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Who Are the Chaldeans? The Chaldeans trace their roots to ancient Mesopotamia, particularly the southern regions near the Euphrates River. Historically, they were known for their contributions to astronomy, mathematics, and literature. In biblical times, the term ‘Chaldean’ often referred to a class of scholars and astrologers in Babylon. Over time, the identity of the Chaldeans evolved, especially as they encountered various empires and religious influences. Today, the term ‘Chaldean’ often refers to members of a distinct ethnic group originating from Iraq, many of whom are part of the Chaldean Catholic Church. However, their cultural identity extends beyond religion, encompassing...

The Story Behind the Splitting of the Sea The event commonly referred to as the splitting of the sea takes place in the Book of Exodus, chapter 14. After centuries of slavery in Egypt, the Israelites were finally granted their freedom. Led by Moses, they began their journey into the wilderness. But soon after their departure, Pharaoh changed his mind and sent his army to recapture them. Trapped between the advancing Egyptian forces and the sea, the Israelites cried out in fear. In that moment of desperation, Moses was instructed to stretch out his hand over the sea. When he...

The Destruction of the First Temple and the Babylonian Exile In 586 BCE, the Babylonians destroyed the First Temple in Jerusalem, a devastating blow to the Jewish people. The Temple had been the spiritual heart of Jewish life, built by King Solomon centuries earlier. Its destruction marked not only the loss of a sacred space but also the beginning of a long and painful exile. The Babylonian exile was a time of mourning and reflection. Far from their homeland, the Jewish people preserved their identity through prayer, study, and community. They longed for the day they could return to Jerusalem...

The Importance of Ancient Maps in Understanding History Maps are more than just tools for navigation—they are windows into the past. When we examine ancient maps of the Levant, especially those highlighting Tyre and Sidon, we gain insight into how people understood geography, politics, and culture in biblical times. These maps help us visualize trade routes, territorial boundaries, and the proximity of key cities to one another. The map of Tyre and Sidon reveals their strategic location along the Mediterranean Sea, north of ancient Israel. Their coastal positions made them ideal hubs for trade and communication. These cities were not...

The Birth of Esau: A Name Rooted in Appearance Esau’s name first appears in the Book of Genesis, where he is born as the elder twin of Jacob. The Torah describes him as emerging from the womb “red, all over like a hairy garment” (Genesis 25:25). This vivid image is not just a physical description—it becomes the foundation of his name. The Hebrew word עֵשָׂו (Esav) is often linked to the root עשׂה (asah), meaning “to make” or “to do,” suggesting something already formed or complete. This connection to being “made” or “complete” reflects Esau’s fully developed appearance at birth....

The Meaning Behind Sukkot Sukkot is one of the three pilgrimage festivals in the Jewish calendar, alongside Passover and Shavuot. It commemorates the 40 years the Israelites spent wandering in the desert after their exodus from Egypt. During this time, they lived in temporary shelters, which is why Jewish families today build sukkahs as part of the celebration. These structures are not just symbolic—they become the center of life for a week, where meals are shared, songs are sung, and memories are made. The sukkah itself is a powerful symbol. Its fragile walls and leafy roof remind us of the...

The Rise of Shein in Israel Shein, a Chinese-based online fashion retailer, has become a household name around the world. In Israel, especially among younger consumers, Shein’s appeal is undeniable. With just a few clicks, shoppers can access thousands of clothing items, often at prices lower than those found in local stores. The convenience of home delivery and the allure of fast fashion have made Shein a go-to for many. But this rise in popularity comes with consequences. While consumers enjoy the benefits of low-cost fashion, small businesses in Israel—many of which rely on local foot traffic and loyal customers—are...

