| AN ALIYAH REVOLUTION TO BEGIN (On the Walls of Jerusalem, by Lars Widerberg, Intercessors Network) Intercessors.Network@Telia.com |
| Leading religious leaders from the three major denominations of American Jewry have issued statements calling for mass Aliyah (Jewish immigration to Israel) from the United States. One recent joint statement was issued to hundreds of North American olim (immigrants to Israel) who will be arriving this summer in the framework of the Nefesh b'Nefesh organization. Nefesh b'Nefesh lends potential olim the thousands of dollars they sometimes need to be able to make the move - and the loans become grants if their recipients remain in Israel. The joint statement reads: "There are many ways for the Jewish community to connect with Israel and to contribute to the well-being of the Jewish State. Of all these expressions though, fulfilling the mitzvah [Biblical commandment] of Aliyah is the highest manifestation of Zionism. This decision, during these challenging times in Israel, is especially admirable. May G-d give you strength to succeed in this most important committment. We pray that you and your family will enjoy living in the Jewish home in peace and success. Together we congratulate you for your admirable decision." Another organization, "Kuman - Americans Return to Zion", a grassroots group dedicated to encouraging and facilitating mass Aliyah to Israel by all Jews of the exile, released a similar proclamation. It reads as follows: "Our Rabbis learned: 'One should always live in the Land of Israel, even in a city whose majority is idolaters, and he should not live outside the Land of Israel, even in a city with a Jewish majority.' (Talmud, Tractate Ketubot, p.110b) Yeshiva (orthodox Jewish schools) deans strongly urge every Jew to seriously consider making Aliyah. We believe that a massive return to our eternal homeland will contribute greatly to an alleviation of all demographic, economic and religious problems in Israel today. We urge the entire Jewish Diaspora, particularly the younger generation, to begin viewing Aliyah as a goal rather than an option." |
| "Do not fear, for I am with you; I will bring your offspring from the east, and gather you from the west. I will say to the north, 'Give them up!" and to the south, 'Do not hold them back.' Bring My sons from afar, and My daughters from the ends of the earth" - Isaiah 43:5-6 |
| INTERCESSORS FOR AMERICA - ISRAEL / MIDDLE EAST ALERT DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE WHO HAS A HEART TO PRAY FOR ISRAEL AND THE MIDDLE EAST? If someone you know might be interested in receiving the Israel Middle East Alert by e-mail, please contact us with their name, address and e-mail - call 1-800-USA-PRAY or send emails to PrayMidEast@aol.com |