Israel Matters

What is it really like to be a Christian in Israel? | Israel Matters | Episode 78 with Ambassador George Deek #IsraelMatters #Christianity #politics    🙏 Donate at https://www.israel-matters.com 🙏 Support us via Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=KJN7HDC32APS2 🙏 Support us via Issachar (UK): https://issacharpeople.hubb.church/Articles/718554/Israel_Matters_donations.aspx   ► Subscribe in 1 click: https://www.youtube.com/@israelmatters?sub_confirmation=1   Follow us: 📲 Instagram: / https://www.instagram.com/israelmatters_/ 📲 Facebook: / https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574288616111 📲 X: / https://www.x.com/hatikvahfilms 📲 TikTok: / https://www.tiktok.com/@hatikvahfilms411   In this episode of Israel Matters, Stephen Briggs sits down with Ambassador George Deek, Israel’s Special Envoy to the Christian World, for a fascinating conversation about Christian life in Israel, Arab Christian identity, reconciliation, religious freedom, the Middle East, and the future relationship between Israel and the global Church. Watch out for Part 2 coming in December.    George Deek is an Arab Christian from Jaffa whose family has lived in the land for generations. His story challenges many of the simple narratives commonly presented about Israelis, Palestinians, Christians, and the events of 1948.   In this conversation, we explore:   • Why Israel created a world first of a dedicated diplomatic envoy to the Christian world • George Deek’s extraordinary family story from 1948 • What it means to identify as Arab, Christian and Israeli • What outsiders misunderstand about Arab Christians living in Israel • The challenges facing Christianity across the Middle East • Religious freedom and Christian-Jewish relations • Israel’s preparations for 2030 and the potential arrival of millions of Christian pilgrims • What a deeper relationship between Israel and the global Church could look like   ALSO IN THIS EPISODE:   ▶ A SHOCKING APOLOGY AFTER A CHURCH IS VANDALIZED   A Christian prayer hall in Nahariya, northern Israel, was vandalized — but the person responsible reportedly left something extraordinary behind: an apology note on the altar asking the Christian community for forgiveness.   The response of the Maronite Christian community provides a powerful reflection on conviction, repentance and forgiveness.   ▶ ELECTIONS IN ISRAEL AND THE UNITED STATES   We look at the rapidly changing political landscape following elections in both Israel and the United States — and consider the biblical call to pray for those in authority.   ▶ ANTISEMITISM AND UNREST IN EUROPE   As protests and political unrest continue across parts of Europe, antisemitic rhetoric has increasingly appeared within demonstrations and public events.   We also examine anti-Zionist messaging displayed by football supporters and ask what the normalization of this language means for Jewish communities in Europe.   ▶ HEBREW WORD STUDY: MISRAH — GOVERNMENT   FOLLOW AMBASSADOR GEORGE DEEK X: @GeorgeDeek   SUPPORT ISRAEL MATTERS Israel Matters is listener-supported. Your partnership helps us continue producing timely, biblical content addressing Israel, antisemitism, Scripture and the issues shaping our world.   What stood out to you most from Ambassador George Deek’s story?   Join the conversation in the comments, and please keep the discussion thoughtful and respectful.   If this episode was valuable to you, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE it. Every interaction helps Israel Matters reach more people.   00:00 Israel’s political uncertainty and the week’s headlines 02:44 European unrest and antisemitic rhetoric 04:45 Anti-Israel banners at a Champions League match 05:39 A vandal’s apology and a Christian community’s response 08:02 Why Israel appointed a special envoy to the Christian world 12:04 George Deek’s family history and return to Jaffa 17:46 Being Arab, Christian, and Israeli 20:14 A vision for Jewish-Christian relations in 2030 and beyond 22:52 Hebrew word study: government, authority, and Mizrah 25:16 Isaiah 9 and the Prince of Peace 27:04 Messiah’s servant leadership and ultimate hope   What's your biggest challenge with understanding the political landscape in Israel? Drop it in the comments!   Subscribe for weekly insights on Israel and its significance in today's world. #IsraelMatters #GeorgeDeek #ChristiansInIsrael #Israel #christianity

