Standing there it was obvious to us just how vital this place is strategically, biblically and historically. We learned that Hemdat was originally established as a “Nahal” military outpost by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in 1979.
March was an exceedingly busy month for us at the CFOIC Heartland Israel office for one very good reason — we were inundated with tour groups visiting with us from all over the world. I am not sure why so many people chose March for their visit but it was wonderful! We had the privilege … Read more
Hope Despite the Tragedy of Ofra Tuesday, March 7, 2017 I have just returned from a wonderful trip to Australia where I spent 10 days travelling and speaking in three states: New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland. It was my seventh trip to Australia in as many years and each year I feel more gratified … Read more
The area was called the Land of Israel or Judea (a place belonging to Jews) from Biblical times until 135 AD, when the Roman Emperor Hadrian changed the name of the province from Judea to Syria Palaestina, a brilliant PR stunt to sever the Jewish people’s connection to the region. This was done following the Jewish Bar Kokhba revolt against the Roman Empire. For most of the period between 135 AD and May 15, 1948, the area was referred to as Palestine or the Land of Israel.
Tuesday, October 11, 2016 Yesterday and the day before were Rosh HaShanah — the Jewish New Year. It is both a joyous and a serious time of year. Beginning a full month before the holiday, we spend time reflecting on our actions and omissions of the past year and look forward to a new and … Read more
Tuesday August 2, 2016 Summer is raging in Israel. And that is a good thing. I love the summer months. I love the heat, the sun, the warm air enveloping me and reminding me how beautiful this country is. I walk out of my house in the morning and see the sun shining and it … Read more
Tuesday, July 5, 2016 I spent last week in the UK on a speaking tour. I met people and addressed audiences in England, Scotland and Wales and enjoyed every minute of it (except the cold rainy weather of course!) But arriving in Great Britain just 2 days after the dramatic results of the Brexit … Read more
Tuesday, June 7, 2016 This has been a very political few weeks in Israel and I know many of our friends outside of Israel find it difficult to keep it all straight. So I thought I would try and clarify things a bit. A year ago, there were national elections in Israel and the … Read more
Spring 2016 This past February 72-year old Devorah Levine collapsed unconscious in her kitchen in the community of Karnei Shomron. The otherwise healthy mother of four and grandmother of twelve was the active type. Neighbors were used to seeing Devorah on her regular walks around town. What a shock this was to the people around … Read more
President Francois Hollande landed in Israel yesterday for what would be the longest visit of this French president in a foreign country. The visit could not happen at a more opportune time. Just last week, negotiations between the western nations and Iran broke down when France refused to approve the concessions that the other western … Read more