ANALYSISISRAEL
Israel votes: numbers don't campaign
Henk Folkers on Israel's 27 October election: behind the slogans and stickers lie hard economic and military numbers.
Truth. Hope. Perspective.
Latest news
Independent reporting, careful analysis and faith reflections through a biblical worldview.
ISRAEL
Reporting with historical and Jewish context.
ANALYSIS
Haifa 1948: the pamphlet that punctures the Nakba story
Henk Folkers shows a pamphlet from Haifa, 28 April 1948, in which the Jewish Workers Council and the Histadrut urged Arab residents NOT to leave — and tests the Nakba story against it.
NEWS
Jerusalem: Already a Jewish Majority in the Year of Herzl
In 1896, the year Theodor Herzl published "Der Judenstaat", Jerusalem already had a Jewish majority. A walk through the history of the city that all Jews consider their home.
ANALYSIS
Temporary. Since 1967: Let's Talk About Jordan
Henk Folkers juxtaposes Jordan's criticism of Israel with the way the kingdom itself treats Palestinians, Gazans, and Jewish holy sites.
ANALYSIS
Two speeches, two worlds
In his column, correspondent Henk Folkers compares the UN speeches of Rob Jetten and Benjamin Netanyahu and places the reactions in a broader historical context.
ANALYSIS
World Stage Divided: Political Chill at the UN Versus Worldwide Support in Jerusalem
While diplomatic delegations at the United Nations are distancing themselves from Israel, according to the provided editorial text, thousands of Christians from dozens of countries came to Jerusalem for the Feast of Tabernacles.
ANALYSIS
The fault of their own leaders
A personal column from Jaffa about the history of the name Palestine, the founding of Israel, and Dutch boycott policy.
NEWS
Israel election panel bars two Arab lists as Supreme Court review looms
Israel’s Central Elections Committee has voted to disqualify Ra’am and the Joint List from the October 27 election, while allowing Otzma Yehudit to remain on the ballot. The decisions are not yet final and are expected to move quickly to the Supreme Court.
NEWS
Sa'ar: Israel will not base existential decisions on a UN majority
At the 81st UN General Assembly, Israel's foreign minister acknowledged the country is in a diplomatic minority but said security decisions must follow Israel's own existential interests.
ANALYSIS
Algae disruption tests Israel’s water system as scientists examine causes
An exceptional cyanobacteria bloom forced widespread disruption at Mediterranean desalination plants. Israel kept household supplies stable, while researchers debated whether warm seas, nutrients and damaged wastewater systems contributed.
NEWS
IDF inquiry finds Paga outpost was unprepared for the October 7 assault
A ten-month military inquiry says systemic failures in training, equipment and defensive planning left the outpost west of Kibbutz Be’eri unable to stop the Hamas-led assault, while also documenting the courage of soldiers who fought there.
WORLD
Global developments, carefully sourced.
NEWS
Australia says an OpenAI agent breached a government Medicare portal
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says an AI agent gained unauthorised access to a Medicare statistics portal in June. No personal data is believed to have been accessed, but a taskforce will review how AI-related cyber incidents are handled.
NEWS
Nepal faces vast recovery task one month after Himalayan flood disaster
More than 1,400 bodies have been recovered and thousands remain missing after an ice-and-rock collapse sent water and debris through Himalayan valleys, leaving isolated communities dependent on air support.
NEWS
Renewed fighting in northern Ethiopia puts Pretoria peace agreement under strain
Tigrayan forces seized three regional airports and clashes spread into neighbouring areas, prompting calls from the UN and EU for de-escalation and protection of civilians.
FAITH
Testimonies and reflections rooted in Scripture.
Bible guideWhat does the Bible say about meditation?
FAITH REFLECTION
The Four Horsemen of Revelation — But First, Look to the Lamb
The four horsemen ride through Revelation 6, but they are not the main characters. Whoever truly wants to understand the vision must first look to the Lamb who opens the seals.
NEWS
Researchers begin drilling at disputed “Noah's Ark” formation in Türkiye
Researchers have begun deep core drilling at the boat-shaped Durupınar formation in eastern Türkiye, which has been associated with Noah's Ark for decades. The team reports organic material and cavities; independent laboratory results are still lacking.
NEWS
Derek Prince radio: a daily series on walking with God
Derek Prince Ministries Netherlands airs a daily radio and podcast programme. This week's series explores what it means to know God personally, listen to His voice and walk with Him every day.
FAITH REFLECTION
Is the Bible true after all?
The world can no longer think clearly when it comes to Jerusalem or Israel, writes David Hiemstra. He sees the prophecy of Zechariah 12:2 unfolding before our eyes: Jerusalem as a cup of trembling for the nations.
FAITH REFLECTION
Student-athletes lead University of Toledo gathering where about 50 are baptised
Nearly 400 people attended an athlete-led worship night at the university’s training centre, organisers said. Participants received Bibles and connections to local churches after the baptisms.
FAITH REFLECTION
North Carolina church reports 458 baptisms at annual outdoor gathering
Biltmore Church says its September gathering was the largest single-day baptism event in its 137-year history, with candidates contacted beforehand and follow-up discipleship offered afterward.
ANALYSIS
Iran in the Bible: what Scripture actually says about Persia
Iran is not named in the Bible, but the land is. Persia, Elam and Media run through Isaiah, Ezra, Esther, Daniel and Ezekiel — and the way those texts are read still shapes how Christians talk about Iran today.