Shalom Partner and Friend of Israel,

The miracle of the century is what happened in the Middle East during the past six decades. The Jewish people, who were divinely expelled from the land of their fathers 2,000 years ago, are being re-gathered from all the nations according to the prophetic Word.

Israel’s Independence Day~~~

The 15^th May, is a day when the whole world should salute the State of Israel. It is also a Memorial Day in Israel. The day is set apart to remember the soldiers who died in the War of Liberation and who are buried on Mount Herzl and elsewhere throughout the state. The Ministry of Defence sends out personal messages of condolence to all families who have lost men and women in the country’s struggle to maintain freedom. On the eve of the holiday, thousands make the pilgrimage and stand before Hertzl’s grave on a high plateau, beautifully situated and overlooking the city of Jerusalem. At night celebrations are launched by the kindling of "Independence Torches," a ceremony in which various immigrant groups fittingly take part, as a symbol of Israel’s main purpose and achievement.

The establishment of the State of Israel actually began on November 29, 1947, when the United Nations Organization voted to partition the land of Palestine, as it was then called.

Was that according to prophecy?

Read Joel 3:1 - 2! The partitioning plan was to become effective one year from that date. However, the British Mandate came to an end and Palestine was left without law and order.

The police and fire department and postal service disintegrated and everyone could do ‘that which was right in his own eyes.’ Conditions were explosive, but Jewish people have a faculty of meeting concerning every emergency. Their leaders called key men throughout the land to gather in Tel-Aviv. They went into an historic session that lasted all afternoon and far into the night. The outcome: "Israel’s Declaration of Independence." According to the Jewish calendar that was Iyar 5, 5708 (May 14^th 1948).

The new nation was immediately recognized by world powers and on May 11, 1949, was received as a member nation of the United Nations Organization.

Today the enemies of Israel still covet the land~~~

As joyful as Israel’s Independence Day is for the Jewish people; it has a complete opposite effect on Arab and Muslim people and so they named May 14^th, 1948 as ‘Nakba Day,’ meaning "day of the catastrophe."

Nakba meaning "catastrophe" in Arabic and has been embraced by anti-Semites all over the planet to refer to Israel’s creation, which supposedly imposed a "catastrophe" upon the "disenfranchised Palestinian Arabs.

Of course, the real "catastrophe" that befell the Arabs in 1948-49 was that they failed in their attempt to annihilate Israel and exterminate the Jewish people.

On page 312 of "The Arab Awakening," Antonius writes;

"The year 1920 has an evil name in Arab annals: it is referred to as the Year of the Catastrophe (Am al-Nakba). It saw the first armed risings that occurred in protest against the post-War settlement imposed by the Allies on the Arab countries. In that year, serious outbreaks took place in Syria, Palestine, and Iraq."

Yes, 1920, not 1948! That’s right, 1920 – when there was NO Zionist state, NO Jewish sovereignty, NO "settlements" in "so called occupied territories," NO Israeli Defence Forces, NO Israeli missiles and choppers targeting terror leaders, and NO Jewish control over Jerusalem (which had a Jewish demographic majority going back at least to 1850).

The original "nakba" in 1920 had nothing to do with Jews, and nothing to do with demands by Palestinian Arabs for self-determination, independence and statehood. To the contrary, it had everything to do with the fact that the Palestinian Arabs saw themselves as Syrians. They rioted at this nakba – at this catastrophe– because they found deeply offensive the very idea that they should be independent from Syria and the Syrians.

What is the real disaster, and what is the real justice? Until the mentality of Nakba day is banished, how can Israel have peace in the Middle East?

In the 1920’s, the very suggestion that Palestinian Arabs constituted a separate ethnic nationality was enough to send those same Arabs out into the streets to murder and plunder violently in outrage. If they themselves insisted they were simply Syrians who had migrated to the Land of Israel, by what logic are the Palestinian Arabs deemed entitled to their own state today?

