Bloody terrorists attacks in the recent few weeks have destabilized the already delicate security situation in Israel. For the past week it has been virtually impossible to go through a day without hearing of yet another attack, mainly carried out in Jerusalem, where it is “easier” due to the mixed population of Jews and Arabs living in the city.
It’s been no secret Hamas were desperately frustrated with their failure to produce “results” and cause greater damage on Israel during the operation “Protective Edge” this summer. Ever since the operation ended, Hamas leadership hasn’t stopped encouraging and stirring up Palestinians and Arab population in Israel and West Bank to carry out terrorist attacks, inciting a new Intifada (uprising).
There are very few security measures the government can take against such attacks, as they are not strategically planned and are done on a whim – “planned in the morning, executed in the evening”. These attacks target the soft belly of Israel, her civilian population. We’ve had random stabbings, cars ramming into pedestrians and shootings, all targeting innocent civilians.
Most recent attack was a bloody massacre in a synagogue, carried out by two east Jerusalem Palestinian cousins, left 4 Jewish worshippers killed, with 9 more critically injured.
The first man to arrive and try to stop the massacre was a brave young Druze police officer who gave his own life trying to stop the terrorist and protect the people in the synagogue.
The Druze are an Arab-speaking ethnic minority in Israel, many of whom serve in IDF’s elite or combat units, are dedicated policemen among, and have always shown extraordinary courage and loyalty to the nation of Israel. So it was no surprise to hear of 30-year old father of a 4-month old baby, officer Zidan Seif’s heroic act in storming the synagogue by himself and shield the people from the attackers. He was badly injured and died in the hospital from his wounds.
It was extremely moving to hear of thousands of Jews, Christians and Muslims from all over the country coming to attend his funeral, to not only show solidarity, but unity in such a dark moment. It’s such a rare moment, and how beautiful it is to witness that even during the darkest moments, love can overcome hate and the nation unites against it.
Please pray for the peace of Jerusalem. These days we need those prayers as never before while Jerusalem again is facing troubled days of conflict, division and violence.
Psalm 122:6-9
“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 family 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.”
Beit Hallel is a Messianic Jewish congregation in Ashdod, led by pastor Israel Pochtar, serving holocaust survivors and the poor and needy locally and throughout the nation of Israel, while building up the body of Messiah in the promised land of Israel.