December 15, 2001

Greetings from Jerusalem!

Things are moving faster?
While Israel provided a list of thirty some individual most wanted terrorists, Arafat made a “show” of several low level arrests, putting the “arrested” in comfortable accommodations, while others were released to go home after being “arrested” on paper or on paper signed into a prison. This is a successful method of combating the issues of terrorism, while more bombings occur?

It is reported that thirty-Seven Israelis were killed in the first two weeks of December from terrorism and December’s number of Israeli casualties is higher than the number of casualties suffered in any previous month. Again, this week another bus bombing occurred killing ten Israeli’s. While Arafat denounces terrorism on occasion …it is reported that his state-owned newspaper praised suicide bombers as "the most honorable people among us." With such a lack of seeable evidences that Arafat truly wants to make Peace efforts work, Israel has stated:
1) Arafat is either a sponsor of terrorism, or he is unable to stop it.
2) Arafat in either case has no place in any "peace process".
3) The Arafat era is over; he is not a peace partner.
4) Arafat is no longer relevant. And
5) Israel called for the Palestinian Authority to replace Arafat. Israel emphasized the statements by destruction of Palestinian radio and communication antennas in both Ramallah and Gaza. Also Arafat’s headquarters in Ramallah were surrounded with Israeli Tanks. Arafat has not been able to leave Ramallah, which would fit into the coming prophetic war of Isaiah chapter seventeen verse three, “The Fortress of Ephraim shall cease”. The word “shall” indicates there is no choice in the issue. The Fortress today is the Palestinian Authority, which is an interesting revelation as to “Who” is the identity of “Ephraim”. Many are interpreting that “Ephraim” is all of the northern Kingdom Tribes that went into captivity but this interpretation creates several difficulties. The Tribe of Dan was both in the North and SOUTH Kingdoms of Israel. This means “Ephraim” would then also include those of Judah, which contradicts a popular interpretation of those that were sent into Diaspora, “Ephraim” being the Gentile Nations. The logic of Ephraim being Gentiles also contradicts not only Scriptures but also the God given laws of inheritance. Think about it…when a person accepts Christ the Scriptures state he or she is “grafted into the common wealth of Israel”. This means an interest in the Bible as God’s Word occurs. This is the first “symptom” showing the “grafting in”. From there it all grows with some individuals faster and some slow. These “new” inclinations are a natural result of being a “part of the family”, not an indication that the person was a part all the time and it has just come out in affinity with Israel. The Scriptures talk about the “Gentiles” who come to Israel and want to “Worship” with the “Jewish” as it is perceived that God is with them.

It is reported that the Israeli Budget, for 2002, is 15 Billion Shekels short of funds, (almost four Billion Dollars). It is declared that trimming will be made from benefits paid to families, unemployment, all government ministries and ministers. It is reported that one out of five Israeli’s are living below the poverty line and this will worsen this next year. The reported numbers currently show 60,000 new immigrant families are under the poverty line, with an income of less than five hundred dollars a month. Bnei Brak leads the list with 38% of its families under the poverty line, trailed by Jerusalem (27%), and Ashdod (22%).

Egyptian President Mubarak dismisses Israeli criticism of the looming missile deal between Egypt and the United States. Mubarak said that the deal, which involves over 50 anti-ship missiles, would not change the balance of power in the region. The missiles have a range of 150 kilometers, and will be able to hit land targets on the Israeli coast. Mubarak said today that he is confident the deal would go through.

Food for thought!

Blessings,  --Gary and Debra

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(Dr. GR Collett)
gcollett@netvision.net.il
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