The Land That Holds a Thousand Stories From the rolling hills of the Galilee to the sun-drenched stones of Jerusalem, Israel is a land that breathes history. Every corner tells a story—of ancient prophets, courageous pioneers, and families who have tilled the same soil for generations. These stories are not just in books; they live in the voices of market vendors, in the laughter of children playing in kibbutz fields, and in the quiet prayers whispered at the Western Wall. For those who love Israel from afar, these stories become bridges. They connect us to a land we may never...

A Journey Begins in the North In the northern region of Israel, nestled between rolling hills and ancient olive groves, lies a small moshav (agricultural village) called Yavne’el. It’s a place where time seems to slow down, and the rhythm of life follows the seasons. Here, we meet Miriam, a third-generation farmer who grows figs and pomegranates on land her grandfather once tilled. Miriam’s story is one of resilience and love. Her grandparents arrived in Israel after surviving the horrors of Europe in the 1940s. They came with little more than hope and a determination to build a new life....

Spain has long been a hotbed for anti-Israel pro-BDS activity. Back in December, the nation’s powerful BDS supporters swarmed a delegation from the West Bank in a Madrid hotel, physically attacking leaders of the Arab and Jewish communities. Protestors hurled insults at the group, which included the Palestinian Authority’s chief Islamic judge. This underscores the hypocrisy of BDS and proves what Israel supporters have known for years: BDS isn’t about loving Arabs or supporting Palestine, it’s just about hating Jews. Ironically, the group was in Spain to appeal an EU decision to label West Bank products. Mandatory labeling of products...

Imagine walking down the street in your own country and suddenly coming across two Israeli soldiers pointing rifles at a terrified Palestinian man who is begging for mercy. It would probably take a split second to realize the scene wasn’t real, but instead a street drama acted out by pro-Palestinian campaigners. However, the damage done in a split second can last a lifetime. The image of these evil, murderous Israeli soldiers is now embedded in your mind. The feelings of terror, horror, disgust. This street drama took place last month in the Austrian capital of Vienna. Right in the middle...

When Israeli archaeologists uncovered a series of ancient chambers that had been hidden underground for thousands of years just meters away from the Second Temple, everyone was overcome with mystery and intrigue. The Israel Antiques Authority and the Western Wall Heritage Foundation presented the extraordinary discovery last month, just ahead of Jerusalem Day. Barely thirty meters from the ancient Jewish Temple, archaeologists found two rooms connected by a staircase and an open courtyard. This complex was used by Jewish people in Jerusalem 2,000 years ago at the time of the Second Temple. Artefacts found at the site – oil lamps,...

The US has once again chosen to stand shoulder to shoulder with Israel in the battle against anti-Semitic lies and discrimination. Last month, Missouri became the 28th state to pass an anti-BDS bill. Lawmakers approved the “Anti-Discrimination Against Israel Act,” banning the state from doing business with companies that boycott Israel. This is fantastic news for Israeli businesses, including all the producers and artisans in the Lev Haolam family. After contending with the devastating effects of BDS for so long, we’re finally starting to see some relief. BDS stands for “Boycotts, Divestments and Sanctions.” It is a deeply anti-Semitic movement that seeks...

For years, we’ve had to suffer the BDS propaganda machine spouting lies about the evils of Israel and the Zionist regime. They have preached about the boycott of Israeli products, artists and academics no matter what the cost. Even when thousands of Palestinians have lost their jobs as Israeli companies have been forced out of Judea and Samaria, BDS claims that it’s a small price to pay for a greater good: the downfall of the tyrannical Jewish State. Funnily enough, the ordinary Palestinian people are very population that BDS claims to support, but they’re actually suffering more than nearly anyone...

One of the most rewarding aspects of our work at Lev Haolam is the sense of partnership with so many amazing friends and supporters across the world. We know that we are on a joint mission to bring a message of hope and truth, and to stand with Israel against the lies of BDS. We simply couldn’t do what we do without you. An amazing and deeply moving set of events that happened in recent weeks reminded us again of this special worldwide partnership. Manuela Neuhaus — a faithful, long-term supporter of Lev Haolam in Belgium who has been receiving...

