"16 So it was, from that time on, that half of my servants worked at construction, while the other half held the spears, the shields, the bows, and wore armor; and the leaders were behind all the house of Judah. 17 Those who built on the wall, and those who carried burdens, loaded themselves so that with one hand they worked at construction, and with the other held a weapon. 18 Every one of the builders had his sword girded at his side as he built. And the one who sounded the trumpet was beside me.19 Then I said to the nobles, the rulers, and the rest of the people, "The work is great and extensive, and we are separated far from one another on the wall. 20 Wherever you hear the sound of the trumpet, rally to us there. Our God will fight for us." 21 So we labored in the work, and half of the men] held the spears from daybreak until the stars appeared." -Nehemiah 4:16-21

DREADFUL DREAM

Last night I had a dream. I heard an announcement that was made from Hell, saying, "There is a sword that has been issued to cut down those that are declaring the message of salvation to the Jewish people that Yeshua is the Messiah. It should cut them down to pieces." I could hear that the order was given from far away and from a very deep pit. The believers were in a type of a dark catacomb, caves where there were many passage ways. Soon a very tall man came out who had a very dark shadow on him. He came out running and swinging a machete with all his might. People began fleeing from before him. As he ran towards the groups of people, one of the brothers braced himself as the man was swinging and coming in his direction, but he bypassed this brother and made it clear that he wasn't the target, but the others were. As he chased the others, I could hear the clinking sound of the weapon hitting solid rock when the machete didn't hit its mark, but some were hit. But just because he wasn't able to hit some, that didn't deter him from continuing to pursue the people in the catacombs and didn't stop him from his goal. The brother that was spared by being bypassed was gripped with fear and backed up to the cold wall behind him in order to not be seen. Once again, the assassin bypassed him, but this time made it clearer that he would not be targeted as long as he didn't get involved. The brother felt relieved that his life had been spared.

Among the courts of men, people's motives aren't always clear-cut and identifiable. Sometimes it isn't immediately clear if the crime was intentional, 1st degree, 2nd degree, or done out of ignorance, because man doesn't know the heart and it can take a long period of time or even years before the true motive is revealed. But with God this is not the case. Truth is evident in less than a second because all the intentions of a man's heart are laid bare and not hidden. Man stands before God completely naked and without excuse (Hebrews 4:12-13), and in the dream this was plainly understood and evident. The reason why the brother did not get involved and didn't take interest in trying to save the others is because he was relieved that his life had been spared. It was almost like he was in the heat of a hot a desert with no relief in sight and all of a sudden he was transported to a room that was fully air conditioned and comfortable and had all the amenities he needed to refresh himself from the trauma of what he had seen. At least he thought so, because little did he know that his escape was temporary and he would also meet the same fate.

When I woke up, I was in shock that I had even dreamt something like this so clearly and plainly. These words from the book of Esther came immediately to my mind:

"13 And Mordecai told them to answer Esther: "Do not think in your heart that you will escape in the king's palace any more than all the other Jews. 14 For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" -Esther 4:13-14

I am a student of history, like many of us are. As a child I always wondered how people could stand by and let others be mistreated, just so their lives could be spared. I wondered because I was raised in a home and in a certain group of people with the mentality that felt that it was a cowardly act to stand by when others were being attacked and abusedespecially if it was in your power to do something about it. But my experience growing up and examples in history show us that when people don't stand up for others, it allows aggressors to hurt whole people groups and communities. The Bible says:

"But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?" -1 John 3:17

As we see, read and hear, the Ministry of Interior, other government agencies, anti-missionary groups and non-believing religious groups that purposely target Christian groups to get funds and benefits, are making it clear that all those who work with Messianic believers will be harassed directly or indirectly, and when applicable, visas will be taken away or put into question. The College in Ariel has made it completely clear to Christians that come to study in their programs that if they work with or even fellowship with Messianic Jews, their visas will be revoked. Born-again believers submit to that threat and intimidation, thereby even considering to have their right eye to be removed like in the book of 1Samuel 11. The Ammonites came against a tribe of Israel, and the Israelites who were badly outnumbered wanted to make a peace treaty with them. The Ammonites said they would consider that only if the Israelites would allow them to gouge out their right eyes, and thus bring a reproach to Israel. In the same manner, believers allow their God-given freedom of choice and worship to be taken away in order to spare themselves. May God give us the strength when the time comes to cling to the words of Yeshua,

"Greater love has no man, than to lay down his life (or his self-interest, or his ministry) for his brother." -John 15:13

And to stand up for His bride that He gave and shed His blood for.

"3 Remember the prisoners as if chained with them-those who are mistreated-since you yourselves are in the body also." -Hebrews 13:3

PRACTICAL STEPS

Here are some practical steps you can take to help Jewish Believers who have made Yeshua Lord and Savior of their lives in Israel.

Psalm 122:6 / Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: "May those who love you be secure."

Pray for body of the Lord that lives in Israel.

Adopt a person, family or congregation in prayer.

Support businesses and buy things made by believers in Yeshua.

Request newsletters from credible ministries in Israel so you can stay informed.

Support the more than 120 Messianic Congregations which are spread from the Northernmost to the Southernmost part of the country.

Read your Bible, understand history, the economy, up to date events, understand disputes, facts about Israel, past present and future, know who are the Ethnic groups and religions that live here.

World War II was won with more than tanks, missiles and an army. It was won also by something called "The Home Front" who were people who took it upon themselves to write letters, make phone calls, send pictures, remember people's birthdays, send care packages, and in doing so encourage and strengthen the soldiers on the front lines. There are numerous ministries in Israel that are doing a tremendous work for the Lord in spiritual and physical ways that the home front can strengthen and encourage. To name a few of the outstanding ministries that are operating here;

Maoz (www.maozisrael.org)

Joseph's Storehouse (www.visionforisrael.com)

Jerusalem Institute for Justice (www.jij.org.il)

Hope for Israel (www.hope4israel.org)

iGod (www.iGod.co.il)

Tents of Abraham (www.rescueisrael.org)

Christian Friends of Israel (www.cfijerusalem.net)

King of Kings community in Jerusalem (www.kkcj.org)

Brian Slater (ruachyeshua@yahoo.com)

The Joshua Fund (www.joshuafund.net)

These are just a few of many who are doing an excellent and vital work in Israel, and who are glorifying the Lord in this land.