NAZA gets a 25-minute standing ovation in Venice, Norway weighs prison penalties tied to settlement trade, and Calev Myers joins us to discuss Judeo-Christian values and Israel’s “eighth front.” #Israel #IsraelNews #JudeaAndSamaria ✍️ Donate at https://www.israel-matters.com ✍️ Support us via Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=KJN7HDC32APS2 ✍️ Support us via Issachar (UK): https://issacharpeople.hubb.church/Articles/718554/Israel_Matters_donations.aspx ► Subscribe in 1 click: https://www.youtube.com/@israelmatters?sub_confirmation=1 Follow us: ▪️ Instagram: / https://www.instagram.com/israelmatters_/ ▪️ Facebook: / https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574288616111 ▪️ X: / https://www.x.com/hatikvahfilms ▪️ TikTok: / https://www.tiktok.com/@hatikvahfilms411 Listen on Spotify: / https://open.spotify.com/show/4QQYJ6b8AEzEvmyDApMDzy To watch Blessing, Curse or Coincidence? Volume 1 watch: https://youtu.be/VuoS7oJW724 To watch Hatikvah Films' Documentaries visit: - https://vimeo.com/hatikvahfilms/vod_pages   A controversial new documentary about the war in Gaza receives an extraordinary standing ovation at the Venice Film Festival but what do we actually know about its allegations, its anonymous military sources, and Israel’s response? This week on Israel Matters, Stephen Briggs examines the controversy surrounding NAZA, the documentary by Israeli filmmakers Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor that features testimony from Israeli military and intelligence personnel and raises serious allegations about Israel’s conduct in Gaza. The IDF and Israeli officials dispute key claims, making this a story where evidence, sourcing and truth matter enormously. We also look at Norway’s proposed restrictions on trade connected to Israeli communities in Judea and Samaria including legislation that could carry criminal penalties if enacted, and ask what the practical consequences could be for Israelis, Palestinians and international businesses. Also in this episode: • Why a 25-minute film-festival ovation has become a story in itself • Anonymous testimony, AI targeting and the debate surrounding NAZA • Norway’s proposed trade restrictions involving Judea and Samaria • The potential economic consequences for Palestinian workers • Finland’s changing relationship with UNRWA • Why Israel is fighting what some describe as an “eighth front,”  the battle over legitimacy and narrative? • The difference between criticism of Israel and delegitimization • Christian Zionism and the relationship between Jews and Christians • What “Judeo-Christian values” actually means • How business and investment can challenge boycott campaigns • The biblical meaning of Issachar and sakhar: reward, wages, faithfulness and discernment Special Guest: Calev Myers Calev Myers is an Israeli attorney, entrepreneur and civil-rights advocate working at the intersection of Israel, law, business, Christian-Jewish relations and public diplomacy. Through  the Judeo-Christian Zionist Congress, Calev is helping mobilize supporters of Israel around advocacy, investment, human rights and the defense of Judeo-Christian values. Learn more: ARISE — AriseForIsrael.com Judeo-Christian Zionist Congress — JCZCongress.com If this episode helps you better understand Israel and the issues shaping the Middle East, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, COMMENT and SHARE. 