http://www.harvest-tv.com/blogs/brianbush/index.cfm This blog will bring you Brian's updates from the Middle East. en-us Thu, 17 May 2012 04:15:48 -0400 Tue, 15 May 2012 17:38:00 -0400 BlogCFC http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss bush@netmedia.net.il bush@netmedia.net.il bush@netmedia.net.il no http://www.harvest-tv.com/blogs/brianbush/index.cfm/2012/5/15/So-Very-Real Hi Everyone, I will abandon the news today and share with you what struck me... May seem silly - but it is something I experience daily here in the land of the Bible. You see, man is part of a chain in history, and while it's true that in our day things have progressed hugely due to technology, how much has man changed? Everyday I travel out of the stone encasement called Jerusalem, the holy city. When I pass out the gates, I am 'leaving history', and passing by countless folks who've traveled half the world's distance to come and experience this place - to take a step back in time... There's no doubt about the impact it makes upon people. The stories that have been read to us from our earliest days of Sunday School reach out to us and grab hold of us - as one sits upon a boat on the Galilee or walks up the Way of Sorrows. It all becomes so very real. I understand that for many, the words, promises, and events of the Bible take on a personal note when your a pilgrim here. So much of that experience is started back home in the relationship with God in our normal cluttered, often rushed and tired lives. But when here - the stones do seem to cry out... Man still needs a Savior, God still loves His creation, and that Love came down right here in this land for us to experience wherever we are. Friends, consider joining a LeSEA tour to this Land of the Bible and see for yourself where Heaven literally came down to earth in Bethlehem. Visit the way of life in Jesus day at Nazareth... And stand upon the Mount of Olives where Jesus spent so much of His time that we have recorded in the Gospels. We' love to send you some information on what you'll see and do here in the Holy Land - contact us at: www.lesea.com Brian Bush Middle East Corespondent LeSEA Broadcasting Sent from my iPad Israel Tue, 15 May 2012 17:38:00 -0400 http://www.harvest-tv.com/blogs/brianbush/index.cfm/2012/5/15/So-Very-Real http://www.harvest-tv.com/blogs/brianbush/index.cfm/2012/5/11/Discoveries Hi friends, I trust everybody is doing fine. Let's talk about a couple of discovers made in the dirt of Israel this week! Both tie right to my neighborhood here in the Old City of Jerusalem. The first discovery was announced out in the Elah valley - a place traditionally associated with David's defeating of Goliath, and relates to the Temple here in Jerusalem. For a while archeologists have been unearthing things they say tie the site to one of King David's fortified cities. There is very little material to date that can be verified as coming from the Davidic Kingdom. However now there are some clay and stone containers that have been uncovered that some academics are claiming are from the first Temple period and actually bear the symbolence of what King Solomon's temple looked like. There is a logic there, that if this container was meant to hold something sacred, or was connected to Jewish worship at the Temple, that it depict that most important place. The other impressive find was a stone column made from red rock lying in situ within the ground not all that far away from the Old City. This was uncovered after the demolition of a building to make way for a new one. What's exciting about this is that the column matches precisely to the description left by a historian who witnessed the construction of the Nea church during the days of the Emporer Justinian This church was the largest ever built in Jerusalem. It was named after Jesus' mother Mary. It stood where the road now runs through the Jewish Quarter in the Old City. The church ran north from there and was largely built over during the reconstruction of the Jewish Quarter after the 1967 war. All that remains visible today of this magnificent structure is the foundation to one of the naves of the church. The historian of Justinian's day noted the red hard stone from which the church was built. From what I gather it was three stories tall with a mostly open wall to the south in order to look out to the Hinnon valley and Mt. Zion. This newly discovered column is cut to the size that other columns were made to for the massive building. Discoveries such as these encourage me in this Land of the Bible because it brings it's pages alive! You too can see countless things from the scriptures if you come over here on a LeSEA tour! Why not go to: www.leseatours.com and have a look at what you can experience here in the Holy Land - the things I'm privileged to see and walk amongst daily! Brian Bush Middle East Corespondent LeSEA Broadcasting Archeology Fri, 11 May 2012 12:27:00 -0400 http://www.harvest-tv.com/blogs/brianbush/index.cfm/2012/5/11/Discoveries http://www.harvest-tv.com/blogs/brianbush/index.cfm/2012/5/8/Such-is-Israeli-Politics Such is Israeli politics... Israel's Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu has backtracked on his call for early elections – they have now in fact been cancelled. This morning, after the Coalition Chairman at the Knesset had already approved the dissolution law with it's first reading, it was announced that Mr. Netanyahu has come to an arrangement with a unity Government by inviting the Kadima party. This is the political party started by Aerial Sharon and with whom Ehud Olmert was Prime Minister. This is the entity that lead the opposition under Tzipi Livni who is now out of her party leadership and politics altogether. The dramatic and unprecedented move came after a night of drama and effectively pushes the next Israeli elections to November 2013. The Kadima Chairman, Shual Mofaz will be the only Kadima minister in the government. Israel's controversial Foreign Minister Avigdor Liberman was apparently in on the move and has stayed silent throughout the media flury all day. Mr. Mofaz, who was Chief of Staff - Israel's top military commander before entering politics, will be appointed Vice Premier and will be member of all security forums. Certainly a unity government will find it easier to operate against Iran if necessary. And thus with this change of direction Mr. Netanyahu has silenced the political opponents, thrown their parties into the meat grinder, and has proven that he may well be Israel's most divisive, and yet talented, politician. Brian Bush Middle East Correspondent LeSEA Broadcasting Politics Tue, 08 May 2012 15:03:00 -0400 http://www.harvest-tv.com/blogs/brianbush/index.cfm/2012/5/8/Such-is-Israeli-Politics http://www.harvest-tv.com/blogs/brianbush/index.cfm/2012/5/5/A-Big-Thank-You Hi Everybody, It's another weekend addition of Brian's Blog! What a great week we had together learning about the different ways LESEA is impacting our world. None of these ministries would have been possible without two things; 1. The Holy Spirit 2. God's people pulling together. On Thursday's segment from Israel I showed you a view of the Temple Mount. It was somewhere there that the original Temple stood. As you all know it was the Dwelling place of God and a place of near constant worship. We are all part of God's house – He Dwells within us today. And when you tune into LeSEA you may see myself or one of the other hosts on air. Do you realize how many people there are behind the scenes for you to see that one face? A lot. And they quietly and efficiently carry out their tasks so that folks all over the globe can hear the Gospel. We have people who translate into various languages, people who pack up materials to inspire those who need hope, and of course the good men and women who station themselves at the prayer line. Thank you for your partnership – in faith – to keep our global works up and expanding! We trust that this past week you've learned a little something new about what you can do in growing God's Kingdom here on earth. If there's anything you'd like more information on – do please drop us a line! We appreciate you! Brian Bush Middle East Correspondent LeSEA Broadcasting Church Life Sat, 05 May 2012 08:47:00 -0400 http://www.harvest-tv.com/blogs/brianbush/index.cfm/2012/5/5/A-Big-Thank-You http://www.harvest-tv.com/blogs/brianbush/index.cfm/2012/4/27/Israel-at-64 Hi everyone! I've missed writing - so it's nice to be back with you. So Israel turned 64 yesterday! What lay ahead for this place in the coming year? Well, you don't have to look too far to see that many in the media have this fateful approach that war looms on the horizon... Some media types say a third intifada of the Palestinians is on it's way (I personally don't think that's the case), ?I see talk like that serving the scare factory... Then of course there is Iran - a completely different situation. ?But here too the international community has taken huge calculated steps against Iran and they will take full effect before Iran could manufacter a nuclear bomb. What I find a little awkward is this emphasis on 'war' right around this period of Rememberance Day when Israel recalls it's fallen... Why would anyone ask for more? How about the proclamation for a bright future? ?What if peace were toated as the new years' gift to the people? And if one were to look at one of the hallmarks of this small State it ?is it's accomplishments in medicine and science that could lead the discussion. Some have said that the study of the human brain is the last frontier of the human body... Here in Israel there is intense study taking place on the brain and how it works. What about in the face of drought and continued concern for water the accomplishments Israel has made in agriculture? For me, the future is favorable in one chooses. ?Many in media express the negative and fatalistic approach.... More headlines sell that way I guess. I'd chose to put our hope in what we can build for a better year ahead. ?And when you think of it, such advances are exponential - they keep growing, and that's good news for all. Brian Bush Middle East Correspondent LeSEA Broadcasting Israel Fri, 27 Apr 2012 13:51:00 -0400 http://www.harvest-tv.com/blogs/brianbush/index.cfm/2012/4/27/Israel-at-64 