It received very little attention in the Western press, but as Jewish People across Israel and around the world began their celebration of Chanukah last weekend, Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal laid out the terms of the struggle for Israel’s survival in the clearest way possible. Appearing in Gaza at an event marking the 25th anniversary of the Hamas terrorist organization, Mashaal declared that the Palestinians will never recognize Israel’s right to exist.
Mashaal said, “From the sea [Mediterranean] to the river [Jordan], from north to south, we will not give up any part of Palestine — it is our country, our right and our homeland.” Ominously he added, “We are all one,” speaking of Palestinians residing in the West Bank, the Gaza Strip and inside Israel. There is no room for the Jewish state in the minds of most Palestinians.
Yet the United Nations recently voted overwhelmingly to recognize Palestine as a “non-member entity” (the same legal status accorded to the Vatican) and the world is pressuring Israel to negotiate a peace deal with the very people who publicly declare that Israel should cease to exist. If the situation were not so deadly serious it would be funny. How is Israel supposed to make peace with those who demand Israel be destroyed? It cannot happen.
Though the threat is very real, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is also real. He has promised to guard the Jewish People, and we have a responsibility to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. During the Chanukah celebration, I ask that you join with us in a special time of prayer—prayers that are so urgently needed right now.
Psalm 122:6
King James Version (KJV)
6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.
