We love our Jewish people whether they agree with us about Messiah Yeshua or not.

We love and pray for those who persecute us, and we stand up for Israeli Messianic Jews who are being harassed by others.

Israel is a democracy with guarantees of freedom of religion. It is part of the Israeli vision for their society. It is part of their law. However, powerful groups such as Yad L’Achim are increasing their persecution of Israeli Messianic Jewish believers.

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 Targets Messianic Couple
“Having befriended their next-door neighbors, a Messianic Israeli couple was falsely accused of proselytizing to the neighbor’s teenage daughter and converting her to Christianity this past summer. Yad L’Achim, a radical anti-missionary organization, succeeded in having the couple and their congregational leader summoned to court on the pretense of breaking anti-missionary laws. Furthermore, Yad L’Achim launched a campaign against the couple and their leader, inciting local residents by spreading anti-Messianic propaganda and staging a protest in front of their home. However, the Jerusalem Institute of Justice (JIJ) represented the two parties, and the court immediately dismissed the charges on unfounded allegations, granting reparations to the congregational leader.

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.

Remember to “pray for the peace of Jerusalem,” for Messianic believers everywhere, and for revelation of Messiah for those who believe it pleases G-d to oppose us.

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.

 

 

 

Shalom Mighty Defenders,

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.

 

 

Israel Benevolence Fund is working in partnership with local Israelis at the Jerusalem Institute of Justice to help meet needs for the elderly in Israel.

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