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What is Saint Nicholas doing in an Israeli garden?By: C4i

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In late February, Dekel Ben-Shitrit was working away an afternoon in the garden of his Moshav Yogev home. Watering the plants, pulling the weeds, a completely typical day. That was at least until something interesting caught his eye. A dull and dirty ring, surfaced in the churning soil of uprooted weeds. Surprised, Dekel plucked the ring out of the earth, cleaning it with his fingers. What he found was a small carved figure of a man.

Finding a piece of jewelry in your garden would be a small thrill anywhere, but in Israel, it isn't just a curiosity, but likely a piece of history. The land is so steeped in history and culture that it is a natural hot spot for artifacts and relics of the past. This concentration of history combined with the  shallow soil and dry climate of the region means landscapers, farmers, and construction workers not only have a much higher chance than normal of stumbling over small trinkets, but that they are likely to still be in good and recognizable condition.

This is what Dekel found out when he posted a few pictures of the ring to Facebook. Asking his social network if anyone could shed any light on the origins or likely history of the ring, it didn't take long for someone to connect him with the Israel Antiquities Authority who were able to identify it immediately.

Amazingly, the ring is from somewhere between the 12th and 15th centuries and bears the image of none other than Father Christmas himself, Saint Nicholas. 

How do they know who it represents? Simple, the iconography of the carving. The ring pictures a bald man carrying a bishop's crook, this combined with the style and materials used placing it in the Byzantine period heavily suggest it to be Saint Nick. The crook and staff were trademarks of the saint and used in nearly every depiction of him.

But how would a Byzantine ring of a Christian saint come to rest in an arid plain in Moshav Yogev? Well, old Saint Nick is quite well traveled. Well before he became popularized as the bearded, jolly, giver of gifts we associate him with now, Saint Nicholas was the patron saint of travelers, pilgrims, and sailors. Jewelry bearing his image was often carried by Christian pilgrims as they traveled for protection, and Israel was a major destination of the era.

The main Roman road from Legio to Mount Tabor wound through the area, passing closely to Moshav Yogev. This path was frequently used by Christian's making pilgrimages to Mount Tabor, Nazareth, and other locations in the area. It isn't at all unlikely that some weary traveler might have made a slight detour in the area and found their way to where Moshav Yogev stands today. How the ring was lost will remain a mystery, but it's existence can inform us on the patterns of trade, travel, and exchange in the area. 

Rather than keep his find to himself, Dekel Ben-Shitrit willingly donated the ring to the Israeli Antiquities Authority in the interest of historical preservation and knowledge, as is customary for Israeli citizens who make historical discoveries. The history of Israel is one of the nation's intangible treasures and belongs to every citizen.  
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SOME OF THE 70 REASONS PEOPLE LOVE ISRAEL: By: Colin Wingfield

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Israel helped 30 countries foil terrorist attacks in 2017. Israeli technology helped identify the terrorists on the overwhelming output of the surveillance cameras at the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013. 90% of our wastewater is recycled. Spain is No. 2 with 20%. Some 93% of Israeli homes use solar energy for water heating, the highest percentage in the world. Israel has the largest percentage of vegans per capita in the world - 5% of the population. Over 500 million birds migrate through the skies of Israel twice a year, but a researcher, using radar, a motorized glider, drones and a network of birdwatchers, planned alternate commercial air routes, reducing bird-plane collisions by 76%. Israelis have more children than any other Western democracy. According to Startup Genome, Tel Aviv has more start-ups per capita than anywhere else, and it has 61 companies on NASDAQ. That's more than Europe, Japan, Korea and China combined. Israel has the highest percentage of start-ups in the world and is second only to the USA in absolute terms. (J. Post) "Israel will bud and blossom and fill all the world with fruit.” Isa. 27:6 [Comment]

