Intro by John R. Houk
Email by Ari Bussel
Intro © January 8, 2022
A quote from Ari Bussel wondering about indigenous born Arab
Christians in the Middle East and Israel:
If given a choice to live in
the Jewish State or under Arab/Palestinian/Iranian/Muslim rule, they will never
choose the latter. And yet, they criticize and malign Israel. I have never
understood why so very few of them find the courage or exhibit the
characteristics they preach to stand up and defend Israel; unless they think
that they have a future at all if Israel will cease to exist.
In this post submitted by Ari is lengthy valid response to
an email Ari received pointing to an article about Jews attacking Christians in
Israel and a Black-American Bishop who immigrated to Israel acting as if Jewish
attack are the norm rather than the exception but with zero mention of Muslims
persecuting Christians causing a depopulation in Judea-Samaria.
And another matter: Jews were persecuted 2,000 years before
the birth of Jesus (raised as a Jew) and SADLY Jews have been persecuted
by Christians (and other groups) for another 2,000-plus years. Is there
any wonder there is Jewish mistrust of Christian motives?
Then there is the sad phenomenon that the millennia of
Christians that themselves have survived Muslim persecuting practices have
lived under the brainwashing tactics under Dhimmitude one of submitting to
Quranic induced Jew-hatred.
Those are my thoughts, but Ari Bussel is much more erudite
than I in dispelling essentially a Christian camp leaning into Antisemitism.
JRH 1/8/22
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Re: EXCLUSIVE: Evangelical bishop says Israel must deal
with attacks, discrimination against Christians coming from ‘radicalized’
Jewish groups
Sent by Ari Bussel
Sent 1/3/2022 11:15 AM
On Jan 1, 2022, at 7:59 PM, Pablo Nankin, MD SENT:
Hi
Not sure if this anti Israel or middle line
https://allisrael.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a22d85388ddcd4f211b8287b6&id=7225d2a4d1&e=4d8bad3992
[Blog Editor: After reading the post associated with the
link, it is my humble opinion the Bishop is criticizing the persecution of ALL
Christians in Israel but is particularly disturbed by Jewish animus toward
Israeli Christians. On a personal level when the Bishop talks of Christian
persecution he makes zero reference to the Muslim persecution of Christians
particularly in the Judea-Samaria (rudely labeled West Bank or Palestinian
Authority controlled land) where huge numbers of Christians have been
reduced by persecution via Muslims against Christians. Here is the link’s headline, opening and
first paragraph and skip a few paragraphs where the Bishop decries the
treatment of Black Americans not a part of the email:
EXCLUSIVE: Evangelical bishop
says Israel must deal with attacks, discrimination against Christians coming
from ‘radicalized’ Jewish groups
Bishop Plummer says “time for
silence is over;” urges dialogue and stepped-up support from current Israeli
government
Church
of God in Christ Bishop of Israel Glenn Plummer and First Lady Ruth Pauline
Plummer, Ph.D. at the Israeli president's New Year's reception, Dec. 29, 2021.
(Photo:
courtesy)
December 30, 2021
All Israel News
An Evangelical bishop backed a
statement issued by the heads of traditional Christian churches in the Holy
Land, saying that the time for remaining silent is over in the face of
radicalized hatred and attacks on Christians and their holy places.
…
Plummer, spoke with ALL ISRAEL NEWS
after attending a New Year’s reception hosted by Israeli President Isaac
Herzog on Wednesday, where Herzog welcomed the leaders of several denominations
in Israel – from Catholic and Coptic to Greek and Armenian Orthodox along with
leaders of Evangelical ministries in the land.
The reception came a few weeks
after these same denominational leaders issued a statement condemning racist acts against
Christians in Israel, including “countless incidents of physical and verbal
assaults against priests and other clergy, attacks on Christian churches, with
holy sites regularly vandalized and desecrated, and ongoing intimidation of
local Christians who simply seek to worship freely and go about their daily
lives.”
