Messiah Yeshua said, “I have told you these things so that you won’t be caught by surprise. They will ban you from the synagogue; in fact, the time will come when anyone who kills you will think he is serving G-d! They will do these things because they have understood neither the Father nor me. But I have told you this, so that when the time comes for it to happen, you will remember that I told you.”
(John 16)

IBF is partnering with Jerusalem Institute of Justice’s struggle to advance democracy, civil rights, and religious freedom becomes increasingly more vital as religious persecution intensifies in the State of Israel. Over recent months, JIJ has seen a rise in religious intolerance, discrimination, and flagrant harassment of Messianic Jews in Israel.

Yad L'Achim stages protest in front of home of Messianic Israeli couple

Ad in the local newspaper calls for residents to protest opposite the couple's home. "Leave us alone. We're sick of the missionary brainwashing. We must not be silent. We must stop them."

Israeli Citizenship & Religious Discrimination
In the area of citizenship rights and unlawful religious discrimination, JIJ is currently handling several cases, one of which involves two Jewish sisters originally from France who became Israeli citizens at an early age when their parents made Aliyah (immigration to Israel) in 1974. After residing in the Land for a few years, the family left and had not returned since. However, in 2009, unaware that they retained Israeli citizenship, the two sisters decided to visit Israel and upon their entrance, quickly discovered that they were indeed Israeli citizens.
One year later, they decided to return to live in Israel and attempted to go through the Aliyah process with their own families. During procedures, they were discovered to hold Messianic beliefs and though already Israeli citizens, they were illegally denied Israeli identity cards, which entitle them to all basic rights and legal status in Israel. JIJ appealed on their behalf before the Public Complaints Commission and succeeded in securing them identity cards; however, the Ministry of Interior is now refusing to grant them the immigration benefits entitled to all new and returning citizens. As a result, the two sisters along with one child currently reside in Israel devoid of the access to absorption benefits, which help ease the tremendous financial burden on new immigrants. JIJ is currently working to obtain full immigration benefits for the sisters and their families.*
Another case which JIJ is currently handling involves a young woman whose citizenship was actually revoked after half a year due to her affiliation with Messianic Judaism. The Ministry of Interior discovered this affiliation after the young woman’s mother also applied for aliyah. During application procedures, the mother, although unaffiliated to Messianic Judaism, was subject to rigid interrogations and accusations of missionary activity and connection to Messianic Judaism. Thereafter, the young woman’s citizenship was immediately revoked and the mother’s application thus denied. JIJ is currently preparing a petition to the Supreme Court on their behalf.”

Please remember Messianic Israelis in your prayers. They are “chaluztim” [pioneers] and greatly loved by the L-rd. They are held to account for centuries of “Christian” persecution of the Jewish people, and they are often misunderstood and slandered by others. However, they are respected and often defended by their neighbors who see them living good lives, serving in the Israeli military, and walking humbly before G-d.

Thank you for standing with IBF as we stand with Messianic Jews in Israel.

“He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure.” Isa 33:6

The news from Israel shows some facts the world’s media largely ignores.

1.  Poverty among Israel’s children is “one in three.”

A report submitted 12/28/2011  to President Shimon Peres by the National Council for the Child that said “one out of every three children in the Jewish State officially falls into the classification for poverty.”  A report issued by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) earlier this month warned the gap between rich and poor Israelis grew over the past year – and the gap in Israel is one of the highest among OECD members. (INN)

THE NEED IS URGENT FOR YOUR DONATIONS: Poverty ranks as the number one concern for people in Israel. An estimated 1.7 million people, 850,000 of them children, live below the poverty line, barely receiving one meal a day. Every week Vision for Israel’s vans [ a ministry Israel Benevolence Fund helps support]  personally visit families, single mothers and others greatly in need. We bring them food, clothing, household items – all the necessities to make it through the hardship they are experiencing. With your help, Vision for Israel has been assisting for many years those who have fallen through the cracks of Israeli society. Please continue to help us to be a comfort to G-d’s hurting people. Your donations are needed and welcomed. Make your online donations today.

