An Eruption of Racial Frustation in Israel

Prime Minister Binyain Netanyahu on Monday met with Damas Pakada, an Ethiopian Jewish soldier in the IDF who was brutally assaulted while in uniform by a police officer in Holon last Sunday, a shocking incident that has led to a string of protests among the Ethiopian community.

Ahead of another protest in Jerusalem outside the governmental compound planned for Monday, Pakada came to the Prime Minister's Office in the capital.

"I heard that you were an outstanding student at Kfar Hanoar (boarding school - ed.), that you volunteer on the weekends," Netanyahu said to Pakada upon meeting him.

Netanyahu continued, "I'm very happy to see you here and I want to tell you that I was shocked by what happened. We can't accept it, the police are dealing with it and we will need to change things."
Shifting the topic to the protests that have taken place since the incident, which on Sunday night in Tel Aviv turned violent leaving around 68 wounded, he added, "I also heard that you said you don't want to hear about violence and that is a statement of leadership. Maybe good things will come from the difficult thing you went through."

 After his meeting with Netanyahu, Pakada said, "the prime minister told me that things will be taken care of. I'm very sorry about what happened yesterday," he added, referring to the violent protests which police and protesters alike have indicated were fanned into violence by radical leftist groups.

"I'm for protests but against violence," said Pakada. He added, "I don't know if I'm a symbol, I feel that the (Ethiopian) community is becoming unified."

He said that in the meeting he noted on the discrimination suffered by Ethiopian Jews, calling for the situation to be changed.

Pakada said his assault at the hands of a police officer was the first time he faced violence, noting, "the officer knocked away my phone and hit me, I felt humiliated."

"The prime minister understood things and knew what happened. He was interested in my family and the community," he added. "I'm first of all a soldier of the state of Israel, but I support the protesters. I hope for a change soon with G-d's help."  via Virtual Jerusalem

"Then Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married; for he had married an Ethiopian woman. " (Numbers 12:1).

Even as racial riots in Baltimore seem to have entered a lull, Israel is this week experiencing an (in some ways) similar explosion within its community of citizens of Ethiopian descent. These citizens, whose ancestors hail from the ancient Biblical region of Cush and bear physical as well as religious links to the Hebrew race, began immigrating to Israel a little over 30 years ago. Their numbers (over 135,000) now make up a little over 2% of the population. They serve with distinction in the military, and are making progress in assimilating into the community. Yet the process has been slow, impeded by unquestionably racist discrimination related to their color and line of descent. As one man was heard recently to remark, "You did have mercy on us [when Israel facilitated a mass Aliyah from Ethiopia in the early '70's], but you've never seen us as equals." The discrimination surfaces in the job market, in education, community government. It has been specifically felt in incidents of racist police brutality, often followed by unjust incarceration and unfair treatment in the courts.

It all boiled over last week when a surveillance video camera captured what appeared to be an unprovoked attack on a young Ethiopian soldier in uniform named Damas Pakedeh by police in the town of Holon. Pakedeh was filmed being accosted and beaten by an officer and his assistant. He was afterwards taken and detained overnight in jail, where he was slated to be arraigned on charges of assaulting an officer-had not the images from the camera been made public the following day. On Thursday, a demonstration against racism and police brutality was organized in Jerusalem. Over a thousand protestors blocked every major intersection of the city, the light-rail system was brought to a halt, and demonstrators marched towards the Prime Minister's residence. It took more than three hours for the police to restore order. There were a relatively small number of police and demonstrators hurt. But this was only a beginning. On Sunday, demonstrations spread to Tel Aviv, culminating in a massive gathering at Rabin Square, which turned violent. In the end, 68 (56 of whom were security forces) were injured; there were 43 arrests.

