Saturday, July 12, 2014


 God's Peace Plan 
for the Holy Land 
A Peace Plan for Israel/Palestine 

conforming to guidelines from the Bible and Qur’an 


 presented by 
Robert Leon Mendelson 
Copyright December 2010. 

  All rights reserved. However, anyone may legally copy any part of this proposal

and share it with others, as long as no money or other form of financial exchange

and/or barter is involved. Eventually, when there are any proceeds, they'll go to

God through His people. (See page 17, Reparations)




Table of Contents


Preface

page 3


Chapter 1

God's Peace Plan for the Holy Land

page 9


Chapter 2

Who Are The Palestinians?

page 24


Chapter 3

Who Are The Ashkenazi Jews?

page 38


Closing

page 52




All high-lighting by use of boldface type, italics, underlining, color, and font size

have been added by myself unless specifically noted otherwise. All Bible passages

in this book are from the New International version (NIV), but were cross-checked

with the "King James", "New American" (Catholic), and "New World Translation"

versions for accuracy. All Old Testament passages were also cross-checked with

"The Jewish Study Bible" and "The Torah: The Five Books Of Moses".


   All passages from the Qur'an are from the J.M. Rodwell translation, but were

cross-checked for accuracy with the M. Pickthall and M.H. Shakir translations.

While text for all three versions is virtually identical, literary style of the

M.Shakir and Pickthall versions is somewhat archaic [less readable], so they’re

used only to verify accuracy of Rodwell's translation. However, Rodwell's version

only numbers every tenth verse, so verse numbering from Pickthall is used, instead.


   Wherever you see the word “Sura”, the passage is from the Qur’an.

Otherwise, the passage is from a book in the Bible.


   To remain objective, personal titles that may offend any of the three faiths

have been omitted. Proper names only are used unless a cited source includes
a personal honorific in the passage.


Preface
   “God’s Peace for the Holy Land*”? Isn’t that a presumptuous title? Please allow
me to explain. First, since the sacred books of Judaism, Christianity and Islam
provide the guidelines supporting this solution, and since I wasn’t the one who
wrote them, calling them “God’s” seems fair. That’s why the words “presented by”
precede my name on the title page. Second, this book in no way proselytizes or
puts one religion above another. Nor does it openly or subtly encourage anyone to
convert to anything. What it does is take into account something without which
attaining peace in the Holy Land (Israel/Palestine) will forever be unattainable.
That “something” is the sacred messages delivered to each of the peoples involved
in the dispute. In this case, referencing the sacred books is more than some dry,
scholarly exercise or even a gesture of courtesy. Without taking the sacred books
into account, peace in the Holy Land will be near, if not completely, impossible.
   What it boils down to is this: there are two groups of people, Palestinians and
Ashkenazi Jews (a.k.a. “Khazars”/“Eastern European Jews”) living in the Holy Land
and who appear to be genetically unrelated. In general, the belief systems
(religions) of both groups seem to direct them to subjugate and/or expel the other
group based on their being alien interlopers. Since millions of participants believe
this, and because their beliefs lead to acts of violence, finding a solution that
permits peace requires referencing their sacred literature.
   Some may say the conflict has nothing to do with religion, but if this were so,
Jews wouldn’t claim “God gave us this land”. There’d be no point in doing so if it
had no importance to people. And Iran, a Persian nation, would have little interest
in a conflict concerning Semitic peoples several hundred miles away. It’s the
religious connection that brings Muslims of diverse backgrounds together in
support of Palestinians. Nor would millions of American Christians support Israel
without that support based on how they’re taught to read their Bibles.
   Palestinians and their supporters believe Palestinians have indigenous rights
to the land. Jews see Palestinians as outsiders who occupied their land after
they’d been defeated and exiled by the Romans about 2000 years ago. Most
Christians agree with that point of view, so they support Israel. Unless both
parties can trace concurrent historical roots there, the sacred traditions of
all involved parties will continually be used to promote conflict.
*  About using the term “Holy Land”; All land on this Earth is holy. But, rather
than spell out “Israel and the West Bank and Gaza” or saying “Israel” and
offending Palestinians or “Palestine” and offending Israelis, since people are
already are familiar with “the Holy Land”, we’ll go with that.



Genetic testing has found only the vaguest connection between Palestinians

and Ashkenazi Jews. Certainly not the extent one would expect if they were all

descended from a common forefather a few thousand years ago. Nor is there

much, if any, archaeological evidence that can prove anything.  We know that

physical evidence can disappear over time, and that tribes migrate from one area

to another. We also know many tribes/cultures are mixed race, where everyone

may not descend from a (recently) common ancestor. All these elements are

present in the mystery of where the Ashkenazi originated. The same holds true

for Palestinians.


   If it could be proved both groups were mutual parties to an ancient land-sharing

agreement, peace would be much easier to achieve. Then, neither side would be

perceived as thieves and villains. Neither side’s religion would command them to

harm the other. People everywhere would act much more even-handedly towards

members of either group. On the other hand, if this can’t be proven, continued

misery and wars overseas are inevitable. Perhaps even the mega-death nuclear

Armageddon so many Fundamentalists believe in might occur.