2.  Palestinian elections in May 2012 could mean a Hamas takeover of the PA government– and Hamas (which means “destruction” in Hebrew) is committed to Israel’s destruction.

HAMAS PREDICTS SWEEPING ELECTORAL VICTORY: Hamas co-founder Mahmoud al-Zahar days ago predicted the Islamic terror movement would win a sweeping victory in upcoming PA legislative elections scheduled for May. Analysts say a victory for Hamas in next year’s electoral election would put the terrorist organization firmly in control of PA enclaves in Judea and Samara.  In 2006 elections, Hamas defeated the Fatah movement, which had long-dominated PA politics and then seized Gaza in a violent takeover in 2007. Hamas has used the coastal enclave to stage numerous terror attacks and fire thousands of projectiles on Israeli communities. Last week Hamas chief Khaled Mashaal announced Hamas and its terror confederates would join the PLO ahead of forming a national unity government. Hamas maintains armed resistance is the only path to an indivisible Palestine – leaving no room for the Jewish state. Israeli PM Netanyahu said the induction of Hamas into the PLO meant peace negotiations were now impossible.

HAMAS LEADER: GOAL IS DESTRUCTION OF ISRAEL IN STAGES: Hamas terrorist group leader in Gaza, Ismail Haniyeh, said this week that Hamas may work for the interim objective of liberation of Gaza, the West Bank, or Jerusalem, but Hamas’ long-term strategic goal is eliminating all of Israel. “The armed resistance and the armed struggle are the path and the strategic choice for liberating the Palestinian land, from the Mediterranean Sea to the Jordan River, and for the expulsion of the invaders and usurpers [Israel]. We won’t relinquish one inch of the land of Palestine.” Haniyeh also promised that Hamas will lead intifada after intifada until it liberates all of Palestine. “

PA GLORIFIES TERROR GROUP THAT MURDERED ISRAELI MINISTER ZE’EVI: The Palestinian Authority, considered by many to be a moderate entity which seeks to reach a peace agreement with Israel, is continuing to glorify terror groups that carried out lethal attacks against Israelis. On the 44th anniversary of the establishment of the terror organization the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), PA TV broadcast extensively from the PFLP organization’s celebration. It played during the ceremony part of a song praising the PFLP’s assassination of Israeli Tourism Minister Rehavam Ze’evi in 2001. Even a few words from the lyrics make clear the glorification of brutality and murder: “On Oct. 17, the gun’s silencer made sounds of joy. At the Regency Hotel, the death sentence of Ze’evi was carried out.” The head of the PFLP, Ahmad Saadat, was sentenced in 2008 to 30 years in prison for heading the PFLP. He is suspected of planning Zeevi’s assassination. (INN)

A Brief Review: Residents of Jewish communities expelled during the 2005 Gaza Disengagement – in a move on the part of Israel to promote peace with the Palestinians – lost homes, thriving greenhouses and other agricultural businesses.  Many of these Jewish-former-residents-of-Gaza (an ancient Jewish city)  are still unemployed and living with their families in cramped caravans or small crowed apartments. Jewish refugees dispelled from their land by the Sharon Administration left behind empty houses and mature enterprises for Gaza Arabs to take over. Thousands of Palestinians had years of experience working for Jewish employers. With innovation and work from Arab farmers, what the Jews left behind could have been a paradise of industry and financial support for Gazans. Instead they broke up greenhouses and sold the parts, neglected the agriculture and destroyed the houses.  A few former Jewish worship centers – those that were left standing, including the Atzomona synagogue – continue to be used as terrorist training camps in which kidnapping and urban warfare is practiced. Is it any wonder Israel’s leaders have learned hard lessons regarding the waste and wreckage of attempting to pay the full price for peace with those who publicly express their intent to drive all Israelis from Israel?

In light of  threats from the Palestinian Authority and condescending lectures from European leaders,  many would think that the threats of war and terrorism would  be Israel’s greatest issue– yet poverty ranks as Israel’s number one concern.   However,  hampered by low-paying jobs and ending welfare benefits, more and more Israeli families slip under the poverty line every year.   The truth is that there are Israeli children and Holocaust survivors  who really don’t have enough to eat.

