A Personal Message for the 4th of July

As a Jew who was born and grew up in America, I have always appreciated July 4th for the blessings that the United States has bestowed upon her Jewish residents. In 1776, there were less than 2,000 Jews in the 13 colonies and because over the next two centuries America ensured liberty and justice for all, that number has grown to several million today. July 4th is therefore a day when Jewish Americans demonstrate our deep love for the USA.

For the past 64 years ago, Jews worldwide have had another reason to thank the United States, and that is her strong support for the State of Israel. America was the first country to recognize the Jewish State in 1948 and since that day, the United States has blessed Israel greatly. Many religious Jews and Christians believe that America’s prosperity stems from its support for Israel as the literal outcome of God’s promise to Abraham in Genesis 12:3, „I will bless those who bless you.” Yet, there are very strong forces today who are working hard to undermine American support for Israel.

Last month, we conducted a survey and more than half of all respondents requested that we provide more news from Israel. You asked and we listened! Over the past several weeks our staff has worked tirelessly to develop a new website and email newsletter called „Breaking Israel News.” Our slant is neither liberal or conservative – just Biblical. We will report the latest news from the Holy Land with the view that the headlines each day from Jerusalem represent the fulfillment of Biblical prophesy and God’s promises. Each week we will take a poll to let you weigh in on various questions regarding Israel’s role in the world and our first poll question is, „Do you believe that America’s prosperity arises from the USA’s support for Israel?” To cast your vote, click here.

My personal quest and our mission statement at Israel365 is to promote the Biblical significance of Israel and I hope that „Breaking Israel News” furthers this vital interest. A news site is an expensive undertaking and if you join me and think our goal is worthwhile, please contribute to our efforts and in appreciation of your donation, you will receive a pin bearing the US and Israeli flags so you can proudly show your support for the two countries you love. What better way to celebrate July 4th? You can donate by clicking here.

Finally, I’d like to thank the staff of Israel365 who has dedicated so much extra time these past few weeks preparing for the launch of „Breaking Israel News.” Today, we took a fun break to enjoy a July 4th-Israeli-Style-BBQ and I’d like to introduce you to the team.

From left to right: Avi Staiman (Breaking Israel News editor), Avery Ratz (data manager), myself, Ayal Kellman (Director of Operations), Lorien Tova Balofsky (Art Director), Aliza Abrahamowitz (writer) and Simone Sommers (bookkeeper). Not pictured are Jillian Ezekiel (office manager), Tzipora Shechter (graphic designer) and Ahuva Balofsky (writer). They all join me in wishing you a happy 4th of July.