The Truthful Project

[Originally appeared in the Jerusalem Pos t ] “ Hamas issues ultimatum to Israel: Give us $8 million by Tuesday” screams a 17 October 2021 headline from the Arabic al-Ain newspaper. The money, Hamas says, is to pay its members' salaries. And this is only one of several demands issued. Before and during the May 2021 conflicts Hamas has repeatedly violated international law (firing missiles into civilian areas, firing missiles from civilian areas, and using civilians as human shields). As reported by the BBC (12 August 2021), this time, even the left-wing anti-Israel NGO Human Rights Watch had to admit Hamas’ war crimes. Thus, confirming Hamas’ position as a terrorist organization. The United States, the European Union (representing 27 countries), the Organization of American States (a coalition of 35 countries), and other countries worldwide have designated Hamas as a terrorist organization. However, there is another angle to this story. And if it sounds familiar, perha

[Originally appeared in the Jerusalem Post ] [Republished in Christian 4 Israel International ] Benjamin Franklin, one of the more famous founding fathers of the USA, is quoted as saying “… in this world, nothing is certain except death and taxes.” The first part may be true, but as for the Catholic Church in Israel, they are operating tax free. The modern State of Israel was internationally recognized by the United Nations in 1948. It took 45 years for the Holy See finally recognize Israel in December 1993. Regardless, the Catholic Church (like everyone else) is subject to the laws of the country it operates in. And should be matching its actions with their own teachings: According to the New Testament, Jesus said one should “Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s” ( Mark 12:17 and Luke 20:25) and “Pay everyone what you owe him: taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, honor to whom honor is due” (Romans 13:7). H owev