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Daily WATCH! Volume 2 Issue 78, Friday, April 26, 2002
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BUY ISRAELI
By Randy Loudenslager
Israel's economy is stable declares her leaders, but not for long unless some drastic measures are taken. This was the warning delivered by Finance Minister Silvan Shalom as he prepared the nation for the shocking reality of his proposed budget. Shalom's plan drew immediate fire from across the political spectrum and is expected to face an uphill fight from the beginning. A sign that is more disturbing is the fall of the Israeli shekel to a new record low of 4.88 to the U.S. dollar.
Israel's unemployment levels are very high and many families of reservists called up to active duty in operation Defensive Shield are crumbling under the loss of wages. Many Israeli companies are posting losses and many defense contractors are losing contracts as some governments begin to boycott Israel. The EU is still debating whether to implement an economic boycott and suspend trade agreements and aid packages to Israel. Some European nations are not waiting for the EU. Norway has implemented a boycott of Israeli military items.
Christians often tell me that they wish they could find a way to help Israel. My first answer is always to pray for the peace of Jerusalem (the second coming of Jesus Christ will bring this promised peace) followed up by holding to our testimony of Jesus Christ before the world and including our Jewish friends. The third aspect of my reply is relatively new to me as a proactive approach to helping Israel. As an American I try to purchase American made products to support the economy I'm a part of. In practicing this I also suggest the same to friends. I am a little louder about keeping one's purchases of Chinese made goods to a minimum. Most of our money does not feed Chinese workers but goes to the regime that is building an immense war machine, is pro-Palestinian and envisions war with the U.S. within five years. Want to help Israel? Continue to support the workers of your respective nations, but replace some of your purchases of foreign made goods with goods made in Israel. May I suggest replacing products made in Norway?
I normally do not delve into the economic arena in my ministry, but I feel led by God to help ease the situation these people are enduring. They are stressed over the suicide attacks, they are afraid as the world unites against them and their standard of living, once a model among the nations, is beginning to deteriorate. The least I can do besides pray is buy something from them. How about you?
When Israel achieves her worldly peace, she will probably enjoy an intense period of economic renaissance, but this will not last and indeed she will be plundered by her enemies. But for now we can make a difference by including this deed as an act of worship to our LORD. To love one's fellow man is the fulfillment of the law.
For your convenience here are some web sites where you can shop for some goods from Israel:
http://www.shopinisrael.com/
http://www.jewishsites.org.il/Shopping/index.htm
http://www.jr.co.il/hotsites/sh-il.htm
http://www.maven.co.il/subjects.asp?S=204
http://www.israelexport.org/
Copyright 2002 Randy Loudenslager Ministries
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Our web resources site: http://lastday.info
E-mail: randy@lastday.info
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