http://www.harvest-tv.com/blogs/brianbush/index.cfm/2012/4/6/Good-Friday Good Day Everyone, This is the most solemn of days in our Christian calendar – Good Friday, the day the Lord Jesus Christ was condemned and set upon a cross to die. Christ's sacrificial death in many ways is so clear in purpose – and in others it is mysterious. His suffering began last night in the Garden of Gethsemane, and the procession led Him ultimately to Caiaphas' house. The Via Dolorosa was full today. There were many groups from Asia, and an extremely large group from India with their colorful clothing and heart-felt singing. The way of sorrows provides a precious walk from the Judgment Hall and Ecce Homo Arch where Pilate washed his hands of the matter – up to the Holy Sepulcher and Calvary. The lines where long, the people patient, as one by one people came to the cross to thank God for His sacrificial death for them. It is moving to watch. And God too saw these very people when He prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane. He lifted onto His back their shame when He carried His cross. Jesus shed His sinless blood and breathed His last to give them – you – and me eternal life with Him in heaven. This is why it is called 'Good' Friday. The just, for the unjust – the righteous, for the unrighteous – the great love of the Creator for His created. Friends, take a moment today to thank God for His plan of salvation for us - that He saw you! It came at an incredible price of misunderstanding, shame, and personal pain - our salvation. But the story doesn't end there... As the Bible describes a new mother forgetting her birthing pains upon the delivery of her new borne child – so too all sin and pain will be forgotten because my friends – Christ is Risen! Brian Bush Middle East Correspondent LeSEA Broadcasting Church Life Fri, 06 Apr 2012 11:37:00 -0400 http://www.harvest-tv.com/blogs/brianbush/index.cfm/2012/4/6/Good-Friday http://www.harvest-tv.com/blogs/brianbush/index.cfm/2012/4/3/IsraeliPalestinian-Peace-Track Hi Everyone, For months now there has not been much (if any) action on the Israeli-Palestinian Peace Track. However, today the media here is citing sources saying that the Palestinians want a secret meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu. It makes sense that the negotiators would wait till after Land Day for the Palestinians. The day itself was last Friday, and both in Israel and most of the territories it passed quietly. There were demonstrations and clashes here and there, and one Palestinian who was killed by Israeli fire. Palestinian organizers had promised masses of people... they did not materialize. This may be because of all the upheaval in the Arab world, which distracts from the drawn out conflict. But this dispute can be solved through dialogue and diplomacy if the sides want to do it. With all the talk about the uncertain futures of Iraq, Egypt, and Syria perhaps both sides would do well to approach things in a matter-of-fact way to forge an agreement and provide the future of stability for their children. Brian Bush Middle East Correspondent LeSEA Broadcasting Politics Tue, 03 Apr 2012 15:59:00 -0400 http://www.harvest-tv.com/blogs/brianbush/index.cfm/2012/4/3/IsraeliPalestinian-Peace-Track http://www.harvest-tv.com/blogs/brianbush/index.cfm/2012/3/31/Palm-Sunday Hello Everyone! It's a weekend version of Brian's Blog – and that's because tomorrow is Palm Sunday! Palm Sunday is crowned by a procession every year, leading from the small site on the backside (Eastern side) of the Mount of Olives called Bethphage. This is the small place that Jesus is said to have often retired to (amongst other places on the Mount) with His Disciples. Bethphage means 'House of Figs' and is associated particularly with Jesus' mounting of the donkey to begin His triumphal journey into Jerusalem. The procession winds it's way along the ancient road that leeds from Jericho to Jerusalem and goes over the summit for the classic view of Jerusalem and then down through the valley to it's entrance into the Old City via the Lions Gate. Celebrations finish with a brief service and singing at the grounds of the magnificent Church of St. Anne's at Bethesda. It is a real coming together of the various expressions within the Western Christian community. This year the Eastern Churches Celebrate their Easter commemorations the following week. The procession usually averages 10,000 participants, with many organized groups singing in their respective languages and waiving the traditional palm branches. The one word that is said most this day is 'Hosanna'. This Hebrew word has two primary meanings: 'praise' and 'save us Lord'. That of course speaks to the crowds crying out to Jesus to be their Savior – perhaps on that day in the physical sense from the Romans more than from the release of spiritual bondage. Obviously their were those who wanted Jesus to be the Lord of their lives, and understood that life is bigger than what we know of it. This is one reason I enjoy so much sharing in the witness of Palm Sunday. It foreshadows that Day when Jesus will return, ushering with Him the New Jerusalem, the