Latest Posts

Still Small Voice – Christmas Greetings

Published by Meridel Rawlings

Jay and Meridel Rawlings.  Box 47554, Ermioni, Greece. 210 51  December 2023.                                                                                                      

Our heavenly Father IS Love. Jesus IS His Beloved. Holy Spirit IS the Spirit of Love.

May Jesus bring Peace to us at this time of world exploitation, loss, war, and sorrow. I chose a copy of this unusual painting because of Who Jesus was on earth and IS to us today. Here we see an angel strengthening Him in those last lonely hours in the Garden, while Satan lurks in the shadows. Jesus faced His last ordeal feeling forsaken and alone. All was quiet in the olive grove. “Father if it be your will, let this cup pass from me.” Jesus pleaded. His answer was an awful silence. What a severe lesson in obedience and faithfulness. 

Let’s look back to the night of His birth; overshadowed as it was in the quietness of Heaven’s watch. The Holy Family ‘unseen’ by the world was left alone, and considered of no consequence to the world. The famous Shepherd’s fields, *Bethlehem-Ephrathah (the place where lambs were raised for Temple sacrifices), exploded with the Sound and Light of heavens splendor. Shepherds,  spurned by society, came humbly and worshipped. Herod, King of the Roman Province of Judah became afraid of this baby.

 Question: “What shall I give Him this holy season?”  Will it be my heart? *Micah 5:2

The Rawlings Family Update:

2023 was a year of change with a capital ‘C’.Jay and I enjoyed Christmas 2022 with Chris, Terhi, Noam 24, and identical twins Youni and Liam 16. They showered every kindness upon us, including a concert to hear the magnificent 150-voice boys choir performing in the ‘White Cathedral’, which overlooks the Port of Helsinki. The famous ‘Cantores Minores’ was conducted by Terhi’s eldest brother Professor Hannu Norjanen. Their beautiful Finnish home has a built-in sauna. Being together was the best gift to Jay and I.

We flew back to Greece for less than a week before returning to Jerusalem. For months, the LORD had been dealing with us both Jay and I about leaving Israel. It was a difficult change after 50 years of total commitment and involvement with the nation of Israel, becoming citizens. We fell in love, giving the nation our all. Our sons were just as involved, being very young when we arrived. David and Josh served in IDF fighting units. We have all lived through many wars and the never ending terror. Yet what is going on today is the worst ever! The reality is horrifying and involves Intense psychological, satanic warfare being applied to every soul in the nation and reaching all who pray for Israel. I am sure you are abreast of the news. Have you discerned the fact that ‘the big boys’ don’t want Israel to win?  The IDF men on the front lines face certain death at the hands of thugs, liars, and evil manipulators. The dark side triumphs at present, backed and protected by the UN and the world. Palestinians in Gaza have never had a day of freedom since before 1953 when ruled by Egypt. They are the first victims of Hamas. We watch and pray. The Lord speaks to us in scripture and in our dreams. We love to work with the Holy Spirit, as sad as the moment is.

 “If two agree together…” Jay and I have learned after 55 years of marriage, to do nothing IF we do not agree. Finally, we were able to agree to sign the contract for the sale of our Jerusalem property. Fortunately at that time. We began to empty the media centre and our home in April. Joshua joined us to help with the heavy lifting and unending challenges. The family who bought our home queried: “How can you leave such a beautiful place, are you prophets?”

Meanwhile, in April, the LORD spoke to Daniel and Shelly, to move to Kalamata on the southern coastline of Greece. Shelly had an epiphany, which helped them make the decision.  When they were considering renting a small house in Israel, she asked the owner, “Do you have a bomb shelter?” He replied, “No.”  Instantly she saw herself, Ryan and the new baby Gabriel, squatting under a table during a missile attack. (More than 2,000 missiles hit Israel from Gaza, Lebanon and Yemen since Oct 7th.) Dan and Shelly quickly gathered courage and moved. Kalamata beautifully situated on the sea is ringed by mountains on three sides. It is famous for its large olives. Built on 4,000 years of history; today it is a thriving seaport, a university town and a flourishing commercial center. An Interesting fact is that Kalamata is also a NATO base. Israeli instructors train NATO pilots to fly jets.

Meridel: (Jay writes.) This year, she was challenged and changed by the painful reality of the financial strains and general suffering of Israelis. With the gift of ‘seeing’, it grew into an unending painful reality. I am sure you felt it in her Still Small Voice blog. She writes and then reads to me, and we proof it together.  Thank you for praying for Israel and staying in touch with us in these soul crushing times. We knew things were bad, because of corruption in high places, but we did not see this horrendous war coming. Meridel’s heart just ran out of strength and on July 31st, it gave out. Fortunately, she called out, “Jay I can’t see…” and then faded away. I immediately called out in the Name of Yeshua and bound the spirit of death. Her former classmate of 63 years, Irene Bredlow joined with me as did another house guest. Her pulse was gone, along with her spirit, and her eyes turned blue. We refused to stop crying out in the Name of Jesus. That is the absolute truth. We had almost completed all of the requirements of closing down. Eight days later we flew back to Greece. We now have our residency. Upon our return Chris sent us this blessing;“My hope and prayer is that you will now begin to enjoy your golden years with your children. You both have endured many hardships which has made you both strong and able to help others.” 

Jay is now slowly adjusting to a much quieter life and can swim about 9 months of the year. Just 500 meters from home a wonderful beach 1 or 2 km wide spreads itself out at the foot of our gently slopping valley road. The sound of lapping waves is heard from our patio. We have olives and planted fruit trees.

Daniel and Shelly are settled into their own apartment now and love their location. They are the heart of hospitality and have arranged to meet every week for a meal with a group of Israeli parents and their kids on Shabbat who have recently arrived from Israel. Shelly creates a video blog in Hebrew. Daniel makes video clips for their various enterprises and offers his media gifts whenever approached. Real estate has also caught their interest. Ryan has so many different interests, and announces: “I have a very good idea?” Gabriel is vocal and makes his powerful little presence felt in comical ways. After watching these young parents in action big brother David commented, “Daniel & Shelly are the best parents …“  

Joshua is fast becoming a farmer. He loves the land, and as I write, is busy pruning the olive trees. We use the ‘slash’ in the fireplace at night and make compost with the branches and leaves. We see how the locals make use of everything. A highlight this year was taking grandkids up the mountains to visit our friend, Petros. He is a shepherd from a long line of shepherds as far back as he can remember. What fun it was for us all to play with the newborn kids and let them suckle our thumbs. Josh has made good friends and is speaking Greek. He planned and oversaw the design, construction and finishing of the downstairs and barbecue, done in classic Greek style. Consequently, our kids and their wives and grandchildren are now making it a holiday destination. We have seen everyone except Adi and Amitai and we hope they will make it this Christmas with David. Family times are preeminent. Josh’s daughters, 24, 20 and 18 landed on our doorstep in July and settled in immediately like locals. They love Greece. Maya is completing her last year of Osteopathy in London. Sophia is in her 2nd year of Physics in Copenhagen. Cecilia is finishing high school in London. She has gone into the sweatsuit business with her Dad. Together they developed the designs and business model. The girls are a joy to Josh and I know he is also a comfort to them.

Chris was led to restart Israel Vision before the war broke out on Oct 7th. It is now a private nonprofit family ministry run by Chris and David. There is a Pay Pal button on the site. www.israelvision.com He set up a GoFundMe campaign for families of the 240 hostages taken into Gaza. Between Israel Vision and Still Small Voice, we have given away 5,000 Euros. That equals: CD$ 8,500. or 20,000 Israeli shekels. It will help some of the families of hostages. We bless everyone who gave. Thank you.

Chris brought his family for a holiday this fall. Sadly, Terhi, lost her Mother this February. Jouni is a valuable basketball star in high school and Liam is an ardent fisherman and has a sketching gift like his Dad. Both plan to spend next summer with us. Noam completed a BA in business and finance from Amsterdam University and works in Helsinki. He and his fiancé Heidi are to marry in September 2024. We bless them and hope to be present.