The Israeli government has condemned the attack on Damas Pakada, as have the police; a special committee is being set up by the Inspector General involving high-level police officers and representatives of the Ethiopian community. Today Prime Minister Netanyahu is scheduled to convene a meeting in his office with Ethiopian community leaders; he will also meet with Damas Pakada, the soldier who was attacked. But representatives from the community warn that this was merely the tip of the iceberg-that such attacks are not uncommon, and they are themselves only manifestations of a deeper societal problem. As Israeli President Reuven Rivlin said this morning, the anti-racism protests have revealed an "open wound" of Israeli society which must be confronted: 
 "Yesterday we saw the pain, distress and anger arising from the Israeli Ethiopian community, most of whom were born and raised here.Protest is an essential tool for democracy, but violence is not the path nor the solution." 
 He emphasized that the legitimacy of the issue should not be stymied by the violent outbursts of a handful of people, "We are not strangers, people, we are brothers and we must not regress to a place in which we will regret them." ("Protests renew in Jerusalem after Tel Aviv anti-racism rally turns violent": JPOST.com; 05/04/2015 11:04). Meanwhile, protests in Jerusalem were renewed on Monday morning.

PLEASE PRAY:

*That the Lord who mercifully caused this injustice to be blatantly exposed, will lead Israel's governmental and civil leaders into imposing measures which will deal strongly and decisively with racism in the Israeli society.

*That the LORD go forth on behalf of righteousness and justice for the community of Ethiopian Jews in Israel. "In your majesty ride forth victoriously in the cause of truth, humility and justice; let your right hand achieve awesome deeds" (Psalm 45:4); "Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your Throne" (Psalm 89:14; 97:2).

* "Your watchmen shall lift up their voices.For they shall see eye to eye when YHVH brings back Zion" (Isaiah 52:8). "­ Pray for God to bring unity of vision into the people whom He has loved from afar, and in that loving kindness draw them back to Zion (Jeremiah 31:3). Satan hates this, and sows discontent, disunity, and hatred, so as to in every way thwart returned Israel coming into the wholeness, which will bring about a change throughout the world (Romans 11:12, 15). Of course, this must ultimately include Israel's coming into relationship with her Messiah, who brings all into the unity of His Father (John 17:23).

*For the brothers and sisters of Ethiopian descent who make up a significant part of the Messianic Body of Messiah in Israel.Some of the strongest believers we know in the Land are from this community. Many were believers (or their parents were believers) before immigrating to Israel-and the hardships they endured in that passage equip them with a strength, experience, wisdom needed here today. They also have brought with them a unique, powerful experience of praise and worship (see Zephaniah 3:9-10), which it is the privilege of the rest of the Body here to avail ourselves of.

*Pray for guidance in the Ethiopian believers in relation to the tensions and upheavals taking place today. That there be leaders amongst them who are mantled with wisdom and counsel-granted favor as peacemakers both within their communities and across racial lines. Pray for Ethiopian believers to rise into positions of influence in the military, the government and the workplace.

portions taken from Israel prayer list

Day to Praise: Celebrating Isaiah 66:8 through Psalms 113-118 with Israel

 

 

Isaiah 66:8: "Who has heard such a thing? Who has seen such things? Shall the earth be made to give birth in one day? Or shall a nation be born at once? For as soon as Zion was in labor, she gave birth to her children."

 

Thank you for visiting the Day to Praise website and learning more on how you can be part of a global movement in praising God for the miracle of the State of Israel in our lifetime.

 

Traditionally, synagogues in Israel and around the world corporately pray Psalms 113-118 (known as Hallel) during Biblical Feasts, Chanukah and a modified version of Hallel every month on the Festival of the New Moon.

A year after the establishment of the State of Israel, the Chief Rabbinate of Israel decided that these series of psalms should be invoked on Israel’s Independence Day. Central to all the reasons in instituting Israel’s Independence Day as a minor holiday within the sacred calendar of the Jewish people was the notion of thanksgiving.

