INSIDE ISRAEL Volume 8

 

PRAYER FOCUS:  Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his family and his cabinet of leaders

 

 Photo: Netanyahu and wife Sara with son Avner who won the National Bible Quiz recently

Netanyahu must manage both internal affairs which often resemble civil war, as well as difficult relations from 200 nations - most of which are cutting off relationships economically and diplomatically due to anti-Semitic and Islamic press/media tactics.

 

BACKGROUND:  Born October 21, 1949, he has served twice as Prime Minister. The first term was during Sadam Hussein's terror rein against Israel, 1996 - 1999. His second term started in March, 2009. He will serve for a total of 4 year term. He also serves as the Chairman of the ruling political party - Likud, as a Knesset member, as the Health Minister of Israel, as Pensioner Affairs Minister and as Economic Strategy Minister of Israel.

 

Currently he is managing internal struggles between Arab vs. Jewish citizens, Ultra Orthodox vs. seculars, capitalists vs. the poor, a partially socialist/partially democratic society, and an economy that is primarily sustained by exports to nations and tourism from nations all of whom threaten boycotts every day. The emotional and mental pressure is too great for one man, and his health and security is at risk.

 

His personal life is often in the news due to his controversial wife, Sara, who has been sued numerous times by domestic help and nannies, etc. She has often employed Christians to care for her children, but several have claimed they were abused. However more recently Netanyahu became a grandfather when his oldest daughter from a previous marriage gave birth. He and his current wife, Sara, have 2 sons, Yair and Avner. Avner who is 15, just won the prestigious National Bible Quiz out of over 12,000 contestants. His 100 year old grandfather Netanyahu (Benjamin's father), tutored the young bible scholar. The family is traditional Orthodox, considered moderate in practice. Netanyahu often uses scripture in his international speeches (Ezekiel and the prophets) and has strong personal friendships with several Christian religious leaders.

"The Bible is the very essence and foundation of the existence and spirit of the Jewish people," he recently said. "It is also the single most important, remarkable and moving piece ever written."

 

Personal web site: http://en.netanyahu.org.il/

 

 

PRAYER:     

·      For his spiritual walk and faith to be the center of His existence - based on the bible and a close relationship with God through faith in Jesus (he does not yet have faith in Jesus as Messiah)

·      For guidance through the Holy Spirit in all decisions, words spoken, and relationships

·      May his personal life and family be one of unity, peace, love - also pray for salvation of his wife and children and protection over each of them

·      May his cabinet of advisors and ministers of government be granted wisdom from God in all decisions and relationships

·      For supernatural protection against all demonic forces that battle to destroy, deceive and remove him and his ministers from office.

 

  

 

 

 

 

NEED: Recent important defeat in Israeli courts, gives the go ahead for more violent persecution against believers and their worship services.

                  

BACKGROUND: For the past year Howard Bass, a Messianic leader from the south of Israel has been involved in a law suit in the City of Be'er Sheva over a serious incident which took place several years ago. During a Shabbat service a mob of ultra religious Jews (form the group Yad L'ahim) attacked their congregational meeting damaging personal property and injuring some members of the congregation. The attack was totally unprovoked. This all began when the chief rabbi of that city of Be'er Sheva called for demonstrations in response to a false rumor that the congregation would be baptizing a large number of children on that day. The demonstration turned violent and the police were called in but no charges were filed by police. As no legal action was forthcoming, Howard (the pastor) launched the suit in civil court.

 

This past week after a year of hearings, the presiding judge announced his decision and it was a stinging defeat for the Messianic believers. In spite of dramatically clear evidence including videos of the rioting orthodox Jews and numerous eye witness testimonies, the judge ruled that all of the allegations were totally unfounded. Instead he fined those who had brought the suit, ordering them to pay damages to those who had orchestrated the attack and requiring that they pay for the entire cost of the litigation.

 

There is a definite danger that this unjust victory of the persecutors of Messianic Believers here in Israel will empower them to attack in a greater way in the future. It is amazing that the same demonic religious spirits that persecuted Yeshua and his disciples are still prevalent in Israel today. Please be in prayer for the Body of Believers in Israel. We are entering into a time of increasing persecution from both the government and the religious communities. Praise God that the attacks in these days is a clear demonstration of the success of efforts over the past two decades. The Body of Messiah is growing in Israel and beyond a doubt the powers of Hell shall not prevail against it.

 

PRAYER:

·      For a shield of protection around each Jewish and Arab believer in Israel, for warring angels to hide and protect their worship centers, houses of prayer, homes of meeting

·      For the enemies of the gospel to be blessed with salvation through Messiah Jesus by revelation and relationship

·      For a reversal in the court system to provide freedom to worship and practice all forms of religion in Israel as the Israeli Declaration of Independence provides

·      For the messianic Jews in Beersheva to have resources to pay for the last court battle and wisdom to know whether to continue the battles.

·      For Jerusalem Institute of Justice and their messianic Jewish lawyers, to prosper and receive divine wisdom on legal battles in defense of believers in Israel (visit their website: www.jij.co.il)

 

For more information on Israeli ministries and inside Israel info see www.beholdzion.com