David and Adi, Amitai are Liyah live in the heart of Jerusalem. They are all very busy with the war effort. Liyah is taking a break to visit her cousins in London. She and Shelly (Israelis) are crazy about Christmas!  Adi heads a Jerusalem dance troupe that are traveling around Israel creating events for locals to dance along, and forget the grief of war for a brief moment. David is creating video reports for Israel Vision; he is hindered at present, due to his dying computer, but we are all believing for an upgrade for him. Praise God Israel Vision is back. Our sons worked with their Dad. Noam worked with Grandpa Jay who was Founder and CEO. See : YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@israelvisiontv and https://www.youtube.com/@israelvision5344

Jay,  celebrates his big 80th this February. Some of you will remember how we were helped to ‘buy a little donkey’, a 2009 Honda. We gave it away when we left Israel. The sons and I recently encouraged him to buy a 2016 BMW series 2 in mint condition, easy on gas with only 43,000 kms. In Canada (1969) he drove a Corvette StingRay. When ‘called out’, he graduated to a WW2 weapons carrier, Toyota, dump truck, etc you name it!  Other times, we walked or travelled on local trains, buses, trams, trucks, out-rigger canoes, ferries, and cheap flights. His eyesight and hearing, have become a serious challenge now and we want him to enjoy his retirement years. We ask for your prayers. He also hopes to get back to painting. 

Meridel (Jay writes)has motored on into her 82nd year. Her birthday brought so much love, lots of laughs and 3 cakes! I drove her to Kalamata in my new chariot for 3 days of fun with family. Some family quotes”

“Happy Birthday to the one and only Queen Mother.” Adi. “Happy Birthday to the light of our family. Love to you and Jay.” Shelly. “Mom Honey,” (The name chosen by Amitai when a tiny tot), ”You are the most attentive, caring, and daring Grandma I could ever ask for. I wish you the very best this year. See you soon young lady!”  Amitai We have experienced afresh the reality of Jesus. It has been a change to live outside of the storm that perpetually hovers over Israel. Life there was all consuming, but we are charged to keep a daily prayer watch.  Every morning I love to watch the sunrise, dissipating the darkness degree by degree. It comforts me, reminding me Our Father is still in charge. 

This long letter is sent with our loving prayers and thoughts. Thank you for WHO you are to us. Every blessing for a very meaningful and tender Christmas season with quiet moments and a blessed New Year. 

Still Small Voice – War Day 63

Published by Meridel Rawlings

Hanukah, December 8th 2023

Shalom Friends:

“For with You is the fountain of life, and in Your Light, we see light.” Ps 36:9

“Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above. It comes down from the Father of Lights [the Creator and Sustainer of the heavens.]” James 1:17

Hanukkah, The Festival of Lights, is a time of miracles. Hanukkah lights are being lit in Israeli homes, and inside of war-torn Gaza wherever the IDF soldiers are. Hanukkah reminds us of the history of the Maccabean wars. A brave godly father and his 5 sons stood up against evil, fighting for years for the liberty of Israel.

The war rages. Two senior Hamas intelligent officers were eliminated. Dozens of Hamas ‘Nekbah’ (the top fighting unit) operatives surrendered to the IDF.  They were caught running away. They gave up and were taken into Israel, for interrogation. We are nearing the point when Hamas will have to surrender or die. You must know that all of the humanitarian aid Israel is sending into Gaza at this time has been snatched by Hamas. Gazans are becoming braver and are speaking out against Hamas. An old Gazan woman interviewed dared to say, “They will shoot us if we get in the way while they take all the food and fuel to their homes.” Hamas IS losing control. Keep praying and give thanks.

Light in Darkness:

The Hamas leadership and army will be taken out. This war is costing Israel her best military leaders. In the IDF is different from other armies. The leaders go before their men. To date 90 IDF have fallen, among them, the son of former Chief of Staff of the IDF Gadi Eisenkot, who serves as an observer on the War Cabinet.

The Ongoing Struggle:

Now, I am going to touch upon the sexual atrocities by Hamas. The world has kept silent. On October 7th, sickening sexual depravity was perpetrated against the innocent of all ages, men and women, children and babies (Including hostages.)

I want to open up the spiritual roots of this satanic sexual fixation and mutilation by  Hamas. The roots go all the way back to Jacob-Israel’s struggle with the angel.

Israel’s call all through scripture until today is one of struggle. The Bible tells us in a hidden way, the real cost of Jacob’s name change to Israel. He struggled with the ‘messenger’, an angel? His hip was put out of joint, and consequently, he limped the rest of his life. For an unusual insight and understanding of what took place in that confrontation, I refer you to this explanation by Rabbi Pesach Wolicki.


“The Sciatic Nerve and the Eternity of Israel – Genesis 32:4 – 36:43     

“ We read of the famous struggle between Jacob and a ‘man’ the night before Jacob’s much-anticipated encounter with his brother Esau. The man turned out to be an angel. During the struggle, Jacob’s hip joint was dislocated, causing him to emerge from the confrontation with a limp.

As a result of this incident, Jews are forbidden from eating the ‘thigh muscle’ of an animal, known as the sciatic nerve. Why did the “man” just happen to strike Jacob at this exact spot on his body? The location of the wound is obviously significant enough that it results in a commandment relating to that specific limb of the body. 

Why, is his (the Angel’s) attempt to “uproot Jacob and his progeny”, Why did the angel strike Jacob’s hip? What was he trying to do? The Hebrew word for “hip” used here is yerech. Yerech usually refers to a hip or thigh. Interestingly, the word yerech also has another meaning, namely, it is used in many verses in the Bible as a euphemistic reference to the loins, the reproductive organ of man. 

Here are a few examples:

“The descendants (yotzei yerech, of Jacob numbered seventy in all; Joseph was already in Egypt.”Exodus 1:5

“He had seventy sons (yotzei yerech,) 9f his own, for he had many wives.” Judges 8:30

In these verses offspring or descendants are referred to as yotzei yerech, literally, “those who emerge from the thigh.” See also Genesis 46:26 

Based on this, I would like to suggest that the angel of Esau who wrestled with Jacob was attempting to cut off Jacob’s ability to reproduce, to destroy his future.

The prohibition against eating the sciatic nerve (thigh muscle) serves as an eternal reminder that, although Jacob and his offspring can be maimed by Esau –  (Amalek – Destroyer) although Israel may often limp through history because of oppression at Esau’s hand. Their future is never in doubt. Esau’s angel missed the mark: Jacob’s ability to reproduce, Jacob’s future, was not destroyed. Jacob’s offspring, the nation of Israel – through our special covenant with God – is eternal and supernatural.”

Brave Women Speak Out:

I warn you that the interviews with these courageous women are grim. They give explicit details of the sexual atrocities perpetrated on Oct. 7th.

WATCH: Discussion of violent sexual assault during Hamas massacre

The United Nations Women:

The UN Agency for gender equality and Women’s Empowerment, released Nov. 25th was its first statement about the gender-based violence carried out on Oct 7; 50 days after they took place. A week later on Dec 1st, the agency condemned for the first time ever the Hamas terrorist attacks.

One Muslim Israeli Woman Speaks:

Lucy Aharish is an Israeli journalist and broadcaster, probably the most representative Israeli possible. She grew up in Dimona, was the only Moslem in school, dressed as Queen Esther on Purim and wore blue and white on Independence Day (Yom Ha Atzmaut.) She is a proud Moslem who married a Jew and is a wonderful proponent of the Jewish state. As a journalist, she interviewed a Hamas leader and accused him even then of atrocities. Her monologue, recorded in her home, is worth five minutes of your time.

Soldiers asking for Prayer:

The Israel Defence Forces in Gaza are heroes; confronting this cruel, depraved enemy entrenched among the civilian population.  Sadly, it is apparent that 80% of Palestinians in Gaza are Hasmas-niks. To date, we have lost 90 IDF men, after 2 months of unprecedented challenges. The IDF is manoeuvring through Intense urban warfare and a dark underground system of 800 tunnels in 500 miles of Hamas strongholds. This is urban warfare never seen in modern history. 

Prayer requests from soldiers in the IDF:

  • missing fellowship in the congregation. 
  • Waning spiritual discipline 

–   strength to pray for the salvation of the enemy 

–   wisdom to share the Gospel in my unit 

–   shine the light and do the right things for the Lord 

–   lacking peace of mind and soul 

–   pray for our families, wives and children without husbands and dads

  • very intense warfare, exhausting and busy  
  • need concentration and wisdom to heal and comfort as we deal with grief; losing friends who are kidnapped or severely injured and friends lost in the battle   
  • special help to fight in the winter cold and rain

God is bringing His Israeli people together in the midst of the suffering. He is  El Elyon, God of Heaven and Earth. We have nothing to fear. We must all pray realizing how much power we have been given from Heaven. Evil knows the power of our prayers and how it can change everything. Thank you for keeping your watch! There is mighty power and strength is standing up and saying NO. Watch, our God turn this war around for great good for Israelis AND Gazans. IF you are unsure, pray using the Bible.

A Blessed Hanukkah to every Jewish family in Israel and around the world.

“Avenge the vengeance of Your servant’s blood

From the wicked nation.

For the triumph is too long delayed for us,

And there is no end to the days of evil.” 

From the Prayer Book

138 souls remain hostages, two children a 10-month-old and 4 year old.

