Wednesday, May 25, 2016

Israel's Judean Desert Treasures to Be Saved From Antiques Robbers [PHOTOS] By JNI Media - BREAKING ISRAEL NEWS

Volunteers at work in the archaeological excavation. (Photo: Yoli Shwartz/IAA/JNi Media)

Israel's Judean Desert Treasures to Be Saved From Antiques Robbers [PHOTOS]


“The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my rock, in Him I take refuge; my shield, and my horn of salvation, my high tower.” Psalms 18:3 (The Israel Bible™)
The Israel Antiquities Authority is promoting a national plan for comprehensive archaeological excavations in the Judean Desert caves, and for rescuing the Dead Sea Scrolls, which are among the earliest texts written in the Hebrew language. The plan is carried out in cooperation with the Heritage Project in the Ministry of Jerusalem Affairs, and Minister of Culture and Sport Miri Regev (Likud).
Israel Hasson, director-general of the IAA, said in a statement, “For years now our most important heritage and cultural assets have been excavated illicitly and plundered in the Judean Desert caves for reasons of greed. The goal of the national plan that we are advancing is to excavate and find all of the scrolls that remain in the caves, once and for all, so that they will be rescued and preserved by the state.”

The cave where the archaeological excavation is being conducted is situated c. 80 meters from the top of the cliff and c. 250 meters above the base of the canyon. (Photo: Guy Fitoussi, courtesy of the IAA Unit for the Prevention of Antiquities Robbery)
The cave where the archaeological excavation is being conducted is situated c. 80 meters from the top of the cliff and c. 250 meters above the base of the canyon. (Photo: Guy Fitoussi, courtesy of the IAA Unit for the Prevention of Antiquities Robbery)

Minister of Culture and Sport Miri Regev said in a statement, “The antiquities robbers are plundering the Land of Israel’s history, which is something we cannot allow. The Dead Sea scrolls are an exciting testament of paramount importance that bear witness to the existence of Israel in the Land of Israel 2,000 years ago, and they were found close to the Return to Zion and the establishment of the State of Israel in the Land of Israel. It is our duty to protect these unique treasures, which belong to the Jewish people and the entire world. I will work to increase the punishment against those that rob our country’s antiquities.”
Menorah of old replica necklace, from the City of David. Buy Now!
Last week, the IAA took a first step in the plan by commencing a complicated and extraordinary archaeological excavation in search of scrolls in Nahal Tse’elim. A team from the IAA’s Unit for the Prevention of Antiquities Robbery accompanied by researchers from the Caves Research Center of the Hebrew University and hundreds of volunteers from across the country is participating in the excavation, which is taking place with the support of the Heritage Project in the Ministry of Jerusalem Affairs.
The excavation is being directed by archaeologists Dr. Eitan Klein, Dr. Uri Davidovich, Royee Porat and Amir Ganor. For many years, IAA inspectors have been proactively enforcing the law in the desert, during the course of which they have made a number of seizures and foiled bands of antiquities robbers that sought to become rich through the detrimental exposure of items of great historical importance. However, these actions are a mere drop in the ocean and the IAA stresses that only by excavating all of the scrolls in the ground and transferring them to the state, will it be possible to ensure their well-being and preservation for future generations.
In November 2014, inspectors of the IAA’s Unit for the Prevention of Antiquities Robbery apprehended a band of robbers, residents of the village of Sa‘ir near Hebron, in the act of plundering the contents of the Cave of the Skulls in Nahal Tse’elim. The suspects who were caught “red-handed” were arrested on the spot, interrogated, and later sentenced and served a prison sentence, and are required to pay the State of Israel a fine of $25,000. At the time of their arrest they were in possession of important archaeological artifacts that date to the Roman period, c. 2,000 years ago, and the Neolithic period, c. 8,000 years ago.

