A few days ago we moved our US base to San Diego County, a more conducive location for the ministry after we return to Israel in just 8 weeks! As our return to Israel draws near, the Holy Spirit is speaking to me more than ever about His heart for aliyah. (Aliyah is the Hebrew word for the Jewish people’s return from exile to the land of Israel.)
Thankfully, many believers pray fervently into aliyah. Some have contributed financially and sacrificially to help transport Jewish people back to the Promised Land in the spirit of Isaiah 49: 22: “I will lift My hand to the nations and raise My banner to the peoples. They will bring your sons in their arms and carry your daughters on their shoulders.” But there is what could be called a “dirty little secret” about aliyah that many believers may not know. This is because it is often hidden from public view.
A relatively high percentage of Jews who make aliyah find life in Israel extremely hard compared to that of their country of origin. After years of trying to absorb into Israeli society, they sadly conclude they’ve no choice but to leave, or go back into exile. The Times of Israel article link below explains how the country lacks a support system for new immigrants – especially English speakers. As a result many (including Messianic Jews) who willingly give up the comforts of their former homes make aliyah only to find they can’t land a job, or learn the language, or navigate the bureaucracy, or adjust to the rough-and-tumble of the Middle East. (In our opinion and experience from living in Israel, the recidivism rate is probably twice as high as the percentage estimated in the article. But to keep things in perspective, most immigrants gladly stay and love their new lives.)
When Israel was reborn as a nation in 1948, it created a socioeconomic structure uniquely blending the best features of both democracy and socialism. This hybrid form of government eased the absorption process for Jews making aliyah. Unfortunately, when the country shifted to a capitalist economy, the absorption process was negatively impacted.
The Spirit is raising awareness within Israel that better infrastructure is essential for aliyah to keep its staying power. Perhaps a program similar to the “affirmative action” policy implemented in the US in the 1970’s could help. In any case, the time has come for believers to pray into divinely directed policy changes on Israel’s part. Intercession for increased aliyah is still good. Including prayers for improved staying power after new immigrants arrive is even better.
YHVH has promised to restore Israel physically and spiritually. The return of Jewish exiles to their covenant land is part of His prophetic plan for the sake of all nations. Will you be one, therefore, to metaphorically carry and support the Jewish people through to the end of their promised restoration? If so, I say to you with joyful confidence, “Be blessed!” (Genesis 12:3)
“For I will take you from the nations, gather you out of all the countries and bring you back to your own land. Then I will sprinkle clean water on you and…I will give you a new heart. I will put My Spirit within you.” (Ezekiel 36:24-27)