Israel Foreign Ministry Mocks Media Over Gaza Coverage

Tuesday, June 16, 2015 |  Israel Today Staff

Israel’s Foreign Ministry this week published a YouTube video (see below) mocking the misleading coverage of last year’s Gaza war by the mainstream international media.

Repeatedly, the world’s biggest news outlets used images from other conflicts to depict the situation in Gaza, failed to put any blame for the dire conditions there on Hamas, and all but ignored terrorists using civilian population centers as cover for launching rockets at Israel.

These largely erroneous reports contributed to the predictably allegations of “war crimes” by Israel, which could soon lead to the Jewish state being dragged before the International Criminal Court in the Hague.

Despite overwhelming evidence of their faulty reporting (some self-acknowledged), the Foreign Press Association in Israel (FPA) was fuming on Tuesday over the Foreign Ministry’s playful video.

“Israel’s diplomatic corps wants to be taken seriously in the world. Posting misleading and poorly conceived videos on YouTube is inappropriate, unhelpful and undermines the ministry, which says it respects the foreign press and its freedom to work in Gaza,” the FPA complained in a press release.

A Foreign Ministry official said the FPA needs to lighten up.

“The film mocks many journalists with a gentle wink, too many of whom are blind to what is happening around them,” ministry spokesman Emmanuel Nahshon told Ha’aretz.

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"Connecting the Dots of Your Purpose" - Joey LeTourneau

"Connecting the Dots of Your Purpose"

Joey LeTourneau, Redding, CA

The Elijah List

"I know the plans I have for you..." Jeremiah 29:11

Growing up, for my 16th birthday, my parents asked if they could give me a "Father's Blessing" for my birthday. I was reluctant while imagining the other things a 16th birthday could bring, but I ended up receiving a gift that has altered my life, family and purpose forever.

One particular line my dad spoke over me really stands out: "I hope you never believe that just because you're not like me in every area of life that I think you're a lesser person; that's a common belief among sons of type-A dads. In fact, I believe the very best hope for the LeTourneau name lies in the very ways that you are different from me."

What a revolutionary statement! As people, and Christians, we can struggle not to judge others or expect them to conform to our ways. We often condemn differences that are actually a big part of God's creative design. We often want people to recognize our way of doing things as the "right way."

But here, in a father-son relationship where such conforming expectations can often be at the greatest heights, my dad was actually blessing my differences, recognizing—and helping me recognize—that it was those very differences in my life that were not like him that would probably make the biggest difference in the world. I tend to think our Heavenly Father sees much the same way. (Photo via flickr)

"There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all." 1 Corinthians 12:4-6

You are going to reach people that I will never reach. You have gifts I can't dream of. You are called to different places, through different ways that I am not. And that's a beautiful thing! 

But those intentional differences crafted straight from the Father's heart are also why we often struggle to live out our purpose—because it's different than the person on our right, or our left. We too often compare and end up hiding the very light that is supposed to rise up and shine from within us!

Identifiers to Help "Connect the Dots"

Here is a stepping-stone like path of identifiers that can help you recognize different, important parts of your life and how they may fit with other pieces God has given you. 

These areas of our lives can look like a big, scattered "connect the dots" puzzle as we try and decide which one to pursue. But start to connect the dots and you just might see the picture He is trying to show the world through you! (Photo via pixabay)

Dream: What do you want to give the world, in a big picture sense? Do you want to give hope? Second chances? Education? Resources? What about new ideas and inventions?

Compassion: Who or what does your heart naturally break for? It might be a cause or subject that always wrenches your heart when you see it in a movie or story. It might be something you or someone close to you has passed through. Is your compassion for orphans or widows? The poor or oppressed? Perhaps broken families, or maybe for those impacted by slavery/trafficking? Your heart has probably already been talking with God about your compassion fairly frequently, we just have to slow down to recognize and identify that it just might be Him speaking to us.

