Week of February 5, 2025
In This Week’s Issue
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Hoard of Gold and Silver Coins From Medieval Israel Excavated in Galilee
In 2018, archaeologists from Israel and abroad were excavating at Huqoq in the Galilee when they unearthed two clay juglets containing over 300 gold and silver coins minted as far back as 700 years ago. They included ducats and grossi from the Venetian Republic and dinars and dirhams from the Mamluk Sultanate—two of many empires occupying and ruling the Levant across the centuries. One pure gold coin weighed 28 grams (about one ounce) and would be worth nearly $2,500 U.S. today.
Modern-day Huqoq is situated about 12 km north of Tiberias. It was established as part of the territory allocated to the tribe of Asher (1 Chronicles 6:74-75) but was first cited in Joshua 19:34. There is scientific evidence that it was occupied as early as 3000 BCE. When the unearthed coin hoard was abandoned in the 14th century CE, Huqoq was located along a barid or highway the Mamluk Sultanate built between Damascus and Cairo.
The Roman coins were minted in Venice and brought by merchants to the Levant. Some ducats depicted Jesus on the reverse and His disciple/Gospel writer Mark on the obverse. The Mamluk currency was minted in Syria and Palestine and decorated with arabesque artwork. Many Catholic and Muslim pilgrims passed through Huqoq in the years and decades after the amphorae were buried there. Some visitors converted the coins into pendants, earrings, and other jewellery uncovered at the dig site. Understandably, the region is closely guarded by the Israel Antiquities Authority and the Jewish National Fund.
Please pray that those who see the inscription of Jesus Christ on the Huqoq coins would also have His Word inscribed on their hearts. Pray that the Prince of Peace brings true and lasting peace in the Land as those on both sides of the conflict come to a saving knowledge of Him.
More News
The Jewish National Fund Hosted a Night of Hope and Joy for Wounded October 7 War Veterans
War is demoralizing for front-line combatants and their families back home. The Israeli government and the IDF provide excellent physical and psychological aftercare for wounded and returning soldiers. Nevertheless, the negative impact of war trauma on morale continues long after the troops return to civilian life.
The Jewish National Fund (JNF) organized and hosted a celebration of life, healing, and recovery in honour of the IDF soldiers who returned home alive and those who gave their lives in the service of their country. The event was a concert held at Reading 3, a popular performance venue in the Port of Tel Aviv.
The party featured contemporary actors, dancers, instrumentalists, and singers as well as plenty of food and drink. Artists encouraged guests to participate and be interactive throughout the entire show. Some performers meandered through the audience sporting army berets and raising flags depicting IDF members killed in action. Others urged the crowd to join them in choruses and chant “Let everyone come home in peace!” and “The nation of Israel lives!” The only constraint was limited wheelchair access at the concert site.
The JNF was founded in 1901 and has fostered the development of Israel even before her statehood was officially recognized 47 years later. Though the JNF is world-renowned for its massive ongoing national re/forestation programmes, it also organizes and coordinates many social events and educational and environmental projects.
Please pray for an end to the hostilities in Gaza and all Israel, the safe return of the troops to their homes and families, their complete healing, and their salvation through Jesus Christ, Prince of Peace.
Humanitarian Aid Has Arrived in Gaza Virtually Unimpeded Since the Cease-Fire
The delivery of emergency provisions to Gazans has been catch-as-catch-can since Hamas attacked and killed 1,200 and abducted 250 more in southern Israel in October 2023. Logistical issues, piracy, looting, and vandalism severely hindered humanitarian aid transport to—and distribution within—the Gaza Strip.
Spokesmen for the IDF and COGAT (Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories) reported that armed gangs, crime families, and Hamas operatives have attacked and robbed convoys at gunpoint.
The Israeli government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have claimed that United Nations distribution challenges are the main impediments to the aid supply chain. However, U.N. representatives blame looting for this problem. In reality, the main obstacle is the destruction of the road network within Gaza. The damage the war inflicted on the infrastructure has delayed food delivery, healthcare provision, hospital and food factory reopening, water main and shelter repair, and family reunions.
Nevertheless, over the first three days since the truce between Israel and Hamas was signed, well over 2,000 trucks successfully entered Gaza and distributed essential provisions to the residents there. Eyewitnesses claimed that allegations of gang- and terrorist-related theft and sabotage are exaggerated; in fact, only a few children tried to steal food and water rations.
Please pray for the unfettered provision of humanitarian aid to Gazan civilians and the salvation of the residents therein and all Israel through Jesus Christ, Prince of Peace.
The Beilinson Hospital and Clalit Health Services Prepare to Accommodate and Serve Hostages Liberated From Gaza
A cease-fire provisionally ending hostilities between Hamas and Israel was signed into life on January 19. Until then, 97 hostages remained in Gaza. Since then, Hamas has incrementally released their Israeli captives. For many of the freed prisoners, however, this is not the end of the story. They will still require trauma therapy, medical attention for acute and chronic physical conditions, readaptation to their home and family lives, and more.
Thankfully, the national government and various NGOs in Israel such as Clalit Health Services are well prepared for the release of the hostages. Clalit is the largest healthcare provider in the country. Founded over 100 years ago, it administers 14 hospitals and over 1,300 private and public medical clinics nationwide.
One of their largest facilities is the Beilinson-Schneider Complex in Petah Tiqva near Tel Aviv. The Beilinson Hospital in the Complex has been expanded and upgraded in readiness for the influx of the newly released Gazan captives.
The renovated healthcare centre has added 21 large, comfortable, fully furnished rooms, private dining tables for intimate gourmet meals and fellowship with family members, family rooms next to residents, a heliport from which relatives can see their loved ones arriving, and individualized attention from a wide range of healthcare professionals.
Please pray for the full and fast recovery of the released hostages and the wisdom and skill of the medical and other support personnel assisting them. Pray that all hostages and their families come to know Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour.
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