LLX News

By: Deborah Fineblum – Jewish News Syndicate; jns.org

Applications for aliyah in the spring of the coronavirus are breaking records, as Jews in the Diaspora see Israel as a safe haven.

In a time of darkness, a time of pandemic, pandemonium and power struggles, a thin ray of light can be seen in the Jewish world.

The results are in: In May, the number of North Americans applying to make aliyah was double what it was last year at this time (814 vs. 424). In fact, last month was the biggest ever in the 19-year history of Nefesh B’Nefesh, the nonprofit that with the help of Israel’s government and the Jewish Agency for Israel has already shepherded some 60,000 North American Jews to new homes in Israel.

“We’ve seen small bumps, but nothing like this,” says Marc Rosenberg, Nefesh vice president for Diaspora partnerships. “What we saw this past month is absolutely remarkable. And while they may not be major numbers, they are major increases.”

https://www.jns.org/in-an-era-of-global-uncertainty-record-numbers-of-jews-seek-to-return-home/

By: Ben Sales – Jewish Telegraphic Agency; jta.org

Wonder of wonders: “Fiddler on the Roof” is returning to the big screen.

MGM will produce a remake of the iconic 1964 musical about the struggles and joys of Jewish life in the fictional Eastern European shtetl of Anatevka, according to Deadline.

The new film will bring some star power from Broadway: Director Thomas Kail served in the same role for “Hamilton” and has collaborated with its creator, Lin-Manuel Miranda (famously a “Fiddler” fan), on other shows. Steven Levenson, who wrote the acclaimed musical “Dear Evan Hansen,” will pen the screenplay.

The remake will be carrying on a tradition of more than 50 years.

By: David Horovitz – The Times of Israel; timesofisrael.com

New law bars cooperation with Zionists, including ‘hardware and software,’ as crime against God. So, no computers, internet, cellphones; healthcare ravaged; and no BMW for Khamenei

Ahead of its annual al-Quds Day orgy of Israel-bashing on Friday, Iran’s parliament has unanimously passed legislation banning “any cooperation” with Israel — specifically including the use of Israeli computer hardware and software — as a crime against God.

In normal years, al-Quds day is marked across the Islamic Republic by orchestrated anti-Israel marches and speeches, the trampling and burning of Israeli flags, and other displays of hatred rather at odds with the regime’s frequent assurances to the international community that its friendly and peace-loving leaders have no interest whatsoever in acquiring nuclear weapons.

https://www.timesofisrael.com/iran-has-banned-use-of-all-israel-tech-as-crime-against-god-good-luck-with-that/

CBN News – cbn.com

Millions of people around the world have been forced into isolation as part of the global effort to stop the deadly coronavirus pandemic. Since no tourists are allowed in Israel during this time, CBN News is bringing Israel to you.

We are inviting you to join our virtual tour series and see Israel’s most fascinating sites from the comfort of your own home. Ride with us on the Sea of Galilee, walk the ancient pilgrimage road to that Jesus once walked, and visit ancient Shiloh. 

This virtual tour page features archaeological sites and history from the time of Jesus and before.

https://www1.cbn.com/cbnnews/israel/2020/may/visit-israel-from-your-home-newss-virtual-tour-shows-you-israels-biggest-archaeological-finds

By: Samuel Smith – The Christian Post; christianpost.com

A Nigerian civil society organization estimates that about 620 Christians were killed and hundreds of homes, as well as churches, were damaged in Nigeria since the beginning of the year as attacks carried about by Fulani radicals and Islamic terrorists continue. 

The Anambra-based nongovernmental organization International Society for Civil Liberties & Rule of Law, headed by Christian Emeka Umeagbalasi, released a statement Thursday highlighting the impact of the atrocities committed by terrorists across Nigeria thus far in 2020. 

The report, based on days of forensic research, warns that militant Fulani herdsmen roaming the country’s rural Middle Belt states and terrorists affiliated with Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province in Nigeria’s northeast region have “intensified their anti-Christian violence.”

https://www.christianpost.com/news/at-least-620-nigerian-christians-killed-so-far-in-2020-by-boko-haram-fulani-ngo-report.html

By: Zachary Keyser – The Jerusalem Post; jpost.com

The International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ) has been assisting the Jewish Agency for Israel and Keren HaYesod, throughout the coronavirus pandemic, sponsoring 601 Aliyah flights.

The International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ) has been assisting the Jewish Agency for Israel and Keren HaYesod, throughout the coronavirus pandemic, with bringing Diaspora Jews to Israel by sponsoring 601 Aliyah flights since February.

As a part of the initiative, the ICEJ will be a part of bringing 160 Jews to Israel this week – including a group of 41 stemming from the former Soviet Union.

https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/icej-works-to-bring-diaspora-jews-to-israel-amid-coronavirus-628493

By: Leah MarieAnn Klett – The Christian Post; christianpost.com

China’s crackdown against Christianity continued to escalate throughout May, with numerous reports of church raids, cross removals, and intimidation of believers emerging from across the country. 

According to persecution watchdog Bitter Winter, as China attempts to reopen after coronavirus lockdowns, communist authorities continue propagating “stability maintenance” measures that specifically target Christian places of worship.

https://www.christianpost.com/news/china-ensures-stability-by-demolishing-churches-removing-crosses.html

By: Algemeiner Staff – The Algemeiner; algemeiner.com

Thursday was the 72nd anniversary of the establishment of the State of Israel.

Israel’s independence — which came into effect with the end of the British Mandate for Palestine — was proclaimed by David Ben-Gurion at the Tel Aviv Museum.

“May 14, 1948 was a great day in Jewish history,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s spokesperson to the Arab media, Ofir Gendelman, tweeted on Thursday. “After 2000 years, the Jewish people regained their sovereignty & independence in their ancient land. Despite many attempts by Arab states & terror orgs to wipe us off the map, we prevailed & built a great country.”

i24 News; i24news.tv

Israeli authorities are reportedly holding discussions over possibly reopening Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport to full capacity June 1 as coronavirus cases across the country continue to decline. 

According to Hebrew-language broadcaster Channel N12, Israel may allow visitors from so-called “green countries” to enter the country after being subjected to a number of Health Ministry protocols. 

Those on the “green countries” list are nations with relatively low rates of coronavirus infections and have laws requiring the use of personal protective equipment.

https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/israel/1589363812-report-talks-over-reopening-ben-gurion-airport-by-june-1-underway

By: Andrea Morris – CBN News; cbn.com

Christian organizations and churches from across the United Kingdom came together virtually on May 3 to sing a blessing over the land during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Members of more than 65 churches and ministries across the country videotaped themselves singing along to the song “The UK Blessing.” 

The song, “The Blessing” was originally recorded by Elevation Worship featuring Kari Jobe and Cody Carnes.

https://www1.cbn.com/cbnnews/world/2020/may/christians-unite-to-sing-the-uk-blessing-powerful-message-of-hope-to-bless-others-goes-viral