Sep 6, 2017

NORTH KOREA SAYS HYDROGEN BOMB TEST WAS "PERFECT SUCCESS":By: Colin Wingfield

North Korea said on Sunday 3 Sept. 2017, it has successfully tested a hydrogen bomb designed to be mounted on its newly developed intercontinental ballistic missile, producing a greater yield than any of its previous nuclear tests. The hydrogen bomb test ordered by leader Kim Jong-un was a "perfect success" and was a "meaningful" step in completing the country's nuclear weapons program, state television said. The announcement came hours after a large earthquake that appeared to be man-made was detected near the North's known nuclear test site, indicating that the reclusive country had conducted its sixth nuclear test. South Korea said that North Korea's defiant sixth nuclear test should be met with the "strongest possible" response, including new UN Security Council sanctions to "completely isolate" the country. Seoul and Washington also discussed deploying USA strategic military assets to the Korean peninsula after North Korea defied international warnings and conducted its most powerful nuclear test ever. (Reuters) In July of 2014, critics of the Obama-supported Iranian deal warned that even if the Iranians agreed to limit nuclear work, such would be a standing invitation for Tehran to cheat its way to a nuclear weapon. The same strategy was and has been used by North Korea since the Clinton and Bush administrations wrongly assumed the deals they signed with Pyongyang would be adhered to. So what’s to keep Iran from following in suite, and who’s going to do anything about either of these nations that are thumbing their noses at the West? Pray according to scripture: "Those who war against you shall be as nothing…. For I, the Lord your rougeGod, will hold your right hand, saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.’” Isa. 41:12-13 [Comment]

Sep 4, 2017

ISRAEL LAUNCHING $20 MILLION PROGRAM TO TEACH SCHOOLKIDS BETTER ENGLISH:By: Colin Wingfield

Israel will spend nearly $20 million on a new program to improve the English skills of its schoolchildren. At a news conference on 30 August 2017, Education Minister Naftali Bennett said that not knowing how to speak English well is hurting Israelis in business and in life. The plan will enable the hiring of 1,000 teachers who are fluent in English. Israeli students start learning English in the third grade. The focus will be on speaking the language. More classes will be dedicated to verbal skills, and matriculation exams will include more verbal testing. "We want to see children who are able to engage in an intelligent conversation anywhere in the world, who are able to correspond via email at a high standard, who can consume literature at the highest level,” Bennett said at the news conference. (JTA) [Comment]

Sep 4, 2017

TRUMP PEACE ENVOY CALLS FOR THE PA TO RE-TAKE CONTROL OF GAZA:By: Colin Wingfield

Hamas has failed as governors of the Gaza Strip and the Palestinian Authority should take over according to President Donald Trump’s foreign negotiations chief. Jason Greenblatt, one of the trio of Israeli-Palestinian negotiators headed by Trump son-in-law Jared Kushner, remained in Israel after the official visit by the team last week. On 30 Aug. 2017, Greenblatt toured the Israeli side of the Gaza border and concluded that "the Palestinian Authority needs to resume its role in the administration of Gaza, as Hamas has substantially harmed the people of Gaza and has failed to meet their most basic needs.” The PA did control Gaza until Hamas violently took control away from the PA and Fatah in 2007. Greenblatt’s comment was the first by a senior USA official affirmatively calling for the PA to take control.

Visiting UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres also viewed the Israeli side of the border but via helicopter. During the helicopter trip from Jerusalem to Gaza, Guterres received a special briefing on security issues in southern Israel. He then visited a Hamas terror tunnel and met with residents of the border communities."Hamas continues to arm itself in order to harm Israel as it exploits the generous humanitarian aid provided by the international community,” Ambassador Danon told the Secretary General. "Hamas has turned the residents of Gaza into hostages and is investing its resources into digging murderous terror tunnels. At the same time, the Israeli residents of the border communities have stood strong in the face of terror threats, as they build prosperous communities and help further develop the region for the betterment of the next generation.” (Medialine/INN) [Comment]