WORLD LEADERS CONGRATULATE ISRAEL ON ITS 70TH ANNIVERSARY: By: Colin Wingfield

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Leaders around the world sent letters of congratulations to President Reuven Rivlin on Israel's 70th anniversary Thurs. 19 April, 2018. Among the leaders who greeted the president and the state were presidents of the United States, Russia, Germany and Croatia, as well as the Queen of England and the UN Secretary-General. USA President Donald Trump wrote to Rivlin, "President Harry Truman spoke a lot about the pride he felt when he supported the establishment of the State of Israel. As I have stated in the past, I announced the transfer of the USA Embassy to Jerusalem one of my proudest moments as President of the United States. Our commitment to the security of Israel is strong and unwavering, and we will continue to stand by you as we have done in the past seven decades. I hope to deepen our historic friendship and witness Israel's prosperity.” UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres wrote to the President of Israel, "The United Nations is enriched by the diversity of its members and our mission is strengthened when we unite to strengthen the values that are the anchor of our foundation."

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier said in a letter to the President's Residence: "Israel celebrates 70 years of independence and we celebrate with it. The reconciliation and partnership with Israel that bridges the abyss that opened up in our history is a wonderful thing. For us Germans, it is a gift on one hand and a responsibility on the other. We will not forget this and will do our fair share to ensure a good future to Israel and trust between Germans and Israelis. To you, Mr. President, your wife and all the citizens and citizens of Israel. I send my heartfelt greetings, also on behalf of my countrymen." The Queen of England wrote to President Rivlin, "It is my pleasure to congratulate you warmly on the occasion of the Independence Day celebrations, and warm wishes for the happiness and well-being of all the citizens of Israel in the coming year." Russian President Vladimir Putin wrote: "I wish to note the excellent relations that exist between our two countries, and I am confident that together we will continue to develop bilateral dialogue and fruitful cooperation in economics, science, technology and humanitarian assistance for the sake of our people, and in order to strengthen peace, stability and security in the Middle East." (Arutz-7)


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RUSSIA WARNS OF ‘CONSEQUENCES', AFTER SYRIA ATTACK: By: Colin Wingfield

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 Moscow lashed out at Washington, London and Paris in the wake of Allied airstrikes on military facilities connected to Syria’s chemical weapons stockpiles. "We are being threatened,” said a statement from the Kremlin. "We warned that such actions will not be left without consequences. All responsibility for them rests with Washington, London and Paris.” The Kremlin took personal offense that President Trump called out Russian strongman Vladimir Putin for failing to control Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad and his use of chemical weapons against his own people. "Insulting the President of Russia is unacceptable and inadmissible,” the Kremlin said. The USA didn’t notify Moscow of the 14 April 2018, Saturday morning attacks on Russia’s ally Syria. (J.Post) We continue to ask our readers and intercessors to pray against any retaliatory strikes from Russia, especially against American vessels in the area. Pray also for the safety of Israel during these times of intense conflict and multiple threats taking place across her northern borders. [Comment]

EGYPT, SAUDI ARABIA URGE HAMAS TO END ‘GREAT MARCH OF RETURN’ PROTESTS: By: Colin Wingfield

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Both Saudi Arabia and Egypt have called on terrorist organization Hamas to end the annual weekly protests it is holding for the "Great March of Return," according to an Egyptian source. An Egyptian Foreign Ministry official was quoted as saying that, in exchange for halting the protests, Egypt would ensure that the Rafah border crossing, which Egypt controls, would be regularly opened. The source said that the agreement had come under the direction of the Saudis. "The situation in Gaza is nearing an explosion towards anyone blockading the Strip," the source said, "and therefore there is a fear that Palestinian anger will turn toward Egypt in the coming weeks." Last Friday's protests marked the second week of the "Great March of Return" in Gaza. Crowds of approximately 20,000 turned out to protest on the border between Gaza and Israel. Ten Gazans were killed in the clashes, while estimates of the number of protesters injured vary. The protests are expected to continue each Friday for the next several weeks. (J.Post) [Comment]

