his hat on a stack of half-truths, non-truths and innuendo, Carter chides Israel for the fact that Palestinian Arabs are not Israeli citizens. Of course, they aren't. They want their own state.

Why should they be Israeli citizens? Many Palestinian Arabs are not citizens of the actual states in which they live including Syria, Lebanon and others. Why does Carter single out Israel, the Jewish state, as being responsible to grant citizenship to non-Israeli Palestinian Arabs who live in the Palestinian Authority? In fact, don't all states have the right to determine what if any non-citizens actually can become citizens?

He adds to this the outright lie that "most (Palestinian Arabs) live under Israeli military rule." That's absurd. Most, the vast majority, live under Palestinian Authority or Hamas rule. These are simple facts he willfully misrepresents.

Carter inflates the number of Israeli residents of Judea and Samaria, "the West Bank," (or what he calls Palestine) by some 50 percent, from some 400,000 to 600,000. He must have his head back during his presidency when inflation was at record highs. Either way, he's deliberately and maliciously wrong.

There are many narratives that make up the conflict here, but willfully ignoring and misrepresenting facts is below the belt. Carter has ingested the Palestinian Kool Aid, and with it ascribes 100 percent blame of Israel, and a 100 percent pass for the Palestinians. In the world, according to Carter, Israel can do no right, and the Palestinians can do no wrong.

For instance, Carter not only ignores that thousands of Israelis (and Americans) have been killed and maimed by Palestinian Arab terror against Israel since he left office, but in his infamous book accusing Israel of apartheid, he even suggests that such terror is legitimate. Carter ignores the dozens of terror tunnels built, and thousands of rockets fired by his friends in Hamas, excusing their behavior as "boys will be boys," disregarding the abject theft of resources that could be used to build the state of Palestine for which he advocates rather than destroying Israel. Carter turns a blind eye to Hamas' use of civilians as human shields, the definition of a war crime if there ever were one.

World leaders decried and condemned Hamas' human rights violation including President Obama, Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon, Prime Minister Cameron, Chancellor Merkel, President Hollande and Prime Minister Harper. President Clinton's comments were perhaps most clear, "Hamas was perfectly aware of what would happen if they started raining rockets into Israel. They fired 1,000 and they have a strategy designed to force Israel to kill their own civilians so that the rest of the world will condemn them. They (Israel) know when Hamas attacks them that Hamas has set up a situation which politically it can't lose, because they (Israelis) can say, 'Well if I attack them back they always hide behind civilians and I'll kill civilians, and if I don't we'll look like fools letting somebody shoot a thousand rockets at us and not responding."

Yet Carter remains deaf, dumb and mute.

And Carter doesn't seem to blink at the notion that his "Palestine" would be Judenrein, forbidden for Jews to live there, albeit contradicting the very 1947 Partition Plan vote on whose anniversary he writes. One might term this "pick and choose diplomacy."

On a 2009 visit to Israel, Carter visited my neighborhood south of Jerusalem and refered to this as areas Israel would not have to cede in a final status solution.

While it's not up to Carter what Israel should or shouldn't cede, he contradicts himself by referring to the "illegality of all Israeli settlements." Carter represents it as if there are not equally valid conflicting legal opinions. He preaches as if his is view is gospel, as if his initials imbue him with the sense of divinity of another more famous J.C. If such communities were illegal, what gives Carter the right to decide what can or can't stay Israeli in the event of a peace agreement with our neighbors? 

Carter purports to be a Christian, but someone must have taken an eraser to his Bible, purging reference to God giving the land of Israel to the Jewish people. Someone please send him a new Bible and pray that he changes his ways.

I have followed Jimmy Carter since I was a student at Emory, when Carter started what we called his presidency in exile. He remains angry that he lost the 1980 election, and that Prime Minister Begin did not roll over and do everything Carter wanted in peace talks with Egypt. I have challenged Carter on his half-truths and misrepresentations in person and in writing.

We were used to this then, and sadly nothing has changed. His anti-Israel venom spreads like brain cancer and is a disease that he uses to infect others.

He needs to be called out and not allowed to let these misrepresentations go unchallenged. President Reagan's rebuke remains valid today as it was then.  

Jonathan Feldstein was born and educated in the U.S. and immigrated to Israel in 2004. He is married and the father of six. Throughout his life and career, he has been blessed by the calling to fellowship with Christian supporters of Israel and shares experiences of living as an Orthodox Jew in Israel. He writes a regular column for charismanews.com's Standing With Israel. He can be reached at firstpersonisrael@gmail.com.

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Terrorism That Hits Close to Home in Israel - JONATHAN FELDSTEIN CHARISMA NEWS

A Palestinian Arab terrorist was found and 'neutralized' in Standing With Israel Columnist Jonathan Feldstein's Efrat neighborhood last weekend. (Jonathan Feldstein )

Terrorism That Hits Close to Home in Israel

9/22/2016 JONATHAN FELDSTEIN  CHARISMA NEWS

This past Sunday I woke up early, very early. Not by choice, but because I was very jet lagged from my recent speaking tour in the U.S.

I turned on the news to see what happened overnight. Both the international English cable news and Hebrew Israeli news were reporting live on the terrorist bombing in New York. I was shocked, and my thoughts and prayers turned to the residents and law enforcement professionals.

Throughout the broadcast, I kept hearing sound of traffic, heavy vehicles, and sirens. They sounded close to home, but I wrote it off due to my exhaustion as background noise from the live broadcasts in New York. 

I was glued to the TV and news happening 6,000 miles away. Then I got the SMS from the security department in our town (Efrat, Israel). What was unfolding in front of me on TV, and in my front yard, was surreal. But you probably only heard about the news from New York.

