Am Israel Chai
"Am Israel Chai," meaning "The People of Israel Live," is a Hebrew phrase that embodies the Jewish people's historical resilience and continued existence. It represents their enduring identity, survival, and deep connection to the State of Israel.
In light of the October 7 2023 massacre by Hamas, this expression has become even more important to the nation of Israel as they continue their struggle against their enemies. Enemies that extend beyond just the Middle East and well into the West.
During a trip to Joppa in Israel, last November, I had lunch with colleagues at a small cafe. The sandwich came nicely wrapped and sealed with a sticker of the Israeli flag and the Hebrew phrase "anachnu nenatzeach," meaning "we will win." It was an encouraging message to the cafe's patrons in light of all that was happening in Israel including the many hostages still captive in Gaza.
“WE WILL WIN”
During a trip to Joppa in Israel, last November, I had lunch with colleagues at a small cafe. The sandwich came nicely wrapped and sealed with a sticker of the Israeli flag and the Hebrew phrase "anachnu nenatzeach," meaning "we will win." It was an encouraging message to the cafe's patrons in light of all that was happening in Israel including the many hostages still captive in Gaza.
Israel celebrated their Independence Day on 14th May marking 77 years since the end of the British Mandate of Palestine. The following day when the declaration took effect, the Arabs immediately declared war on Israel, and while there have been peace agreements among some of the countries that took exception to the new Jewish State in 1948, others remain sworn enemies.
As we celebrate with Israel 77 years of independence, it is worth remembering why the people of Israel live. Indeed, why the people of Israel will ultimately win.
The Bible tells us that Israel was exiled from the promised land over a period of years at the hands of the Assyrians (722BC), the Babylonians (586-605BC) and the Romans (post 70AD). Each played a hand in God’s judgement of His people along with the Medes and Persians, and the Greeks (Dan 2). As a result God scattered the Jews across the four corners of the earth (Lev 26, Deut 28) where many still remain.
A NATION RAISED FROM THE DEAD!
But God spoke through the prophet Ezekiel, (Ezek 36) and other prophets that Israel would return to the land in the latter days having been resurrected from the dead as pictured in the Valley of Dry Bones (Ezek 37). The events of the two world wars including the horrific genocide in the Holocaust paved the way for a Jewish homeland in the historic land of the Jewish people.
Through extraordinary circumstances in the years just prior to the UN resolution (181) on the partition plan for Palestine, God moved the nations that would pave the way for the agreement to establish a homeland for the Jewish people alongside the existing Arabs and Jews living in the country.
One interesting story from that time was following the UN decision to adopt the partition plan.
“President Truman had served as an artillery captain in World War 1, and one of the members of his battalion was a Jewish man named [sic] Eddie Jacobson. After the war, the two of them went into an unlikely partnership and opened a haberdashery store in Kansas City. The store went bankrupt after three years, but Truman and Jacobson remained loyal friends, which is unusual in itself. partners who undergo bankruptcy don't usually enjoy each other's company afterward.
The Zionist leader Chaim Weizmann, who was by then old and half-blind traveled to the US to try and see Truman to get him to reinforce American support for the partition plan. Truman refused. The Jewish leadership put on whatever pressure it could but to no avail. Truman would not see Wiseman.
Then the Jews sent in Eddie Jacobson. It's been written in Truman's memoirs and many, many other places. Jacobson said, “Mr President, Harry, you've got to do me this one favor. See this tired, old man. He's come halfway across the world to see you. Just give him a few minutes of your time.” And Truman reluctantly agreed.
Wiseman was a great Diplomat. He told Truman, [sic] “You have the opportunity of the ages. If you'll say strong now, you'll go down in history for all eternity.“ And Truman was impressed by it, and he called Warren Austin at the UN to inform him of American policy. For added drama, when the call came, Austin was in the middle of a speech about how America was backing out of the partition plan. But when he returned from the phone call he said, “President Truman has instructed me that the United States supports in ful the partition plan as adopted by the United Nations and will work to see it implemented.” When that happened the situation turned. The state was declared on May the 15th 1948 and not two weeks later Wiseman presented Truman with the traditional gift Jews give to heads of state, a Torah scroll. When Truman saw it he said “I always wanted one of those.” (As quoted in the book, “It Is No Dream”, by Elwood McQuaid)
IT IS GOD WHO FIGHTS FOR HIS PEOPLE
God has used many influential figures throughout history to bring about what has ultimately been a fulfilment of His Word. Israel has returned to the land God gave them because it is in His plans and purposes to do so. The prophet Jeremiah says, “I have loved you [Israel] with an everlasting love”. (Jer 31:3)
Israel's ultimate victory is divinely assured according to biblical prophecy (Jer 29:11-14; 31; Rom 11:25-28). This triumph will occur through God's ongoing intervention on their behalf, culminating in the Messiah's arrival and the complete defeat of their adversaries. Even though Israel may not acknowledge God's role, His protection remains steadfast, as Psalm 121:4 affirms: "He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.”
Respond to the Needs that Matter.
We know you are a friend of Israel. Right now, Israel is in the greatest fight it has had since 1948. This is the time to stand with Israel and the Jewish people against their enemies.You can be a shining beacon of hope and bring encouragement to God’s Chosen People in Australia, in Israel and around the globe. Your gift will be used to save & protect lives, provide humanitarian relief in the most basic forms, and build bridges with the Jewish community in ways that foster solidarity and friendship. From medical supplies to food distribution, from clothing to bomb shelters, from fear, loss and hopelessness to security and eternal hope—you are shining a light in the darkness in Israel and beyond.Since 1938, The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry has been ministering to the Jewish people, in Christian love, around the world. Today is no different. Reaching more than 18 countries, especially Israel, The Friends of Israel is proclaiming biblical truth about Israel and the Messiah, while bringing physical and spiritual comfort to the Jewish people.