   The only way to prove both groups belong and have an ancient agreement is

through referencing their sacred books, both those unique to each group and

those all parties share in common. To some extent, the sacred books contain

historical accounts. When adversaries of different faiths agree on the same

historical account found in one book, that’s powerful, though circumstantial,

evidence the account is true. In addition, if the account in one religion’s book

supports the historical claims of their adversaries from another religion,

that’s also powerful circumstantial evidence. Ironically, when we consult the

sacred books, we find the Bible provides proof Palestinians belong and Muslim

sacred literature provides the key proof Ashkenazi Jews belong. These topics

are covered in depth in chapters 2 and 3. Once this is proven, the sacred books

go further, providing  the details for peace along the lines of this peace plan,

which is presented in chapter 1.


   While there’s value in evidence found in books special to a particular religion,

when it comes to formulating a peace agreement, it’s much better if it’ comes

from a sacred source all parties hold as sacred. As it so happens, Judaism,

Christianity, and Islam all share a portion of sacred literature in common and

all disregard it in general. The shared sacred literature is the Old Testament.
     Despite the fact many people perceive the Old Testament as being “Jewish”,
in practice it has as much impact on most Jews as it does with either Christians
or Muslims. Both Orthodox and Hasidic Jews rely more heavily on books written
after the Old Testament, which include the Talmud and Mishnah, as well as an

oral tradition. Nevertheless, a Jewish adage says to “Kiss the Torah” brings one
prosperity and a long life. “Kissing the Torah” means connecting back to the
Old Testament. So, Jews should be more open to a peace plan from a sacred
book from their roots, not one dictated by the New Testament or Qur’an.
   For Christians, the Old Testament has mixed value. They’re taught that Jesus
freed them from the Law (i.e., Old Testament), so the emphasis is much greater
on the New Testament. Despite that, Jesus made the following statement…
Matthew 5:17-19, Jesus;
17 "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets;
 I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.
18 I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear,
not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen,
will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.
19 Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments
and teaches others to do the same
will be called least in the kingdom of heaven,
but whoever practices and teaches these commands
will be called great in the kingdom of heaven."
   One may argue that Jesus freed people from the Law, but that was only if they
accepted him as Christ. Otherwise, they’d still be under the Law (Jews), which
hadn’t passed away. It still held for Jews. He then said anyone teaching people—
especially Jews—to break those commands would be “least in the kingdom of
heaven”. So, there ought to be some value for Christians in listening to what the
Law says regarding Jewish people in their own land. Consequently, Christians
should be able to support a Peace Plan crafted by God for Jews and Palestinians
in the book their ancestors revered. Next, we come to Islam and most Palestinians.
Sura 29:46;
Dispute not…with people of the Book;
And say ye, "We believe in what hath been sent down to us [Qur’an]
and what hath been sent down to you. [Old & New Testaments]
Our God and your God is one,..."
Sura 2:136;                        
Say ye: "We believe in God,
and that which hath been sent down to us [Qur’an],
and that which hath been sent down to Abraham
and Ishmael and Isaac and Jacob and the tribes [Joshua],
and in that was given to Moses, and to Jesus,
and that which was given to the prophets, from their Lord.
No difference do we make between any of them."



   There are many other instances in which Muhammad told his people that

the books of the Bible were confirmed. Again, one can argue theology, but

Muslims have a choice as to whether they wish to read the Qur’an for life or

for death. Making use of the Old Testament for a solution meant for the

members of both tribes currently in the Holy Land in no way places Muslims

in other lands under any constraints in their own land. The following passage

is quite specific regarding the value of the Old Testament—properly applied;

Sura 46:12;

But before the Koran was the Book of Moses, a rule and a mercy;

and this Book confirmeth it (the Pentateuch)—in the Arabic tongue—

that those who are guilty of that wrong may be warned,

and as glad tidings to the doers of good."


   “glad tidings” to “doers of good”. Muslims are supposed to be “doers of good”.

Using Old Testament Law for the descendents of those it was originally given to

in the same land in which it was originally received doesn’t violate shariah in the

least. Muhammad recited a verse including a reference to David (from the Bible)

Sura 6:85;

And we gave him Isaac and Jacob, and guided both aright;

and We had guided…among the descendants of Abraham, David …”


   David said something pertinent to the situation:

Psalm 19:9-11, David;     

9…The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous.

10 They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold;

they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb.

11 By them is your servant warned;

in keeping them there is great reward.”


   And last, an Old Testament prophecy of particular interest for Muslims

throughout the Middle East from Isaiah…

Isaiah 19:25;     

The LORD Almighty will bless them, saying,

"Blessed be Egypt my people, Assyria [Iraq] my handiwork,

and Israel my inheritance."


   There is value for all people to make use of this wonderful tool for peace.

Without it, well, the next two passages sum up what Muslims will do.

The first passage explains how the situation in the Holy Land is seen by

Muslims worldwide and how it effects their relations with America.



Sura 60:7-9;

7 God will, perhaps, establish good will between yourselves

and those of them whom ye take to be your enemies:

God is powerful: and God is gracious, merciful.

8 God doth not forbid you to deal with kindness and fairness

towards those who have not made war upon you on account of your religion,

or driven you forth from your homes:

for God loveth those who act with fairness.


9 Only doth God forbid you to make friends of those who,

on account of your religion,

have warred against you,

and have driven you forth from your homes,

and have aided [America & the West] those [Israel] whom drove you forth:

and whoever maketh friends of them are wrongdoers."


   Palestinians weren’t allowed to return to their homes after the war in 1948.

Then, after the 1967 war, more Palestinians were displaced. The majority of

Palestinians are Muslims, and whether rightly or wrongly, injustices committed

by Israel against Palestinians are perceived as injustices against Muslims as a

religion. According to this belief, verse 9 forbids all Muslims from making peace

with either Israel or anyone who supports Israel until this issue is resolved.

