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Contents
Syndicated columnist Cal Thomas gives below a radical solution to
Israel's dilemma. His suggestion — the eviction of Palestinians to
neighboring Arab states — has been posed for years by conservative
Israelis, but continues to be rejected. We would like to poll our
readership about his ideas. Keep in mind that while Israel is a
democracy, its Arab minority is literally claiming the State of Israel
for itself. Send us your thoughts and please mark your envelope
"Eviction."
— Zola
Eviction is a Better Way to Peace, Stability
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CAL THOMAS
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By Cal Thomas
Columnist, Los Angeles Times Syndicate
...Enough of the excuses for Yasser Arafat's behavior. His condemnations
of terror mean nothing because he and his cohorts are behind it. Terror
is an instrument of their policy.
When former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak offered to meet 95 percent
of Arafat's demands, it wasn't enough. When the current Prime Minister,
Ariel Sharon, unilaterally declared a cease-fire in response to PA
shelling of Israeli civilians in late May, the violence continued.
People who claim that the Israeli "settlements" in formerly Palestinian
territory are responsible for the violence must explain what caused the
violence before the "settlements" started to appear.
The response from Sharon's government to the latest bombing should be
swift and strong. Since nothing Israel does or does not do will persuade
Yasser Arafat to make peace or dissuade him from making war, Israel
should declare war on Arafat and his terrorist brigade. The assaults on
the PA military and terrorist positions should be total and relentless.
Call it a war of attrition until Arafat has had enough and takes
concrete, irreversible steps to stop the violence.
It should now be clear that Israel cannot tolerate a huge Arab
population within its borders, so a political decision must be made.
Most Arabs and Palestinians appear to be nonviolent but it can be
difficult to tell the difference. As Middle East analyst Emanuel Winston
(a research associate of the Freeman Center for Strategic Studies in
Houston) notes in a recent article: "The terrorists sometimes come in
with workers, or the Arab community offers safe houses in Israel to
protect the terrorist."
The Jews have misplaced their faith. Gifted with thinking the best about
human potential, Jews have made decisions that too often are not in
their interest — such as allowing mortal enemies to live among them
and giving up land seized for their own protection after five wars and
numerous terrorist attacks.
Israel should declare its intention to transfer large numbers of its
Palestinian residents to Arab nations. This sounds radical until one
considers that is precisely what Kuwait and Saudi Arabia have done.
After the Palestinians assisted Saddam Hussein in Iraq's invasion of
Kuwait during the Gulf War (which Arafat cheered while calling on
Hussein to shell Israel), Kuwait forcibly evicted and transferred to
Jordan about 300,000 Palestinians, labeling them as traitors and a fifth
column. Saudi Arabia also recognized Arafat's betrayal of their Kuwaiti
hosts by transferring about 350,000 Palestinians to Jordan.
Those diplomats who regularly denounce Israel for any perceived slight
against Palestinians were noticeably silent about these transfers. As
Emanuel Winston writes in another commentary: "No Arab country, other
than Jordan, trusts or welcomes Palestinians into its country as
citizens. Even the radical Arab nations of Syria (and) Lebanon (under
Syrian control), Iraq and Iran keep them segregated in squalid refugee
camps, knowing full well their reputation for breaking agreements and
conspiring against their host government."
How quickly we forget "Black September" in 1970. Arafat tried to
overthrow King Hussein of Jordan. Hussein killed thousands and drove
Arafat and his Palestinians into Lebanon. Arafat, who had broken
numerous agreements by then, began a 12-year reign of terror against
Christian and Muslim Lebanese. More than 100,000 Lebanese were murdered,
raped and tortured by Arafat's Palestinians.
The current model of "land for peace" is not working, nor can it work
given the objectives of Arafat and Israel's other enemies. Eviction is a
better avenue to stability. Will it happen? Probably not. Should it?
Yes.
Here's an opposing view by a Catholic priest to Cal Thomas' proposal to
evict the Palestinians.
FATHER DENNIS MURPHY
WINONA DAILY NEWS, LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Every time you print a column by Cal Thomas on the Israeli-Palestinian
conflict, I hope that soon after I might read an editorial providing the
Palestinian view. But I am still waiting.
On June 6, you published an editorial by Thomas suggesting that large
numbers of Palestinians be evicted from the Holy Land since the
Palestinians hadn't accepted the generous peace proposals by Barak and
in fact were conducting a "continuing strategy to exterminate Israel and
eliminate every Jew from the area."
In the mid-80s, I taught Palestinian students for three years at
Bethlehem University in Bethlehem, which was Then militarily occupied by
Israel. On a daily basis, I saw the terrible injustices that the
Palestinians suffered at the hands of the Israeli troops. And this has
been taking place for decades.
It is no wonder, then, that things would come to a head in the first
Intifada and that a more violent Intifada might ensue once it was
evident that there would be no peace.
How unfortunate for Father Murphy to use language which supports "a more
violent Intifada" waged by the Palestinians. There is no peace because
Arafat and the Palestinians have as their primary objective the
extermination of Israel and the elimination of every Jew from the Land.