With the destruction of the Second Temple, the exile of the Jewish people scattered to the four corners of the earth, trials and tribulations under foreign governments and the near annihilation of Eastern European Jewry in the Holocaust, it seemed that Jewish history was coming to an end. As the psalmists declares: They thrust so hard against me, I nearly fell, but the Lord came to my help. The Lord is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation (Psalm 118:13-14).

On May 14, 1948, God changed the course of sacred history and the State of Israel was born in one day as stated in Isaiah 66:8. Indeed, the Jewish people experienced a dream-like state of wonderment as echoed in Psalm 126. The religious establishment recognized that the restoration of Israel back to its homeland had to be acknowledged in our corporate worship. Psalms 113-118 would be our national recognition of God’s providence working through His people and Zion.

“Praise the Lord, all nations; acclaim Him, all you peoples; for His loving-kindness to us is strong; and the Lord’s faithfulness is everlasting. Halleluya”

What is most interesting in the development of these series of psalms is that one of the five criteria in creating Hallel was the inherent notion of the birth pangs of the messianic era. How prophetic! The reestablishment of Jewish sovereignty in the Land of Israel and the ingathering of the exiles from the four corners of the earth are proofs that we are living in the beginnings of a redemptive age. Jewish history is alive and well! We are living in the beginnings of a very special season and through Hallel we acknowledge our sacred role in the unfolding of the miracle of State of Israel.

An essential characteristic of Hallel is the role of the nations in praising God with us. It is my belief that the time has come to invite the Christian world to celebrate Israel’s Independence Day with us by reciting these psalms. On April 23rd, I will have a special live-stream Hallel service where both the Jewish and Christian communities will be reciting Psalms 113-118 together. It is my hope that you will join us in Jerusalem on that day.

If your schedule does not allow you to come this year, I ask that you prayerfully consider to recite these psalms on April 23rd. You can do this in your personal prayer time, with members of your prayer team or have your church conduct an actual service.

As the psalmist declares – This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it. What a sanctification of God’s name it would be when both faith communities can come together in a sacred moment to give praise and thanksgiving for God’s covenantal love for Israel! Please let me know you will be praising with us on April 23rd.

Shlomo Riskin

Chief Rabbi of Efrat

Ambassador for Jewish-Christian Relations

daytopraise.com
 

Prayer for Israel's Restoration

Praying out Psalm 80 for Israel:

"Give hear, O Shepherd of Israel, You who lead Joseph like a flock; You who dwell between the cherubim shine forth!
Before Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh, stir up Your strength and come and save us!
Restore us, O God; cause Your face to shine, and we shall be saved!
O Lord God of Hosts, how long will You be angry against the prayer of Your people?
You have fed them with the bread of tears, and given them tears to drink in great measure.
You have made us a strife to our neighbors, and our enemies laugh among themselves.
Restore us, O God of hosts; cause Your face to shine, and we shall be saved!
You have brought a vine out of Egypt; You have cast out the nations, and planted it.
You prepared room for it, and caused it to take root, and it filled the land.
The hills are covered with its shadow, the mighty cedars with its boughs.
She sent out her boughs to the Sea, and her branches to the River.
Why have You broken down her hedges, so that all who pass by the way pluck her fruit?
The boar out of the woods uproots it, and the wild beast of the field devours it.
Return, we beseech You, O God of hosts; Look down from heaven and see, and visit this vine
and the vineyard which Your right hand has planted, and the branch that You made strong for Yourself.
It is burned with fire, it is cut down; they perish at the rebuke of Your countenance.
Let Your hand be upon the man of Your right hand, upon the son of man whom You made strong for Yourself.
Then we will not turn back from You; Revive us, and we will call upon Your Name.
Restore us, O LORD God of hosts; Cause Your face to shine, and we will be saved!

Continued Prayers for Israel's Government

LATTER RAIN AND HAIL TO SWEEP AWAY DECEPTION.

"Ask the LORD for rain in the time of the latter rain. The LORD will make flashing clouds; He will give them showers of rain, grass in the field for everyone" (Zechariah 10:1).