May we all be found faithful in prayer.   

Meridel Rawlings.

Still Small Voice – Anti-Semitism Alert

Published by Meridel Rawlings

Shalom Friends:

Prayers for the hostages went up around the world for 49 days. That night Oct 24th 2023, was the first of six nights of ceasefire, 120 women and children were returned Many recording artists created their own version of BringThem Home, each beautiful. This particular rendition is a prayer by Shmuel Lemmer. His audience of Holocaust Survivors each hold a photograph of a hostage. Look for his performance at the end.

“For just as the new heavens and the new earth, which I make will remain and endure before Me,” declares the LORD, “So your off spring and your name will remain and endure.”  Isaiah 66:22

On the 6th day of the ceasefire, Israel demanded the return of 17 women and 2 little red-headed boys. Hamas said they are dead and blamed Israel. At 5:48 a.m. on Friday, Dec 1st, Hamas lobbed rockets into south Israel. They took responsibility for a terror attack at an East Jerusalem bus stop; 3 Israelis were shot to death, 8 wounded. 

This is their way of reminding Israel that Hamas is strong inside of Israel.

Mashallah their leader sits in the lap of luxury in Qatar. This tiny Sheikdom was the major negotiator of this ceasefire along with America. Yahya Sinwar current head of Hamas was convicted by Israel in 1989 for the murder of 44 Palestinians. He spent 12 years in Israeli prisons and was released in a prisoner swap. He lives like a rat in the tunnels of Gaza. He is a cruel, twisted, individual who heads approximately 30,000 fighters in Gaza. He planned the Oct 7th attack, killing 1,200 Israelis. Hamas is a robot-like group that live to destroy Israel. Scripture says in Genesis 12;3.  “Blessed are they who bless you O Israel, and cursed is he (every individual) who curses you.”  Hate kills. The Bible does not tell us to bless Israel because they are good. They are no different to you or me. BUT The Lord God Almighty gave Israel an Eternal Everlasting Covenant! Hamas respects nothing and no one and that is how they can punch the apple of God’s eye. They have no fear of the Living God.

The other day Daniel spoke with his Dad: “When I was 12, I helped out on a film shoot in the 1990’s, which exposed the brain washing of young boys and girls in Palestinian summer camps. They were raised up to hate Israel and to love and make heroes of those who slaughtered Jews. That was when the suicide bombers were blowing up our buses. (He took 3 buses every day to get to school.) Remember I told you, that this generation will grow up to be the worst killers ever. Sadly it is a fact and we are all dealing with it today.”

President Herzog said, “We are dealing with Satan.” Now that is a strong statement for the President of any nation! But, he has it right. The head of the IDF said exactly the same thing in so many words. The real Enemy of our souls has been around from the beginning and is out to absolutely destroy all that God has purposed for Israel, for your life and the life of all mankind. 

All of Israel is waking up to the fact that this is not only physical but psychological and spiritual warfare. We see the move of the Holy Spirit in surprising ways in Israel, especially among the army boys, and religious boys who want to serve in the army.

We see it in the unity of the people. We see it in the coming together of the various religious communities. We see it in the ‘servant attitude’ that is upon the people. We see the powerful fruit of suffering that can be produced no other way it seems. I just received this list of global antisemitic incidents. It is a shocking eye-opener. Amazingly, Jews are returning home in record numbers from all over the world because of these attacks. Many Christians are also involved. 

The term brother’s keeper is only found in Genesis 4:9 after Cain killed his brother. God confronted Cain and asked, “Where is your brother?” 

Cain lied. “I do not know.” and belligerently retorted: “Am I my brother’s keeper?” 

“For this is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another. Do not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own actions were evil and his brothers were righteous.”  I John 3:11, 12.

 I received this following shocking expose minutes ago from Howard Flower who heads up the Aliyah Desk for the  International Christian Embassy Jerusalem. The details were compiled by the Israel-Anti Defamation League. I know you will take this to heart, and be a watchman for your family, community, church and greater jurisdiction. Thank you for standing on your watch.

In loving concern from;    Jay and Meridel Rawlings.

Global Antisemitic Incidents In the Wake of Hamas’ War on Israel- ADL Blog

Within Israel, ADL addresses issues of racism, discrimination and hate, while educating the Israeli public about the dangers of rising antisemitism.

Published: 29th November 2023

Since the October 7th Hamas massacre of over 1,200 people in Israel, Hamas supporters and other antisemitic actors have threatened and targeted Jewish and Israeli individuals and institutions worldwide.

Below is a select list of antisemitic incidents outside of Israel with an apparent connection to the events in Israel, as well as several country-specific statistics.

Country Statistics:

Argentina: Since Oct. 7, there have been around 200 reported antisemitic incidents.

Australia: According to the Executive Council of Australian Jewry there has been a 591% increase in antisemitic incidents since Oct. 7.

Austria:  According to the Jewish Community of Vienna, from October 7 to October 19, there were 76 antisemitic incidents since Oct. 7, a 300% increase.

Brazil: According to the CONIB, which tracks antisemitism in Brazil, there have been 467 antisemitic incidents since Oct. 7, a 961% in comparison to the previous year.

France: According to the Minister of Interior, since October 7 there have been 1518 antisemitic incidents and over 600 arrests.

Germany: According to RIAS, the NGO which records antisemitic incidents in Germany, from October 7 to November 9, there were 994 incidents – an average of 29 per day – a 320% increase, compared to the rate of incidents in 2022. 

Netherlands: According to the Dutch NGO antisemitism monitor, CIDI, from October 7-November 6 there has been an increase of 818% compared to the average 1 month period of the prior 3 years.

South Africa: According to the South African Jewish Board of Deputies, there were 41 antisemitic incidents in the month of October, a significant increase compared to prior years.

UK: According to the Jewish community’s security organization, CST, from since October 7, there have been 1563 antisemitic incidents across the UK, the highest ever total reported to CST across a 47-day period.

Incidents:

11/27  Montreal, Canada

 A Molotov cocktail was thrown at the Jewish Community Center.

11/27  Genoa, Italy

A rabbi was threatened with a screwdriver by a man who shouted, “Go away, you dirty Zionist f..k.”

11/25. Temuco, Chile

 The Temuco synagogue, the oldest in the country, was vandalized with Nazi symbols and the phrase “genocidal zionists”.

11/21. Basel, Switzerland

 “Free Palestine” and “Zionism = Terrorism” were painted on the Jewish cemetery.

11/20. Helsinki, Finland

 Men of Middle-Eastern background shouted “Death to Jews” and “Free Palestine” outside the synagogue at a time when parents were picking up their children from the Jewish school inside.

11/2. Vienna, Austria

 “Jew should die” and a swastika were written on flyers of kidnapped Israelis. 

11/19. Berlin, Germany

 A display case with Jewish items at a municipal office in the Tiergarten was smashed.

11/16. Ljubljana, Slovenia

 The entrance of the Jewish Community Center was spray painted with a “Star of David = Swastika”.

11/15. Yerevan, Armenia

 The Mordechai Navi synagogue was set on fire causing minor damage.

11/14. Mexico City, Mexico

 The restaurant Masala & Maiz posted antisemitic slogans on their Instagram page.

11/13  Brussels, Belgium
An optician chain, owned by a French Jew, was spray painted with “Free Gaza,” “Assassin,” and “complicit in genocide.”

11/13/23. Milan, Italy

 A mezuzah was torn off the doorpost of a Jewish person’s apartment and a knife was stuck into the wood in its place.

11/13/ 23. Lima, Peru

 Antisemitic cartoons, including those with Nazi comparisons, were published in La Republica, a major newspaper in Peru.

11/12/23 Montreal, Canada

 A Jewish school in Montreal was shot at, the second time in under a week the school has been targeted with gunfire.

11/13/23. Erfurt, Germany

Letters of solidarity with Israel that had been put up on the New Synagogue were burned by two men from Libya.

11/13/23. Barcelona, Spain

 “Hitler was Right!” was painted on the entrance to a public school where several Israeli families send their children.

11/13/23. London, UK

 A demonstrator in an anti-Israel march yelled, “Hitler knew how to deal with these people.”

11/11/23. Furstenwalde, Germany

 A Protestant church put up a sign in a display case in front of the church, proclaiming “We Protect Jewish Life”. Vandals smashed the glass and removed the sign.

11/11/23. London, UK

 A woman at a small anti-Israel protest inside Victoria Station shouted, “Death to all Jews!”

11/10/23. Melbourne, Australia

 Anti-Israel demonstrators protested in a park across from a synagogue and fights ensued with pro-Israel demonstrators.

11/9/23. Montreal, Canada

 Bullets were fired at the doors of two Jewish schools.