Passion: What subjects do you enjoy? What talents or gifts has God given you? Is it art or music? Sports? Media or technology? Maybe business, government or education? When you combine your compassion with your passion, you can begin to see a new way you might be able to reach out to those you have compassion for.

Purpose: How are you going to make an impact? Will you open a facility or start a business? You could teach, coach, or mentor others in a formal or informal way. Might you write or speak, or maybe travel to encourage or deliver resources? You might simply become a professional in your field. And there are so many other ways.

Nations: This part is pretty self-explanatory. Where? What nation, community, culture or neighborhood grabs your heart? Is it your nation/neighborhood? Is it an Asian nation or an African nation? Perhaps it is a European nation or somewhere else. There are so many possibilities and yours is important.

So imagine you start to connect those dots: What if you wanted to give New ideas and inventions to those who are poor, using your passion for business to open a facility in an urban area. Or, what if you wanted to give hope to victims of trafficking in an Asian nation using art as a method of reviving their spirits. (Photo via pixabay)

First Steps

The truth is we aren't just called to dream big dreams; we must have the courage to persevere and live them out. This all starts with taking a first step into what may start out as unknown territory.

Our impact rarely comes from trying to live out some great thing, or build a great ministry. I believe it starts in a very simple way when we stop looking at what we do not have in our hands, and start to look at the pieces of His heart that He has put into ours. 

Great faith lived out is often little more than great obedience in the presence of difficulty, opposition or the unknown. Our obedience starts simply by taking those first steps with Him into the "Yes."

Our first steps might be to write out a goal or plan. Maybe start to research more about your compassion. You could even take a vision trip to visit the people or place you are called to—not necessarily to do anything yet—just to ask the Lord what He is doing and how He is calling you to join Him. (Photo via flickr)

Each dot in your life might not bring much clarity on its own, but together they represent something awesome! Whether it's a nation you are drawn to or a compassion that makes your heart well up with hurt and hope at the very same time. 

To truly live your purpose don't simply look for the road that goes towards one of these dots as a destination in your life, but get childlike before God and play a good ol' fashion game of connect the dots with your Father. See the picture He has already painted within you, the picture He is trying to reveal through you to the world!

"Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you." Isaiah 60:1

Joey LeTourneau
Imagi-Nations LLC

Email: joey.letourneau@gmail.com
Website: goimaginations.com

Joey LeTourneau, along with his wife Destiny and their five kids, live in Redding, California, and work across the nations to see the Father's heart revealed, and want to see God's children empowered to live out every purpose they've been created for–that no purpose would fall to the ground. Joey has authored six books and recently created a revolutionary new board game that helps people dream into their potential purpose–especially for youth around the world. Together, he and his wife founded Imagi-Nations LLC, a movement to "Imagine nations changed because you lived your purpose and dream."

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Top World Generals: No Israeli War Crimes in Gaza

Monday, June 15, 2015 |  Israel Today Staff

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Israel

Israel at the weekend published the findings of 10 of the world’s top generals who concluded that, contrary to widespread allegations, the Jewish state had not committed war crimes during last summer’s Gaza war.

The delegation, headed by Chairman of the NATO Military Committee General Klaus Naumann (pictured), said in a statement that its “mission to Israel was unprecedented. We were the first such multi-national group of senior officers to visit the country. We were granted a level of access to the Israeli government and Defense Force that has not been afforded to any other group…”

After vigorously investigating the Israeli army’s conduct during the war, the group found that “Israeli forces acted proportionately as required by the laws of armed conflict and often went beyond the required legal principles of proportionality, necessity and discrimination.”

In fact, the foreign generals noted that on many occasions “the measures taken were often far in excess of the requirements of the Geneva Conventions.” For instance, Israel repeatedly put off a major military response despite escalating terrorist rocket fire. And once war had begun, the IDF routinely paused military action to spare civilians, even though doing so allowed Hamas and its allies to re-group and replenish.

Addressing the high number of Palestinian civilian casualties, the generals said this was the sad, but inevitable reality of conducting war from such a densely populated area.