Certainly, a learned professor living three years in Israel should have
studied enough to discover that the Palestinians do not want peace with
Israel, but rather insist on a peace void of any Jewish presence
whatsoever. As far as Father Murphy not finding the "Palestinian view"
in the news, I'm not sure how he could miss it every day in the
mainstream media! — Zola
 Return to Index
Here's an insightful and practical
article that is equally applicable to
the Church as it is to Jews in general.
— Zola
Editorial
Seven Ways You Can Help Israel
By Michael Freund
The Jerusalem Post
For many Jews around the world, one of the most frustrating aspects of
the current violence in Israel is the seeming inability to do something
about the situation. Dazed by daily reports of terror, concerned Jews
are largely at a loss as to how they can help, even in some small way,
during this difficult period.
Such feelings are entirely understandable, for one often gets the sense
that no matter what Israel seems to do, its predicament only grows
worse. But such thinking is neither productive nor beneficial, because
the last thing the Jewish people need right now is despair. Instead, we
must all focus our energies on doing what we can to lift Israel's
spirits and help it contend with an increasingly volatile and uncertain
situation. Though far from revolutionary, here are some simple and
practical suggestions as to what you can do to help. They are what I
refer to as the "Seven 'P's" of Jewish activism:
Point and Click — The first task is to better educate ourselves and
our communities about events in Israel. The Internet provides a range of
useful sources for getting a more accurate picture of what is really
happening in the Jewish state.
A few useful sites are:
the Jerusalem Post — www.jpost.com,
Arutz-7 — www.israelnationalnews.com,
and
IMRA — www.imra.org.il.
Visit such sites and recommend them to friends — you will be amazed
at how people's eyes can be opened when they start to get the real
picture about what is going on.
Publish Your Views — Once you have a better grasp of the facts,
don't hesitate to speak out. No Jewish organization or Israeli consulate
can fight the propaganda war on every front, so don't assume that they
will. Pick up your pen, or your keyboard, and start writing. Whether it
is a letter to the editor of your local newspaper, or an ongoing
dialogue in a chat room, you never know how your contribution may affect
someone else's views. Share your success stories with others, and turn
yourself and your friends into roving ambassadors on Israel's behalf.
Protest Media Bias — The mainstream media is replete with
anti-Israel bias and sloppy reporting. Don't let them get away with it.
If you see something that offends you, let the editor know, tersely and
politely. For resources and ideas on combating media bias, check out:
Honest Reporting — www.honestreporting.com,
CAMERA — www.camera.org, and
CNN-Watch — www.cnnwatch.org.
Provide Assistance — If you are able to provide financial support,
there are many worthwhile organizations working to address the problems
caused by the intifada. The Israel Crisis Management Center, based in
Tel Aviv (phone: 972-3-544-5161), assists new immigrants who have been
victimized by terrorist attacks, including the families of those killed
in the Tel Aviv disco bombing, with grants, loans and volunteer
counseling. A group called Helping Israel —
www.helpingisrael.com,
has an extensive list of medical and security supplies required by
Jewish communities that have borne the brunt of the Palestinian
violence, such as those in Judea, Samaria and Gaza. Sending money, even
in small sums, is a tangible and meaningful way of demonstrating your
support.
[Editor's Note:
The Bridges for Peace Ezra Projects give Christians an excellent way
to help the needy in Israel —
www.bridgesforpeace.com.]
Pressure Representatives — Wherever you live, your views as a
citizen need to be heard by your elected representatives. In many
instances, American congressional offices keep tabs on the quantity of
mail they receive on particular issues as a way of measuring their
relative importance to their constituency. Find out who your elected
officials are and urge them to publicly express their support for Israel
during these difficult times.
Pay a Visit — The recent flap over the cancellation of Israel
summer programs had a sharply negative impact on relations between
Israel and the Diaspora. There is no better way to demonstrate your
solidarity than by boarding a plane and paying a visit to the Holy Land.
Yasser Arafat needs to know that he cannot succeed in scaring Jews away,
and your visit will help to send him that message.
Pray for Help — The Jewish people have always turned to their
Father in Heaven as a source of strength and support. No prayer goes to
waste, and regardless of your level of observance, consider adding a
request for Israel to your regular (or even irregular) prayer regimen.
Whether in the privacy of your home or on the pews of your local
synagogue, make the crisis in Israel the focus of your thoughts.
Return to Index
Zola's Bulletin Board
High Holiday Tour
September is one of the best times to tour Israel because of the Jewish
Feasts. This year we are offering four options:
Our Deluxe Tour: Sept. 3 - 13. Ten very spiritual days in Israelfor
a firsthand encounter with the people and the land.
Our Grand Petra Tour: Aug. 30 - Sept. 13. In addition to the
ten-day Israel itinerary, you will experience luxurious Eilat and famous
Petra.
The Grand Athens Tour: Sept. 3 - 18. You'll enjoy our Deluxe Israel
Tour plus a relaxing Mediterranean cruise of the Biblical isles.
The Ultra Grand Tour: Aug. 30 - Sept. 18. This is the complete package:
Israel, Eilat/Petra and the Biblical isles cruise. "All of the above!"
For more information, please call Tony at (214) 696-9760 during office
hours. You may also call 1-800-WONDERS (966-3377) anytime and request a
full-color brochure.