11/9/23. Copenhagen, Denmark

 The Chief Rabbi of Denmark was shoved and spit on as he exited a tram.

11/9/23. Berlin, Germany

 Someone threw eggs at a Kristalnacht demonstration and yelled “Free Palestine.”

11/9/23  Mainz, Germany

 A man was arrested after throwing fireworks at a synagogue, where Kristallnacht was being commemorated, and shouting “Free Palestine.”

11/8/23  Brazil

 A plot was disrupted by Hezbollah operatives to attack Jewish and Israeli targets in Brazil by Brazilian Federal Police.

11/8/23. Villingen, Germany

 The Star of David on a memorial to deported Jews was smashed.

11/7/23. Montreal, Canada

 There was an attempted firebombing targeting the local office of the Canadian Jewish organization Federation CJA and the Congregation Beth Tikvah synagogue in West Island.

11/7/23  Siegen, Germany

 A school was vandalized with graffiti, including “Kill all Zionists!”, a crossed out Star of David with “Child murderer.”

11/5/23. Volos, Greece

 “Jews = Nazis” and a Star of David = swastika were painted on the wall at the entrance to a Jewish family’s home.

11/4/23. Villeurbanne, France

 “Death” and Stars of David were painted on a kosher restaurant.

11/4/23. Berlin, Germany

Posters advertising a commemoration ceremony for Kristallnacht, the 1938 Nazi pogrom, were torn down by men, who shouted “Free Palestine.”

11/4/23. Malmo, Sweden

 Anti-Israel protesters burned an Israeli flag in front of the Malmo synagogue.

11/3. Copenhagen, Denmark

Protesters at an anti-Israel march chanted, “Palestine is occupied, it must be solved with Jihad.”

Paris, France

 “Jews Out” and “No Jews Allowed” was painted on a storefront and on the sidewalk.

Haarlem, Netherlands

 Stickers with “Hamas, Hamas, Jews to the Gas” and “Hamas, Hamas, Zionists to the Gas” were stuck on walls.

11/2. Strasbourg, France

 “A good Jew is a dead Jew” and “Death to Jews” and swastikas were painted on a kindergarten wall

Gelsenkirchen, Germany

 “Child murderer Israel” and “Free Palestine” were painted on a memorial to a synagogue destroyed in November 1938.

Zurich, Switzerland

 “Achtung Jews” and Stars of David were painted on a school.

London, UK

 “Gaza” was painted on the entrance to a Holocaust research center.

11/1. Paris, France

 A group of teenagers on the subway were filmed singing: “F— the Jews and F— your mother, Long live Palestine, Yeah Yeah, F— the Jews and the grandmothers, We are Nazis and proud”

Poggibonsi, Italy

 A sign with “Death to Jews” and a swastika was glued to a lamppost along a bike path.

Lisbon, Portugal

 “Blood” was written on the wall of the Jewish Community Center.

10/31 Vienna, Austria

 “Hitler” and a swastika were painted on the wall of a Jewish cemetery.

Gothenburg, Sweden

 “Kill Jews” was painted on a wall.

Küsnacht, Switzerland

 “F— Jews” and a swastika were painted on a sidewalk.

10/30. Paris, France

Almost 80 Stars of David were painted on apartment buildings and banks in Paris and its suburbs.

10/29. Vienna, Austria

 Graffiti reading: “From the river to the sea” and “Free Gaza From German and Austrian guilt” was painted on university walls.

Hannover, Germany

 Stickers with “Israel murders”, “Free yourself from the cult of guilt”, “Free Palestine. End Israeli occupation” were put on a Holocaust memorial.

Genoa, Italy

 A theater was exhibiting a collection of Jewish items in its lobby and the window close to the exhibition was broken.

Makhachkala, Russia

 Hundreds of rioters stormed the airport, looking to attack Jews who had arrived on a flight from Tel Aviv.

10/28. Nurenberg, Germany

 “Child murderer” and a Star of David were spray-painted on an Israeli restaurant.

Nalchik, Russia

 A Jewish cultural center was burned and “Death to Jews” was painted on the building.

Johannesburg, South Africa

Posters showing images of hostages from Israel were torn down and shredded by protestors, including some with Hamas flags, who gathered outside the Beyachad Jewish community center on Shabbat.

10/26. Zurich, Switzerland

 “Death to Jews” was painted on a school.

Caracas, Venezuela

 A sign at an anti-Israel march contained antisemitic slogans, including Zionism = Nazism and Gaza = Warsaw Ghetto.

10/25. Argentina

 The Argentine Federal Police arrested an individual who posted on social media a threat to “go to a Jewish school and shoot as many kids as I can.”

Bilon, Germany

 A Holocaust memorial plaque was spray-painted with green paint.

The Hague, Netherlands

 Palestinian flag stickers were pasted on to a Holocaust memorial.

10/24. Tann, Germany

 A memorial stone, marking the location of a synagogue destroyed during the 1938 Kristallnacht pogrom, was splashed with red paint.

Wolfenbuettel, Germany

 “Jewish pigs” was painted on a Green Party office in Germany, two days after its chairman Omid Nouripour gave an impassioned speech against antisemitism at a rally in Berlin.

10/23. Chemnitz, Germany

Two Arabic-speaking men punched a man who had an Israeli flag phone cover.

Hamburg, Germany

 At an anti-Israel demonstration, a teenager of reported Arab origin was filmed shouting, “I want Adolf Hitler back, that’s my opinion. I’m for Hitler, for gassing the Jews.”

Thessaloniki, Greece

 A mural at a Holocaust memorial was defaced with “Jews = Nazis” and “Free Palestine.”

Pretoria, South Africa

 EFF party leader Julius Malema said the following during a protest outside the Israeli Embassy: “Cyril Ramaphosa was made president by the money donated to him by the Jewish people behind this embassy. Jewish who are not progressive. That’s why he can’t say anything.”

10/22. Bologna, Italy

 A “Hitler will see you again in hell” sign was held at an anti-Israel demonstration.

10/21. Toronto, Canada

 Pro-Hamas rally organizers “Toronto4Palestine” harassed diners at Jewish-owned Cafe Landwer and demanded a boycott of the “Zionist Cafe.”

Milan, Italy

 Anti-Israel protesters shouted “Open the borders so we can kill the Jews.”

Managua, Nicaragua

 Graves and a menorah in the Jewish cemetery were vandalized with Nazi and pro-Palestinian symbols.

Warsaw, Poland

 A woman at an anti-Israel demonstration held a sign, “Keep the world clean,” with an image of a Star of David in a trash can.

Barcelona, Spain

 Anti-Israel protesters converged on an Israeli-owned hotel, tore down the European flags above its entrance and replaced them with Palestinian flags.

London, UK

 At an anti-Israel demonstration, a man waved a black flag, similar to an ISIS flag, and shouted repeatedly, “Islamic State” and “cursed of Allah are the infidels and Jews.”  Also at the demonstration were multiple signs that equated Israel with the Nazis.

10/20. Vienna, Austria

 Two men tore down an Israeli flag at the entrance to a synagogue, while a woman with them imitated shooting a machine gun.

Lyon, France

 The Duchère synagogue was vandalized with “Victory to our brothers in Gaza,” spray-painted by two hooded individuals in the middle of the night.

Alice Bel Colle, Italy

 “Killing Jews is not a crime” was painted on a wall along the main entrance to the town.

10/19. Sao Paulo, Brazil

 A car belonging to a member of the Jewish community was vandalized with slogans.

Paris, France

 Two men doused an apartment door with gasoline and set it on fire.  The targeted apartment was the only one in the building with a mezuza on the doorframe.

Strasbourg, France

 A teenager was arrested after scraping a knife against the metal gate of the main synagogue.

10/18. Concepcion, Chile

 “Free Palestine. Overthrow Zionism” was spray-painted on the city’s synagogue.

Berlin, Germany

 Molotov cocktails were thrown at the Kahal Adass Jisroel synagogue.

Melilla, Spain

 Pro-Palestinian demonstrators marched to the synagogue in Melilla, Spain, and shouted “assassins.”  Police rushed to the scene to secure the synagogue.

10/17  Calgary, Canada

 A man threw eggs at the Holocaust Memorial Monument and at passing vehicles while shouting antisemitic slogans.

Ancenis-Saint Géréon, France

 The car of a Jewish family was vandalized with a swastika and the graffiti, “Jew.”

Grenoble, France

 A Jewish family’s apartment was broken into and “Free Palestine” and antisemitic graffiti were painted on walls, including death threats to Jews and swastikas.

Moirans, France

 A 17 year-old made antisemitic death threats against a fellow high school student during class and was arrested by police.

