Yad VaShem’s research continues
The World Holocaust Remembrance Center calls the Polish Holocaust bill very regrettable and says that it will risk distorting history. Yad VaShem vows to continue supporting research into the Polish population’s attitudes toward Jews in general and the role the Poles played in the persecution of Polish Jews during the Holocaust. The move by the Polish Parliament drew condemnation in Israel from across the political spectrum. Knesset Ministers have called on Prime Minister Netanyahu to immediately recall Israel’s ambassador from Poland.
Also, the US Administration urged Poland to reconsider the controversial bill that prescribes a prison sentence for anyone who refers to “Polish death camps” and forbids mention of Poland’s complicity in Nazi crimes, warning that it would impair Poland’s ties with the United States and Israel.
United Jerusalem Bill
On January 2, Israel’s Knesset voted on and passed the “United Jerusalem Bill” to declare the entire city of Jerusalem to be the undivided capital. There will be no more political maneuvers to tear the capital apart. “All of Jerusalem─the Mount of Olives, the Temple Mount, the City of David─will remain in Israel’s hands forever,” said Minister Zev Elkin. “This is also Israel’s response to the shameful UN vote against Jerusalem. A holiday for Israel!” stated Minister Naftali Bennett.
Davos 2018─No peace talks without the US
During the annual World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, in January, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with world leaders such as President Donald Trump and thanked him by saying:
“By recognizing history, you have made history. We will always remember that. As you finish your first year in the office, I want to say that I look forward to continuing our remarkable friendship in the years ahead, and I want to express the appreciation of the people of Israel to you.”
Also in Davos, Jordan’s King Abdullah said that there will not be a peaceful solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict without the US. His statement came as a response to President Mahmoud Abbas’ refusal to be part of any peace proposal if the US is involved. Abbas has complained bitterly about the US recognition of Jerusalem as the recognition withdrew Jerusalem from the PA’s future agenda. Disappointment indeed!
United we pray for Israel
Meditate God’s promises in Jeremiah 29:10−11 when you pray for Israel: ‘“For I know the plans that I have for you’, declares the LORD, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.’”
- Wisdom and strength for Israel’s political and military leadership
- God’s presence and peace over the land from young children to old age
- Intercession to guard day and night the borders, crossings, and harbors of the country
- Comfort for Holocaust survivors who face another anti-Semitic attack from Poland
- Blessings over the United Jerusalem Bill to keep the city undivided under Jewish control.
- Protection and blessings over the cities, villages, universities, schools, child- and elderly care centers. In the name of Israel’s God we pray. Amen.