To the Jew First Fund
You read about our "Two Witnesses to Israel"
[p1]
[p2]
[p3]
in our May and June Levitt
Letters. Todd Baker and Kevin Parker are ready to return and you can be
a part in what many churches haven't done: sending missionaries to
Israel. Todd and Kevin don't ride motor coaches and see the sights. They
hit the streets and witness face-to-face. If you wish to help cover
their airfare, hotel and food expenses, please designate a gift to
Zola's "To the Jew First" fund.
Israel Bonds
Prime Minister Ariel Sharon says that "Purchasing an Israel bond
shows your solidarity and helps finance the future of the Jewish
State. More than just a good investment, it allows us to invest in
critical infrastructure projects." By purchasing a bond, you become
a partner in building the Jewish state. Sharon adds, "It is not just
a financial transaction, but a pledge of devotion. I call upon you,
at this critical hour, to buy an Israel bond and come here to visit
and see the wonderful fruits of your investment."
For more info on rates of approximately 7.1%, please contact:
State of Israel Bonds
9660 Hillcroft, Suite #316
Houston, TX 77096
(800) 676-3101
www.israelbonds.com
Zola on Internet Radio
The Zola Levitt Presents TV program has been on Internet TV for
more than a year at www.levitt.com. Now you can hear most of Zola's
teaching audiocassettes for free by going to www.levitt.com and clicking on
"Zola on Internet Radio"
or by going directly to
www.worshipradio.com.
After downloading the free software, you will be able to listen to our
tapes each evening at 9:00 PM Central Time. You'll also find some
terrific praise and worship music there, including some of Zola's.
Zola to Visit Our Chat Room
In addition to an
Israel slide show,
newsletter archive and
online store,
www.levitt.com has both a
discussion board and a
chat room.
On Aug. 28, from 7:30 to 8:30 PM Central Time, Zola will come to our
chat room, comment on his April Israel tour and answer questions you may
have about the Bible and our ministry. Depending on the participation,
he may visit the chat room during that same time on the last Tuesday of
each month.
The Holy Land Experience
During the winter months, Zola plans to host several
tours to The Holy Land Experience in Orlando, FL.
Please let us know whether you would prefer the weekend
of Nov. 23 or Nov. 30. If you would like to extend
your stay to include the weekdays in between, we plan
to guide you to other sites and attractions, along with
daily Bible studies with Zola and his staff. For more
information, please call Tony at (214) 696-9760 during
office hours. You may also call 1-800-WONDERS (966-3377) anytime.
Airing Updates
Please note our TV program's schedule changes below:
- Peoria, IL — Grace 20 — 9:00 PM Monday
- Mobile, AL/Pensacola, FL — WHBR 33 — 6:00 AM Friday
- Ashland, KY — WTSF 61 — 6:30 PM Sunday
Cross TV in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, went off the air as of July 29, 2001.
Sometimes a lack of contributions in an area forces us to discontinue
broadcasting.
Zola in Your Church
Beginning in late November and into the winter, Zola plans to be in
Florida leading groups to the new Holy Land Experience in Orlando. If
you know a church that would like to host him when he's going to be "in
the neighborhood," they would save considerably on travel expenses.
Please contact Lawrence in our office at (214) 696-8844 during office
hours.
Return to Index
A Note From Mark
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MARK LEVITT
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Before he bought it, my father Zola's house inspired no interest during
the two years it sat on the market. The previous owners were caterers
who loved to entertain enough that they eliminated the backyard by
constructing a den over it big enough to accommodate three large dining
tables. Oddly enough, the master bedroom and bathroom windows look into
the den. Zola has overcome some of the house's functional obsolescence
by cutting a passageway from the den closet to the master bedroom.
Zola has eight years left on his mortgage, but the house has paid for
itself as far as this ministry is concerned. That large room, you see,
is our television studio. For years we have saved thousands of dollars
per program by having a free place to set up lights, cameras, etc. While
the bulk of our programs are filmed onsite in Israel, we tape all of our
introductions and closings in this room. In addition, Zola's attic
stores dozens of boxes of ministry records for which our new office
doesn't have space. By opening his home to this ministry's needs, Zola
is probably our largest donor.
When office space became more expensive a couple of years ago, we moved.
In north Dallas, our office sits between Fellowship Bible Church,
Centennial Liquor and Condoms to Go. After two breakins this year, we
have added a security system and video surveillance. We have no regrets
because, so far, the savings over our old location have been enough to
pay for a whole television series.
Twenty-seven years ago, I ran my lawn mowing business out of our
family's tin shack, which we called the Temporary Building. I was
fourteen years old. In the front section that was carpeted, my father
personally typed manuscripts for his first twenty books on a manual
typewriter. As I invested in an edger, hedge trimmer and chain saw, Zola
added a heater and hired a secretary. When I went to college, he made
his television debut. When I started working, he went on his first
national television network. Now that he is 62 and I am 41, the ministry
celebrated its 22nd birthday on May 17.
The objectives from last year's two part "State of the Ministry" article
have been somewhat sidetracked while God has dropped unexpected
blessings in our laps.
For example, it was unforeseeable last December that in April we would
send two fully-sponsored missionaries to Israel to witness to Jews. God
did this; Zola and I didn't. Instead, we watched. Sometimes ministry is
a spectator sport: "let go & let God." Our first Israel mission trip
happened in such a way that I would have had to defy God to stop it. Now
we are planning another one for September. Humbled again, I rejoice. If
you wish to be a part of this, you are welcome to designate
contributions to our "To the Jew First" fund.
