Jerusalem Update #4
By Dr. Gary Collett
August 20, 2001
For those interested in our visiting your area, during our speaking tour this
coming spring in the USA, please contact us! And please pray and consider
financially helping this ministry on a monthly basis. We are a Faith Ministry
with non-profit status. All contributions should be sent to *JMI, PO Box 2623,
Stanwood, Wa. 98292
We have tried to respond to those inquiring about real estate but some
e-addresses have not been good for the e-mail answers we sent, … so here is
our basic answer: The best way to do real estate in Israel is through an
Attorney or a Broker and have them search for the kind of property desired.
Another way is to check the Jerusalem Post for advertisements and then have a
broker deal with the paperwork. Somewhere in the process a trip to Israel would
be needed to either look at property and or to sign papers. But we feel it will
be worth it all for those willing to do the legwork. A Real Estate Broker we
suggest is Kathy, her e-address is ksharett@netvision.net.il
This last week has seen another terrorist suicide in the Haifa area with a
number of injuries. Also a major gun battle was fought between Beit Jala and
Gilo, which started, for the first time, early in the morning. Traffic was
backed up all around our area, which is what first caught our attention. A
considerable amount of damage was incurred in Gilo. The shooting lasted 5 five
to six hours. Because of the intensity of the attack from Beit Jala we
understood that a major response was planned by Israel to go into Beit Jala but
was cancelled because Arafat stated he would stop the shooting. It was reported
that Prime Minister Sharon stated that the Israeli government would not tolerate
any future shooting into the capital. Sharon reportedly vowed, "Additional
fire at Gilo will be met with an incursion into Beit Jala."
Shimon Peres may well lose his strength of influence in the political arena as
Center Party Chairman Dan Meridor has expressed to Prime Minister Ariel Sharon
that the Center Party wishes to join the national unity government. This would
giver a greater strength to Ariel Sharon to make decisions without compromise(s)
with the Labor Party.
On Rosh Chodesh Elul (Aug 19, 2001) the entire world Jewish community is
encouraged to participate in a worldwide Tehillim (Psalms) recitation on behalf
of Israel. Psalms to be recited included chapters 79, 83, and 142. The closing
of the "Palestinian" Orient House in East Jerusalem has increased
political arguments. As the House was used for political means, which were
prohibited by the Oslo Accords it is stated that the House will be kept closed
for at least six months. Israeli security forces are said to have confiscated
illegal weapons at Orient House, as well as a pipe bomb.
It is reported that the Palestinian Authority released three Hamas terrorists
who were involved in the June 1 attack, at the Tel Aviv Dolphinarium that killed
21 people and wounded 120, as well as several other attacks. The three were
"arrested" by Palestinian Authority security services, in the wake of
pressure exerted on the PA following the Dolphinarium and Binyamina bombing
attacks. But it is reported that since their arrest, Hamas has pressured the PA
to release them. It is said that while detained, the Palestinian security
services refrained from any questioning and held the bombers under lax
supervision and in comfortable conditions.
There are reports that the Palestinian Authority plans to escalate the
methodology of attacks against Israel by using biological and chemical
terrorism. It is reported that a Lebanon-based Palestinian publication published
an article titled: "Will We Reach the Option of Biological
Deterrence?" According to translation from the article Palestinian
terrorists plan to deploy death-carrying devices near Israeli water resources,
Israeli beaches, markets and residential centers. The stated objective is
"...to create a balance of horror in the equation of the
Palestinian-Israeli conflict".
It is only a matter of time before all of this reaches a peak, which cannot be
dampened any longer. In visiting the Bethlehem areas today, with three
represented families, there was only the resolve to "hang on as war cannot
be avoided". Do we begin to understand the Biblical statement that
"Jerusalem shall become a burden to the nations"? The results of
coming Mid-East War will be as/or more traumatic to the "Christian
World" than the War itself. For the most part we see a great lack of
understanding over the issues of "why?"
Also it is expressed to us the appreciation felt that we do not pack up and
leave as many are doing. Our commitment is to stay as long as the Lord provides
the ability to do so, as we know our staying creates a strong witness on both
sides, Arab and Jewish.
Food for thought!
Thank you!
Blessings, --Gary and Debra
(Dr. GR Collett)
gcollett@netvision.net.il
*Hebraic Roots Learning Center
PO Box 11388, Jerusalem 91113, Israel
*Jerusalem Ministries International
USA: 235 Quincy, Wa, 98848
*USA and Israeli non-profit organizations
Any contributions sent in the USA, to the JMI address, are tax deductible, in
the USA.
Any contributions specifically to help needy families should be noted as such.
JMI Website:
http://jerusalemministriesint.com/main/jerusalemministriesint/
http://www.888webtoday.com