VFI News The Syrian Government Fell By Rebels, Ex-President Assad Was Granted Asylum in Russia

Is Isaiah 17:1 being fulfilled before our eyes? The ancient prophecy declares, "Damascus will cease from being a city and become a ruinous heap."

With the shocking fall of Damascus to rebel forces linked to Al-Qaeda, Syria faces unprecedented turmoil. What does this mean for Israel, the Middle East, and the world?

Join Barry Segal in this emergency update as we explore the implications of these events, the power vacuum left by Assad’s regime, and how biblical prophecy ties into the current crisis. Stay informed and pray for Israel during this critical time.

#assad #syrianrebels #syriacivilwar #damascus

The Syrian government fell early Sunday, December 8, in a stunning end to the 50-year rule of the Assad family, after a sudden rebel offensive sprinted across government-held territory and entered the capital in 10 days.  

Syrian state television aired a video statement by a group of men saying that President Bashar al-Assad had been overthrown and all detainees in jails had been set free.  

The man who read the statement said the Operations Room to Conquer Damascus, an opposition group, called on all opposition fighters and citizens to preserve state institutions of “the free Syrian state.”  

Residents were seen cheering in the streets of the capital, as the rebel factions heralded the departure of “tyrant” Assad and “declare the city of Damascus free.” “After 50 years of oppression under Baath rule, and 13 years of crimes and tyranny and (forced) displacement… we announce today the end of this dark period and the start of a new era for Syria,” the rebel factions said on Telegram. 

Syria’s army command notified officers on Sunday that Assad’s 24-year authoritarian rule had ended, a Syrian officer who was informed of the move told British media. (TOI / VFI News)

“Lord, we lift up the people of Syria who have been facing immense struggles, displacements, oppression, and uncertainty for many years. We pray in Yeshua’s name that You give them internal and external peace and that You help them live in safety and unity from now on. May Syria be governed by people who truly care about the civilians and may Your loving Hand be upon them and bring them into salvation.”

The articles included in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Vision for Israel. We try to provide accurate reporting on news pertinent to Israel, the Middle East, the diaspora, and Jewish issues around the world—and we hope that you find it both informative and useful for intercessory prayer.

Overthrown Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad and his family arrived in Moscow after being granted asylum in Russia, Russian state media reported on Sunday, December 8.  

“Assad and his family have arrived in Moscow. Russia, for humanitarian reasons, has granted them asylum,” said a Kremlin source quoted in the report. Assad’s regime issued a statement saying it had “ordered the non-violent transfer of power.”  

Ukrainian intelligence claimed that Assad’s escape operation from Syria to Russia was meticulously planned and included a deception maneuver, during which the former Syrian President’s plane disappeared from radar, sparking speculation that it had crashed. 

Meanwhile, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced also on Sunday that its forces conducted dozens of precision air strikes targeting known Islamic State (ISIS) camps and terrorists in central Syria to ensure that it will not take advantage of the current situation and reconstitute in the region. 

CENTCOM added that the operation struck over 75 targets using multiple U.S. Air Force assets, including B-52s, F-15s, and A-10s. The statement said that battle damage assessments are underway, and there are no indications of civilian casualties. (INN/VFI News)

“Dear God, we pray for stability in the Middle East. We pray that You prevent ISIS from gaining more power and that You dismantle it altogether. We hope that all of our neighbors and our people enjoy peace and are rid of the terrorist organizations that are still wreaking havoc in the Middle East. We thank You for who You are, for everything You are doing for us, and for Your perfect will for the Middle East.”

The IDF has imposed new restrictions on civilians in the regions near the Syrian border following the fall of the Assad regime. Druze students from Buq’ata, Ein Qiniyye, Mas’ade, and Majdal Shams in the northern Golan Heights will shift to online studies, while kindergartens operate as usual. 

Elsewhere in the Golan, school continues normally. The IDF decided to enforce a closed military zone in agricultural areas between Merom Golan-Ein Zivan and Buq’ata-Khirbat Ein Hura following a situational assessment.  

Farmer entry is limited to specific zones according to military needs, for several hours and in full coordination with the 474th Brigade. The IDF has declared entry to these areas strictly prohibited.  

The Northern Command has raised its readiness level, implementing emergency plans to bolster Golan defenses against potential rebel incursions. The IDF emphasized that it is taking the DMZ (demilitarized zone) as a temporary measure only. 

“We will not interfere in Syria, except to protect our citizens. Our actions are temporary until the situation stabilizes.” The IDF is also conducting intelligence and air surveillance along the border. 

Large Israeli infantry and tank forces were positioned in the DMZ. Simultaneously, the IDF warned rebels against attempting to enter the DMZ. (INN/VFI News)

“From the end of the earth I will cry to You, when my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For You have been a shelter for me, a strong tower from the enemy.” - Psalm 61:2-3

Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani on Saturday morning, December 7, said that there is “new momentum” in negotiations for a ceasefire deal in Gaza.  

According to him, Qatar spoke with sources close to US President-elect Donald Trump, and said that the disagreements between Israel and Hamas are “not considerable.”  

Meanwhile, reports said that the Hamas terror group is working to locate Israeli hostages held in Gaza by other terror groups, to form a fuller picture ahead of negotiations with Israel.  

The sources said that there has been “progress on the indirect talks for a hostage deal,” and noted that the terror group is working to locate the bodies of some of the hostages, but that the focus right now is on the living hostages. 