We have reported on several such
incidents, here and here.
…
“The White Evangelical leadership
and organizations have tried to keep it quiet because they don’t want backlash
against Israel – our mutual adversaries will take that and use it against Israel,”
Plummer said. “But secondly, it’s also out of fear. It’s out of fear that if
they take a public position, that these guys will show up at their door as
well.”
But Plummer said that as “Bishop of
Israel for the largest Black church in the world, we know what discrimination
and racism feels like in America.”
++++
Ari Bussel REPLY
Happy 2022 Ellie and Pablo!
PREFACE
In recent years, there is a phenomenon of developers coming
to Beverly Hills and telling us - active and caring residents of decades - what
is good for our City (they really mean what is good for them). Most
regrettably, the two most notable examples that come to mind are of Jewish developers.
About one’s behavior I wrote before Yom Kippur many years ago (he has boycotted
me ever since); the other is a recent comer, and in a Rabbi-supervised dialogue
between us, he was astonished when I described his behavior as Rosh Katan
(small head, i.e., limiting one’s behavior to what is most narrowly excusable
or the minimum required). If it were not for the respect to the Rabbi, I would
have immediately been declared Public Enemy No. 1.
Similarly, an American Black Evangelical Leader moves to
Israel with his wife during the Great Pandemic. On its face, anyone familiar
with Israeli immigration requirements would find this fascinating. In an
extremely short period of time, this person is being embraced by the Israeli
political elite, which has been courting Christians for a long time now.
So why would anyone point out the fact the Evangelical
leader is Black? Because he uses the color of the skin, or the Race Card, a
most common phenomenon in the USA of President Obama and President Biden. The
leader brings with him from the USA the current culture of accusations that
“America is systematically racist” and that “all White males are racist” as
well as floating into the air “White Supremacists” and “Domestic Terrorism” and
other like buzz words that divide rather than unite the country.
He then applies it toward a new landscape, accusing his new
host country of the very same evils. True or not, this does not matter. The
objective is not to improve anything that might need improvement, to highlight
real issues and work on real solutions; rather it is to sow discord and
distrust. When catchy lies (half a sentence long to maximum a sentence long)
are floated to the air, it is very difficult to disprove them. The bigger the
lie, the easier it becomes an accepted truth.
I have dedicated the past quarter of a century, if not
longer, to building bridges between Christians and Jews. It is a most tedious
work, one stone at a time, brick after brick. We stand proud of the distance
traversed thus far in Judeo-Christian relations. And this most formidable fort
that was erected is attracting opposition, attempt after attempt to tear it
down, much like what happened with the First and Second Temples.
To this very day Jews fast four times a year to remember the
destruction that took place two millennia ago. We remember the past in order
not to repeat it. Today, in a slightly different context, we face the very same
division and forces that threaten our unity and very survival.
Let us stand united in our conviction, in our team
experience and mutual respect and expel from within us those who want to weaken
our defenses, to accuse us of wrongdoing where there is none and to spread
confusion among us. Let us remain focused on what is important, on what God
wants from us, and we will be able to separate truth from fiction, reality from
lies, good intentions from evil ones.
The Newcomer to Israel may not have any insidious intentions.
He may simply be bringing with him and echoing loudly a current-day American
culture that has gone wild, in the wrong direction. This should not be welcomed
in Israel, for we have enough enemies - internal and external - and we do not
need to be distracted by more unjust, undeserving and untrue attacks.
A Reply to Your Query
The article cited below [Blog Editor: And quoted in brief
form above] is not anti in any direct sense of the word to which we
are accustomed; but it is dangerous nonetheless.
(1) Lies Told Often Enough
What I hear when I read this article is a huge choir
repeating a chorus. It is heard in the background, like distant drums, and as
it gets closer, the noise becomes frightening, overwhelming, most dangerous. In
my mind’s eye I hear repeated accusations, drums beating: White
Supremacists, Haters, Racists and Domestic Terrorists (characteristic
of the US), Settlers, Occupation and Jesus at the Checkpoint (to
give a taste of Israel). There is no terrorism, there are no acts of terror,
just Israeli-soldiers, Nazi-like, restricting movement and life in general.