Access to the cave is complicated and for safety’s sake requires the use of rappelling equipment. (Photo: Yoli Shwartz, courtesy of the IAA/JNi Media)
Access to the cave is complicated and for safety’s sake requires the use of rappelling equipment. (Photo: Yoli Shwartz, courtesy of the IAA/JNi Media)

In 2009 an ancient papyrus that was written in Hebrew and dates to the Year Four of the Destruction of the House of Israel (139 CE) was seized. The papyrus was confiscated in a joint operation by the IAA’s Unit for the Prevention of Antiquities Robbery and the Israel Police during a meeting with antiquities dealers in which the papyrus was offered for sale for the amount of $2 million. The investigation of the robbers revealed that this papyrus had also been discovered in Nahal Tse’elim. The contents of it, which mention the towns and settlements in the area of the Hebron hill-country, suggest that the papyrus was part of an archive of documents belonging to Jews who fled to the desert from the Hebron area after the Bar Kokhba uprising. Now, the IAA hopes to find similar documents.
The Cave of Skulls, where the excavation is taking place, is located about 80 yards from the top of the cliff, and about 750 ft above the base of the canyon. Because of the difficulty in reaching the site, the IAA obtained a special permit from the Nature and Parks Authority to construct an access trail, which requires the use of rappelling equipment for the safety of the participants in the excavation. More than 500 volunteers and field personnel from Israel and abroad were required for the undertaking, and they are sleeping and living in a camp in desert field conditions. Many requests by individuals offering to participate have been denied because of the lack of infrastructure to provide for such a large group of archaeologists, volunteers and interested parties. The current excavation season will end in another two weeks, assuming this will be sufficient time in order to extract the valuable archaeological information from the cave.

The ancient text that dates to the Year Four of the Destruction of the House of Israel (139 CE), which was seized in a joint operation by the Unit for the Prevention of Antiquities Robbery and the Israel Police. (Photo: Shai Halevi, courtesy of the Leon Levy Digital Library, IAA/JNi Media)
The ancient text that dates to the Year Four of the Destruction of the House of Israel (139 CE), which was seized in a joint operation by the Unit for the Prevention of Antiquities Robbery and the Israel Police. (Photo: Shai Halevi, courtesy of the Leon Levy Digital Library, IAA/JNi Media)

According to Amir Ganor, director of the IAA’s Unit for the Prevention of Antiquities Robbery, “The excavation in Nahal Tse’elim is an operation of extraordinary complexity and scope, and one that has not occurred in the Judean Desert in the past thirty years. Despite the rigorous enforcement actions taken against the antiquities robbers, we still witness acts of severe plundering that unfortunately are possible in such large desert expanses. There are hundreds of caves in cliffs in the area, access to which is both dangerous and challenging. In almost every cave that we examined we found evidence of illicit intervention and it is simply heart-breaking. The loss of the finds is irreversible damage that cannot be tolerated.”
Israel Hasson, director-general of the IAA, added, “It is exciting to see the extraordinary work of the volunteers, who have lent a hand and participated in the excavation in complicated field conditions, out of a desire to join in an historic undertaking and discover finds that can provide priceless information about our past here. The time has come for the state to underwrite broad action so as to rescue the cultural assets of enormous historical importance while they still remain in the caves. Substantial amounts need to be allocated which will allow the IAA to embark upon a large-scale operation for studying the desert, including the caves, and excavating the artifacts. After all, the Dead Sea scrolls are of religious, political and historical importance to Jews, Christians and all of humanity.”

The 'son of Hamas' just gave a speech that will completely shock you - ISRAEL VIDEO NETWORK

Mosab Hassan Yousef
Son of Hamas
Mosab Hassan Yousef – the “Green Prince” – who worked as an Israeli spy, just gave an extraordinary speech at The Jerusalem Post’s annual conference in New York on Sunday. Yousef noted that at one point he was working for and being paid by Israel, the US, the PA and Hamas, all at the same time - so he speaks from experience!

What if Jews Had Raped an Arab Girl? - Israel Today Staff

What if Jews Had Raped an Arab Girl?

