The Immense Value of Arab Christians to Israel

Sharing an article by one of my Arab (actually Aramaean) Christian friends who should be an ambassador for the Jewish state.

This is a photo with my friend Marlene Mathew who was born in Jerusalem. She chooses to identity as Aramaean rather than Arab...It is more accurate, and Marlene says “it is more our identity.” Her father - now in heaven- never tolerated being called Arab. Marlene says, “We love them, but it is more true for us as Aramaic-speaking Christians.” We took this photo together at the Jerusalem Prayer Breakfast this year at Mar-a-Lago, Trump’s home in Florida. Marlene has a God-given love for the Jewish state even though she could be bitter. Her love stems from the fact that she is a born-again evangelical believer. The Spirit of the living God lives in her heart. I’ll never forget hearing Marlene tell me how she visited her former family home in the Old City of Jerusalem. She knocked on the door and the Jewish owner invited her inside. Marlene shared how her family had fled before the War of Independence and she wanted to bless the new owners! Marlene, a Bible teacher, said she understood from holy Scripture that God would bring his ancient Jewish people home again in the Last Days. In all the years I’ve known Marlene as an advocate for the Jewish people, she has only stated the most positive things. It’s time that Israel heed her advice in the following article, because I believe she is speaking prophetically to the State of Israel at this time.

Friend or Foe? We really Gotta Know!

Israel and local Christians

In this hour of unprecedented war against Israel, it is imperative that she must KNOW who is FOR her, and who is AGAINST. For at times, we all get it wrong, and thus turn friends into foes.

The local Arab peoples who have mostly lived there for generations are a mixed crew of either harmful opponents, or those who live in peace. Arabic-speaking Christians are spiritually related to Jews through their Jewish Messiah Yeshua, or Jesus, who taught in the temple in Jerusalem.

Christians share the heritage of the Jewish patriarchs and prophets, the Torah, biblical history, and the revelation of HaShem. As Ruth once said, “Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God.” Ruth 1:6

Your enemies are our enemies. Your victory is our joy. Your inheritance is our promise.

Whilst many Jews have welcomed this friendship, some have not.

Many Jews in Israel still have a mistrust or even hostility toward Christian Arabs. This is seen at airport entry or exit points, at the Ministry of Interior (MOI), during public religious gatherings, and in unethical business dealings and property acquisitions by Jews from locals. The rough handling by police of Easter religious pilgrims in Jerusalem, alienates local Christians, and often sours their goodwill. These folk have often lived in Israel for generations, and have peacefully adapted to living in a Jewish state. Israel has warmly embraced Druze from Syria, yet has at times mishandled the local Christians who share their Jewish heritage.

Little wonder many have left for overseas, taking with them a report of rejection.

Does this matter?

Well, it actually does.

Israel could do with friends now. Not just from America, but LOCAL friends in Israel. Here!

Local Christians are often peaceful, well educated, upright citizens. They can be your greatest ally. But if Israel insults and rejects them, word gets out, and attitudes change. They search for another place to “belong.” Firsthand reports of unwarranted harsh handling in their own homeland is shared abroad. In turn, people abroad who once supported Israel, stop. Their Prayers, their Voice and their Money goes elsewhere. I have personally seen this happen overseas.

Whole church groups with thousands of followers have thus been affected.

The consequences are big.

At this Shavuot, we remember Ruth, a Moabite (Jordanian) widow who, forsaking her own home and religion, chose utmost allegiance to move with Naomi, her bereaved mother-in-law, back to Israel.

She pleaded with Naomi, “Do not urge me to …turn back.” Ruth could not go with her until Naomi accepted her generous offer!

In this era many Christians have left foreign home and family to live and serve in Israel. Many local Arab Christians are standing up for the cause of Israel, or laying their lives down in a just war. A costly sacrifice!

While many Jews have accepted Christians who support them, some continue to treat them with hostility, making it near impossible to offer the gift in their heart and hands.

When Ruth arrived in Bethlehem with Naomi, the local Jews welcomed her. Their acceptance made way for her to become the great grandmother of King David, the renowned King of Israel.

^“Then the elders and all the people …said, “May the Lord make (Ruth) who is coming into your home like Rachel and Leah, who together built up the family of Israel. (Ruth 4:11)

If the Jewish community welcomes those who come in the name of Adonai in peace, and if Christians honour our Jewish brothers, one wonders if both Jews and Christians could TOGETHER build up the family of Israel, and someday, give birth to a future King in the line of King David!!

Practical Recommendations:

1. Treat Arabic Christians with trust and respect. They follow Yeshua, a peaceful, law-abiding Jewish Messiah.

2. Yeshua did not kill. He gave life. Christians do not carry bombs. They heal the sick!

3. Christians are the MOST persecuted people in the world. They understand your trials. They will show you compassion and kindness if you let them.

4. Accept them. They will love you forever.

5. Most Christians have moral integrity with money and work. Be fair with them.

6. Christians come in peace. Allow them fair entry at checkpoints with dignity.

7. Teach Security at Borders, MOI and Police to treat them with respect, not harshly.

8. Christians are VASTLY different to Muslims. Know the difference.

The Lord be magnified, Who has pleasure in the prosperity of His people. Ps 35:27

Marlene Mathew

Marlenemathew@gmail.com

Born in Jerusalem into a Christian Aramaic-speaking community, Marlene is active in supporting, educating and connecting others to bless Israel from Australia and beyond.