Israel Tour - Almost Not Too Late!

Yes, on April 10-26 you can go to Kansas City Airport and land in Israel for 14 full days of touring (weather will be perfect)!

Hotels, breakfasts, dinners, guides, Biblical and archaeological sites, and study the Bible from a Messianic and Jewish perspective as we journey extensively through the land.

Just e-mail me right back and tell me that you have some interest in going. Time is actually very short given the requirements of the tour industry where everything needs to be finalized 45 days in advance. Even if you are not sure, I need to hear from you as we are holding just a few more seats.

I recently spotted another Messianic Tour that will be from April 18-28 (six days less). It is a good tour, but does not include an unusual opportunity to visit two full days in the "West Bank" (Biblical Israel - Hebron, Herodion, Bethel, Shilo (site of the Tabernacle) , Mt. Gerizim (Mt. of Blessing & Samaritan Village), and stand on the Mountain Abraham stood when promised the Land overlooking Shechem and Joseph's Tomb!

It does not include any distinct sites of Judaism (Tzippori where the Mishnah was written but also the city Yeshua (Jesus help build with his father Joseph) burial sites of famous Rabbis and the holy City of Zefat with its many beautiful synagogues that have existed for 500 years). It includes only two (half) days in the Galilee; ours will be 3 1/2 full days in the Galilee including ancient Dan & Caeserea Philipi. Ours will include 24 hours overnight study at Qumran with a Dead Sea Scrolls scholar as a special guide including hikes to the caves (unheard of for traditional tours).

All together we will visit approximately 40 places in addition to the other tour; not
just because of the extra days but because we have designed a study tour that seeks to "hit" as many opportunities as possible each day.

Their price seems cheaper ($2798) compared to $4220. But we include all taxes, fees, and Air to New York from Kansas City. The additionally non-published costs of the other tour would bring it to actually $3550. Both tours as well do not include the tips, but here is the deal. We need just three more people to trigger a price reduction that will cover the $225 in tips, bringing our tour to $3,995. That makes our tour only $450 more for six additional days of hotels, guides, touring buses, breakfasts and dinners, and more (like taking a dip in the Roman Hot Springs in Hamat Gader)!

Of course I am not trying to disqualify the other tour. Actually, it is a good tour as I said. But this tour is designed for a vast array of educational study and Biblical intensity. It is meant to be a course on the history of the land, from the biblical promise to the establishing of the modern State of Israel. This will also include a full day of touring in Tel Aviv where we will visit the sites such as Independence Hall where Ben Gurion announced the formation of the State of Israel. We will then visit the amazing Palmach Museum (two year waiting list) and experience the journey of the fighters who won Israel's Independence from the British and the onslaught of the Arab armies.

Well, it's yours for the taking. Its a gift for such an opportunity. Do not pass this one up!

Please respond to forfeldman@aol.com

Rabbi Jerry Feldman

How a “Nice American Girl” Became a Jihadist

Phyllis Chesler explains How a "Nice American Girl" Became a Jihadist: Dr. Siddiqui Found Guilty.

She studied at MIT and at Brandeis where she received a Ph.D in Neuroscience. Thus, she was both an educated and in some sense, a westernized woman. Both her Pakistani-born father and Pakistani husband are physicians who trained in the West, in England and America, respectively; her brother and sister are also highly trained professionals. Nevertheless, Dr. Aafia Siddiqui learned to hate America, hate Jews, and hate Israel right here in liberal America.

Chesler notes that some people insist that Siddiqui &mdash who tried to kill American soldiers in Afghanistan after being captured with instructions on making explosives and a list of New York landmarks in her possession &mdash is "mentally ill." This is the defense her lawyers have chosen.

Of course, people are saying the same thing about Major Nidal Hasan, the Fort Hood shooter. He has been said to suffer from a non-existent condition: "pre-post traumatic stress syndrome".

The real mental illness is fanatic Islam.

Prospects for Arab-Israeli Regional Cooperation

Israeli Vice Prime Minister Silvan Shalom addresses the Prospects for Arab-Israeli Regional Cooperation
Read the full article

• Regional cooperation begins with resuming negotiations with the Palestinians. In the interests of achieving a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace, Israel sees the economic domain as one of the cornerstones of good relations.
• Political dialogue with our Palestinian partners is critical, but it will not be furthered by allowing a settlement freeze to be imposed as a precondition to negotiation. Nor will it be advanced by a unilateral Palestinian declaration of statehood.
• Beyond the Palestinian question, the largest obstacle to regional peace is the current Iranian regime, which continues to do everything in its power to undermine the moderate regimes in the Middle East, the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, and the good relations that Israel might have with Muslim and Arab countries.
• If Syria is transferring missiles to Hizbullah, then Syria cannot be serious about making peace. Although Syrian rhetoric is full of references to that country's willingness to negotiate, Syrian support and financing of terrorist organizations belie the claim. Still, Prime Minister Netanyahu has stated clearly that he is willing to resume negotiations with Syria without preconditions.

