From the Desk of Sondra Baras
The Time Has Come For Israel to Make a Stand...
I have just returned from a two-week visit in the US. Everywhere I went, people expressed concern about the relationship between the US and Israel. People wanted to know what is happening in Israel, what is Obama up to, how do people in Israel feel about Obama and about the US. People were puzzled over the US objection to building in Jerusalem and could not understand what was happening with regard to Iran. I tried my best to answer the constant barrage of questions, but, frankly, felt that I had little to offer.
Indeed, relations between the US and Israel are strained and each day the newspapers are filled with additional items in this regard. This morning's paper told us that Netanyahu would refrain from building any new homes in Ramat Shlomo, the Jerusalem neighborhood that was the cause of the stir when Vice President Joe Biden came to town. Other sources claimed that Netanyahu made no such commitment but had merely explained to both Obama and Biden that the recent announcement of plans to build 1600 new apartment units would not reach the construction stage for two years, given the normal bureaucracy and infrastructure preparation that any such building project entails.
As September nears, however, and the end of the 10-month construction freeze in Judea and Samaria approaches, all of us are very concerned as to whether Netanyahu will indeed lift the freeze or whether he will succumb to US and international pressure to extend it further. Many commentators are predicting a hot summer, and they are not referring to the weather. The proximity talks with the Palestinians are due to begin and it is far from clear whether these talks will indeed bring us closer to a peace agreement or if they will, actually, hasten us towards war. As Syria becomes more active in smuggling weapons to Hizbollah in Southern Lebanon, as the Hamas in Gaza continue with their smuggling exploits in the south, it certainly feels as if we are moving further from peace than ever before.
What is clear, however, is that Obama's statements and attitudes towards Israel represent a change in US policy. While the American people remain staunchly pro-Israel, its administration is bending over backwards to demonstrate even-handedness. Obama has indicated that it sees Israel as the key intransigent in Israeli-Palestinian dealings and such attitudes just serve to encourage intransigence and even outright terrorism on the part of the Arabs. Indeed, terrorist cells in Judea and Samaria rear their heads every time a US official visits Israel. American hesitation and ineffectiveness on the Iran sanctions issue has also served to project an image of a weak America, or at least of an indecisive one. Clearly, Iran is not taking the US seriously.
I have always been a straight talker and have never had much patience for diplomatic double-speak. But I can appreciate the fact that sometimes such language is appropriate and even effective. However, the time has come for Israel to say things in the clearest, most straightforward way.
· Israel must declare to the entire world that Jerusalem is the undivided capital of Israel and that its future will not be on the bargaining table.
· Israel must declare to the entire world that the so-called Palestinian refugees must be permanently settled throughout the Arab world, with the support of both the host Arab countries and the international community. Israel has already absorbed its refugees and is, therefore, absolved of any such burden towards the Arabs.
· Israel must declare that the nation of Israel has been irrevocably connected to the Land of Israel since the time of Abraham, some 4,000 years ago and that connection is centered in Judea and Samaria.
· Israel must declare that the Jewish people will live and settle in the heartland of Biblical Israel forever.
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| Community of the Month
This month CFOIC is focusing on Yitav...
 "This month we are highlighting the community of Yitav in the Jordan Valley. This special community has a heritage of making a new start under difficult circumstances. Those who have been successful in overcoming obstacles have committed themselves to help those who are less fortunate, so that they too can succeed.
The community needs your help to make their dream become a reality. Please join us this month in sending a blessing and a word of encouragement to the people living in Yitav. The children are their most precious resource; they are the future leadership of Israel. The investment in them today will make a world of difference tomorrow.
Your gift today will benefit not only the current generation, but also validate their grandparents' dream to better their lives in the Promised Land."
Go to our website and read more in PDF about the impact that this community has on Israel.
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| Support the Work of CFOIC Heartland
We Depend on You...
 Biblical Israel is in danger like never before. You can partner with the people of Judea and Samaria as they hold on to their land, despite negative world opinion, despite terrorism, despite "disengagements." When you support CFOIC Heartland, you support Biblical Israel.
We are counting on your support!
You may donate to CFOIC Heartland by calling 1-800-551-3207, emailing info@cfoic.com, or mailing a check made out to CFOIC to:
Christian Friends of Israeli Communities
PO Box 50833
Colorado Springs, CO 80949-0833
USA
...For donations in the US and Canada, or
Christian Friends of Israeli Communities
5 Ha Alon Street
PO Box 752
Ginot Shomron
ISRAEL
...For donations outside of the US and Canada.
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Visit Judea and Samaria on Your Next Tour
Make 2010 an Unforgettable Year...
 If you're headed to Israel, or are considering a trip within the year, do contact us! We'd like to help you plan a visit to one or more communities (always taking security into consideration) so you can meet with residents and see what your support is helping to accomplish. As Christians, let's commit to continue to stand with Israel.
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A moving book that allows us to feel the pain of the Gush Katif residents who were exiled from their homes.