"I will make justice the measuring line and righteousness the level; Then hail will sweep away the refuge of lies and the waters will overflow the secret place (Isaiah 28:17).

The weather in Israel has been unusual of late. It is over a month since the beginning of the season for "latter rains" (the "former rains" begin in October). We received good precipitation during the late fall and again early this year. Parts of the deserts became green, remaining so much later than usual. Many places were filled with flowers. In recent years, it has not been uncommon for there to be little or no rain in April, so when earlier this past week there was a heat wave, we thought perhaps the rains were over. Then overnight, the temperatures took a dive, rain began in the north and snow began falling on Mount Hermon. Soon, more than 20 centimeters had accumulated there, and there was flooding in many places about the country. Saturday, news services were reporting temperatures lower for this time of year than they've been in over 25 years. Yesterday (Sunday), found storms moving across the country, accompanied by hail. "Rare Hail Storm Hits Tel Aviv" read one headline in The Jerusalem Post. At one point in early afternoon, the ground and streets in Jerusalem were covered with hail. When it hails in Israel, it usually comes as the vanguard of a storm system. But this was different; it was coming intermittently and violently.

We are grateful for the moisture. After such a dry 2013-14 season, God has truly been blessing Israel. Yet the unusual hail-coupled with the Scripture from Isaiah quoted above-make us wonder if God may be trying to tell us something. One week from this Wednesday is the deadline for Mr. Netanyahu to form his coalition. It still appears far from certain whether he will have done so by then-at least with the right-wing parties he has been working to bring into it. We have not doubts that Netanyahu is the leader of God's choosing for this season. But what are God's priorities during that season as regards the government with which he must lead? There could be serious drawbacks were he to dump those with whom he is presently negotiating, and reach for a unity-government with Labor, presently planted in the opposition. But there might be equally serious drawbacks to being bound-up with the two ultra-Orthodox parties. Most of the apprehension in Israel is over the rapidly increasing dangers posed by Iran. Any confrontation with that power would require the widest and most unified governmental front possible.

PLEASE PRAY:

*That God will bring into formation a strong, unified government capable of addressing the challenges facing Israel in months to come.

*That this will be a government characterized by justice and righteousness. Pray that any hidden refuge of falsehood satan may be using to bring into place a weakened and inept government, will be exposed-the secrets brought out into the open. "I will make justice the measuring line and righteousness the level; Then hail will sweep away the refuge of lies and the waters will overflow the secret place (Isaiah 28:17).

*Integrity and protection (both mental and physical) over Benyamin Netanyahu. That he will not be deceived, but be granted divine grace in the judgments he must make during the coming week. Pray a grace and protection over his family, and God's favor over him as he moves into his new term as Israel's leader.

portions taken from Israel Prayer list

Prayer for forming of Israel's Government

Last Tuesday saw the swearing-in of Israel's new government, the 20^th Knesset. Of the 120 members making up the body, 39 (almost 1/3^rd) were first-time legislators.

PLEASE PRAY: *That this will be a government characterized by integrity, wisdom and justice. Righteousness exalts a nation (Prov. 14:34). 

*Pray that Knesset members will come under the convicting power of the Holy Spirit of the God of this Land, Who has allowed them to rise to their positions of responsibility.

 *That there will be those who come to experience the righteousness which is imparted in a knowledge of the Jewish Messiah, Yeshua (II Cor. 5:21).

Prime Minister Netanyahu is well into the 28 days he is granted to form a coalition. 

 That 28 days ends on April 22^nd (the eve of Israel's Independence Day). If he has not formed it by that time, he may request of President Rivlin another 14 days, although the President is under no obligation to grant it. Thus far, negotiations with representatives of the different parties who are willing to be part of the government have been stormy, as each demands guarantees of special ministry portfolios for their particular party along with other assurances. Some have speculated that if Netanyahu is unable to cobble together a coalition with the very right-wing parties he is presently working with, he may feel forced to reach over to the Opposition for the possibility of forming a Unity Government-especially in light of the growing threat the whole nation is experiencing from Iran. 

