Netanyahu: Obama Needs to Learn the Facts on Jerusalem

Thursday, October 02, 2014 |  Israel Today Staff

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America

What began as a reportedly amicable meeting between US President Barack Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday ended in fresh strain on US-Israel ties over construction in Jerusalem.

The Obama Administration unleashed harsh criticism of the Jewish state after learning that approval had been granted for the construction of 2,610 apartments in the southern Jerusalem neighborhood of Givat Hamatos, which lies adjacent to the neighborhoods of Talpiot, Gilo and Beit Safafa.

State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki was threatening in her tone when addressing reporters on the matter:

“This development will only draw condemnation from the international community, distance Israel from even its closest allies; poison the atmosphere not only with the Palestinians, but also with the very Arab governments with which Prime Minister Netanyahu said he wanted to build relations; and call into question Israel’s ultimate commitment to a peaceful negotiated settlement with the Palestinians.”

White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest said these new Jewish homes atop a currently barren hilltop would “call into question Israel’s ultimate commitment to a peaceful negotiated settlement with the Palestinians.”

Earnest also described as “provocative” the purchase of homes in a predominantly Arab neighborhood by Jewish families. The neighborhood in question is today known as Silwan, but in ancient times was known as the City of David.

Netanyahu responded by noting that Obama and his staff could do themselves a favor by learning the facts before commenting.

“I think they (the Obama administration) should be acquainted with the facts first. You know? First of all, these are not settlements. These are neighborhoods of Jerusalem. We have Arab neighborhoods and we have Jewish neighborhoods,” the Israeli leader told NBC News.

Netanyahu later suggested to reporters accompanying him that the Obama Administration’s position was discriminatory against Jews, and that he could not adopt such policies.

“Arabs in Jerusalem freely buy apartments, and nobody says that is forbidden. I will also not say that Jews cannot buy property in Jerusalem. There cannot be discrimination between Jews and Arabs,” insisted the prime minister.

Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat voiced similar sentiments. In a statement released by his office, Barkat said adamantly:

“Discrimination based on religion, race or gender is illegal in the United States and in any other civilized country. The 2,600 apartments in Givat Hamatos, which we [first] approved two years ago, will enable more young people from all communities and religions to live in Jerusalem and build their future here, thereby strengthening the capital of Israel. We will not apologize for that.”

Housing Minister Uri Ariel followed up by noting that Arabs, too, will be free to purchase homes in Givat Hamatos. Given its proximity to the neighborhood of Beit Safafa, it is estimated that at least one-third of the new apartments will be purchased by Arab families.

Netanyahu and his ministers were also highly critical of the left-wing Israeli movement Peace Now, which purposely made a story out of the Givat Hamatos construction plans on the same day the prime minister was meeting with Obama.

Netanyahu said it was “no coincidence” that Peace Now’s statement regarding Givat Hamatos had coincided with his White House visit, and slammed the group for demonstrating a “lack of national responsibility” by pulling such a stunt.

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"Jerusalem's Peace... A Day To Pray Together" Robert Stearns

"Jerusalem's Peace... A Day To Pray Together"

Robert Stearns, Clarence, NY

Dear Praying Friends,

GOD is stirring the hearts of His people to pray for Jerusalem as never before.

Join me in this global chorus of prayer on Sunday, October 5th as hundreds of millions of Christians in literally every corner of this planet will unite for the Day of Prayer for the Peace of Jerusalem (DPPJ) – a day specifically set aside annually for the Church to gather and pray for Jerusalem. This prayer call has come from more than 1,300 global leaders.

Let your voice be heard on behalf of Israel and her inhabitants by doing these three (3) simple things:

1. Please forward this e-mail to as many people as you can.

Our goal is to reach 150 million Christians within the next 30 days with this timely message for the Body of Christ. Help us meet this goal. If you will simply take a moment right now and forward this on, especially to your pastor, close friends, and prayer partners, we can literally sound a global trumpet to bring clear focus and awareness to this urgent prayer effort. In just minutes you can make a difference.