In the Messiah,

David Ortiz

We have good news to share! First of all, Ami was accepted into College in the U.S. and onto the school basketball team! I'm not going to mention the name or location of the college because of the scrutiny of anti-missionaries (anti-freedom of religion groups) but we are all very happy. He will be starting this Spring semester, and we are in a flurry of getting ready to let him go!! It will be hard for our family to be separated from him for long periods of time over the next four years, but it has been Ami's dream to study and play basketball in the States, and the Lord put it together as only He can. I will share more of this part of the journey when I can. Thank you for praying him through this process as well. (I'm sorry how this update's layout looks, I had a battle trying to get it out!)
 

COURT CASE

Today we received word that the panel of Judges presiding over the Jack Teitel case made their decision officially that he is mentally fit to stand trial! They said the trial will begin in the coming weeks. Teitel's lawyers tried to bring up an appeal, saying he wasn't responsible for his actions when he carried out his crimes, but the judges said that they will have to bring that up during the trial, not before. The decision was reported on widely in the news media. The English newspapers were, as always, the most troublesome in their reporting. In Ynet news, even though our family was mentioned as victims in the Hebrew article, the English article left us out completely. We sent out an emergency plea for believers in Israel and around the world to write in to protest this omission, and within an hour the article was changed to a translation of the Hebrew article which included us. We would like to say that even if emails arrived after the fact, they are still important to reaffirm to the editors that people are concerned.

In the Jerusalem Post, our family were called "American Christian missionaries". I liked very much the prompt response posted by Donna Diorio of www.israelprayer.com, a faithful and true friend of Messianic believers in Israel who tirelessly reports on the news and prayer needs of the Body here. Donna wrote: Jerusalem Post mentions Teitel's bombing of the Messianic Ortiz family only EIGHT paragraphs into the article! The most intense in terms of planning and device used in all of his murders and attempted murders, yet it is mentioned so low in the article. And the article misidentifies the family as "American Christian Missionaries". The reality is that the family holds dual American and Israeli citizenship. Leah, a Jew, married David, a Puerto Rican and their children are Israeli Jews. David and his sons have served in the Israeli IDF- several in elite units of the IDF. They deserve to be called what they are, Israeli Messianic Jews. Donna also is an investigative reporter. Her reports are accurate and comprehensive.  We recommend her website for all who pray for our nation and the Israeli Messianic Body.
 

ARTICLES

THIS IS THE REVISED ARTICLE FROM YNET

Court: Jack Teitel fit to stand trial

Trial of 'Jewish terrorist' charged with murder of two Arabs set to resume in coming weeks

by Aviad Glickman

Published:
12.07.11, 16:38 / Israel News

The Jerusalem District Court on Wednesday ruled that the alleged "Jewish terrorist" Jack Teitel's fit to stand trial for the murder of two Arabs and a series of other serious offences. The court considered various opinions on the matter before reaching a decision. Teitel's trial is set to resume in the following weeks.

Attorney Michael Ironi, representing Teitel, motioned for a hearing on his client's criminal accountability. The panel ruled that there are no grounds for summoning expert witnesses again and that a hearing on the issue of accountability will be held during the trial.

Teitel was seen reading a book and paying little attention to what was going on during Wednesday's court hearing.

An indictment containing 14 counts was filed against Teitel in November 2009. Teitel, 37, a resident of the West Bank settlement of Shvut Rachel, was indicted for the murder of
Palestinian taxi driver, Samir Balbisi, in June 1997, and the murder of a Palestinian shepherd just a few months later. He was also charged with laying an explosive device
next to a Palestinian home near the West Bank settlement of Eli.

He was also indicted for attempting to murder the son of a Messianic family living in Ariel when he sent an explosive device disguised as a Purim gift to their home. In addition, he is charged with rigging a bomb next to Prof. Zeev Sternhell's home.

In May 2010, a professional psychiatric opinion deemed him unfit for trial. "I don't know if I'm sane. I don't recognize the jurisdiction of this court. I feel good," Teitel said at the time. Last August, a second psychiatric evaluation determined the opposite.

*Omri Efraim contributed to this report

This is the original article as it appeared on Ynet.

YNET

Court: Jack Teitel fit to stand trial

Trial of 'Jewish terrorist' charged with murder of two Arabs set to resume in coming weeks

The Jerusalem District Court on Wednesday ruled that "Jewish terrorist" Jack Teitel is fit to  stand trial for the murder of two Arabs and other serious offences. The court considered various opinions on the matter before reaching a decision. Teitel's trial is set to resume in the following weeks.

Attorney Michael Ironi, representing Teitel, motioned for a hearing on his client's criminal accountability. The panel ruled that there are no grounds for summoning experts again and that a discussion on the issue of accountability will be held during the trial.

Teitel was seen reading a book and paying little attention to what was going on during Wednesday's court hearing.

An indictment containing 14 counts was filed against Teitel in November 2009. Teitel, 37, a resident of the West Bank settlement of Shvut Rachel, was indicted for the murder of Palestinian taxi driver, Samir Balbisi, in June 1997, and the murder of a Palestinian shepherd just a few months later. He was also charged with laying an explosive device next to a Palestinian home near the West Bank settlement of Eli. In May 2010, a professional psychiatric opinion deemed him unfit for trial. "I don't know if I'm sane.
I don't recognize the jurisdiction of this court. I feel good," Teitel said at the time. Last August, a second psychiatric evaluation determined the opposite.

Omri Efraim contributed to this report
 

This is the Jerusalem Post article:

http://www.jpost.com/NationalNews/Article.aspx?id=248530

JERUSALEM POST

Court rules Yaakov 'Jack' Teitel fit to stand trial

By JOANNA PARASZCZUK

07/12/2011

American-born "Jewish Terrorist" indicted on 14 charges including two counts of murder and one of attempted murder

The Jerusalem District Court ruled unanimously on Wednesday that Ya'acov 'Jack' Teitel, the American- Israeli indicted on murder and attempted murder charges, is fit to stand trial. The panel of three judges, Zvi Segal, Moshe Hacohen and Moshe Yair Drori, said in Wednesday's hearing that Teitel's ability to conduct his defense was "beyond question" and therefore he is fit to stand trial.

