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(Left to Right) Eastern Gate, Damascus Gate, Lions Gate, Dung Gate, Jaffa Gate, Zion Gate, New Gate
Psalm 122
1I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.
2Our feet shall stand within thy gates, O Jerusalem.
Isaiah 62
6I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold their peace day nor night:
ye that make mention of the LORD, keep not silence,
7And give him no rest, till he establish, and till he make Jerusalem a praise in the earth.Psalm 122:6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: may they prosper who love you.
Thanks to JNN News for the Israeli News updates - info@jnnnews.com
IT’S SO EASY TO GET TO THE SIGHTS IN JERUSALEM
If you plan on visiting Israel, it’s helpful to know you can get to almost everywhere interesting in Jerusalem by foot or by easy- to-use public transportation. You don’t need to rent a car or join a conventional tour to reach the most remarkable spots. Jerusalem‘s public transportation system is undergoing significant changes–the much-awaited Light Rail project got underway in mid-August. For visitors interested in the easiest way to access historical, religious or cultural sites, the best advice is to buy a good map and walk to most places. Many of Jerusalem’s gems are within easy walking distance of the major hotels, and most Israelis speak English and are keen to help tourists and practice their language skills. If you do decide to take public transportation–to get to Yad Vashem, for instance–the Light Rail is a good choice. Until at least mid-October, it’s free and you can stroll down Jaffa Road in central Jerusalem, do a bit of window shopping and catch the train at any of the stops along the road. Destinations and arrival times of the next train are digitally displayed at the stations. Once you’re on the train, announcements of the next station are made in English as well as Hebrew, and you’ll even be able to ride over the striking Caltrava Bridge at the entrance to the city. To venture further afield–to the Biblical Zoo, say, you’ll have to take a bus. Bus stops are easily identifiable by their covered bench and square yellow sign marked with the number and final destination of each route. Simply tell the driver your destination when you board the bus to make sure you’re going in the right direction. Exact change is not necessary for Jerusalem buses. The adult fare for a single ride is currently 6.40 NIS (around $1.85) and includes a transfer good for 80 minutes, which you can use for your return journey if you’ll be back on the bus within the 80 minutes. Board the bus at the front door only, and give the driver your money. Wait for the ticket and transfer to print out of the machine by his side and go and find a seat. Chances are your neighbor will strike up a conversation and by the time you reach your destination you may well have an invitation for dinner. If you need to travel between cities in Israel, head over to Jerusalem’s Central Bus station at the western end of Jaffa Road and you’ll find comfortable, relatively clean buses to every part of the country. The information center is staffed by people who speak English and can help plan your itinerary. Inter-city fares are quite reasonable–Jerusalem-Tel Aviv will run around 25 NIS (about $6 for adults). Don’t be shy about using public transportation in Jerusalem. It’s one of the best ways of taking in the culture, scenery and the people of Israel. (Janglo)
“Walk about Zion, go around her, count her towers, consider well her ramparts, view her citadels that you may tell of them to the next generation.” Ps 48:12-13 Jerusalem Light Rail
VIRTUAL DEAD SEA SCROLLS GET MORE THAN A MILLION HITS IN JUST ONE WEEK
More than a million people have visited a new website featuring high-resolution photographs of several Dead Sea Scrolls since the site was launched less than a week ago by the Israel Museum and Google Israel. The website provides a detailed view of five of the most complete scrolls, which were found at Qumran and date from around the Second Temple period, nearly 2,000 years ago. (Ha’aretz)
DID YOU KNOW?
September 25, 2011 - A Gates Foundation grant will help an Israeli scientist further develop his cell-phone imaging system for diagnosing malaria in Africa. September 18, 2011 - A synthetic peptide developed in Israel may halt the progression of diabetes in Type 1 diabetes patients. The peptide is now in advanced Phase 3 clinical trials. September 11, 2011 - A new solar window from Israel can generate power, reduce energy consumption and let in daylight, promising a green revolution to the construction industry. September 5, 2011 - An Israeli device called RUTH, now in clinical trials, could revolutionize breast cancer diagnosis by offering detection without radiation, pain, or guesswork. (21C)
“I will make them and the places surrounding my hill a blessing. I will send down showers in season; there will be showers of blessing.” Ezek 34:26
BYZANTINE TREASURE FOUND OFF ISRAELI COAST
A ship anchor dating back to the 4th century has been found off the coast of Bat Yam. Archaeologist Jacob Sharvit said the find is especially valuable as it verifies the vibrant sea trade of the Byzantine era to ports along the coast and across the Mediterranean. The iron anchor - measuring 2.1 meters and weighing 300 kilogram - was pulled out of the Mediterranean Sea by Israeli lifeguards on a beach in Bat Yam, near Tel Aviv. Sharvit says the anchor was likely that of a Byzantine ship that crashed and sank in a storm about 1,700 years ago. An Israeli archaeologist team is set to dive at the site to search for more treasure. The Israeli coastline has had its fair share of shipwrecked finds. Sharvit says the collection of artifacts found on the ocean floor tell the story of the seafaring routes in history. Earlier this year, the Israeli government introduced an initiative to create public parks through archaeological sites of interest along the country's treasure rich coastline. (21C)
June 2011 NO JEWS TO BE ALLOWED ON DELTA-SAUDI AIR LINE FLIGHTS
Jews and Israelis, or passengers carrying any non-Islamic article of faith, will not be able to fly code-share flights from the US to Saudi Arabia under Delta Air Line's new partnership with Saudi Arabian Airlines that is set to begin in 2012. Earlier this year Delta announced it had struck a deal with the Saudi Arabian airline to join its “SkyTeam” network in 2012 but the details of the deal's implications have only recently been revealed. The kingdom has strict rules for entry. It prohibits anyone with an Israeli stamp in their passport from entering the country, even in transit. Passengers with Jewish sounding names have been denied visas. Citizens of every country are mandated to obtain visas and sponsors required for entry, but Jews cannot obtain them. Moreover, both Jewish and Christian bibles and non-Islamic religious items may be confiscated upon arrival. Since Delta is a US carrier, the new policy has created a firestorm of controversy. Colby M. May, senior counsel of the American Center for Law and Justice, a conservative legal group, said his office is trying to determine if the agreement contravenes US law. (INN) According to scripture, this alliance is guaranteed not to further their success: “I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you.” Gen 12:3 ISRAEL’S LEADERS TEST NUCLEAR BUNKER
Israeli leaders tried out a new underground nuclear bunker on Wednesday as part of annual nationwide maneuvers to prepare for a possible missile war with Iran, Syria and their Lebanese and Palestinian terrorist allies. It was the first time the security cabinet, headed by PM Netanyahu, tested the bunker, dug deep in the western Jerusalem foothills over the past decade. Israel has held increasingly sweeping civil defense drills since the 2006 Lebanon war, during which Hizbullah terrorists fired thousands of short-range rockets at its northern towns. There have been similar salvoes from Hamas and other Palestinian terrorist factions in the Gaza Strip to the south. Israeli officials say a future war could also involve non-conventional missile strikes by Syria and Iran.
Mark 13 14 But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains: 15 And let him that is on the housetop not go down into the house, neither enter therein, to take any thing out of his house: 16 And let him that is in the field not turn back again for to take up his garment. 17 But woe to them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days! 18 And pray ye that your flight be not in the winter. 19 For in those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be. 20 And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect's sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days. 21 And then if any man shall say to you, Lo, here is Christ; or, lo, he is there; believe him not: 22 For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect. 23 But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things. 24 But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, 25 And the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken. 26 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.
Judean/Jerusalem Mountains
The Judean Mountains, (Hebrew: הרי יהודה "Harei Yehuda" ), also Judean Hills and Hebron Hills is a mountain range in Israel and the West Bank where Jerusalem and several other biblical cities are located.
