Jerusalem Dateline: Hostage Remains, UNRWA-Hamas Ties, Christian Allies, and Israeli Businesses

Hostage Remains and Diplomatic Efforts

• 💔 Egypt is assisting in excavating for the bodies of 13 remaining Israeli hostages in Gaza, two of whom are Americans, after Hamas claimed inability to locate them.
• ⚠️ President Trump warned Hamas to return deceased hostages quickly or face action from involved countries.
• 🇺🇸 Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with families of American hostages, vowing continued efforts for the return of all remains.
• 🇮🇱 Prime Minister Netanyahu asserted Israel's right to determine acceptable international forces for a peacekeeping role in Gaza.

UNRWA and Hamas Connections

• 🔍 A report from UN Watch details direct ties between UNRWA schools and Hamas, with numerous UNRWA employees, including teachers and social workers, implicated in the October 7th massacre.
• 🚫 UN Watch director Hillel Neuer stated that UNRWA is part of the problem, not the solution, highlighting years of incitement to anti-semitism and terrorism by UNRWA teachers.
• 🏫 UNRWA's education system leadership in Gaza included individuals with known Hamas affiliations, such as Su al-Hindi and Fatal Sharif, who were also heads of teachers' unions.
• 💰 Despite promises of reform, the Palestinian Authority continues its "pay-to-slay" policy, rewarding terrorists who attacked Israel, with European leaders having pledged significant funding.
• 🌍 While the US, Netherlands, and Sweden have cut or frozen funding to UNRWA, the UK, Canada, and Australia continue to support the agency.
• 🎯 UNRWA's core mission is criticized for promoting the Palestinian "right of return," which UN Watch argues aims to dismantle Israel.

Christian Allies Caucus and Support for Israel

• 🤝 The Knesset Christian Allies Caucus was established to foster cooperation between Christians and Jews, combat anti-semitism, and support Israel.
• 🌟 The caucus has grown significantly, with over 1,600 legislators in its network globally, and has honored figures like President Trump.
• 🙏 Former US Ambassador to Israel, David Friedman, highlighted the strong belief among evangelical Christians that blessing Israel brings blessings upon themselves.
• 🏆 An annual list recognizes the top 50 Christian allies who have demonstrated exceptional support for Israel, especially since October 7th.
• 🗣️ Pastor Larry Hawk shared how his presence in Israel after October 7th reassured Israelis that they were not alone.

Theological Perspectives and Biblical Verification

• ❌ Pastor Jim Scutter of Ingrace Ministries refutes replacement theology, asserting that God's unconditional promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob remain valid for the Jewish nation.
• 📖 He emphasizes that archaeological findings in places like Shiloh verify biblical accounts, demonstrating the Bible coming to life.
• 🌟 Scutter shares a testimony of experiencing blessings in his ministry after emphasizing love and support for the Jewish people.

Supporting Israeli Businesses with Artsa Box

• 📦 Itai Shiml, founder of Artsa Box, introduced a "Hope" themed box featuring products from small Israeli artisans and charities.
• 🎨 Items include a ceramic dish made by youth with Down syndrome from ADI, a necklace with the Star of David and "tikva" (hope) engraved, and food products from Galilee farmers and a father-son company in the Golan Heights.
• 🕊️ The box also contains a sand art kit with a dove and olive branch, and body soap made with waters from the Jordan River.
• 🤝 Artsa Box aims to support small businesses and connect people to the Holy Land through tangible, immersive experiences.
• 🎁 CBN viewers can receive a 15% discount using the code CBN15 on artabox.com.

CBN Partner Support and Personal Stories

• ❤️ CBN Israel, through partner support, assisted Veronica, an Israeli woman facing eviction and a dilapidated home, by funding renovations and enabling her to regain independence.
• 🙏 Veronica expressed deep gratitude for CBN's help, calling it an answer to prayer and a significant blessing.
• 🕊️ The program concludes with a call to pray for Israel, IDF soldiers, and the families of slain hostages, emphasizing that God watches over Israel.