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On June 12, Israel and the world woke to a new reality with global implications. In a stunning operation dubbed Operation Rising Lion (recalling Numbers 23:24), Israel struck key Iranian nuclear facilities and senior military leaders, miraculously setting back Iran’s nuclear program and containing its ballistic missile threat – a challenge many once thought impossible.

The year 2025 marks 1700 years since the landmark Council of Nicaea in 325 AD, commemorated by many churches around the world.  What was so tragic about Nicaea is that it was only the second universal council of the Church. Whereas in Acts 15 the Jewish-led church went beyond their traditions to welcome and embrace Gentile believers, the Gentile church after Nicaea shamelessly rejected the Jews from all church life and began fuelling Christian antisemitism for generations to come.

Israel has borne many insults since Oct 7 as the nations rage and plot vain things (Psalm 2:1) but Israel must continue to do what they can to defend their citizens, bring the hostages home, while bearing their pain and anxiety.

The Israeli Declaration of Independence, which realized Herzl’s dream, coincided with the end of British rule over the Palestine Mandate. In his declaration, Ben-Gurion called for peace and equality for all inhabitants and extended a hand to neighbouring states. Yet, the very next day, Israel was invaded by several Arab nations, initiating Israel’s War of Independence. Despite overwhelming odds, the fledgling Israeli state prevailed – a victory nothing short of miraculous, showing that God’s hand was at work.

Following the Holocaust many survivors made Australia their new home, far from the horror they had lived through. And there are Holocaust memorial museums that preserve the memories and document the genocide. Visit the one in your State or Territory to refresh your knowledge of the history.

Passover is a reminder of God’s faithfulness to Israel, rescuing them from Egyptian slavery and bringing them into the promised land, in fulfilment of His covenant with Abraham. It highlights Israel’s vital role in God’s salvation plan and shows that God will always deliver His chosen people – an important reminder as we witness unprecedented hostility towards Israel today.

Not long before the 2025 Holiday of Purim was celebrated, in which the Book of Esther containing Mordecai’s words is read, those same words were echoed by Andrew Wallace MP in Canberra on 25th February, during the relaunch of the Australia-Israel Allies Caucus, of which he serves as Chair.

It was exciting to see Marty working with children each day, playing an important role in the rehabilitation of damaged minds from the events of October 7, 2023. It was especially appropriate for our branch to gift a horse due to the part Australian horses played in liberating the Holy Land from the Ottoman Empire.

Israel has borne many insults since Oct 7 as the nations rage and plot vain things (Psalm 2:1) but Israel must continue to do what they can to defend their citizens, bring the hostages home, while bearing their pain and anxiety.