“We recognize that some of these deaths were caused by error and misjudgment… But we also recognize that the majority of deaths were the tragic inevitability of defending against an enemy that deliberately carries out attacks from within the civilian population,” read the findings.

Earlier this year, Israel invited two leading American legal experts, Michael Schmitt and John Merriam, to likewise probe its conduct during the 50-day conflict that devastated much of Gaza.

Both Schmitt and Merriam lecture on the law of armed conflict at the US Naval War College, and Schmitt also advises on the topic at NATO, Harvard and Exeter.

Their survey took a sympathetic, if not uncritical, look at Israel’s “siege mentality” and the various other factors that create the “specific operational and strategic environment in which the IDF must fight.”

And while Israel’s aggressiveness in some scenarios and the resulting collateral damage might be viewed by some as excessive and contentious, the authors determined that Israeli military policy and practice fell within legally acceptable boundaries.

“While there are certainly Israeli legal positions that may be contentious, we found that their approach to targeting is consistent with the law and, in many cases, worthy of emulation,” read the survey’s concluding sentence.

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Darlene Zschech sings "Worthy Is The Lamb with Cry Out For You"

Darlene Zschech

Live DVD Recording of 'Worthy Is The Lamb' with 'Cry Out For You' from Darlene's latest album, 'You Are Love'

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Terror Attacks Unites Israel and French Christians

Corinne Lafitte - worship leader

Terror Attacks Unites Israel and French Christians

By Julie Stahl

CBN News Middle East Correspondent

Friday, June 12, 2015

JERUSALEM, Israel -- France is the least evangelized country in Europe, and some Christians believe the recent terror attacks there could lead to a change.

Part of that is because of a growing connection between Israel and French Christians.

French worship leader Corinne Lafitte recently helped bring nearly 500 Evangelicals, Protestants, and Catholics together to bless the Jewish people.

"To tell them we love them. We are with them. We'll do everything to sustain them and to help them, whatever is the situation in France," Lafitte told conference participants from the podium.

While pro-Israel Christians have been holding conferences in Israel for decades, this was the first time French Christians gathered as a group in Jerusalem to support the Jewish state.

Pastor Carlos Payan believes coming to Jerusalem will be particularly good for this group of Christians.

"We live in time that we have not prepared, but God has prepared that time for us," Payan told CBN News. "We'll receive also healing by coming here to Jerusalem."

A major event happened earlier this year when Islamic fundamentalists carried out terror attacks in France, one in a kosher supermarket in Paris where they gunned down four French Jews.

Payan said Jewish-Christian relations improved after that tragic incident.

"French Jews know that many Christians, not only Evangelicals, but Catholics and Protestants are friends with Israel," he said.

Lafitte explained that Jews in France are going through a particularly hard time.

"Well the situation is really terrible," she told CBN News. "We live in a little Jewish quarter and we see people spitting on Jews -- things like that -- happening."

Last year, some 7,000 French Jews immigrated to Israel, the most from any nation, and this year more are expected.

While the Israel event was planned long before the terror attacks, French-Israeli Pastor Tony Sperandeo said it's a wake-up call for the Church.

"The Church is the light. They should not expect the government to do anything," Sperandeo told CBN News.

"They should stand and believe and trust the word of God and stand with the principle that they know, to love Israel, as the scripture says: I will bless Israel. I will bless those who bless Israel, I [will] curse those who curse Israel," he said.

Franklin Graham on Why God Is Keeping Billy Graham on This Earth

 6/12/2015 KRISTY ETHERIDGE/BGEA  charisma news 

Franklin Graham (right) with his father, Billy Graham (BGEA)

Franklin Graham recently returned from Jacksonville, Florida, where he preached the gospel to more than 18,000 people in person and more than 40,000 others watching the live stream online.

While in Jacksonville, Franklin was interviewed by local media outlet First Coast News. The subject turned to his father, Billy Graham, who is 96 1/2 years old.

"He's proud of that half," Franklin laughed.

