Israel’s Evangelical Friends

By Jerusalem Online— They are not Jews, but they have been propelling U.S. policy in the Middle East toward Zionism for decades. White evangelical Christians are one of the most loyal voting blocs to U.S. President Donald Trump and a key factor in the president’s constant backing of Israel. For the second time in his…

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Trump team’s Middle East peace plan is beginning to look a lot like one state

By Ron Kampeas, Times of Israel— Trump administration officials have been silent and notably leak-free about what exactly is in the Middle East peace plan that Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, is shaping — until now. This week, in speeches to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, it became clear that the plan will likely not…

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Warm snowfall: A special night in Vilna

By Inna Rogatchi, Times of Israel— It was a beautiful, canonic ‘white Christmas’ evening behind the window, but totally misplaced in time, as it was the end of March in Vilnius. The capital of Lithuania is known for its mild climate, and normal spring was there just yesterday and will be again tomorrow. But not…

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In Morocco, Pope Francis Weighs in on Controversy Surrounding Jerusalem’s Status

By Charles Bybelezer, Media Line— Pope Francis, currently on a visit to Morocco, declared with King Mohammed VI that Jerusalem was the “common patrimony” of Christians, Muslims and Jews. The pope thereby threw his hat into the ring ahead of the upcoming release of US President Donald Trump’s much-hyped Israeli-Palestinian peace plan. “The specific multi-religious…

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What is Messianic Judaism?

By Ron Cantor, Messiahs Mandate— In the early eighties, when I came to faith in Yeshua, I was quickly told I was not alone. There were other Jewish people who worshiped Yeshua, while still maintaining their Jewish Identity. I thought this was crazy. I was now a “Christian”—a non-Jew, in my mind. But, then, I…

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Qumranology: Wall Street Journal and Dead Sea Scrolls

Archbishop Mar Samuel, head of the Syrian Orthodox Monastery of St. Mark in Jerusalem, was one of the first to purchase Dead Sea Scrolls off the black market. Unlike the other scroll dealers, Mar Samuel didn’t like dealing directly with Israelis. To him, all Jews were representatives of the enemy nation. Mar Samuel brought the…

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One Nation, Many Faces

By Michael Freund, Jewish Journal— Around the world, an unprecedented awakening is taking place. Descendants of Jews from all walks of life are looking to return to their roots and embrace their heritage. For the past 15 years, through Shavei Israel, the organization I chair, I have come to discern that there are multitudes of…

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Israel’s Golan Sovereignty Should Have Been Recognized Years Ago

By Jeff Jacoby, Boston Globe— DURING A White House meeting with Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday, President Trump signed a formal proclamation that the United States recognizes Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights. In so doing, the president acknowledged a longstanding fact of life, bolstered a vital American ally, promoted stability in a deeply unstable neighborhood,…

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Why Israel’s Upcoming Election Makes a Gaza War More Likely

By Israel Today— It’s no accident that we’re witnessing an escalation in Gaza rocket attacks on Israel just weeks ahead of the general election. Nor will anyone be surprised if the current government responds far more forcefully than it has to such provocations in recent years. A rocket fired from the Gaza Strip early Monday…

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Trump Signs Document Officially Recognizing Israeli Control Over Golan

By Herb Keinon, Jpost— With Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu standing at his side, US President Donald Trump on Monday signed an official presidential proclamation recognizing Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, formally giving Netanyahu a pre-election gift just two weeks before the elections. “Today I am taking historic action to promote Israel’s ability to defend…

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