Our new Internet radio outreach involved no more than nudging a
struggling ministry to "Napster" us, putting Zola's best teaching
audiocassettes on the Internet for free listening, available like
"Zola on Internet TV"
at www.levitt.com. I went to business school at the University of Texas.
It would sully their reputation if I claimed they taught me to give free
access to materials I also try to market. Of course, what makes sense
spiritually isn't always rational in our temporal existence.
Regarding other objectives, we have yet to reawaken certain major
seminaries to the importance of Israel and prophecy. We are seeing more
people get high-speed Internet connections and enjoy our online
broadcasts. Our approach to overseas expansion has yet to yield very
much, but God's certainly has. We could have claimed false victories by
paying a foreign syndicator to place our program in Africa and South
America and omitting such details as how few there have television sets,
are literate enough to understand our teaching, or even have an appetite
for it. We would rather be good stewards than claim triumphs that merely
sound impressive.
God, however, delivered us free propositions better than those we
pursued. The Revival Channel broadcasts Zola Levitt Presents on the
Sirrus II Satellite, serving 58 European cities, plus Syria, Lebanon,
Israel, Russia, Turkey, southern Scandinavia, north Africa and western
Ireland. In Canada, CJIL-TV, The Miracle Channel, has expanded from
carrying our program in southern Alberta to two direct-to home digital
systems and on about 600 cable systems, giving them an audience of
almost seven million.
Our Levitt Letter
has grown from eight to twelve to sixteen pages. In
our eagerness to teach more via this important outreach, we have
minimized ads about our teaching materials. Now we are seeking to catch
up on describing some television series that need to find their way into
Christian homes and church libraries. More than just generating sales
revenue to cover our production and airtime expenses, these ads will
foster home study and disseminate teaching to be discovered by
unbelievers after the Rapture — a vital ministry.
The vacation season and faltering economy have added to the challenges
we face with increased printing, postage and TV production costs. I am
not sounding a red alert or even a yellow one to those of you who
regularly support this outreach. To the rest of you, however, who are
able, this would be a good time, for your sake as well as ours, to help
us cover your share of these financial burdens. To the hundreds of
prisoners and thousands of retirees who receive our newsletters, this is
no hint that you should quit enjoying our free newsletters. But too many
of our supporters have lost track of how long it has been since they
have sent a contribution. Merely checking their records will inspire
them to catch up with us, and that is all we ask.
It's still not too late to sign up for our September tour. Also remember
that we will tour the Holy Land Experience in Orlando, Florida, on
Thanksgiving weekend. Please call Tony at (214) 696-9760.
Return to Index
Editorial
Associated Press' Biased Reports Make Jews Look Barbarous
By Julie Morin
Arizona Daily Sun, letter to the editor
Must we be subjected each day to the Associated Press version of events
in the Middle East? Every day another headline intimates Israeli
oppression of Palestinians, with the usual picture of Palestinian
strife.
One has to read to the end of the article to find perhaps one line
devoted to Palestinian violence as the cause of the incident, and there
is never a photograph of this aggression nor a picture of Israeli
injuries.
Palestinian terrorists are referred to as "protesters." This is not much
different from the pre-World War II European media blitz in which the
Jews were presented as oppressors of poor working people. The AP is
using the age-old technique of making the Jews look barbarous to
disguise aggression against them.
I would think your paper could do a better job of presenting the whole
story.
This is just one more example of slanted reporting coming from the
mainstream media. Another AP article recently was headlined: "Hope For
Peace Fades as Israelis Attack Again." Interestingly, above the article
was a photograph of two Palestinian children holding plastic rifles and
wearing fake explosives strapped to their waists! But the AP is just one
of many news outlets doing this. I stopped taking the New York Times
some two or three years ago for just these reasons. Now, that respected
newspaper, invariably critical of Israel, will endure a boycott among
its considerable Jewish readership for ten days in September. In
surprising contrast, USA Today, nominally favorable to Israel in its
reporting, printed a story which was headlined, "Israel Retaliates for
Suicide Bomb Attack," acknowledging, albeit in subtle terms, that Israel
was the victim of terror. — Zola
Return to Index
Editorial
Evangelist Pat Robertson Defends Direct Hit Policy
Excerpts from Christian Friends of Israel News
Christian Coalition founder Pat Robertson has come out in support of
Israel's policy of targeted killings [of terrorists]. "I am absolutely
in support of an Israeli policy that says, we think surgical strikes of
a military nature against the architects of terror are more appropriate
than harming innocent civilians who are not responsible for the terror,"
Robertson told a news conference here in Jerusalem.
Robertson upbraided the U.S. and other countries for criticizing Israel.
"Nations of the world must understand that Israel is not a ward of the
United Nations and is not a ward of the United States, and its policies
must reflect the best interests of Israel," he said.
The Christian leader, who heads a business and broadcast empire, blamed
Yasser Arafat for the violence. Robertson said he interviewed Arafat
twice in the past and found that while he talks of peace in English, he
urges his people in Arabic to fight to destroy the Jewish state. "He no
longer should be considered a legitimate partner for Israel.... It is
incumbent on them [the Palestinians] to choose a leader who is
responsible and not dedicated to terror."