For a court to rule that a defendant is not fit to stand trial, his attorneys must convince judges that he is suffering from a mental disorder such that he is unable to conduct his
defense or instruct an attorney to do so, because he cannot understand the charges against him, the nature of the criminal proceedings or communicate with his counsel.

Dubbed "the Jewish terrorist," Florida-born Teitel, 39, was indicted in 2009 on 14 separate charges including the 1997 murder of Palestinian taxi driver Samir Balbisi, who was found shot dead in his taxicab.

The indictment also charges Teitel with the murder of a second Palestinian man, Beduin shepherd Isaa Mousa'af Mahamada, who was shot dead near the West Bank settlement of Carmel, near Hebron, in August 1997.

Teitel is alleged to have committed both those murders while he was still a US citizen on vacation in Israel.

In 2000, Teitel immigrated to Israel and lived in Shvut Rachel, a West Bank settlement north of Jerusalem, where he married and had four children. That same year, he was
arrested by police on suspicion of carrying out both the 1997 murders, but later released for lack of evidence.

In March 2008, according to the indictment, Teitel attempted to murder 15-year-old Amiel Ortiz, the son of American Christian missionaries in Ariel.

Teitel allegedly sent a bomb in a Purim gift basket to the Ortiz's home, which exploded when Ortiz opened it.

Other charges include planting homemade explosives at the home of Prof. Ze'ev Sternhell, a left-wing scholar from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, in September 2008 and attacking a police station in 2006 during a gay pride parade.

Teitel was arrested in Jerusalem in 2009, while distributing leaflets lauding a deadly shooting at a Tel Aviv gay youth center, although police do not believe he was involved
in that attack.

Teitel was remanded in custody in a secure psychiatric facility, and though an initial psychiatric assessment in 2010 deemed Teitel unfit to stand trial, later tests showed
that he was able to face prosecution.

"We conclude that [Teitel] is not detached from reality, he possesses an impressive verbal ability and is capable of maintaining a good connection with those talking to him,
that he is well aware of the legal process and its outcomes, he knows he is in court and is aware of the various functions of the legal process," Segal said.
 

PLEASE PRAY

Please continue to pray for the trial as it will commence in a few weeks, God willing. Please continue to pray that justice will prevail, and that whatever is in darkness will be brought out into the light. Please pray that the Name of Yeshua will be lifted up and honoured.

Please pray for Ami as he goes off to college, for easy adjustment to his surroundings, English studies, new friends, different mentalities, and all that goes with it.

Thank you for your fellowship and prayer for all these matters. Remember to check out www.amiortiz.com for updated information.

Blessings in the Messiah,

Leah

Yesterday, Gilad Shalit, the Israeli soldier who was kidnapped by the Hamas and held in captivity in Gaza since 2006 for five years and four months, came home. The number of Palestinian prisoners exchanged for him was 1,027. Many are terrorists who were involved in the most heinous terror attacks in Israel, such as the bombing of the Sbarro Pizzeria in 2001 in which 15 Israelis were killed, seven of whom were under the age of 18, and scores wounded. Many of the terrorists who were released had been given multiple life sentences, as they were responsible for many deaths. They have been released to Gaza, some to the West Bank, and others to foreign countries such as Turkey. There have been very mixed feelings over this in Israel, although 70-80% of Israelis were in favor of the swap. But the bottom line is, Gilad is alive, and he has to be brought home.

REACTION

However, in reaction to the release of the terrorists that wreaked such havoc in the lives of so many, and in the collective morale of Israel, certain Ministers in the Knesset, including Eli Yishai of the Ultra Orthodox Shas party (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shas_Party) are petitioning the government to release Jewish terrorists that have murdered Arabs and are in jail for their crimes. On the list is Jack Teitel. We got a phone call from a well-known TV journalist in Israel who has a very popular radio talk show as well. In light of the petition that was going to be discussed in the Knesset, they wanted to hear Leah's comments on this proposal. However, we were advised by legal counsel not to be interviewed at this time as it wasn't in our interest to do so strategically. Just the thought that it would enter the minds of people who govern this country to make such a move is shocking. Jack Teitel is more than a terrorist, he's an assassin and serial killer who admitted in his confession that he worked for Yad L'Achim for five years. Anyone who did not agree with his religious viewpoints and how Israel should be run was his enemy. He tried to kill our family because we are Messianic Jews and murdered two Palestinians in cold blood. He laid bombs in various places, wounding his victims, and the full extents of his crimes are still not known, but the whole story is slowly being unravelled.

The fact that Michael Ben Ari (http://en.Wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_ben_ari) and others like him refuse to condemn the actions of the Price Tag and the attack against us including the other attacks, violence and harassment against Messianic Jews is frightening. So we urge those of you who have contacts in Knesset, and with bodies of decision makers in Israel and in your own countries to write to them to condemn this proposal.

SERIOUS MATTER FOR PRAYER

Many believers have come to Ariel to visit, to volunteer, and to carry out projects here.. Many have been told that their projects and activities are welcome, on the condition of mainly two things. That they will not talk about Yeshua to anyone, that they will not have contact with the Messianic believers in Ariel and they will also not have contact with Messianic Congregations in Israel. In the College of Judea and Samaria which is the college in Ariel, before they're accepted to a program to learn Hebrew for a year, they are debriefed and are told that if they talk to people about Yeshua, or attend meetings of Messianic Jews especially the Messianic Congregation of David Ortiz, their visas will be revoked.