BARAK: IRON DOME OVER ALL OF ISRAEL, SOON
Israel's Defense Minister Ehud Barak vowed Monday to provide the entire State of Israel with the Iron Dome system’s anti-missile coverage, and that of a second system, Magic Wand. Speaking in Paris, Barak said the Iron Dome can be completed and deployed across the entire country in two and a half years, and Magic Wand in five years. The Iron Dome system is intended for interception of short-range missiles, such as the Kassam, and has been proven successful in shooting down terrorist 'Grad' Katyusha missiles fired from Gaza this year. The Magic Wand is intended against medium range missiles such as those Hizbullah might fire at central Israel from Lebanon. (INN)
2 Sam 22:3
My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge; my savior, you save me from violence.”
Iron Dome near Sderot
DUTCH ANTI-ISLAMIST GEERT WILDERS ON TRIAL
Dutch anti-Islamist politician GeertWilders appealed for freedom of expression Monday as he went on trial for alleged hate speech at a time when his popularity and influence in the Netherlands are near all-time highs. Among Wilders' many remarks at issue in the trial, an editorial in newspaper De Volkskrant stands out. "I've had enough of Islam in the Netherlands; let not one more Muslim immigrate," he wrote in the paper. "I've had enough of the Koran in the Netherlands: Forbid that fascist book." He may be best known for the 2008 short film "Fitna," which offended Muslims around the world by juxtaposing Koranic verses with images of terrorism by Islamic radicals. If convicted he could face up to a year in jail, (Fox News)
GOLAN WIND FARM UNDERWAY, DECLARED NATIONAL PROJECT
PM Binyamin Netanyahu signed a decree last week which declares the plan by the Multimatrix Company to build a large wind farm in the Golan Heights a national project, according to a report in Globes. While Israel has traditionally focused on solar power, recently it has begun to put more resources into developing its wind energy industry. Israel plans to more than triple its use of wind energy over the next decade. Wind energy is one of the solutions to the expected energy shortage in Israel in the coming years. (INN)
Golan Wind Farm
ISRAELI SCIENTISTS REPORT STRONGEST-EVER NANO - MATERIAL
A revolutionary new ball-shaped nanostructure – fully derived from very simple organic elements yet strong as steel – has been developed at scientific laboratories in Israel. These promising bio-inspired nanospheres have innumerable potential uses from durable composite materials and bullet-proof vests to medical implants that are not metallic and reinforced plastics for tooth implants. They could also be used in the space, aviation and transportation industries. (J.Post)
THE SETTLEMENT FREEZE ONLY HINDERED NEGOTIATIONS
Talks with the Americans over the end of the construction freeze and Palestinian threats to break off direct talks after barely one month continued over the weekend. The Americans can't understand how PM Netanyahu rejected the compromise prepared by Defense Minister Ehud Barak, which would have had Israel extend the moratorium for 60 days in return for favors from Obama. Netanyahu can't understand why he has been pushed into a corner: He called a 10-month freeze, stuck to it, and granted the Palestinians some economic and security relief. Why don't they complain to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who wasted nine months of the freeze with evasive tricks? In terms of results, the moratorium was a failure. It greatly delayed the Palestinians' agreement to negotiate. Now it's threatening to end negotiations completely. "What I was afraid would happen, has happened," said Knesset speaker Reuven Rivlin (Likud). "We made an attempt to show goodwill, build relations, but I warned Netanyahu after the decision was made that it would end badly. Settlement building resumed across the West Bank on Monday just hours after a 10-month freeze expired, (Ha’aretz)
ISRAEL WARNS LEBANON ON AHMADINJAD TOUR
Israel warned Lebanon not to allow Iranian President Ahmadinjead to tour the border between the two countries. Ahmadinejad, who has denied the Holocaust, called for the removal of the Jewish state and whose government is suspected of preparing for the manufacture of a nuclear weapon, will visit Lebanon this week and plans a tour of the border area. Israeli authorities have made representations through US, UN and French intermediaries warning Lebanon to keep Ahmadinejad away from the border area. The Iranian President reportedly intends to hurl stones at Israeli soldiers from Lebanese border. (JTA)