Equally alarming, I hear transposition of reality, blaming
the Jews for what others are doing. How very typical to the Middle East!
I am beginning to feel deja vu: taking a reality,
transposing it and floating the lie over and over and over again so that people
are convinced it is the truth. Just to name a few examples: Mossad agents
are the evildoers in any current prime-time TV series in the US while Muslims
are the sexy, smart, good-doers. Mossad perpetrated the 9/11 Attacks. Islam is a
peaceful religion and Jihad is a quest for peace. Israelis are the new Nazis. Israel
wants to topple down or burn the Al Aqsa Mosque. And more appropriately to this
discussion: Settlers uproot olive groves, Settlers steal the water of
Palestinians, Settlers allow sewage to flow into nature (that clearly belongs
to the Palestinian), Settlers burn Palestinian homes and murder their
Palestinian neighbors and so forth. Soon to come: Settlers shoot at
Palestinian cars and stub innocent 80-year-old ladies walking in the street or
run cars into people standing at bus stops.
In Bethlehem, under Palestinian Authority rule (Israelis are
not allowed), the Christian population dwindled down to less than 2%, and yet
this article refers us to a previous statement about Israel, not about PA-ruled
Bethlehem: the Christian population has decreased from 20% at its
height to less than 2% now. In reality, though, the number of
Christians in Israel continues to increase, but why let the facts
confuse us?
(2) Attention Seekers
The actions described are reflective, in part, of an
attention-seeking Bishop. He has just arrived, and he is already charging and
leading a fight to reform Israel, to save the Evangelical Christians who live
there (and maybe to save Israel from herself!).
I am immediately reminded of another self-proclaimed
prominent Christian Leader.
Remember when Netanyahu lost after four election cycles
within two years, and a new coalition government was formed (the current
government under Bennett)?
One Christian leader who published dozens of books and has a
museum and a communications center in Jerusalem went all out against Bennett
and the new government. He was so self-absorbed in his momentary madness, that
he threatened to unleash tens of millions of Christians from around the world
AGAINST Israel, bringing into question not his sanity but the essence of his
support. [Those who support Israel do so not only so long as their interests
are well served. He who threatens to unleash powers against Israel better
remember that it is a declaration of war against God Lord of Hosts Himself
(which should come with a health warning).] Since then, Mike Evans calmed
down and returned to his senses. Any contrition shown might have been more for
public consumption.
Then a new Leader and his wife arrived to Israel, and in
short time claimed a position of prominence. I wonder how this happened so
quickly and so very easily, there is something unnatural about it. Perhaps I am
a skeptic (I likewise treat Mike Evans’s claim of having tens of millions of
followers with some respect and some doubt).
What I do know, though, is that this leader has utilized the
color of his skin and his title (not to be confused with the more commonly-used
title of Bishop in the Catholic Church), as well as God the Almighty Himself,
something that is NOT in our hands and should never be done. If God wants to
support someone, He knows how to do so. It is not by the person’s
self-proclamations.
What is most alarming, is that this is not the first battle
cry in so many months. Bishop Plummer was a guest speaker at the Christian
Media Summit in Jerusalem, and there too he criticizes, something that might
have gone unnoticed by many. After all, it is a new virus unrecognized by the
Body Israel (like CoVid-19 which was unrecognized by the human body).
(3) Let’s Get the Facts Straight
In this article, let me first touch on a point of history:
The President’s meeting and reception with Christian leaders (real, locally-established
leaders - unlike the self-anointed, instant new-comers who were kindly invited
to join as welcomed guests) has been going on since the formation of the Modern
State of Israel.
