Nessim Muse January 2009

“On Earth Peace and Goodwill towards men,”……….

“and War on both sides of the Gaza front”

To our dear friends everywhere,

We trust that you all had a happy Christmas or Hanukkah or both, and that the coming year will be full of God’s blessings. Many thanks to all of you who sent cards and calenders, emails and your good wishes. We appreciate them all, also the News letters, and news of what you are doing.

For the first time in many years, I celebrated Christmas, in addition to Hanukkah, and five of us from Nahariya went to Bethlehem with the Arab Haifa Immanuel Evangelical Congregation, and stayed in a monastery there. We travelled down on Christmas Eve returning on the day after Christmas. What was so special about this gathering, was that we were a mixed group of 40 or more, mostly Israeli Arabs, but also two Palestinian families from the Jenin area, and some Jews,and a Moslem girl from Iran! Nowal, our Arab cleaning lady who came to faith a few weeks’ ago, was among the group. One night we sang the well known Israeli song, “Hinei Mah Tov Umanayim!” (“How good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in Unity”) A group of us joined hands and danced this song in Israeli fashion. It was really precious. Among the people from the Jenin area was our friend ABDM,who came with his very well behaved son. We chatted for hours through interpretation, and we learned from him that he did finally get permission to come to Israel, but it took too long in coming, so we will apply again for permission when things calm down a bit! He has had to do medical examinations in hospital, and it appears that he has a kidney stone. He is presently out of work, and we are looking for ways to help him get a driving license so he can get a job. His brother is still in a big depression over his leg. We all had a most enjoyable 48 hours, and were sorry when it was time to say goodbye.

When we left Bethlehem, we knew that something was afoot. The following morning we had a very wonderful Shabbat meeting come Christmas /Hanukkah celebration, and plenty of Arab sweetmeats, cakes and dough nuts/donuts. Nowal, and Miriam, from the Lebanese joined us. Later in the day, we were informed that Israel had bombed Gaza, and this after 3 years of Hamas raining Katyushas on the villages and towns in the South, and ending the six month truce (which they violated almost daily) with a final barrage of 80 rockets and mortars in one day. They did not expect that Israel would retaliate, but we were more surprised than they, as the government has done next to nothing to stop them until now! We are now all in a what could become a dangerous situation, and wonder whether or not the Hezbollah will enter the fray on the Northern border to open a second front. The home front has alerted all citizens. The cities of the South are being rocketed daily, as usual, and we are being called the aggressors!

Back at home, life continues as normal, with our twice weekly meetings which are going well. Avi is teaching us Daniel, and Elias is going through Mark, while Brother M. is going through the prophet Jonah. Shortly we hope to have a lecturer from Moody for one year, so that should add to the variety! Our Jewish unbelievers are still coming, and one even came to Bethlehem with us and thoroughly enjoyed it. If all remains quiet we hope to take Shoshana,(who is recovering from her fall,) out to lunch one day.(By the way, I am slowly recovering from my fall, thank you for your letters of enquiry and concern!)

More than a week has passed since the commencement of the war, and this Shabbat saw six Arabs in our Shabbat gathering. Among whom was Sammy from Bethlehem, who was given permission to cross the border even after the War had begun, and we were very happy to see him. There was a wonderful spirit among us , and we prayed for the situation together as Arabs, “Palestinians”, and Jews. Every one was pleased to meet Sammy, and he was pleased to visit us on the Northern border.

I also have started taking Arabic lessons at the grand old age of 72! My teacher has been very pleased with me, but has just had a stroke, so I don’t quite know what’s going to happen now!

Avi, Ester and I wish you all a great New Year, and as Esther has opened a guest house, at reasonable prices, she would be pleased to welcome you if you book in advance. Any email inquiries to me (or letters) will be passed on.

God bless you all, and we’ll keep you informed,

Avi, Ester and Ruth