Please pray and  ask the L-rd to fulfill His purposes through you.  He Himself is our security and our sure foundation.  It is through His goodness to us that we have anything we have.

He Himself tells us to pray for the peace of Jerusalem.  That word peace is the Hebrew word shalom: (שָׁלוֹם) peace, completeness, welfare, hello, goodbye, well-being, welfare or safety of an individual or a group of individuals.

In light of all that Israel is experiencing from hunger and from the violent aspirations of neighboring peoples, pray for the peace of Jerusalem and, as the L-rd guides you, share what He tells you.  We give what you give to trustworthy people in Israel who are called by the L-rd to serve His people in these tumultuous times.

Thank you.

On behalf of widows, orphans, and Holocaust survivors in Israel, we say “Todah rabah”!

( תודה רבה ToDA raBA=Thank you very much)!

We are in awe of what the Lord is accomplishing through this ministry made possible by your faithful and generous giving even in times like these.

We are very pleased to announce that Israel Benevolence Fund is now working in partnership with local Israelis at the Jerusalem Institute of Justice to help meet needs for the elderly in Israel.

The following is from their website:

“The elderly sector remains one of Israel’s vulnerable populations with nearly 20.1% living in poverty….This sector boasts over 200,000 Holocaust survivors with approximately 1/3 living below the poverty line. The average age of Holocaust survivors is 79-years-old while nearly ¼ of the victims are 85-years-old or older. While some battle severe medical conditions, others suffer from depression, sleep disorders, loneliness, emotional trauma and psychological distress. Although Holocaust survivors are entitled to government aid and assistance, the compensation is insufficient with the onslaught of medical expenses due deteriorating health associated with age and trauma. Others are denied aid altogether for lack of sufficient documentation or proof of status. Joining hands with local volunteers and activists, Jerusalem Institute of Justice (JIJ) has provided for Israel’s elderly by giving thousands of fleece winter coats, hats and down comforters for the winter season. The distribution has been held for three consecutive years. JIJ’s most recent efforts have now secured monthly donations to cover medical treatment for Holocaust survivors with terminal cancer.”

It is such a blessing to be partnering with this group which extends our ministry to Holocaust survivors and to share with you how your donations are making such a difference in the lives of real people.

In addition, through our work with Israel Food Outreach and Hands of Mercy, we continue to be involved in the distribution of thousands of pounds of food to the hungry as we provide a major portion of the funding for the shipping costs of these containers, so we are more grateful than ever for the generosity you have shown which makes this all possible. 

Messianic Rabbi Ron and Dolly's Recent Golden Wedding Anniversary

On a personal note, we want to thank all of you who have been praying for my wife,  Dolly. She fell and broke her ankle (on her 70th birthday!) in August and was in the hospital or nursing homes until the end of November when we joyfully brought her home! She is walking now with a walker and will be having therapy for many more months to come. This has been a difficult time, but the Lord is doing marvelous things through the prayers of His saints. Please continue to pray for her. She is a vital part of this ministry and of my life. On December 9th  we celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary!

Baruch ha-ba b’shem Adonai – Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! (Matt. 23:39).

That’s you, joining hands with IBF.

Thank you, Mighty Defenders.

2011: Israeli Population below poverty line: 23.6%

Source: CIA World Factbook – Unless otherwise noted, information in this page is accurate as of October 14, 2011

“The elderly sector remains one of Israel’s vulnerable populations with nearly 20.1% living in poverty….This sector boasts over 200,000 Holocaust survivors with approximately 1/3 living below the poverty line. The average age of Holocaust survivors is 79-years-old while nearly ¼ of the victims are 85-years-old or older.

While some battle severe medical conditions, others suffer from depression, sleep disorders, loneliness, emotional trauma and psychological distress. Although Holocaust survivors are entitled to government aid and assistance, the compensation is insufficient with the onslaught of medical expenses due deteriorating health associated with age and trauma. Others are denied aid altogether for lack of sufficient documentation or proof of status.

