"As the mountains surround Jerusalem, So the Lord surrounds His people
From this time forth and forever.
Psalm 125:2
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In this CUFI Weekly Review
Russia fires at Israeli planes over Syria; Iran getting close to nuclear bomb; UK calls for investigation over journalist's death; CUFI Prayer
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Russian military shoots missiles at Israeli jets over Syria
For the first time, Russian forces based in Syria have fired S-300 missiles at Israeli jets as they flew over Syrian territory. Israel’s jets were able to avoid danger, but this could signal a significant shift in Moscow’s attitudes towards Israel.
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Israel warns that Iran is “a few weeks” away from sufficient material for nuclear bomb
Israel’s minister of defense has said the cost of dealing with Iran is higher now than a year ago, but less than it will be in a year, adding that Iran is just a “few weeks” from being able to make a nuclear bomb.
In an important speech, Benny Gantz revealed to Iran that Israel knows exactly where the Iranians are building a new underground site for a thousand new centrifuges, what Iran has developed, and how long it is going to take the Iranians to prepare – effectively putting Iran on notice.
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Iran is filling vacuum left by Russia in Syria, warns Jordanian king
Iran and its proxies are filling a vacuum left by Russia in southern Syria, the king of Jordan said in an interview this week, saying that it could result in an escalation of problems at Jordan’s border with Syria.
It comes after reports that Russia was withdrawing its forces from Syria to bolster its forces in Ukraine, according to the Moscow Times. According to a separate report, the now-abandoned bases have been transferred to Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guards Corps.
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Together we can make an even greater impact
Please consider supporting CUFI UK through a one-time donation or by becoming a member with a monthly gift. Despite our limited resources, you can help us make a real difference as we fight these battles in faith and with your support.
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UK calls for probe into journalist’s death, despite Palestinians refusing Israel’s request
The UK government has called for “an immediate, thorough, transparent, fair and impartial investigation” into the killing of an Al Jazeera journalist last week – echoing similar calls that Israel itself made following the shooting.
But not only was this not acknowledged during a debate in Parliament, but MPs were quick to attribute blame for Shireen Abu Aqleh on Israel. Some MPs meanwhile came to Israel’s defense, reminding the House that the Palestinians immediately refused a joint investigation and that it remains unclear who shot the journalist. There was also a blatant omission by critics of Israel that the shooting took place during an Israeli counter-terrorism operation in a location saturated by Palestinian militants and follows several weeks of Israeli murders in Palestinian terror attacks.
There has been no urgent question or debate held in the British parliament in response to the murder of 21 innocent Israelis from the terror attacks, including the axe attack on three Israeli fathers on 5 May, an attack linked to the arrests made in Jenin last week.
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UN probe into 2021 Gaza conflict is inherently biased against Israel
The International Legal Forum has this week published a report on the United Nations inquiry into the May 2021 Gaza conflict saying it is inherently biased against Israel.
Not only is the inquiry more intrusive than any other inquiry in the UN’s history, it only focuses on Israel’s actions and ignores those of Hamas and other terror groups in Gaza. It is also headed up by an anti-Israel activist.
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Urgent Appeal: Please help Ukrainian Jews make Aliyah to Israel
Will you help CUFI enable these Jewish people to reach Israel?
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UK government to ‘disengage’ with NUS and withdraw funding over antisemitism
The government has “temporarily disengaged” with the National Union of Students following recent allegations of antisemitism and apparently called for an investigation into its recent election of Shaima Dallali as leader.
The government’s unprecedented decision means the NUS will not receive any government funding and will be removed from all Department for Education groups.
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ACT NOW: Tell Liz Truss that Britain should move its embassy to Jerusalem
Jerusalem is the capital of Israel. Period. Will you send a message to the UK Foreign Secretary?
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Christian-Arab kickboxer proudly wins gold for Israel at World Cup in Turkey
“I expect every Israeli citizen to wave the Israeli flag. I do not try to rile up people or anything like that. I wave the flag because I am an Israeli citizen.”
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British Olympian becomes coach of Israel’s national archery team
British Olympic medalist Richard Priestman has become the coach of Israel’s national archery team, the Israeli Archery Association has announced.
We are always happy to see Israelis and Britons working together.
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CUFI Prayer
Iran-Russian-Syria
Pray for Israel's protection amid an evolving situation between the major players at Israel's north. The King of Jordan this week articulated what some, as watchmen on the walls, are observing with interest. His concern is that the reported withdrawal of Russian forces in Syria for redeployment in Ukraine is creating a vacuum being filled by Iran. Jordan reports that they have already seen evidence of this at its own border with Syria. Russia hasn't withdrawn from Syria officially and not on any large scale yet, but the possibility of further withdrawal of Russian forces from Syria could present Israel with a serious problem of increased activity by Iran and its terror proxies.