Wednesday, May 25, 2016 |  Israel Today Staff
The lifting of a court gag order on a severe incident that occurred in Tel Aviv two weeks ago once again demonstrates the blatant double standards of the mainstream media and the international community.
It was revealed on Wednesday that earlier this month police arrested two young Arab men - one an Israeli citizen and the other from the Palestinian-controlled territories - on suspicion they and a third accomplice had brutally raped a mentally handicapped Jewish girl.
The girl, who filed the initial complaint, was found by police to be in severe mental distress.
Over the course of the investigation, it was discovered that one of the Arab suspects had filmed the assault on his cellphone. The footage, according to police, shows the two raping the 20-year-old Jewish girl while spitting on her and shouting racist slogans.
The two men also threatened to kill the girl’s family if she told anyone what had happened.
In her ruling approving an extended remand for the suspects, the judge wrote, “This is a shocking incident of exploitation of a helpless and handicapped girl that had racist motives.”
The story was quickly picked up by most of the Hebrew press, but was nowhere to be found in the mainstream international English-language media.
As one might imagine, had the roles been reversed - had three Jewish men violently raped a handicapped Arab girl while shouting racist slogans - it would take mere minutes for the story to become headline news around the globe.
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Israel Destination: Haifa ✡ "All of Israel to Mount Carmel" - ISRAEL365

And now, send and gather for me all of Israel to
Mount Carmel.

וְעַתָּה שְׁלַח קְבֹץ אֵלַי אֶת כָּל יִשְׂרָאֵל אֶל הַר הַכַּרְמֶל

דברים ג:י’’ח


v'-a-ta sh'-lakh k'-votz ay-lai et kol yis-ra-ayl el har ha-kar-mel

Today's Israel Inspiration

We love to learn and share the biblical significance of the modern day cities of Israel. Haifa is not just the largest and most important northern city of Israel, with a glorious setting on the slopes of Mount Carmel, surrounded by sea. It is also rich in biblical history. The Book of Kings describes the prophet Elijah ascending Mount Carmel to challenge the pagan gods. It was here that Elijah successfully discredited them and thus returned the hearts of the people to the Almighty (I Kings 18:19). Haifa’s name hints to its magical setting, stemming from the words “hof” (beach) and “yaffa” (beautiful). Wear your love of the Land with our beautiful new Israel Map Necklace.

Great Tour of Haifa

Along with its natural beauty of sea and mountain, Haifa is also rich in diversity and peaceful co-existence among all three major world religions. Check it out in this fascinating tour video.

Spectacular Finds of Ancient Shipwreck in Caesarea

A fortuitous discovery by two divers in the ancient port of Caesarea has led to the revelation of a large and spectacular ancient cargo of a merchant ship that sank during the late Roman period, about 1,600 years ago.

What's man's role in the End of Days?



Today's Israel Photo

A stunning sunset over the hills of Haifa by Natasha Pnini.

Yesterday's Photo Trivia

You know your Israel! Yesterday's incredible photo by Ilan Rosen featured Israeli air force jets flying in formation over Masada.

Thank You

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Thank you for your daily updates from the greatest country on earth. I miss Israel and can't wait to go back. Your updates are a blessing to us here in Australia where we don't get the "real news" on what's happening over there! Love the photos! G_od bless Israel and all your people. Kind regards, Loretta Harvey
Shalom,
Rabbi Tuly Weisz
RabbiTuly@Israel365.com
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A Great Falling Away Is Afoot, and Apostasy Reigns Supreme - JENNIFER LECLAIRE CHARISMA NEWS

If they hate Jesus, they'll hate you—and they certainly hate Jesus. I'm talking about the American Left and its unyielding war on Christianity.

A Great Falling Away Is Afoot, and Apostasy Reigns Supreme





If they hate Jesus, they'll hate you—and they certainly hate Jesus. I'm talking about the American Left and its unyielding war on Christianity. (Fred Seibert/Flickr/Creative Commons)

Watchman on the Wall, by Jennifer LeClaire
Jennifer LeClaire is now sharing her reflections and revelations through Walking in the Spirit. Listen at charismapodcastnetwork.com.

