ISRAEL UPDATE

August 27, 2006 – One of our local newspapers released the final count of dead and wounded after the latest conflict between Israel and Lebanon.

Lebanese officials claim 791 dead including 689 civilians, 34 Lebanese soldiers and 68 Hezbollah fighters, however, the Lebanese Higher Council Relief claims 1071 lost. 

Of course, we will never know just how many civilians were actually Hezbollah guerillas or sympathizers to their cause.

I am truly saddened at the death and carnage caused by the fighting but once again the media has failed to equally emphasize Israeli loss of life in her struggle for survival.

The Intifadah, (uprising), that started in September 2000 and lasted for nearly five years produced 700 Israeli civilian deaths and nearly 2400 wounded.  People killed on public transportation buses, in market places, some even in their homes during times of religious observance.

True, some sound bytes and short video clips were seen but the heinous atrocities carried out against the verified civilian populace of Israel are never shown with the consistency as we see for the other side. 

The world will probably never know the truth about the Lebanese casualties, but on the Israeli side, the uprising prior to this latest escalation cost Israel more civilian losses than did the 1967 War thus it must be said that journalism has be replaced by commentary. 

 

August 27, 2006 – Matthew 24:4-5 states, “And Jesus answered and said unto them take heed that no man deceive you.  For many shall come in my name saying I am Christ and deceive many.”

There words resound with uncanny accuracy and clarity as we see the total misrepresentation of Christianity displayed the past week by a few members of the World Council of Churches as they denounced Israel and bolstered her enemies.

Which Christian representation is correct: a loving Savior that released the woman caught in adultery saying, “… neither do I condemn thee: go and sin no more.”   John 8:11 or should Christians around the world support nations and militants that have no tolerance for any religion save their own and murder, persecute or subjugate anyone not of their household of faith?

What a tragic situation we are seeing today as so many are supposedly coming in the name of Christ yet their words and deeds are completely contrary to the true origins of Christianity i.e. Judaism.

I hope the world’s Jewish Community and Israel can realize there are many Christian that do not subscribe to the deceptive and divisive antics of the World Council of Churches but are standing with Israel regardless of world opinion and will continue to do so.

 

To be continued…