To understand what this next one is saying, understand that when Jews follow

the Torah and Old Testament, they’re included as “faithful”, too.

Sura 49:9-10;

9 If two bodies of the faithful are at war,

then make ye peace between them;

and if one of them wrong the other,

fight against that party which doth the wrong,

until they come back to the precepts of God;

if they come back, make peace between them with fairness,

and act impartially; God loveth those who act with impartiality.

10 Only the faithful [those who obey God's statutes] are brethren;

wherefore make peace between your brethren;

and fear God, that ye may obtain mercy."


   The command to Muslims is for un-ending war until all parties abide by the

“precepts of God”. For Israelites, the precepts for sharing the land were placed

in the Old Testament. There was no need for covenants regarding land sharing

in the Holy Land to be duplicated in the Qur’an. Nor does referencing them in

any way make a Muslim disobedient to God. On the contrary—it enables them

to receive God’s mercy.

   Perhaps as a brief antidote to all the doom and gloom Armageddon prophecies
we’re all tired of, here’s some prophecies foretelling good…
Hosea 11:9;
I will not carry out my fierce anger,
nor will I turn and devastate Ephraim [Palestinians].
For I am God, and not man--the Holy One among you.
I will not come in wrath."
Isaiah 54:13-14; 13 All your sons will be taught by the LORD,
and great will be your children's peace.
14 In righteousness you will be established:
Tyranny will be far from you; you will have nothing to fear.
Terror will be far removed;  it will not come near you."
Isaiah 55:12; You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace;…"
Isaiah 19:23-25;
23 In that day there will be a highway from Egypt to Assyria.
The Assyrians will go to Egypt and the Egyptians to Assyria.
The Egyptians and Assyrians will worship together.
24 In that day Israel will be the third, along with Egypt and Assyria,
a blessing on the earth.
25 The LORD Almighty will bless them, saying,
"Blessed be Egypt my people, Assyria my handiwork,
and Israel my inheritance."
   For peaceful, salvation prophecies to come true along with the doom and gloom
prophecies, the latter are fulfilled allegorically through the destruction of ungodly
systems and governments which oppress people, not literally by nuclear war.  
Which way do you think God wants them fulfilled?
Jeremiah 31:31, 32, 1;
31 "The time is coming," declares the LORD,
"when I will make a new covenant
with the house of Israel and the house of Judah.
32 It will not be like the covenant I made with their forefathers
when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt,
because they broke my covenant,…"
1 "At that time," declares the Lord,
"I will be the God of all the clans of Israel, and they will be my people.”
   According to verse 32, this new covenant for Israelites will be different than
the first one because both parties broke the old covenant. That’s why their
descendents are still fighting today. Things change. Some elements of their new
covenant will be different than the last one. Now, let’s see what that looks like…




CHAPTER 1


GOD’S PEACE PLAN FOR THE HOLY LAND


Summary of Key Points of the Plan


 1.  Create a new nation, "Israel" composed of Israel, West Bank, & Gaza,

     with two Sub-States/tribal areas called “Judah” and “Ephraim”,

     respectively. Each tribal area will have its own civil government.

     "Judah" consists of what we call "Israel" today, "Ephraim" consists of

     the West Bank and Gaza. Boundaries are the same as pre-1967 War.


2.  Jerusalem will be the undivided national capital. Jerusalem’s security will be

     handled by an international peace force mutually agreed upon by both parties.

     The international peace force will remain until Israel’s new “Congress”

      unanimously agrees on returning these duties to Israel’s control.


 3.  Hebron’s security issues will be handled the same as with Jerusalem.


 4. All Palestinians and all Israelis, Jew, Arab, or otherwise, will be recognized as

     citizens of the new, re-united, state of Israel.


 5.  Right of Return. All Palestinians may return to live in the land and be citizens.

      Palestinians who’ve had land confiscated in the West Bank or Gaza will have

      their land returned. Palestinians who’ve had land confiscated in Judah’s portion

      will receive financial compensation.


 6. Israeli settlers in settlements in the West Bank and/or Gaza are

     to receive new homes within "Judah’s" territory.


 7.  All citizens from either group who haven’t killed civilians of the other tribe

      may purchase land in either tribal area, i.e., anywhere in the entire country.


 8.  Freedom of religion in both tribal areas. 


 9.  A national army made up of both tribes.


10. One national government, with a democratically-elected "Congress"

     made up of twenty-four "elders" and a “President”.



   Next, we’ll see how the sacred books support this solution…


One Nation

Ezekiel 37:22, God;

I will make them one nation in the land…

…they will never again be two nations or divided into two kingdoms."

Isaiah 19:23-25;

24 In that day Israel will be the third,

along with Egypt and Assyria [Iraq], a blessing on the earth.

25 The LORD Almighty will bless them, saying,

"Blessed be Egypt my people, Assyria my handiwork, and Israel my inheritance."


   The prophecy in Ezekiel mandates a united nation of Israelites called “Israel”.

However, accepting “Israel” as the nation’s name is a bit problematic for Muslims,

even though it’s the name used in the prophecy foretelling peace with Iraqis and

Egyptians. However, it’s quite fair and appropriate that name be used. It’s not

particularly complimentary, but it is truthful. “Israel” literally means, “he struggles

with God”. The original “Israel”, a man named “Jacob”, was given the name as a

description for something he did in Genesis 32:22-30. Jacob/Israel is said to have

wrestled with a man?/angel?/God? It’s an earned title. Here’s part of verse 28:

“Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled

with God and with men and have overcome.” The people of the Holy Land have

struggled with each other and God for thousands of years. Sadly, they’ve earned

that title. That’s probably why God selected the name in the first place. I’m sure

it has nothing whatsoever to do with favoritism.