Nahal Prat is made up of 3 natural water springs that run all year round. Its course cuts through the rocky Judean mountains, and its shores are home to a rich variety of plant and animal life. The stream runs for a total of 28 km and has several rock pools where visitors can take a cool dip in the desert heat. It’s only been in recent decades, since the site came under Israeli governance, that Israeli excavations have uncovered the canyon’s incredible history and made it accessible to the public. Nahal Prat is mentioned several times in the Bible....

On Tuesday December 3, the French National Assembly approved a resolution stating that anti-Zionism was a form of anti-Semitism. The legislation called on the French government to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) definition of anti-Semitism. The IHRA definition sets out examples of modern-day anti-Semitism, which include “claiming that the existence of a State of Israel is a racist endeavor” and “applying double standards by requiring of it a behavior not expected or demanded of any other democratic nation.” The IHRA also states that using classic anti-Semitic symbols and ideas—such as the blood libel—to describe Israel or Israelis equates...

The myth of Palestine gets told so often that many people believe it’s true. This is the story: For thousands of years, the Palestinian people dwelt peacefully in their nation of Palestine tending to their olive groves and living well. Then the Zionist Jews came, stole their land, abused them and turned them into a nation of refugees. If only the refugees could return to their ancestral homes, there would be peace. Of course, this is a simplified version of the story. But it’s amazing how many people believe it’s true and have no idea what the facts really are....

On November 12, the European Union’s Court of Justice passed a ruling that all food products made in Judea, Samaria and the Golan Heights must now be labelled as ‘Israeli settlement’ goods. Products made in these historic Jewish areas will no longer be able to claim they are ‘made in Israel.’ All 28 EU member states are legally bound to enforce this law in their own territories. The effects of this law are expected to be devastating. Hardest hit will be the Jewish farmers and producers in the Golan, Judea and Samaria who are already living with daily threats and...

For many people, the words ‘Judea and Samaria,’ evoke images of right-wing Jewish extremists stealing land that doesn’t belong to them. This picture is false on so many levels, but it goes to show just how successful the anti-Semitic propaganda put out by Israel haters and BDS activists around the world has been. The truth is that the Jewish claim to Judea and Samaria dates back to the days of the Patriarchs. Abraham bought a piece of land in Hebron. This was where he buried his wife Sarah, and later where he and the other patriarchs and their wives were...

Even people who know very little about Israeli politics know two things: the people of Gaza are suffering terribly and it’s all Israel’s fault. This is, in fact, a myth. There’s no doubt that people are suffering in Gaza. But if you take the time to find out the facts (and don’t just listen to the anti-Semitic lies told about Gaza by Israel-haters), you’ll see that the Jewish presence in Gaza brought enormous blessing for the local Arab people. Here are some of the lesser-known facts about the history of Gaza: Fact 1: Egypt ruled Gaza before Israel – and...

The BDS (Boycotts, Divestment and Sanctions) movement parades itself as a humanitarian, fact-based and impartial response to social injustice. In truth it’s a dangerous and misguided ideology fueled by hatred of Israel and the Jewish people. Here are a few facts that reveal the dark spirit of antisemitism lurking beneath the respectable facade of BDS. Fact 1: BDS seeks the annihilation of Israel No movement can seriously describe itself as peace-making and reconciliatory if it plots the destruction of one of the parties! Yet this is exactly what BDS does. The movement tries to appeal to moderates by saying it...

A common myth people believe about Israel is that the Jewish state is guilty of ethnically cleansing its Arab population. A quick look at the facts tells a very different story: Fact 1: There never was an independent nation of Palestine Many think that prior to the creation of Israel in 1948, there was a flourishing independent country called Palestine with an Arab population dating back thousands of years. This isn’t true. Before the First World War, the region known as Palestine was part of the Ottoman Empire, which included much of the modern-day Middle East. There was never a...