“Let not a slanderer be established on the earth.” Psalm 140:11
US SENATE BACKS NETANYAHU, ASKS OBAMA TO PRESSURE ABBAS
Eighty-seven US senators - almost the entire 100-member Senate - have signed a letter to President Barack Obama that in effect blames the Palestinian Authority for again freezing direct talks with Israel. The Senators' letter may help counter anti-Israel international sentiment, led by the Obama administration. US State Department spokesman Philip Crowley said Monday the United States is “disappointed” that PM Benyamin Netanyahu did not extend the 10-month moratorium on building. The freeze was instituted to satisfy Abbas’ condition for a resumption of direct talks, but Abbas balked, arguing that it was not comprehensive and extensive enough. The senators’ letter praises PM Netanyahu, who they pointed out "did not abandon the talks" despite the brutal murder of four innocent Israeli civilians by Hamas terrorists at the start of the negotiations. (INN)
ISRAEL MAKES MAJOR GAINS IN RAISING LIFE EXPECTANCY
Over the last 30 years, the life expectancy of Jewish Israelis has increased significantly and is longer on average than in the OECD countries. Infant mortality rates are also lower. Even Israeli Arabs, who had long lagged behind due to cultural, social, educational and other reasons, now live markedly longer than most Americans. The national health system and other medical improvements have been notably successful in improving outcomes for all Israeli residents. (J.Post)
TEN YEARS WITHOUT JOSEPH’S TOMB
Hundreds of people gathered Thursday for a ceremony marking the tenth anniversary of Israel’s pullout from Joseph’s Tomb. The service was held in the Samarian community of Mitzpe Yosef near Shechem (Nablus). Rabbi Dov Lior in the opening speech said Joseph’s character should serve as an example to Jews in the present generation. “After we returned to our country we have a commandment to reclaim the land and settle it. Handing over of territories is a sin and we have paid a price for it, as we have seen in recent years…. We need to strengthen ourselves as the righteous Joseph did.” The tomb of Joseph also got a new roof last week. The repairs were completed ten years after the site was overrun and vandalized by a Palestinian Authority Arab mob. (Aurtz-7)
The destruction of Joseph's Tomb by Palestinians in 2000.
Joseph's Tomb
“Restore our fortunes, O Lord, like streams in the Negev.” Ps 126:4
OBAMA ATTENDS CHURCH TO HEAR PRO PALESTINIAN MESSAGE
Before Sunday, September 19, US President Barack Obama and his family had only been to church twice since he became commander-in-chief. They went the first time on Inauguration Day and the second time on Easter. The Obama family’s third time at church in Washington, DC was to hear a pro-Palestinian activist preach about how Israel needs to surrender its biblical heartland for a phony “peace.” The president and his family attended St. John’s Episcopal Church, just across the street from the White House, for the morning service. Interestingly enough that is the same morning guest speaker Ziad Asali of the American Task Force on Palestine (ATFP) had the podium. Asali and the ATFP pretend to want a lasting two-state solution to the conflict, but also advocate the demographic destruction of the Jewish state by supporting the demand that Israel open its gates to millions of so-called “Palestinian refugees.” The ATFP blames Israel for the current situation, and wants it to apologize for its rebirth as a nation-state, while Asali draws moral equivalency between Palestinian terrorism and Israeli counter-terrorism operations. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the US mainstream media ignored the fact that a Muslim with a thinly-veiled anti-Israel message was preaching on the day that the Obama family attended church for only the third time in the past year. (Israel Today)
POLL: ISRAELI JEWS BACK NON-ORTHODOX CONVERSIONS
A new Israeli government survey reveals 63% of Israeli Jews believe that those converted by non-Orthodox rabbis should be regarded as Jews. The findings put the general public at odds with religious authorities in Israel, which only partially recognizes conversions performed by non-Orthodox rabbis inside the country. Those converted by non-Orthodox rabbis outside Israel are automatically eligible for Israeli citizenship like other Jews. (JTA)