Palestinian Arabs are no more a nation and no more entitled to their own state than are Arabs in any other non-Arab country. The slogan "Filastin hi arduna, Wa al-Yahud kilabuna," – "Palestine is our land, and the Jews are our dogs," was first quoted in 1920 and continues to be quoted every year on 14^th May, the so called Arab Nakba Day.

Speaking of Palestinians as Syrians, it is worth noting what one of the early Syrian nationalists had to say. The following quote comes from the great-grandfather of the current Syrian dictator, Bashar Assad: "Those good Jews brought civilization and peace to the Arab Muslims, and they dispersed gold and prosperity over Palestine without damage to anyone or taking anything by force. Despite this, the Muslims declared holy war against them and did not hesitate to massacre their children and women…. Thus a black fate awaits the Jews and other minorities in case the Mandates are cancelled and Muslim Syria is united with Muslim Palestine." The statement in support of Zionism is from a letter sent to the French Prime Minister in June 1936 by six Syrian Alawi notables (the Alawis are the ruling class in Syria today and Bashar’s great-grandfather was one of them).

May 15^th is the anniversary of the birth of the state of Israel. For Jews, it represents the end of the longest occupation in the history of the world.  And as mentioned, Palestinians commemorate this day as "Nakba" day, the day of the disaster; portraits of "suffering refugees" and demands for "Justice" against "Zionist racism" adorn pro-Palestinian Web sites, advertisements, posters and leaflets. They remind us that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict did not begin with the 1967 Six Day War.

To the embarrassment of the United Nations, the Israeli seat of Government was moved from Tel-Aviv to Jerusalem. A clause in the Petitioning Plan specifically stated that the entire city of Jerusalem was to be an international city ruled by the United Nations Organization and that was a remarkable fulfilment of the Lord’s Words in Luke 21:24.

Is this all according to Prophecy?

It is not surprising when we consider what is happening in the Middle East. In 1922, Dr William L. Pettingill wrote a book entitled, "Israel Jehovah’s Covenant People." However, one would think that it was written since Israel was established in 1948 as a nation. Dr. Pettingill simply quoted those prophecies regarding the re-gathering of the Jewish people and their restoration to the land.

"I will bless them that bless thee." (In fulfilment closely related to the next clause) "And curse him that curseth thee." (Wonderfully fulfilled in the history of the dispersion) It has invariably fared ill with the people who have persecuted the Jew and well with those who have protected him. The future will still more remarkably prove this principle! (Deuteronomy 30: 7; Isaiah. 14: 1 – 2; Joel 3:1 - 8; Micah 5:7-9; Haggai 2: 22; Zechariah 14. 1-3; Matthew 25: 40, 45) Scofield's Reference Bible first published in 1909

The clearest prophecy regarding the re-gathering is to be found in Ezekiel 36 and 37. Remember, this prophecy was written about 2,500 years ago. God said through the prophet: "I scattered them among the heathen (Gentile nations) and they were dispersed through the countries." (Ezekiel 36: 19)

The final dispersion took place in AD 70 when the Roman general Titus savagely conquered Jerusalem, destroyed the Temple, and scattered the people of Israel. They became the term, "wandering Jew."

That prophecy also reveals both the heart and faithfulness of God; "Therefore say to the house of Israel, Thus says the Lord GOD: It is not for your sake, O house of Israel, that I am about to act, but for the sake of My Holy Name, which you have profaned among the nations (gentiles) to which you came. And I will vindicate the Holiness of My Great Name, which has been profaned among the nations, and which you have profaned among them. And the nations (gentiles) will know that I am the LORD, declares the Lord GOD, when through you I vindicate My Hholiness before their eyes. I will take you from the nations and gather you from all the countries and bring you into your own land." Ezekiel 36:21 – 24

It is absolutely necessary that Israel be established as a nation before the Messiah can come for His own, as described in 1 Thessalonians 4:14 – 18.

