Rewarding terror, encouraging extremists!
Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness…. Isaiah 5:20
Earlier this week, our Australian Government announced it will formally recognise Palestinian statehood. Hamas – a designated terrorist group – praised Albanese’s decision. We are on a deeply dangerous path that will further embolden the hostility we are witnessing towards the Jewish people in our nation. It also sends a dangerous message: that terrorism and antisemitism – including the tragic events of October 7 – pay off.
Read ICEJ Australia’s Full Press Statement
We should take heed that Scripture repeatedly warns against unjust division of God’s land that leads to bloodshed and injustice (Joel 3:1–3; Ezekiel 36:5; Numbers 35:33-34).
Therefore, we ask that you join us in praying for our nation, which risks opposing God’s purposes, that our government would reverse this course of action and return to its longstanding bipartisan position of solidarity with Israel – our one democratic ally in the Middle East. We pray the conflict be swiftly resolved through a negotiated settlement that Israel has consented to.
ICEJ has prepared a template letter to send to your local MPs and Senators to express your disappointment over this decision and urge the government to reverse course.
Email us NOW and help us stand with our Jewish community
connect@icej.org.au
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Errors & Dangers of recognising Palestinian State
PROCLAIMING TRUTH IN A WORLD OF LIES
Speak the truth to one another; render in your gates judgments that are true and make for peace – Zechariah 8:16
Misinformation about Israel has long abounded, but never more so than since October 7, 2023. Following that tragedy and the ensuing war, sympathy for the victims quickly faded as false accusations spread. These included claims that Israel is committing genocide and intentionally starving Palestinians, among other allegations. Recently, this took an even more insidious turn, with widely circulated images purportedly showing starving children in Gaza. These heartbreaking images have caused many to accept at face value that Israel is to blame.
As is often the case in this conflict, there is more than meets the eye. While devastation in Gaza is undeniable – as is sadly true in any war – it is not Israel that is responsible for civilian suffering, but Hamas. Since the conflict began, Israel has facilitated over 1.8 million tonnes of aid, according to the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories – hardly the actions of a country trying to starve a population. Hamas, on the other hand, has consistently obstructed aid for its own purposes.
Under international law, states are not obligated to provide aid if there is a real risk it will be diverted to the enemy. And yet, Israel has worked to ensure aid reaches those who need it, something UN agencies have struggled to achieve. This is why the US, in partnership with Israel, established the Gazan Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which works to ensure aid is not exploited by Hamas. Hamas has opposed the GHF precisely because it denies them the access they enjoy under UN agencies.
Furthermore, the recent viral images have depicted children with pre-existing medical conditions unrelated to the conflict. For example, one image shows Osama al-Rakab, who suffers from a serious genetic illness and is currently receiving treatment abroad, after Israel helped facilitate his exit from Gaza. Another viral image shows Mohammed al-Mutawaq, who suffers from cerebral palsy and serious genetic disorders. Despite this, the media accepted Hamas’ narrative at face value. But by the time retractions were issued, the lies had already spread far and wide.
Misinformation about Israel has devastating consequences. These mistruths fuel the antisemitic protests we witness on our streets, purporting to be against genocide, occupation and starvation. Such claims are even used to justify violence in the name of doing good and “resisting oppression”. This is not a new phenomenon but has deep roots in Christian history, particularly in the medieval concept of the “blood libel”.
The Tragic History Of Blood Libels
The blood libel refers to the false accusation in medieval Christendom that Jews kidnapped and murdered Christian children for ritual purposes, especially using their blood for matzah during Passover – an accusation that was completely unfounded. These lies, much like today’s false narratives, played on people’s emotions – particularly Christians – clouding judgment and obscuring the truth.
The first known blood libel occurred in Norwich, England, in 1144 when a 12-year-old boy named William was found dead, and local Jews were blamed without evidence. It was claimed that William had been kidnapped and crucified by Jews to mock Christ’s crucifixion as part of an annual ritual sacrifice. William was venerated as a martyr for centuries based on this myth. Such libels led to pogroms, expulsions and forced conversions throughout history. They demonised Jews by reinforcing the false notion that God had rejected them as “Christ killers,” and portrayed Jews as enemies of the Church.
We see parallels today: where Jews were once called child killers, now they are accused of intentionally targeting and starving children. Where Jews were once blamed for mass casualty disasters like the Black Death, now they are accused of genocide.
Mistruths about Jews date back even to biblical times. Scripture contains several instances where the Israelites were falsely accused, leading to violence. These early examples foreshadow later antisemitic tropes like the blood libel, even if the ritualistic characteristics are absent.
In Exodus 1:8-10, Pharaoh said of the growing Israelite population, “Behold, the people of Israel are too many and too mighty for us. Come, let us deal shrewdly with them, lest they multiply, and, if war breaks out, they join our enemies and fight against us and escape from the land.” Pharaoh falsely viewed the Israelites as a potential fifth column, leading to their enslavement and the order to kill Hebrew baby boys. In Esther 3:8, Haman accuses the Jews of disloyalty to incite the king against them. Opposition to Ezra and Nehemiah’s efforts to rebuild the Temple also involved false accusations of rebellion and treason (Ezra 4:12; Nehemiah 2:19; 6:6), again framing Jews as seditious. Today, accusations of “dual loyalty” among Jews in the diaspora echo these age-old tropes.
In light of this history, we must remember that although Israel is not immune to legitimate criticism, many of the accusations levelled at it today follow a long pattern of lies and demonisation – a pattern of Satanic deception that can be traced back to ancient times, and which unfortunately even infiltrated the Church.
Christians are called to be agents of truth. We have a duty to speak the truth in the face of falsehoods. By doing so, we not only repent for the part that Christian history has played in perpetuating antisemitism, but also work toward addressing the actual root cause of the current devastation in the region: radical Islamic terrorism – not Israel.
ICEJ Is Countering Libels With Truth
ICEJ has been at the forefront of addressing falsehoods in the current conflict and recently issued a press release responding to the latest accusations. Follow us on social media to stay updated on press releases and other content that presents the truth.
To learn more about disinformation surrounding Israel and responses to common accusations, we recommend reading our article:
Join Us For The Feast Of Tabernacles
This year’s Feast will be held from 6-13 October 2025.
This years 4 day package of Feast events in Jerusalem is being offered for our
lowest price ever at only $120USD. More packages available on our registration page. Secure your spot now!
Word From Jerusalem
The July/August Word From Jerusalem is now available and features a range of incredible insights and letters straight from the desks of ICEJ officials. This edition takes a look into the 12 Day War with Iran and what is now the focus for rebuilding the areas and lives across Israel that have been impacted by Iran’s strikes.
Biblical and Prophetic Teachings
Join Dr. Mordechai Kedar in this insightful ICEJ webinar as he delves into the implications of French involvement in Judea and Samaria. Discussing the potential recognition of a Palestinian state and its impacts, Dr. Kedar explores alternatives like the Emirates plan, highlighting Israel’s strategic responses to international pressures. This webinar offers a deep dive into geopolitical strategies, the role of France, and the future of the Middle East.
Praying For Israel
With the constant threat of attack, the rising witness of Antisemitism globally and the devastation left behind in the lives of so many across Israel – now is the time to gather in prayer and uplift the nation of Israel.
If you would like to be part of ICEJ’s global 24/7 prayer,
click below to join the Australian prayer watch each
Tuesday 2pm-3pm or Wednesday 7am-8am (AEDT).
Blessings,
Sarah Way
ICEJ Australia National Director
