A DARK END TO A DIFFICULT YEAR

During a trip to Israel in October/November, our group was frequently approached by Israelis who, upon learning where we were from, immediately expressed concern about the antisemitism they were hearing about in Australia. This worry, voiced by Israelis, was tragically justified.

Jewish communities in the Western world have been warning their "woke leftist" governments about this danger since the October 7, 2023, attacks. Sadly, these warnings were not enough to prevent the massacre of 15 innocent people at a Jewish Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach in Sydney last Sunday.

POGROMS OF HATE ON OUR DOORSTEP

Our hearts are broken once more by the suffering of the Jewish people, this time so close to home. The floodgates of hate opened on October 9, 2023, when pro-Palestine supporters gathered at the Sydney Opera House, chanting hate speech and threats against the Jewish people. Over the past two years, countless attacks—on homes, businesses, and synagogues—have followed across Australia, chillingly reminiscent of the 1930s pogroms in Europe.

These attacks are clearly fuelled by the Albanese Government's stance on Gaza and a prevailing pro-Palestine narrative. This narrative shapes the minds of Australians to wrongly believe that Israel and Jews are the problem. The true root of this hate lies with radicalised Jihadist organisations with a foothold in our country, funded and organised by Islamic nations. This was made evident by the Iranian-sponsored attacks we now know took place on a Jewish restaurant in Sydney and a synagogue in Melbourne late in 2024.

Equally, in New Zealand there is a problem with antisemitism, a dark shadow of hatred that is a threat to our Jewish community. We need our government to act swiftly to eradicate these threats or risk similar violence to what has been seen in Australia..

PERPETRATORS OF LIES: GLOBAL PROPAGANDA

A major contributor to this escalating "Jew hatred" is the global propaganda fuelling those plotting evil against the West. The demonisation of Israel peaked in September with the mass media's coverage of the "Gaza starvation lie." This was pure propaganda, designed to pressure Israel into complying with the demands of the UN's "International community." The world was shown selective, isolated pictures of malformed children and adults—supplied by Hamas—and told these were starving Gazans, representing a man-made humanitarian crisis.

This lie deeply troubled me, not because I believed it, but because of the difficulty many Christians faced in standing against this tide of opposition. Families were suddenly divided, and people realised their favourite news broadcasters were spreading blatant lies, leading them to question whom they could trust. Prime Ministers, world leaders, global authorities, and influential social media voices all echoed the same message about starvation in Gaza.

I met Christians struggling to defend the nation of Israel, despite a lifetime of support. I was asked questions I had never heard in 10 years with FOI, such as, "Is modern Israel really a succession of biblical Israel?" and "Are the Jewish people today actual descendants of the biblical Jews?" These questions often came with cynicism or doubt about Israel's virtue in prosecuting wars they did not start against enemies still holding hostages in horrific conditions for nearly two years.

I am often surprised by the ignorance of many Christians regarding Israel and the Jews. The origins of their Christian faith seem obscure, as if the emphasis on how they came to faith has displaced how faith came to them. I say this not to criticise, but as a lament for what is a deeper problem within the Church today.

PULPITS OF SILENCE: THE CHURCH'S FAILURE

• Did your church pray for the Jewish people this year?

• Did you hear any support for Israel and the Jewish people from the pulpit?

• Does your Pastor or church leadership ever speak about God’s purpose or plans for the future of Israel?

  
  

Sadly, most people (likely those not reading this) would answer no to these questions. Even more tragically, many would say their church was more sympathetic and vocal about the plight of the Palestinians/Gazans. While we can and should share concerns for the Palestinians, the problem is that most churches today refuse to stand with Israel because they no longer regard Israel as part of God's future plans.

I once had a pastor look me in the eye with complete disdain, saying he would rather visit any country but Israel. In September, a Baptist Church in Auckland, New Zealand, canceled our prophecy conference four days before the event because congregation members declared, "we’re not having any friends of Israel come here."

Whether it is radical Islam, rampant global lies, or replacement theology, all have contributed to the explosion of antisemitism seen throughout Australia, here in NZ, and the entire world in 2025, and all contribute to the growing violence against the Jewish community.

I encourage you to be the light of Christ shining brightly in 2026. Will you do this by raising your voice for the Jewish people and sharing the truth of God’s Word that so clearly reenforces God’s everlasting love for the nation of Israel.

ON A POSITIVE NOTE

The 20 remaining living hostages were released on 13th October as part of a US brokered peace plan. There is one remaining deceased hostage in Gaza, Ran Gvili who we pray can be found and released to his relatives for burial and closure. While the peace agreement has not been greatly tested, the deadline for Hamas to disarm is fast approaching and will be a litmus to the success of the future plan in bringing an international force to oversee the security and stability for the rebuilding of Gaza.

ISRAEL REBOUNDS

In October I was privileged to lead a tour of 36 Aussies and Kiwis to Israel and Jordan. Not only did everyone love the tour, but many were deeply impacted in their faith.

Israel is still hurting, but it is rebounding quickly as the imminent threats of war dissipate and life in the land turns to a full steam recovery. Nowhere is this more needed than in the tourism sector where so many jobs and businesses were lost these past two years. It was evident to us as we travelled not only how much pain has been created for those in Jewish areas of the land, but also those in the Palestinian territories of Judea and Samaria. Our excursion to Bethlehem and the Mount of Olives (neighbours East Jerusalem) saw first-hand the desperation among Arabs who rely on tourism as well.

I encourage you to join one of our tours in 2026. We are currently taking bookings for April, a most beautiful time to visit the land as the Spring Barley/Wheat harvests take place. You will not only be blessed by the beauty, hospitality and food, but a fresh perspective on the land of the Bible. and the origins of your faith. It truly is the “beautiful land”.