There are few places in Israel where the sense of injustice suffered by the Jewish community is felt more acutely than in Shechem. The centuries-old attempt to erase Jewish history from this town has been so successful that many people today have never even heard the name Shechem. They only know about the Arab town called Nablus under the administration of the Palestinian Authority in the area where Jews are forbidden to set foot. In fact, the name Nablus is a derivative of ‘Flavius Neopolis’ – the name the Romans gave Shechem in the first century as part of an...

On Wednesday night, the 19-year-old son of one of our suppliers was murdered in cold blood by terrorists as he returned to his yeshiva in the Gush Etzion region. Dvir Sorek—son of Rachel Sorek, one of our artisan jewelry makers—had been in Jerusalem the day he was killed. Always kind-hearted and quick to serve others, he had volunteered to buy books for his yeshiva rabbis on behalf of his classmates as an end-of-year gift. Dvir never got to give his gift or see the smiles on his rabbis’ faces. On his way back from Jerusalem, before he reached the yeshiva,...

BDS (Boycotts, Divestments and Sanctions) is a movement that seeks to delegitimize Israel through economic measures such as boycotting Israeli businesses, cultural and academic institutions, particularly those operating in the so-called ‘occupied territories’, which are really the Jewish heartland of Judea and Samaria. BDS is a movement based on myths and lies. Here are some of the false claims, and what the truth really is: Myth 1: BDS helps ordinary Palestinian people Truth: The BDS movement does more harm than good for Arab people living under the Palestinian Authority. Israeli companies operating in the wrongly described ‘occupied territories’ actually benefit...

In yet another archaeological find that confirms the biblical account of events, experts believe they have uncovered the ancient city of Ziklag. Ziklag was the city that the king of the Philistines gifted to David when he fled from Saul and took refuge amongst the Philistines in Gath (1 Samuel 27). The Bible says that Ziklag, previously a Philistine city, remained in Jewish hands from then on. On one occasion, while David was away from Ziklag, the Amalekites invaded, burnt the city to the ground and took David’s wives and animals captive. David pursued the Amalekites, ambushed them and took...

While many around the world are trying to airbrush Jewish history from Jerusalem, particularly from the contested eastern side, archaeological findings continue to confirm its deep Jewish connection. One remarkable discovery made in recent times was a Jewish road dating back over 2000 years to the days of Herod. This road connected the major holy sites for Jewish pilgrims in temple times, including Temple Mount, the City of David and the Pool of Siloam. The pilgrims’ road may have been hidden forever had it not been for a burst water pipe in 2004, some distance from the site of the...

Beit El (meaning ‘House of God’) is a community in the heart of Samaria, to the north of Jerusalem. Its connection to the Jewish people dates back to the days of the Patriarchs when Abraham built an altar to the Lord there after G-d covenanted that his descendants would be a great nation and inherit the Land of Israel (Genesis 12:8). Later, it was at Beit El (often called Bethel in the Bible) that Jacob had his famous vision of a ladder up to heaven with angels ascending and descending on it (Genesis 28:12). Here, the Lord confirmed the covenant...

In a recent landmark vote, the German Bundestag passed a motion ruling that the boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel equates to antisemitism. The motion requested all German government agencies to withdraw support – financial or otherwise – from organizations connected to BDS or those that question Israel’s right to exist. The BDS campaign, which drew inspiration from the South African anti-apartheid movement, has caused significant damage to innocent Israeli business and individuals. Last year, 20 artists, including the singer Lana Del Rey, withdrew their participation from an Israeli summer festival following pressure from BDS activists. Members of...

Have you ever wondered about the phrases “history repeats itself” and “there is nothing new under the sun”? The latter is from Ecclesiastes, written in ancient times, not too long after the beginning of recorded history. These sayings point to the strange patterns that keep repeating themselves despite man’s best efforts to learn. One of the more sinister patterns, actually a virus, is anti-Semitism. Today, the BDS   movement’s targeting of Jewish economic life threatens to set a terrible historical pattern in motion. Where did the Holocaust Begin? At the end of WWII, as the depth of Nazi travesty and inhumanity against...