Two Sub-States Within One Nation

Based on the Pre-1967 War Boundaries


   The new, united nation of "Israel" includes the modern-day state of Israel,

the entire West Bank and Gaza, with one national government (described later),

and two tribal areas, "Judah" and "Ephraim", each with it’s own civil administration.


   Why two sub-states? Here are some logical reasons (God may have others):

A One-State, united nation with one democratic vote for every citizen sounds fair,

but in reality it isn’t. Since there are many more Palestinians than Israeli Jews in

the Holy Land, One Nation/ One Vote by definition means the Israeli Jewish tribe

loses all sense of self-government and security. Considering all that tribe has gone

through over the last 2000 years, that’s something they’ll never agree to. Nor are

Palestinians willing to be dominated by Israeli Jews. But a Two-State solution is

also unworkable. A Two-State solution requires dividing Jerusalem, and neither

party will cede control of their special sacred place to the other. On top of that,

certain passages of the Qur’an can be read as forbidding the existence of a

religiously exclusive non-Muslim state. Even if religious freedom is the law in the


Jewish portion, many Muslims will see it as Jewish-only and continue battling.

Perhaps that’s why the following prophecies describe One State/Two Sub-States.


  To understand the next prophecy, it’s important to know a brief bit of history.

After “conquering” Canaan, the land was divided twelve ways by the Israelite

tribes. Then, they were united under kings Saul, David, and Solomon as “Israel”.

After Solomon, the kingdom divided in two, the northern part being called “Israel”

and the southern part, “Judah”. The dividing line was just north of Jerusalem.

“Samaria” was the heartland of the northern kingdom of Israel, and in tribal days

it was called “Ephraim” and “Manasseh”. The prophecy makes this distinction

between the “houses” of “Israel” and “Judah”. The “Israel” of verses 1-22 refers

to the single people as a whole (hence, “all of the clans”), but in verse 22,

the two separate “houses” refers to the divided kingdoms, or Judah (Israeli Jews)

and the Palestinians as “house of Israel”. This is discussed further in Chapter 2.

Jeremiah 31:1,5,21,22,31 God;

1 "At that time," declares the Lord,

"I will be the God of all the clans of Israel, and they will be my people."


5 Again you will plant vineyards on the hills of Samaria;

21 …Return, O Virgin Israel, return to your towns.

22 How long will you wander, O unfaithful daughter?

The Lord will create a new thing on earth

a woman will surround a man.


31 "The time is coming," declares the LORD,

 "when I will make a new covenant

with the house of Israel and the house of Judah.”


   "a woman will surround a man"? What is that? Well, it has to do with a new

covenant between the tribes. The prophecy is looking to the future. If that

future is now, Palestinians are in the weaker position, Israeli Jews in the

stronger, ruling over the other. So, allegorically, Palestinians are the “woman“

and Israeli Jews the “man”. This prophecy describes the West Bank and Gaza

(two distinct territories) surrounding modern Israel/Judah. The allegory of

both peoples being a “man” and a “woman” is carried out in more than one place.

A good example is Malachi 2:10-16, which makes no sense unless the husband

and wife mentioned in it allegorically represent both groups. Still, this is hardly

definitive. A much clearer description was given in Zechariah 9…

Zechariah 9:10, 12-13, God;

10 I will take away the chariots [light vehicles used for war] from Ephraim

and the war-horses [tanks] from Jerusalem [capital city of ancient Judah] ,

and the battle bow will be broken…


   The first part of the prophecy describes peace being made between “Ephraim”

(representing Palestinians) and “Jerusalem”, capital of Judah or modern-day Israel.

Zechariah 9:10, 12-13, God, cont.;
12 Return to your fortress, O prisoners of hope;
even now [over 2000 years ago] I announce
that I will restore twice as much [as the "Road Map" offers] to you.
13 I will bend Judah as I bend my bow and fill it with Ephraim."
   In verses 12-13, Judah (modern-day Israel) is bent like a bow around Ephraim
(the West Bank). This graphic description didn’t occur in 1948. Judah’s “bow” was
incomplete. Nor does this describe a Palestinian state with only half the West Bank,
as the "Road Map" presented by former U.S. president George Bush proposed.
Actually, it appears God is saying, “If you’ll listen to me, Palestinians should receive
double that—the entire West Bank!” That’s how to “fill” Judah’s “bow” with “Ephraim”.
Isaiah 61:7, God;
Instead of their shame my people will receive a double portion,
and instead of disgrace they will rejoice in their inheritance;
and so they will inherit a double portion in their land,
and everlasting joy will be theirs."
   And the result of listening to God…Isaiah 11:13;
Ephraim will not be jealous of Judah, nor Judah hostile toward Ephraim."
One last prophecy:
Ezekiel 37:15-22    “Two Small Sticks and One Big Stick”
15 The word of the LORD came to me: 16 "Son of man, take a stick of wood and write on it, `Belonging to Judah and the Israelites associated with him.' Then take another stick of wood, and write on it, `Ephraim's stick, belonging to Joseph and all the house of Israel associated with him.' 17 Join them together into one stick so that they will become one in your hand.
18 "When your countrymen ask you, `Won't you tell us what you mean by this?'
19 say to them, `This is what the Sovereign LORD says:
I am going to take the stick of Joseph--which is in Ephraim's hand-
-and of the Israelite tribes associated with him, and join it to Judah's stick,
making them a single stick of wood, and they will become one in my hand.'
20 Hold before their eyes the sticks you have written on 21 and say to them, `This is what the Sovereign LORD says: I will take the Israelites out of the
nations where they have gone. I will gather them from all around and bring
them back into their own land. 22 I will make them one nation in the land,
on the mountains of Israel. There will be one king over all of them
and they will never again be two nations or be divided into two kingdoms.”

