FROM SARAH, OUR SABRA
ON THE GROUND IN ISRAEL

Dear Friend,

Greetings from Israel. When you visit Jerusalem, you can walk on the old city walls built by the Turks when the Ottoman Empire ruled much of the Mediterranean region. Though that realm ended after World War I, today we are seeing efforts to restore the Ottoman influence and control.

Many of my recent letters have addressed Iran’s aggression through Hezbollah and Hamas since October 7, 2023. Modern Iran, part of the ancient Persian Empire, has been working for some time to restore that former kingdom’s domination. Even so, the Middle East is changing rapidly. Recent events have shown that as Iran weakens, Turkey strengthens.

During the latter part of 2024, Israel devastated Hezbollah. Thus, the Iran-led Shia axis of evil — which dominated Lebanon, Syria, and much of Iraq — lost power because of the shockwaves of Israel’s precise attacks. When Israel eliminated Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, Iranians focused on finding the source of breaches rather than “stopping the bleeding.”

After Israel toppled Shia-Muslim Hezbollah in Lebanon, Sunni-Muslim rebels in Syria seized the moment. Backed by Turkish weapons and support, the militants took control of Damascus and overthrew President Bashar al-Assad. The battle over influence in Syria continues today. While Saudi Arabia funds major projects in Syria to weaken Iran’s influence, the biggest winner of the fall of Assad’s regime is Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Turkey’s iron-fisted president.

Israel is rightly concerned about Turkey’s mass deployment of troops into Syria. Just after we weakened the Shia axis of evil led by Iran, we face an expanded Sunni axis of evil led by Turkey.

Western leaders have obsessively sought to partner with moderate Islamic leaders in the Middle East. Erdoğan realized this when he first came to power. He voiced rhetoric about democracy, civil rights, and freedom, which European and U.S. leaders bought hook, line, and sinker. They overlooked Erdoğan’s persistent squashing of secularism in Turkey and continue to ignore his Islamic-dominance vitriol. Thus, unlike any other predominantly Muslim country in the Middle East, Turkey continues as a NATO member.

While Erdoğan is not concerned about Russian attacks (one of the reasons that NATO was founded), Turkey’s NATO membership allows it the benefits of military training, intelligence, and sophisticated technological prowess from the U.S. and other Western countries.

Resurrection Of The Empire

Since Erdoğan’s election in 2014, he has used dictatorial tactics to achieve the “Islamification” of Turkey. Dr. Hai Eitan Cohen Yanrojak — an expert on Turkish politics and foreign relations from the Moshe Dayan Center at Tel Aviv University — has stated: “Erdoğan is a neo-Ottoman man. In all his speeches, he talks about the connection to the Ottoman Empire. And now, as soon as he succeeded in Syria, they crowned him in Turkey as a great sultan — a leader who can restore the crown to its former glory — who brings the Ottoman Empire back to center stage.”

Dr. Harold Rhode has a PhD in Islamic history and served for 28 years as an advisor on the Islamic world in the Office of the U.S. Secretary of Defense. Rhode explained that in 2011, after the fall of President Hosni Mubarak in Egypt and against the backdrop of the strengthening of the Muslim Brotherhood, Erdoğan went to Cairo, where he advised the new leaders not to rush in fully implementing Islam and Sharia (Islamic) law. Rhode noted: “Erdoğan tried to explain to the Muslim Brotherhood that it was better to act cautiously and gradually, so as not to arouse strong opposition, and even suggested that they consider adopting an ostensibly secular constitution, with the aim of preserving their control over the long term.”

The Muslim Brotherhood leaders ignored Erdoğan’s advice and quickly implemented strict Islamic laws in Egypt. This provided the Egyptian army an impetus to overthrow them just a year later.

Erdoğan’s strategy seems to be inspiring other leaders in the Muslim world, including Abu Muhammad al-Julani, the rebel leader of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) in Syria. In 2023, researcher Aaron Zelin wrote The Age of Political Jihadism: A Study of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. In the book, Zelin elaborated on radical Islamist groups that use violence and terrorism to achieve their goals, often claiming to be fighting a jihad (“holy war”). Zelin explained that these Jihadist organizations believe that the path to restoring the dignity and power of the Muslim world involves a jihadi struggle to establish a renewed caliphate (Islamic state), where Sharia law will apply.

While groups like HTS present a moderate image, Zelin stressed that they work toward establishing a global caliphate that will operate according to Islamic principles. In Syria, Erdoğan made al-Julani his governor. So, in Ottoman terms, if Erdoğan is the sultan, then the new governor of the province of Syria is al-Julani.