Giessen, Germany

 Two men went to an apartment where an Israeli flag was flying from the balcony and demanded that it be removed. When the Israeli resident refused, he was physically attacked, had antisemitic slogans shouted at him, and his flag and phone were stolen.

Tunisia

 Anti-Israel rioters vandalized and burned down the historic el-Hamma synagogue.

Turkey

 The influential Yeni Akit daily newspaper published an op-ed calling on the Turkish government to strip Turkey’s Jews of their citizenship.

Vienna, Austria.

 A man broke the window of a kosher butcher shop and shouted, “Allahu Akhbar!”

10/16. London, UK

 A Jewish primary school was vandalized overnight by someone who splashed red paint on its doors and windows.

10/15. Netherlands, Amsterdam

 “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” – a call for Israel’s destruction – was chanted by thousands at a demonstration in Amsterdam. 

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

 A post reading “Jews are the cancer of the world” was hung in the neighborhood of Ipanema.

10/14. London, UK

 During a large pro-Palestinian demonstration, chants of “Khaybar Khaybar ya yahud” were heard in various locations.

Glasgow, Scotland

 A Pro-Palestinian protester told Jews on the street, “Don’t forget where you went in 1940. Ha! Don’t forget where the Jews went in 1940.”

10/13. British Columbia, Canada

 A home of a local Rabbi was pelted with eggs and had a Nazi symbol drawn on a window.

Berlin, Germany

 Apartment buildings where Jews live were marked with Stars of David.

Florence, Italy

 At the University of Florence, “Star of David = swastika” graffiti was spray-painted on a wall.

10/12. Geneva, Switzerland

 The antisemitic slogan, “Khaybar Khaybar, oh Jew, the army of Mohammed will return,” was chanted at an anti-Israel demonstration. 

10/11. Bogotá, Colombia 

 The Israeli Embassy was vandalized with antisemitic graffiti, including slogans that equated Zionism with Nazism, “Against Zionism” with the “s” converted to a swastika, and a Star of David equated with a swastika.

Berlin, Germany

 Antisemitic slogans, including “Kill Jews,” and swastikas were painted on the remains of the Berlin Wall.

10/10. Mirandola, Italy

 “Viva Hamas” and swastikas were spray-painted on a music school.

Porto, Portugal

The synagogue in Porto was vandalized with “Free Palestine” and “End Israel Aparteid” (sic). 

Sydney, Australia 

 “Gas the Jews” was shouted during a pro-Palestinian protest outside the Sydney Opera House. 

10/9/2023  London, UK

 A kosher restaurant in London had its windows broken and anti-Israel graffiti was spray-painted nearby. 

10/8/2023   Bogota, Colombia

 Vandals spray-painted graffiti with swastikas on the columns of the building housing the Israeli embassy. 

Marburg, Germany

 In a café, two men were talking about the terrorist attacks on Israel. One said that it was great that guys on scooters had taken the IDF by surprise. The other replied, “Yes, even their money can‘t help the Jews anymore.”

Madrid, Spain

 “Free Palestine” and a crossed-out Star of David were spray-painted on a synagogue in Madrid.

“In the face of unspeakable tragedy, we remember. Lives cut short, worlds forever broken, solely because of their unwavering Jewish faith. Their loss is an ache that knows no measure. We may never truly grasp the why, but we pray, with tears and pain in our heart, for a world where such sorry is extinguished, and these holy souls are reunited with us.”  Shulem Lemmer


Photo at the top by Austin Crick: https://unsplash.com/@austin_nft

Still Small Voice – Day 52

Published by Meridel Rawlings

My dear friends who pray:
Allow me to quote from Paul’s first letter. 
Greece was divided into two Roman provinces. The northern region was called Macedonia and the southern, Achaia. Thessalonica was an important seaport and was the capital city of Macedonia. They welcomed Paul with open arms. “We give thanks for you brothers and sisters, because your faith is growing ever greater, and the unselfish love of each one of you toward one another is continually increasing.”   Thessalonians 1:3 

This kind of agape-love,  means, ‘brotherly love’; caring for one another. Jesus said: “You will know them by their love.” That is the true sign of a believer. Many times we have given thanks here for the strength of the Greek Orthodox Church. that has faithfully preserved the church for 2,000 years. Many of the believers who have befriended us, pray for Israel, “Because, Jesus was a Jew!”
Are you watching the unfolding events in the Middle East? If you are a prayer warrior … you are!
Do you realize this cease-fire was demanded by the perpetrator Iran? Hamas’s release of a few hostages is an emotional ploy to gain world sympathy. It is not good for Israel in the long run. 
Let me explain. Israel will do anything to save lives. They are a moral army, who go to great lengths to save lives, whether Jew or non-Jew. Hamas is using this ‘ceasefire’ to regroup and restock supplies. Israel was winning, so they had to stop it with the help of the nations. Right now, hundreds of trucks are going into Gaza from Egypt to resupply them with what they need. No, everything will all go to Hamas, the Palestinian people’s needs have never mattered to them. 
Yes, we are so grateful to see one complete Israeli family reunited and a father hug his little 9-year-old son and the elderly ladies. But what about ALL of the other hostages? And why are there NO details of the others locked inside? What about those who have died? Hamas has broken the Geneva Convention over and over again. They move now with the world’s backing led by the UN. Israel is releasing 150 convicted prisoners, in exchange for 12 or 13 Israelis a day for 4 days.
There seems to be no end to the suffering Israel is being put through. Where there were riots non-stop this summer, today, we see servant people. Israelis are standing shoulder to shoulder helping out in any way they possibly can. This has always been the secret of Israel’s strength, and look how they are calling upon the Name Above All Names! 
Make no mistake, this wicked war against Evil is using every means possible to discourage every household in the nation. The Palestinians in Gaza have been victimized for years now as well. 

I am reminded of the chaos that reigned when we were in Israel from April to August this year. Just seeing the glum, desperate faces of the people on the streets and in the stores, was heartbreaking. There were riots every night against the proposed reforms of this ultra-orthodox government. There is so much that will be dealt with that went on behind the scenes when this bloody conflict is over. Israel was asleep at the switch on every level.  I believe the grief cost me, my old life. But all praise to the LORD Jesus who heard the prayers of Jay and my best friend Irene and Ilana. What the enemy stole, He gave back. I am alive and well. Hallelujah. 

Everything changed on October 7th, the last day of the ‘great’ Feast of Tabernacles-Simchat Torah. (the joy of Torah) 1,200 souls were ripped and torn out of their families and homes. Over 300 IDF soldiers died trying to rescue them. It was hell on earth, and quite frankly still is.
From the sidelines, our call is to prayer, 24/7. I am sure you are also waking in the night to heart-wrenching dreams and thoughts of what the hostages are facing non-stop. There is no rest, by design of this vicious enemy. Israel’s Ambassador to Italy said it all with regard to this 4-day cease-fire, and the exchange of hostages. “It is a deal with the devil.” Iran is the arch-controller. They arm their proxies to orchestrate it all. Hamas is a puppet, and disobedient at that!  How powerful ‘darkness’ must feel? My heart quakes. But we have consolation.
“For I know that my Redeemer lives and He shall stand at last on the earth.”  Job 19:25.
Job lived to experience overwhelming restoration, and by God’s grace, so will Israel.
“AM ISRAEL HAI!  THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL LIVE!”

With love and prayer; Meridel Rawlings.
P.S. I wrote this to my Granddaughter Liyah: “How can I send a little something for Christmas? She responded: “Mom Honey, (her and her brother’s name for me) you are so sweet but I really don’t need or want anything. What you can do is mail me a nice Christmascard, I’ve never had one before.”
Love, Liyah.
Her address is: Liyah Rawlings, Ha Malka St #2. Jerusalem, Israel 9362729
Would you consider making this 19-year-old Israeli happy by such a simple act? She applied to go into a top front-line fighting unit with the IDF but was turned down. Thank God she was, or she would be in Gaza today. She is presently serving the 2nd of two years. teaching 7 autistic children. Liyah is a gifted teacher, and real changes are seen in her students. She plans to go on and get a degree in special education.  Tell her who you are.
Thank you so much. Meridel.

Photo at the top by Maayan Nemanov on Unsplash

Still Small Voice. DAY 42- Coming Home – November 17th, 2023.

Published by Meridel Rawlings

Dear Friends:

Israel is in the throes of tremendous physical and spiritual change. They are having to rethink everything. This war will not only change the landscape, of nations, it will change Israel. It has abruptly forced her into a new chapter of her prophetic journey into the last days. It is all about coming home.

