Israelis know they live surrounded by terrorists that live in Gaza, Lebanon, Yemen, Syria, all supported and funded by the terror regime of Iran. The surprising thing is that despite all this, people are still living their life, dancing, singing, and enjoying themselves. We are the most resilient people in the world.
Around 1400 BCE, a group identified as the Israelites entered the region later known as Israel. This was our first step here, a people staking a claim that’s ours by right. Around 1200 BCE, the Merneptah Stele, an Egyptian record, names “Israel” in Canaan—the oldest proof we were here, etched in stone. Around 1000 BCE, a figure named David established a kingdom in the region. He turned this into our heartland, a base that held strong. Around 957 BCE, a temple was constructed in Jerusalem. That First Temple wasn’t just a building—it was our soul, a center they couldn’t take.
In 70 CE, Jerusalem was destroyed by Roman forces. That fall hit hard, but we didn’t vanish. In 136 CE, the Roman Empire renamed the region Syria-Palestina and expelled much of the Jewish population. They kicked us out, renamed it to mock us, yet some stayed, a thread unbroken. In 614 CE, the Byzantine-Sassanid War saw Persian forces briefly ally with Jews to take Jerusalem. That alliance was a flicker of hope amid chaos.
From 1516 to 1918, the Ottoman Empire controlled the area for 402 years. That long rule was stagnation, not progress, under foreign hands. In 1882, the First Aliyah began, with Jewish immigration from Europe and Yemen to Ottoman Palestine. This was our return, a trickle building strength.
In 1937, the British Peel Commission proposed a partition plan, offering a Jewish state (20%—Haifa, Tel Aviv) and an Arab state (Negev, Judea, Samaria). We said yes, desperate for a home—Arabs said no, rejecting peace. In 1939, the British restricted Jewish immigration to Palestine. They slammed the door as Nazis hunted us, a betrayal that stings. The Jewish people, originating from this region, were displaced for 1,900 years across Europe and the Middle East before returning.
That exile was brutal, but it fueled our comeback. In 1947, the United Nations proposed a partition plan (Resolution 181), estimating 1.2 million Arabs and 600,000 Jews in Palestine, with most of the Jewish portion as the Negev Desert. We said yes, offering citizenship to Arabs there—Arabs said no, launching war. In 1948, the British Mandate ended, and Israel declared independence.
The West’s silence, the Arab “no’s,” the rockets—they don’t wipe out 3,000 years of truth. Israel’s not a footnote;
SO WHY a potted history on Israel in holy week. because these events are alive , issues are Alive, Jesus and his followers' are alive in a bitter battle with the events happening. Death cults come along but we choose LIFE .Its awkward, difficult, joyous, LIFE affirming.Its here struggle with teaching to love your enemies. Jesus is in the middle of this time span an Israelite, Jew, middle eastern man living under occupation acted like someone who loved his enemies. Brought back from death the child of one of the occupying forces generals.
Jarou's daughter brought to LIFE.
W e live in world where we don't discuss or chat about all this stuff of LIFE. But we must. Only then will the tough teachings, The tough actions. The correct approach to religion, Christianity must try be evident and relevant.
Its not popcorn debate!
Its not Popcorn chewing!
