Christians from Southern Africa visit the Holy Land to see for themselves
I am of the firm belief that if you really want to get to know and understand Israel, you must see the country for yourself. Anyone who has ever visited Israel is amazed by the vast beauty, extraordinary history, and unprecedented emotional ties that they forge with this ancient land.
A depiction of the Last Supper
For millions of Christians who visit Israel every year, the bond that they feel with this tiny strip of land that speaks to them of where Jesus walked and miracles occurred and where Abraham nearly sacrificed Isaac to prove his devotion to God, is one that lasts a lifetime. In fact, many of Israel’s most passionate supporters in modern times are Christians who recognize our ancient covenant with the land and find a kind of redemption themselves in our connection.
Root’ing for Peace
In January 2017, a delegation of 20 Christian leaders from across South Africa and Mozambique visited Israel and areas under the jurisdiction of the Palestinian leadership to assess first-hand realities on the ground.
The Galilee Boat – Boat From Jesus Time (Courtesy Ido Keynan)
This delegation, represented the diverse ethnicity of South Africa, were exposed to the variety of projects and initiatives that build bridges between the ordinary people in the region. It is my belief that this how peace will take root – from the ground up and not necessarily from the politicians down.
Not only did they visit sites that bore testimony to the Land of the Bible but delegates were exposed to speakers and opinions from across the social and political spectrum, including several speakers who presented positions from Arab Moslem, Arab Christian and Jewish perspectives, and a visit to the Palestinian capital – Ramallah.
Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Jerusalem
They were blown away by what they saw and came to understand that the situation between Israel and her Palestinian neighbours is complex, nuanced, and multi-layered. I cannot stress enough how important it is for people who have an interest in the Middle East and her turbulent and unpredictable politics, to see the situation on the ground for themselves.
Israel’s detractors would prefer that you do NOT visit the Holy Land.
Capernaum by the sea of Galilee
I suspect that they fear that you may be enriched by the experience and enjoy a far broader understanding – something that these religious leaders left with.
The visit had such an impact on the delegation that they released the following statement as representative of their conclusions:
“* We affirm that the modern restoration of the Jewish people to their ancient homeland reflects the image spoken of in prophetic passages such as Ezekiel 36, Jeremiah 16 and others.
* We embrace the responsibility spoken of in Scripture, to pray and to practically support this process of restoration.
* We reject all efforts to remove or reduce the historic and spiritual connection of Judaism and Christianity to Jerusalem and the land of Israel. Specifically, we reject various UNESCO resolutions and UN Security Council resolution 2334 which erase the Jewish/Christian significance of the Holy Land in favour of later Palestinian and Islamic claims. This calls into question the integrity of the Holy Scriptures.
* We report that no evidence exists to support the accusation that Israel is an apartheid state and that this concept was rejected repeatedly by Israeli Arabs who addressed the group. On the contrary, evidence of integration was evident in visits to the Israeli Parliament (The Knesset), healthcare facilities and on the streets of Israeli cities.
* We observed that Palestinian cities such as Rawabi and Ramallah portrayed elements of affluence and sophistication that is inconsistent with the general perception of conditions in the West Bank.
* We recognise that the integration of potentially 5 million Palestinian refugees into Israel cannot be agreed to by Israel as it jeopardises Israel’s demographic and physical survival. This inhibits progress towards a settlement.
*We learned of significant humanitarian and developmental initiatives by Israel, unreported by South African media, which assist other countries and individuals in the Middle East, Africa and elsewhere.
* We express concern that the Palestinian education system, through questioning Jewish historical connections to the land and by presenting negative stereotypes of Jewish people, promotes violence and frustrates the potential for peace.
* We perceive that Israel offers many useful strategies and products which address challenges facing Southern African countries.
* We acknowledge that the Church, without compromising the integrity of Scripture, needs to be an expression of love and compassion to both Jewish people and Arab Palestinian people.
* We understand our responsibility to be a proactive catalyst to extend understanding of the significance of Israel’s prophetic restoration to those within our immediate sphere of influence and beyond.
* We challenge all Christian leaders to review their theological position on Israel to provide sound Biblical leadership in positioning their congregations and denominations concerning Israel.”
In light of the institutionalized anti-Semitism emanating from world bodies like UNESCO, this statement from this Christian delegation, packs a mighty punch against their false and libelous accusations.
A delegation of 20 Christian leaders from across South Africa and Mozambique visited Israel and areas under the jurisdiction of the Palestinian leadership to assess first-hand realities on the ground – January 2017
Israel invites you to visit anytime!
Seeing is believing!
Baptismal site -Jordan river