Setting the stage for what was happening in my neighborhood, it had been a weekend of lots of violence in Israel. There were several stabbings and car rammings that continued into the new week for five days straight, as of this writing.

As I slept, under the cover of darkness, a Palestinian Arab terrorist was spotted entering my town from his adjacent town. Overnight, led by our volunteer rapid response security team and many soldiers, a manhunt began to find the intruder. I got wind of this all around 5:00 a.m. Residents were instructed to stay indoors until further notice. About an hour later, reports started coming in that the terrorist was found and shot. "Neutralized."

The terrorist was found in a neighbor's yard where he surprised a soldier, stabbing and critically wounding him. Twenty minutes later, dozens of neighbors would have passed that exact spot, many casually on foot, not quite awake yet, heading off to the early morning prayer service at my synagogue. Despite the soldier's serious wounds, a much greater potential tragedy was avoided. A miracle.

However, to be sure we were all safe, dozens of soldiers fanned out across my neighborhood, literally going door to door, looking under and behind anything and everything, to make sure that the one terrorist didn't hurt anyone previously, and that there weren't more terrorists. We were all still on lockdown. 

About an hour after that, as my oldest daughter was getting anxious that she was going to miss her ride to school an hour away, we got the all-clear. I drove her to her ride, and saw dozens more soldiers and military vehicles up the block blanketing our neighborhood. She made it and things started getting back to normal.

After the all clear, neighbors started coming out of their houses, talking together and comparing thoughts. It reminded me of the time a rocket from Gaza landed across the valley from our homes in the 2014 Gaza war, and resembled the Munchkins slowly coming out after Dorothy's house landed in Munchkin Land, killing the Wicked Witch.

We got the all-clear in time to get all the other kids to school, though they were understandably scared to walk to the bus. As I drove them, my 11-year-old son said he was nervous. I tried to calm him with the parental, "everything will be OK." But how could he not be nervous? And how could I be sure it would be OK? 

I was glad that he articulated it because overcoming fear like this requires first being able to affirm it. Many Israeli children carry traumas like these with them, so it was important to start the dialogue. Hopefully the increased security presence at all the schools that day was something that brought comfort, not something creating more fear and stress.

After taking him to the bus, I brought a cake to the soldiers still in our neighborhood. It was a really good one left over from our Shabbat. But it was morning, they had been up all night, and they needed and certainly deserved it more than I did. They spent the night watching my back figuratively, and I gave it to them to say thanks, and as to watch my waistline.

Now everything is back to "normal"—almost. The sounds of the heavy military vehicles and sirens were replaced by sounds of kids in the street and adults driving car pool and going to work. The one sound missing was that of the din of the heavy machinery grinding down the ancient Judean Mountains across the valley, excavating new neighborhoods in our town.

No Palestinian Arab workers were allowed in town that day. But by the next day, everything was back to normal with hundreds of Arab men carrying heavy tools coming to work right up the block. 

Later in the day, I realized that while the incident in our town was relatively minor, it comes in the context of yet another increased wave of violence, leaving many Israelis hurt, some severely. Looking at this through my son's eyes, I realized that our children carry a great burden.

My son's response was normal. But then I wondered about his friend whose father died, and thousands of others who've lost a parent or sibling due to terror or other tragedy. I understood how the trauma of listening to the news or reading the morning paper could inflict a sense of fear and insecurity that adds to the trauma they have already suffered. Regular violence compounds deep-seeded trauma.

I developed a new appreciation for the work I do every day with The Koby Mandell Foundation, kobymandell.org, to heal the invisible scars of women and children who have lost a loved one. Healing from grief is not a finite process. Grief doesn't just stop.

And even when one is recovering, a stabbing in the Judean Mountains far away can open the wounds and set back the healing process. I am grateful for the opportunity I have to do what I do because the renewed and ongoing potential for terror attacks in Israel remains a daily reality. 

Organizations like The Koby Mandell Foundation are all the more critical when terror is in the news, even when it's quiet, or the terror attacks just aren't reported, because even invisible scars never quite go away. 

Jonathan Feldstein was born and educated in the U.S. and immigrated to Israel in 2004. He is married and the father of six. Throughout his life and career, he has been blessed by the calling to fellowship with Christian supporters of Israel and shares experiences of living as an Orthodox Jew in Israel. He writes a regular column for charismanews.com's Standing With Israel. He can be reached at firstpersonisrael@gmail.com.

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Unsportsmanlike Conduct: Israeli-Arab Conflict Rears Ugly Head at Olympics - JONATHAN FELDSTEIN CHARISMA NEWS

Maria Bernabeu of Spain and Linda Bolder of Israel (in blue) compete in Judo during the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Toru Hanai/Reuters )

Unsportsmanlike Conduct: Israeli-Arab Conflict Rears Ugly Head at Olympics

8/12/2016 JONATHAN FELDSTEIN  CHARISMA NEWS

I hosted a Christian journalist recently. She wanted to visit a "settlement" to see for herself what life is like—to understand better the Jewish connection to biblical Judea and Samaria and actual life on the ground here in Israel.

What she learned, witnessed and took away is very different from that which is portrayed in the world media, and among those with anti-Israel agendas that delegitimize Israel's very existence. 

At the top of a hill overlooking the adjacent Arab village next to my neighborhood, so close that someone with a good arm could throw a baseball from one to the other, I noted how there was no wall, no fence, and that relations are good. This is because it's in their interest and because they know that, together, we both thrive. They don't want a barrier. If there were to be one, they'd want to be on our side of it.

I shared how until the beginning of the second intifada in 2000, Palestinian Arab kids used to walk across the rock strewn hill between our communities to play soccer with the Jewish Israeli kids of our town. (Full disclosure: I never witnessed that, but was told first hand by numerous others who did.) But I did witness my oldest son playing soccer in Jerusalem against other teams, including a really good Arab team, coached by a legendary former member of Israel's national soccer team. Maybe Israeli Jews and Arabs don't get along all the time, and more so for our Palestinian Arab neighbors, but we do get along much of the time. Sometimes sports can be a means through which to do so.

Sadly, at the global sporting event that's so significant it's only held every four years and supposed to be the penultimate model of sportsmanlike conduct, a code of behavior that extends beyond the field, any sense of Arabs and Jews getting along is the exception to the rule. While most famous was the 1972 slaying of 11 Israeli athletes in Munich, recognized by the International Olympic Committee for the first time this year in Rio, this year's Olympics have been tarred with Arab unsportsmanlike conduct that we've grown to expect. When it comes to Israel and sports, for most Arab neighbors it's still no holds barred.

As the festivities were about to begin this year, literally with athletes on the way to the opening ceremony, members of the Lebanese team refused to travel on the same bus as Israeli athletes, with some physically attempting to block the Israelis from boarding the vehicle.

"I kept on insisting that we board the bus and said that the Lebanese ... are welcome to leave," Udi Gal, Israel's sailing trainer, reported on Facebook. "The driver opened the door, but ... the head of the Lebanese delegation blocked the aisle and entrance. The organizers wanted to avoid an international and physical incident and sent us away to a different bus."

While reported in June when it happened, in the spotlight of Rio and in the context of overall Arab unsportsmanlike conduct there, Syrian boxer Ala Ghasoun quit the world boxing championship, which was a precondition to qualify for the Olympics for refusing to compete against an Israeli. "I quit because my rival was Israeli, and I cannot shake his hand or compete against him while he represents a Zionist regime that kills the Syrian people," Ghasoun crowed. "If I fight against him, it would mean that I, as an athlete, and Syria, as a state, recognize the state of Israel."

Ghasoun added, "The decision to quit was not mine. It was made by the Syrian Sports Federation and by senior Syrian officials. It was a very difficult decision, because I have worked hard to participate in the championship. But I serve my homeland—my honor and my loyalty belong to Syria." He may not have gotten to fight as he trained, but he did deal a knock out to any sense of peaceful coexistence.

Early in the games, a Saudi athlete, Joud Fahmy, similarly forfeited her first-round judo match, in what Israeli media noted was a maneuver to avoid facing an Israeli judo fighter in the next round.

The Saudi team at least tried to mask their intent and not whitewash it in nationalistic pride or anti-Israel rhetoric. They tweeted that Fahmy had sustained injuries while training and was advised by medical staff not to compete was refuted by Israeli TV which reported that Fahmy was not hurt, but simply dropped out to avoid competing against the Israeli.

Though Saudi Arabia does not recognize Israel, an ex-Saudi general led a delegation to Jerusalem recently. Conciliatory moves like this create hope that normal ties between Israel and Saudi Arabia might not be far off. But in this case, the judoka cold have been a sharp shooter because all she did was shoot herself in the foot.

Another foul, but surely not the last, came from a tennis player from Tunis. Malek Jaziri was set to play Israeli Amir Weintraub in the Quarterfinal of ATP Challenger Tennis tournament in Tashkent. But he was sent an email barring him from playing. Tunisia's state news agency boasted that Jaziri received an official email stating, "you are ordered not to play against the Israeli player."

While Israel sported its largest delegation ever, with 47 athletes competing in 17 sports, the Palestinian Authority also fielded its largest delegation with six athletes. Controversy began early with one of their athletes making a series of slanderous claims that she couldn't train because of Israel. Claims of "immense training difficulties" by Palestinian Olympian Mary al-Atrash have rippled across the media over her apparent stretching of the truth.

In June, Reuters reported that the 22-year-old swimmer from Beit Sahour, near Bethlehem, didn't have an adequate pool in which to train. The truth is that she had several places near her hometown where she could have trained. For example, the Murad resort near Bethlehem boasts four Olympic-sized pools.

She could have trained in Jerusalem, but never applied for a permit to do so, as other Palestinian athletes have refused to do in the past. This made her specious claims all the more invalid, that rather than looking to Israel for help or using pools near her home, she chose to blame Israel for something that was a lie anyway, before even dipping her toe in the water.

Lest one think that bad behavior was limited to our Arab neighbors, let me share some "good" news. On opening night a friend in the U.S. noted NBC's lack of coverage of Israel in the opening ceremony. She wrote, "Was I the only one who noticed that almost every country had some combination of intro, map, population, number of athletes, flag bearer's name, and any exciting potential medalists ... oh yeah, every country but Israel! For Israel there was nothing. Israel enters the stadium ... followed by nothing ... less than four seconds and immediately the next country."

The Olympics are still going on, so if you missed these, stay tuned, there's still time for more. However, if an athlete from another country cannot even compete in the same sport as an Israeli without it creating an international incident, there's little hope that we'll be able to reach any kind of long term peaceful coexistence where the pattern of blaming and isolating Israel for all their problems won't just continue. We pray that it will change, but I am not holding my breath, underwater or not. 

Jonathan Feldstein was born and educated in the U.S. and immigrated to Israel in 2004. He is married and the father of six. Throughout his life and career, he has been blessed by the calling to fellowship with Christian supporters of Israel and shares experiences of living as an Orthodox Jew in Israel. He writes a regular column for charismanews.com's Standing With Israel. He can be reached at firstpersonisrael@gmail.com.