Franklin told First Coast News that his father still enjoys some of his favorite foods, including BBQ and hamburgers. He said Mr. Graham doesn't talk much, but he knows what's going on.

"He's kind of quiet," Franklin said. "His mind is still clear."

With his father approaching 97 and hoping to live to 100, Franklin spoke about why he thinks God is continuing to keep the "Evangelist to the World" and "Pastor to Presidents" on this earth.

"Especially now that we see Christians under attack in this country—and this is something; we're going to see more and more of this—my father is still present," Franklin said. "Even though he's not able to speak as much as he used to, he's still present, and I think that is a great encouragement to many people to know that Billy Graham is still with us."

Billy Graham's continuing influence on people around the world can be seen through some of the active social media accounts in his name. The official Billy Graham Facebook page, which is managed by a team at the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association in Charlotte, North Carolina, has more than 2.5 million "likes." His Twitter account, also operated by the BGEA team, has more than 200,000 followers.

More importantly, the ministry that bears Mr. Graham's name is continuing his legacy of reaching the world with the hope of Jesus Christ. The recent Festival of Hope that brought Franklin Graham to Florida was one of many evangelistic events that take place in the U.S. and abroad each year. In 2016, Franklin plans to take the gospel to every state in the country.

Another of BGEA's ministries, known as Internet Evangelism, has led to more than 6 million decisions for Christ around the world, and countless individuals around the globe are discovering Jesus through the ministry each day.

Hebrew Meaning of "Iron Dome" ✡ "Holy One of Israel is Among You"

Exult and shout for joy, inhabitants of Zion, for the great Holy One of Israel is among you. ISAIAH (12:6)   צַהֲלִי וָרֹנִּי יוֹשֶׁבֶת צִיּוֹן כִּי גָדוֹל בְּקִרְבֵּךְ קְדוֹשׁ יִשְׂרָאֵל ישעיהו י’’ב:ו tza-ha-lee va-ro-nee yo-she-vet tzee-on kee ga-dol b'-kir-baykh k'-dosh yis-ra-ayl

Today's Israel Inspiration The ‘Kippa’ (Hebrew) or ‘Yarmulka’ (Yiddish) is the round head covering worn by Jewish men to serve as a constant reminder to us and everyone else, that God is always above, and that, like today’s verse teaches us, ‘the Holy One of Israel is great in our midst.’ How fitting that Israel's Iron Dome is called "Kippah Barzel (iron dome)" - a kippah covering the entire Holy Land! Get more inspiration in our devotional book when you sponsor a day of Israel365. Sponsor a day and get our inspiring devotional book in the mail »  Biblical Sources for the Kippah Get ready to learn some great Hebrew in this video that asks "Why do Jewish men wear a kippah?" Watch here » Rushed Deal Reduces Iran's Responsibilities With a self-imposed deadline of June 30rapidly approaching, the pressure to close a nuclear deal with Iran may result in compromises on key issues. Read more » Get your very own Kippah! This 16 centimeter knitted Kippah is crafted in a tightly-knit pattern from black yarn. A stunning geometric pattern in varied shades of royal blue forms a wide band at its border. A truly beautiful Kippah! Get this Great Deal » Today's Israel Photo Ilan Rosen's photo of a kippah (yarmulke) stand in Israel. Which one is your favorite?!   See more scenes of Israel  » Thank You Today's Scenes and Inspiration is sponsored by Brenda Hine from Bay City, Michigan. Toda Raba!   Sponsor a day in honor of a loved one » “Your Bible Series is Phenomenal” It’s great to hear from so many of you - stay in touch and let us know where in the world you are enjoying Israel365!   Stay in Touch » Dear Rabbi Tuly, Todah Raba for all you do to keep us informed and to include us in the life of those living in the State of Israel. Your Bible series is phenomenal.  In shalom, Inés Colom Ragland Would love to travel to Israel! We pray for the peace of Jerusalem almost every day! May the Lord bless the nation of Israel. From Southern California. Jim and Amy Hossack Shalom, Rabbi Tuly Weisz RabbiTuly@Israel365.com

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Widow's Joy: He Didn't Deny Christ When Beheaded

By Gary Lane

CBN News Chief International Correspondent

Sunday, June 14, 2015

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CAIRO, Egypt -- Imagine ISIS kidnapped a relative of yours and then you see their brutal beheading on television. Many different emotions can take over, including anger, grief, and depression.