2. Sign the "Call to Prayer Resolution."

Thousands of Christians from all over the world have signed this document calling for a day of global prayer for Jerusalem and all her inhabitants. Add your name to this growing number today. Click Here to add YOUR name to the Prayer Resolution.

3. Become the DPPJ Representative for your local church or city.

Make sure that your church is praying. The DPPJ is not a single location event but rather a worldwide celebration day when local churches pray for Jerusalem in their Sunday services, in accordance with Psalm 122:6:

"Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May they prosper who love you."

There will be a Jerusalem Celebration on this day carried live on GOD TV around the world, but the real thrust of the initiative is on the local church level.

Order a FREE Prayer for Jerusalem Packet which contains helpful materials such as posters, prayer cards, videos, flyers, and children's resources for your local church.

In Jerusalem? Click Here if you will be in Jerusalem on Oct. 5th and would like to attend the Jerusalem celebration of the DPPJ that will be broadcast by GOD TV around the world, for more information.

We thank you for putting action to your prayers and for taking part in seeing God's true peace for Jerusalem unfold in this hour of history!

May the Lord's Shalom rest over each of you,

Rev. Robert Stearns
Co-Chairman, Day of Prayer for the Peace of Jerusalem

Dr. Jack Hayford
Co-Chairman, Day of Prayer for the Peace of Jerusalem

Dr. Paul Cedar
Executive Committee, Day of Prayer for the Peace of Jerusalem

P.S. If you have not yet done so, please make sure to add your name to the tens of thousands of Christians around the world who have signed the "Call To Prayer Resolution." Be sure to check out the free online resources as well as the DPPJ materials available in more than 20 languages.

QUICK LINKS

Order your FREE Prayer for Jerusalem Packet (U.S. and Canada only)

Download FREE Prayer resources in 20+ languages

Download FREE Kids Curriculum (3-18 years old)

Download FREE College Student materials

Become a DPPJ coordinator in your region

Spread the Word! – Web banners, Links, and more to post to your own website

For more information, call the DPPJ office at 1-800-519-4647 or visit daytopray.com.

Robert Stearns is widely recognized as a visionary leader, compelling communicator, gifted strategist, and influential bridge builder. He is the founder and executive director of Eagles' Wings, a global movement of churches, ministries, and leaders. Eagles' Wings is involved in a variety of strategic projects around the world, with a unique emphasis on interfaith dialogue and humanitarian care. Robert's life flows out of deep commitment to Jesus that is characterized by a distinct prophetic edge. A noted author, world-class musician, and highly sought after public speaker, his written works have been translated into 8 languages, his music is appreciated around the world, and he has ministered in over thirty nations while maintaining a distinct focus on Israel.

Stearns is the founder of the worldwide prayer initiative, The Day of Prayer for the Peace of Jerusalem, which is observed every year the first Sunday in October. Dr. Stearns and Dr. Jack Hayford serve together as co-chairmen of this massive prayer mobilization, representing a growing coalition of 1,200 major global leaders of influence in the Christian church focused upon prayer for Jerusalem and all her inhabitants (www.daytopray.com).

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"You Are My Protective Shelter" ✡ Yom Kippur Prayers

I have cried out to You, God. I have said, ‘You are my protective shelter, my portion of the living land.’ PSALMS (142:6) זָעַקְתִּי אֵלֶיךָ יְ-הֹוָה אָמַרְתִּי אַתָּה מַחְסִּי חֶלְקִי בְּאֶרֶץ הַחַיִּים תהילים קמב:ו za-ak-tee ay-le-kha a-do-nai a-mar-tee a-ta makh-see khel-kee b'-e-retz ha-khai-yeem