He also said American Christians should visit Israel. "They should be
encouraged to not allow terror to succeed by choking off...tourism," he
said. "It's probably no more dangerous to be in Jerusalem than it is to
be in New York City." Robertson noted that he was touring Israel with
his wife, a "statement to the American Christian community that it is
safe in Israel to come and visit the holy sites and to travel in this
nation."
Return to Index
Editorial
Ambassador Indyk: Arafat Never Foreswore Violence
The Jerusalem Post
Outgoing U.S. Ambassador to Israel Martin Indyk said yesterday he does
not believe Palestinian Authority Chairman Yasser Arafat "ever really
gave up violence as a tool to achieving his objectives."
Indyk, who will be leaving his post next week after finishing up his
second stint here as ambassador, said he does not believe Arafat "was
sincere" when he renounced the use of violence as a prelude to the Oslo
Accords.
Return to Index
Dear Pastor Zola:
How much I enjoyed your contribution to the prophecy conference in
Modesto, California recently. Your ministry was like a breath of fresh
air, fresh truth, and general good humor. Thank you especially for the
precious prayers you prayed in Hebrew over us. I sensed the blessing of
the Father both as you prayed and taught.
SVW
Dear Zola:
If I could be more than 100% behind you, I would....
I finally got to watch the "For Zion's Sake, I Will Not Keep Silent"
video last night. Just want to comment on your little test on where the
articles you read were from — the answer being Christianity Today.
I mentioned to my wife that sadly, what was written in Christianity
Today is what passes off as Christianity today....
Keep up the good work.... Wish I could afford to go to Israel with
you.... Wish I could send you more financial support.... Father God has
given a heart for Jews and Jewish things.... I love you and appreciate
the fact that it was Jews who first brought the Good News to Gentiles.
It seems that mostly all I received from Gentile preachers is milk. I
get my "meat" (not pork) from reading Jewish writings.
RL
Dear Zola:
Well, they did it, and I'm fuming! I've feared it would happen for a
long time. I missed your program this morning, because TBN has been
dropped by our new cable company — Comcast. I'll check the website
www.levitt.com when I get a chance, but I tell you, I'm very upset. I am
thankful that I've taped all your programs... since I first purchased my
VCR in 1988.
JE
Dear JE:
I lament with you about your cable company not wanting to continue this
kind of Christian programming in your area. Please know that we don't
have any control over what the stations and companies do with
programming and airtimes. But I am encouraged that you've taped all our
programs since 1988! May God bless you for your desire to know Him and
His Word! — Zola
Dear Zola:
I am writing a short note to let you know that it is my belief your
ministry is helping and reaching many people of all nationalities and
religions to come to the truth. Please do not get discouraged! Thank you
for the insight of your teachings as they very well tie in the Jewish
roots of Christianity. Sadly, many ministries could be asleep at the
wheel in these end times. I am convinced yours is not! Keep up the
insightful and redeeming work you are doing on behalf of our Lord!
DS
Dear DS:
Sadly, I believe many are indeed "asleep at the wheel" in these days as
I observe countless organizations adrift from our prime directive from
the Lord — the evangelism of the lost and the thorough teaching of
God's Word! It's because of attitudes like yours that we keep going.
— Zola
Dear Zola:
I feel that through your newsletters I have received a spiritual
education and a spirit of discernment between what is right, true
doctrine and what is false. When I receive your letters I read them
through immediately. I am a Gentile Christian and I have a Jewish
associate who has just received Jesus as Messiah and Savior. I pass your
letters along to him and he is learning so much and finding out how to
witness to his unsaved family.
CRG
Zola's Staff:
Thanks so much for your very informative letter. I look forward to it
every month and I am sorry that I'm not able at this time to contribute
in monies. I have listed a link to Zola Levitt on my business
website....
I have learned so much and am expecting to learn a whole lot
more in the future. God bless and may He bring more to the knowledge
you're sharing.
JI
Dear, dear Zola:
I know your frustration is great regarding "church-ianity." I just
wanted to remind you that Scripture is spiritually discerned. In 1
Corinthians 2, Paul says in vs. 10, "But God has revealed it to us by
His Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.
For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man's spirit
within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the
Spirit of God."... vs. 14, "The man without the Spirit does not accept
the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to
him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually
discerned." (NIV)
In chapter 3 Paul makes this statement, "Brothers, I
could not address you as spiritual but as worldly — mere infants in
Christ."
Anyone who has the Spirit of God will love Israel! And to quote you,
"And that's all there is to that."
CJE
Dear Zola:
We love you, your TV program, your website, your letters, and we always
pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Thank you for being faithful during
these times.
We see all the signs around us and we don't expect anything
good from the media or this world system. But, we believe that prayer
changes things and the hearts of men. God bless you and keep you always.
We will be sending something soon. And, again, thank you for being the
voice of truth in a time such as this.
TFF
Dear TFF:
The Bible tells us that this world system will continue
to grow worse until His glorious appearing, when He
will set things right. Isn't it humbling to know that He
desires to use us as His instruments to accomplish eternal
work? Prayer changes things and by God's great
grace, we will continue to be His voice of truth!
