Several Ethiopian Jews arrived in Israel at the end of this week with the help of the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ); Pastor Nicholas Otieno: We see the prophetic hand of God in the return of the Jewish people from Ethiopia and wish to support that.
Despite the current global circumstances that include travel restrictions and even closures, more representatives of the Ethiopian Jewish community are making Aliyah, or “going up” to Israel. Over 300 Jews made their way from Ethiopia to Tel Aviv at the end of this week despite Ben-Gurion Airport being temporarily closed as of two weeks ago.
As a COVID-19 precautionary measure, those who arrived will now be under quarantine for two weeks.
Their flight into Israel was sponsored by the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ), and according to The Jerusalem Post, one of the passengers was a 6-year-old boy who needed emergency heart surgery and was transported to the hospital upon arrival.
President of the ICEJ, Dr Jürgen Bühler, said, “This is a difficult time for everyone, but we are so grateful that these Ethiopian immigrants were granted special permission to make the journey home to Israel last night. They have endured very tough conditions in Gondar and were expecting to come to Israel any day now, only to see their hopes dashed by the recent airport closure.”
Pastor Nicholas Otieno from Nairobi, Kenya, highlighted the biblical significance of Jews continuing to return to the land of Israel saying, “We see the prophetic hand of God in the return of the Jewish people from Ethiopia and wish to support that.”
In 2020, regardless of travel uncertainties, over 20,000 Jews made Aliyah to Israel from over 70 countries.
HD Editor’s Note: Why Is This News Biblically Relevant?
Amir Tsarfati, founder and president of Behold Israel, and Pastor Barry Stagner, in a joint analysis, explained how the rebirth of the nation of Israel set a series of prophetic events into motion:
For centuries God has supernaturally protected His chosen people, and they did not assimilate into the countries and cultures into which they were scattered. They had to maintain their national identity even when they were without a homeland because when Jesus returns, an incredible miracle will take place among the Jews;
Zechariah 12:10 KJV – “And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn.”
The rebirth of the nation of Israel set a series of prophetic events into motion that will eventually lead to the salvation of the Jews as they recognize that Jesus of Nazareth, the one whom they pierced, is indeed the King of King and Lord of Lords, the Holy One of Israel, their Savior.
Matthew 24:32-35 KJV – “Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled. Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.”
The “fig tree” represents Israel, the “branch becoming tender and putting forth leaves” represents the rebirth of the nation. Jesus said the generation that sees Israel reborn will be the generation that sees all things written concerning them. Israel is now [almost 73] years old, and the world is gathering against them, and threats of war are looming around them. To the Christian, that means our redemption is near, and Jesus is coming for His church soon! To the Jews, that means Jesus is going to be revealed as their Messiah too.
Even so, come quickly, Lord Jesus!