ISRAELI MILITARY ON HIGH ALERT AMID IRAN THREATS:By: Colin Wingfield

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Israel’s military was put on high alert amid heightened tensions along the northern border and with Iran threatening to avenge an airstrike on a Syrian air base believed to have killed 14 people, including 7 Iranian military personnel. Russia, Syria and Iran have all said Israel carried out the Monday 9 April 2018 missile barrage on the T-4 Air Base near Palmyra in central Syria. American sources also confirmed that Israel had conducted the strike and that they were notified of it in advance. Israeli officials refused to comment on the strike. Following the assault a top adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei threatened Israel: "The crimes will not remain unanswered,” Ali Akbar Velayati said during a visit to Syria. Iran’s Foreign Ministry also accused Israel of "flagrant” aggression in Syria following the attack. Israeli officials did not appear to be taking the threat of a retaliatory attack lightly — either by Iran, or its proxy, the Hezbollah terrorist group. On Tues.10 April 2018, Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman appeared to allude to the strike, saying, "Accepting Iranian entrenchment in Syria would be to accept Iranians putting a chokehold on us. We cannot allow that”. (Times of Israel) The critical and growing possibility of war against Israel - being unleashed from the northern borders - is such that we continue to call on intercessors to pray that the nations who delight in war will be scattered. Ps. 68:30. Israel is bordered in the north by Syria and Lebanon, where some of Israel’s most vicious foes - including Iran and Hezbollah – are aligning, seeking to increase their military footholds, and have long-established goals to destroy the Jewish state. [Comment]

An Underwater Adventure in Israel at the Coral Beach Underwater ObservatoryBy: C4i

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If you're planning a trip to Israel, chances are you already have a list of sites to see as long as your arm. Historic marvels like Masada, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, and the Wailing Wall are naturally going to be must-see locations. 

But what if you're looking for something a little bit different? Well, what would you say to an underwater adventure in a country mostly known for its deserts? 

The Coral Beach Underwater Observatory in Eilat offers a rare glimpse of the world beneath the surface of the water. Built in 1974 near the Eilat's Coral Beach nature reserve, the aquarium/observatory is designed to give curious visitors a deeper appreciation for Israel's rich biodiversity, the spectacular intricacy and detail of God's design. 100 meters from the shoreline, the observatory includes both an above ground aquarium and educational exhibition area as well as an unbelievable underwater viewing experience below the waves.

12m below the surface with giant reinforced windows on all sides, the observatory offers a 360 degree view of life in the Red Sea. With no cages, walls, or barriers, this is a purely natural way to explore the depths of the Red Sea and its many treasures as it was meant to be seen. This up close and personal look gives viewers an intimate diver-like experience, but without the need to strap on any gear or get their feet wet! From the viewing windows, spectators can enjoy a  living reef teaming with activity, cast in rich, bold colours you would never expect to be hiding just beneath the surface. With breathtaking corals and species unique to the Red Sea, it is a sight that will stay with you long after you're gone.

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Aside from the underwater observation deck, the observatory includes many other attractions. One of its most impressive is a specialized darkroom used to fully demonstrate the majesty of some of the deep's most usual creatures. In this darkened exhibition, viewers can observe bioluminescent species of fish, aquatic wonders that create their own natural light sources with their bodies. These marvels cast their own strange lighting, creating dizzying displays and magical patterns as they weave their way in and out of the Red Sea corals. This natural light show looks more like something out of a sci-fi movie than what you'd expect to find in a desert nation!

Looking for something a little more intense? Than the Shark World exhibit is the place for you. A 7m deep tank that features some of the more dangerous dwellers of the local deeps. With over 18 different sharks, walruses, and sea bats calling the tank their home yet somehow living in harmony, it's an interesting and up-close view of the balance of nature. A transparent tunnel allows visitors to see these creatures close up, so you can fully appreciate just how scary it would be to inhabit the same waters as them! Come at the right time, and you can watch expert divers feed and manage these fearsome aquatic predators. Not for the faint of heart!

All told, the Coral Beach Underwater Observatory is home to over 800 species of fish, coral, sharks, mollusks, stingrays, and turtles. It is a massive sampling of the richness and natural splendor the Gulf of Eilat has to offer and an absolute treat if you can make time during a visit. 

While there is no shortage of things to see while visiting the Holy Land, see if you can't make the time to stop by if you're in the area. If nothing else, you're guaranteed to get some amazing photos to carry home with you!
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The strange and courageous life of Giorgio PerlascaBy: C4i

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If I told you a story about a serial liar, a man who manipulated the law, forged documents, and assumed and discarded identities like they were cheap hats, what kind of man would you think I was talking about? A con artist? A criminal?

