JERUSALEM-ON-THE-LINE June 12, 2011

“Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” Ps 46:10 

UNITY SHORT-LIVED BETWEEN HAMAS AND FATAH:   The Palestinian Authority cabinet has cited financial woes as the reason it missed its deadline for creating a unified executive as mandated in the accords signed by Fatah and the Hamas terrorist organization in Cairo. A new executive of independent figures was mandated by the unity deal signed in Cairo on May 4 between former rival factions Hamas and Fatah. Officials from both factions had promised the new executive's members would be revealed on June 6. The June 6 deadline passed without notice, except by PA civil servants who are still waiting for their May salaries. In a release from the meeting, the cabinet said a government financial crisis had made it difficult for it "to meet its obligations on time." Hamas on Thursday announced it wanted out of the governance business entirely. (INN) This is an answer to the prayers of many faithful intercessors. Continue to pray there will be division between principalities and powers that comprise Israel’s enemies, while the Gospel goes forth to oppressed peoples under Islamic rule.

HAMAS TERRORIST LEADERS SAY POLITICS ARE BAD FOR TERRORISM: Hamas co-founder Khaled Mashaal said Thursday he supports his organization's withdrawal from Palestinian Authority politics to avoid global isolation. Hamas officials noted the idea has grown increasingly popular and is supported by Mashaal who believes participation in politics, and governance in Gaza, has weakened the resistance enterprise. "Hamas found that being in government caused huge damage to the movement, and therefore it has changed its policy," Hamas lawmaker Yehya Mussa said. "Hamas is re-evaluating its choices and resetting its priorities," he further explained. “Being in the government was a burden on Hamas, a burden on the image of Hamas, a burden on its resistance enterprise." Officials said the new direction, which will be reflected in actions, such as not presenting a candidate for presidential elections. The move is in contrast with Mashaal's previous positions on Hamas-Fatah unity, which led him into conflict in Hamas and PA media outlets with Hamas co-founder Mahmoud al-Zahar in past weeks. Mashaal stated in May that Hamas would not attack Israel without the consent of PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas, which drew sharp criticism from the Hamas rank and file. Al-Zahar, however, had made it clear Hamas involvement in the PA was only a means to further the “resistance” and that any agreement the PA might reach with Israel will only serve as a prelude to war. Hamas' announcement that it wants out of the governance business comes as the deadline for a unified executive between Fatah and Hamas was missed due to financial woes. (AP) Continue to pray for Israel’s backbone to be strengthened against all terrorist organizations, their associates and their malicious intentions against the Jewish state. No apologies are necessary for fighting terrorism!

PALESTINIAN LEADERSHIP DIVIDED OVER PLAN TO SEEK UN RECOGNITION: The Palestinian leadership is sharply divided over the unilateral move to seek recognition from the United Nations General Assembly in September. While Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas is determined to go through with the move, a group of senior Palestinians have said in closed conversations they oppose it because they believe seeking recognition from the UN could do more harm than good to their cause. Among those opposed to the UN declaration are senior officials, including PA Prime Minister Salam Fayyad, former Prime Minister Ahmed Qureia and the former Palestinian UN envoy Nasser al-Qudwa. The latter's opposition is particularly significant because he is considered the most experienced Palestinian official when it comes to dealing with the UN. He is also considered likely to run for PA president after Abbas retires. According to PA sources several senior PA officials are advising Abbas to forgo plans to seek a unilateral declaration of PA statehood at the UN in September due to opposition to the move from the US. However, the sources say the sense is that having announced his intentions to pursue the unilateral UN path, Abbas has "left himself with little room to maneuver and may proceed with the UN gambit simply to avoid a loss of credibility.” (Ha’artez)

WHO CAN I TRUST WITH MY DONATIONS?  Many people ask, "Where can I send my financial contributions and be sure they reach the people who need them most?"  As an employee of Vision for Israel & The Joseph Storehouse, I have witnessed since 2006, food, clothing and household goods go out to the poor, often twice a week. Thousands of dollars of hospital equipment have been freely given to old age and care institutions that simply can't afford new beds or other medical necessities. School packs have been prepared annually for thousands of needy children. Additionally, when there have been catastrophes abroad, Vision for Israel & The Joseph Storehouse are among the first to send necessary supplies to alleviate the distress. Your donations are needed and welcomed at www.visionforisrael.com  Make your online donations today. For residents in the UK and outside North America visit our website at www.josephstorehouse.co.uk   (Hannah)

ERDOGAN: SYRIAN TROOPS BARBARIC, DON’T BEHAVE LIKE HUMANS:In an escalation of rhetoric towards Syrian President Bashar Assad yet unseen from Ankara, Turkish PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan, on Friday, called the Syrian crackdown on protesters "inhumane," and described it as barbaric. Some 2,500 refugees have fled to Turkey in recent days from Syria's northern region where troops and tanks are amassing ahead of an expected offensive. Erdogan has blasted the tactics employed by Syria's elite army units, led by President Assad's brother, Maher. "Sadly, they don't behave like humans," Erdogan said of the Syrian army's 4th Division, commanded by Maher Assad. It was by far Erdogan's strongest call against the Bashar Assad, who he has previously described as a "good friend." The Turkish Prime Minister concluded, “We can't support Syria in the UN Security Council.” (J.Post)