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You Can Impact Israeli Terror Victims With This Simple Act - JONATHAN FELDSTEIN CHARISMA NEWS

You Can Impact Israeli Terror Victims With This Simple Act

 7/6/2016 JONATHAN FELDSTEIN  charisma news

Reach out to the terror victims in Israel with your prayers. It will mean a lot to them. (iStock photo )

In the past week, Israel has experienced several terror attacks and attempted attacks. Two Israelis were murdered in particularly evil and grotesque ways. 

Thirteen-year-old Hallel Ariel was stabbed to death in her sleep by a terrorist who broke into her house. She had just finished her year-end dance recital in Jerusalem the night before and was sleeping in.

Her life and her future, and all her parents' hopes for her, were snuffed out by the hands of a teenage Palestinian Arab terrorist who was inspired to hate and murder by the incitement that's pervasive in that society, and which the Palestinian Authority president celebrates. The mother of the terrorist praised him and his "martyrdom." Hallel could have been any of our daughters. 

Rabbi Miki Mark, a 48-year-old father of 10, was shot to death when a Palestinian Arab car overtook his car, opening fire that killed him immediately and caused his car to overturn. His wife was critically wounded as were their two children in the back seat. As he was being buried, his wife woke up in the hospital from a coma, and is still in critical condition. His daughter was transported by an emergency vehicle from the hospital to the funeral.

At Rabbi Mark's funeral, his children wept through eulogies, thanking him for raising them with the strength and faith to get them through this loss.  Yet, some students present cried out for revenge. Family members vocally opposed this and asked them to stop and leave.

Rabbi Mark's daughter-in-law responded to similar sentiments on social media, writing that after the shooting, "I really have to tell you that the first to arrive at the scene was a Palestinian vehicle with an Arab couple who exited and took care of my brother-in-law and sister-in-law. They gave them a cell phone to call (the authorities), and stayed with them in those difficult moments."

These have been horrible days. Many more have been wounded, and there are dozens of newly bereaved family members now mourning their losses. But there is hope in that a Palestinian Arab couple stopped to help the victims, citing their humanity and they would do it for anyone. 

Similarly, as I waited with hundreds of people along the route of Rabbi Mark's funeral procession, despite the tension that's very thick right now, a Palestinian Arab driver stopped and said to one of my neighbors, "It's not your fault and it's not my fault," seemingly disavowing the murders, and also noting that we are human and this should not be happening to us.

Despite these glimmers of hope, the reality is that whether these expressions of humanity from our Arab neighbors represent the majority or not, by being public about this, they risk becoming victims at the hands of their own extremist neighbors. I don't believe they represent the majority, but we have to thank God that they exist. 

And despite these glimmers of hope, the mood is one of fear, sadness, bewilderment and anger.  Dozens of family members of the recent victims are in shock. They are still observing a formal period of mourning, yet when that ends, they will be left to cope with their loss.

Due to the 2001 brutal murder of another 13-year-old, Koby Mandell, his parents also responded with love to turn his death into a way to help bereaved families like theirs. They established the Koby Mandell Foundation, which provides therapeutic healing programs for women and children who have lost a husband, child or sibling through terror or tragedy. Over the years, thousands of Israelis have been helped and strengthened by a wide range of programs and services, healing broken hearts and invisible scars.

Unfortunately, in Israel, there's no end in sight to the hate and terror that continues. In the past year alone there have been dozens of victims of terror murdered, hundreds injured and many hundreds more bereaved family members. And because of the ongoing plague of terror, thousands of Israelis who have previously suffered loss are feeling a renewed and increased sense of fear and insecurity.

This has caused a greater demand for the Koby Mandell Foundation's therapeutic programs, and a stretch in the resources needed to provide these. But the impact that's made is life changing. As one young mother whose husband was killed several months ago said recently at a healing retreat for bereaved women, "I found the me that I thought had no longer existed."

People call and email me all the time, asking what can be done. Because of the seemingly endless wave of terror that's ongoing, I want to share two opportunities. 

First, you can join the Koby Mandell Foundation and make a direct and tangible difference today by making a donation at www.kobymandell.org. 

No less significant, you can pray. Not just pray in your prayer closet or at church, but through the Koby Mandell Foundation, you can send your prayers to the mourners. In Jewish tradition, the month immediately after burial of a loved one is a period of mourning during which it is customary for friends and even total strangers to visit and comfort the mourners.

While you can't be there in person, you can still comfort and send your prayers to them at prayers@kobymandell.org. The response so far has been heartwarming and indeed is a blessing to the families, and all of Israel. 

The comfort and strength you'll provide by sending your prayers will be invaluable as the families emerge from a formal period of mourning and begin to restore their lives. Please share this opportunity with your church and your friends. Together, we can provide an outpouring of love that overcomes the hate inspired terror to which they have fallen victim.

God says that He will bless those who bless Israel. Blessing Israel has no boundaries. Sending your prayers today to prayers@kobymandell.org, and sharing this with others will be a blessing and comfort that also knows no boundaries. 

If you'd like to note who your prayer is for please do so, or if it's not specific we will deliver to both families. We pray that these will be the last families of terror victims who ever need your prayers. Please provide your name, email and mailing address should the families wish to acknowledge you personally.

If you have a heart for Israel, please align your heart with God's heart when He says, "Comfort, O comfort My People, says your God" (Is. 40:1).

Jonathan Feldstein was born and educated in the U.S. and immigrated to Israel in 2004. He is married and the father of six. Throughout his life and career, he has been blessed by the calling to fellowship with Christian supporters of Israel and shares experiences of living as an Orthodox Jew in Israel. He writes a regular column for charismanews.com's Standing With Israel. He can be reached at firstpersonisrael@gmail.com.