How about a hero?

This was the life of Giorgio Perlasca. A complicated story that shows that no matter who you are, there is always the possibility of heroism and redemption. His is the incredible story of how a former soldier in Franco's fascist army went on to become one of the most celebrated Righteous Among the Nations.

Caught between a rock and a hard place

Giorgio Perlasca never intended to be a hero. He was a businessman, a citizen of Italy, a normal, average man of his age. He had courage, but regrettably, that courage led him to the causes of his nation at the time – Franco's Italy. 

Perlasca was a card carrying member of the fascist movement in Italy, fighting in the Spanish Civil War to help usher in Franco's regime. In the fighting during WWII, he found himself again on the side of fascists as a delegate of the Italian government, dispatched to Eastern Europe to source supplies and food for Mussolini's troops. 

But all of that changed when the Italy surrendered to the allied forces in the autumn of 1943. With Italy fractured between areas still occupied by the Germans and areas liberated by the allied forces, soldiers dispatched to foreign lands found themselves suddenly cut off from their homeland. Perlasca himself was stuck in Budapest with little hope of support or safe transit home. 

As an Italian citizen in the midst of German soldiers angry at the betrayal of a key ally, this was a precarious position. Italians were being rounded up and placed into camps, their fates unclear and dubious. Not exactly thrilled at the idea of trusting his life to German hands, Perlasca got clever. He obtained a medical pass under false pretenses, not because he needed treatment, but because he needed freedom of movement. A medical pass would allow him to travel freely in Hungary. As soon as he was able, he booted it to the nearest Spanish Embassy. Perlasca was a veteran of the Spanish war and Spain had a policy of granting political asylum to former vets – a much more attractive offer than whatever camp the German's might put him in.

This is where Giorgio's story could have ended. An average man on the wrong side of history who managed to find a way to save his own skin in the midst of the bloodiest war the world had ever seen. Thankfully, for both himself and the thousands of Jews he would save, this was only the beginning. 

Despite his background fighting on the behalf of fascists, and the tempting comfort of his own relative safety, Perlasca saw the oppression of the Jews in Hungary as nothing short of pure evil. Day after day, he heard stories of how the local Jewish population were systematically beaten, starved, and dragged off in the night. And he resolved to do something about it. Even if that meant placing himself back into the danger he just avoided.

A man of confidence 

Perlasca was a man of quick wits with a talent for improvisation and the nerves of a poker shark. Despite his history as a soldier, he didn't fight the Nazis with bullets, bombs, or knives. No, he fought them with an absurd amount of confidence. 

Ingratiating himself into serving as a member of the Spanish embassy, Perlasca exploited loop holes and diplomatic privileges to save as many Jews as he could. He wrote thousands of bogus letters of Spanish citizenship. Backdated and forged, these papers stated that a family had requested permission to move to Spain and would be held under the protection of the Spanish government until such time as they could make the trip, granting them diplomatic asylum in Spanish owned safe houses. He issued these to Jewish families like he was passing out coupon fliers. 

As the war turned and the Soviet's began to advance towards Budapest, many embassy official abandoned their posts and fled for fear of being caught in the fighting or a possible Soviet capture. The Spanish ambassador was one of those who fled, which left both Perlasca, and the thousands of Jewish "Spanish” families depending on diplomatic protection in a risky position. Indeed, upon learning that the ambassador was gone, the Nazi-affiliated Hungarian Arrow Cross descended on those Jewish safe houses almost overnight. So Perlasca did what he did best – he thought fast.

Incredibly, Perlasca confronted the troops raiding a safe house directly and told them they were making a huge mistake. That the ambassador was not gone, but had simply gone to Bern to facilitate communications with Madrid and there would be hell to pay for violating their national agreements. Not satisfied with such a small bluff, Perlasca went one step further, insisting that the ambassador had left written orders placing him as the ambassador's direct replacement during his absence. This is how the former soldier turned asylum seeker became an ambassador of Spain in the span of one ridiculous conversation. Quite the promotion.