Jerusalem Shared As National Capital
   A basic problem with the 1948 borders dictated by the U.N. is the division of
Jerusalem, with one tribe (Ephraim/Palestinians) being given a choke-hold on the
other tribe’s (Judah/Jews) access to their most sacred spot and previous capital.
In view of Jews’ past experience of being denied rights to worship at the Wailing
Wall (and Temple Mount), it’s unreasonable to expect them to cede full control to
Palestinians. Nor for similar reasons will Palestinians accept continued control by
Israeli Jews. Fortunately, a fair solution is provided in the book of Ezekiel…
Ezekiel 45:1-4, 6;
1 "When you allot the land as an inheritance,
you are to present to the Lord a portion of the land as a sacred district,
25,000 cubits long and 20,000 cubits wide;
the entire area will be holy.
2 Of this, a section 500 cubits square is to be for the sanctuary,
with 50 cubits around it for open land.
3  In the sacred district,
measure off a section 25,000 cubits long and 10,000 cubits wide.
In it will be the sanctuary, the Most Holy Place."
[The Temple Mount. Both Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Wailing Wall]
4 It will be the sacred portion of the land for the priests,
who minister in the sanctuary and who draw near to minister before the Lord.
It will be a place for their houses
as well as a holy place for the sanctuary.
6 "You are to give the city as its property an area 5,000 cubits wide
and 25,000 cubits long, adjoining the sacred portion;
it will belong to the whole house of Israel."
[“the whole house of Israel” = both Israeli Jews & Palestinians]
A cubit is a unit of length equal to 1.5 feet (18 inches). A mile is 5280 feet.
25,000 cubits x 1.5 = 37,500  37,500/5280 = 7.1 miles
20,000 cubits x 1.5 = 30,000  30,000/5280 = 5.68 miles
So, an area 7.1 miles long and 5.68 miles wide…
"you are to present to the Lord...as a sacred district,
...the entire area will be holy."
   That's pretty much the entire size of present-day Jerusalem. While Jerusalem must eventually be returned to full control by Israel, believers all over the world
also have a legitimate rights to access and security to the Temple Mount and
other sites. Following is the rationale for this …



Genesis 17:4-6;

4 "As for me, this is my covenant with you:

You will be the father of many nations.

5 No longer will you be called Abram; your name will be Abraham,

for I have made you a father of many nations.

6 …I will make nations of you, and kings will come from you."

Romans 4:16-17, Paul;

16 Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace

and may be guaranteed to all Abraham's offspring

--not only to those who are of the law

but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham.

He is the father of us all.

17 As it is written: "I have made you a father of many nations."


   “many nations”. Provision must be made that access to the sacred sites be

granted to members of all faiths to worship God in Jerusalem and all shrines

must be fully maintained and protected--eternally. Until the peace has taken root

and flourished, to avoid further discord security for the city should be handled

by an international peace force agreed upon by both parties. At the point in time

where the “Congress” of the new, united nation of Israel unanimously agrees to a

resolution granting this authority to the nation, control of security in Jerusalem

can responsibly be returned to the inhabitants. Interestingly, a prophecy in Isaiah

states that when the people make peace within the guidelines presented in the

sacred books, the city and nation will be freed of terrorism and other violence…

Isaiah 54:11,13-15, God;

11 "O afflicted city [Jerusalem], lashed by storms and not comforted,…

13 All your sons will be taught by the [words of the] Lord,

and great will be your children’s peace."


14 In righteousness [following God’s laws] you will be established:


Tyranny will be far from you; you will have nothing to fear.

Terror will be far removed; it will not come near you.

15 If anyone does attack you, it will not be my doing;

whoever attacks you will surrender to you."


   There will be no more need for "martyr brigade" suicide attacks or IAF air

strikes. With the arrival of justice, those committing violence will be seen as

servants of Satan, not heroes! There will be no more crushing occupation by Israel

and no more terrorism by either party. If God promises to put an end to terrorism

and tyranny, what believers will want to incur divine wrath by opposing peace?


   Consider that Jerusalem of Ezekiel’s day was a fraction of the size mentioned

in Ezekiel 45. It reached the dimensions prophesied by Ezekiel only in the present

day. Add to that the two passages from Jeremiah and Zechariah which perfectly

describe the geographical and political situation today, even down to the "Road Map"

taking half the West Bank from Ephraim. Perhaps this is God’s way of telling us

this is the Divine blueprint for peace and we’re meant to follow it! Perhaps David’s

prayer for Jerusalem’s peace will be answered at last…

Psalm 122:6-9, David;  

6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:

"May those who love you be secure.

7 May there be peace within your walls and security within your citadels."

8 For the sake of my brothers and friends, I will say,

"Peace be within you."

9 For the sake of the house of the LORD our God,

I will seek your prosperity."


All Palestinians And Israelis Are Citizens


 All Palestinians are Citizens

Ezekiel 47:21-23;

21 "You are to distribute this land among yourselves

according to the tribes of Israel.