00:00 Israel Matters 00:32 The NAZA Documentary 09:46 Norway’s Proposed Judea & Samaria Trade Ban 12:39 The Palestinian Workers Nobody Is Talking About 14:04 The Double Standard in Gaza and International Response 17:44 Calev Myers on Israel's Eighth Front: Public Opinion 19:23 The Influence of Qatari Money and Propaganda 21:47 Defining Judeo-Christian Values and Their Significance 22:17 The Israeli-Persian Conflict as a Proxy War 23:17 Core Judeo-Christian Values in Society 26:44 The Need for a Unified Judeo-Christian Movement 30:26 Legal Advocacy and Israel's International Challenges 31:53 Addressing Criticism of Israel Fairly 34:46 The Treatment of Palestinian Refugees and Arab Countries 38:43 The Role of UNRWA and Alternatives for Refugee Support 39:30 Double Standards in International Humanitarian Response 40:07 Christian Support for Israel and Biblical Foundations 45:51 Hebrew Word Study: ISSACHAR This podcast may contain copyrighted video or audio material. Such content is used for the purpose of commentary, criticism, education, or analysis, which constitutes 'fair use' under Section 107 of the U.S. Copyright Act. All rights and ownership of the original content remain with the respective copyright holders. This use is transformative in nature and is not intended to infringe on any copyrights. If you are the copyright owner and have concerns, please contact us directly. https://youtube.com/shorts/oJHSw1giHlk #NAZA #VeniceFilmFestival #ChristianZionism

25 Years After 9/11 are we rewriting history? Why Is the Word “Terrorism” Being Debated? Plus, Israel carries out a daring operation inside Gaza, anti-Israel rhetoric erupts in Syria, and Jordan Marcellino joins Israel Matters. #Israel #IsraelNews #September11 ✍️ Donate at https://www.israel-matters.com ✍️ Support us via Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=KJN7HDC32APS2 ✍️ Support us via Issachar (UK): https://issacharpeople.hubb.church/Articles/718554/Israel_Matters_donations.aspx ► Subscribe in 1 click: https://www.youtube.com/@israelmatters?sub_confirmation=1 Follow us: ▪️ Instagram: / https://www.instagram.com/israelmatters_/ ▪️ Facebook: / https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574288616111 ▪️ X: / https://www.x.com/hatikvahfilms ▪️ TikTok: / https://www.tiktok.com/@hatikvahfilms411 Listen on Spotify: / https://open.spotify.com/show/4QQYJ6b8AEzEvmyDApMDzy To watch Blessing, Curse or Coincidence? Volume 1 watch: https://youtu.be/VuoS7oJW724 To watch Hatikvah Films' Documentaries visit: - https://vimeo.com/hatikvahfilms/vod_pages Are we beginning to rewrite the history of 9/11? Just 25 years after the terrorist attacks that changed the world? And what does Israel’s daring operation to capture a top Hamas leader inside Gaza tell us about how dramatically the battlefield has changed? In this week’s Israel Matters, Stephen Briggs examines the controversy surrounding CBC guidance over the words “terrorist” and “terrorism” when reporting on 9/11, and why preserving truthful language matters. We also look at: • Israel’s reported capture of a senior Hamas leader inside Gaza • What Israel’s growing operational freedom tells us about the weakening of Hamas • Disturbing anti-Israel rhetoric emerging from Syria • The 25th anniversary of September 11 • Rosh Hashanah, the Feast of Trumpets, and the biblical significance of the shofar • Why Christians who say they love Israel should care for the Land itself • Jordan Marcellino and the Beautiful Land Initiative • Meet the Dawn and recovering biblical rhythms of prayer • YOFI: the Hebrew concept of beauty and why beauty ultimately points us toward God   SPECIAL GUEST: Jordan Marcellino Jordan and his wife Hillary founded the Beautiful Land Initiative with a simple but challenging idea: if we say we love the Land of Israel, shouldn't we help take care of it? We discuss environmental stewardship, cleaning and restoring the Holy Land, archaeology, prayer, beauty, and how ordinary acts of faithfulness can transform both our surroundings and our spiritual lives. Learn more: Beautiful Land Initiative: BeautifulLand.org Meet the Dawn: MeetTheDawn.com   00:00 Are we Rewriting 9/11? 