Report from the Land

 

It is commonly believed that each of the two previous periods of an independent Israelite/Judean state (in the David-Solomon era, and the Hasmonean dynasty in its initial phase) lasted for about 70 years. When the independent state of Israel was approaching its 70th year anniversary, and ever since, there were those who expressed some concern as to the condition of our present society, detecting similarities to those that brought down the two previous Israelite entities, not least of which are (and were) internal rifts.

The present crisis meets us on our 75th year of independent statehood, while it seemed that in spite of deep disagreements in several arenas, somehow our society was until now able to keep itself from disintegrating, each faction fully engaged in living according to its respective choice of lifestyle, with the occasional friction erupting when one side infringed upon the other's comfort zone.

However, since the last election something has broken within Israel. It is as though a hand grenade has been tossed in our midst and its shrapnels are scattering everywhere. The present government's attempts at implementing its desired policies, especially in the area of the judiciary, were not put up on its pre-election platform in a way that would have made its plans plain and clear.  Thus, a large portion of society, including some of those who were in favor of the coalition parties that form this government, has been taken by a bewildering surprise. Moreover, the speed at which these laws are being put forth and the attempt at passing them appears to be at an all-time record (although now they have supposedly halted temporarily the planned reform). Additionally, because each of the coalition's parties is mostly interested in its own agenda, they have to be accommodated in ways that defy logic and usefulness for the country as a whole. Thus, all kinds of extra positions and structures are created so as to placate different politicians, with a great financial burden and at the expense of efficiency and proper administration. And as if all of this were not enough to rouse great concern and discontent, some of the highest positions in the current government are held by individuals who have been convicted in the past or are at this very moment involved in judicial litigation. Therefore, more laws have to be passed in order to legalize their participation in the political game (and that includes the Prime Minister).

For three months now there have been growing protests all over the country, mostly generated by great fear of losing freedoms in many aspects of life; of a weakened judicial branch; of religious cohesion, and in short, loss of democracy. While changes do need to be introduced into the courts, especially the supreme court, the condition of the present government, by its very nature, is such that one wonders if it is capable of righting any wrongs.
At the same time, we also hear that unbeknownst to most of the well-meaning protesters, outside elements (some of which don't have our best interests in mind) are involved in funding the protests and are only too happy to stir up the pot. In fact, the American president, unabashedly, made a demand that our government rescinds some of its proposals.

Brother is pitted against brother, to the point that many even find this term offensive. Violence has started to erupt and life, in general, is disrupted to the point that even military security is in danger of being compromised.

All this is happening while the enemy looks on and laughs. Leaning heavily on man's leadership via politics, for justice, physical protection, high moral standards, etc. is proving to be futile. It is nothing but a broken reed, "which if a man leans on, it will go into his hand and pierce it" (2^nd Kings 18:21).

Our restoration to the land and the very many victories and achievements that have been attained was very seldom attributed to the Elohim of Israel. Therefore this scripture comes to mind:  "For My people have committed two evils: They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters, and hewn themselves cisterns -- broken cisterns that can hold no water" (Jeremiah 2:13). It seems that we in Israel cannot say too soon: "It is better to trust in YHVH than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in YHVH than to put confidence in princes" (Psalm 118:8-9).  The following words also need to echo in our hearts: "Do not put your trust in princes, nor in a son of man, in whom there is no help.  His spirit departs, he returns to his earth; In that very day his plans perish.  Happy is he who has the Elohim of Jacob for his help, Whose hope is in YHVH his Elohim" (Psalm 146:3-5). And more, "Who among you fears YHVH, Who obeys the voice of His Servant? Who walks in darkness and has no light? Let him trust in the name of YHVH and rely upon his Elohim" (Isaiah 50:10), for "Blessed is the man who trusts in YHVH and whose hope is YHVH" (Jeremiah 17:7). Please pray with us that many in our land will realize that our only hope is the Elohim of  Israel, and turn to Him with all their hearts.