As "ambassador” Perlasca carried out thousands of more rescues. Most were done with the pen, the issuing of passports, citizenships, and phony Spanish diplomatic rights. Others were more dramatic. Perlasca made a habit of visiting the deportation stations where arrested Jews were routinely sorted and place in freight cars, transportation for the so-called "final solution” that awaited them. He would pull up to these stations in his official diplomatic vehicle marked with Spanish flags and, bold as brass, Perlasca would pull men, women, and children out of line and either issue them Spanish papers on the spot, or bluster and claim they were protected Spanish citizens. He'd hurry them into his car to the befuddlement and surprise of German guards and speed them away from certain doom.

Perhaps Perlasca's most audacious act of heroism was his prevention of a planned bombing/burning of a Jewish ghetto containing more than 60,000 people in it. While still in the guise of a high ranking Spanish diplomat, Perlasca became aware of a plan to "speed up” the extermination of the local Jewish population by setting a series of incendiary devices in the Jewish ghetto.  Appalled at the barbarism of such an act, Perlasca demanded an immediate audience with the Hungarian interior minister Gábor Vajna. Addressing him with all the nerve of offended royalty, Perlasca upbraided the minister, promising a series of economic and political retaliations if he allowed the plot to be carried out. He threatened the minister with any number of (fictional) legal consequences, and to top it off, he guaranteed economic measures against the "3000” Hungarian citizens living in Spain. The planned atrocity was never committed. 

Later, in his diary, Perlasca mused "All of this was a colossal bluff. I believe there are no more than 300 Hungarians in Spain.”

A humble hero

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When the war ended, Perlasca returned home to Italy. You might expect he would boast about his accomplishments, how he played the Nazis and Arrow Cross for fools, how he saved the lives of thousands. True to form though, Perlasca played his cards close to his chest. He never spoke about the full extent of what he did, not even to his own family.

It wasn't until the late '80s that history caught up with him. A group of Jews he saved and their decedents tracked him down and confirmed his story. All told, Perlasca directly saved over five thousand Jews through his actions (without counting the untold number that would have died in the bombing plot he foiled) making him one of the greatest heroes of the Holocaust. Naturally, he was named one of the Righteous Among the Nations and granted a special exhibit in Yad Vashem. He was the subject of movies and biographies in Israel, the Raanana Symphonette Orchestra would even commission an original orchestral piece entitled "His Finest Hour” honouring his actions.

Despite the attention, Perlasca insisted all he did as "tell a lot of lies.” He shied from the adulation. "I couldn't stand seeing children being killed. That's what I think it was. I don't think I was a hero."

In 1992, Perlasca died at the age of 82 leaving a legacy of heroism, humility, and redemption that should serve as an inspiration to us all.

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Recognizing “ironic” antisemitism for what it isBy: C4i

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If it looks like a Nazi, acts like a Nazi, and makes openly antisemitic remarks like a Nazi, is it a Nazi?

Well, if you're asking on an online message board these days, the answer you might get is "of course not! It's just 'ironic'”

This is the strategy of the modern antisemite. Call it the "it's just a joke” defense, but today's savvy neo-Nazi shares more in common with a comedian than a Brownshirt. They've traded in the polished boots and clubs for snappy social media accounts and goofy pictures made in MS Paint. Instead of ranting against specific Jewish political figures or populations, they make jokes about "hording shekels” and "(((Globalists))).” They'll make purposely outlandish claims that a reasonable person could only interpret as an intentional joke, but there is always a "but, really...” lurking behind the smile. 

The strategy is two-pronged. Bigots and antisemites know their undiluted views are unpopular and unacceptable. This hurts them not only when they end up shunned and discredited in the public discourse, but it also makes it hard to recruit new blood into their cause. Nobody wants to sit next to the scary skinhead on the bus.

