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Israel Trivia: The Facts About Israel’s Biblical Heartland

Trivia games—still enormously popular today—first came into vogue on college campuses in the 1960s. Later, TV game shows like Jeopardy! caught on, followed by the Trivial Pursuit game that was officially released in 1981. Numerous trivia apps now generate hours of enjoyment.

The United States leads the trivia world of facts, with 1.3 billion downloads in 2022 alone. One of the best things about playing trivia is that doing so can help increase our knowledge, our team building, and our memory. That is why many corporations, like Spotify, Nike, and Amazon, use trivia applications.

As Israel advocates, we can have fun while utilizing Israel-focused trivia facts to increase our knowledge and oppose the unabating torrent of lies against Israel. Here are a few sample questions, before we explore historical facts about the world’s biblical heartland.

The answers for these trivia questions appear at the end of my column. Enjoy challenging yourself...

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America: For Such a Time as This?

In a time when standing for truth and justice has never been more important, symbols of courage become rallying cries for action. Our new pins, emblazoned with Esther 4:14 over the land of Israel and the United States, represent the call to rise as modern-day Esthers. They are more than accessories; they are declarations of faith, resilience, and solidarity.

Israel’s battle is one that affects us all. Wars rage, political divisions deepen, and economies falter. In these turbulent days, the truth is stark: if the U.S. falters, so does Israel. The stakes are higher than ever. This is not just about a distant conflict; it’s an immediate call to each of us who value justice, faith, and the legacy of Israel's biblical promise.

The recent Israeli strikes on military sites in Tehran following Iran’s unprovoked missile attacks remind us that Israel’s fight for survival is relentless. Israel's Defense Minister Yoav Gallant emphasized the importance of taking a...
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How can we learn from the Book of Esther about overcoming the “Haman” in our lives?

Esther’s story is more than an ancient narrative; it holds timeless lessons on facing and overcoming evil. The plot against Mordechai, orchestrated by Haman, was a stark reminder that evil often operates subtly, waiting for an opportunity to strike. Today, it may not be in the form of gallows, but it emerges in deception, hate, and oppression. Look at your life today—where is evil lurking, ready to ensnare you? It could be a toxic influence, injustice, or spiritual indifference.

First, recognize evil for what it is. Esther and Mordechai discerned the true nature of Haman's intentions, understanding that they faced more than political maneuvering; they faced a threat against their people. As Ephesians 5:11 reminds us, “Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.” Identifying the wrong around and within us is essential in resisting it.

Second, prepare spiritually. Esther’s preparation was marked by fasting and prayer, not...

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A Glorious Future: Courage Under Fire

Israel continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience and courage. From media narratives that misrepresent its self-defense to on-the-ground incidents of discrimination and strategic moves in response to threats, Israel’s journey is fraught with complexities. This edition covers key issues: media influence, acts of bravery, and the global ripple effects of Israel’s stand against hostility. Join us as we delve into these critical topics and explore how we, as modern-day Esthers, can support and stand with Israel.


More War Games from Iran: A Threat Before Shabbat?

As families in Israel prepare for another Shabbat, Iran’s Supreme Leader reportedly orders a reprisal attack against Israeli military sites. Prime Minister Netanyahu remains unwavering, stating, “We can reach anywhere in Iran as needed,” highlighting Israel’s readiness to respond.

With the U.S. election days away, will Iran make a move that disrupts peace yet again? The stakes have never...

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Iran’s Threats and Israel’s Steadfast Resolve

Israel’s bold and strategic strikes against Iranian military sites on October 26 sent a clear message: the Jewish state will not hesitate to defend itself. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated confidently, “We can reach anywhere in Iran as needed.” This demonstration of Israel’s military capabilities underscores a deep-rooted resilience and commitment to safeguarding its people.

Yet, the situation is far from over. Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has reportedly ordered a reprisal attack, signaling a potential escalation in the conflict. According to various news sources, Khamenei’s directive came after he was briefed on the damage Israel's strikes inflicted. Though Iran publicly downplayed the impact, admitting only to four casualties and minimal damage, sources within the country tell a different story. It’s clear that Israel’s targeted actions disrupted significant military assets, including radar sites and missile...