04:04 The significance of the Feast of Trumpets and the shofar 09:41 Israel's daring operation in Gaza and regional insights 13:17 Prophetic visions of peace between Israel, Egypt, and Syria 15:15 Introduction of guest Jordan Marcelino and his work 15:38 Can Picking Up Trash Be a Holy Act? 17:32 Changing culture through responsibility and beauty 20:10 Spiritual and cultural implications of littering in Israel 23:10 The importance of restoring beauty in land and life 30:54 The connection between land stewardship and spiritual health 34:24 Archaeology as a window into Israel's history and biblical truth 36:50 The practice of daily prayer rhythms and spiritual discipline 41:42 Deeper communion with God beyond content consumption 44:28 Practical steps for loving Israel and cultivating the soul 47:20 The significance of small acts of faithfulness 48:25 The biblical concept of beauty and its divine purpose 55:02 The dangers of idolizing beauty and the hope of redemption 56:56 The future of beauty and the bride of Messiah 58:47 Stewardship of our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit Israel Matters exists to help Christians understand Israel, confront antisemitism, discern current events through a biblical worldview, and stand courageously for truth. If this episode is helpful, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, COMMENT and SHARE it with someone who wants to better understand Israel and the Middle East. What stood out most to you in this week's show? Let us know in the comments.   This podcast may contain copyrighted video or audio material. Such content is used for the purpose of commentary, criticism, education, or analysis, which constitutes 'fair use' under Section 107 of the U.S. Copyright Act. All rights and ownership of the original content remain with the respective copyright holders. This use is transformative in nature and is not intended to infringe on any copyrights. If you are the copyright owner and have concerns, please contact us directly. https://youtu.be/QJ_h_vfssdc https://youtu.be/W3JrOgvxaAk https://youtube.com/shorts/ye2o9erSTOs Israel Matters | Episode 71 with Jordan Marcellino, Beautiful Land Initiative and Meet the Dawn

Disqualified because of a flag... yes, really! Israel Matters | Episode 70 with Shlomo Kessel, Emunah #breakingnews #Israel #christianpodcast ✍️ Donate at https://www.israel-matters.com ✍️ Support us via Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=KJN7HDC32APS2 ✍️ Support us via Issachar (UK): https://issacharpeople.hubb.church/Articles/718554/Israel_Matters_donations.aspx Every bit of support helps us keep making content on this adventure called walking by faith so thank you. ► Subscribe in 1 click: https://www.youtube.com/@israelmatters?sub_confirmation=1 Follow us: ▪️ Instagram: / https://www.instagram.com/israelmatters_/ ▪️ Facebook: / https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574288616111 ▪️ X: / https://www.x.com/hatikvahfilms ▪️ TikTok: / https://www.tiktok.com/@hatikvahfilms411 Listen on Spotify: / https://open.spotify.com/show/4QQYJ6b8AEzEvmyDApMDzy To watch Blessing, Curse or Coincidence? Volume 1 watch: https://youtu.be/VuoS7oJW724 To watch Hatikvah Films' Documentaries visit: - https://vimeo.com/hatikvahfilms/vod_pages How are Palestinian Authority teachers glorifying violence in mathematics lessons? Why are Jewish Canadians seeking asylum in the USA? Plus, an Israeli schoolboy wins an international academic competition only to have his victory disqualified because of his flag. Plus Shlomo Kessel of Emunah joins Stephen Briggs to discuss trauma informed care post October 7 and we wrap the show by looking at the Hebrew Word for Messenger (angel). For More info on Emunah visit: www.emunahangels.org 00:00 Israel Matters Intro 00:39 Current issues in Israel and global support for Jewish communities 03:01 Israel's response to criticism and international relations 04:23 Israel's stance on disarmament and biblical land promises 05:19 The significance of biblical prophecy and judgment 06:16 Celebrating life and resilience in Israel 07:45 Unfair treatment of Israeli students in international competitions 10:24 Palestinian Authority schools and incitement in education 15:03 The importance of curriculum reform and combating hate in education 16:41 Shlomo Kessel discusses supporting vulnerable children in Israel 18:03 The journey of working with traumatized children and their needs 23:01 Trauma-informed care and the psychological impact of conflict 27:31 The importance of resilience and ongoing support for children 33:40 Family and community therapy in Israel during times of crisis 38:16 The effects of trauma on children and the importance of safe spaces 44:09 Supporting Israel through philanthropy and community action 