recreation of the heavens and earth, and the sin-less eternity. ...and on that day, every knee will bow and every tongue confess, along with all creation, that Jesus Christ is Lord. Until then, join me in a triumphant HOSANNA tomorrow! Brian Bush Middle East Correspondent LeSEA Broadcasting Church Life Sat, 31 Mar 2012 08:46:00 -0400 http://www.harvest-tv.com/blogs/brianbush/index.cfm/2012/3/31/Palm-Sunday http://www.harvest-tv.com/blogs/brianbush/index.cfm/2012/3/27/Settlements-and-US-Jews Hi All, Israel's tension with the United Nations Human Rights Council continues. At issue is an official investigation by the UN into Israel's policies on West Bank settlements. Some in the American Jewish community view settlements as disruptive to Israel, and are expressing their view. Even in Europe, two Ambassadors for Israel have voiced their support for taking a hard look at Israel's settlement policy. Currently in Washington DC there is a conference of Jewish leadership meeting where voices of moderation have been heard. This voice isn't new. Back in 1943, American Jewish leader Rabbi Stephen Weiss made a famous remark. It was at the height of World War II, and he said that, 'American Jews are first and foremost Americans', and since then the identification of U.S. Jews with America has only strengthened. Israel's settlement enterprise is the most controversial subject in the Jewish community at this time And at a time when some Israelis, even from the political left, have become accustomed to the settlements, a growing amount of young American Jews are viewing the settlements as a distraction for Israel, and are raising their voices. Brian Bush Middle East Correspondent LeSEA Broadcasting Israel Tue, 27 Mar 2012 19:16:00 -0400 http://www.harvest-tv.com/blogs/brianbush/index.cfm/2012/3/27/Settlements-and-US-Jews http://www.harvest-tv.com/blogs/brianbush/index.cfm/2012/3/23/Silent-Deterrent Hello Everyone, This week Israel and Germany signed a contract for the purchase of a sixth submarine for Israel's navy. Germany manufactures some of the most advanced submarines in the world. This sixth submarine, which Germany partly funded, will increase the capabilities and strength of the Israel Defense Forces in the face of the ever-increasing challenges it is facing – particularly Iran. That strength will not only be one of military deterrence, but also intelligence gathering. Israel is touting the agreement as reflecting the depth of Israel and Germany's relationship, as well as the German government's clear commitment to the State of Israel's security. Israel's navy has been undergoing strategic changes that place it as the long (and increasingly silent) arm of the IDF, to secure the State. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu thanked German Chancellor Angela Merkel saying this step will help Israel meet it's considerable security needs in these current times and will, over time, greatly contribute to the security of the Jewish state. Brian Bush Middle East Correspondent LeSEA Broadcasting Defense Fri, 23 Mar 2012 15:49:00 -0400 http://www.harvest-tv.com/blogs/brianbush/index.cfm/2012/3/23/Silent-Deterrent http://www.harvest-tv.com/blogs/brianbush/index.cfm/2012/3/7/Influential-Powers-vs-Iran Hello All, Lets continue to breakdown and analyze the discussion in Washington on Iran's Nuclear program visa-vi Israel. Israel's Prime Minister, Bibi Netanyahu has put forth an equation that made headlines here. He said: Better missiles at Tel Aviv than an Iranian bomb. In a speech, Mr. Netanyahu reminded everyone on the American refusal to bomb Auschwitz in WWII and declared: "I will never let my people live in the shadow of annihilation." US President Barak Obama stated: "Those beating the drums of war against Iran need to explain the costs and benefits of such an action are." In there meeting together, Israeli sources are saying the two heads of state decided to shorten the timetable for exhausting the diplomatic process. But President Obama, one day after the meeting, spoke saying "an Israeli attack on Iran would also harm the US", and warned: "We will pay a severe price for an early attack." It seems Obama mobilized many of his influential powers against an attack. Yet, it is reported that Obama is inclined to provide Israel with bunkerbuster bombs and refueling planes. Netanyahu left Washington with the impression that he will be taking everything back home to Israel and rehashing it to come up with a decision. Meanwhile Iran has, once again, agreed to negotiations... Brian Bush Middle East Correspondent LeSEA Broadcasting Middle East Wed, 07 Mar 2012 17:24:00 -0400 http://www.harvest-tv.com/blogs/brianbush/index.cfm/2012/3/7/Influential-Powers-vs-Iran http://www.harvest-tv.com/blogs/brianbush/index.cfm/2012/3/6/A-Poker-Game Greetings Everyone, It looks as the main differences between US President Barak Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu seems to be about timetables upon military action against Iran's nuclear ambitions. Mr. Netanyahu, in Washington meeting with the US President and Jewish leaders, clearly stated that from Israel's point-of-view, time is running