If they hate Jesus, they'll hate you—and they certainly hate Jesus. I'm talking about the American Left and its unyielding war on Christianity.
And so is my good friend Matt Barber.
In his fiery new book, Hating Jesus: The American Left's War on Christianity, Barber reveals how secular progressives are waging an unrelenting fight against Christianity in America. Perhaps more importantly, he explains how Christians can fight back. 
"Just a few short decades ago, a church-going man who publicly supported the right to life, backed laws protecting marriage and spoke freely of Christ's love for fallen man would be universally recognized as a fine and upstanding citizen," says Barber, an associate dean with Liberty University School of Law and an attorney concentrating on constitutional law. "He would be welcomed anywhere, including at the highest levels of power. But things have changed. In today's America, the 'progressive' left actively endeavors to destroy such a man."
JOIN JENNIFER ON FACEBOOK FOR SPIRITUAL COMMENTARY AND ENCOURAGEMENT. CLICK HERE. 
Barber, founder and editor-in-chief at BarbWire.com, expertly addresses how American leftists have co-opted the mountains of society: schools, government, the media, Hollywood and the arts, and many conservative organizations. 
With great detail, Barber explains the Modern American leftist war strategy. It starts by vilifying Christians. They then begin scheming, quite often with success, to get Christians terminated from employment and forever marked with a scarlet "C" to inhibit any future prospects for employment. 
We've seen this over and over. Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia recently fired Gen. Jerry Boykin for his opposition to President Obama's transgender mandate, only to rehire him days later. The re-hiring is a rare victory. Most have to battle it out in court or in the unsympathetic liberal media. ESPN fired Curt Schilling in April for his stance on transgender bathroom uses. Georgia's Department of Public Health fired Dr. Eric Walsh for the content of his sermons. And the list goes on and on. 
Next, Barber says, the radical left simultaneously attacks the family and works to tear it apart, at once sending a warning shot over the bow of other Christians and pushing them to the fringes of society. The ultimate goal? Conform to their pagan demands or face incarceration. 
"What's worse is that progressivism has, like a deadly cancer, fully metastasized into what passes for the church in America," Barber says. "There is a great falling away afoot, and apostasy reigns supreme." 
As Barber sees it, the secular left doesn't merely have a disagreement with Christianity. He explains these are not people with whom one may reason, compromise or even disagree; they are dedicated to evil; and they demand nothing less than the abolition of the biblical worldview, and the destruction of Christ's followers right along with it. 
"Now is the time to fight back. If you are someone, Christian or not, who refuses to see Christianity wiped out—like it ever could be—and your children indoctrinated into pure evil, then sitting on the sidelines is no longer an option," Barber says. "We live in dire times. But with Christ, it's never too late to turn the tide!" 
I agree with Barber. I'm believing for a Great Awakening so great that it gains even the secular left's attention. I'm believing for transforming revival that changes America from the inside out. Sure, there will always be a radical left, but when some of the proponents of a godless nation get radically saved and speak out about their passion for Jesus, the tide will begin to turn. 
The devil knows his time is short. Let's keep praying.
Jennifer LeClaire is senior editor of Charisma. She is also director of Awakening House of Prayer in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, co-founder of awakeningtv.com, on the leadership team of the New Breed Revival Network and author of several books, including The Next Great Move of God: An Appeal to Heaven for Spiritual Awakening;Mornings With the Holy Spirit, Listening Daily to the Still, Small Voice of GodThe Making of a Prophet and Satan's Deadly Trio: Defeating the Deceptions of Jezebel, Religion and Witchcraft. You can visit her website here. You can also join Jennifer onFacebook or follow her on Twitter. Jennifer's Periscope handle is @propheticbooks.
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Israel and America: Home, Identity and Connection - RINA NE'EMAN/FOR ISRAEL FOREVER CHARISMA NEWS

Being an Israeli American can bring on ambivalent feelings of identity.