Sep 4, 2017

USA THREATENS TO LEAVE UN COUNCIL OVER ANTI-ISRAEL BLACKLIST: By: Colin Wingfield

The Trump Administration is increasing pressure on the United Nations to prevent its publishing a blacklist of companies that do business in Judea, Samaria, the Golan Heights, and eastern Jerusalem. USA Ambassador to the UN Nikky Haley conveyed messages through diplomatic channels to senior UN officials to the effect that the USA will cut all funding to the UN Human Rights Council if the blacklist the UNHRC drafted is published. Ambassador Hailey also threatened that the USA would leave the council altogether if the blacklist was published. Israel’s ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, blasted the blacklist as "an expression of modern anti-Semitism that reminds us of dark periods in history. Instead of focusing on the terrible humanitarian problems plaguing the globe, the Human Rights Commissioner is seeking to harm Israel, and in doing so has become the world’s most senior BDS activist. I call on the UN, and the international community as a whole, to halt this dangerous policy and put an end to this anti-Israel initiative," Danon said. (INN) More voices of protest are being raised on behalf of Israel, and ever-increasing action is being taken against global organizations and groups who further anti-Israel bias and Anti-Semitism. This is an answer to prayer. Continue to intercede against Anti-Semitism in high places including the UN. [Comment]

Sep 4, 2017

The IDF is replacing their lamas for robotsBy: C4i

This September, Israel infantry units will greet a new ally on the battlefield and say goodbye to an old one. Lamas, the IDF's long time friend for hauling field equipment and supplies across long distances will begin to be replaced with robotic carriers who will shoulder the load from here on out.

Though they might seem like the last thing you'd expect to see in uniform, lamas have been a common sight amidst IDF forces since the second Lebanon war. Dressed in flak jackets and hauling rigs, lamas can be seen dutifully mulling around IDF bases and accompanies troops on patrol in every are the IDF operates in.

While the idea of conscripting animals to haul gear may seem downright archaic in today's heavily mechanized and mobile militaries, lamas have remained irreplaceable in the IDF until now. Why? The lama combines several qualities that make it single best option for transporting gear in Israel's often unforgiving terrain over other possible solutions.

Lamas are physically robust animals. Descendents from camels, lamas share their nearly legendary fortitude. Comfortable in a variety of climates from the rocky desert to snowy mountains, and capable of hauling a substantial burden for long periods of time, they are more than up to any task required of them. Their temperament is also well suited to military action, being exceptionally quiet animals who take well to training and handling, often forming extremely close bonds with the humans who care for them.

Interestingly, even the lama's fuzzy wool coat has become a valuable asset for the IDF. The lamas high temperature and even demeanor can provide essential warmth to recon soldiers on extended missions in low-temperature areas, being content to rest and lie with soldiers for long periods of time if necessary. They also provide vital "thermal cover” for troop movements wishing to avoid detection from thermal imagining devices. A very clever and practical solution to a high-tech problem.

While ATVs, tractors, and other mechanical solutions for carrying gear are certainly available to the IDF, none of them are quite as sure footed, subtle, and reliable, as their favorite animal. Typically, mechanical options running combustion engines are loud, guzzle fuel, and still can't navigate the terrain as well as lamas. As odd as it may seem in this age of jet fighters and satellite uplinks, the humble lama was simply the best choice for the job.

Until now that is. The time has come for the lama's tour of duty to end. Technology has finally caught up with nature and the IDF believes they have a machine capable of replacing, and surpassing, the lama. Citing the lama's sometimes sluggish land speed as a liability for fast moving units, and the ongoing burden of training soldiers for animal handling duties, the IDF is slowly phasing the shaggy fellow out in favor of a newly designed robotic carrier that is designed to move faster and be easier to integrated into units.

Remotely controlled, these tracked hauling drones resemble something like a heavily fortified wagon. Capable of hauling up to 500 kilograms worth of water, food, and gear for long-range recon groups, the robots are powered through batteries rather than a combustion engine, allow for up to 8 hours worth of silent movement on a single charge. These carries aim to expand on the role currently served by lamas and are designed to not only haul gear, but to be able to quickly extract wounded soldiers and aid with recon duties thanks to on-board camera systems. The units are currently unarmed, but that may change in the future.

The first units to test these new robotic allies will be receiving them this month and working them into their operations. As for the lamas, they'll be retired from military service, but fondly remembered.

Don't think that this is the last of the IDF's four-legged friends however. Canine units still serve important roles, from explosive detection, to search and rescue, and watch duty. Maybe a robot will one day be developed to serve those roles as well, but until then, there will still be animals serving Israel on the front lines.

[Comment]

Aug 30, 2017

Finding the silence to hear GodBy: C4i

Silence and quiet are necessary ingredients for spiritual growth. The voice of God is best heard when you're truly listening to Him and not dividing your attention with anything trivial.

Problem is, that's easier said than done.