out on a diplomatic solution. He focused Israel's concern down to Iran concealing its nuclear installations, claiming Israel won't be able to attack because it lacks the military means to carry out a successful attack. Basically what Netanyahu did was not to agree to President Obama's request to allow more time for sanctions and diplomacy to work while at the same time saying that the decision to attack has not yet been made. For his part it seemed President Obama believes that he succeeded in buying time. One Israeli news source said that Obama and Bibi are playing poker against the Iranians, but also against each other. Israel 'bangs the drum' that it is going to attack Iran. America won't sanction such a move nor will it promise one because it has worked hard on a diplomatic solution. But Netanyahu also knows that if he attacks Iran, he probably will not be able to control the situation diplomatically - and potentially militarily. Brian Bush Middle East Correspondent LeSEA Broadcasting Israel Tue, 06 Mar 2012 12:58:00 -0400 http://www.harvest-tv.com/blogs/brianbush/index.cfm/2012/3/6/A-Poker-Game http://www.harvest-tv.com/blogs/brianbush/index.cfm/2012/3/2/Snow OK - I know... This may not really be a big deal for a lot of you - but we had snow on the ground this morning when we awoke! This is the first time in 4 years we have had a blanket of white... It was nice enough in the morning to go out and some parts so a little more snow during the day. Right now, most of it has slushed away... but it's below freezing, so it's possible we could get some more. So Chuck (Freeby) - finally snow has indeed fallen upon Jerusalem - and thats news! Brian Bush Middle East Corespondent LeSEA Broadcasting Jerusalem Fri, 02 Mar 2012 14:17:00 -0400 http://www.harvest-tv.com/blogs/brianbush/index.cfm/2012/3/2/Snow http://www.harvest-tv.com/blogs/brianbush/index.cfm/2012/2/28/Syrias-NonConventional-Weapons Hello All, As Chuck mentioned on the news today, Syria continues to tumble into more violence. Here in the Middle East, as I have monitored during the day, Syria is very much on the front page. In Israel specifically, the concern there is still that if Syrian President Bashar Assad were to fall, what happens to Syria's non-conventional weapons such as chemical weapons, or other strategic weaponry such as advanced anti-aircraft missiles or Scud-type missiles. The concern is that they will not be secure and be transferred to Lebanon and into the hands of Hezbollah. The security establishment in Israel assesses that it is it is only a matter of time and opportunity. Israel would be most concerned about the chemical weapons on the ground and anti-aircraft missiles in the air. In such a case, it seems Israel's best option may be to neutralize the threat in a preemptive manner. This scenario isn't pretty, because the chances for regional disruption from such an action are high. One can assume Israel is monitoring the situation carefully from both the ground and from space, and will certainly do all it can to keep such an occerance from happening. Brian Bush Middle East Correspondent LeSEA Broadcasting Middle East Tue, 28 Feb 2012 17:15:00 -0400 http://www.harvest-tv.com/blogs/brianbush/index.cfm/2012/2/28/Syrias-NonConventional-Weapons http://www.harvest-tv.com/blogs/brianbush/index.cfm/2012/2/24/Perezs-Comments-on-Iran Hello Everyone, Just a few days before their meeting scheduled at the White House, Israel's President Shimon Peres is saying he is convinced that Israel's threats to take military action against Iran are "unnecessary warmongering". He believes and that Israel should not embark on a military operation in near future. Defense Minister Ehud Barak has taken strong objection publically to President Peres's remarks. Mr. Barak has been leading the voice for Israel's justification in taking matters into it's own hands and striking Iran militarily. Barak said that Peres's comments are similar to those made before Israel attacked Saddam Hussein's nuclear project in Iraq back in the 1980's. Things are different this time around in the Middle East... Iran is hurting under the international sanctions paced upon it yet they are reportedly accelerating their capacity to enrich uranium, Syria is a mess and it's leader Bashar Assad is potentially on his way out, and Hezbollah in Lebanon is also losing clout. Put it all together and the Shiite axis is perhaps losing it's life. Hezbollah in particular is becoming more of an organization in which the Arab world is not dealing with. With their money starting to dry up from Iran, they have been painting the picture more and more that they are the genuine Lebanese 'movement' (which they of course are not). There has in fact, been growing criticism of Hezbollah locally in Lebanon. People in the West are pleased about this weakening of Shiite power and influence in the region and thus this may be part of Mr. Peres's reasoning – that the super powers need to deal with Iran – not Israel. Brian Bush Middle East Correspondent LeSEA Broadcasting Middle East Fri, 24 Feb 2012 14:37:00 -0400 http://www.harvest-tv.com/blogs/brianbush/index.cfm/2012/2/24/Perezs-Comments-on-Iran