The person handling the applications to the program was a believer who today is converting to Rabbinical Judaism and of course that means denying Yeshua. There are many believers today who are converting to Judaism and are worshipping Israel, and not the God of Israel. The apostles had the same exact situation with the Sanhedrin who told them that they would let them go, and everything would be OK, but they were warned not to speak in that name (Yeshua). (Acts 4:13-22; Acts 5:40-41) Sad to say many believers have succumbed to the threats to the point of denying they have ever walked with Him, like Peter said when he denied Yeshua and denied having been a part of the company of His disciples, saying, "I do not know the Man". (Matthew 26:69-75) Many believers in Yeshua in this country are under siege. Pray that God would give us courage to break the siege, to go outside of the camp, to suffer the reproach and to identify with Him. (Hebrews 13:12-13)

DAVID SPEAKING AND AMI NEWS

"I've had many incidents where people have ignored me throughout the years here in Israel because of the name of Yeshua. Recently, I was in a public place where someone had to address me in order to get some information, for his own benefit. As soon as he saw that it was me, he refused to speak or address me, acknowledge me or even look my way, even when he was forced to speak to me. He let me know that as far as he was concerned, I am no one. As we continued to engage, I kept on monitoring the thoughts of my heart to make sure that my attitude and my reaction to him was right and pleasing to God, and I didn't give him the same treatment that he was giving me.

After he left I was suddenly struck with the presence of God and a spirit of rejoicing, that I was counted worthy to be reproached by this man. He didn't know me and I didn't know him personally, but he sat in judgment of me. However, when the Holy Spirit hit me that way, I had total awareness that honor and approval from God was what counted. I continued throughout the week with a deep sense of rejoicing from that incident. As my wife once said, the antidote to the fear of man, is the fear of God. Sometimes we lick our wounds and tell ourselves, "That's Ok, the way that person treated me, it's nothing, I'll recover." There was nothing of that - the Holy Spirit just hit me hard with the reality that if God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31, 1Peter 4:12-14)

(Leah) Ami has been in the U.S. since September with good friends of ours who are leaders in the congregation that we are connected with there. Ami has been working doing maintenance in the building, and he was able to take the ACT exam for college matriculation. When he got the results, he had a very good composite score! We were so overjoyed and relieved! Ami speaks English fluently but all of his 12 years of studies have been in Hebrew which is his mother tongue. He and I studied for several months from study materials that were provided for us by a miracle! He also was privately tutored in Math to get ready for the test, and still, when he took it he felt very shaky about what the results would be. He couldn't stop thanking God when he got them! He's now applying to several colleges, and is also going to visit some and try out for their basket ball teams. He is trusting the Lord to put him in the place where He wants him to be, but we are thankful for all the blessings he has experienced while in NY.

One blessing has been the home that he's been staying in, with a family who loves him like a son, and who are extending royal, red carpet hospitality! They are caring for him and helping him every step of the way in the college application process and in every other way, even though they themselves are inundated with their own ministry and family responsibilities and challenges. Another blessing has been a brother who is a professional personal trainer, and who was in the past a trainer of basketball players. He has been working with Ami once a week without accepting payment, and is even driving him to some of the schools that Ami is applying to, for visits. Another blessing has been a brother who is a Ph.D. in Music who teaches piano to Ami's hosts' children, and who offered to give Ami a free half hour piano lesson every week as well while he's there. This plus all the brothers who have reached out to Ami from the spiritual community, taking time to take him out to various activities on the weekends, and helping in whatever way they can. Blessing after blessing has indeed been poured out, and we are grateful beyond words.

Thank you for your prayers for Israel, the believers in Israel, and our family.

In Yeshua,

Leah

Thank you Lord!!!!!

September 4, 2011 was supposed to be the summation of all the arguments of the Defense and the Prosecution in the Jack Teitel hearings to determine if he is mentally able to stand trial. The time allotted to the hearing was three hours, and at the last minute the Defense brought in yet another clinical psychologist who had conducted yet another test on Teitel. This was a very specific test that was supposed to be able to determine whether or not he is pretending or feigning psychological illness, and what that illness is specifically. According to the psychologist the test proved he wasn't pretending mental illness and that he is a psychopath.

The psychologist began with a very technical and detailed explanation of the test. One of the three Judges who are presiding over the case, after about 15 minutes of this explanation, said, " I have no idea what you are talking about. You have to try to explain yourself in layman's terms!" More explanation, and the Judge requested a copy of the test that was actually given. It was a test of 560 (or 506 I can't remember) questions that could be answered only by "Yes" or "No". As the Judge looked over the questions, he asked the psychologist - read this question and the answer please. The psychologist did so, and the Judge said, "This is not true, Teitel lied". The question was whether or not he had ever mistreated animals, to which Teitel said "No". However the Judge said that in their records Teitel had admitted to having mistreated animals before, and it was recorded. The Judge wanted to know how they could rely on the analysis and results of the test if Teitel had lied on answers. The psychologist said it wasn't based only on that, but the Judge then told him, "We sit in this courtroom all day trying to determine between truth and lies, it is what we do." The courtroom continued to be very lively that morning. The Defense lawyer was arguing loudly with the Judges, who in turn were arguing loudly back at the Defense! We felt that we were in the middle of a scene from a movie!

That morning I had opened up my devotional, "Daily Light", and the verses that jumped out at me were, "Sit still, my daughter". (Ruth 3:18) Take heed, and be quiet; do not fear or be faint-hearted. (Isaiah 7:4) Be still, and know that I am God. (Psalm 46:10) Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God? (Luke 10:39, 42) The loftiness of man shall be bowed down, and the haughtiness of men shall be brought low; the Lord alone will be exalted in the day. (Isaiah 30:15) Wow! Was I encouraged. However, when you sit in the courtroom, and when we see Teitel come in followed by reporters, appearing confident, shackled hand and foot, it is an eerie feeling and my heart beats fast.

After the hearing the Prosecutor said he would speak to us, which was unusual because he doesn't normally do that. Our friends in sorrow and suffering, Akram Balbasi and his son Hani were there also. They are the Arab family whose son and brother, Samir, was murdered by Teitel in 1997. We were told by the prosecutor that the Defense team decided to give up on the plea of "not mentally fit to stand trial"! This is a victory, but as we then learned, one battle down and more to go. The Defense lawyers have moved to another tactic. They will try to prove that Teitel was not responsible for his actions in the past when he committed his crimes. If that fails, they will claim that his initial interrogation when he was arrested was unfair.
 