Also this week, for the first ever time, Russian forces based in Syria fired S-300 missiles at Israeli jets as they flew over Syrian territory. Praise the Lord that Israel’s jets were able to avoid danger. It isn't clear whether the incident was just a one-time event or if it signals a change in Russian policy towards Israel. Russia has the defence system there to protect its assets in Syria, but it is not allowed to be used by Syrian forces and has never been used on Israeli planes. Jerusalem and Moscow have in recent years maintained a so-called deconfliction mechanism that works to prevent Israeli and Russian forces from clashing in Syria as Israel has tried to keep the threat from Iran contained. It also comes after relations were tested recently after some antisemitic remarks by Russia's foreign minister and similar rhetoric by Moscow's foreign ministry.
Both of these developments - possible Russian withdrawal and firing Russian missiles at Israeli planes - illustrate the fragility of the situation and show how easy Russia could be drawn into conflict with Israel. It is also a reminder how quickly the Iranian threat could escalate if Russia was to allow it. Pray for all these matters.
Back in Ukraine's capital
Continue to pray for the situation in Ukraine. Israel this week reopened its embassy in Kyiv after temporarily relocating it in Lviv due to the Russian invasion. The reopening was only symbolic and begins the process of operating fully in due time. A date for permanent reopening is yet to be decided.
We praise the Lord that Russia's failure to take Ukraine's capital has made it possible for Israel to take this initial step. We continue to pray for Kyiv's protection and remain mindful and prayerful about other Ukrainian cities that are under Russian occupation or have been heavily bombarded. Continue to pray for all those suffering in this conflict.
Israel's symbolic reopening of its embassy in Kyiv was commemorated by its ambassador and three other Israeli diplomats who proudly raised the Israeli flag on a tall flagpole outside the embassy. We praise the Lord for this commitment to Ukraine and act of hope.
UK should move its embassy from Tel Aviv to Israel
Pray for CUFI's campaign calling for the UK to recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital and move the embassy. Over the past few years, CUFI's petition has been signed by over 50,000 people and this week CUFI supporters are writing to their MPs ahead of Jerusalem Day next Saturday and Sunday. Pray that these efforts will challenge the UK government's position and bless Israel.
Israel's decision to symbolically reopen its embassy in Kyiv speaks to us in a relevant way. Israel rightly regards Kyiv to be Ukraine's capital because Ukraine has determined it to be its capital and has rightfully placed its government there. Despite the instability of the country, and the dangers, Israel reopening the Kyiv embassy is honouring Ukraine. It is sending a message to Ukraine that it respects and honours its wishes, and that whilst there is no compulsion to, or any demand or expectation, Israel wants to honour Ukraine in this special way. In a similar comparison, pray that the UK will understand these important principles when applied to Jerusalem: Israel has chosen its capital; it has chosen Jerusalem as its seat of government, and despite the surrounding conflict and regional instability, the UK acknowledging Jerusalem as Israel's capital is honouring the Jewish state. Pray that the UK will eventually honour Israel in this way.
Honouring God
Recognising Jerusalem is not only honouring Israel, it is honouring God. We say AMEN to this proclamation of truth from the Bible:
"Yet I have chosen Jerusalem, that My name may be there." (2 Chronicles 6:6)
"The Lord loves the gates of Zion. More than all the dwellings of Jacob." (Psalm 87:2)
"For the Lord has chosen Zion; He has desired it for His dwelling place." (Psalm 132:13)
We honour Zion today by standing in full agreement with these verses and pray that our nation will honour Israel and honour God in obedience to Him. As the Bible says "for those who honour Me I will honour" (1 Samuel 2) and "Righteousness exalts a nation" (Proverbs 14:34).
We pray that our nation will be blessed by honouring Israel and pursuing a path of righteousness.
Thank you for joining with us in prayer for Israel today.
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Selected comments may be from multiple posts on the same subject and may not always necessarily represent the views of CUFI.
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IN OTHER NEWS FROM AROUND THE WEB
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Hezbollah, allies lose majority in Lebanon's parliament
Hezbollah and its allies have lost their parliamentary majority, final results in Lebanon's general elections showed Tuesday, while more than a dozen independent newcomers gained seats. (Israel Hayom)
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Priti Patel slams BDS as 'racist', declares her 'unflinching and unequivocal' support of Israel
Priti Patel has declared her “unflinching and unequivocal” support for Israel, describing her relationship to the country as “deeply personal” to her. (Jewish Chronicle)
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UK taxpayer funds pro-BDS arts company founded by terrorist
UK taxpayer cash is pouring into two arts companies that demand a boycott of Israel – including one founded by a terrorist who said he established his theatre troupe with “the butt of my machine gun," the JC can reveal. (Jewish Chronicle)
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Manifesto attributed to Buffalo shooting suspect pushes antisemitic conspiracies
In an alleged manifesto posted online before the attack, Payton Gendron, 18, also directed intense hatred at Jews, expressed support for Nazism and subscribed to the antisemitic and racist Great Replacement conspiracy theory. (Times of Israel)
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Israel: Pilgrims return to Meron for downsized event, a year after crush that killed 45
Worshipers hold memorial service for victims as annual Lag B’Omer events begin, alongside heavy police presence and new rules in place to avoid repeat of 2021 disaster. (Times of Israel)
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Ukrainian students, academics fleeing war begin studies at Israeli universities
Israeli universities are stepping up to the plate to absorb students from Ukraine whose studies have been disrupted by the ongoing war. (Times of Israel)
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