VFI News June 5, 2020

"But for those who fear you, you have raised a banner to be unfurled against the bow. Save us and help us with your right hand, that those you love may be delivered." Ps. 60: 4-5

Congregation Beth Israel in the Fairfax district in Los Angeles was vandalized with graffiti reading "Free Palestine" as protests against the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis darkened the city last weekend. Kehillas Yaakov synagogue in Los Angeles was also vandalized with anti-Semitic graffiti. On the same day, the window of a synagogue in Richmond, Virginia, was smashed during protests. A number of kosher restaurants, bakeries, and stores were ransacked by protesters, looting much of the merchandise and causing extensive property damage. (VFI News)

Please pray for the endangered Jewish Communities across the USA who are being caught in the violence of anti-Semitic lies.

Some of those looking to exploit the tragedy in Minneapolis are attacking Jews. They are asserting that Jewish groups that have facilitated trips to Israel by American first responders and police are somehow responsible for killings of unarmed blacks by USA policeman. This is not only untrue, it's a classic example of an anti-Semitic blood libel since it seeks to blame Jews for crimes for which they bear no responsibility. The training Americans get in Israel actually focuses on the antithesis of stereotypical police brutality by seeking to promote community engagement and nonviolent policing that would make confrontations less likely. The mission of the Israel Defense Forces is to defend the people of Israel against foes which have not given them a day of peace in the 72-year history of the country. Its record in protecting civilian lives, including Palestinians who are used as human shields by terrorists, is unmatched. Inter-sectionalism is a thinly disguised form of anti-Semitism. It is vital that all decent people reject the attempts to smear Israel and its American friends by associating them with incidents like the Minneapolis murder. (JNS)

Intercessors, please pray for the protection of the Jewish communities being falsely linked and even blamed for the killing of George Floyd.

On Monday 1 June 2020 PM Netanyahu announced that he had filed a police complaint concerning recent death threats made against him and his family. “A few days ago, I filed a complaint with the police about a series of threats to murder me and my family,” Netanyahu tweeted Monday. “Today, unfortunately, I had to file another complaint against a vile man who detailed how he intended to murder my family.” The tweet included a screenshot of one of the threats, which called for Netanyahu, his wife, and two sons to be beheaded, and then have their bodies hung from the balcony of the prime minister’s residence on Balfour Street in Jerusalem. “When will the media and the left, who do not stop for a moment trying to topple a right-wing prime minister, finally condemn the unruly and incessant incitement against me and against my family?” he also tweeted. Last month, left-wing activist Haim Shadmi was questioned under caution by police for allegedly threatening Netanyahu’s son, Yair. (VFI News)

During his time of political upheavals across Israel in the ongoing fight against coronavirus, pray for the safety of Israel's PM, his family, and other leaders in the newly formed and fragile Israel government.

Scientists from the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology have been creating prosthetic hands for amputee children, an info-video revealed this week. The finished prosthetic is able to hold lightweight objects and provide the children with a better sense of balance. The most immediate benefit is psychological, as the children no longer feel that their amputation makes them unusual and instead have a "cool bionic hand" to impress their friends with. Scientists from the Technion have been innovative 3D printing technology. (VFI News)

An Israeli startup Sightbit is using artificial intelligence (AI) tech to alert lifeguards when swimmers are in danger. "Sightbit is, in essence, an AI lifeguard - so our software acts as an additional lifeguard by flagging threats to swimmers," said co-founder Minna Shezaf. Special cameras are used to film the beach's swim areas and algorithms analyze the footage in real-time to flag incidences. "We display alerts on a monitor, which is stationed at the lifeguard tower. We also sound alarms when swimmers are in danger." (No Camels)

Have you been longing for and planning a visit to Israel, however, been delayed by coronavirus restrictions? Take heart, you will get here.  As one man of faith says: "God gives Israel to people as a desire of the heart." In the meantime, you can visit and learn about this wonderful nation by joining Barry Segal in his biblically based travel program focusing on the reality of life in Israel. It's all about archeology, history, the Bible, culture, music, language, interviews,food, and humor. (See one and you will want to see them all!) Pray with us that many people will have their eyes opened to God’s deep love for the people and the Land of Israel through these programs. Click on the link below and enjoy.  We hope to see you face to face soon. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBl0vL9lwgASJIZ_H7USD8Q/videos