 

The same day, an article came out in "Yediot Ahronot", a widely read Hebrew newspaper, concerning our case and the fact that the Balbisi family received compensation from Social Security for their son, because their case is considered a hostile act of terrorism of Jew against Arab. But in our case, even though the same terrorist attacked us both, because we are a Jewish family and it was Jew against Jew, it was not considered a hostile act of terrorism. That's how it is on the law books here. It was in the magazine section of the Sunday paper and was a big two page article! We are happy that once again the name of Yeshua could be lifted up in the secular press in Israel. May the Lord have His way in all of this.

We were asked by the reporter how we felt that the Arab family had received compensation and we did not. We told them we were so happy for them; they deserved it and much more. They had suffered for 12 years not knowing who had killed their son, and their health and family had deteriorated as a result. Money couldn't return their son, but at least there was some recognition of their indescribable suffering.

The day after the hearing, David and Ami flew off to the U.S. Please pray for Ami this Saturday when he will be taking the ACT college entrace exam. He will be staying with good friends of ours from our congregation in the U.S and working for 2 1/2 months. We continue to pray for whatever the Lord has for him, expecting good things.

"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope." -Jeremiah 29:11

To see past updates, and all the news, facts, videos, pictures and more about Ami's story, you can click onto www.amiortiz.com

In Yeshua,

Leah

Shalom! We hope and pray you are all having a good and fruitful summer, enjoying the goodness of the Lord.

ISRAEL ATTACKED

The latest Hamas offensive against Israel began on August 18, 2011 with a four-pronged terror attack on busses and cars in the South of the country near Eilat in which 7 civilians and one soldier were killed, with many wounded. In the days that have followed the southern part of israel has been under attack from rockets, mortars and anti-tank missiles. The following is from Joel Rosenberg's flash traffic update (http://flashtrafficblog.wordpress.com/):

More than 100 rockets, mortars and anti-tank missiles have been fired from Gaza at Israeli towns and cities along the south. A suicide bomber also detonated himself near the Israel-Egyptian border over the weekend. Eight Jews were killed in Thursday's jihadist attacks on an Israeli public bus, and at least 30 were wounded. A rocket hit a home in Beersheva on Saturday night, killing one Israeli and wounded four others. Dozens more Israelis have been hospitalized for shock. Israel has struck back with airstrikes against selected terror targets, but the violence has only escalated. Tragically, Israeli forces accidentally killed two Egyptian border guards during a raid against Gaza militants. Israel quickly apologized, but this has created new tensions between Egypt and the Jewish State. Meanwhile, Palestinian leaders -- who want their own sovereign state beginning next month -- have neither said or done anything to stop the latest attacks.

Howard Bass, who is the congregational leader of the "Nachalat Yeshua" (Yeshua's Inheritance) congregation in Beer Sheva sent out this report on Shabbat:
(http://www.gratefullygrafted.org/ministries/congregations/nachalat_yeshua.htm)

Shalom,

We thank God for those who have expressed their concerned interest in the rocket attacks on Beer Sheva, and for all who are aware and remember all of us in prayer.

This morning before we left home for our congregational service, the sirens went off, and we went down to our bomb shelter. The rockets from Gaza this morning, and also on Thursday night, fell not too far from the section of the city in which we live, and on one of the rocket falls, the house shook from the vibrations of the impact. This evening we have had twice to go into shelters while we were visiting friends from the kehila (congregation) who lived within sight of what we were hearing this morning.

The missile interceptor system, called Iron Dome, has been brought back to the city after being taken out a couple of years ago. It has successfully taken out some of the rockets which have been fired these past days. Hamas has taken responsibility for these attacks, after denying any for what took place in Eilat a few days ago.

Sadly, this evening a grad rocket hit in a neighborhood, destroying a car and seriously damaging the house. Worse, one person was killed, seven seriously injured, at least one mortally. All of these remained outside during the attack, rather than get inside under cover. Very likely, they were curious to see the Iron Dome work to intercept the missiles. It is interesting to watch, but dangerous: curiosity killed the cat. The guidelines the news and the security authorities are stressing is to get into shelters, and remain there for some minutes after the alarm finishes.

I do not believe that any believer is exempt from being harmed, either directly or indirectly. What will distinguish us is our reaction and response in the event of personal suffering, and how we relate to others who do suffer: the issue is glory to our Father in Heaven, and honor to the name of the Lord Yeshua Messiah/Jesus Christ. Before the event, it is difficult to 'plan' for our reaction, but the Holy Spirit within us wants to steady us as quickly as possible on The Rock of our salvation.

PRAYER REQUESTS

We appreciate all your prayers for Israel at this time. Prayer is essentialand we need to stand together for strength in the face of the trying circumstances that are shaking the earth. We serve a mighty God who is able to provide, strengthen, heal, and Who can make a way where there is no way. At this moment, even though Hamas and Israel declared a cease fire, rockets continue to fall in the South.

My daughter's in-laws live in a settlement in the South, not far away from the Gaza order, and their town was also hit by a few rockets over the weekend. They are running into their bomb shelters several times a day when the sirens sound. Although they've lived through many of these attacks in the past, they said that they feel this one is somehow different, and more serious than before. Only people who have lived with this ongoing threat for all the years since Israel pulled out of the Gaza strip can have the perspective that they do. Please pray for this precious family and all the families in the South of Israel who are under attack at this time.

Last week, David and I went up to Jerusalem to meet with our lawyer. He told us that there will be a hearing on September 4th of the Jack Teitel case, which is supposed to be the summation of all the testimonies, and the closing arguments of the prosecution and defense. We've gotten a little jaded about all of this, because the hearings are often postponed at the last minute, but we take it in good faith that this will happen. The judge's decision concerning Teitel's psychological ability to stand trial will most likely not take place on Sept. 4th though, and will be made behind closed doors. We will probably be notified by letter or by the prosecutor.

We appreciate your standing with us concerning the end and summation of these hearings. We know that whatever the decision is, whether just or unjust, it does not deter the work of the God of Israel. May He show His mighty hand to His nation through all of these situations.