Israel and America: Home, Identity and Connection





Being an Israeli American can bring on ambivalent feelings of identity. (Flickr )

Standing With Israel
Being in Israel always causes me to ponder my identity and my sense of home.
I used to believe that when you belong to two places, you can't be a true part of either of them. Or maybe you are a part of both of them. Both of them leave their mark on you—but which place is really home?
Is home the house you call your own, with the people you love above all and who matter most to you? Or is home the country, the language and the society to which you feel most connected? Or perhaps an intangible, unquantifiable distillation of both?
My daughter, Talia, and I landed in Israel early on a Friday morning a couple of weeks ago, and headed straight up to our rented apartment in Jerusalem.
A stone's throw from the Machaneh Yehudah market, the typical hustle and bustle of the entire city preparing for Shabbat instantly produces a sense of familiarity and connection that is absent for me every place else in the world.
As a translator and interpreter, I travel quite extensively, but no place draws me in so instantly, so immediately, so thoroughly and completely, the way that Jerusalem does. I am at ease. I am home. Finally, I am connected.
I am Israeli—and American. In the United States, I am different. I belong, yet I don't belong. The news I watch morning and night, the music that I sing along to on the road, much of the food that I love and the books that I read—are all different. The websites that I go to with my first cup of morning coffee and regularly throughout my day aren't shared by any of my neighbors, and precious few of my local friends—even my Jewish friends.
Landing in Israel always carries for me a sense of relief, of a common denominator with my surroundings, of connection.
I am an Israeli in the United States and an American in Israel. Two parts of my identity, both always so integral, which are sometimes so difficult to reconcile. I have to feed and water the Israeli in me with frequent trips here, lest I become parched. 
The American part of me is very comfortable in and accustomed to the United States. I am successful, a leader in my field, and part of a special and meaningful Jewish community. But the profound connection to my greater surroundings is absent.
Home in America is inside my eclectic, colorful and much beloved house. Home is full of comfort and familiarity, of precious memories, of photographs, of mementos of my travels. Home is where my soup simmers. Home is and will always be—first and foremost—where my children are.
Home in Israel is outside, and all around me.
The enormous stacks of a dozen different types of challah. The ubiquitous Shabbat Shalom on the lips of every vendor and shopper whom we encounter. The colors and the intensity of the market that never fail to enthrall me. The earnestness of the fruit hawker in the market, beseeching passersby to purchase "strawberries for the Holy Sabbath."
Hot, steaming sahlab on a cold December night. Buttery, sublime kanafehMarak kubeh at divine, simple Azura, in the heart of the Iraqi market. Bread with za'atar, in all shapes and sizes.
Home in Israel, apparently, has a lot to do with food. As would befit a Jewish homeland. What else?
Golden, glowing stones. Rosemary growing wild, rampant on every street corner. Girls in short skirts passing men in long, black coats, carefully averting their eyes. Or not.
Jerusalem. I am an insider who has become an outsider too. I treasure the instant connection, and the way in which the smells, the flavors and the tastes of the city take me back in time. The winter dampness, the alleys, the courtyards, the street names, infinite reminiscences of my youth.
Like switching lenses on my DSLR, my focus and connection sharpens my sense of disconnection.
So much of what I am passionate about lies here. My news. My music. Bookstores filled with Hebrew literature. Judaism that is central, present and not marginalized. Language and song.
People who truly care about one another. A sense of shared fate and peoplehood. Connection. 
Being in Israel is like gasping for air. I can't get enough. And then, inevitably, it is time to leave.
Like a cherished lover who is sometimes too much to handle, it is difficult to say goodbye, though you know that the time has come. But before you know it, you just keep craving his familiar smell and touch, until the next time you are back in his arms again. You know that it won't be long, because you just can't stay away.
Through my insider-outsider eyes, one truth rings loud and clear. Israel, in its almost 65 years, is nothing short of a modern miracle. And while our critics—of which I am often one—certainly have their place, I simply have no use for cynics. It is so clear to me, with the clarity and sharp perspective of distance, how connected I am and always will be, and how much we all have to take pride in.
I'll be back. Soon. Because there is no doubt about it—Israel is home too. 
Rina Ne'eman is a translator and interpreter, and the managing director of Rina Ne'eman Hebrew Language Services. She is a proud Israeli, shoe addict and Photographer-Wannabe-Extraordinaire. Follow her on Twitter @rinaneeman or email her at rina@hebrewtrans.com
For the original article, visit israelforever.org.
Draw closer to God. Experience the presence of the Holy Spirit every month as you read Charisma magazine. Sign up now to get Charisma for as low as $1 per issue.
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