Joining hands with local volunteers and activists, Israel Benevolence Fund along with Jerusalem Institute of Justice (JIJ) has provided for Israel’s elderly by giving  thousands of fleece winter coats, hats and down comforters for the winter season. The distribution has been held for three consecutive years. “

Winter can be very cold in Israel sometimes.

John 10: 22  “It was now winter, and Yeshua was in Jerusalem at the time of Hanukkah, the Festival of Dedication. 23 He was in the Temple, walking through the section known as Solomon’s Colonnade.”

JIJ’s most recent efforts have now secured monthly donations to cover medical treatment for Holocaust survivors with terminal cancer.”

(More Israeli Benevolence pictures to come later.) http://www.jij.org.il/project.php?id=3

“Today, the schools in the area were closed due to a rocket barrage from Gaza that started yesterday and continued into the early morning hours of today. Please continue to pray for each of the children, as well as the rest of the residents in the area.
Again, we are grateful for your faithfulness to carry us in prayer. May you be blessed for all that you have given.”

FATHER OF FOUR KILLED AS GAZA MISSILES POUND ISRAEL: An Israeli man was killed and dozens more were wounded on Saturday night when Palestinian terrorists operating out of the Gaza Strip unleashed a torrent of mortar and rocket fire on southern Israel. Dozens of rockets and mortars were fired from Gaza between Saturday evening and mid-morning Sunday. The attacks included a number of medium-range Grad missiles. The attack that killed 59-year-old Moshe Ami occurred in the coastal town of Ashkelon as he was driving home to his family. Moshe Ami was originally listed as “moderately injured,” but his condition rapidly deteriorated as he was transferred to a local hospital. Two hours later, he died on the operating table. Ami is survived by four children.

In addition to the numerous casualties, most of the residents of southern Israel were forced to spend the night in bomb shelters. Schools in the region canceled studies for Sunday so as not to further endanger the lives of local children. One of the buildings damaged in the overnight bombardment was a schoolhouse in the port city of Ashdod.

Israeli forces responded to the rocket fire by targeting terrorist cells and rocket fire locations in the Gaza Strip. At least 10 Islamic Jihad terrorists were reportedly killed in the strikes. Earlier on Saturday, the Israeli army had attacked an Islamic Jihad training facility in Gaza, killing five terrorists, including the group’s top local commander, Ahmed Sheikh Khalil. Israel insists that ultimately the ruling Hamas organization is responsible for the violence emanating from Gaza. (Ryan Jones/Israel Today)

The following message was posted by a young teenager who has attended all of our past (Israeli Messianic) camps (translated from Hebrew):

I feel so full of the Holy Spirit since I am back from the camp. I feel as if I am a changed person! …changed for the better, guys!  I think the time has come to act different at school–to set an example for non-believing friends. I had a friend that I spoke to about Yeshua, and he became a believer and was in the faith for about a year or so. But now he stopped believing because he didn’t see G-d changing his life…I feel very sorry for him. He was one of my best friends, and now we are not as close. I want to ask you to pray with me–simply speak to G-d from your heart. I have decided that I need to set an example for him. Before, instead of showing him a life of a believer, I showed him just another guy from the streets. I am sorry about that. Personally, I decided to change–thanks to the camp, the counselors and all the helpers. To every single person who came. Truly. I don’t remember enjoying myself like that for a long time. I thank G-d for making a change in my life! Thank You, G-d!!
In the name of Your Son, Yeshua Messiah and the Holy Spirit!
Amen!

 

Isaiah 61:11
For as the soil makes the sprout come up and a garden causes seeds to grow, so the Sovereign LORD will make righteousness and praise spring up before all nations.

1 Corinthians 3:9
For we are co-workers in G-d’s service; you are G-d’s field, G-d’s building.

Psalm 122:6
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem [and all Israel] : “May those who love you be secure.”

Thank you for praying, caring, speaking out, and giving so that the L-rd’s work is being done in Israel to care for His people.    Many many people are hungry in Israel today– hungry physically and spiritually.  Let us do all that we can which  the L-rd puts in our hearts to help His people Israel for His Name’s sake.  Your prayers and gifts make a difference– right now and into eternity.