Avi Lipkin March 6 - 8

We will once again have the privilege of presenting Avi Lipkin from Jerusalem, March 6th, 7th and 8th.

Avi is one of the most significant and prolific speakers on the global Islamic threat. He is a scholar on international affairs most specifically the Middle East and Russia. A former spokeperson for the Prime minster'soffice for the Israeli Defense Forces and is establishing a new political party based on the Bible!

If you attend for three days, you will have a world class education and you feel the need to hear more and more. We always have a standing room audience and if you have never heard him, this can not be missed, because he is also an extraordinarily entertaining personality and enjoyable speaker.

We will notify you when we have a more detailed schedule.

International Holocaust Memorial Day

Today is International Holocaust Memorial Day.

It is not an option for any of us to ignore participating in some way. By reading this entire article, it will inform but also make a difference.

Let us not forget, ever!

Israel Tour Open House

If you have ever wanted to visit Israel, we are having an open house orientation to give you the information you need.

This Wednesday and Thursday evening there will be an open house orientation for any and all prospects along with already committed attendees for the amazing tour to Israel April 10-26.

It is not too late. If you are not sure, then join us for this informative time. Perhaps you will come to Israel with us after you are exposed to our touring plans. Do not hesitate to notify your friends.

If you are not able to make the main session on Wednesday, we will have a repeat meeting on Thursday evening. Both meetings are at 7:00 PM.

Radio Broadcast Hiatus

It is with heavy hearts we announce that after seventeen years of broadcasting, "For Zion's Sake" is off the air. We hope this is not permanent, but merely an hiatus. Bott Radio Network has graciously provided an outlet for us to share with thousands of listeners truths heard on no other radio program in America, and they also hope we will soon return.

From the beginning, the goal of this broadcast has been ambitious: to help heal one of the greatest rifts in history, the divide between Christians and Jews. To do this, we needed to show Christians the Jewish roots of their faith, and as well to show Jews that it is possible to believe in a Jewish Messiah without losing their Jewish heritage.

Along the way events intruded, as the Oslo Accords and subsequent Peace Process brought violence and despair to the Middle East which in turn spilled over into our borders. Our broadcast gave an early warning of the dangers of fanatic Islam, not just to tiny Israel, but to the Arab World, Europe, and even the United States.

With guests like Avi Lipkin and Rose Price, we provided an opportunity to hear remarkable stories that might never have been heard in the Midwest. We have featured Holocaust survivors, aid workers, legal activists, former terrorists, and the ex-mayor of Shiloh. We gave them an opportunity and made their information accessible to our listeners and offered the opportunity for them to respond and interact. Our callers have been the heart of the show, asking questions and provoking engaging dialogue affording us great opportunities to inform in even greater ways.

Because the reason for the hiatus was financial, we did not consider it appropriate to announce the hiatus in advance. We withheld mention while we struggled to find funding to continue. We do not consider this broadcast as a fundraiser for the activities of the community and would not like to appear to soliciting commercial support for our ministries.

Throughout these seventeen years, this radio broadcast was supported by Adat Yeshua Messianic Congregation. Unfortunately, despite the kindness and generosity of Bott Radio Network, continuing simply requires more than should be expected for our sized congregation. Although we greatly appreciate those listeners who have given financial support in the past, any regular giving was limited to two or three people.

Indeed, if all of our regular listeners gave even a small amount, we would be able to continue. We have been contacted by listeners who want us to return to the air, and so we are offering our listeners the opportunity to support this broadcast in a significant and tangible way.

You may make donations to:
For Zion's Sake
c/o Adat Yeshua Messianic Congregation
8512 Stearns Ave
Overland Park, KS 66214
At present, this website will continue to be updated. You may contact us there for email exchange. You are also encouraged to attend classes at the Jewish Roots Institute or visit Adat Yeshua Messianic Jewish Congregation.

Until we return to the broadcast, let us close with the words of Psalm 122:

שַׁאֲלוּ שְׁלוֹם יְרוּשָׁלִָם

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem, and pray for the return of "For Zion's Sake".