Today's Israel Inspiration One of the central features of the Yom Kippur service is known as the “Yizkor” memorial prayer in which we pray for those who have past away. This year, all High Holiday support for the Hebron Fund will be used for projects to honor the memory of the three Israeli boys who were kidnapped and murdered by Hamas this summer. Local residents of Hebron assisted in the search for the boys and many came to pray throughout the ordeal at the Cave of our Patriarchs in Hebron. Support the Hebron Fund & Receive a Jewish Artist Calendar » The First "City of David" in Hebron The ancient tombs of Jesse and Ruth, King David’s father and great-grandmother, are located in Hebron and visited in this eye-opening video. Learn how Hebron was the site of the first “City of David” and his kingdom. Watch here » Prayers in Hebron The Hebron Fund has brought together both Chief Rabbis of Israel as well as many other spiritual leaders, together with the parents of the three slain teens, Naftali Frenkel, Gilad Shaar, and Eyal Yifrach, in a commemorative evening of inspirational prayer, in the second holiest site in Israel. Read more » Star of David Necklace This unique necklace features a Star of David with the Rose of Bethlehem, a natural flower of the Judean desert which blossoms again and again with only a few drops of water. Carry God's miraculous blessings close to your heart with this meaningful gift. Get this Great Deal » Today's Israel Photo During the days of the High Holidays, many worshipers come to pray here in the Cave where our Patriarchs and Matriarchs are buried in Hebron. Support the Hebron Fund » Thank You Please help us continue to spread the beauty and significance of the Land of Israel! Sponsor a day » “Great to Read Israel365 Everyday!” We are excited to introduce our newest feature, Sunday Snapshots featuring you! Send usyour best Israel photograph with a description, if possible, and don't forget to include your name and where you are from! Send us your photo » Great to read Israel365 every day! I’m praying for Israel regularly, sometimes several times a day. Shalom! Tine Rabbi, Truly a blessing to hear your inspirational words and quotes... I pray that God will watch over His people... May God always bless you for your work and keep you strong to carry on. Bruce P., Oklahoma USA Shalom, Rabbi Tuly Weisz RabbiTuly@Israel365.com

Copyright © 2014 Israel365, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you signed up for daily Israel Scenes and Inspiration on our website,www.israel365.com. Our mailing address is: Israel365 34 Nahal Ein Gedi Apt #17 Beit Shemesh 9909875 Israel

Huckabee: It's an Urgent Time to Stand with Israel

Mike Huckabee

Huckabee: It's an Urgent Time to Stand with Israel

CBNNews.com

Thursday, October 02, 2014

On Sunday, October 5, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee joins Concerned Women for America for a rally in support of Israel in Washington, D.C.

"I have been to Israel nearly 30 times over the past 41 years and have never seen the nation under such threat," Huckabee said. "Israel is our closest ally and friend in the Middle East, and they are suffering due to the weak policies of the Obama administration."

"God has protected this tiny but increasingly powerful nation, and it's time for the United States to do the same," he said.

CWA President Penny Nance agreed.

"The violence wrought by Hamas, coupled with the jaw dropping anti-Semitic reaction by much of the Western world, should awaken American Christians to the clear and present danger to our allies and our friends," she said.

Huckabee spoke with Pat Robertson about the rally and why it is more important than ever before to stand with Israel.

Stand with Israel Rally
Date: Sunday, October 5, 2014
Time: 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. EST
Location: Upper Senate Park
200 New Jersey Ave, NW
Washington, D.C. 20001

Mike Huckabee & Pat Robertson

What did Netanyahu discuss with the President in the Oval Office? - Joel Rosenberg

What did Netanyahu discuss with the President in the Oval Office? Stopping Iran. Here’s the latest. by joelcrosenberg

President Obama talks to Israeli PM Netanyahu during an Oval Office meeting on October 1st. (Credit: YouTube/The White House)

Many issues have complicated the U.S.-Israeli relationship -- and particularly the personal relationship between President Obama and Prime Minister Netanyahu -- in recent years. The Palestinian issue. The future of Jerusalem. Settlements. Hamas and Gaza. But none have divided the two leaders more than how to deal with Iran.

Obama and Netanyahu have deeply divergent views of the urgency of the nuclear threat, and how best to stop Iran from building nuclear warheads and the missiles to deliver them. Now we are rapidly approaching the end game with the P5+1 talks with Iran. It is crunch time, and Netanyahu is worried that Obama is not worried enough. The Israeli premier is concerned that the President is too willing to make too many concessions to Iran, concessions that could make it easier for Iran to quickly build The Bomb.