— Zola
Dear Zola:
I would like to thank you for your very informative TV show. My husband
and I watch it every Sunday evening. We really enjoyed the Passover
show; we have a group of good friends that we celebrate the Passover
dinner every year with. It was nice to learn more about this lovely
tradition. I also teach a 3rd-grade religious class and I am always
looking for more info to pass on to them. Thank you for your loving work
you do on your show.
GTS
Dear Reverend Levitt:
As an Orthodox Jew, I, of course, cannot agree with your philosophy. But
I also appreciate your love of and your concern for our beloved Israel.
May the Lord God of Israel bless you and keep you. May He cause His
Countenance to shine upon you and be gracious unto you and may He grant
you lasting peace.
CS
Dear CS:
Thank you for taking time to write. Please know that my
views are not a "philosophy," but rather the result of an
ardent faith in the inspired Word of God — the Tenach
and Brit haDasha, the Scriptures. They both teach
God's enduring love for Israel.
And special thanks for your wonderful blessing!
— Zola
Dear Zola:
My mom has received your letters and books for many years. She has also
given to your ministries for many years. She is now very ill and
bedridden and asks for your prayers. She asked me to let you know how
much she enjoys all parts of your ministries.
GW
Dear GW:
God bless you for contacting us! Please know that it is
the faithful prayers and support from folks like your
mom that keep the Lord's work going. Let her know
that she is prayed for on this end.
— Zola
Mr. Levitt:
Shalom! My father, mother, three sisters, four of my brother's children,
and I had the wonderful privilege of traveling to Israel on our own tour
(May 28-June 7). As someone who has been there and seen it, I want to
tell you just how dangerous it was while we were there.
Just a few days before departing from Sacramento, my sister and I
stopped at a fast food restaurant in Redding, California. A man muttered
something to me. A few minutes later he jumped up and walked over to an
older man and poured his Pepsi on him, grabbed his glasses, and punched
him in the nose. The poor old man immediately had blood all over his
face. The criminal escaped. The police were called. We waited...twenty
minutes, and they never got there.
In Jerusalem, little children freely walked and played in the streets.
Two small vendors were selling nuts "for one shekel."
We were walking through the Arab markets in Jerusalem just as news broke
out that a Palestinian leader had died of a heart attack. A member of
the PLO ran through the streets shouting that all stores must close to
observe his death. Arguments exploded as Arab shopkeepers were not
willing to close and lose any business.
As we were staying peacefully in Israel, family and friends back in the
States were soaking [in] the media's stories; they were worried and
scared for us.
Here's a summary of our tour there: From crawling in tunnels, to seeing
the panoramic view at Mt. Carmel; from strolling along the quiet streets
in the Jewish quarter, to rafting down the Jordan River; from riding a
boat on the Sea of Galilee, and a camel ride at the Dead Sea,
to...flying a light aircraft from Tel Aviv to Haifa and back; from
watching joyous Bar Mitzvahs at the Western Wall, to riding the cable
car to Masada; from excavating an archaeological dig (and finding a
museum piece) to visiting a world-renowned violin maker; from meeting
the famous Christian Holocaust survivor Zvi, to visiting the Temple
Institute...it was a busy and exciting trip for all of us.
I'm looking forward to going again if the opportunity should arise. But
PLEASE don't tell anyone, because I enjoy having Israel to myself.
DM
Dear DM:
What a contrast! Violence in California, arguments
exploding in the Arab communities, but peaceful touring
in Israel! You are one of literally millions who have
enjoyed the safety and peace that a tour to Israel can
assure. Now you know the truth firsthand, but I can't
let you keep it to yourself! Other brothers and sisters
should also enjoy the Land as you have!
— Zola
Dear Zola:
...I really don't understand why Christians would be afraid to go to
Israel. Your ministry plus many others... state explicitly that it is
safe.... You know as Christians we are to be free from fear — 2
Timothy 1:7. Evidently, the secular media has more weight in what many
Christians want to hear and believe than true Bible-based Christians are
willing to report. As Christians we have the privilege and right to go
directly to the "Throne Room of God" and ask Him if it is safe to travel
and tour Israel or any place else. He would definitely tell His people
whether to go or not and the right time to go....
Perhaps the national tourism agency/department in Israel could do a
research study specifically on Christian tours to Israel regarding the
various harmful incidents (if there have been any) while in Israel for
the past 5-10 years. For example, what were the incidents, where did
they occur, how often did they occur, reason for the incident, the
outcome of the people involved, etc. The various travel agencies and the
U.S. and Israel governments, along with other agencies connected to
tourism, would have the information so it should not be too difficult to
compile a report. Also, a survey could be sent to various groups that
have previously toured Israel asking them regarding the safety of their
tour. The results could be put on an Internet web site for easy access.
Once the results are available, there could be an all-out promotional
marketing campaign through Christian-based tourism agencies, ministries,
churches, etc., promoting the true safety of traveling and touring in
Israel....
DS
Dear DS:
A research study is not necessary. No member of a tour to Israel has
ever been injured. The Palestinian terrorists are professional killers
and know exactly whom to murder. They would never touch an American
tourist for fear of losing American support for their cause. Check out
the website
www.goisrael.com
for more details.
— Zola
Dear Zola and Tony:
...I was one of the members of your recent trip to Israel
and just want you to know that many of my previous
ideas about Israel were incorrect.