Funny Israeli Commercial

Israeli satellite television provider Yes hired Barack and Michelle Obama impersonators for their latest advertising campaign with a jingle based on an old Israeli rock song by 70's rocker Ephraim Shamir and the now infamous campaign slogan.

Record Lows in 2009

There were no Palestinian suicide attacks against Israelis in 2009.

We can debate ad infinitum the wisdom of Operation Cast Lead against Hamas in Gaza last January, but this is the first time in a decade a year passed without a suicide attack.

Since the end of that operation, one Israeli civilian was killed inside Israel by Palestinians and four in the West Bank. Ten Israelis, including five civilians, were killed during the Gaza operation.

Israeli casualties were also down last year, with the Shin Bet recording 234 Israelis wounded by Palestinian attacks, 185 of which took place during Operation Cast Lead. In the previous year, Palestinian attacks wounded 679 Israelis. By comparison, 36 Israelis were killed in terror attacks in 2008.

Six weeks of concentrated, focused violence brought a sharp decrease in terror. It's very hard to ignore. The number of rocket and mortar attacks also sharply declined, from over two thousand in 2008 to just 566 in 2009 of which 406 were during the January operation. Security sources attribute this to Israel's strong hand reaction. By comparison, 2007 saw over 1,200 rocket attacks from the Gaza Strip and in 2006, there were 1,722 rocket strikes in Israel from the coastal strip.

Make no mistake, Hamas is still highly motivated to carry out attacks inside Israel. However, Hamas tried to organize bombing strikes on Israel from the West Bank instead of Gaza so as to avoid Israeli retaliation. These attacks have been thwarted by Israel's security barrier and close ties between the Israeli and Palestinian security apparatuses in the West Bank.

A decade of negotiations and goodwill gestures by Israel led to a steady increase in terror. Six weeks of concentrated, focused violence brought a sharp decrease in terror. It's very hard to ignore.

Infatuation with Hezbollah

Hanin Ghaddar, a Lebanese journalist based in Beirut, explains how the people of South Lebanon learned to stop worrying and love the Party of Allah.

This is a relatively new, formed by the Israeli withdrawal of 2000—what is known as the "liberation of the South" — and the war with Israel of 2006, known as the "divine victory."

I left the village at the beginning of the 1990s to pursue my undergraduate studies in Beirut. I was fleeing to a new life. Two wars with Israel have happened since I left, and with each one, I felt more distant from my people and my family, not for lack of love. The increased infatuation with Hezbollah, the repeated justification of its violence, pushed me away. I feel that I am open to other opinions, but it is difficult to communicate with people who have been imprisoned, who have imprisoned themselves. The rhetoric and reasoning of the Party of [Allah] have turned them into different people.

How fast can people and their individual and collective memories change? The question fascinates me. In 1982, during the Israeli invasion of the South, I was 8 years old. I remember one scene from the beginning of the invasion vividly. I was on my grandmother’s balcony with all my aunts and uncles, watching the Israeli tanks force themselves through the narrow streets of my village. All the neighbors' balconies were full of people throwing rose petals and rice at the Israeli tanks.

I remember my mother telling me that people were happy because the Israelis were helping us remove the Palestinians. It was not that people no longer believed in the right to resist or the validity of the Palestinian cause. It was that the Palestinians failed to integrate into the Shia community. After the Israelis, too, began to overstay their welcome, Hezbollah convinced the Shia that resistance was essential to their political and social empowerment. That is why the 2006 war was endurable. My village was bombed, and many people died. But destruction and death are endurable if they are perceived to be necessary costs of achieving a common cause.

The people of South Lebanon say they are not afraid anymore, "Because Israel will never dare to start another war with Hezbollah after its defeat in 2006." They live in denial of the defeat that the Lebanese suffered.

Who lost more lives? Whose houses and infrastructure were destroyed? The facts don't lie. Yet they refuse to see the reality, because Hezbollah has convinced them over the past two decades that "dignity is above all." Slogans of dignity and honor flood their everyday lives through Hezbollah's media channels, Nasrallah's speeches, and street slogans.

The people of Southern Lebanon are imprisoned by Hezbollah, and by themselves.

Never Mess with a Jewish Mother

To two masked muggers, it looked as easy as taking candy from a baby: a young religious mother out for a stroll in the Jerusalem Hills with an infant strapped on her breast.

But crime does not pay in Chelm-on-the-Med.

It turns out that Miriam Segal, a new immigrant from Florida and mother of four, has 13 years experience in martial arts and is a Kung Fu black belt. Even with a baby, she managed to "subdue" one would-be mugger and scare the other away.

To read more of the strange and wonderful world that is Israel, visit Chelm-on-the-Med.