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Israeli's Message to Orlando: 'We Weep With You' - JONATHAN FELDSTEIN CHARISMA NEWS

Israeli's Message to Orlando: 'We Weep With You'

 6/28/2016 JONATHAN FELDSTEIN  charisma news

Israeli police forensic experts work at the scene after an explosion tore through a bus in Jerusalem in what an Israeli official said was a bombing in April. (Amar Awad/Reuters )

Recently I visited with Christian friends from Orlando in Jerusalem. We connected some time ago and became immediate friends, sharing our respective faiths, reverence for God and love for Israel. They are frequent visitors, know Israel well and we are in touch often.

We've been planning an Israel solidarity event together and spent some time discussing details of date, timing, format and how to involve both Jews and Christians. We also spoke about our respective families, ministries and current events in Israel and the US.

The week they left, our respective communities were jarred with the awareness that we share much more in common than we would like. The Tel Aviv and Orlando terror attacks were unwanted wakeup calls.

Some nonsensical people commented after the Tel Aviv attack—leaving four dead and dozens wounded—that it was due to the "occupation."  This is absurd and provides a justification that any perceived wrong of Muslim extremist sensibilities (whether in Tel Aviv recently, or Paris a year and a half ago) is somehow OK or to be expected. I am still looking for that absurd justification for the Orlando terror attack. Maybe Mickey Mouse is nefariously occupying the Bat Cave.

Later, I was interviewed by a journalist who is delving into the root of what motivates Christian support for Israel. I explained that there were many factors but, simply, it is rooted in the biblical obligation to bless Israel. The fact that as this phenomena has grown in parallel to the rebirth and revival of Israel, fulfilling biblical prophecy, coupled with threats against Jews and Christians and overall western (but not exclusively) civilization, underscores the imperative for solidarity. It is a blessing indeed and exactly what God wants, that the two parallel but interrelated phenomena of the upsurge in Christians blessing Israel and increased solidarity between Jews and Christians has expanded, and continues to do so.

Unfortunately, the Tel Aviv terror attack and the Orlando attack underscore that need all the more. 

After Orlando, my son and I were talking and he asked why it was that nobody stopped it. How could it be that nobody inside the club attempted to disarm the terrorist? Why was it that there was nobody armed inside? How was it that fear overcame bravery?

From an Israeli perspective, as horrible as terror attacks are when they happen here, and they happen too often, at least we know that in most cases, the terrorist will be stopped and killed or captured in short order. My son didn't understand what seemed like an impotent response inside, coupled with what seemed like an unprepared police response outside, allowing the terrorist to go on and on, posting to Facebook, and taunting emergency services with calls to 911.

But know this, people of Orlando: We know the heartache of loss. We weep with you.

Security camera footage of the Tel Aviv attack showed one of the miraculous occurrences, tremendous bravery and selflessness amid the shooting. While restaurant patrons scurried for the exit and to take cover, an unarmed man rushed the one of the terrorists and knocked a gun from his hand. Doing so gave patrons more time to flee, and certainly saved more lives. 

I don't own a gun, but I always think of getting one. One of the motivating factors to do so is a terror attack that took place in Jerusalem in 2008. A Palestinian Arab terrorist, using the tractor that he was driving freely through Jerusalem for work, attacked and tried to overturn a school bus filled with kids. That summer, there were a few such attacks where terrorists used their construction equipment as weapons. At this one, an armed bystander climbed atop the tractor and shot the terrorist, disabling him and preventing any further harm to the children, or anyone else.

Honestly, I'd love to be in a situation where I am able to stop a terrorist like that, and hope that if put to the test, armed or not, I'd respond with similar bravery and selflessness.

Back to Orlando, a few years ago I was checking into the Orlando airport for a domestic U.S. flight. I have become accustomed to the long lines and delays as the TSA undertakes at least perfunctory precautions to prevent a terrorist from getting onto or near a plane. I remember going through security and being told I had been selected for a random additional security screening.

I let the TSA staff do what they needed to do, but told them I came from Israel, and not are they only wasting time stopping me randomly, but they are stopping someone from the one Middle Eastern country they can trust and which understands security precautions. I was polite, but told them firmly that they need to be profiling the terrorists, not stopping people randomly.

And it seems that if the FBI or others had taken the threat more seriously and profiled or investigated the terrorist in Orlando more thoroughly, they could have stopped him. Of course, critics will charge that profiling is not PC. But if it's between PC and survival, I pick survival.

A friend posted something on his social media in the wake of Orlando that was especially poignant and to which I replied. We got into a chat about it and he said how the U.S. has to learn so much more from Israel about how to respond to terrorist threats and prevent attacks. I replied that we are meant to be light unto the nations, but I don't think this is what God had in mind.

However, to the extent that in this way we can be, because of the common threat, the common enemy, and the necessary solidarity especially between Jews and Christians, I pray to the same extent that the world is threatened by Islamic terror as a common enemy, that if we can be a light unto the nations in this way too, so be it.

Among the theme parks in Orlando is The Holy Land Experience, owned by TBN. I've driven past but never been inside. I understand it portrays a sample of biblical life in Israel including a replica of the Temple and the traveling tabernacle. While people dressed as Roman soldiers mingle through the park, one thing I suspect it does not include is a sense of the many challenges to being a Jew that began with Abraham, continued in the Land, in exile and slavery in Egypt, and during and long after our return, subsequent exiles, and still today. 

One thing I have learned about living in Israel is that while God promised the Jewish people the Land of Israel as a timeless inheritance, He never promised that it would be easy or without its challenges. We live with and accept it, and no matter the challenges, we will overcome them because He continues to grant us His protection. 

I pray that God will change the hearts of the terrorists who are the enemies of Jews and Christians so that, together, we may worship Him according to our traditions, and continue to build on the growing trend of solidarity, not because of fear but because of simple biblical imperative. 