“There are a number of bodies of hostages whose exact location is not known, among other things because they were killed together with those who held them captive,” the sources told a London-based newspaper. “This requires time to discover their exact location, and therefore a ceasefire will very much help this issue.” (INN /VFI News) 

“Our Heavenly Father, we come to You in prayer to ask for the release of all the remaining hostages currently being held by Hamas and their terrorist associates. We fervently pray in Yeshua’s name for all the hostages’ health and mental well-being. Please, bring them back home soon and help their families rejoice in this miracle of Yours. We thank You for keeping them alive so far and helping them persevere. We also pray that the bodies of the hostages that were killed or murdered will be returned to their families for proper burial.”

Over the past year, Vision for Israel has made a significant impact by providing hope, security, and relief to countless families across Israel. In response to the tragic events of October 7th, we installed safety shelters in the north and south, equipped emergency response teams with essential gear to protect communities, and much more. Through vital aid such as food, blankets, and gift cards, we ensured thousands of families could celebrate holidays with dignity and have their everyday needs met. Our heartfelt initiatives include hosting joyful events for Holocaust survivors, fostering connection, and uplifting spirits. As we approach year-end, we invite you to support this vital mission and make a tangible difference in the lives of those affected by the ongoing conflict.

Hezbollah laid the groundwork for an attack on northern Israel which would have been reminiscent of Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack on southern Israel, according to newly surfaced video footage and documents obtained by American media.  

“Hezbollah has been planning their own 10/7,” an IDF intelligence official told the American news outlet. “The plan has been effectively eliminated. We dismantled the high-level command of Radwan.”

Through an interrogation of a Hezbollah terrorist and an analysis of the group's military strategy, the IDF gained rare insights into Hezbollah’s “Conquer the Galilee” operation. The terrorist, who was captured in mid-October in the south Lebanese village of Aita al-Shaab, detailed the group’s chilling plans to infiltrate Israel.  

During the interrogation, which was recorded on video, the captured terrorist described the goal: “Occupying the Galilee.” “They said they want to enter (Israel), they want to breakthrough. The Radwan forces are essentially on the frontline, to gather information and (build) invasion tunnels,” he explained.  

The terrorist said that the invasion was planned to begin in the morning with an overwhelming assault involving thousands of rockets and missiles. He also revealed the group’s brutal intentions toward Israeli civilians:

“Those they encounter, we’ll fight. Face to face, us and them, and those who want to surrender can do just that, just like I did, then I came here. Same thing. We take those who surrender as prisoners, take them, and bring them (into Lebanon)” he said. For those who refused to surrender, the plan was starkly summarized in one word: “Kill.” (INN/ VFI News)

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned a recent arson attack on a synagogue in Melbourne and stressed that there is no place for antisemitism in the country.  

“I unequivocally condemn the attack on a Melbourne synagogue early this morning. I have zero tolerance for antisemitism. It has absolutely no place in Australia,” Albanese said in a statement hours after the attack on the Adass Israel Synagogue.  

“This violence and intimidation and destruction at a place of worship is an outrage. This attack has risked lives and is clearly aimed at creating fear in the community. The people involved must be caught and face the full force of the law,” stated the Australian Prime Minister.  

The fire at the synagogue, which police have described as “suspicious,” broke out at 4:10 a.m. Friday morning (local time), December 6.  

A board member of the synagogue, Benjamin Klein, told French media that a few congregants were sitting and praying inside when the fire started.  “They heard loud banging,” Klein said, adding that liquid was poured inside the synagogue and set alight.  

The congregants “ran out the back of the synagogue. One man who ran out -- his hand got burnt,” he said, adding, “The fire was extensive. Inside is completely gutted.” “Holy books and furniture had been destroyed,” he said, vowing that the community would “rebuild.” (INN / VFI News) 

“Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.” - 1 John 3:15

Those who think that just sitting in a hyperbaric (high-pressure oxygen) chamber unvaryingly treats all ills – from carbon monoxide poisoning, decompression sickness after a too-rapid ascent from a dive, major bone and skin infections, wounds that fail to heal, sudden loss of sight or hearing, and dementia, to crush injuries, burns, post-COVID symptoms, and severe anemia – are mistaken.  

When the treatment is indicated, diverse and personalized protocols implemented by experts need to be followed.   Those who go to private hyperbaric facilities in Israel and abroad – that are unlicensed, not supervised by health authorities, and may not be run by a specialist or even a physician – are even more misguided.  

When implemented properly and for the correct number of sessions, high-pressure oxygen therapy (HBOT) can indeed work medical “miracles,” according to Prof. Shai Efrati. Efrati heads a multidisciplinary team in which a variety of professionals work together on each case.

The researchers have said that people with PTSD they have treated after October 7 had a decline in all clinical symptoms of PTSD, alongside improved connectivity in neural networks. (JPost / VFI News)

“For I will restore health to you and heal you of your wounds,” says the Lord, “Because they called you an outcast saying: ‘This is Zion; No one seeks her.’” - Jeremiah 30:17

Archaeologists in Turkey have discovered a sarcophagus that they believe could belong to Saint Nikolaos / Nicholas — the generous Christian holy man who inspired Santa Claus.  

Researchers discovered the sarcophagus in the heart of the 7th-century church built to honor Saint Nicholas, who was a 4th-century bishop of Greek descent in the Mediterranean city of Myra. 

The limestone sarcophagus measures 6 feet long and about 5 feet in depth, has a pitched lid, and was buried about 6 feet underground, an archaeology-themed news outlet reported.   

“Our biggest hope is to find an inscription on the sarcophagus. This would help clarify the burial contents and allow us to determine the exact period it dates from,” said Ebru Fatma Findik of Hatay Mustafa Kemal University. 

The saint was buried at the church where he administered his ministry in the Greek port city of Myra in Asia Minor.  Hundreds of years after his death, he gained popularity, and Byzantine Emperor Theodosius II constructed a grand church in his honor at the same site. (NYP/VFI News)  

The suggestions, opinions, and scripture references made by VFI News writers and editors are based on the best information received.

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