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WE ALL NEED SHALOM
We know we need peace; both as individuals and nations. The desire for
peace transcends our economic, political and various personal needs. We
recognize that we can better face the challenges within our countries and
within our own soul if we have this deep sense of peace and purpose that
gives us the fortitude to go on!
Look at the experience of modern Israel for a moment. We all know that
the Holy Land is struggling! The politics at home is hard on Israelis and the
probability of a nuclear Iran is an ever-present threat to the existence of the
Jewish state. The crumbling of neighbor states, the rise of ISIS and the growth
of a more virulent global antisemitism together cause us to believe that we see
the prophetic portrait painted by the Hebrew prophets coming to pass before
our very eyes.
As Jews, we are alarmed to see a decline in support for Israel. We hope the
countries where we reside will remain resolute in support of the modern state
of Israel—even in the midst of a sea of hostility. We also see that those who
have made themselves enemies of Israel also have a fierce disdain for our
Judeo-Christian heritage. Some have captured, killed, tortured and sought
the destruction of the Gospel, Christianity and even various other forms of
Islam throughout the Middle East.
It is not our intention to fan the flames of hatred against Arabs, Muslims and
the citizens of the Middle East! I mention the above to remind us to pray for
the peace of Jerusalem and for Israel’s neighbors—especially those who are
suffering for their faith.
There is no doubt that Israel needs a path to peace—and so do we!