But, with a veneer of "ironic” jocularity smeared over the lens, their views become a lot more palatable. When critics accuse them of expressing a hateful and dangerous worldview (one which led to the calamity of the Holocaust and WWII), they always have a fig leaf to hide behind. It's not "real” racism, it's edgy humor. Not only do they get to deflect criticism, they get to position themselves as hip, cool rebels, flicking the nose of the humorless and uptight "mainstream.” For those not aware of the subtext or intent behind the goofiness, it looks ridiculous when some politician or journalist attacks a cartoon frog as a symbol of hate speech. They look like the crusty old Dean in a frat house comedy, shaking thier fist at Delta Tau Chi's antics.  

It lets them get away with even overt hatefulness. When they refer to the media as "lügenpresse” (a term the Nazis used to vilify and delegitimize the Jewish press), it's a cheeky joke, not a deliberate choice to use term loaded with antisemitic baggage. When someone makes a white power salute at a rally, it's not an authentic expression of hate, it's a goof, a silly gag someone did to rankle a journalist. When someone is caught on tape or in a private chat room talking about creating a white state, it's just a joke! There is always room to back-peddle and wheedle out of a statement when everything is wrapped in so many layers of supposed irony and abstraction.

These same jokes and memes that serve as a smokescreen to dodge criticism also work as a safe introduction to these otherwise extreme beliefs. Antisemites know that trying to bring in new members by lecturing about international Jewish cabals and sinister plots won't work, but a cartoon of an unpopular Jewish media personality with an exaggerated nose? Well, people might just chuckle at that. Co-opting the aesthetics of the Nazi regime for shock value? That can seem cool and edgy if done with enough swagger. Using poorly drawn cartoon characters from obscure comic books or old video game franchises to express abhorrent opinions seems ridiculous and yes, even kind of funny, until you realize that if you take away the character and just leave the message, they're still joking about gas chambers and mass graves.

By starting with jokes and a kind of so over the top kind of racism that it "can't be serious,” normal people are led down the rabbit hole of developing authentic antisemitic feelings. It starts as gags, but ends with real action. It's all fun and games until collage age kids are marching in America with torches shouting "Jews will not replace us! Blood and soil!”

This is how it works. Nobody wants to sit next to the skinhead on the bus, but they will hang around with the class clown if he's funny enough. It's the same old racism, just with better brand management. 

The worst part is, it's working. In a February report, the Anti-Defamation League grimly recognized 2017 as the most antisemitic year on record in the United States over 40 years. With over 1,986 confirmed antisemitic incidents ranging from vandalism to physical attacks, the harassment was wide spread and sustained. With over 163 bomb threats made to various Jewish community centers, headstones and graves destroyed at multiple Jewish cemeteries across the country, and uncountable acts of property damage in Jewish neighborhoods and businesses, it's impossible to discount this as coincidence. There is a growing antisemitic movement taking root in our backyard. 

The hatemongers of the world are waging a war for the hearts and minds of a new generation, and they're doing better than anyone would like to admit. 

This is not something that is going to get better on its own. We need to recognize ironic antisemitism for what it is – antisemitism. We need to rip off the rubber mask of jokes to expose the skinhead underneath, to get wise to their tricks. Most of all, we have a responsibility to educate our young and impressionable. A funny antisemite is still an antisemite.
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Saving the Dead SeaBy: C4i

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The Dead Sea is one of Israel's greatest national treasures. Famous for its crystal clear splendor, natural healing qualities, and staggering buoyancy, the lowest body of water in the world has always enjoyed a high profile. But, as the Dead Sea continues to recede and sink even lower into the dried and cracked ground around it year after year, many fear it is only a matter of time before it dries up completely.

The Dead Sea's water level has always experienced fluctuations, the sea tends to rise and fall by its own devices. But, over the past few decades, the sea has seemed to forget around the "rising” part of the equation. The trend has only shown a downward trajectory with the Dead Sea losing an entire meter ever year since the late '90s. One look and it's easy to see the impact the lowering water level has had on the nearby surroundings. Cafes and restaurants that only 30 years ago had prime beach front locations now overlook football fields worth of barren sand. Highways once famed for their picturesque view of verdant greenery and crystal clear waters now wind their way through dusty routes that wouldn't be out of place in a Mad Max film.