Jonathan Feldstein was born and educated in the U.S. and immigrated to Israel in 2004. He is married and the father of six. Throughout his life and career, he has been blessed by the calling to fellowship with Christian supporters of Israel and shares experiences of living as an Orthodox Jew in Israel. He writes a regular column for charismanews.com's Standing With Israel. He can be reached at firstpersonisrael@gmail.com.

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Israeli Comedians Fight Terror With Laughter - JONATHAN FELDSTEIN CHARISMA NEWS

Israeli Comedians Fight Terror With Laughter

6/16/2016 JONATHAN FELDSTEIN  charisma news

The Comedy for Koby tour proved to be a big success in Israel. (Jonathan Feldstein)

Sometimes we sow seeds in life and don't get to appreciate the harvest. Recently I had the privilege to experience the result of my sowing seeds close to a decade ago, and seeing the full impact of the harvest today. 

In what seems like a lifetime ago, I had connected with Avi Liberman, a well-known comedian whose career was (and is still) taking off. During the beginning of what's known as Israel's "second intifada," Avi resolved that his response was to fight terror with laughter.

He planned and implemented a comedy tour in Israel, bringing three other comedians with him, and giving Israelis an opportunity to get out and laugh, experiencing levity during a period that was scary, marked with terrorists blowing up buses or other public places almost every other day. It was a time of fear, thousands of victims and not very much to be happy or laugh about.

If Avi couldn't stop the terrorism (he would if he could have), at least he'd change the mood. His comedy tours benefited an Israeli organization that helped at-risk youth at a time that all Israelis were at risk. It became a cultural highlight to which we looked forward every year.

One day, we ended up on the same flight to New York and, at baggage claim, Avi expressed that the tour had become so popular with so much more potential, that he felt it had outgrown the smaller nonprofit he had been working with. He was looking for a new partner and beneficiary. He asked me if the organization I was working with then would be interested. I jumped on it enthusiastically and promised him an answer shortly. To me, it was a no-brainer.

However, the organization's leaders didn't get it, didn't understand the need for Israelis to have a respite and go out and laugh, and didn't understand the fundraising potential. Despite Avi's years of success in building an event that had become a highlight of Israel's cultural calendar, and in a way that's so illogical that it could be the punch line of one of Avi's jokes, they declined and said, "What if nobody comes to the shows?"

I had already committed to help Avi. I wasn't going to let him down as my word is as good as his delivery. So I quickly called my friend, Rabbi Seth Mandell, whose son, Koby, had been one of the early victims of the second intifada. This brutal murder of an American teen in Israel struck the hearts of millions across the U.S., Avi included, and was part of the reason for his determination to bring a comedy tour to Israel. In Koby's memory, his parents established The Koby Mandell Foundation to provide therapeutic services for families of victims of terror, particularly widows, mothers and orphans.

Seth got it and made a decision in record time that was the catalyst for what's become "Comedy for Koby," a now twice-a-year comedy tour throughout Israel attracting thousands. Avi might have better things to do than organize a comedy tour throughout Israel, but he's all in. It's his profession, and it's his passion. Unfortunately, adding to his commitment is the reality that rarely a year goes by without some war or wave of terror that traumatizes all Israelis, and creates higher level of fear and insecurity particularly among families of those who have already lost a loved one. This week's terror attack in Orlando and last week's terror attack in Tel Aviv are sad, vivid and unwanted reminders.

As a benefit for The Koby Mandell Foundation, Avi has been able to attract dozens of top comedians to come to Israel, most for the first time. The impact of coming to Israel and entertaining thousands while helping families of terror victims leaves an indelible impact on the comedians. It's expressed sincerely, effusively and repeatedly. 

And the impact of the comedians on Israelis is also indelible. Thousands attend each tour and are delighted. Sometimes people miss a tour and express how they really regret it. That's not ever the case with someone missing a typical fundraising event. They may feel guilt but not actual regret. And the Israelis who attend Comedy for Koby religiously are so impacted that we talk about past shows and comedians as if we were little boys comparing stats on the back of baseball cards of our favorite players. 

The recent Comedy for Koby tour did not disappoint. Many said this was one of the best.

Thanks to Ryan Hamilton, we will never look at hot air ballooning, gym membership or online dating the same. Ty Barnett taught us what it's like to be a real man, the importance of body wash and the dangers of Pilates. And because of Sarge, we will never look at a black and white cookie or chocolate babka as before, always fear the consequence of making a mess before (or after) the cleaning person—"the girl"—comes, and it's safe to say nobody's ever laughed so hard at the Schindler's List violin solo. And of course Avi, with his intimate knowledge of Israeli life, gave us the opportunity to laugh at ourselves, over and over.

I've always been proud to be the matchmaker that connected Avi with The Koby Mandell Foundation, and knew that Comedy for Koby was a success. Attending the first and last show of the recent tour, and one in the middle, I got to see this all the more vividly. Israelis deserve a night out like this. Even when things are "quiet" we need a good laugh. Laughter is therapeutic and, as a show that benefits families of terror victims through an array of therapeutic programs, it sustains this, and brings healing full circle to those in need.

Thanks to Avi, the comedians and all the sponsors and donors. May we continue to have the opportunity to laugh through Comedy for Koby, but perhaps a little less reason to need to do so whether in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Orlando or anywhere else. 

Jonathan Feldstein was born and educated in the U.S. and immigrated to Israel in 2004. He is married and the father of six. Throughout his life and career, he has been blessed by the calling to fellowship with Christian supporters of Israel and shares experiences of living as an Orthodox Jew in Israel. He writes a regular column for charismanews.com's Standing With Israel. He can be reached at firstpersonisrael@gmail.com.