What a beautiful country — more flowers and trees than
in my own state. You can see that the Jewish people
are proud of their country....
— BO
Dear Sir,
I've just come into possession of the issue 5 volume 23 of [the] Levitt
Letter and let me be frank when I say I've never seen so much Jewish
bull in my life. I take that back... I've read a lot of Jewish lies and
propaganda about the so-called Holocaust of W.W. II! But that's another
issue altogether. What I want to talk about now is... your lies and
misleading information about how the majority of American Christians are
behind Israel. False!!! I'm an American Christian and I for one am not
behind anything Israel has ever done; in fact, I don't know anyone who
is pro-Israel. How can you be behind someone who shoots Palestinian kids
from 200 yards away? And then they brag about it! These people are
parasites who need to be stopped. And you, sir, should be stopped from
printing such lies! I'm also sick of every time someone doesn't agree
with what the Jews have to say... They're called anti-Semitic. Get a
life! You people have capitalized on your suffering long enough. Get
over it, and save some tears for the children!
— C
Dear Zola:
What part of Jesus declaring that the generation He actually
was speaking to would be destroyed because of
their refusing their Messiah don't you understand? Why
do you, Mr. Levitt, try to "look" like a Jew? They HATE
Christ, what is your point? Jerusalem? Is there a place on
the map that hates Jesus more than they do? NO. God
didn't say He'd spank them, He said He'd DESTROY them;
and then DID. In AD 70. Look it up. Are you a Jew or a
Christian? Make up your mind, for Pete's sake. Your Jew
act is ridiculous. And also totally unbiblical.
— RW
If you are really believers, I can only warn you that your
first act in heaven will be a face-to-face interview with
the King of the Jews.
— Zola
Dear Brother Zola:
Enclosed find a copy of [the] Declaration of Israel's
Independence, which refers to Palestine nine times. As
I remember, you state often there was no Palestine.
Maybe I'm wrong?
— LL
Dear LL:
Historians and political powers have used the term
"Palestine" for centuries, and at the time of Israel's declaration
of independence, the Israelis referred to their geopolitical
area as such. There is not, however, a "Palestinian
people," as Arafat and the Arabs attempt to call
themselves. There is no such indigenous Arab culture
or race by that name. What Arafat, an Egyptian, has done is
simply use the temporary geographical term of "Palestine"
as a label for his illegitimate claim to ownership of the
State of Israel, that land which God deeded to one people —
the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob!
— Zola
Hi, Zola and staff:
Did you ever consider the fact that after the rapture
the Church is gone, [and] all that is left here are unbelievers,
Jews and Gentiles? Who are the believers saved
in the tribulation? Mainly the Jews, like coming out of
Egypt, with the Gentile remnant. When the Church
returns with Christ, in their spiritual bodies, who is
going to re-populate the world with their human bodies?
That is right. Only the Jews can! The millennium
world will be Jewish! Ask Moody, how do they like
them apples?
One thing that you say that I don't fully understand is
this: Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. True peace only
comes to Jerusalem only with the return of the Messiah.
RM
Dear RM:
I'm not sure Moody would recognize "them apples" at all anymore. Their
concern with End Times prophecy has long since disappeared. After all,
teaching that the End is near discourages prosperous donors from giving
big checks for buildings and banks. Each seminary must choose between
prophecy and profits! Moody seems to subscribe to the adage, "An apple a
day keeps the donors away."
But you miss the point of the considerable
Gentile salvation in the Tribulation. Our Lord holds a throne of
judgment for the nations (goyim, or Gentiles) after the Second Coming
(Matt. 25:31-46). Evidently, quite a few are judged to be "sheep."
Zechariah references Egypt and other Gentile nations in the kingdom
(Zech. 14:16-19). Regarding our prayers for "the peace of Jerusalem,"
the psalmist tells us to do so (Psalm 122:6). Whether our prayers cause
a small cessation of casualties or simply refer to the return of the
Messiah, they're certainly well worth the effort!
— Zola
Hello:
I just received your most recent newsletter in the mail and just want to
say — keep up the good work. I was particularly interested in the
letter from the Greek Orthodox person. I was a member of this church for
many years until God opened my eyes. Her letter listed many works that
she has done, apparently thinking that would get her into heaven. Her
letter was an extremely accurate representation of what the Greek
Orthodox doctrine teaches. Your response to her was right on the money.
You stated the truth very accurately. All I can say is — keep on
speaking the truth.
— JB
Dear Zola:
Please comment about the organization called FLAME (San Francisco). They
have a full-page ad in U.S. News and World Report.
EM
Dear EM:
I do support FLAME (Facts and Logic About the Middle East) and also
another media watch group called
CAMERA
(The Committee for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting in America), along
with any other emphatically pro-Israel commentators. Every last one is
desperatelly needed. "Everyone that is of the truth hears my voice."
— Zola
Dear Zola:
In my early lifetime I had no idea that there might be Jewish aspects in
my genealogy. Although I was aware that Shem's descendants were Jews, my
father never mentioned that possibility. He and my mother were devout
Christians. They both came from Belarus. I and my sister were born in a
Jewish community on the East Side of Manhattan...and our birth
certificates show that our births were attended by a Jewish midwife.