But, first, a praise report from Greece; 38% drought ridden, we live in this area. We have prayed for rain, believing and hanging on for change. We woke up this morning to a mist filled valley, and heavy clouds over the sea. The rain is presently pouring down, softly and steadily. It is the soaking kind and that is exactly what we need. We can’t just ask for rain, and not pray for the Greek Orthodox peoples of Greece. Our task is to also believe for the government and minorities here. Yes, Israel of course is our first call, because we are all the SALT of our nations.

Now I will simply share from my time in the Word this morning. The Bible, has so many depths-deeper than the ocean. One can never finish understanding. Let us begin:

“They will fall by the edge of the sword, their infants will be dashed in pieces and their pregnant women will be ripped open.”  Hosea 11:16

Instead of sword, use the words, rockets, automatic guns, grenades, knives and go-pro cameras on the Hamas helmets. 22 communities were pillaged in South Israel on October 7th leaving 1,400 souls not only dead but mutilated in indescribable ways. Yes, Israel was asleep at the switch. Faith in their High tech, military intelligence and government were shaken to the core! Yes, a terrible reminder a reality check which is calling the nation to ‘come home’ back to God’s safety plan.

“Yet, I have been the LORD your God since you became a nation. (In Egypt and again in the Holy Land in 1948.) And you were not to know any God except Me. O Israel, return [in repentance] to the LORD your God. You have stumbled and fallen [visited by tragedy] because of your sin.” Hosea 14:1

We couldn’t take such tough truth, if it was not also wrapped up in mercy. Yes, our God is a God of mercy. Jesus came to show us  the heart of Father-God. Pay attention to His hatred of hypocracy, and misuse of the scriptures. Especially by the leaders, those who taught Bible. He was filled with mercy for anyone who  believed, cried or called thus touching Him. Take courage for your own life and the lives of your household and beyond. We are the keys in His hand to open locks.

“My companions are kindled together [for my nation of Israel.]”  Deut. 29:23

Picture dry kindling carefully placed to start a fire. Strike a match and it bursts into flame. Just watch what God is doing in and through Israel.

“For I am God not man, the Holy One in your midst [ who will not revoke my covenant.] I will not come in wrath nor enter the city [in judgment]. They will walk after the LORD [in obedience and worship.] Who will roar like a lion. He will roar [summoning them]… and His sons will come (home) trembling from the West.” Hosea 11:8-10 Note: It is God who is roaring through His people here.

Many things are happening simultaneously? When Israel declared war on Oct 7th, hundreds of thousands of men showed up, countless volunteers among them. A hunger for God burst forth and thousands of secular boys requested their own ritual-fringed garment, only worn by the orthodox. It looks something like a light sleeveless undershirt, with the tassels hanging out as a sign of holiness. They wanted this assurance of protection. These tassels (tizitz) are prayer reminders. It is a sign of the heart attitude of return and coming home to Abba. 

The other amazing development was also movement in the opposite camp among orthodox young men, formerly kept at a distance from secular Israel and the IDF. Today, thousands have forsaken their study halls to join the IDF. They are asking to serve in any servant capacity that will assist the war effort. This has never happened in Israel’s modern history. Tired of being kept ‘out’  of modern Israel by their religious superiors This is their cry to come home.

Thirdly, Aliyah continues. Jews are returning from the 4 corners, including the US. Howard Flower in St Petersburg recently affirmed that 300 French Jews made their way to Israel. Defying human logic, they choose to come home. YES, the LORD God of Israel is moving His children to review His Eternal Covenant with them. He has never left them. Israel is the missing key unlocking the door to this mystery. 

The end of the puzzle is found in the words of the prophets.

“Afterward the sons of Israel will return (come home) [in deep repentance] to David their king – the Messiah  and they will come trembling  to the LORD and to His goodness and blessing in the last days.”  Hosea 3:5, Jeremiah 30:9, Ezekiel 34:24. 

Yes, of course we mourn the loss of every innocent civilian, be they internationals, Israelis or Palestinian. We pray. Now is the time for Gazan’s to finally have a way opened for them to find a new path to life. In this matter, Israel is no different. Pray for it. As for the hostages, there are no assurances of anything. We pray. 

Lest we, living outside of Israel lift our heads in pride, let all of my readers ask:“What is the state of my nation today?” Israel is the first fruits of everything heaven does. Never forget that. Thank you for trying to understand how the Almighty is working with this people. No, Israel is not the church, it is something apart, and yet we know that one day there will be one fold. Messiah said so. We will all come home to Him. You have your work set out for you, which is intercessory prayer.  I bless you for your overwhelming response. Thank you to my helpers, Jay Rawlings, Chris Rawlings and Myrtha Schumacher. 

 Love from Meridel Rawlings

Children’s star (and the boy himself) Yahely Watson (the son of Ariel Watson), in an exciting cover to rescue the kidnapped Israelis.
We wish you a speedy return.
Yahlee Watson
(Cover by Rami Kleinstein)

Still Small Voice 42. Tag Heimkehr 17.  November 2023

Published by Meridel Rawlings

Liebe Freunde:

Israel befindet sich in den Geburtswehen eines gewaltigen physischen und geistigen Wandels. Sie müssen alles neu überdenken. Dieser Krieg wird nicht nur die Landschaften der Nationen verändern, er wird auch Israel verändern. Er hat Israel abrupt in ein neues Kapitel seiner prophetischen Reise in die Endzeit gezwungen. Es geht alles darum, nach Hause zu kommen.

Doch zunächst ein Lobpreisbericht aus Griechenland: 38 % der Bevölkerung sind von Dürre betroffen. Wir haben um Regen gebetet, geglaubt und auf eine Veränderung gehofft. Heute Morgen wachten wir in einem nebelverhangenen Tal auf, und über dem Meer hingen schwere Wolken. Zurzeit regnet es in Strömen, sanft und gleichmäßig. Es ist eine Art Durchnässung, und das ist genau das, was wir brauchen. Wir können nicht nur um Regen bitten und nicht für die griechisch-orthodoxen Menschen in Griechenland beten. Unsere Aufgabe ist es, auch für die Regierung und die Minderheiten hier zu glauben. Ja, Israel ist natürlich unsere erste Berufung, denn wir alle sind das SALZ unserer Nationen.

Jetzt möchte ich einfach von meiner Zeit im Wort Gottes von heute Morgen berichten. Die Bibel hat so viele Tiefen – tiefer als der Ozean. Man kann sie nie zu Ende verstehen. Lasst uns beginnen:

“Sie werden durch die Schärfe des Schwertes fallen, ihre Säuglinge werden zerschmettert und ihre schwangeren Frauen aufgerissen.” Hosea 11:16

Verwendet anstelle von Schwert die Worte Raketen, automatische Gewehre, Granaten, Messer und Go-Pro-Kameras auf den Helmen der Hamas. Am 7. Oktober wurden 22 Gemeinden im Süden Israels geplündert, wobei 1.400 Menschen nicht nur getötet, sondern auf unbeschreibliche Weise verstümmelt wurden. Ja, Israel hat mit offenen Augen geschlafen. Der Glaube an seine High-Tech, seinen militärischen Geheimdienst und seine Regierung wurde bis ins Mark erschüttert! Ja, eine furchtbare Mahnung, ein Realitätscheck, welcher die Nation dazu aufruft, zu Gottes Sicherheitsplan “heimzukehren”.

“Doch ich bin der Herr, dein Gott, seit du ein Volk geworden bist. (In Ägypten und wieder im Heiligen Land im Jahr 1948.) Und ihr solltet keinen anderen Gott kennen als mich. O Israel, kehre (in Bussfertigkeit) zum Herrn, deinem Gott, zurück. Du bist wegen deiner Sünde gestrauchelt und gefallen (von der Tragödie heimgesucht). Hosea 14:1

Wir könnten eine so harte Wahrheit nicht ertragen, wenn sie nicht auch in Barmherzigkeit verpackt wäre. Ja, unser Gott ist ein Gott der Barmherzigkeit. Jesus ist gekommen, um uns das Herz von Vater-Gott zu zeigen. Achtet auf seinen Hass gegen Heuchelei und den Missbrauch der Heiligen Schrift. Besonders von den Führern, denjenigen, welche die Bibel lehrten. Er war voller Barmherzigkeit für jeden, der glaubte, weinte oder rief und ihn so berührte. Fasst Mut für Euer eigenes Leben und das Leben Eurer Familie und darüber hinaus. Wir sind die Schlüssel in seiner Hand, um Schlösser zu öffnen.

“Meine Gefährten sind miteinander entflammt [für mein Volk Israel].” Dtn 29:23 

Stellt Euch vor, dass trockenes Anzündholz sorgfältig gelegt wird, um ein Feuer zu entfachen. Zündet ein Streichholz an, und es geht in Flammen auf. Beobachtet einfach, was Gott in und durch Israel tut.