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A Disheartening Encounter in Oakland: Standing Firm in the Face of Discrimination

In an unsettling reflection of rising antisemitism, Jonathan Hirsch, a Jewish man, found himself at the center of controversy at the Jerusalem Coffee House in Oakland, California, on October 26, 2024. Hirsch, who was wearing a baseball hat emblazoned with the Star of David, was confronted and asked to leave the café by its owner, Abdulrahim Harara. The owner cited the symbol as “violent” and implied it signified Zionist affiliation.

In the video Hirsch recorded, Harara can be heard saying, “You’re being asked to leave. You’re causing a disruption. This is a private business.” Hirsch pushed back, stating, “You can’t ask me to leave because of my religion.” Harara responded by questioning, “Are you a Zionist?” before demanding, “Get out!”

The incident escalated when Harara threatened to call the police, ultimately compelling Hirsch to comply. In an interview with KTVU, Hirsch expressed that he was not...

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A Glorious Future: Media Influence, Campus Pressure, and Israel’s Stand

As Israel faces critical challenges on multiple fronts, we must stay informed and united in support. In this edition, we examine the role of media in shaping global perception of Israel, campus movements pushing for divestment, and Israel’s courageous stand against a UN agency that harbors terrorists and threatens its security. Join us in exploring how we, as modern-day Esthers, can make a difference.


Alan Dershowitz: The Media Is Implementing Sinwar's Genocidal Strategy

In a powerful piece, Alan Dershowitz argues that Western media is unintentionally furthering Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar's strategy by casting Israel as the aggressor in its conflict with Hamas. Dershowitz warns that biased reporting on Israel’s self-defense efforts not only misleads global audiences but also empowers anti-Israel sentiment.

“The media should be vigilant against becoming a tool for terrorist propaganda,” Dershowitz emphasizes, challenging journalists to carefully consider how...

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Alan Dershowitz: The Media’s Role in Sinwar's Strategy

In a powerful editorial, legal scholar and former Harvard Law professor Alan Dershowitz explores how media coverage is potentially playing into the hands of Yahya Sinwar, the Hamas leader with genocidal intentions toward Israel. Writing for The Tampa Free Press, Dershowitz claims, “Sinwar understands that by provoking Israel into defending itself, he can count on a significant portion of the Western media to portray Israel as the aggressor.” He warns that this distorted coverage does more than just mislead audiences—it emboldens anti-Israel forces and stokes global anti-Semitism.

Dershowitz argues that fair, balanced reporting is essential in conflict situations, particularly when lives are at stake. “The media should be vigilant against becoming a tool for terrorist propaganda,” he insists, calling on journalists to examine how their reporting choices could be manipulated to support terrorist agendas.

According to Dershowitz, Western media has a...

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Harvard President Speaks Out on Divestment Demands Amid Rising Campus Tensions

In recent news, Harvard University’s president responded to a push from student groups to divest from Israel—a movement that has swept across many universities, raising concerns among pro-Israel communities. This latest action at Harvard has drawn both national attention and strong reactions from those who see these divestment movements as thinly veiled attacks on Israel’s right to exist and thrive as a nation.

This call to divest, coming from influential institutions like Harvard, shows the persistence of anti-Israel sentiment among influential circles. But it also highlights the critical need for continued advocacy and support for Israel. Divestment movements not only affect the economy but also fuel a narrative that delegitimizes Israel, weakening the world's strongest democracy in the Middle East.

As supporters of Israel, we must recognize that these movements go beyond financial interests—they impact public perception, youth influence, and, ultimately,...

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Israel Bans UNRWA: A Necessary Step to Protect Future Generations

In a powerful move to protect its security and future, Israel recently passed legislation to ban the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) from operating in its territories. While the U.S. government has expressed concern over the decision, Israeli officials and experts are defending the legislation as crucial to stopping the spread of extremist ideologies among Palestinian children.

Marcus Sheff, CEO of the NGO IMPACT-se, which monitors anti-Jewish and anti-Israel content in UNRWA’s educational materials, emphasized the severity of the situation, citing that 23% of UNRWA’s male employees have direct ties to Hamas. He notes, "These are not a few bad apples but representative of the whole rotten barrel," making it clear that UNRWA’s influence goes far beyond humanitarian aid.

This troubling statistic came to light after it was revealed that many of the terrorists involved in the October 7, 2023 massacre in Israel had been educated in UNRWA schools....

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