God is getting the Jews back to the land, not because they are turning to Him, or because they deserve it, but because of His Holy Name. It is not because of their faithfulness, but because of HIS faithfulness. God always deals with His creatures on this basis. We deserve nothing from Him but judgement. He deals with us according to His mercy and not according to our merit. His Word cannot be broken.

The Lord God will move Heaven and earth to cause His Word to be fulfilled. He allowed World War I to prepare the land for His people. The war opened the door for Jewish people to go to the land of their fathers. World War II prepared the people for the land, for the great majority of Jewish people, especially those living in Europe, had no desire to go to the land. And there will be another World War that will prepare the Jewish people in the land for their Messiah. Many prophetic students and military men believe World War III will end in the battle of Armageddon, which would mean that World War III would be the last world war. All this proves that God is interested in the nations of the world primarily as they affect and touch His covenant people, Israel.

The latter part of Ezekiel 36 gives the ultimate of God’s purpose for Israel as a nation. It is a prophecy of a future day when God will give them a new heart and put His Spirit within them. Then follows the 37^th Chapter: that gives details of their re-gathering and national salvation. We also have here the prophecy of the two sticks coming together, representing Judah, the two tribes; and Israel, the ten tribes.

The first part of Ezekiel 37 is being fulfilled as 7.5 million from over 80 countries have gone back to the land. The "sticks" are coming together and they are representing the 12 tribes of Israel in the land today. They are in the exact spiritual condition as foretold in this prophecy. They are in "unbelief" and there is no breath (Spirit) in them.

Some quotes taken from The Declaration of Israel's Independence 1948 Issued at Tel Aviv on May 14, 1948 (5th of Iyar, 5708):

1) "The land of Israel was the birthplace of the Jewish people. Here their spiritual, religious and national identity was formed. Here they achieved independence and created a culture of national and universal significance. Here they wrote and gave the Bible to the world. Exiled from Palestine, the Jewish people remained faithful to it in all the countries of their
dispersion, never ceasing to pray and hope for their return and the restoration of their national freedom."

2) "Impelled by this historic association, Jews strove throughout the centuries to go back to the land
of their fathers and regain their statehood. In recent decades they returned in masses. They reclaimed
the wilderness, revived their language, built cities and villages and established a vigorous and ever growing community with its own economic and cultural life. They sought peace yet were ever prepared to defend themselves. They brought the blessing of progress to all inhabitants of the country."

3) "The Nazi Holocaust, which engulfed millions of Jews in Europe, proved anew the urgency of the

re-establishment of the Jewish state, which would solve the problem of Jewish homelessness by opening the gates to all Jews and lifting the Jewish people to equality in the family of nations. The survivors of the European catastrophe, as well as Jews from other lands proclaiming their right to a life of dignity, freedom and labour, and undeterred by hazards, hardships and obstacles have tried unceasingly to enter Palestine."

4) "In the Second World War the Jewish people in Palestine made a full contribution in the struggle of
the freedom-loving nations against the Nazi evil. The sacrifices of their soldiers and the efforts of their
workers gained them title to rank with the peoples who founded the United Nations."

5) "HEREBY PROCLAIM the establishment of the Jewish State in Palestine, to be called ISRAEL. WE HEREBY DECLARE that as from the termination of the Mandate at midnight this night of the 14th and 15th May, 1948, and until the setting up of the duly elected bodies of the State in accordance with a Constitution, to be drawn up by a Constituent Assembly not later than the first day of
October, 1948, the present National Council shall act as the provisional administration, shall constitute the Provisional Government of the State of Israel."

6)"In the midst of wanton aggression, we yet call upon the Arab inhabitants of the State of Israel to return to the ways of peace and play their part in the development of the State with full and equal citizenship and due representation in its bodies and institutions - provisional or permanent. We offer peace and unity to all the neighbouring states and their peoples, and invite them to co-operate with the independent Jewish nation for the common good of all. Our call goes out the Jewish people all over the world to rally to our side in the task of immigration and development and to stand by us in the great struggle for the fulfilment of the dream of generations - the redemption of Israel."