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How Would Joseph Interpret These Dreams? - JONATHAN FELDSTEIN CHARISMA NEWS

Jonathan Feldstein recently presented Franklin Graham a one-of-a-kind gift, a photo of the Old City of Jerusalem from the view of the Mt. Of Olives, printed on ancient basalt stone that was rescued from Capernaum on the Sea of Galilee. (Photo courtesy of Jonathan Feldstein)

How Would Joseph Interpret These Dreams?

12/29/2015 JONATHAN FELDSTEIN  charisma news

Despite the biblical significance of dreams in several instances and later psychological use of dream interpretation, I rarely remember dreams much less give any credence to them when I do.

So when I had two vivid dreams that I remembered in the week that the Jewish people read the Torah portion with Pharaoh recounting his dreams to Joseph and Joseph interpreting them accurately, I woke up, so to speak.

I'd sure love a Joseph to interpret them for me as they relate to things taking place in my life and relate to Heart to Heart Israel. I am happy to share them and welcome your interpretations or input.

In my first dream, I was riding a bike down a long hill in an Arab neighborhood south of Jerusalem, through which I drive regularly. The fact that I don't own a working bike makes the dream all the more interesting. 

As I began to descend the hill from Beit Jalla, next to Bethlehem, I was enjoying the scenery and letting gravity and momentum do its thing cruising along without pedaling. Despite signs in English and Arabic that stated the road had been repaved as a project of USAID, U.S. tax dollars, I carefully weaved around the potholes while trying to stay close to the shoulder and stayed away from cars passing in both directions.

As I gained speed, I rode by a young man walking in the opposite direction on my left. Suddenly, he appeared out of my peripheral vision, trotting along in pace with my riding. I started peddling, first casually and then more fervently as he increased his pace and kept up with me before pulling a knife and stabbing me in the back. 

Then, I woke up shaken. Clearly, in my subconscious elements of the reality with which Israelis are living daily have seeped in—terrorist stabbings, stoning and car ramming taking place daily. Though the Israeli media has dubbed the main intersection near my home, not far from where I was stabbed in my dream, as the "Intersection of Death," I don't think that I am any more fearful or concerned than most people. But maybe I'm wrong. Or maybe there's a deeper message here that needs a biblical Joseph interpretation. 

The next dream two nights later was awesome. I dreamed that I met Billy Graham. He appeared to me as if he were in his late 60s or 70s. He stood tall, had a firm handshake and spoke clearly but quietly as we sat in wooden arm chairs outside, under a tented area. The only sign of his age was the way he sat down slowly into his chair next to mine and how he stood when we finished our conversation. In truth, it would be the fulfilment of a dream to get to meet and speak with him as I did, a conversation that felt like it went on for a while. 

I don't remember everything we talked about. But I vividly remember one thing. At one point, I thanked him for a lifetime of blessing Israel. Instantly, a tear formed and dripped down his left cheek. It was a touching and personal moment that, even in my dream, was a humbling privilege.

Having probably been the only Orthodox Jew to attend Rev. Graham's 95th birthday party and, recently, having the honor to speak at the Billy Graham Library as we celebrated the donation of two new ambulances from Rev. Franklin Graham on behalf of Samaritan's Purse and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, perhaps this dream was a virtual expression or projection of the awe in which I felt to be a part of this.

I didn't get to meet Billy Graham in person, but did meet his longtime friend, Dr. Cliff Barrows and, of course, Franklin Graham as well as leaders of both the ministries which he heads. 

In speaking at the Billy Graham Library, I noted the ongoing wave of terror plaguing Israel which my first dream represented. I shared how it is a comfort to all Israelis to know that no matter the threat, ambulances like the ones that were dedicated this week are ready, equipped and staffed to respond to every emergency.

I also noted that, like Samaritan's Purse and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, ministries whose mission is global and benefit all of God's children, Israel's national ambulance, EMS and blood service provides critical life-saving support for all Israelis regardless of religion, ethnic or national background, as well as any visitors in Israel, and even our neighbors from countries at war with Israel.

I thanked Rev. Graham for blessing Israel and pray that the reciprocal blessing will be vast. But I also thanked him for helping be part of the conclusion of the Scripture of Genesis 12:3, by assuring that through this donation, Israel will also continue to bless the families of the world. (Please be in touch to see the full remarks of the recent dedication.)

I look forward to celebrating the arrival of these ambulances, which will be dispatched to the Golan Heights, with a large Druze population, and to Nazareth, Israel's largest Arab city whose population is mostly Muslim. These minority populations make up some 20 percent of Israeli society and it's a point of pride that among other things, all receive equal care when it comes to lifesaving services.

Donations of ambulances do indeed bless Israel and the partnership with Samaritan's Purse and the BGEA is humbling. Some have said, "If Franklin Graham can donate two ambulances, anyone can and everyone should." Others have said, "Franklin Graham has many more resources, so I am not sure I can do something as meaningful." 

In 2016, Heart to Heart Israel will focus especially on helping communities come together to take part of donating an ambulance. The idea is that if 5-10 ministries can join in raising money, together we can save lives for a generation to come. 

There are many ways to bless Israel, and all are appreciated and noteworthy as an expression of God's heart. It's a special privilege to be used through God to be present and celebrate so many of these.

Of course any ministry that wants to donate one ambulance on its own will be wonderful and welcomed. Either way, we are here to help. We are grateful to be the recipient of your blessings so that Israel is able to continue to bless others. We pray that, as a result, you will be blessed in return. 

Jonathan Feldstein was born and educated in the U.S. and immigrated to Israel in 2004. He is married and the father of six. Throughout his life and career, he has been blessed by the calling to fellowship with Christian supporters of Israel and shares experiences of living as an Orthodox Jew in Israel. He writes a regular column for charismanews.com's Standing With Israel. He can be reached at FirstPersonIsrael@gmail.com.