Most of us live in a constant din of noise and information. Family life is more hectic and complicated than it's ever been before. The expectations placed on the modern family require a kind of hyperactive hustle and bustle, shuttling kids between youth groups, sports, dance or music practice, and more. On top of that, the line between work and home has never been blurrier. With email communication, remote work, and "quick check in” texts, its getting harder and harder to even fully "leave” the job. And of course, then there is the increasingly deafening background static of social media feeds and 24 hour news cycles we all live in now.

Is it any wonder it feels impossible to slow down and breathe?

Our world isn't geared for silence and calm. It's geared for motion and activity. That means we can't just wait around and hope for a quite time or space where we can concentrate on our spiritual walk with the Lord. We need to make an effort to find that peace and quiet.

Turn off the background chatter

Next time you have a moment to yourself, don't reach for the TV remote, the MP3 player, or your phone. We've been conditioned to expect a constant stream of input and background noise in our lives, but sometimes the best thing to do is simply unplug and spend some time alone with your thoughts.

Take a moment to just listen to the sounds around you. Listen to the rhythm of your breathing, feel your pulse beat and be aware of your own presence. Listen for what is around you, the sounds in the distance that are usually drowned out, the quiet rustle of the leaves, birds and insects living their small lives, other people, families, motorists, and neighbours going about their business. Concentrate on your place in the world and the miracle of creation around you.

Go where you can be on your own

Sometimes, it's impossible to find a quiet moment at home or at work. With busy active families and hectic work environments, peace and quiet just isn't on the menu. That's okay, it just means you might need to go a little out of your way to find some silence.

It's a bit of a cliché, but try taking a walk. Moving on your own, away from glowing screens and chatter, can help you find a bit of peace in the middle of an otherwise chaotic day.

This is something you can just make part of your routine, take a walk during your lunch break, or after dinner. You don't need to find some picturesque hiking trail or amazing lakeside path out in the middle of nowhere to enjoy some soothing, restorative solitude. Just walking around the block in your neighborhood can be a nice way to unwind and decompress, to clean out some of the metal debris and detritus that builds up over the average day.

Listen up

When you do find some quiet, make the most of it. Instead of dwelling on your thoughts, going over what needs to be done for the day, whatever else, concentrate on what God is saying to you. Contemplate His lessons, the beauty He has made for us, what He wants for you in your life.

Not all noise comes from outside sources. As humans, we have plenty of distractions bouncing around in our own heads. It can take a bit of effort to turn off the facet of ideas, worries, and anxieties your mind leaves running at all times, but its worth it.

Make the silence you need in your life to hear what God is saying to you.

[Comment]

Aug 23, 2017

The history and wonder of the Old City of AcreBy: C4i

Israel is a country rich in history. From Jerusalem to the Negev desert, there are a seemingly endless number of sites, monuments, and temples from the past of immeasurable historic worth. Still, none quite compare with the Old City of Acre, a city frozen in time.

Estimated to be approximately 4,000 years old, Acre (or Akko) has seen it's share of history. Located on the water, Acre played an important role as a major seaport and center for trade throughout the ages and has been the site of conflict many times during its long history. Four separate dominant religions have claimed Acre throughout the years, and each has left their own distinct mark on the city.

Jewish temples dot the city. Grand mosques still stand from when the Muslims held the area. The Shrine of Bahá'u'lláh still stands from the Bahai religion. During the Crusader period, the city rapidly expanded and took on Christian influences, reflected in both its architecture and fortifications. As the Crusader presence vanished in the area, residents began to build over the remnants of the past as they had done so many times before.

This is what gives Acre its unique historical value. The city is layered, as if different periods of history were draped over each other. Sometimes figurative, but also literally. Underneath the streets of Acre lies a subterranean city lost to time, a relic from the Crusader era that can still be explored and seen today. It's this completely unique opportunity to step back in time and experience it for yourself that makes Acre so incredible and why it was designated a UNESCO world heritage site.

Acre has been referred to as the Pompeii of Roman time. A remarkably preserved moment, like a photograph you can walk through. Beneath the Ahmeh El-Jazzar's citadel, the Crusader City can be explored. This massive underground structure was once the headquarters of the Crusader army. Here, knights would gather, plan, rest, and congregate. It's a stunning display of ancient architecture that has managed to survive for centuries.

Of course, the city served not just as a fortification, but as a way to safely navigate the city. The "Templar’s tunnel” was a strategic underground passage that provided easy access to the port. Over 350 meters long and carved in natural stone, walking it feels like exploring something out of an Indian Jones movie, a kind of secret history from another time.

