Matters regarding Israel and the world have never been so important and interesting as at the present time. When the year 1960 started everybody was wishing all a happy new year, but early in January there was world-wide concern over the outbreaks of anti-semitism. It was said over the air and in the papers that even in Australia anti-semitism had taken root. Jews in Australia cannot remain aloof from the fate of their brethren in other parts of the world. The threat to Jews here has caused some leaders in Australia to make strong protests against the campaign aimed at Jewry.
Only divine intervention can save Jewry and the world. The kingdom of God is the kingdom of Israel restored. Jesus Christ is the King of the Jews, the Messiah, and we know that very soon he will return to Jerusalem and bring peace and security to all the world.
It says in Psalm 122. 6, “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem : they shall prosper that love thee”. This shows that those who hate the Jews will not prosper, but will eventually have great sadness and regret that they were against the Jews.
Prophecy is being fulfilled. We know, as it states in Ezekiel, that Israel will be attacked in their own land, but they will not be destroyed, for God will intervene. We need to show greater interest than ever in the return of Jesus Christ to the earth to fulfill the promises of God to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
Citizens’ Protest Meeting
There was a special citizens’ protest meeting in the Sydney Town Hall on 20th January, arranged by the Lord Mayor to protest against the re-emergence of Nazi ideologies and the manifestations of antisemitism currently appearing overseas and in Australia. It was said that the meeting was a rally for all citizens who valued democracy. It was attended by one of the biggest crowds ever seen at the Town Hall, representatives of all churches and many public organisations being on the platform. The main hall with a capacity of 2,400, was filled and an overflow crowd of nearly 1,000 assembled in the lower hall. The meeting carried the following resolution, moved by the Lord Mayor :
This meeting, representatives of all sections of the community, expresses its abhorrence at the re-emergence of Nazi and anti-Semitic activities in many countries in the world, including Australia.
“We urge the Government of N.S.W. to examine existing laws with the object of preventing such outrages against the spirit of democracy.
“We call upon the Commonwealth Government to raise its voice in protest in the councils of the United Nations, and to express to the Governments of Western Germany and other countries our horror at these outbreaks of anti-democratic and anti-religious attacks, which offend the minds and conscience of all people who love liberty and freedom.
“We deplore the continuance of ex-Nazis in positions of authority in West Germany to-day.”
I had received a special invitation to go to this meeting. It was a great night and all were very sympathetic to Jews all over the world and hoped that they would be saved.
Dr. Porush, Chief Rabbi of the Great Synagogue, Sydney, said the Jewish community had been profoundly shocked by the outbreak on anti-Semitism. He spoke very well and impressed all present with what he said about the Jews.
Egypt Ready For War
Egypt was prepared to go to war to stop Israel irrigating the Negev Desert, the London Express reported. The newspaper said if the desert were irrigated another three to four million Jews could settle in Israel, which would alter the balance of power in the Middle East. The Daily Express said Egyptian forces in the Sinai Peninsula opposite Israel had been strengthened and intensive training ordered for the Army and Air Force. President Nasser was convinced that Egypt would win if there was another war. Nasser has stated several times that he will kill all the Jews in Israel.
The Jews will finally get on their knees and ask God to save them. They are waiting for the Messiah to come. He will come and then they will all know that he is Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Young Israelites are taught to read the Old Testament and are conversant with the prophecies dealing with the future of Israel.
May the Messiah soon come to save the Jews and bring to us our personal salvation.
Israelis Elect 4th Knesset
Almost one million Israeli voters, over 81 per cent of the electorate, went to the polls recently to elect 120 members of the Fourth Knesset, Israel’s parliament. Mapai, the Israel Labour Party, which is led by Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion, scored a major victory when it increased its Knesset representation from 40 to 48 or 49. “We are ready to form a coalition with all parties except Herut and the Communists”, the Prime Minister told “The Jerusalem Post”, shortly after a meeting with his senior colleagues. It was reported that the voting was carried out in a quiet, orderly and democratic manner. Although many of those voting had never before lived in a free society, they showed great pride and understanding in exercising this right and responsibility.
David Ben-Gurion is an excellent Prime Minister. He has clone a lot to make Israel progress and he is also democratic. He also knows the Bible very well and often quotes it.
Middle East Disarmament
Israel would strive by all means for the general disarmament of the Middle East, Ben-Gurion stated in an interview published in the “New York Times”, saying that, if he was still Prime Minister after the election, that effort would be one of the major programmes of his Government. “We will be ready any time for mutual inspection. We will seek disarmament at any forum available to us. We will make it clear to the Egyptians that they can come and see we have done it. I personally would be the happiest man in the world, if this could come about.”
Ben-Gurion is in favour of peace but he is also aware that many around his nation are against the Jews being there and are jealous of the prosperity of Israel. We know that Israel as a nation has to progress so that it will finally cause Armageddon.
Israel’s Commercial Fleet
Israel’s commercial fleet, which has been more than trebled during the past four years, will be doubled again during the next three years, when it will total 700,000 tons, Mr. Moshe Carmel, Minister for Transport, said at the dedication ceremony of the school of advanced study for naval officers at Acre. Four years ago, the Israel merchant fleet had a tonnage of 100,000 and to-day it has 324,000 ; old ships have been replaced, and it is now one of the most modern fleets in the world.
The leaders of Israel can do most things with success. Some Jews have not been in Israel very long, yet they are doing great work ; in fact, some are doing work that years ago they never thought that they would have to do. It is, without doubt, the time to favour Zion.
Second Bible Contest
Dr. Yehoshue Yeivin, 68, Russian-born author and journalist, was named the 1959 Israel Bible Contest winner. He gained the championship by scoring 24 points, three more than the runner-up, Binyamin Magentza, 23, of Tel Aviv. Mr. Ben-Gurion said, “The Jewish people have two fatherlands, the Bible and the land of Israel. Only by living here however, can one understand clearly the historical passages of the Bible.”
The questions, in a sealed envelope, were in the possession of the police until they were brought by an inspector to Justice Silberg, on the stage of the Mann Auditorium. There were four rounds of questions to eliminate half the contestants, after which the six who remained had to answer three further rounds. The three finalists then compete for the final placings. It is nice to know that the Jews do study the Bible and hundreds try to get the joy of being the best Bible understander in Israel.
Most Jews love the Bible and enjoy reading it. They also believe that what has been promised by God will certainly come to pass. We, too, should always read the word of God and increase our knowledge of what is written therein.
Conclusion
Events today make it clear that we have light for dark days. We have seen world wars, and many nations are still antagonistic against one another. David, too, had a lot of trouble in his days, and said in Psalm 69. 29, -But I am poor and sorrowful ; let thy salvation, O God, set me upon high”. Many Jews will have this feeling when the King of the North attacks them in Israel, and no doubt many will then use the same words as David, and say, “Let thy salvation, 0 God, set me up on high”. That means they will rise with joy and happiness and their enemies will not be successful. The second coming of Jesus Christ is our hope and theirs. It should be our prayer, for his coming will bring permanent light for these dark days. Jesus was just and faithful in all things : he alone can bring justice, equity and truth. Jesus is King of the Jews, the Messiah of Israel. What a great time is coming. That is why we are interested in the Jews. The world is breaking up, but God will intervene and save the nations and give personal salvation to all who put their faith and trust in Him.
The Borders of the Land of Israel