Worst of all, the draining valley is resulting in colossal sinkholes in the area. These gigantic pits underneath the ground not only mar the once beautiful area with craters, they pose a serious safety risk. Over the past four years, sinkholes have become a legitimate disruption, causing damage to roadways and businesses, closing down everything from beaches to bridges. The kibbutz of Ein Gedi found themselves cut off and completely isolated for two whole days after a sinkhole swallowed the roadway access to the area, hammering home the impact sinkholes can have on local communities. And sadly, even the most optimistic of outlooks expects the situation to get worse instead of better.

What is draining the sea?

The factors contributing to the shrinking sea are multiple and complex. Some are understandable, others more difficult to justify. 

One of the major drains is simply the demands of the population in the area. One of the main sources of water for the Dead Sea is the Jordan river. The mighty river used to pour in and replenish the Dead Sea with over a billion cubic meters of water a year. But since the 1960's, hundreds of millions those cubic meters of water have been diverted, leaving only a paltry fifth of the old flow rate to drip feed back into the famous sea. These billions of gallons are used to supply drinking and farming water for communities all along the Jordan. The water is necessary for people in the area to survive, but as irrigation for farmlands spreads and the population climbs, less and less of it is left for the Dead Sea.

Then there is industry. Several large companies regularly pump water from the Dead Sea, encouraged by the fact they don't have to pay for it. The (controversial) policy is designed to spur economic activity in the area. In the 1970s, the lake was split in two in an effort to manage the competing concerns of tourism and industry. Companies pump from the northern pool while attempting to preserve the southern pool. But of course, all of this water is fed from the same sources and taking from one naturally means there is less for the other. The situation has become so dire that the pumps in the northern area often find themselves sucking air in the summer months. So far, the solutions posed by these companies hasn't been to stop pumping or find another management system, but to move the pumps further in. It is only a matter of time before the southern pool is pumped directly and all pretense of preservation is abandoned.

Aside from these reasons though, there are also the looming overall effects of climate change impacting the region. Even if the Knesset were to pass legislation limiting pumping in the area, that alone would not be enough to save the Dead Sea. So what can be done?

Saving the sea

There are no easy answers when it comes to saving the Dead Sea. Indeed, looking for a magic bullet that will solve the issue is likely a waste of time, instead it will take a number of measures.

Among these are efforts to source alternative water sources other than the Jordan for the millions that live in the area. Every gallon of water effectively recycled or obtained from another source is a gallon that can return to the sea. Thankfully, Israel leads the world in water purification and efficiency technology, and with breakthroughs happening each year, there is some hope the demands on the Jordan can be alleviated, at least by some amount. 

Regulation and the idea of charging companies for the water they consume is a hot button issue in the Knesset. While nobody wants to see the Dead Sea dry up, nobody wants to see such an important economic pillar compromised either. The money generated by these industries is considerable, and if regulation inhibited their ability to operate, the results could be devastating for families depending on income related to those industries.

Of course, this also competes with the needs of the tourism industry. As the sea has dried up, so has tourist interest. Beaches sit abandoned, and hotels and restaurants built on once prime real estate purchased with the intention of decades of operation in mind now struggle to fill their beds and seats. There is a strong argument that the money lost in tourism outweighs that which would be lost if industry was more tightly regulated in the area. 

Most promising however is the ambitious Red Sea–Dead Sea Conveyance. This pipeline project has been planned and discussed for years now and has recently finally moved into the beginning phases of actualization. The pipeline will take water from the Red Sea and other sources and distribute it to Jordan, Israel, and Palestinian territories while also bringing sea water to replenish the Dead Sea. As the project effects multiple states in the area, each with competing interests, progress hasn't always been smooth (with different parties threatening to pull out at different times throughout the process). But, if the neighbors can work out their disagreements, the pipeline will go a long way to salvaging the Dead Sea and restoring it to a more sustainable water level.

But even this ambitious project won't solve the issue on its own. The Dead Sea is one part of a broader system, one connected to the Jordan, the Sea of Galilee, and the climate at large. Solving the Dead Sea's shrinking shores will require multiple states working together to take on all of these issues. We can only hope they'll find away before the Dead Sea is nothing but a memory.
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