Years ago, I began to wonder why every time I was watching the news, there was always something about Israel.
How was it that this small nation was the center of attention all the time—and somehow Israel always came out as the bad guy? So I decided to go there and learn for myself what I could do in order to share my own perspective.
Little did I know that Israel was the biggest surprise for me of all!
Everywhere I traveled in Israel, people kept saying, “Thank you for coming. We are so grateful that you came.” My reply to these comments was, “The Danish people helped the Jews during World War II, and today we still want to help you, to stand up for you and give you our love.”
I was touched that Israelis met us with so much love and gratitude.
However, all over the world today—including my country of Denmark—Jews are being attacked simply for being Jews. I want to be like Ruth who said to Naomi, “Your people are my people, Your God is my God,” as written in the Old Testament. Twice I have celebrated the Feast of Tabernacles in Israel, and I participated in the Jerusalem March; both are big events each year. I received so many hugs and kisses from people who said, “We know that Christians stand by Israel today!”
Being in Israel is like traveling inside the pages of the Bible—it comes to life, and I feel God’s presence so strongly. I can’t explain it; you have to experience it yourself.
I have met with survivors of the Holocaust and heard their stories, which makes me say, “We must never, ever forget what happened to them!”
One of my most somber moments took place when I met the mother of a girl who was blown to pieces from an attack by a suicide bomber. As she told her story, she looked so tired, as if she would fall down any moment. There was a sorrow and pain in her eyes that was so deep that it broke my heart.
She looked at me, saying, “Why was it my child? What had she done to deserve this?” I choked up, and it felt like I could barely breathe. I didn’t know what to say or how to answer her, so I gave her a big hug and just held her in my arms.
In 2010, I met with the parents of Gilad Shalit, who at that time was a prisoner of Hamas. His parents had been protesting for the release of their son in Jerusalem.
Once again, I saw a mom looking so tired she could barely stand on her feet. The sorrow and pain in her eyes as she looked at me was so heartbreaking. I had to look away for a moment.
I then took the hand of Gilad’s mother, saying, “My name is Jane. I’m from Denmark, and I just want to let you know that I’m part of a prayer group that loves Israel and the Jewish people. We have been praying for your son for years. We stand with you; you are not alone. All over the world, people are praying for your son!”
She looked straight into my eyes and said, “Thank you very much!” We just stood there holding hands, where no words were necessary!
I left thinking, “No parent should have to go through this!” And even now, Israelis live in danger of when the next bomb is going to go off or the next rocket to hit from Gaza.
How can I not stand up for this nation, the root of all people? The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is also my God as a Christian who believes in Jesus.
So let me be very clear: I will stand by Israel now and forever!
I’m on the blessing team. I have a page on Facebook page called Israel, One Nation, where I share news, love and support for Israel every day.
God bless Israel!
For the original article, visit israelforever.org.
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