Have you ever thought about how the Jewish people is G-d’s living time capsule? When we read about the patriarchs, judges and kingdom years in Israel, we are reading about events that took place thousands of years ago. So much time has passed that all people groups from those ancient eras have disappeared, save one. Only the Jewish people have an unbroken historical identity that survives to this day. It’s remarkable when you think of it. We know this because the Bible is a time capsule that allows us to connect with what happened those thousands of years ago. One...

Claiming the Promised Land and securing the survival of the Jewish people have always involved an element of struggle, and victory has rarely been effortless. Throughout history God has raised up heroes like Esther and Mordechai, or the Maccabees, whom we are commemorating right now by lighting the candles during Hanukah. These were leaders who brought the people and the forces of good together. You personally can find out what’s going on in the struggle today and how you can help fight the good fight. One chapter in the struggle for the Holy Land is taking place with Airbnb, who...

Hebron houses the history of Israel’s ancient beginnings, but the city is also a reflection of the intense challenges that brave Jews have to overcome to claim their heritage in the land of Israel. Hebron’s Jewish community is not giving up any time soon, but they need your prayers, help, and support to maintain their small community of less than 1,000 souls in the midst of nearly 250,000 hostile Arabs. Can you imagine? Outnumbered 250 to 1!! Continue reading to learn about the importance of Hebron for Israel’s past, present and future, and discover how you can help secure Israel’s...

The Cave of the Patriarchs, also called the Cave of Machpelah in Hebron 1. Hebron is the second holiest city after Jerusalem. In the Old Testament, he is mentioned 62 times. According to the Old Testament, Abraham, the founder of the Jewish people, paid 400 shekels of fine silver for the Cave of the Patriarchs, also called the Cave of Machpelah. Hebron is one of the oldest cities in the world, it was here that King David began to reign. 2. The Cave of the Patriarchs, (the Cave of Machpelah) is the oldest building in the world that has been...

You may have heard of the BDS (Boycott, Divest and Sanctions) movement, whose main goal is to boycott goods and products from Isreal in order to delegitamize the country and weaken its economy. It’s a worldwide movement that started over 13 years ago and still continues to this day. The BDS movement has been in the news recently, and this past week has been no exception. Here is everything you need to know in order to stay on top of the news. Let’s start off with another monumental victory for anti-BDS campaigners, this time in the German city of Berlin....

Ma’ale Adumim Ma’ale Adumim (The Red Rock Ascent) is perhaps the closest community, of Judea, to Jeruslaem, located approximately seven kilometers north of the city. The city boasts magnificent views of the mountains of Jerusalem, including Mount Scopus and the Mount of Olives. The name dates back to the times of Joshua. The ancient city rested on the line separating the biblical portions of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin. Due to the fact that the area served as an assent (which is the translation of the Hebrew word Ma’ale) and due to the red rocks (Adumim...

As of this past month, global sports brand Adidas will no longer sponsor the Israel Football Association (IFA) after repeated protest from the BDS (Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions) movement. Adidas is just one major brand that has been viciously boycotted by the BDS movement. The long list includes famous companies such as Victoria’s Secret, AirBnb, Viber, SodaStream, and more – simply because they do business with Israel. Back in March, over 100 Palestinian football clubs petitioned Adidas to end its sponsorship of the IFA – all because six Israeli Football teams were based in the disputed Israeli holy land. After...

Last week, two cities in Spain made a bold statement after they overturned a pledge to join the BDS (Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions) movement. Villarrobledo, a small city about 100 miles from the capital of Madrid, originally signed up to be part of the BDS movement and boycott Israeli-made products back in April 2017. However, this was short lived: a Spanish civil liberties group called ACOM (loosely translated as Action and Communication about the Middle East) took legal action to reverse the motion – and won. Villarrobledo reversed their stance on August 21. The week after, another small Spanish city...