In fact, the inclusion of Bishop Plummer evidences Israel’s
constant quest for making an outreach and finding leaders of the other side (in
this instance, Christians, for their holiest time of the year). Bishop
Plummer mistakenly seems to think this tradition was created in his honor.
Israel always paid the utmost respect to other religions;
much to its own detriment.
Next time you are in Jerusalem, you may want to visit the
Jerusalem Residence of Yitzchak Ben Zvi, Israel’s 2nd president (1952 - 1963). At
a time that Israel did not have means and was struggling to survive, he (and
his wife) thought it would be most appropriate to be at a humble abode, a shack.
There he hosted dignitaries from the entire world.
A family member of ours served at the President’s residence
under Ben Zvi, and his son took us on a tour there in November 2019. Among the
pix on the walls, there are pix of President Ben Zvi hosting the Christian
leaders in Israel. There is nothing new under the sun, and such meetings/receptions
were not for the sake of photo-op, rather real of intention, reflective of an
attitude and a reality on the ground. Their mere existence evidence the
importance given by Israel to cultivating a two-way relationship, at times of
need and at time of joy.
So for a newcomer to teach us that the current president’s
opening the residence for such a reception is a sign in the right direction
simply shows that new-comer is under the mistaken illusion that life and
reality commenced upon his most recent arrival, and thus that things revolve
around him. Not so.
(4) Truth vs. Evil Fiction
If one is under the impression, after reading this article,
that Christians are persecuted in Israel, or that it is commonplace for a
Christian believer in Israel to be threatened or to be afraid, or for churches
to be vandalized and desecrated, such are false and most dangerous
accusations.
If something like that happens, and should file a police
report. Then another. And another. This will create a track record, an audit
trail, and it will not go unnoticed.
In Israel it would prompt individuals and non-profits to
immediate action. It would give them pleasure and an occupation. It would
provide a point about which to argue and fight. This is, before all, Israel!
But to generalize and claim that it is commonplace in Israel
is a frightening misrepresentation of reality. There are so many places of
non-Jewish worship, and they are all part of the tapestry that is Israel. They
are protected under the law and in practice, but more so, they are the
commonplace throughout Israel. That is exactly the reason that Bahai, Ahmadi,
Druze, Armenian, Greek-Orthodox and so very many other minorities find Israel
to be the only safe haven throughout the Middle East and the African continent.
So what is one to learn from this article? That Evangelical
Christians are persecuted in Israel, disrespected, not allowed to practice
freely, maybe crucified? Do those Evangelical Christians (and all other
Christians) who chose to live in Israel even aware of the conditions described?
Do they share the experiences?
Why would Christians who live in Israel for a very long time
not utter a word when we meet each year? They have not been shy about anything,
except what should be most important (life and safety)?
If the situation is so bad, how is it that everyone waited
for Bishop Plummer to arrive to Israel to discover the horrible truth and lead
the fight to change it? Is he the only one that can see, the only one that has
the courage and power to act? Maybe a mashiach has finally arrived to the Holy
Land? I am sorry if this sounds disrespectful, but I cannot reconcile
what I have witnessed year after year after year for decades with what someone
who has moved to Israel less than two years ago claims is a real pandemic. Either
I am blind, deaf and dumb - I am not - or something is really wrong in the
accusations brought forth. And thus, Pablo, I turn to your question about this
article and what might be behind it.
(5) Israel’s Detractors
Dr. Nankin hosted at his home one of the leaders of the
Coptic Church (there is a large community in Los Angeles) following unfavorable
statements by the Coptic Pope regarding Israel some years ago. While I can
understand why the Coptic Pope in Egypt may not have favorable things to say
about Israel, as his fiduciary responsibility is first and foremost to his
people who are persecuted, arrested, tortured and murdered and will be at even
greater risk if he dares say anything positive about Israel, I cannot
understand Christian Arabs in Israel.
Maybe Bishop Plummer only hears what those who speak with a
forked tongue have to say?
Christian Arabs know that the only place they can
worship freely and safely in the entire area called the greater Middle East and
the African continent is the Jewish State of Israel.