7) "With trust in Almighty God, we set our hand to this Declaration, at this Session of the Provisional
State Council, in the city of Tel Aviv, on this Sabbath eve, the fifth of Iyar, 5708, the fourteenth day of
May, 1948." Unquote

Israel’s National Anthem, HaTikvah~~~

How wonderful that we have lived to see the hope of Israel’s national anthem being fulfilled. HaTikvah means "The Hope." That stirring anthem contains nine stanzas which speak the longing for Zion and desire to return to it. The chorus is: "Yet our hope not lost; the ancient hope; to dwell in the land in the land of our fathers; in the city where David encamped."

Israel’s true hope is not just the hope to dwell in the land, but is all part of God’s plan for His covenant people. The Messiah is their true HOPE, but with Job they are saying; "where is now my hope. Who will see my hope?" (Job 17:15) Israel’s heart will continue to be sick (Proverbs 13:12) until they say with David of old, "Lord what wait I for? My hope is in thee." (Psalm 39:7)

The whole world is amazed at Israel’s accomplishments on what once was a little strip of barren land, surrounded by enemies determined to wipe them off the map of the "turbulent" Middle East.

Phenomenal progress has been achieved, not only by inspiration, but by perspiration – by blood and tears! Out of political and diplomatic courtesy, nations year after year salute the State of Israel.

As wonderful as Israel’s political rebirth in the land was, their spiritual birth will far surpass it. At their spiritual birth, all Gentile nations will see Israel’s righteousness, and all rulers will behold her glory (Isaiah 62:2).Then, "Many peoples and strong nations shall come to seek the LORD of hosts in Jerusalem and to entreat the favour of the LORD. Thus says the LORD of hosts: In those days ten men from the nations of every tongue shall take hold of the robe of a Jew, saying, ‘Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.’" Zechariah 8: 22 - 23

The when and how; of Israel’s Spiritual rebirth?

No consider two more things: When, will Israel’s spiritual rebirth take place? Secondly, how will it take place?

Israel’s political rebirth to their land took place on May 14^th, 1948. And, her Spiritual rebirth will be when that wonderful day will dawn after the time of Jacob’s Trouble, as spoken by the prophet Jeremiah (30:7). At the end of that tribulation, which will be shortened for the sake of the believing Jewish people of that day (Matthew 24:22), the Messiah will come as the Son of Man. He comes at that time as King of kings and Lord of lords to set up His Righteous Kingdom described by Isaiah in chapters 11 and 12; Jeremiah 23 and other Jewish prophets. We believe that the coming of the Messiah is very close at hand… the prophetic clock tells us it is one minute to midnight.

How will Israel’s spiritual rebirth be accomplished? We know her political rebirth to the land came about in 1948; but how will her spiritual rebirth be affected and how will there be safety and security in the land? The answer can be found in many of the Old Testament prophecies. We will look at just one of the Scriptures; Zechariah 12.

In that chapter we find the phrase, "in that day," used several times. It refers to the second coming to earth of Israel’s Messiah, Jehovah-Tsidkenu; the Lord our Righteousness (Jeremiah 23:6). "In that day" great armies will be in a crushing siege against Israel, and the nation’s destruction seems inevitable and the Lord Messiah will come destroy the nations lined up against Israel and a remnant will recognize Him. (Zechariah 13: 8 – 9. Read through the prophecy in Zechariah 12 and 13 and see Israel’s salvation is the ultimate "Yom Kippur" and Day of Atonement! God bless and protect ISRAEL!

We hope that you enjoy and become more informed by our work. We serve an awesome God and we are humbled by this opportunity to bring you this information. God Bless You always.

Alf & Julie Saunders

May, 2011