Dr. Assa Ophir, a lecturer in the Department of Middle Eastern Studies at Ariel University in Israel, has published research papers on Turkey and its future aspirations. Ophir noted that Erdoğan and his people talk a lot about the year 2053. “This date will mark 600 years since the conquest of Constantinople, which is a defining moment in Islamic history. Turkey sees itself as an Islamic civilization that is fighting today for its place against Western civilization,” Ophir explained.

Another symbolic date is 2071, which marks 1,000 years since the battle when the Seljuks (Muslims) defeated the Byzantines (Christians) and “opened the gates of Anatolia [Asia Minor] to the Turks.” In the centuries that followed, Turkish settlement expanded, until the formation of the Ottoman Empire, which grew out of these territories. Ophir added that “Erdoğan believes that by 2071, Turkey should be in the status of a world power, equal to the U.S. and China.”

Turkey’s Biblical Importance

Modern-day Turkey (once known as Asia Minor) is interwoven with important Biblical history. The region of Galatia, along with cities like Ephesus and Colosse, were primary areas where the Apostle Paul spread the Gospel message. Paul’s letters to Believers in Yeshua/Jesus as Messiah in those areas provide significant teaching about Yeshua/Jesus, the Church, and how Believers should live in this world as transformed citizens of God’s Kingdom.

The Apostle John, writing near the end of the first century, recorded the Lord’s message (Rev. 2–3) to seven churches in Asia Minor — Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. God’s words to these churches remain highly relevant both as warnings and encouragement for Believers today. (See Zola’s booklet Seven Churches — Does Yours Fit In? at https://store.levitt.com/SCH)

Turkey’s Role in End Time Prophecy

Many Biblical scholars note that in Ezekiel chapters 38–39, a coalition of nations — including “Gog and Magog” — will invade Israel. Turkey, referred to as “Togarmah” or “Beth-togarmah” in Ezekiel 38:6, will align with Russia, Iran, and other nations in the battle. Though that war will happen in the future, we are now seeing the emerging alignment between those anti-Israel powers. In addition, Daniel chapter 11 refers to the “king of the North,” which some scholars interpret as relating to Turkey in the Last Days.

In Matthew 24, Yeshua warns of wars, rumors of wars, and persecution that will precede His Second Coming. These warnings resonate with many of us in the Middle East today. (See https://store.levitt.com/SC for Zola’s booklet The Second Coming.)

Erdoğan’s vision of a revived Ottoman Empire leading the Muslim world makes it easy to imagine Turkey taking part in the coalition that will oppose Israel in the End Times. Turkey has repeatedly positioned itself as a defender of Islamic causes, often at odds with Western nations. When a Sunni Islamic coalition acts against Israel, Turkey is likely to be involved. This could fulfill the prophecy of many nations rising against Israel in the Last Days (Zech. 12:2–3).

Our Response

Yeshua reminded us: “When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift your heads, because your redemption is drawing near” (Luke 21:28).

Israel has taken an offensive stance against the Jihadists in Syria. Soldiers from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are stationed along our border with Syria to hold strategic ground. In addition, Israel is aiding minority populations — especially the Druze and Christians — who are being slaughtered in Syria, which goes mostly unreported by the mainstream media.

For us Believers, Turkey is more than just a geopolitical player; that region has an expansive Biblical history. The country’s growing influence around us here in Israel is a reminder that Biblical prophecy is not just something from the past; it is happening in real time, before our eyes. We must remain vigilant, focused on praying for Israel and the nations according to God’s Word. Ultimately, Turkey and the End Times coalition can never fully destroy Israel (Ps. 2:1–6).

Im tirdefu lada-at oto —“Press on to know HIM!” (Hosea 6:3 NLT)

Many blessings from Israel,

Sarah Liberman

P.S. Thank you for praying for the people of Israel and the peace of Jerusalem (Ps. 122:6). Please also support ZLM with your financial contributions and prayers as we work with the Lord to spread the Gospel of Yeshua everywhere.

Looking to 2026

Because of Israel’s renewed fighting against Hamas in Gaza, we have canceled this year’s October Bible study tour. While tourists are understandably hesitant to consider traveling to Israel at this time, we felt that it was safe enough to send our To the Jew First missionaries (Todd Baker and August Rosado), film crew, and Joshua and Caleb Colson to Israel in March and April. We believe that the hostilities will end soon, and we will again take pilgrims to the Holy Land once peace returns.

While we eagerly await that time, please tentatively plan to join our study tour next spring. You can contact Sandra, our tour manager, at 214-696-9760, travel@levitt.com, or visit levitt.com/tours for more information.