For a limited time, we are extending our celebration of the 40th anniversary of Charisma. As a special offer, you can get 40 issues of Charisma magazine for only $40!

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You Won't Hear This on the Evening News About Israel - JONATHAN FELDSTEIN CHARISMA NEWS

The growing hatred for Israel and for Jews is simply unfathomable. (Reuters)

You Won't Hear This on the Evening News About Israel

11/6/2015 JONATHAN FELDSTEIN  charisma news

Last Wednesday, my family's WhatsApp group was buzzing. Daughter No. 1, away at college, heard news of a terrorist attack near our home. Knowing it's where we go grocery shopping, she wrote:

"Did something just happen at the grocery store? Everyone OK?"

Daughter No. 3 wrote, "What! Something happened at the store?"

Daughter No. 1, "I just heard that there was... nobody's there, right?"

Daughter No. 4, "No."

Daughter No. 2, "Where did you hear that?"

Daughter No. 1, "On the Internet."

Daughter No. 4 posted the article from the Internet.

Indeed. Something bad had happened.

Of course Dad No. 1 was away, far away from home. In fact, several thousand miles away. Between TV interviews and a presentation to Christian business and civic leaders trying to explain the situation, my family was feeling fear, and I was feeling guilt at not being home. 

Shortly afterwards, we all learned that it was our neighbor Yaelle who was not only a witness to the incident but played a heroic role. Later that day, she shared her thoughts.

"Today was a day I will never forget. Wednesday is always (shopping) day. I left at my usual time and did my usual shopping. With all that's going on, I took one of my kids with me to look around the parking lot while I packed the car. As I pulled out of the parking lot, my daughter asked if I was scared to go to the grocery store. I said, "No." A minute later, my life was changed forever.

A woman was walking in front of my car. She was carrying many bags. Suddenly, from the corner of my eye I saw a man with a brown coat running to her. He raised his hand and stabbed her in the back. I immediately honked my horn and screamed to my daughter what was happening. We both started screaming hysterically. As soon as I started honking, the terrorist ran.

I got out of the car and started screaming for help. I ran to the woman who was on the ground. I told her, "It's ok. You are going to be ok." She stood up, but I saw she was weak. I held her and all of a sudden I saw soldiers running with their guns and the shooting started. I brought her to my car and told her to sit. There was blood all over my hand. My daughter ran to the bakery and was hysterical. She was surrounded by amazing women who wanted to help. Thank God my neighbor, who is a doctor, was in the area. He heard me scream and ran to see what was going on. I needed to go and see if my daughter was OK and I asked my neighbor to stay with the woman while I go to my daughter.

I was still hysterical at this point. Crying. Shaking. Amazing women helped me and my daughter, Someone called my husband who got a ride and was by our side in no time. I was questioned by the secret service, police and the army. I felt like I was in a movie. How could this ever happen to me? My daughter was in trauma and she was taken to the hospital. I was still being held for questioning. They told me that the woman was OK and that she was being taken to the hospital.

After going home and seeing my family briefly, I went to the hospital to check on my daughter. They were keeping her overnight for observation and counseling.

I was also able to meet the husband, son and other family members of the woman who was stabbed, Nirit. They told me she was recovering from the surgery and doing well. They asked me to tell them the story and were so thankful that I was there.

A few hours later I received a call from Nirit. She said she was doing well and kept thanking me. What could I say? 'You're welcome' doesn't get it. I just kept telling her that I was glad she was OK. 

All I know is that God puts us exactly where we are supposed to be. This is where I was supposed to be, with my daughter. It played out exactly the way it was supposed to. Even though I was scared, traumatized and freaked out, my faith is as strong as ever. I still love my country and would never change it. I'm so grateful for all my family and friends that were there and offered to help.

Thank you, God, for all the greatness around me."

Traveling away from home is hard for anyone who strives to be an active parent. Traveling away from our home in Israel is even more difficult. Israel is a place that's not home by chance of birth or a career move, but rather it is a birthright. Being away from Israel during times of distress is, ironically, even more distressing.

My saving grace is that everywhere I went and among all the people with whom I met, comfort, support and prayers were abundant. This included several formal events as well as more random or "chance" meetings. I even received a call from Pastor Wade who invited me to share an update by phone with his entire church during last Sunday's worship.

Our website, www.savinglivesinisrael.org, was particularly active with people sending financial support to provide resources to save lives throughout Israel, and with people sending prayers for Israel's life savers who put their lives in harm's way to help others. 

Sharing "mundane" things—such as Daughter No. 4 being scared to go to the mall with a friend for her birthday, Son No. 2 having his basketball game canceled because the other team couldn't make it because of Arab rock throwing on the road and Son No. 1 attending a preparatory army program for high school boys in his grade—added a real perspective to the limited and often superficial media reports.

While packing to come home, I heard reports of another attack involving another friend and neighbor not only witnessing, but becoming a stabbing victim. Thank God, she'll be OK. Her husband praised the immediate EMS response as part of that.

Yet amid the violence, the terrorism and the fear, we are resolved and resilient. Life goes on. And, as Yaelle noted, we put our trust in God and are thankful for all the greatness and blessings around us.

Jonathan Feldstein was born and educated in the U.S. and immigrated to Israel in 2004. He is married and the father of six. Throughout his life and career, he has been blessed by the calling to fellowship with Christian supporters of Israel and shares experiences of living as an Orthodox Jew in Israel. He writes a regular column for charismanews.com's Standing With Israel. He can be reached at FirstPersonIsrael@gmail.com.

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