Some Thoughts from Israel

I begin with greetings from the land of Israel.  As you know, Marlys and I had the privilege of sharing with a group of 25 for two weeks in the Holy Land.  What a wonderful time we had.  The land of Israel continues to be one of those amazing places.


We visited many sites - both new and old.  Yet, at almost every place we were reminded that Israel is a nation that is always under the threat of war.  We stood on a Sunday morning on the platform atop the Carmelite Monastery at Mount Carmel. We joined a group of about 25 young Israeli soldiers.  They were there as part of their training.  They seemed so young, yet the burden of war lay heavily upon their shoulders.  This was the first time I had ever witnessed soldiers on Mount Carmel.  But that area is of strategic importance.


While in the Galilee area, we drove to Mount Bental, a former Israeli observation post peeking over into Syria.  Mount Bental lies deep within the Golan Heights.  Just below this former observation post lies the city of Kuneitra - a Syria city that changed hands during both the Six Day War in 1967 and the Yom Kippur War in 1973.  While standing there, we saw the puffs of smoke coming from mortar fire within the city and then heard the sounds of automatic weapons.  It became quite intense.  Our guide shared with us that it "merely the cousins shooting at each other."  The forces loyal to Syrian President Assad waging war with rebel forces.  One could almost imagine the presence of Iranian Revolutionary Guards in that city as well.  It was just another reminder to us that Israel is always on the state of high alert.


Just yesterday, Israeli authorities placed a high alert status upon those living in the Golan.  They were to be ready to head to bomb-shelters as Israel had seen an increased presence of Iranian activity near the border.  While we were in Israel, Israeli planes bombed a missile site just north of Damascus where the Iranian backed forces of Syrian President Assad were storing missiles.  In that strike several Iranian soldiers were killed and Iran has vowed to retaliate.  Since returning home, Israeli planes have attacked another munitions depot south of Damascus. 


And yet, in spite of the heightened threat of war, thousands of visitors flocked to the holy sites of Christendom.  To be honest, I have never seen so many people in Jerusalem in my life.  One of our visits was to the site of the Upper Room.  People were packed into that room so tightly that it almost became claustrophobic.  And the Church of the Holy Sepulchre reminded me of trying to walk down the grand concourse at the Minnesota State Fair on the final day of the fair.  Hotels were filled.  Buses were filled.  Traffic jams were commonplace.  Perhaps people are sensing that if they do not get to Israel soon, the opportunities for unfettered visits there might soon end. 


Next week the United States will move its embassy staff from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, housing the embassy in one of its two consulates within the city of Jerusalem.  This move will surely bring some types of demonstrations.  But I am grateful that finally the embassy is where it should be - within the eternal capital of the nation of Israel.  By the way, several others countries are now following the American lead by moving their embassies as well. 


Where is the greatest threat to Israel?  Is it from Hamas located within the Gaza Strip?  It would appear that the Israeli Defense Forces have Hamas pretty well in check.  The border, although penetrated on occasions, remains pretty secure.  And Israel has not been afraid to use bunker-buster bombs to destroy tunnel-makers.  Oh, there will always be tension along the Gaza Border, but Hamas is not a real threat.


Is it from Syria?  Certainly the presence of Iranian Revolutionary Guards in Syria presents a problem for Israel.  Yet, Tehran knows that any attack upon Israel will be met with an equally strong attack from Israel.  Plus, there is the likelihood that America would stand by its Middle East Ally, Israel.  So, there will continue to be those surgical strikes from the Israeli Air Force keeping the Iranians from stockpiling weapons that could be used against Israel. 


It seems to me that the greatest threat to Israel comes from Hezbollah which operates out of Lebanon.  Forces of Hezbollah have been fighting alongside the Syrian army in the Civil War there.  They have become battle-hardened.  They have the backing of the Iranians and are seen as Iranian proxies in this fight.  I refer you to an excellent article written by Jacob L. Shapiro titled "The Next Israeli War."  It was posted on the Geopolitical Futures website on May 4 - www.geopoliticalfutures.com.  The author presents a strong case for a possible war between Israel and Hezbollah.  These two forces have tangled in the past - as recently as 2006.  Could this become the "strike zone?" 


Friends, although our group felt incredibly safe while in Israel, there were just those reminders that Israel lies within a war zone.  Its military is always on alert.  Its planes are always in the skies.  Its people know what to do should the alarms go off.  And yet life continues as normal.  Perhaps that is the greatest psychological impact Israel has upon its neighbors.  They do not exhibit daily fears.  They go to work.  They play soccer in the parks.  They attend the theater.  They eat at the many sidewalk cafes.  Their children attend school.  They attend the synagogue.  The Israelis are an amazing group of people to observe. 


I want to close this blog by reminding us of our responsibility toward the people of Jerusalem and Israel.  It is found in Psalm 122:6-9 which states, "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: 'May those who love you be secure.  May there be peace within your walls and security within your citadels.'  For the sake of my brothers and friends, I will say, 'Peace be within you.'  For the sake of the house of the LORD, our God, I will seek your prosperity."