CBN News found a group of Egyptian Christians, however, who responded much differently. They are happy their family members stood firm in their faith.

Widow Mariam Farhat told us she, "was very proud" that her husband "stood firm in his faith and that he didn't deny Jesus."

That surprising reaction is happening 150 miles south of Cairo, in the village of Al Aour.

Residents there honor the sacrifice of 21 Egyptians brutally murdered last February by ISIS. Their pictures are prominently displayed in the sanctuary of Virgin Mary Church.

Thirteen attended the church. The martyrs left behind family members like 23-year-old Farhat. She became a widow when the militants beheaded her husband Malak Ibrahim in Libya.

She first learned of his murder when she saw the now infamous video on local television.

"We were very sad for the first two days, but we hadn't seen the video," she recalled. "When we saw them in the video calling to Jesus we were very comforted."

And that's why Mariam and other families say they are now joyful, not sad.

Bebawy Al Ham's brother Samuel was among those killed.

"We were always praying that God would make them steadfast in their faith," Bebawy told CBN News. "We were very happy with what they said on the video: 'Jesus Christ have mercy on us.' When we found out they had been killed for being Christian, we were very comforted, because these were God's children and he took them."

Although Samuel's wife and children now live without a husband and father, his family told CBN News their faith is stronger; they forgive the jihadists, and even pray for ISIS.

"I pray for them that God may open their hearts, and they may know the truth and know that what they do is wrong and then do the right thing," Bebawy said.

"Jesus told us to forgive every sin and we forgive them and we hope that they can come to know Jesus," he said.

Egyptian Christians are encouraged to know they are not alone. In the United States there's a growing movement among Christians to demonstrate unity and solidarity with those who are suffering for Christ in the Middle East.

Rev. Patrick Mahoney, director of the Christian Defense Coalition, explained.

"What we thought was how could we identify and stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Christ who are being brutalized around the world for their Christian faith?" he said. "What tangible thing could we do, what practical thing could we do?"

Immediately, orange jumpsuits came to mind. Mahoney and others launched the #orangejumpsuitcampaign. The movement has expanded to orange scarves, sweaters, and ribbons.

"It's to remind our brothers and sisters that we love them, and we're standing with them and to remind decision makers here in America and across the globe--the free nations of the world--we cannot be silent on this issue," Mahoney said.

He said the response has been amazing. Non-Christians have joined in as well.

"A Jewish rabbi, to stand in solidarity with persecuted Christians is dying his beard orange, which I think is incredible and I can't wait to see that," Mahoney said.

Mariam was encouraged after she viewed cell phone photos of Americans wearing orange.

"May the Lord make their love grow and grow. We are very happy with their love and we don't deserve their love," she told CBN News.

Mahoney said every five minutes around the world a Christian is killed for his faith.

"People don't understand the kind of barbarism and brutality they are going through," he said. "And you know when I visit persecuted Christians in the Middle East there is one thing that they always ask--it doesn't matter if it is Iraq, Syria, wherever it might be-- it's this: 'Please remember us!'"

And wearing orange on the job or at church helps people remember them.

"I think people need to understand that if we do not act quickly, the public expression of Christianity may be extinguished in the Middle East. As Elie Weisel, Holocaust survivor and Nobel Peace Prize winner, says, "we must always take sides. Silence only helps the oppressor, never the oppressed,'" Mahoney said.

Mariam also has a message for others who have suffered or still face danger from ISIS.

"Don't be sad or cry. God will support us all," he said. "And he will fulfill his promise that he is the father of the orphans and the widows."

Watch video: Joy in Jesus