Ami is getting ready to leave for the U.S. in a few weeks. He is studying diligently for his college matriculation tests which he will take in NY, and he is preparing in many ways to leave home for an extended amount of time. He is seeing his friends go off to the army one by one, and looking forward to his next step in life. He is in great condition and health, thank God, and is trying to cooperate and be patient with his mother who is worrying over every detail of his leaving the nest!! Ami is very laid back, and takes things easy. He doesn't get excited or panicked about anything, and only responds with a sense of urgency to real emergencies. I think it's hard for him to deal with me at the moment...

MORE...

We recently received a revealing newsletter from Barry Segal, which is another sign of the times; spiritual confusion and the falling away from the faith of many believers in Yeshua which I know is distressing to all of us. We thought it was important to share this with you.

THIS WILL SHOCK YOU: OR AT LEAST SHOULD SHOCK YOU...
Church Leaders Who Claim The God of Israel is Allah by Barry Segal (Israel)

"A "who's who" of evangelical Christian leaders, including Rick Warren, Robert Schuller, Brian McLaren, Richard Cizik and Bill Hybels, have signed a letter to the Muslim community entitled "Loving God And Neighbour Together" that openly equates Allah with the Christian God. To read the text visit: (http://www.Yale.edu/faith/acw/acw.htm) By affirming that Allah is God, the 300 Christian leaders in this letter are denying the God of the Bible.

The reality is that the Quran denies that Jesus Christ is the Son of God no less than nine times. This letter represents apostasy of the highest order. It is another huge step towards the one world religion and one world church of the last days. The Christian ministers who signed this letter have denied their faith and have brought shame to their ministries and congregations. Therefore, we are calling for the immediate resignation of each and every Christian minister that signed this letter. You can find a list of the Christian leaders that signed this letter here: (http://www.Yale.edu/faith/acw/acw.htm)

You will likely recognize quite a few names on that list. These are just a few.
David Augsburger, Professor of Pastoral Care and Counselling, Fuller Theological Seminary
James A. Beverley, Professor of Christian Thought and Ethics, Tyndale Seminary, Toronto, Canada
Rev. Dr. Stuart Briscoe, Minister at Large, Elmbrook Church, Brookfield Wisconsin, USA; Founder, "Telling the Truth, Inc."
Rev. Colin Chapman, Former Lecturer in Islamic Studies, Near East School of Theology, Beirut, Lebanon, and author of Whose Promised Land?
David Yonggi Cho, Founder and Senior Pastor of Yoido Full Gospel Church, Seoul, Korea
Harvey Cox, Hollis Professor of Divinity, Harvard Divinity School
Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, CA
Lynn Green, International Chairman, Youth With A Mission
Bill Hybels, Founder and Senior Pastor, Willow Creek Community Church, South Barrington, IL
Mennonite Central Committee, Akron, PA
Richard Mouw, President and Professor of Christian Philosophy, Fuller Theological Seminary
Rev. Dr. Robert Schuller, Founder, Crystal Cathedral and Hour of Power
John G. Stackhouse, Jr., Sangwoo Youtong Chee Professor of Theology and Culture, Regent College, Vancouver, Canada
Rev. Dr. John Stott, Rector Emeritus, All Souls Church, Langham Place, London, UK
Harvey Thiessen, Executive Director, OM Canada
Geoff Tunnicliffe, International Director, World Evangelical Alliance
Jim Wallis, President, Sojourners
Rick Warren, Founder and Senior Pastor, Saddleback Church, author: The Purpose Driven Life, Lake Forest, CA"

In the midst of all this, we continue to "Praise the Lord for He is good, and His mercy endures forever" (Psalm 136:1) and to hold on to Psalm 46:

1 God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
3 Though its waters roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah
4 There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, The holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High.
5 God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved; God shall help her, just at the break of dawn.
6 The nations raged, the kingdoms were moved; He uttered His voice, the earth melted.
7 The LORD of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah
8 Come, behold the works of the LORD, Who has made desolations in the earth.
9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two; He burns the chariot in the fire.
10 Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!
11 The LORD of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah

Yours in the Messiah,

Leah

Shalom to all!! It has been a very long time since I last wrote and I must say that I have missed you all, my family in Messiah. But it's been a time of much reflection and recuperation, and since these updates have always been a result of 90% inspiration and 10% perspiration, or aspiration, or respiration, or whatever I can call it, today after a long, long time, I once again felt the familiar nudge of the Holy Spirit motivating me to sit down and write again. During this long "break", we haven't stopped telling the story of a tragedy turned to triumph that the Lord accomplished through our family, and by family I don't mean just our immediate one, but all of us together as family in Yeshua, as we prayed, cried, travailed and rejoiced before the Lord together these past 3 years. The result has been a testimony that edifies and inspires all who hear it, and it is not done yet.

AMI NEWS

Ami has graduated High School! He graduated well. In Israel graduation ceremonies are not cap and gown affairs with formalized ceremonies. Like everything else, we have our own more casual and comfortable style. The kids put together skits, songs and dance to express their appreciation and senses of humor concerning their last years in school. Ami participated in this, and was in several of the skits. He also received a certificate for excellence in sports! We were of course very proud, and he, as always, took it in stride. All of his friends in the next few months will be inducted into the army, but Ami has had it in his heart for the last couple of years to study in college in the U.S. and to hopefully be able to play basketball on a college team. This will entail passing the U.S. college matriculation exams, and so to this end, he'll be going to the States in September, living with good friends in Brooklyn for a few months, and will work at our congregation in the U.S. He'll take the matriculation test there - and we'll see if he will be able after that to fulfil his dream. We would appreciate prayer for this, as so far the Lord has led and guided. I don't want to give any particulars at this point, but we'll let you know as time goes on what happens.

With all the news of earth shaking proportion that is going on in the world and Israel, including the upcoming possibility of a declaration of a Palestinian State in the U.N. and what would happen after that in the region, not to mention all the upheaval currently taking place all across the Middle East in the Arab nations, our court case has ceased to be of any major interest in the local media. We understand that, and as a matter of fact this has been a tactic of Jack Teitel's defense lawyers, to drag the proceedings out so that the press and public attention will diminish. Believe it or not, the proceedings to determine whether Teitel is mentally fit to stand trial are still going on, and we ourselves are not even aware of further hearings as they are being held behind closed doors. We have left in it in the Lord's hands and we pray for him and his family.