After I listened to you about your background and how you learned about
being a descendant of the Levi tribe, I began a study... of Shem's
descendants. I now feel that I, too, am a Jewish Christian.
From these studies, I know that Shem's descendants were scattered
throughout Persia (Iran), Turkey, and northern countries like Russia,
China, etc. Perhaps my ancestors were among those tribes that went north
and haven't been heard of since and in the four hundred generations that
have passed since that time they no longer remembered their Jewish
heritage. I would like to entreat you to... give me your rabbinical
advice on whether or not I'm a Jew.
AMS
Dear AMS:
Whether you are a Jew or not, I cannot say for certain,
especially since many of the descendants of Shem that
migrated north to the Caspian Sea region probably descended
from a lineage different than Abraham's who was
the father of the Jews. Our racial reference point as Jews
begins with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. You may wish to
continue your genealogical research. What I can tell you
is that your love for God's Chosen People is a testimony
to the love of Christ in your heart. God will bless you
when you bless them!
— Zola
Hello:
I've been watching and learning from your weekly program along with
others. There are many references by various speakers to the Hebrew,
Greek, and Roman "translations" of our Bible. I watched a local program
today, Christian Viewpoint, Orlando, Florida. I was disturbed to learn
that the "Modern Bibles" printed by Rupert Murdock have left out the
name of God and other original text. It is said that this was done to
gain a broader acceptance and increase the publisher's profit. I know
that many will be deceived in the latter days, but each one needs to do
all we can to prevent it. My concern is not only for those who are
saved, but to make sure the expected Christian revival will be met with
God's inspired works and not that of man.
EGH
Dear EGH:
Your concern is not unfounded. Many will be led astray
by "Bibles" of this sort. The key phrase is "to gain a
broader acceptance," and that is exactly what we've
seen in our most trusted Bible schools and seminaries
over the last decade — sliding down a slippery slope
theologically in order to broaden acceptance and enhance
enrollment!
— Zola
Dear Zola:
I have not said or written a word before this date. Zola, I have been a
quiet reader of your commentary for months and I've enjoyed and still
enjoy your insights and your rich Biblical commentary.
Zola, enough is enough. We get your point on Dallas Theological Seminary
and Moody Bible Institute. Enough is enough!
Zola, move on to something else or at least another Bible college or
seminary. You're beating a dead horse now and you should leave it alone.
Please, dear brother, move ON! In Jesus' name.
PA
Dear PA:
I hope the "horse" is not dead yet! God forbid that these schools plunge
to ruin completely! Despite the fact that we find no positive movement
on the part of the seminaries, we continue to hope that exposing
doctrinal errors will bring about much-needed reform. This is no minor
issue. Jesus stated in Matthew 6:24 that one could not serve both God
and money. Our personal knowledge from inside these institutions (DTS
and Moody are only representative of other evangelical campuses), as
readers can find in our Battles with Seminaries book, compels us to
continue working to this end and "for Zion's sake, I cannot keep
silent!"
— Zola
Dear Zola:
[In the May Levitt Letter, page 10, you wrote]
"And if they failed to bring the message of Christ to the world, it's
because NOBODY ever brings it to them." I find this preposterous! How
about when Christ was physically in front of the Jews on the cross 2,000
years ago!
[You said] "...they unfortunately are not equipped for DUE TO
FAILURES OF THE CHURCH ITSELF." Try this excuse on Judgment Day... yes,
that and a million other lame excuses lost souls will give in the pit of
hell for eternity.
I can only say I am so VERY disappointed that Zola would blame
Christians for the Jews' disbelief in the shed blood of Jesus Christ.
This is the first crack in the egg of Zola Levitt Ministries which I
have been following for years. I feel not just disappointment but true
sorrow for Zola.
NB
Dear NB:
When Jesus was there on the cross 2,000 years ago, His
example was to witness constantly to the Jews, resulting
in the salvation of many. The Church, in fact, would
not exist today had it not been for the witness of these
Jewish believers! But since the time of the apostles,
God's primary instrument for world evangelism — "to
the Jew first and also to the Gentiles" — has been the
Church. How is the Church's record in winning God's
Chosen People to Messiah? Does history shed any light
on the Church's treatment of the Jews century after
century? The truth is that despite the Church having
the "keys to the kingdom," it has often failed to use
them to bring the good news to the Jewish people, the
very ones through whom Christ was brought into this
world!
— Zola
Dear Zola:
I just wanted to show you how the Austin newspaper is portraying the
current situation in Israel. According to them there is still danger and
travelers should avoid this region for the time being. I know that this
news is alarming and that you will probably want to cancel your next
tour since your current streak of 72 trips without incident would be
placed in jeopardy due to the unrest still in the area as reported by
all members of the news media. I can't help but think of our first day
in Jerusalem as we were on the hills overlooking the city. I feared for
my life as you pointed out all of the mortar explosions, machine gun
fire, hand grenade bursts, and rocks constantly littering the air.
Thank you again for the time and effort you and your wife put into the
tour. It was truly one of the most educational and peaceful journeys I
have ever taken.
NG
Dear NG:
Yes, of course it was peaceful while we were there. I'm
glad you got a kick out of my joke about the "violence."
— Zola
This card arrived along with Zola's lunch on a recent flight.
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