49:34 The biblical concept of Malach and its relevance today 58:35 Living as messengers of God's message and faithfulness   This podcast may contain copyrighted video or audio material. Such content is used for the purpose of commentary, criticism, education, or analysis, which constitutes 'fair use' under Section 107 of the U.S. Copyright Act. All rights and ownership of the original content remain with the respective copyright holders. This use is transformative in nature and is not intended to infringe on any copyrights. If you are the copyright owner and have concerns, please contact us directly. https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/israel/artc-former-hostage-elkana-bohbot-wife-welcome-baby-daughter-less-than-a-year-after-his-release https://youtu.be/m_HDF3STlto https://combatantisemitism.org/cam-news/israeli-gold-medalist-disqualified-from-uzbekistan-olympiad-for-displaying-israeli-flag/ Join us for a deep dive into the complexities of the Middle East in this week's episode of Israel Matters! #IsraelMatters #MiddleEast #Peace #StephenBriggs

Weaponized Kites - Toy or Terror? | Israel Matters | Episode 69 with AJ Nolte, Regent University #breakingnews #Israel #christianpodcast Sponsor an Emunah Child: https://www.emunahangels.org/become-a-guardian-angel/ ✍️ Donate at https://www.israel-matters.com ✍️ Support us via Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=KJN7HDC32APS2 ✍️ Support us via Issachar (UK): https://issacharpeople.hubb.church/Articles/718554/Israel_Matters_donations.aspx Every bit of support helps us keep making content on this adventure called walking by faith so thank you. ► Subscribe in 1 click: https://www.youtube.com/@israelmatters?sub_confirmation=1 Follow us: ▪️ Instagram: / https://www.instagram.com/israelmatters_/ ▪️ Facebook: / https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574288616111 ▪️ X: / https://www.x.com/hatikvahfilms ▪️ TikTok: / https://www.tiktok.com/@hatikvahfilms411 Listen on Spotify: / https://open.spotify.com/show/4QQYJ6b8AEzEvmyDApMDzy To watch Blessing, Curse or Coincidence? Volume 1 watch: https://youtu.be/VuoS7oJW724 To watch Hatikvah Films' Documentaries visit: - https://vimeo.com/hatikvahfilms/vod_pages Dolly Parton's Weaponized Wikipedia. Did Israel threaten to execute Gazan children for flying kites? How do the children of Gaza have the lowest levels of malnutrition in the region? Dr. A.J. Nolte joins Stephen Briggs on the Israel Matters show as they discuss the regional shifts in the Middle East post-October 7, the biblical perspective on just war, and the importance of biblical discipleship in understanding Israel's role in God's redemptive plan.What is a just peace? For More info on Dr. A J Nolte: https://www.regent.edu/faculty/ph-d-andrew-j-a-j-nolte/ and articles by AJ: https://ccta.regent.edu/author/ajnolte/   00:00 Israel Matters - Weekly News Round-Up 17:25 October 7th and its impact on regional power dynamics 24:29 Biblical basis for just war and ethical use of force 29:30 Victory, peace, and the goal of just war in biblical perspective 40:30 The Sunni-Shia divide and regional alliances 45:47 Turkey's role and the future of the Middle East 50:17 What Christians need to understand about Israel 52:14 Encouragement for students and educators in biblical studies This podcast may contain copyrighted video or audio material. Such content is used for the purpose of commentary, criticism, education, or analysis, which constitutes 'fair use' under Section 107 of the U.S. Copyright Act. All rights and ownership of the original content remain with the respective copyright holders. This use is transformative in nature and is not intended to infringe on any copyrights. If you are the copyright owner and have concerns, please contact us directly. https://www.the-express.com/news/world-news/115319/Israeli-family-found-dead-embrace-Hamas-attack https://youtu.be/jCguF6m0eiM What's your biggest challenge with understanding the Middle East? Drop it in the comments! Subscribe for weekly insights on Israel and the Middle East! #IsraelMatters #MiddleEast #Regent #CriticalThinking #TruthSeeker #MediaLiteracy #StephenBriggs #ChristianWorldview #Discernment #dolly