Ami and I had a divine appointment the other day. All day long, I needed to go to the supermarket and I needed a ride. Ami said he would take me, but somehow it took us all day to just get in the car and go as one thing after another kept on stopping us. Have you ever had a day like that? I was expecting to just be dropped off, but a few minutes later, Ami all of a sudden appeared in the supermarket, telling me he was going to help me! A rare occurrence. I noticed a woman entering the store who looked familiar, but I couldn't place her. When we got to the checkout, I noticed that she was talking to Ami in a rather intense conversation as he loaded the things on the conveyor belt, and as I was bagging. When she saw me looking at her, she came over and introduced herself. "My name is Darcy, and I am Jack Teitel's sister in law", she said in perfect English. I had already met one of Teitel's wife's sisters, Sarah, who was Ami's English teacher at the time of the attack. Sarah was in my Weight Watcher's group for a while, and we had some interesting conversations. When Teitel was arrested, however, Darcy was the spokesperson for that side of the family and I now remembered that I had seen her on the news and several talk shows. I remember thinking how posed and dignified she was when I watched her speak. At that time she said that her family completely denounced what Teitel had done, and were cutting themselves off from him completely.

Darcy told me that she was so sorry for the suffering that Ami and our family had had to endure at the hands of Teitel. She said she remembered seeing a documentary report about Ami on national television before the arrest, and that she had cried through the whole thing, never imagining that her family was the cause of such a tragedy. I thanked her for her apology but I told that we were OK, our lives were continuing and Ami and our family were able to overcome by the grace of God and because people all over the world had prayed and loved us through the pain, trauma and recovery. I then said, "and you know, we have forgiven him". She physically recoiled when I said that, and she said, "You are better people than me - I can't forgive him for what he has done to my sister. She is left in shame to raise four children alone". I told her that forgiving Teitel doesn't mean excusing his actions, but that we forgave him in order to leave him in God's hands. We didn't want to be victims twice, and we wanted Ami and all our family to be able to heal, and to be able in time to leave the incident behind us, and go on with our lives. I told her that is what has happened. She asked Ami if he's playing basketball, and he said, "Of course!" She told him that she was so happy for that. She said that she never comes to Ariel, and has never been in our supermarket before, but just today she had a doctor's appointment with a specialist and she had to come to the clinic here. We all knew that our meeting was God ordained.

Please continue to pray for Teitel and his family - for salvation to visit their households. Please pray for Ami as he prepares for the American college matriculation exams, and for his upcoming season in NYC.

If you want to see the documentary that Darcy was talking about, watch it here:


JerusalemIJ | Myspace Video

And while you are at it - check out www.amiortiz.com to read about the whole story and to see many other videos, articles, pictures and reports. You can check out past updates on the "Leah's Updates" page, and pictures, videos and articles about Jack Teitel and the hearings as well.

Yours in the love of Yeshua,

Leah

Shalom to everyone! I haven't written in a very long time, as I've been experiencing a period of burn out where I felt the events of the last three years fall on me all at once, and I was left without emotional and physical strength. I felt OK within, in my spirit, but I just couldn't do much, and writing was definitely out of the question!! I knew I had to just wait on the Lord for His restoration - as in Isaiah 40:

28 Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the LORD, The Creator of the ends of the earth, Neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable. 29 He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might He increases strength. 30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, And the young men shall utterly fall, 31 But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.

And as I did, slowly the burn out has faded, and I am being restored. Still not full strength yet - but OK!! Hallelujah! I am still praising the Lord in every circumstance, which is one of the the most important elements in this journey!!

HEARING

Today another hearing in the Jack Teitel case is taking place. Here is an email I sent out to those in Israel who try to support us by coming to the hearings.

Hi to all. A hearing will be taking place tomorrow in the Yaakov Teitel case to determine whether he is psychologically fit to stand trial. The hearing was set for 14:00(2PM) in the district court in East Jerusalem on Salah-a-Din Street, but now the prosecutor called our lawyer and said that the hearing might take place earlier at 11:30 and it might take place behind closed doors.

We feel like we're playing musical chairs, and that we and those who support us are being discouraged from attending the hearing as well as the press. This depletes our energy but it is how it has been since the beginning. For those who don't know, the defense hired 13 private psychiatrists to evaluate Teitel's mental state, and it is not clear to anyone where the money has come from for this. Also, the last hearing was suddenly postponed for almost two months without any explanation on the day of the hearing when everyone was already sitting in the courtroom.

And then a short update from this morning...

Good morning - we just heard from our lawyer that the hearing will take place behind closed doors, and that this one is not the last hearing or summation of the hearings, but there will be one or two more before it is over. Therefore we probably wouldn't have been able to sit in the courtroom at any rate. Thanks to all who expressed interest. We will let you know what happened during the hearing when we get the information.

Our good friend Chaim Goldberg from Maoz ministries has been one such faithful friend. His blog includes an update on the latest news about the hearing, but I wanted to direct your attention to the excellent video he did on the persecution of Messianic Jews in Israel to refresh and to encourage you to keep on praying for the situation. Not that we expect persecution to cease - we know it will increase for us all in these last days, no matter where we live. But, please pray that we will be strengthened to continue to stand for Yeshua as the Messiah of Israel no matter what the slanderous and incite-full tongues shout out against us. Please pray that our hearts and attitudes will remain right before the Lord, and that we will be full of grace and forgiveness towards those that oppose us so violently. It is what the Master wants.

Here is the link - http://maozisraelblog.blogspot.com/2011/05/urgent-prayer-request-from-ortiz-family.html

AMI NEWS

As for Ami - he is doing very well. He is weaning himself off of his nerve medication, as he still has low level pain in his left hand from the nerve injuries. However, he has been advised by his doctors that he has to learn to live with it, and the time has come to stop taking the medication, which he always wants to do anyway. It is difficult, but he has faced so much difficulty already. He also has some residual ringing in the ears, but other than that he is strong and full of life and strength in every way. He is finishing high school, and since the rest of his friends will be going into the army, he is standing firm on his desire to study in the U.S. That doesn't seem possible for the Fall of 2011 - however the Lord has a plan and we're trying to discern and follow.