 PLEASE PRAY: *For Netanyahu to be humble before his God-that he ask for and be sensitive to divine wisdom in the formation of his government.

 *Pray that God will place into position the government which will be capable of addressing and accomplishing His priorities for Israel during this coming season. 

 *Pray against the enemy entrenching any parties into positions which would impede the work of the Lord in releasing revelation to His people.

Israel has voiced strong opposition to the "framework" nuclear deal with Iran arrived at by the "P5+1" world powers last Thursday.

 It is seen here as being, if anything, worse than that outlined by Mr. Netanyahu in his speech before the US Congress last month. This week President Obama made conciliatory remarks towards Israel, stating that he has found it personally difficult to hear expressions that his administration hasn't done everything it could for Israel's interest-that he would consider it a "fundamental failure of his presidency" if on his watch, it were to be shown that Israel had been rendered more vulnerable. He emphasized his willingness to make commitments to give Iran and other Middle Eastern nations "a clarity that if Israel were to be attacked by any state.we (i.e. the U.S.) would stand by them." (1)

Of course, a problem with this assurance is that "if Israel were to be attacked" by a nation with nuclear weapons, it could by then be too late to "stand by them." Nor might Israel be blamed for skepticism about the deal when last week, even while it was in its final stages of being rounded out, militia chief Mohammad Reza Naqdi of Iran's Revolutionary Guards made the statement that "erasing Israel off the Map" is "nonnegotiable." (2) 

 And on Sunday the Telegraph reported that Iran has stepped-up its support of Hamas operatives in Gaza, transferring tens of millions of dollars for the purpose of rebuilding tunnels and restocking missile arsenals destroyed by Israel last summer during Operation Protective Edge. (3)

PLEASE PRAY: *That Israel will be given divine guidance in her response to the growing Iranian threat, in light of the recent framework deal arrived at by the nations

. *That God will bring Israel to a place where she sees that her physical security is not ultimately dependent upon any nation or alliance of nations, but upon Him alone.

1. "Obama: Weakened Israel would be 'failure' for my presidency": Times of Israel; 6 April 2015, 0132.

2. "Iran militia chief: Destroying Israel is 'nonnegotiable': JPOST.com, 31 March 2015, 4:03.

3. "Report: Iran transfers millions to Hamas for reconstruction of tunnels": JPOST.com, 5 April 2015, 16:31.

Portions taken from Israel Prayer list

Passover Season Prayer Points

1. This past weekend Jews began to celebrate the feasts of Passover, Unleavened Bread [Matzah] and First Fruits [of the barley harvest] while Christians remembered Yeshua's death, burial and resurrection. As Messianic Jews, we are doubly blessed since both are intimately linked. We rejoice in being set from slavery in Egypt and from slavery to sin – all by the blood of the Lamb!
   
   
   • We bless You for setting us free (John 8:36).
     
     
   • Thank You for the Lamb of God who carries away our sin (John 1:29).
     
     
   • We are so grateful for Messiah's blood which protects us from Your righteous judgments.
     

     "And when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you when I smite the land of Egypt."
     Exodus 12:13b

   • Hallelujah! We serve a Risen Savior who is in the world today (Matthew 28:6)!
     
     
   • Thank You for the cross and the empty tomb.
     
     
   • 'The Lamb who was slain has begun His reign'!
     

   • "Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing."
     Revelation 5:12

     
     
     
     6. Last Friday, Jews the world over, sat down with family and friends and celebrated the traditional Passover Seder meal. A little less than 2,000 years ago, just before Passover began Yeshua died on the cross, giving up His spirit at the same time as the Passover lambs were being sacrificed in the Temple. This is a wonderful time to pray for many Jews to have their eyes opened to the One and Only Lamb of God who is now seated at the right hand of our Father in heaven.