22 You are to allot it as an inheritance for yourselves

and for the aliens who have settled among you and who have children.


You are to consider them as native-born Israelites;

along with you they are to be allotted an inheritance

among the tribes of Israel.


23 In whatever tribe the alien settles, there you are to give him his inheritance,"

declares the Sovereign Lord."


All Ashkenazi Jews are Citizens, too

Isaiah 49:20-21;

20 The children born during your bereavement will yet say in your hearing,

`This place is too small for us; give us more space to live in.'

21 Then you will say in your heart, `Who bore me these?

I was bereaved and barren; I was exiled and rejected.

Who brought these up?

I was left all alone, but these--where have they come from?' "


(see Chapter 3 for more prophecy examples)


Right Of Return For Palestinian Exiles
   Now, we come to the issue of “Right of Return”. What about the rights of
Palestinians driven from their lands to return? The following three prophecies
call for right of return of exiled Palestinians:
Isaiah 11:11, God;  
In that day the Lord will reach out his hand a second time [after 1948]
to reclaim the remnant [Palestinians] that is left of his people
[i.e., Israelites. The Jewish side of the Israelite tribes were the first to return]
from Assyria [Iraq & Syria], from Lower Egypt [Sudan],
from Upper Egypt [Egypt], from Cush [Somalia, Ethiopia], from Elam [Iran],
from Babylonia [Iraq], from Hamath [Syria], and from the islands of the sea
[Palestinian expatriates in USA and Great Britain]."
Hosea 11:11, God;              
They will come trembling like birds from Egypt, like doves from Assyria.
I will settle them in their homes," declares the LORD."
Zechariah 10:6-10, God;
6 "I will strengthen the house of Judah [Israelis]
and save the house of Joseph [Palestinians].
I will restore them because I have compassion on them.
They will be as though I had not rejected them,
for I am the Lord their God and I will answer them."
7 The Ephraimites [Palestinians] will become like mighty men,
and their hearts will be glad as with wine.
Their children will see it and be joyful; their hearts will rejoice in the Lord."
8 I will signal for them and gather them in.
Surely I will redeem them; they will be as numerous as before.
9 Though I scatter them among the peoples,
yet in distant lands they will remember me.
They and their children will survive, and they will return."
10 I will bring them back from Egypt and gather them from Assyria.
I will bring them to Gilead ["East Bank" of Jordan]
and Lebanon [some returnees will settle here],
and there will not be room enough [in Palestine] for them."
   So, the prophecies in the Old Testament of the Jewish portion of the Bible
say Palestinians will return, according to G-d. This means if Jews wish to
“Kiss the Torah” to ensure a long and prosperous life, then they must accept
Palestinian “Right of Return” in some form. But what form will that be?

   Obviously, in the area that is to be the Palestinian homeland (West Bank
and Gaza) any Palestinian who has lost land to Israel must have it returned.
But does this also mean that all (or most) Jews must vacate their homes,
even in their share of the Holy Land? Or does it mean something else?
Perhaps Palestinian refugees from areas that are Judah’s share might
receive financial compensation along with the right to purchase land
anywhere within the nation. Verse 10 of Zechariah 10 clarifies this issue:
Zechariah 10:10, God;
I will bring them back from Egypt and gather them from Assyria.
I will bring them to Gilead ["East Bank" of Jordan]
and Lebanon [some returnees will settle here],
and there will not be room enough [in Palestine] for them."
   If many of the returnees are re-settling in Lebanon and Jordan, then
they must have received compensation and used it to purchase nearby land.
Otherwise, they’d simply have re-settled in their old homes.
   This solution is fair in that it respects land-rights for everyone, even though
possession of the land shifted over time. Old land rights are respected along
with newer ones.



Reparations


   A flat rate will be set for all land. The price per acre will be set at the

current average cost of land in modern-day "Israel" north of Jerusalem.

Downgrading the cost by including non-arable desert land in the Negev isn’t fair.

The land taken from Palestinians was in the more valuable northern half of the

country, and that’s what people should be compensated for. Fifty percent (50%)

of all contributions from overseas to either the nation of Israel or organizations

within Israel should be devoted to the reparations fund for any confiscated land.

Anyone who produces a legal deed for confiscated land in Judah is eligible for

remuneration at the set rate.


   If money for reparations comes from foreign contributions, what happens

if the contributions dwindle because of economic distress overseas? And is it

fair that the burden should be carried by the working and middle classes as well

as the wealthy? This situation was evidently foreseen by God.

Isaiah 49:23;

Kings will be your foster fathers, and their queens your nursing mothers.

They will bow down before you with their faces to the ground;

they will lick the dust at your feet.

Then you will know that I am the LORD;

those who hope in me will not be disappointed."


Isaiah 60:10-12,16;

10 "Foreigners will rebuild your walls, and their kings will serve you.

Though in anger I struck you, in favor I will show you compassion.

11 Your gates will always stand open, they will never be shut, day or night,

so that men may bring you the wealth of the nations--

their kings led in triumphal procession.

12 For the nation or kingdom that will not serve you will perish;

it will be utterly ruined.

16 You will drink the milk of nations and be nursed at royal breasts.

Then you will know that I, the LORD, am your Savior,

your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob."


   Please note in verse 16 that the “milk of nations” comes from “royal breasts”.