The only place where Christians are safe in this
entire region is under Jewish rule of law, practice and traditions.
Christian Arabs know that they will have to pay a Dhimmitude
tax and live as second-class citizens anywhere else throughout the Muslim world.
They fled from Bethlehem. They fled from Lebanon. They fled from Iran and Iraq.
In fact, if the (Catholic) Pope stood by them, they would have fled Africa
rather than die there. Apparently, they are not really welcome anywhere in the
entire region, except in Israel. This is why their numbers in this
only safe haven grow constantly.
If given a choice to live in the Jewish State or under Arab/Palestinian/Iranian/Muslim
rule, they will never choose the latter. And yet, they criticize and malign
Israel. I have never understood why so very few of them find the courage or
exhibit the characteristics they preach to stand up and defend Israel; unless
they think that they have a future at all if Israel will cease to exist.
Is it possible that after 74 years of “Suffering” after the
"Great Catastrophe," Christians in Israel finally have a messiah who
has arrived on a white donkey to rescue them from bondage? Maybe, like the
Hebrews in Egypt, they did not even understand their plight, and a new Moses
has arrived to deliver them to freedom?
The story of Moses took place thousands of years ago, and
Christians in Israel enjoy freedoms that can be found nowhere else. The only
Messiah we are all waiting to reveal Himself is not a flesh and blood who has
arrived with his First Lady to Israel during the Great Pandemic. To this point
I can attest with my life.
(6) Addressing the Claims - Let’s examine the
situation on the ground
Is it possible that there are those Jewish Israelis who are
hesitant, cautious or even unwelcoming to Christians in Israel? Of course. There
is a two millennium history of Jewish persecution, of blaming us for the
Crucifixion, of blood libels directed at us and using Jews as scapegoats. There
is a very noticeable effort of proselytizing Jews by Christians in Israel. This
causes the sensitivity, suspicion and distrust to increase.
These are issues we work to address, one small step forward
at a time, brick after brick.
When on Israel’s Independence Day, at the heart of Tel Aviv,
people are accosted by attempts to lure them to leave their Jewish home and
replace it with another, it causes concern. When Israelis are approached both
directly and covertly in an attempt to convert them, the foundations of the
bridge being built during the last twenty some years - this hyphen between
Judeo and Christian - shake.
But the overwhelming feeling is that of coming together, not
apart. We know our past. We understand the dangers of the present. And we raise
our eyes to the future, all pre-told in our Bible. We are very sensitive to it
all, and we take baby steps, one after the other. Today we are running
together, long distances. We have become a team. Dependable, trustworthy,
inseparable.
Even the most Orthodox Jewish religious leaders are opening
to conversation, if not outright direct relations with our Christian brethren. It
is a new day, a most magnificent day in the making, and the first rays of sun
are most encouraging.
From the Prime Minister to the President of Israel,
past and present, members of the Knesset, religious, business and other
leaders, Israel joins in extending a hand to Christians in Israel and
throughout the world. Christians realize that without their roots, the Old
Testament, they cease to exist; without a certain Jewish Rabbi, they cannot
exist. And thus we stand one entire, blessed body, roots to leaves, proud and
most grateful.
If the situation is as Bishop Plummer describes, we will all
go out to change it. But we have not been late arrivals to the scene. We have
been in the trenches for two decades and longer, and we still know to
differentiate between cow manure and the smell of citrus blossom. We will not
allow false prophets with an agenda to cast an evil spell on us. Instead, we
will continue fighting side-by-side with others, Jews and Christians together,
arm in arm, one protecting the other, against all attacks. Our very survival is
at stake, and our enemies know that the only way for them to prevail is to sow
doubt and confusion. We have to make sure this does not succeed!
Always,
Ari Bussel
bussel@me.com
___________________________
Edited by John R. Houk
Text enclosed by brackets are by the Editor.
© Ari Bussel
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