Many issues were touched on in Wednesday's Oval Office meeting. But none so important as the Iran issue. Here's a sampling of the coverage from major media outlets:

• Netanyahu to Tell Obama Iran Concerns Trump Islamic State (Bloomberg)
• Analysis: Neither PM nor Obama makes Palestinian question top priority (Jerusalem Post)
• Netanyahu Sees Arab Alliance Aiding Mideast Peace (NYT)
• PM to tell Obama: Iran is a greater danger than ISIS (Israel Hayom)

(Reuters) - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu bluntly told U.S. President Barack Obama on Wednesday that he must make sure that any final nuclear deal with Iran does not leave it at the “threshold" of being able to develop nuclear weapons.

Even as Netanyahu pressed Obama over Iran in White House talks, the president urged the Israeli leader to help find ways to prevent Palestinian civilian casualties like those inflicted in the recent Gaza war between Israel and Hamas militants.

Netanyahu's visit was clouded by word of Israel's approval of the planned construction of more than 2,600 settler homes in mostly Arab East Jerusalem.

The White House said the matter came up in the leaders' closed-door talks and warned that it would draw international condemnation, "poison the atmosphere" with the Palestinians as well as Arab governments and call into question Israel's commitment to peace.

Meeting for the first time in eight months, the two leaders, who have a history of strained relations, avoided any direct verbal clash during a brief press appearance and even seemed in sync over the fight against Islamic State militants.

But they were unable to hide their differences on some of the issues that have stoked tension between them.

Underscoring Israeli misgivings at a critical juncture in nuclear talks between Iran and world powers, Netanyahu made clear that he remains at odds with Obama about the course of international negotiations with Israel’s regional arch-foe.

"As you know, Mr. President, Iran seeks a deal that would lift the tough sanctions that you worked so hard to put in place and leave it as a threshold nuclear power," Netanyahu said. "I firmly hope under your leadership that would not happen."

The crux of the U.S.-Israeli disagreement is that Netanyahu wants Tehran completely stripped of its nuclear capability, while Obama has suggested he is open to Iran continuing to enrich uranium on a limited basis for civilian purposes.

While Netanyahu put the emphasis on Iran, Obama was quick to focus on the bloody 55-day Gaza conflict, which ended in August with no clear victor. This followed the collapse of U.S.-sponsored peace talks between Israel and Palestinians in April.

“We have to find ways to change the status quo so that both Israeli citizens are safe in their own homes and school children in their schools from the possibility of rocket fire, but also that we don’t have the tragedy of Palestinian children being killed as well,” Obama said.

The Obama administration had backed Israel’s right to defend itself against Hamas cross-border rocket fire, but also voiced rare criticism of Israeli military tactics as Palestinian civilian casualties mounted.

The conflict killed more than 2,100 Palestinians, mostly civilians, according to the Gaza health ministry. Sixty-seven Israeli soldiers and six civilians in Israel were killed.

THINKING 'OUTSIDE THE BOX'

Netanyahu said he remained “committed to a vision of peace for two states for two peoples," but he did not offer any path toward restarting negotiations.

Instead, he suggested there was a need to “think outside the box” and recruit moderate Arab states to advance peace in the region, though he offered no specifics. Palestinians have dismissed this approach as a bid to circumvent direct talks.

Within hours of the talks, both the White House and State Department blasted Israel's housing decision, reported by the anti-settlement watchdog Peace Now, to move forward on the settler housing project slated for construction since 2012.

White House spokesman Josh Earnest declined to speculate whether disclosure of the settlement plan was timed for Netanyahu's Washington visit.

The Obama administration has repeatedly urged a halt to settlement expansion.

Israel annexed East Jerusalem after its capture in the 1967 war, when the West Bank and Gaza were also seized. Citing Biblical roots, Israel regards all of Jerusalem as its capital, a claim not recognized internationally.