        • For so says YHWH, Sing with gladness for Jacob, and shout among the chief of the nations. Cry out, give praise and say, O YHWH, save Your people, the remnant of Israel.
          Jeremiah 31:7

          
          
        • Lord, during this feast of Passover/Unleavened Bread week, please pour out that spirit of grace that opens the eyes of Israelis to see the One whom they have pierced (Zechariah 12:10).
          
          
        • Cause the children to ask some very insightful questions that cause the parents to rethink their traditions.
          
          
        • Abba, many of us have planted and watered seeds of Messiah's kingdom in Jewish hearts this past year. Tonight, give the increase (1 Corinthians 3:6).
          
          
        • God, reveal the true King of Israel to Bibi and his family this week.
          
          
        • Please pray for specific groups to receive a revelation of Yeshua. Some suggestions are: rabbis, IDF soldiers, Holocaust and terror attack survivors, Ukrainian and French Jews still in exile, unsaved loved ones of Messianic believers, etc.
          
          
     7. At the end of the Seder, Jews proclaim, Next year in Jerusalem. Please ask God to convict those Jews who say this and do not mean it. Jews in exile need to come home – make aliyah – quickly. The handwriting on the walls of Europe is spreading to North America as well – as reports show anti-Semitic attacks in the US increased dramatically last year. Let's pray also for the Church to see that interceding for and helping a Jew come home is part of what God is expecting from His people in these days.
        

        • Thus says the Lord YHWH, Behold, I will lift up My hand to the gentiles, and set up My banner to the people; they shall bring your sons in their bosom, and your daughters shall be carried on their shoulders.
          Isaiah 49:22

        • Thank You for the significant increase in aliyah this past year.
          
          
        • Make this year a banner year for aliyah.
          
          
        • When our people say Next year in Jerusalem, may they hear in their spirits this:
          

          If I forget you, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget its cunning. If I do not remember you, let my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth; if I do not prefer Jerusalem above my chief joy.
          Psalms 137:5-6

        • May this new Israeli government make the immigration and integration of Jews to Israel a top priority.
          
          
        • Lord Yeshua, speak to Messianic Jews in exile who do not want to hear what Your will is in this area (Isaiah 35:10; 51:11).
          
          
     We end by praying for safety in Jerusalem and throughout this land!
   
   
   Portions taken from Intercessors for Israel.
    

Concerned

I read this quote from Sid Roth yesterday:

"I am so concerned over our President's position on Israel. We need to be on God's Side! God owns Israel and has leased it to the Jewish People forever. (Joel 3:2, Psalm 105:8-11)
"As you have done to Israel, so it will be done to you!" Obadiah 1:15 NLT
Pray for this direction to change."  -Sid Roth

I am also concerned about our President's recent actions against Israel. As a watchman, I am also sounding an alarm. This is the Shemitah year as well as we just experienced a solar eclipse which represents judgement of the nations. Also upcoming is a Blood Moon on Passover. These are all signs from The LORD. We must take heed and pray.

I am declaring out into the atmosphere Isaiah 62:8-12 over the nation of Israel:

"The Lord has sworn by His right hand and by the arm of His strength: 'No more do I give your grain to be food for your enemies, nor do sons of the foreigner drink your new wine, for which you have laboured; but those gathering it shall eat it, and praise The LORD. And those collecting it shall drink it in My set-apart courts.' 

Pass through, Pass through the gates! Prepare the way for the people. Build up, build up the highway! Remove the stones. Lift up the banner for the peoples!

See The LORD has proclaimed to the end  of the earth: 'Say to the daughter of Tsiyon, See your deliverance has come; see, His reward is with Him, and His work before Him.'

And they shall be called, 'The Set=apart People, the Redeemed of The LORD.' And you shall be called, 'Sought Out, a City Not Forsaken.'"