Over the past month, Ireland has sent shockwaves throughout the world by voting in favor of passing a bill that would ban the import of products created in Israel’s Judea & Samaria territory. What’s most alarming about this bill is that it sets the stage for other European countries to do the same – with terrible consequences. If Ireland bans products from Israel, it will lead to great losses of profits that family-run companies in the Israeli heartland rely on in order to survive. The Israeli government opposes this ban, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He notes, “Legislation, which promotes...

(BDS activist Ariel Gold. Picture: Ariel Gold’s Facebook Page) A Jewish American citizen with close ties to the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement who attempted to enter Israel last night was denied entry at Ben Gurion international airport. Israel’s Population and Immigration Authority acted last night to prevented the entry of BDS activist Ariel Gold, who is known to the authorities for her anti-Israel agitation and links to the radical left Code Pink group which describes itself as “a feminist organization that supports and promotes BDS against Israel”. Gold is currently serving as the national co-director of US left-wing activist...

Etz Efraim is a village located in the Samarian hills, between the cities of Ariel and Rosh HaAyin. Etz Efraim, which translates to the “Stick/Tree of Efraim”, was founded in 1985 by members of Shkunot B’Yosh (The Judea, Samaria, and Gaza Neighborhoods). Its name derives from the book of Ezekiel, which says, “…take for yourself one stick and write upon it, ‘For Judah and for the children of Israel his companions’; and take one stick and write upon it, ‘For Joseph, the stick of Ephraim and all the house of Israel, his companions’.” This quote references G-d’s plan to reunite the kingdoms...

Yafit is a moshav (collective community) located in the Jordan Valley. Moshav Yafit is off the main road and at the foot of an ancient hilltop fortress constructed by the Hasmoneans called Alexandrium (also known as Sartaba). It was built in the 1980s by a group of French immigrants that had been attracted to the beautiful desert area. The name “Yafit” means beautiful, and was chosen because of the beautiful desert. But the name was also chosen to honor and remember Yossi Yafa, an IDF commander. In 1992, Moshav Yafit absorbed many Russian immigrants. Then during the 1990s, Yafit had...

by Zvi Manasseh | Jun 15, 2018 | BDS, IDF, Israel (IAI Heron, WikiMedia Commons) German lawmakers have approved a massive deal to lease several Israeli-made Heron-TP drones in a deal worth an estimated €1 billion ($1.2 billion), despite significant pressure against the German government. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been busy with brief trips to multiple countries in the last two weeks, including Germany and Britain, and has welcomed numerous senior officials to Jerusalem over the same period. According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, the deal was discussed while visiting German Chancellor Angela Merkel in...

Bat Ayin is located approximately twenty-five kilometers south of Jerusalem, in the area of Judea known as Gush Etzion (or Eztion Block in English). All of the communities of Gush Etzion are adjacent or connected to a road called Derech Avot (road of the fathers). This road, which still exists, gets its name from the fact that it is the road that all of the Jewish patriarchs traveled while they resided in Israel. Bat Ayin was established by seven families led by Rabbi Yitzchak Ginsburg in 1989, on land originally purchased by Jews before 1948, which, under Jordanian rule until 1967, was treated as...

by Zvi Manasseh | May 10, 2018 | BDS, Israel Netta Barzilai during her time in the Israeli Navy’s band (Photo: Facebook) Netta Barzilai, Israel’s representative and bookmakers’ favorite to win the 2018 Eurovision contest, held this year in Lisbon, has come under fire from anti-Israel activists calling for the public to boycott the musician. Activists in the BDS Movement last week opened a Facebook campaign in Europe calling on the public to sabotage Israeli participant Netta Barzalai’s chances by giving her “nil points” (zero points) in the popular song contest.     BDS activists are claiming that they are...