Above ground, the walls of the city still stand today. These giant fortifications wrap around the whole of the Old City. Where once they operated to fend off invaders and secure the city from attack, they now provide a picturesque view of the City and a unique visual identity to Acre.

The Ahmeh El-Jazzar's citadel itself is worth a tour. This 18th century monstrosity was once used a prison by the British. Here the British authorities held captured Jewish fighters. Today, the prison houses a museum dedicated to those same prisoners and other Jews who were executed during imperial reign.

And peeking over the water, proud on a sea-line cliff-wall is St. John's Church. This brightly coloured red and white church stands out as a uniquely bright and strangely modern (despite being constructed in 1737) building in the middle of Acre's dusty browns and ancient stonework. While historic in its own right, the church was actually built over the site of an even earlier 12th century Crusader church.

And that's the story of Acre in a nutshell. Layer over layer of history and time built up over and over again.

[Comment]

Aug 18, 2017

Nobody has perfect faith, and that's okayBy: C4i

Self-doubt is something many of us struggle with in our spiritual walk. We all have moments when we fail to live up to the person we want to be. When we struggle to rise to a particular challenge, or fall short of what we know God would want from us. In our darkest moments, we may question the strength of our faith.

This is especially true when you start comparing yourself to others. When you look at other people who seem to have a flawless faith, a kind of perfect clarity in their life. Whether you're looking to great figures from the Bible, modern icons, or just acquaintances and friends who don't seem to grapple with the same issues, the comparison isn't always flattering. When stacked up in such a way, it can be easy to start wondering if your faith is as real as you think it is.

The truth is, nobody has perfect faith.

No matter how great a person may be, what wonderful acts of service they've performed, or however confident they may appear, each and every person has experienced some moment of doubt or weakness. From history's greatest ministers down to the leader of your Bible study group, we're all human. Perfection is something that belongs to the Divine, it will never be within our reach.

This isn't meant to shame others or "take them down a peg” by insisting that nobody is as good as they appear. Far from it. It's good to recognize the strength and character of others, to be inspired and moved by the examples we have. But, it's also important to maintain perspective. We're all flawed and we all have our own chaos and doubts. Our faith may not be perfect, but that's not the point.

Jesus embraced plenty of imperfect people. He made disciples out of former tax collectors, ate at the table of sinners and criminals, and openly walked with those society considered unclean or undesirable. He entrusted his ministry to men who denied him, men who doubted his resurrection, catastrophically imperfect men who failed Him when it mattered the most.

But, He had faith in them - even if their own faith was imperfect.

"it is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners".[Mark 2:17]

God knows we're imperfect, but He loves us anyway.

Don't allow self-doubt, negative comparisons to others, or past failures to weigh down your spiritual walk. Acknowledge your shortcomings, try to improve on them in the future, and make peace with being a sorely imperfect human who is never going to nail it 100% of the time. Keep your heart open to God even when you feel like you're not worthy and try your best to lead a Christian life even knowing you'll slip up here and there.

That's not perfect faith, but it's close enough.

[Comment]

Aug 14, 2017

Jewish students discover 900 year old jewelry in a Crusader-era kitchenBy: C4i

Photo: Vered Bosidan, Israel Antiquities Authority.

What did you bring to lost and found when you were a kid? Some interesting knick-knack from a tourist trap? Maybe something from your parent's workplace? Or, were you one of the kids clutching a volcanic geode like it was the latest and greatest thing? Whatever it was, it probably wasn't as cool as what student volunteers found during a recent excavation at Givat Tittora in Modi'in.

Givat Tittora has been the site of an ongoing excavation effort for the Israeli Antiquities Authority. The massive dig has been supported by a cooperative effort of local volunteers and schools. Each day, schoolchildren from grades 4-12 help with the dig while being given a cultural education on the importance of Israeli history and archeology.

Of course, history lessons pale in comparison to finding actual historical treasure!

This was the case for Mati Yohanaoff and other students working through the inner courtyard of a 900 year old Crusader fortress. Digging through a kitchen area, they uncovered a trove of ancient jewelry lost to time. The items included bronze and silver rings, bracelets, hairpins, and earrings – everything you need to get ready for a night out.

How so much jewelry got lost in the first place though is a matter of speculation. This isn't like losing a bobby pin down the sofa cushions. Any jewelry, let alone any pieces made with precious metals would have been prized possessions for the cooking staff. It's likely that these items were among the most valuable they owned.