Kimcha D’pischa from jij on Vimeo.

Kimcha D’pischa from jij on Vimeo.

Holidays in Israel are traditionally a time of “tzedaka” the Hebrew word for charity. Each Passover, the Jerusalem Institute of Justice facilitates a project that provides for families in need during this time.

Israel Benevolence Fund Working with Jerusalem Institute of Justice

IBF Working with JIJ

Matthew 25: 34“Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.35‘For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; 36naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me.’ 37“Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You something to drink? 38‘And when did we see You a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You? 39‘When did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ 40“The King will answer and say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.’

Recently IBF received an update from some Messianic believers in Israel that we are helping support.   They were invited to fly to Japan and Taiwan to meet with believers there and tell them more about Messiah.  Here is part of what they wrote:

From the rising of the sun (East Asia)

In June we received two small groups of Japanese believers at the ranch [in Israel]. Then suddenly my brother in law  and I were invited to fly in July to Japan and Taiwan by very dear friends and congregations there.

Interestingly, just a few hours before receiving the invitation the rhema verse that was strongly in my heart was from Isaiah 42:4

“And the islands will long for His [Messiah's] instruction.”

(Japan and Taiwan are islands.)

This was the first journey in which I was asked to share a word in several public settings. The oriental culture of honor was very strong and we felt like honored ambassadors of the king of Israel.

We represented [their Messianic  congregation] and the Israeli body of believers in gatherings large and small, including a national gathering in Tokyo and one in Taiwan as well. We perceived the body in Japan similar to that in Israel in terms of size relative to the general population. In Taiwan we saw a larger body in proportion to the population. Both Japan and Taiwan hold great significance in the spirit. Japan is a huge economic leader, and Taiwan is a main gateway to the vast Chinese people.

I felt led to share a verse at a national march in light of the present crisis in Japan:

Isa 55:1-2  ”Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.

Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy?

Regarding the Taiwanese body the verse on our heart was:

Hos. 12:3 ”In the womb he grasped his brother’s ankle, and in his manhood he had power with God.”

One of our most special opportunities was meeting a believing tea farmer in the mountains of Taiwan. The name of his farm and tea house/restaurant is “Tea of Six Seasons.” He ascribes his multiple yearly tea harvests to the supernatural blessing of God. This humble farmer rises early every day to pray in his fields, including prayer for Israel, and it was quite a moving experience for all of us.

From the Word and the headlines:

As US and other nations’ debt looms, and economies continue to tremble we are solemnly reminded God’s word declares that eventually everything that can be shaken will be removed. At some point God will, in his timeline of mercy, step onto center stage undeniably. May our lives be all about receiving [and sharing from] His kingdom which cannot be shaken.” (Heb.12:27-28)

A humble farmer in Taiwan rises early to walk in his field and pray for his crop and for Israel– and the blessing of the L-rd is upon him.  Let’s follow his example- to rise early and pray for our crop– the thing the L-rd has given us to do and for our families– and for Israel– and see the L-rd’s blessing as we pray.   Let’s walk as ambassadors of King Messiah and be sensitive to those who are hungering and thirsting for Him.  Let’s remember to set our affections on  Him and His priorities and  to be available, first and foremost, for the King Himself and His Kingdom which cannot be shaken.

Similarly,  the original Durban Anti-Racism Conference in 2001  envisioned an organization which would combat racism, xenophobia, and racial discrimination.   However, that organization, too, has been taken over by antisemitic forces which use the platform to accuse and vilify Israel while repeating Palestinian propaganda.

For example, Iranian President, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, notorious for his virulent anti-Semitic sentiments and disregard of human rights, was invited as keynote speaker to the UNHRC’s Durban II Anti-Racism Conference in 2009 where he launched a racist tirade against the State of Israel.

Since his “World Without Zionism” conference in 2005, Ahmadinejad’s goals could not be more clear.  Yet he was invited as the main speaker to Durban II.  A picture is really worth a thousand words.

