Philologos
Bible Prophecy Research and Study List
Jewish Feasts & Festivals Study
Submitted by: research-bpr@philologos.org
Date: Sep, 1998
URL: http://philologos.org/bpr/files/Jewish_Feasts/js003.htm
PA Plans War on Lag B'Omer - May 4, 1999
PA Leader Faysal Husayni: PA Plans War May 4,1999
Paris Le Nouvel Observateur in French
27 Aug -- 2 Sep 98 p 46
Interview with Faysal Husayni, leader of al-Fatah in the occupied territories, by Kenize Mourad
"We are willing to die, for them every death is a tragedy..."
[Mourad] The movement that claimed responsibility for the attacks against the American Embassies in Nairobi and Dar es Salaam says it is endeavoring "to liberate the holy places." Does that also mean Jerusalem?
[Husayni] We have nothing to do with extremist actions. In fact, such actions play into the hands of the Israeli Government, which has not failed to state that Arabs are terrorists with whom negotiation is impossible. For the last 18 months, Netanyahu has been flaunting the Oslo agreements and Washington -- the guarantor of the peace agreements -- has not even lifted a finger. Yet the United States sees itself as the world's policeman and does not hesitate to strike at any country that breaks international law. Among the Palestinians and the entire Arab world there is a feeling of terrible bitterness at the "double standard" that the West calls justice.
[Mourad] The peace process looks bogged down, the Palestinian people more discouraged than ever, and it looks like Yasir 'Arafat's decision to change the government has visibly disappointed some Palestinians.
[Husayni] Oslo is dead and buried. The Palestinian youth, especially in the refugee camps, wants to start fighting again, and we are having a great deal of trouble holding them back. Despite everything, we have decided to be patient until the end of the five-year interim period so that nobody can say that it was us who sabotaged the peace process. But on 4 May 1999, we will announce the independence of the Palestinian state. We will forcefully open up our borders with Jordan and Egypt, which are currently controlled by the Israeli army. There will be violent confrontation and death, but this time on both sides. Are the Israelis more numerous and better equipped? Yes, but the superiority of us Palestinians lies in the fact that we are willing to lay down our lives, whereas for them every death is a tragedy that society cannot bear. We have no other solution. But watch out If, yet again, the world lets Israel do what it wants, and if the PLO leadership fails in its last fight, then it will fall because the people will no longer have confidence in it. The only alternative will be Hamas. The fundamentalists are waiting; they are prepared to take power. Where Jerusalem is concerned they are capable of mobilizing Muslims from around the world -- from Iran, Pakistan, and Morocco. There will be popular reactions everywhere; no Middle East government will be secure. The political map of the region will be sent into turmoil, and then Israel will have real reasons to be afraid!
As for the Western capitals, none of them will be safe. Nobody will be able stop the suicide attacks carried out by these young people who have been made desperate by years of sacrifice that have led to nothing. And since in Israel, the Jewish fundamentalists, who are already very powerful, will take power -- that will mean a clash between two versions of fundamentalism. Unless the Palestinian question is resolved, then what we are seeing today is nothing compared to what could happen. Given Israel's means of destruction, as well as those held by several Muslim countries, the entire world will be in danger.
Israeli & Global News
http://www.cmep.com
May 3/4, 1999 Lag B'Omer (acronym for the number 33 in Hebrew) - 33rd day of the counting of the Omer
From the second night of Passover/Pesach, every night for seven weeks, the Jews count the days that have passed until Pentecost/Feast of Weeks. This process is called "the counting of the Omer." This period is usually one of semi-mourning with many things being prohibited during these 7 weeks--with one exception--on the 33rd day, Lag B'Omer. On this day a great plague is said to have ceased and therefore the ban on weddings, getting haircuts, etc. is lifted.
The feast is commemorated with (among other things) huge bonfires and children play with toy bows.
[ And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer. Revelation 6:2???
And the second angel sounded, and as it were a great mountain burning with fire was cast into the sea: and the third part (33.3%) of the sea became blood. Revelation 8:8???]