US BACKS PROPOSAL AT UN TO CONDEMN SYRIAN REGIME:A UN Security Council resolution will help put added pressure on Syrian leader Bashar Assad to end the crackdown on protesters in Syria, US State Department spokesman Mark Toner said last week. Toner was referring to an earlier announcement by British PM David Cameron, saying that Britain and France will put forward a UN resolution condemning Syria's violent assaults against protesters. Britain, France, Germany and Portugal circulated a draft resolution condemning Syria at the UN Security Council last month, but diplomats say Britain has been working on a version with tougher language. Toner said a UN resolution would "add to the mounting international condemnation of what's been going on in Syria and help build a broader coalition towards ending the violence and pressuring Assad to make the right decisions." (Ha’aretz)

4 UNIVERSITIES ARE NOW BREEDING GROUND FOR TERROR AS HARD-LINE GROUPS PEDDLE HATE:  : England's universities have become a breeding ground for extremism and terrorist recruitment, according to a disturbing government report. Officials have identified 40 English universities where there may be particular risk of radicalization or recruitment on campus. Alarmingly the Prevent review says more than 30% of people convicted for al Qaeda-associated terrorist offences in the UK are known to have attended university or a higher education institution. Another 15% studied or achieved a vocational or further education qualification. About 10% were students at the time when they were charged or the incident for which they were convicted took place. (MailOnline)

THOUSANDS TURN OUT FOR TEL AVIV’S ANNUAL GAY PRIDE PARADE: Thousands of people flooded the streets of Tel Aviv on Friday as the city marked the end of Gay Pride Week with its annual pride parade - an extravaganza of floats, live music and partying on the beach. More than 5,000 tourists from around the world arrived in Israel to join the celebrations titled "It's good to be gay marching for social equality." (Ha’aretz) “Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.” 1 Cor 6: 9-10

TAU FINDS CINNAMON COULD COMBAT ALZHEIMER’S: A team of Tel Aviv University scientists, headed by Prof. Michael Ovadia have isolated a substance in the cinnamon plant which inhibits development of Alzheimer’s in mice. Scientists combined a solution containing cinnamon extract with the drinking water of mice and flies and examined the effect. The flies were raised with an Alzheimer's stimulating gene and the mice were raised with five genetic mutations that cause an aggressive development of Alzheimer's from the age of two months. After four months the scientists found the disease's development had slowed down and the animals' longevity and activity resembled that of their healthy counterparts. They also found the extract helped in breaking up already formed amyloid fibers. "This finding indicates the possibility that the substance may not only prevent the disease, but can cure it, after Alzheimer-causing molecules have already been formed," says Ovadia. Ovadia was interested in cinnamon attributes already as a youth, when he took part in the National Bible Contest and was asked about the substances comprising the holy paste the priests used to spread on the altar before the sacrifices. "I had a blackout, and remembered the materials, which include cinnamon, just as the gong went off," he says. (Ha’aretz)

ISRAEL HOLDS ABU GHOSH VOCAL MUSIC FESTIVAL: For its 40th year, the Abu Ghosh Vocal Music Festival, set in the picturesque Israeli Arab village of the same name outside of Jerusalem, is adding a wine festival to complement its classical, religious and chamber music offerings, not to mention its nationally famous hummus. The annual festival features Mozart, Handel, Puccini, Verdi and assorted choirs, as well as piano soloists which attract thousands of classic music fans. "This is the first time we are doing the wine tasting to promote Israeli wine," Marisol Halpern, one of the festival's organizers said, "and so far we are getting a very good response, it was packed these first days." Hoping to lure international music and wine connoisseurs, the organizers emphasized the backdrop of the church and pilgrim center: the gently rolling, olive tree-studded hills, ablaze in the glow of a late afternoon sun. (People’s Daily) “Be not afraid, O land; be glad and rejoice. Surely the Lord has done great things.” Joel 2:21

Blessings from Israel 

Barry Segal with the Editorial Staff 

As international speakers and messengers of the Good News through music, Barry and Batya Segal are at the forefront of what God is doing in the present day nation of Israel. With strong ties in both the nations and Jerusalem, the Segals are weaving the deepest roots of our biblical heritage together with the fresh Spirit-filled worship of today to create their rich harmony of Scripture and song.

The Segals have a vast vision for God's purposes in the nations and to the people of Israel. In fact, their longing to help rebuild Israel both spiritually and physically inspired them to pioneer the non-profit charity organization, Vision for Israel and The Joseph Storehouse. This arm of their ministry focuses on assisting the poor and needy, widows and orphans, and reaching out to the new Jewish immigrants coming into the land of Israel. Vision 's most challenging project to date is "The Joseph Storehouse®", humanitarian aid center, located in the hills of Jerusalem. The Joseph Storehouse functions as a channel of blessing to all of Israel, Jewish and Arab, through the gathering and distribution of emergency medical supplies, food, clothing, and other basic life necessities. USA office contact info: Vision for Israel, PO Box 7743, Charlotte NC 28241, 866-351-0075. The Segal's web site is http://www.visionforisrael.com/

Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved.