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700 WOMEN MARCH TO THE KNESSET CALLING OUT "I AM MY SISTER'S KEEPER"
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Following the Biblical passage "…The law will go out from Zion, the word of the Lord from Jerusalem"(Isaiah 2:3), participants of the The Knesset Christian Allies Caucus Women’s Council Conference met to learn more in Jerusalem on the hardships facing women worldwide, and the solutions which can be found through Judeo-Christian values. The representatives came from many countries in the world and joined together in this monumental forum in Jerusalem for training to become special "Ambassadors" who will mobilize their respective governments to promote the status of women in their home country and support the State of Israel.
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The conference focused on the following themes: abuse of women, trafficking of women, incest, and honor killings. The women of the conference declared their commitment to the following rights: to freedom of religion, to an education, to free speech and participation in the electoral process.
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Leading figures of the conference were: Kay Arthur of Precept Ministries, Sharon Sanders of Christian Friends of Israel, Rebbeca Brimmer of Bridges for Peace, Jane Hanson of Aglow International, and Charmaine Hedding of the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem.
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This was the first such conference and all agreed the venue must be Jerusalem. Christian women leaders and members of the Israeli Knesset Christian Allies Caucus Women’s Council chaired the conference and taught in special pre and post-conference guided tours following the footsteps of the Bible throughout the Holy Land. Special tours also addressed the topics of the women's summit such as meeting with women refugees from Sudan, hostels for the abused, Christian villages in the north, integrated schools and community centers. The participants signed the proclamation calling for all to "Visit the Holy Land Now!", vowed to continue contact with Israeli organizations they visited and to return in greater numbers in 2009.
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The Ministry of Tourism offered assistance to make this important international summit a continuous bi annual event in Israel by providing a Tourism information booth by the Conference halls, coordination of the March between the Crowne Plaza Hotel and the Knesset Rose Garden Park, and hosting the closing ceremony commemorating 40 years for the reunification of Jerusalem. Holding Hands and looking toward the Knesset, the energy of the summit climaxed as the participants called out "I am my sister's keeper!". Director of the Knesset Christian Allies Caucus Josh Reinstein, Kay Arthur of Precept Ministries, and Raphael Ben Hur of the Tourism Ministry presided over the ceremony.
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For additional information on the next Knesset Christian Allies Caucus Women’s Council Conference, contact: Christianalliescaucus@gmail.com or wecare@tourism.gov.il
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THE MINISTRY OF TOURISM WELCOMES CANADIAN CHURCH LEADERS' SPIRITUAL TOUR
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Ministry of Tourism officials met with Fr. Nizar Shaheen and the 85 pastors and laymen joining him on a Church Leaders' Spiritual Tour from Canada. Fr. Nizar is founder and host of Light For All Nations. He was born in Nazareth and grew up in the nearby town of Cana of Galilee. Today he resides in Canada and works closely with many churches of different denominations in Israel and Canada.
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Speaking to the group, Senior Deputy Director General Raphael Ben Hur stressed the importance of Fr. Nizar's work towards strengthening the diminished Christian community in Israel by bringing "family" from all over the world to the communities and the holy sites in Israel.
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Fr. Nizar, a well known religious leader in Canada produces and hosts the Arabic language program Light For All Nations in association with Crossroads Christian Communications, Inc. (the 100 Huntley Street television program in Canada). The program quickly spread to all across Canada and in some parts of the United States, and on the Middle East Television satellite station to reach Europe , North Africa, the Middle East , and the Gulf countries (the 10/40 window). Fr. Nizar conducts revival meetings and seminars worldwide and has produced many radio programs and hosted video productions for other Christian organizations.
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THE FIRST ANNUAL GOSPEL FESTIVAL IN ISRAEL |
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was held on May 27th on the Huldah Steps at the Southern Wall Archeological Garden in the Old City of Jerusalem.
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At the event over 300 pilgrims participated including press and Brazilian television broadcaster Sid Morera, Evangelical religious leaders, and famous Brazilian singers including Assiria Nascimenti, the wife of the world's greatest soccer player known as "Pele". The event also marked 40 years for the reunification of Jerusalem. The Israeli choir "Galron" from Kfar Saba also performed adding an international texture to the event. The local tour operator together with the festival organizational director, Jane Silva, confirmed that this was the first annual festival. The date will soon be set for next year's festival close to The Pentecost with an expected 1000 participants. |
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| Choirs and visitors interested in taking part can forward their details to
wecare@tourism.gov.il |
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IMPROVEMENTS AT RACHEL'S CROSSING BETWEEN JERUSALEM AND BETHLEHEM
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In addition to simplifying procedures for a smooth passage between Jerusalem and Bethlehem, the Ministry of Tourism has decorated the crossing with pictures of the religious and cultural sites in Israel adding messages of peace in Hebrew, Arabic and English. We hope you enjoy them!
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WARM GATHERING OF CHURCH LEADERS AND AIRPORT OFFICIALS
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At a special seminar initiated by the Tourism Ministry, church dignitaries met with over 120 airport officials responsible for security. These included the Israel Border Police, Ministry of Interior staff and Airport Security. The speakers related to the different aspects involved in the arrival and departure processes facilitating security checks at the airport.
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H.E. Antonio Franco, Apostolic Delegate to the Holy Land, stressed that often it is not "what" is asked but rather "how". If asked with a smile and in a more relaxed manner, the public today understands the need for security and will comply willingly. Father Samir Habibi, a former West Bank resident and now a prominent American citizen and war hero, stressed the sensitvity of the local Arab community at the airport. "Not all Arabs are terrorists, and I am one American War Hero who respects authority and understands the constraints. Just please understand me".
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Airport officials assured the participants that the issues raised will be addressed, concluding: "We figure you can go anywhere in the world, but we want you to come here".
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| Upcoming events: |
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World Wide Watch 2007 & Watchmen's Tour of Israel: September 12th - 26th celebrating 20 years of Ministry in Jeusalem. For more information: click here, ancj@jhopfan.org |
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Feast of Tabernacles 2007 |
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Blow a Trumpet in Zion |
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Thursday, 27th September to Wednesday, 3rd October
"Then have the trumpet sounded...throughout your land....and proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants."
(from Leviticus 25)
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Since 1980, tens of thousands of Christians from the four corners of the earth have come up to Jerusalem in answer to God's call to celebrate the ancient biblical festival of Succot. Combining powerful preaching and an anointed program of music and dance, the ICEJ's annual Feast of Tabernacles is truly a unique event.
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This year the feast will host speakers such as Jack Hayford, Jane Hansen, Mosy Madugba, Robert Stearns and David Pawson for a week of teaching, worship and ministry that begins in the desert of En Gedi and spills over onto the streets of Jerusalem with the annual Succot pilgrim march. |
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Internationally-acclaimed guest artists and performers include Israeli cantorial legend Dudu Fisher, US piano maestro Dino Kartsonakis and the inspiring Watoto Children's Choir from Kampala, Uganda. The 2007 Feast also features the return of veteran Hebraic music pioneers Merv and Merla Watson.
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What's more, for the 5th consecutive year, the ICEJ's Grafted program is hosting a unique Israel-wide Feast Tour for young adults aged 18-30.
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As the nations come up to Zion this fall, the ancient sound of the shofar will echo throughout the Land once again.
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We'd be honored if you would consider joining us!
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For more information, pricing and registration details, please download our pdf brochure and registration form or contact: feastreg@icej.org
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Summer nights at Mini Israel
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We recommend you check out the following links to important internet sites:
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Infolive.tv – the first international Israel TV.
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www.infolive.tv
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Israel Science and Technology Homepage -
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www.science.co.il
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SEARCH ENGINE FOR NATURE, TOURISM AND TOPICS OF INTEREST
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ISRAEL21c Newsletter www.israelc.org
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ISRAEL21c newsletter - feature articles on Israeli advancements in health, technology and democracy showing the vibrant Israel which exists beyond headlines of conflict.
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From the Jerusalem Tourism Authority:
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http://tour.jerusalem.muni.il/
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Did you know that:Some of Israel’s Most Important Archaeological Sites are now World Heritage Sites - Click
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Gojerusalem.com: JERUSALEM TRAVEL, TOURISM AND CULTURE PORTAL
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For information on upcoming events, sites and activities:
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http://gojerusalem.com/
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Special Services for the Tourist to Israel
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The Ministry of Tourism, through its Tourism Services Administration, offers a basket of services through travel agents/pilgrimage organizers and other tourist entities. Details can be found at our internet website:
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Tourism Services or contact your local Israel Government Tourist Office(IGTO) or the Christian Pilgrimage Desk at the Ministry of Tourism in Jerusalem: wecare@tourism.gov.il, Our newly formed Desk will gladly respond to all of your queries.
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The official Jerusalem municipality internet site includes travel ideas and information: Jerusalem municipality site
In addition the Jerusalem Municipality Tourism Authority is producing the Jerusalem Mosaic, a monthly newsletter that details the city's events, innovations and discoveries, as well as special deals and discounts, and suggestions for tours and activities.
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