“Denn ich bin Gott und nicht ein Mensch, der Heilige in eurer Mitte (der meinen Bund nicht aufkündigt). Ich komme nicht im Zorn und komme nicht in die Stadt (zum Gericht). Sie werden dem HERRN folgen (im Gehorsam und in der Anbetung). Der brüllen wird wie ein Löwe. Er wird brüllen (und sie herbeirufen) … und seine Söhne werden zitternd aus dem Westen (heim)kommen.” 

Hosea 11:8-10 Hinweis: Es ist Gott, der hier durch sein Volk brüllt.

Viele Dinge geschehen gleichzeitig? Als Israel am 7. Oktober den Krieg erklärte, erschienen Hunderttausende von Männern, darunter unzählige Freiwillige. Ein Hunger nach Gott brach aus, und Tausende säkularer Jungen forderten ihr eigenes rituell gesäumtes Gewand, das nur von den Orthodoxen getragen wird. Es sieht aus wie ein leichtes, ärmelloses Unterhemd, aus dem die Quasten als Zeichen der Heiligkeit heraushängen. Sie wollten diese Sicherheit des Schutzes. Diese Quasten (tizitz) sind Gebetserinnerungen. Sie sind ein Zeichen für die Herzenshaltung der Rückkehr und Heimkehr zu Abba.

Die andere erstaunliche Entwicklung war auch eine Bewegung im entgegengesetzten Lager unter den orthodoxen jungen Männern, die früher auf Distanz zum säkularen Israel und zu den IDF (israelische Armee) gehalten wurden. Heute haben Tausende von ihnen ihr Studium aufgegeben, um dem IDF beizutreten. Sie bitten darum, in jeder hilfreichen Funktion zu dienen, welche die Kriegsanstrengungen unterstützt. Das hat es in der modernen Geschichte Israels noch nie gegeben. Sie sind es leid, von ihren religiösen Vorgesetzten aus dem modernen Israel “herausgehalten” zu werden. Dies ist ihr Schrei, um nach Hause zu kommen.

Drittens: Die Alijah geht weiter. Juden kehren aus allen vier Ecken zurück, auch aus den USA. Howard Flower in St. Petersburg bestätigte kürzlich, dass sich 300 französische Juden auf den Weg nach Israel gemacht haben. Der menschlichen Logik zum Trotz haben sie sich entschieden, nach Hause zu kommen. JA, der Herr, der Gott Israels, bewegt seine Kinder, um seinen ewigen Bund mit ihnen nachzuprüfen. Er hat sie nie verlassen. Israel ist der fehlende Schlüssel, welcher die Tür zu diesem Geheimnis öffnet.

Das Ende des Rätsels findet sich in den Worten der Propheten.

“Danach werden die Söhne Israels (in tiefer Reue) zu ihrem König David – dem Messias – zurückkehren (heimkehren), und sie werden zitternd zum HERRN und zu seiner Güte und seinem Segen kommen in den letzten Tagen.” 

Hosea 3:5, Jeremia 30:9, Hesekiel 34:24.

(Photo)

Ja, natürlich trauern wir um jeden unschuldigen Zivilisten, egal ob es sich um Ausländer, Israelis oder Palästinenser handelt. Wir beten. Jetzt ist es an der Zeit, dass sich für die Menschen im Gazastreifen endlich ein Weg zu einem neuen Leben auftut. In dieser Angelegenheit ist Israel nicht anders. Betet dafür. Was die Geiseln anbelangt, so gibt es keine Zusicherungen. Wir beten.

Damit wir, die wir außerhalb Israels leben, nicht hochmütig unser Haupt erheben, möchte ich alle meine Leser fragen: “Wie steht es heute um mein Land?” Israel ist die erste Frucht von allem, was der Himmel tut. Vergesst das nie. Danke, dass Ihr versucht zu verstehen, wie der Allmächtige mit diesem Volk arbeitet. Nein, Israel ist nicht die Kirche, sie ist etwas Besonderes, und doch wissen wir, dass es eines Tages eine einzige Herde (Gemeinde) sein wird. Der Messias hat es gesagt. Wir werden alle zu ihm nach Hause kommen. Ihr habt Eure Aufgabe, nämlich das Fürbittegebet. Ich segne Euch für Eure überwältigende Reaktion. Danke an meine Helfer, Jay Rawlings, Chris Rawlings und Myrtha Schumacher.

Liebe Grüße von Meridel Rawlings

Still Small Voice – DAY 35. November 10th 2023

Published by Meridel Rawlings

My dear Friends:

“ And God said to Abraham, “do not be distressed over the boy or your slave.

Whatever Sarah says, do as she tells you to do, for it is through Isaac that  offspring shall be continued for you.” 

“And Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, whom she had borne to Abraham, ‘making merry.’ [mocking, making sport]   Isaac. And Sarah said to Abraham, “Drive out this handmaid and her son, for the son of this handmaid shall not inherit with my son, with Isaac.” But the matter was very evil in the eyes of Abraham, concerning his son. And God said to Abraham, “Be not displeased concerning the boy and concerning your handmaid; whatever Sarah tells you, hearken to her voice, for in Isaac will be called your seed.”  Hebrew Bible Genesis 21:9-12 

The root of the word often translated as sport, mocking or making merry, is related to the root word abuse even murder. Some Rabbis teach that Ishmael, Hagar’s son had murder in his heart and his ‘sport’ of Isaac had a sexual connotation even murder. Others say he was a very good marksman and he was shooting arrows at Issac, many years his junior. Whatever he was up to, Sarah saw his ‘evil intent’.

Abraham had NOT heeded the word of the Lord regarding Isaac. “And Abraham said to God, “Oh that Ishmael [my firstborn] might live before You!”

But God said,” No, Sarah your wife shall bear you a son indeed and … I will establish My covenant with him for an everlasting covenant and with his descendants after him.” Genesis 17: 18,19. Amplified Bible

When there is a fundamental divide between husband and wife if can be devastating for all involved. This was certainly the case then and continues to be a bone of contention experienced by Jews and Arabs, down the generations until today. This schism is the Biblical source of heartache and agony today and I dare say, the reason for the murderous attack on Israel’s Southern communities, leading Israel to stand up and take authority to wage war against Hamas. This ongoing conflict is a matter of life and death. Israel is fighting for her very existence. 

This suggestion of Sarah’s was very evil in Abraham’s eyes. Wow, that’s strong. It must have been a terrible confrontation. Abraham was a man of awesome kindness and love. Hearing such a thing went against every fiber of his being. But God made it very clear that in this argument, Sarah was right; Ishmael had threatened Isaac. The proper response then and today is not lovingkindness, but banishment. I am sure this is difficult for most Christians to read. Israel is under the Abrahamic Covenant until Father God sees fit to change that.  Isaac is Abraham’s true heir. He was Abraham’s future, and so Abraham and Sarah must do whatever is necessary to protect Isaac. Ishmael must be expelled from Isaac’s home, however unpleasant that will be for Abraham. It cut across the flesh and yes it was very very painful. I doubt that he ever got over it.

This sad state of affairs has visited the Jews continually for the last 150 years in light of Jews returning to the Land of Promise. The descendants of Ishmael – the Muslim Arabs – have repeatedly refused to live in peace with Jews, now Israelis since the State of Israel was reborn in 1948. Israelis are the descendants of Isaac. The significant majority of the Arabs from Gaza, Judea and Samaria have made their unfortunate choice to support Hamas and other terrorist groups that seek to murder and remove Israelis from Israel to create a Muslim state. This is the bad news. I haven’t even touched upon the hostile neighbors that surround Israel, waiting for their clues from Iran before attacking. Israel is presently fighting a 24/7 war on 4 fronts.  I haven’t touched upon the marching Palestinians in world capitals and across the major campuses of American Universities. Then there is the anti-Semitism fueled by major media broadcasters. Israel cannot win this war unless the Almighty steps in.

Now good news is also found in the Bible: “There is hope for your future says the LORD. Your children will come back to their own country…  Ephraim said, “After I turned away from You, I repented…” Jeremiah 32:17,19a.

During our 50  very eventful years in Israel, we had many experiences. At one time while interviewing the Imam of the Golden Dome, he said to Jay on film; “There is no history of Jews ever having been here.” 

That is a lie.  You see, entire Arab lands have chosen to believe this lie. For them, the Bible is only a figment of the Jewish imagination. They do not consider the place of the Christian faith. The stark contrast with these facts is the worship times we had with Christian Palestinian congregations in the West Bank, and Northern Israel. They are a terribly persecuted minority. Also, we experienced the thunderous wonder of worship in the Holy Spirit with Israeli Jews and Arab Believers in Jesus in Tel Aviv and Haifa. You must partake of it to believe! This is the only answer for our future. Tremendous changes are a foot for all people in this region. Please pray to understand this divine miracle of unity, not created by man’s design but from the heart of the Father.

it was Sarah, not Abraham, who protected Isaac from his brother and ensured there would be a Jewish future. Sarah was right, like it or not. Let us find the strength to follow in her footsteps!