Not “poor peoples’ breasts”, nor “working” or “middle class” “breasts”. These "kings

and queens" include royalty of both Muslim and European nations. Since the wealthy

who’ve made money selling armaments live like “kings” and “queens”, they’re included

as well. If any royal families want God to bless them they'll have to live up to what

the prophecies say. I'm not going to go further into the prophecies regarding this

issue at this time, some from the Bible, some from Muhammad’s prophetic hadiths.

God has given us free-will and is testing people. Suffice it to say, some kingdoms

and wealthy will do the right thing and survive. Others won't. Either way, funds will

become available. Remember Isaiah 60:12;


For the nation or kingdom that will not serve you will perish;

it will be utterly ruined."


So be it.



Rights Of Israeli Settlers In The West Bank


   Israelis living in settlements in the West Bank have rights as Israelites, too.

The southern part of the West Bank, which will be ceded to Ephraim, was property

of the tribe of Judah. Two thousand years after Judah was expelled by the

Romans, no legal deeds exist for their land. These undocumented yet legitimate

rights should be transferred to the Israeli settlers. The settlers were put in the

West Bank in large measure by the government of modern-day Israel. So, the

responsibility for providing land for these people should fall on that government

as well. Perhaps with peace, some of the land reserved for military bases could

be used for civilian housing, instead. In any case,  the reparations fund must

provide new homes for them, too--within the newly agreed upon borders of Judah.

Rights Of Citizens To Own Land Anywhere In Israel
   All citizens of Israel without prior convictions or pending trials for killing
members of the other tribe have the right to purchase land anywhere within
Israel. That settles "Right of Return". Compensation will be given to those
whose land was confiscated so they can buy land. No innocent Israeli or
Palestinian will be denied rights to own land anywhere in Israel.
   Peace requires avoiding acts of vengeance by members of one tribe against
members of the other. For the next fifty years anyone, including Palestinian
"fighters" or "soldiers" of the Israeli Defense Force (IDF), who has killed
unarmed civilians of the other tribe should not be allowed in the other tribe’s
territory. The only exception to this is if specific permission is given by the
other tribe’s government. People shouldn’t have to worry killers roam freely
among them. Nor is it desirable that people who’ve committed such acts become
victims of vigilante justice, provoking yet more bloodshed. Moses set the
principle for this law in the Torah, in the Book of Numbers;
Numbers 35:6,12,26-28;
6 Six of the towns…will be cities of refuge,
to which a person who has killed someone may flee.
12 They will be places of refuge from the avenger,
so that a person accused of murder may not die
before he stands trial before the assembly [Judgment Day].
26…if the accused ever goes outside the limits
of the city of refuge to which he has fled
27 and the avenger of blood [Tribal government] finds him outside the city,
the avenger of blood [Tribal government] may…*
[arrest the accused, try, and carry out the legal sentence for the crime].
28 The accused must stay in his city of refuge [his tribe's territory]
until the death of the high priest**;
only after the death of the high priest may he return to his own property."
* In the Old Testament, the closing clause of Numbers 35:27, actually reads,
states the "avenger of blood may" "kill the accused without being guilty of
murder". It’s been replaced here with “arrest the accused, try, and carry out
the legal sentence for the crime”. It’s permissible for the Law to be updated
to abolish the death penalty, but it’s also possible for the death penalty to
remain in place. That’s up to the people to decide.
** In this case, "death of the high priest" will be taken as meaning the next
Year of Jubilee after the coming of peace—a 50 year limit.

Hebron
   The city of Hebron in the southern West Bank requires special attention.
Hebron is burial site of the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, so it's sacred
to both tribes. Historically, Hebron was part of Judah's land. Now, Judah must
cede Hebron to Ephraim. To avoid further discord while respecting sacred rights,
administration of Hebron should be handled in the same manner as Jerusalem, i.e.,
an international peace force mutually agreed upon by both parties will security
until Israel's Congress unanimously agrees to a resolution granting this authority
to the new, re-united state of Israel. When the former enemies are in accord with
one another, they should handle their own business. Safe road access for tribal
members of Judah to Hebron is to be provided by the international peace force.


Freedom Of Religion
Sura 2:256;
"Let there be no compulsion in religion.
Now is the right way made distinct from error.”
THE GOLDEN RULE
   The “Golden Rule”, which translates as, “Treat other people the way you
want other people to treat you” is a part of all three religions. Islam has the
most to-the-point directive regarding freedom of religion, which you just
read. It’s not said quite as clearly in the Bible, so the Golden Rule suffices.
If a Jew or Christian wants religious freedom for themselves, their sacred
literature indicates they should support religious freedom for others, too.
Full freedom of religion in both tribal areas must be national law.
Integrated Military Forces
   Historically, and according to the Law, all Israelites were required to do their
share in national defense. Therefore, Palestinians must be integrated into the
national army in regular and growing numbers, with cultural sensitivity and
forgiveness required for basic training. If Americans (descendants of Yankees
and Confederates) can serve their country together, so can Israelites.
Isaiah 11:13, God;
Ephraim’s jealousy will vanish, and Judah’s enemies will be cut off;
Ephraim will not be jealous of Judah, nor Judah hostile toward Ephraim."
   Note that "Judah’s enemies [i.e., "Muslim" terrorists] will be cut off".
This is how to end the scourge of terrorism--God's way.

