A significant portion of my time each week is spent producing content about Israel. I’ll be honest though. Since January of this year, I’ve gotten tired of constantly reporting about the terror attacks that have been taking place on a weekly basis.
For instance, this week there was a shooting attack in Jerusalem about three hours before my wife and I traveled near that exact spot. A few days later, a bus was shot at in Samaria only minutes before several of our staff drove through on their way to the airport. These attacks remind us of the fight for the land of Israel on a daily basis.
I’m sick and tired of the terrorism. Israelis have had enough. Israel supporters have had enough of the violence and Jihad that is constantly being committed against the Jewish people in the land of Israel. Unfortunately, I believe it is also causing some people to cancel, or at the least, postpone their plans to visit the Holy Land. Our organization was even forced to cancel an upcoming Heartland Experience program due to not having enough applicants.
If you read last week’s article, you know that the people of Israel are most impacted when Christian Zionists come to the Holy Land, not only during the good times but also during times of hardship and trial. During the 2014 war with Gaza, when rockets were being shot daily into the cities of Israel, we were here, along with volunteers from all over the world. Israelis were surprised and strengthened that we stayed.
More than one million tourists have already visited Israel in 2023. My hope is that those numbers will continue throughout the rest of this year, so that Israel’s tourism industry can continue to bounce back after the dry years during COVID.
Nevertheless, coming to Israel must be a choice that we all make. I can confidently say that there is no safer place to be than in the center of God’s will. Statistically, you’re at the most risk when driving to the airport to catch a flight to Israel. If you live in or near a big city, you’d likely be terrified to go out at night if all of the murders were reported on international mainstream media. You’re definitely safer in Judea and Samaria than you are in Chicago or Los Angeles.
This doesn’t negate the fact that terrorism has been on the rise in the last four months, and attacks are happening all around us on a near daily basis.
The choice becomes more defined for those of us who are standing with and coming to Israel. Do we trust that we are in the center of God’s will, and put our safety, as well as the safety of our families, in His hands whilst we stand with our Jewish brothers and sisters in the land of Israel? Do we risk getting in the car and driving on the roads of Judea and Samaria, never quite knowing which of the Arab cars around us are friendly, and which are those who want to murder Jews?
Our organization has chosen to be on the forefront of Israel’s biblical heartland for the last twenty years. We’ve experienced highs and lows as we’ve stood with the brave Jewish pioneers who call Judea and Samaria home. Thanks to thousands of you, we’ve hosted Christian Zionists from more than thirty countries to come and plant their feet alongside us and the Jewish people as we proclaim to the world that we unequivocally support Israel’s right to be sovereign in their own land.
Right now, we have a group from four different countries who are planting trees in Judea and Samaria. They have made their choice.
Even though Israel is in the midst of experiencing terrorist attacks on a weekly basis, the situation is not more or less risky than it has been during the last twenty years. I believe the choice of whether or not we will be here in the land is simply more defined.
We’ve made our choice. We’re standing on the front lines of the fight for the restoration of God’s Kingdom back to Israel, and will continue to do so. Will you join us?
I am one of your subscribers. God has neither provided the finances or the ability for me to visit Israel. I support you in prayer. It is hard to imagine how you are feeling and coping or not coping in your situation. But why are you only expecting support through tourism? Do you know that in England, where I am, people are relying on charities to feed them? Do you know in USA where you come from, homelessness has vastly increased? The increase in terrorism is definitely affecting tourism in Israel but the economics of the world in general is affecting tourism everywhere. Please seek the Lord about what He wants you to do differently. Maybe ask Him for a new vision. The people visiting Israel now are divinely called or have business or family there. The majority aren’t going to choose Israel for a holiday now. I know a group of spirit filled ladies who have cancelled their trip to Israel because of the problems. If tourism is your lively hood, it may be time to think outside the box.