Many Christians pride themselves in being under the Abrahamic Covenant, but are they true brothers to the Jews? That is also the call of the Arabs believe it or not. Truth is stranger than fiction.  It is desperately difficult to stand up and tell the truth. The Spirit of Discernment will make all the difference as we open to it in our daily lives. Heeding it could even save our lives in the days ahead.  That has been our family’s cooperative experience more than once, traveling among the nations and living in Israel with two sons serving in fighting units of the Israel Defense Forces.

Oct 7th marked one month since the massacre in South Israel. 1,400 private citizens, and 300 IDF soldiers, were snuffed out that morning. This is how It was observed. Thank you for being a soldier and keeping your watch, no matter where you are. Guard your life, put on the full armor of God, protect yourself from wounding.  I end with this very encouraging video. The LORD God of Israel answers the cries of His people. Enjoy.

INSIDE ISRAEL: Spirituality Triumphs on the Battlefield, Turning Darkness into Light!

Love from Meridel Rawlings

Gmail: meridel.rawlings@chris
Photo at top by: Vlad Kiselov on Unsplash

Still Small Voice – War Day 24 / October 30th, 2023

Published by Meridel Rawlings

From Jay’s desk:

“Shalom Dear Friends and Family,

The tragic and horrendous events continue in Israel. The suffering of innocents on both sides is so desperately sad, it is beyond words. Our website www.israelvision.com  is now reopened by our son Chris, in light of the situation. He has established a GoFundMe account earmarked for the survivors of the Israeli families of the hostages held in Gaza. The latest count by Israel is 237.

To participate please go to: https://gofund.me/337091c5

Our son David is in Jerusalem shooting regular video reports. Chris uploads them to:  www.israelvision.com and stillsmallvoice

My family is now urging me to meet you weekly for 2-3 minutes via video updates. Looking forward to it.  We as a family, thank you for help in this drastic situation.“

With our love and prayers,

Jay

From Meridel’s Desk: 

My Dear Friends who Pray:

Thank you, for your communications to us, to our children in Jerusalem and the rest of the tribe in Europe. Quite frankly, I find it impossible to wrap my head around what is happening in Israel. Last night while we sat around the table, our son Chris played this song. Here is the clip, listen carefully to the words in English. 

A most interesting conversation followed. I said, “Who is he referring to when he says, ‘You want it darker?’ Is it the Lord? Why?”

“Because, Mom, the world has to get darker before mankind will finally turn to the Flame he refers to as the Light. This is history, only 8 in Noah’s time survived.”

Then, it hit me like a ton of bricks. Of course! The darkness is becoming darker, and YES, Abba is moving among all nations. Yes, Jews and Palestinians worldwide, but also nations like Canada and Ukraine, Russia and so many more who are experiencing catastrophes at the hands of their leaders. “Nations hang in the balance and are found wanting.” This is all is preparation for the multitudes in the valley of decision. These multitudes are facing death and destruction. If they will call out, I believe they will see the Light. The Flame, Leonard Cohen refers to, I see as the Flame; the very concept of God and Jesus, is still being crucified even as man kills man. Pause and think of that. It all began by disobedience in Eden.

(Chris our 2nd son has spent two weeks with us in Greece and it is a joy to have him with us. He shared a dream while here. “I awoke weeping and in my dream, a little 6 year old boy in Gaza, was clasping his dead mother’s hand while she was being wheeled away on a stretcher. I was up for sometime weeping and praying.”

The Home Army:

“We all have our duty, the PM, the War Cabinet, the Army, and the people have their duty and we all take it very seriously.” Visiting guest D. Rappaport

The war between Israel and Gaza grinds on, and we hear that it will go into winter. Israel is living up to her God-given name, of Israel, Prince with God, fierce, and lion-like in battle. Jacob who was a shepherd, is his other nature. He struggled with the Living God in order to be prepared for his role as leader.

We are in touch daily with our son David and his family who live in the heart of Jerusalem. One can sense the strength in their words. “Like everyone else, our hearts are broken, sad, hurting, confused, angry, asking questions, looking for hope, looking for comfort. Israel is a family and with all the pain, we will find strength to win and grow — we are with eternity.” David is just back from being up North on a film shoot. Adi, his wife has opened her dance school, in the beautifully renovated Gerhard Behar Bldg, which sits in the heart of Jerusalem. She has invited the public to come to all of her dance classes free of charge. The response has been overwhelming. She moved two families from the South to a lovely available home in Jerusalem. Here they can rest and enjoy the pleasant garden. 

Next she gathered up the toys of well off children, and took them to the hotel in Kibbutz Rachel which is housing 40 families from the South. “Meridel” she said, “I cannot find the adequate words to express what I felt and saw when I walked into the room. It was a world I knew nothing of, but had only heard about. Everyone is still in shock, from the orphaned children, to parents whose children were killed or taken hostage. We fell into each other’s arms. No need for words. I sat with them for a while before leaving. Most of my grandmother’s family perished in Auschwitz during the Holocaust. Here I am, a 2nd generation Sabra, facing it all again. How can that be?” Adi and David and other dear Israeli friends, Dothan and Sivan his wife, will distribute the funds you send to ‘Go Fund Me’.  Dothan, has been on the kibbutzim down south helping to identify bodies of the victims.

The Mourners Tent:

Liyah, my Israeli granddaughter, is 19 years old and instead of going to the army, she is serving her second year in a Jerusalem school, working specifically with ‘autistic’ children. Sensing the need in her community, she called the local municipality to come and set up a ‘mourners tent’ in the parking lot of their building, for the neighbors who have recently lost loved ones, kibbutzniks and soldiers. The tent came with a large coffee maker, table and chairs. It was full most hours. 

The downstairs neighbor lost his son. After sitting the 7 days of mourning he wrote and I quote: “We can choose to elevate or decimate the souls around us. If I draw my attention toward the gruesome photos and non-stop news, it does exactly what terrorism was designed for. It diminishes me.  One terrorist in captivity was asked,  Why did you rape? He answered, because it dirties them.

Ha Shem (the LORD G-d of Israel) tells us that…

“He knew us before He put us into our mother’s womb.”

Psalm 139

I will connect with ‘the good’ in this life. I will not let those who choose evil defile or dirty me. I choose to elevate all of those around me in this world; to bring His Light. Every evil of terrorism is an attempt to snuff out our given light. After the loss and carnage, we sit quietly for 7 days sometimes alone, sometimes with friends and family. After sharing our sorrows and tears, memories, and even laughter over the good times, we STAND UP on our feet to continue living in Ha Shem’s purpose for each one of us.”

“Our army tactically fights, I tactically pray on their behalf and pour out as much kindness during the day as possible. This keeps my soul clean and allows joy, hope and light to course through the impending darkness.  I refuse to allow Evil to dirty me. I AM a ‘Light-bringer’.  You can do the same.” By Old Baruch. One of the neighbor’s the Mourners Tent was set up for.  

From our Synagogue:

I received this letter from one of our Bible Study group in our synagogue.

“Dear Family and Friends: During these difficult times, we are doing our best to stay strong, busy and positive. Our Synagogue, has provided its members and local community wonderful opportunities to contribute resources, time and energy, and to strengthen each of us with a sense of belonging. The sad truth is: Unfortunately, the government does not provide financial support. Our resources are limited and insufficient, for regular and now war related activities.

We (Norm and Judy), like many others, make huge quantities of egg salad and other things. Every morning at 7 a.m. we put together sandwiches for soldiers and families in hotels, which we are absolutely filled with people who need sufficient food. Soldiers first and those evacuated from the north and south,. We are just one of tens of thousands of programs in need of financial assistance.” Judy and Norm

Officially there are still 237 hostages inside of Gaza. I, Meridel dreamt they were being kept in tunnels under hospitals. In despair I said to Jay. “I don’t know how to pray?” His immediate response brought peace: “Our Father, in heaven, Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”

May prayer be your outlet for the confusion, sense of anger and helplessness. We must pray for all people and the nations fighting for liberty. Will you join us in praying for the Presence of the LORD to overshadow His people Israel in this filthy war and of course pray for all innocents?

“When we are weak, He is strong.” That is the hope. This is long, but hopefully it will touch your hearts and bring understanding. I end with worship, let it be through our tears.        

Love from Meridel and Jay Rawlings.

Meridel Rawlings,  Box  47554,  Ermioni, 210  51, Greece. meridel.rawlings@gmail.com