Residents at the ICEJ’s Home for Holocaust Survivors in Haifa have endured the latest escalation in the long, intense war with Iran and Hizbullah, and are now embracing the summer months, showing their creativity in art, and blessings the community in special ways.
On Yom HaShoah (Israel’s Holocaust Remembrance Day), we remember the six million Jews who perished in the Holocaust, and the many brave Jews who rose up to resist the evil Nazi regime. We also honor the legacy and courage of those who survived. More than ever, we carry the responsibility to educate future generations about the horrors inflicted by the Nazi regime.
On the day of Yom HaShoah, the six million Jews who perished in the Holocaust were remembered, and the many brave Jews who rose up to resist the evil Nazi regime. We also honour the legacy and courage of those who survived.
Over the intense war with Iran, most Israelis have been reluctant to venture far from the safety of their closest bomb shelter. Still, they are trying to lead as normal a life as possible, and there are always errands to run and groceries to buy. Yet when the rocket sirens blare their warning of incoming missiles from Iran and Lebanon, those caught in traffic must make a mad dash for the nearest shelter – and finding one has become a dangerous and stressful game.
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.
Complete the form below to contact ICEJ Australia. We look forward to hearing from you.
Please enter your details below to register your interest for our Australian Feast of Tabernacles 2024 Tour. We will be in touch when registrations are open.