The leaders showed no outward tension as they sat side-by-side in the Oval Office. Both were cordial and businesslike. The last thing the White House wanted was a repetition of a 2011 visit when Netanyahu lectured Obama on Jewish history.

But even with calm words, there was little doubt about the lingering differences.

Netanyahu was expected to use the Oval Office meeting to reiterate the warning he issued in his speech at the United Nations this week – that a nuclear-armed Iran would pose a far greater threat than Islamic State fighters who have seized swathes of Syria and Iraq. An Iranian U.N. delegate accused Netanyahu of "propagating Iranophobia and Islamophobia."

Though Israel backs Obama’s efforts to forge a coalition to confront Islamic State fighters in Iraq and Syria, some Israelis fear that world powers could go easy on Shi’ite Iran’s nuclear program so it will help in the fight against the Sunni Islamist group.

"The president made clear to the prime minister that regional events, including the need to destroy ISIL, won’t change our calculus on this issue," said White House spokeswoman Bernadette Meehan. "We must see concrete, verifiable steps that Iran’s program is exclusively peaceful.”

Netanyahu has cast Iran's nuclear ambitions as an existential threat to Israel. Iran denies it is seeking nuclear weapons. Israel is widely assumed to have the Middle East’s only atomic arsenal.

Iran and six world powers ended 10 days of talks in New York last week that made little progress toward a long-term agreement by a November 24 deadline.

joelcrosenberg | October 2, 2014 at 7:38 am | Categories: Uncategorized | URL:http://wp.me/piWZ7-38j

Are We Headed Toward Revival or Retribution? DAVID RAVENHILL

Are We Headed Toward Revival or Retribution?

10/1/2014 DAVID RAVENHILL   CHARISMA NEWS

David Ravenhill

Within the last three days I've received two very different YouTube messages from two senior charismatic prophetic leaders. The first leader, Rick Joyner, was citing a very vivid and frightening dream he recently had of terrorists coming across our southern border and carrying out unimaginable acts of brutality. So horrendous were these acts that Joyner stated he was not even going to describe them due to their violent and barbaric nature. (Only today we learned of the beheading of an Oklahoma woman by a recent convert to Islam.)

The other video centered around the "Appeal To Heaven" movement. Dutch Sheets, a well-known teacher and prophetic minister, was relating how our nation's first flag was that of a green pine tree on a white background bearing the words "Appeal to Heaven."

America during its first fledgling years knew the people's only hope for existence as a nation was sole dependency upon God. The point of the message was that several people through dreams, etc., believed that God was once again bringing us back to this place of absolute dependency upon Him; and that as we sought Him, He would bring about a Third Great Awakening in our nation.

My first reaction to these very different prophetic words was one of confusion. On one hand was the possibility of retribution while on the other, that of revival.

What was I to believe? As I pondered over these words I came to the realization that both were correct and that one was not necessarily in opposition to the other.          

Let me see if I can explain myself. I believe it's all a matter of timing or order.

Imagine if you were one of the many hundreds of missionaries who had given their lives to serve God in China prior to the Cultural Revolution under Chairman Mao Zedong. Once the revolution had begun, you were forced to leave—no doubt wondering in your mind what on earth was going to happen now that all the missionaries had been forced out. Fast-forward to the present, and we are now witnessing one of the greatest moves of God in recent history. What at first appeared to be a major disaster turned into mighty testimony to the power and grace of God.

The prophet Isaiah declared, "When the earth experiences Thy judgments the inhabitants of the world learn righteousness." He went on to say, "Though the wicked is shown favor he does not learn righteousness" (Is. 26:9-10). It is my personal belief that America is in for a time of judgment and that to be shown favor now would only delay God's ultimate purpose.

That said, I believe we are going to see an increase in violence, terrorism and natural calamities. God will use this to separate the carnal from the consecrated and in turn, produce a church that is truly Christ-centered. It would not surprise me in the least to see an underground church in America in the not-too-distant future—a church where every member functions in their God-given gifting and where everyone depends not only on each other but also holds fast to Christ their Lord and Head.