GOVERNMENT
"CONGRESS"
Revelation 4:4;
Surrounding the throne were twenty-four other thrones,
and seated on them were twenty-four elders."
Revelation 20:4;   I saw thrones on which were seated
those who had been given authority to judge."
   "Congress" will have one house with twenty-four members, with two
representatives for each tribe. Historically, Reuben and Gad were together
with Manasseh in Gilead.  They were taken captive together by the Assyrians
in 1 Chronicles 5:23-26 to land in eastern and western Assyria (Iraq). These
would have mixed over time and are fairly represented by any Arabs or others
who may have joined the Samaritans at a later date. The other eight tribes
were expelled together by the Romans. Israeli Jews are the descendents of
these tribes. Therefore, sixteen "elders" would come from the Israeli side
and eight "elders" from the Palestinian side. However, in Isaiah, God states,


Isaiah 61:7;

Instead of their shame my people will receive a double portion,

and instead of disgrace they will rejoice in their inheritance…"

Revelation 4:4;

Surrounding the throne were twenty-four other thrones,

and seated on them were twenty-four elders."


   As Palestinians are the ones dispossessed of their inheritance, the prophecy

refers to them. So, double their representation to sixteen, making a total

of 32 members, then reduce that to 12 for each tribe, making 24 total.


PRESIDENT

Hosea 1:10-11, 2:21,23;

1:10 "Yet the Israelites will be like the sand on the seashore,

which cannot be measured or counted.

In the place where it was said to them, `You are not my people,'

they will be called `sons of the living God.'

11 The people of Judah and the people of Israel will be reunited,

and they will appoint one leader

and will come up out of the land, for great will be the day of Jezreel."


2:21 "In that day I will respond," declares the LORD—“…

23 …I will say to those called `Not my people, ' `You are my people';

and they will say, `You are my God.' "


Forgiveness For Past Sins


For there to be peace, forgiveness is a must.

Sura 5:13;

But for breaking their covenant We have cursed them [all Israelites],

and have hardened their hearts…

Thou wilt not cease to discover deceit on their part, except in a few of them.

But forgive them, and pass it over:

verily, God loveth those who act generously!” "

Sura 49:9-10;

9 If two bodies of the faithful are at war,

then make ye peace between them;

and if one of them wrong the other,

fight against that party which doth the wrong,

until they come back to the precepts of God;

if they come back, make peace between them with fairness,

and act impartially; God loveth those who act with impartiality.

10 Only the faithful are brethren;…"

[  Remember, Sura 5:69 says Judaism properly followed is a form of Islam,

so Jews worshipping properly are considered brethren of the Faithful]

10 cont.;  "…wherefore make peace between your brethren;

and fear God, that ye may obtain mercy."


   Both parties of Israelites have acted deceptively towards each other.

Each has behaved dishonorably at times. Nevertheless, when both parties

return to the statutes of God, for the faithful, war must cease.

Sura 5:8;

O believers! stand up as witnesses for God by righteousness:

and let not ill-will at any, induce you not to act uprightly.

Act uprightly. Next will this be to the fear of God.

And fear ye God: verily God is apprised of what ye do."


   When Palestinians acknowledge brotherhood with Jews as fellow Israelites

by descent from Ephraim, they're entitled by Jewish and Islamic laws to

Ephraim's tribal lands.
 
Ephraim & Manasseh’s Land In Joshua’s Time
   To view the map displaying tribal boundaries set by Joshua for Ephraim and
Manasseh, and the ten tribes associated with Judah, click on the following link…
"Files" section, where you'll find "Map of the Holy Land" in both WORD and
ADOBE formats. Joshua, Moses’ authorized successor, details name of cities
and geographical features marking borders allotted Ephraim and Manasseh…
Joshua 16:1-4;
1 The allotment for Joseph began at the Jordan
of Jericho [just north of Jerusalem], east of the waters of Jericho,
and went up [north] from there through the desert
into the hill country of Bethel. 2 It went on from Bethel (that is, Luz),
crossed over to the territory of the Arkites in Ataroth,
3 descended westward to the territory of the Japhletites
as far as the region of Lower Beth Horon and on to Gezer,
ending at the [ Mediterranean ] sea.
4 So Manasseh and Ephraim, the descendants of Joseph,
received their inheritance."
Joshua 17:10-11;
10 On the south the land belonged to Ephraim,
on the north to Manasseh.
The territory of Manasseh reached the sea
and bordered Asher on the north [just below the Sea of Galilee]
and Issachar on the east.
11 Within Issachar and Asher, Manasseh also had Beth Shan, Ibleam
and the people of Dor, Endor, Taanach and Megiddo,
together with their surrounding settlements
(the third in the list is Naphoth)."
   The ancient boundaries run like this: First, lump modern Israel and the
occupied territories together to make one country. On a present-day map draw
a line running east/west from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea
starting a little north of the West Bank and just south of the Sea of Galilee.
That’s the north border of Ephraim and Manasseh's lands. Tel Aviv and Haifa
are located south of this line. The southern border of Ephraim and Manasseh
began just north of Jerusalem, again running west from the Jordan River to the
Mediterranean Sea. All of the West Bank south of this, including Hebron and
Bethlehem, belonged to the tribes of Judah and Benjamin.

1 comment:

  1. I am in the process of reading this booklet for the third time. This writing has so changed my view of what can be accomplished in the Middle East that I asked permission to publish this document as a blog so that more people would read it.

    God's Peace Plan for the Holy Land has already been translated into both Arabic as well as Hebrew. You will find both of these documents at the Facebook group:

    https://www.facebook.com/groups/godspeaceplan/

    God's Peace Plan for the Holy Land

    The full document can also be viewed at:

    http://www.godspeaceplan.org/user/image/gods-peace-plan-for-the-holy-land.pdf

    ReplyDelete