The most convincing theory is that the women preparing food would take the jewelry off prior to any cooking to preserve their luster and shine. Over time, it's not surprising that a few rings or earrings would be bumped off a table and roll somewhere out of the way. Add enough years, and you end up with a small collection of misplaced jewelry just waiting to be found.

While the jewelry is the most exciting of the finds so far, the rest of the Crusader-era fortress has provided some interesting discoveries as well. As well as the usual things such as serving dishes, pots, and clay ovens, volunteers have also discovered the remnants of ancient foods! Long lasting evidence of meals gone-by such as olive pits, charred grape seeds, and animals bones have been found as well.

Okay, so many some petrified pits and bones are not quite as exciting as the jewelry, but they are still interesting finds in their own right.

This is just the start for the Givat Tittora dig. The IAA plans to continue the excavation with the help of local schools and volunteers for years to come. So far, volunteers have surfaced the courtyard of the ancient fortress, but it is suspected there is still more to find and the site will expand as more buildings and locations are unearthed.

Today, Israeli students are finding leftovers and jewelry, who knows what they may find tomorrow. Israel is a land that never seems to run out of fascinating secrets waiting to be uncovered.

[Comment]

Aug 9, 2017

Celebrating Israeli icons: Gal GadotBy: C4i

Wonder Woman may be an American icon, but the actress that portrays her is pure Israeli. Raised in the relatively small town of Rosh HaAyin, Gal Gadot has found success bringing not only her unique looks to the screen, but her distinctly Israeli personality and values.

Gal Gadot started her career as a model became a quick success in the field. Over the course of her modeling career, Gadot has represented brands such as Gucci fragrances, Jaguar, and the fashion brand Castro. She's appeared on the cover of numerous publications such as Glamour and Entertainment Weekly. All of that however pales in comparison with her victory in the 2004 Miss Israel beauty pageant.

Winning such an honour would help propel any young model to stardom, but Gadot's career needed to take a little detour first. Winning the Miss Israel prize at the age of 18, Gadot, like every other Israeli citizen, was soon scheduled to complete her mandatory two year military service.

She could have tried to get out of it. She certainly wouldn't have been the first high-profile model of celebrity to try and avoid service in the interest of furthering their career. But Gadot had no intention of shirking her duty. She performed her two year service with distinction and poise.

Ironically, this decision may have helped her career in ways that she never would have guessed. Gadot's time in the military provided her with the sense of duty and discipline that helped her prepare for the rigors of producing a blockbuster film.

"You’ve got to give back to the state. You give two or three years, and it’s not about you. You give your freedom away. You learn discipline and respect.”

On top of that, it also gave Gadot a real working knowledge of military hardware and tactics, and a bit of a thrill-seeking side. Gadot found a love for motorcycles during her time in the IDF and that need for speed combined with her extensive experience as a combat instructor made her a perfect fit for her breakout role as the hard-as-nails Gisele in The Fast & The Furious series.

Gadot's star continued to rise, culminating in her lead role as Wonder Woman in the 2017 film. Wonder Woman, a film that tells the story of a strong, independently willed woman thrust into the middle of a seemingly intractable conflict with no easy answer in sight, seems like the perfect fit given Gadot and her nation's history.

Despite rising to the level of international stardom and emerging as an icon for little girls across the globe with their own super hero to look up to, Gadot has never forgotten her roots. In social media and press appearances, Gadot makes her national pride known.

"I am sending my love and prayers to my fellow Israeli citizens, especially to all the boys and girls who are risking their lives protecting my country against the horrific acts conducted by Hamas, who are hiding like cowards behind women and children...We shall overcome!!! Shabbat Shalom!”

[Comment]

< Previous Next >

NORTH KOREA SAYS HYDROGEN BOMB TEST WAS "PERFECT SUCCESS":By: Colin Wingfield

ISRAEL LAUNCHING $20 MILLION PROGRAM TO TEACH SCHOOLKIDS BETTER ENGLISH:By: Colin Wingfield

TRUMP PEACE ENVOY CALLS FOR THE PA TO RE-TAKE CONTROL OF GAZA:By: Colin Wingfield

USA THREATENS TO LEAVE UN COUNCIL OVER ANTI-ISRAEL BLACKLIST: By: Colin Wingfield

The IDF is replacing their lamas for robotsBy: C4i

Finding the silence to hear GodBy: C4i

The history and wonder of the Old City of AcreBy: C4i

Nobody has perfect faith, and that's okayBy: C4i

Jewish students discover 900 year old jewelry in a Crusader-era kitchenBy: C4i

Celebrating Israeli icons: Gal GadotBy: C4i

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