Imagine inviting such a man who held a conference specifically promoting the goals of “A World Without Zionism” and using the backdrop above  with a symbol for America lying in ruins as his goal— imagine asking him to speak at a conference against “racism” and also inviting him to address the U.N. as an honored guest of the United States!

This September 21, 2011, the UNHRC will hold its third Durban Anti-Racism Review Conference in New York City while the Palestinian Authority (PA) will attempt to unilaterally seek a UN resolution on Palestinian statehood based on the 1967 borders.

Please see the video:  Why Israel Can’t Go Back to 1967 Borders    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2hZ6SlSqq0

“JIJ along with a coalition of organizations (The Jewish Agency, The World Zionist Organization, Eagles Wings and the European Coalition for Israel) has decided to facilitate another large-scale demonstration on behalf of Israel during the conference. The demonstration will challenge the hypocrisy of the UNHRC and call upon the Council to actually address racial discrimination, anti-Semitism, and human rights abuses around the world. The demonstration will be held on September 21, 2011 opposite the UN headquarters in Dag Hammershald Plaza in New York City.”

Together with JIJ, Israel Benevolence Fund wants to invite you to join  in standing with Israel and countering the hypocrisy of the UNHRC at JIJ’s demonstration in New York City this September. Thank you for continuing to partner with us to be a voice for Israel in an ever-increasing antagonistic world. For donation information and further details regarding the Durban III demonstration, please visit www.durban3nyc.com and our Facebook page, Boycott Durban III.

To view the official Boycott Durban III video, click here.

May He Who creates peace in the heavenlies, create true peace for  us and for all Israel.  Amen.

Israel Benevolence Fund (I.B.F.) is all about helping widows, orphans, and Holocaust survivors in Israel.  We are working to change the nation of Israel one person at a time.

How are we changing lives you might ask?  There are so many stories to share, stories of feeding the hungry, supplying medicine for the sick and clothing for needy men, women, and children. We have been able to help purchase an automobile for a family and a washing machine for a young widow with 5 sons whose husband died of dehydration in the desert.  With your donations and prayers, IBF has been able to feed over 600 families a month and supply warm clothing and medical help for many children and Holocaust survivors. We have also helped pay for the insurance on a van that transports many families in the south of Israel.

The list is endless. Your support has brought hope to many families throughout the state of Israel. Please visit our web site (www.israelbenevolencefund.org) for more great testimonies.

With war creeping in from every side and with the cry of the hungry and the sick, your support to I.B.F. is reaching out to help.

Baruch ha-ba b’shem Adonai – Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! (Matt. 23:39). That’s you, joining hands with IBF. Thank you, Mighty Defenders.

Please make your  checks payable to:

Congregation Beth Messiah – IBF

Rabbi Ron Aaronson

Israel Benevolence Fund

Congregation Beth Messiah – IBF

9001 West Airport Blvd.

Houston, TX 77071

Names have been changed and the picture blurred to protect their identities

D  is a singer in our worship team. She serves in Military Police Corps.

H.  is a newlywed an also very recently has become a father. His job basically consists of loading military aircraft and sending them out.

B.  is a guitarist in our worship team. He serves in a military prison, where he guards and accompanies/transports convicted terrorists. He shared with us how difficult it was for him to get used to what he does, because  he is guarding convicted terrorists who often resist and cause disorder

A.  is serving on the front-lines in the IDF infantry in Gaza.

G.  is serving in intelligence.

K.  is serving in elite IDF combat unit and they often go on missions knowing that there’s always a high risk someone might not return alive.

That is the reality of these young Messianic soldiers, who for three years give themselves to the service of this nation, knowing what God has called them to even while they are soldiers in the army.

Two young girls who are praying for our young soldiers, have actually been discharged from the IDF not too long ago. One of them is M.  who is 20 and her military service was in a combat unit in Gaza during “Operation Cast Lead.”

Please pray for all of them, because we know that the war is not over yet. Even though you don’t hear anything on the news, we are still under constant threat of rockets and terrorist attacks that our soldiers successfully thwart every day. Please pray that God will not only keep them safe, but will give them the courage to be His light to many in the midst of so much violence and darkness.