I truly believe that God wants to send revival to our nation, but revival now would simply cause the vast majority of believers to go on with business as usual.

I well recall during the first year of our ministry working with Brother David Wilkerson in Teen Challenge in Brooklyn, New York. One cold winter's day two drug addicts came in seeking shelter. Bro. David talked to them for a while and then I saw them leave. Bro. David said to me after they had left that he couldn't help them because they were not desperate enough to give up their drugs. He went on to say that all they really wanted was a bed for the night and a good hot meal. I somehow think that is what the church is looking for in revival—a good sermon, some great music, followed by some carpet time.

But I believe God's plans are radically different. He's looking for a pure, passionate, powerful people whose only desire is to extend His kingdom. A people who will love not their lives unto death, and whose first love is not the NFL, NBA, MLB or NHL, but Christ Himself.

We are nowhere near to having Christ as our first love. God must first produce a real CRY in His people. We cry when we are in pain and not until. King David said, "Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now I have kept Thy word" (Ps. 119:67, KJV). Or to put it another way, "Spare the rod and spoil the child."

The shakings have begun. Watch out for more. But remember, that while "no chastening seems to be joyful for the present ... afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness" (Heb. 12:11, NKJV, emphasis added).

I see Joyner's dream coming to pass first, and then followed by a great awakening.

That's my opinion, and time will prove me right or wrong.

David Ravenhill has served the Lord for more than 40 years as a missionary, pastor, teacher and itinerant minister, having worked with the late evangelist David Wilkerson, Youth With A Mission, pastor Mike Bickle and the late evangelist Steve Hill. He is the author of several books, including For God's Sake, Grow Up! and Welcome Home.

Unless otherwise specified, the opinions expressed are solely the author's and do not necessarily reflect the views of Charisma Media.

Yom Kippur at the Western Wall 100 Years Ago

Israel's History - a Picture a Day (Beta)

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Yom Kippur at the Western Wall 100 Years Ago - reposting a feature from last year Posted: 01 Oct 2014  Jews at the Kotel on Yom Kippur (circa 1904) See analysis of  the graffiti on the wall for dating this picture. The graffiti on the Wall are memorial notices (not as one reader suggested applied to the photo later). (Library of Congress) On Saturday, Jews around the world will commemorate Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement.  For many centuries, Jews in the Land of Israel prayed at the Western Wall, the remnant of King Herod's retaining wall of the Temple complex destroyed in 70 AD. Several readers noticed and commented on the intermingling of men and women in these historic pictures. It was not by choice.  The Turkish and British rulers of Jerusalem imposed severe restrictions on the Jewish worshipers,  prohibiting chairs, forbidding screens to divide the men and women, and even banning the blowing of the shofar at the end of the Yom Kippur service.  Note that the talit prayer shawls, normally worn by men throughout Yom Kippur, are not visible in the pictures. The men are wearing their festival/Sabbath finery, including their fur shtreimel hats. Note the prayer shawls.  (Credit: RCB Library, 1897) We found one rare picture in an Irish church's archives, dated 1897, showing men wearing prayer shawls at the Kotel. View this video, Echoes of a Shofar, to see the story of young men who defied British authorities between 1930 and 1947 and blew the shofar at the Kotel.  Another view of the Western Wall on Yom Kippur. Note the various groups of worshipers: The Ashkenazic Hassidim wearing the fur shtreimel hats in the foreground, the Sephardic Jews wearing the fezzes in the center, and the women in the back wearing white shawls. (Circa 1904, Library of Congress) For the 19 years that Jordan administered the Old City, 1948-1967, no Jews were permitted to pray at the Kotel.  Many of the photo collections we have surveyed contain numerous pictures of Jewish worshipers at the Western Wall over the last 150 years. After the 1967 war, the Western Wall plaza was enlarged and large areas of King Herod's wall have been exposed.  Archaeologists have also uncovered major subterranean tunnels -- hundreds of meters long -- that are now open to visitors to Jerusalem.    Click on the photos to enlarge.  Click on the captions to see the originals.