Kiwis for Balanced Reporting on the Middle East
November 2, 2010
Recent statements by the Vatican which deny the Jewish People's ancient historical bonds to Israel have received much media attention. Likewise the actions of some other Christian denominations in promoting boycotts and revisionist versions of Judaism's connection to the Promised Land. In an effort to show that not all Christians hate Israel one of our NZ members now living in Israel wrote a short report of the recent annual Tabernacles Pillgrimage solidarity visit by thousands of devout Christians. Portraying a positive aspect of events in Israel which normally do not see the light of day in the NZ media, this was submitted for publication to most NZ newspapers. It came as no surprise that not one paper acknowledged or published it, something which has become standard practice. Therefore in the interests of presenting missing truths we post it here so that you can read what your newspaper will not print.
Christian Pilgrims Welcomed With Open Arms
By Michael Kuttner
At this time of the year when the Jewish Festival of Tabernacles is celebrated by Jews, Israel welcomed 7,000 Evangelical Christians from every continent who took this annual opportunity to show their fervent love and support for the country and its people. Fulfilling Biblical Prophecy which speaks of a time when pilgrims from every nation will converge on Jerusalem to join with the Jewish Nation in praying for universal peace and tolerance, these modern day pilgrims filled the streets of Israel's Capital with song, celebrations, prayer and solidarity.
It was an amazing sight to witness thousands of men and women, young and old, as they marched through the streets walking in the footsteps of King David and the Hebrew Prophets. The citizens of Jerusalem and tourists from near & far showed their appreciation to the multitudes who enthusiastically expressed their love and devotion. As they made their way from the Temple Mount area along the same route taken by Jewish Pilgrims thousands of years ago, the city came to a complete halt.
At the same time in a striking contrast between ancient and modern, the first of the ultra sleek light rail trains made its first trial run through the Capital. The public thus had a threefold reason to cheer and rejoice. Celebrating the Biblical Festival of Tabernacles, being invigorated by the positive fervour of 7,000 friends from overseas and cheering the dawn of a new advanced transport system for Jerusalem, optimism for the future pervaded the atmosphere.
With a packed itinerary of concerts, prayers, rallies and touring, these wildly enthusiastic supporters of Israel's right to live in peace and security free from the terrorist rockets which still threaten to maim and murder innocent civilians, brought a much needed boost of friendship to a nation besieged on all sides by those who wish it harm.
Perhaps one day soon the words of the Hebrew Prophet, Isaiah, will be fulfilled… “when swords will be turned into ploughshares and nations will no longer know war…” Then we will see hate vanquished and all nations living in peace, respect and tranquility.
Michael Kuttner is a Jewish New Zealander who was for many years actively involved with several Jewish Communal organisations. He now lives with his family in Israel and is a member of Kiwis for Balanced Reporting in the Middle East.