Please check out www.amiortiz.com for updated information on our family, Ami's progress and the trial.

JOEL ROSENBERG

Joel Rosenberg (best-selling Messianic author, "Epicenter", "The Ezekiel Option", "The Twelth Imam" plus many other titles) has been in the land with a tour group this month. One of the highlights of his tour was an Epicenter Conference. We had the great privilege of being invited to a banquet along with other Messianic leaders in Israel, given by Joel's organization, the Joshua Fund. We were also privileged to sit at Joel and his wife Lynn's table with Anne Graham Lotz (Billy Graham's daughter) and her daughters. Anne was one of the speakers at the Epicenter conference. You can see the teachings given on the Book of Joel from the conference at www.epicenterconference.com I highly recommend it, as I believe the messages are God's message for the days we're living in.

We appreciate your love and for standing with us so faithfully.

In Yeshua,

Leah

We just returned from a conference in Southern Germany of Israel supporters. The believers who attended were from different congregations in the area around the conference center. The theme of the conference was "One New Man", and it was organized by Johannes Facius and his team of anointed German Pastors who love the Lord and love Israel. Johannes has been encouraging and supporting the Messianic Body in Israel since the 1970's. The conference was very well attended, and we were privileged to be ministering together with David and Michaela Lazarus, the congregational leaders of the Beit Emmanuel Congregation in Yafo. We pray that there will be eternal fruit from the conference.

STAND WITH ISRAEL AND THE MESSIANIC BODY

Standing with the Messianic Body in Israel is more important than ever before. The pressure, intimidation and persecution of anti-freedom of religion groups like Yad L'Achim is mounting. In Ashdod there were demonstrations organized against a particular congregation, and the speech against the believers was slanderous and vicious. A very comprehensive report on Yad L'Achim was recently done by Israeli television, and Calev Myers of the Jerusalem Institute of Justice who was one of those interviewed for the report and who has much information about that organization, has posted all three parts of the program on You Tube with English subtitles. It is very important for you who pray for the Messianic Body in Israel to see this and to understand the depth of the paranoia and the hatred of the Name of the true Messiah of Israel, Yeshua, and of the believers here. The name of the report is " Big Brother And The Jew". We were not interviewed, but our case is mentioned in Part Two about 13 minutes into the report.

These are the links:

Part One: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JIPrhXREm3w

Part Two: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DEPpkzxYYRA

Part Three: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMyblyb3EOY

COURT HEARING AND AMI NEWS

Concerning the last two hearings in the Jack Teitel case, we were out of the country at the time, but our lawyer attended the last hearing on April 5th which was supposed to be a wrap-up of the testimonies. He said he was sitting in the courtroom and suddenly it was postponed until May 23, 2011 at 2PM. No explanation was given. We continue to believe for the Lord's purposes to be completed in the judicial process.

 

Meanwhile, many of you have inquired about Ami - well here are some very recent pictures from the last game of the season which Ami's team won by a huge margin. This was the last game that Ami will play with his High School Team. When looking at the pictures, I think of the doctor's words to us that thank God were not fulfilled.

 

Ami will never run as fast as he did before. He runs faster!

 

 

He will never jump as high. He jumps even higher!

 

It has been a battle, but you have prayed us through. We are eternally grateful, and we tell every group and every audience that we have the chance to share our testimony with, that when the Body prays together in unity, there is no principality or power that can stop those prayers. We have experienced this, and we will never be the same.

Acts 4:31-32: 31 And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness. 32 Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common.

PASSOVER BLESSING

Our prayer for you this Passover season is for much Joy, Peace and Love in the Spirit as you gather with your families to celebrate the Lamb of God and the freedom from the bondage of sin that can be found only in Him.

Isaiah 53:10: 10 Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise Him; He has put Him to grief. When You make His soul an offering for sin, He shall see His seed, He shall prolong His days, And the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in His hand.

In Yeshua,

Leah

I just received the news by email that the one person killed in the bombing yesterday in Jerusalem was a believer from Scotland who was studying Hebrew here.

Here is the email that was sent:

The woman who was killed in yesterday's bus bombing was Mary Gardner from the Home for Bible Translators. Mary was from Scotland who spent the past 18 years working alone with a tribe in Togo translating the bible into their language. She so enjoyed being in Israel and relished the company of the other students from all over the world. She was, in fact, on her way to spend the evening with a friend.

Here's another message I received:

I'm shattered. I just received this news from our branch director in Togo:

Our colleague Mary Gardner was killed by a bomb in Israel yesterday. Mary had been studying Hebrew in Jerusalem. Please pray for Mary's family and all who loved her, and pray that God would receive glory even through this tragic event. Further details are not available at this time.

Mary was in Israel to study more Hebrew so as to become a consultant for OT. She had worked in Toga and after 18 years had finished the NT and was here to prepare for the OT.

Please keep Mary's family and the Home for Bible Translators staff and students in prayer.

Blessings,

Leah

A bomb hidden in a bag exploded in Jerualem early this afternoon killing one woman and wounding many others, 3 seriously, four moderately and more than 30 lightly injured. The explosion took place next to the central bus station in Jerusalem, directly across the street from the Binyanei Ha'uma conference center . PLEASE PRAY for the family of the woman who died, and for the injured and their families.

Here is a link to an article: http://www.jpost.com/VideoArticles/Video/Article.aspx?id=213442

MISSILES FROM GAZA ON SOUTHERN ISRAEL

Missiles are continuing to be fired on Southern Israel from the Gaza Strip. This morning, missiles reached as far as Beersheva. The Israeli Air Force is responding. This situation has been ongoing for a few weeks now. Here's a link to an article-

http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/two-grad-rockets-hit-be-er-sheva-iaf-strikes-gaza-launching-squad-1.351301

PLEASE PRAY for those living in the South of Israel, for protection against these missile attacks, and for wisdom for Israel's leaders.

THANK YOU for standing with Israel.

Leah