AMBASSADOR MICHAEL OREN THANKS CHRISTIANS FOR SUPPORTING ISRAEL
Michael Oren, Israeli Ambassador to the US, thanked 300 pastors and Christian leaders for supporting Israel. His audience gave him a warm welcome, in contrast to the raucous anti-Zionist reception at the University of California's Irvine campus. University police last week arrested a dozen protesters who at one point prevented Oren from speaking for 20 minutes. Oren said he came to address a meeting of southern California Christian evangelists "because the Evangelical community in the US is a very prominent and crucial component of the United States-Israel relationship. It is a component that has proven vital to Israel’s security and well-being in the course of Israel’s existence over the last six decades.” (INN)
“You shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to dwell in.” Is 58:12
ANCIENT JERUSALEM WATERWAY REVEALED AT JAFFA GATE
Excavations inside the Old City of Jerusalem at Jaffa Gate have turned up yet another fascinating revelation: A water canal, 40 meters long (44 yards) and 1.5 meters (5 feet) high. The Jerusalem waterway dates from the 2nd and 3rd centuries C.E. Dr. Ofer Sion, director of the archaeological works at the site, explained, “During the course of the work, the wall of the waterway was revealed, and when we removed some large stones and looked inside, we saw before us a perfectly-designed waterway, with a flat stone roof on top. People can walk inside it, bent-over, for a length of 40 meters.” The newly-uncovered section is part of a waterway that was once some eight miles long, leading from Solomon’s Pools. “It is exciting to think no human has set foot here for so many centuries,” he added. (INN)
BIDEN TO VISIT ISRAEL SOON
US Vice President Joe Biden is expected in Israel within a month for meetings. The question arises whether Biden’s visit will be an indication of unprecedented cooperation on the Iranian nuclear issue or if he comes to pressure Israel not to go forward with a pre-emptive strike on Iran, which is believed to be only a year away from producing nuclear weapons. Biden, who is a hawkish symbol in the Obama administration, has openly defended Israel's right to strike in Iran. Last July, he was asked how the US would respond if Israel decided to launch an attack on the Islamic Republic's nuclear facilities, he said: "Israel can determine for itself - it's a sovereign nation - what's in their interest and what they decide to do relative to Iran and anyone else." (Ynet)
Continue to pray for discernment for Israel’s leaders and determination not to bow to foreign pressures in matters of its own security. "Does not the ear test words as the tongue tastes food?" Job 12:11
1,400-YEAR-OLD WINE PRESS UNCOVERED, ONE OF ISRAEL’S LARGEST
The Israel Antiquities Authority has announced the discovery of a 1,400-year-old wine press - one of the largest ever found in Israel. Its location is midway between Jerusalem and Ashdod. The wine press was unearthed during a salvage excavation in a region to be used for agricultural farmland by Gush Katif expulsion victims. Their permanent homes are being built nearby. The head of the Nahal Sorek Regional Council said he will ensure the conservation of the site and its opening to the general public. (INN)
THE DIRE PLIGHT OF ISRAEL’S MOST POOR
Israel’s poor live in a much deeper state of poverty than their counterparts in the UK, a study carried out by academics at Bar-Ilan University and the University of Bristol has found. According to the research, in Israel, people living in poverty are six times more likely to go without food than Britain’s poor and are four times more likely to have their phones or electricity disconnected. The researchers noted Israel’s poor were much more likely to suffer from chronic health problems than those in the UK. (J.Post)
“Do not let the oppressed retreat in disgrace; may the poor and needy praise your name.” Ps 74:21
INCOMING TOURISM TO ISRAEL SETS NEW RECORD FOR JANUARY
A record-breaking 212,000 incoming tourists came to Israel in January, an increase of 62% from 2009 and 17% from the previous record year of 2008, the Central Bureau of Statistics reported last week. The Gaza operation in January 2009 had depressed last year’s figures for the same month. (J.Post)