Spring Tour 2026 options

A Note from Joshua and Caleb Colson

Toward the end of March, we flew to Athens, Greece, where we filmed several new Bearded Bible Brothers^® programs, including one about Paul’s conflicts with demonic strongholds throughout Greece. Before arriving in Athens, we had a layover in Istanbul. During our time in Turkey, we realized that the Holy Spirit had directed us there so we could walk in the territory that will become ground zero for End Times events.

Before our flight landed, the news channel broadcast live protests and riots on the streets of Istanbul. Earlier that day, President Erdoğan had arrested the mayor of Istanbul on corruption charges, which many realized was merely a ploy to muzzle a political rival. Subsequently, hundreds of thousands of people publicly demonstrated their disapproval of Erdoğan’s actions, and police arrested thousands.

As we rode in the cab to our hotel in downtown Istanbul, our driver watched a live stream of the events while texting his frustrations. By the time we hit the streets, an unprecedented cold front arrived — plunging the temperature to just above freezing. Though the crowds had dissipated, the spiritual climate remained dark and disorderly. While walking in the city, we stood outside the famous Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia Mosque to ponder Islam’s role in the coming prophesied conflicts with Israel.

For the past six years, we have sounded the alarm of Turkey’s sprint toward the Apocalypse. Many Christians can name-drop Gomer, aka Turkey’s connection to Prince Gog’s alliance, noted in Ezekiel chapter 38. But few people realize the association between this territory and the rise of the Beast.

Using powerful symbolism, Revelation 17 describes the final empire from which Satan incarnate will rise. The Apostle John mentions a great city on seven hills that resides on an ocean port. For the last 70 years, Bible prophecy students have concluded that this city is Rome. However, Rome was the capital of the Roman Empire for only 350 years.

In contrast, Constantinople lasted almost 1,700 years, because the Eastern portion of the Empire continued after the Western part collapsed. Through the region’s rebranding as the Byzantine Empire, Constantinople remained the capital of world-devouring kingdoms, even as it changed hands to future powers like the Ottomans. Today Constantinople — known as the “City on the Seven Hills” — is called Istanbul!

Turkey’s involvement in the End Times is also noted in the Beast’s origins. Micah chapter 5 hints at his Assyrian bloodline when a figure known as “The Assyrian” comes to dominate the Jewish people. Antiochus Epiphanes IV only partly fulfilled Daniel’s dual prophecy of this Greco-Syrian antiChrist (Dan. 9:27). Because Yeshua promised (in Matt. 24:15) an encore presentation of Daniel’s prophecy, one can only assume that this Beast will again rise out of the Seleucid division of the Roman Empire. Thus, the spotlight again shines on the ancient region of the Assyrian Empire in Turkey, Syria, and Iraq.

Time appears to be short, and Yeshua’s return is imminent. Believers, however, have nothing to fear. Our Savior has promised us not only an eternity with Him but also a rescue from the Tribulation to come. Let’s renew our focus to spend these final moments of the Last Days sharing our blessed hope with those who are unaware that it could be their hope too.

Love, Joshua and Caleb

Our Jewish Roots TV programs in May

This month we continue our encore presentation of Roadmap to Armageddon. In this series, the Bearded Bible Brothers^® (BBB) address the Biblical order of prophetic events that precipitate the battle of Armageddon. While these ten programs are steeped in Biblical history, they address timely topics that every Believer should know and understand.

Roadmap to Armageddon

Psalm 83 — We begin our journey on the Roadmap to Armageddon with the Psalm 83 War. Starting at the Sea of Galilee, Joshua and Caleb travel north to Kiryat Shmona near the border with Lebanon. With David and Kirsten Hart in the studio, this program also includes a special appearance by Dr. Jeffrey Seif.

The Rapture — Will the Bridegroom rescue His Bride before the Father unleashes His wrath upon the world? To fully understand the timing of the Rapture, Joshua and Caleb travel to Nazareth to investigate how Yeshua’s own people confused His First and Second Coming signs. Is it possible that Christians today confuse Yeshua’s Rapture with His Second Coming?

Battle of Gog and Magog — From the Golan Heights overlooking the border of Syria, Joshua and Caleb discuss the coming invasion prophesied in Ezekiel 38 and 39. Even today, the coalition of nations noted in Gog and Magog is already coming into alignment, as you’ve read earlier in this letter. How much time do we have before this war? Can we set a date? Watch to unravel the mystery!

Rise of the Beast — Joshua and Caleb journey to Banias, where Yeshua and His disciples witnessed the symbolic gateway to Hell. The story unfolds as the BBB ascend Mount Hermon to explore the enigma behind the coming Beast, his connections to Nimrod (the first antiChrist), and the genetic nature of his polluted bloodline.

You can see our complete Roadmap series at levitt.tv/media/series/DRTA.