Here we publish a travel report by Brigitte B. Nussbächer, a friend of Christians who support Israel. In March, she visited Israel with her husband, Harald.
By Brigitte B. Nussbächer
We were very excited to see what we would find. We hadn't seen this impressive country with its remarkable people and all the tangible evidence of God's presence and blessing for three years. Israel's closed borders during the pandemic and my husband's cancer diagnosis last year had made it impossible.
Much had happened in and with Israel during this time: the effects and consequences of the lockdown on society and the economy, the Lapid-Bennet government, the new elections, Netanyahu's return as Prime Minister – and this year the horrific and frighteningly frequent terrorist attacks, as well as in recent months the increasingly violent demonstrations, protests, refusals and threats.
While we were sitting on the plane on March 12, 2023, images flashed through my mind, all of them deeply troubling. And then I remembered the impressions the spies Moses had sent to the Promised Land brought back: they had no eye for its potential and possibilities, but saw only what was frightening. This assessment, which terrified the entire nation, had fatal consequences for the Israelites: 40 years of wandering in the desert, and no one was allowed to enter the land. But there were also the two spies, Caleb and Joshua, who assessed the land and the situation differently – and they became heirs of the promise.
What images and voices did I want to give space to within myself – and what would I myself pass on? I wished to be a Caleb.
Below us, the coast of Israel came into view: green, cultivated fields and built-up villages. Then Tel Aviv – a bustling, vibrant metropolis, only about 100 years old. This made me realize once again what a transformation, what a miracle had taken place here. As recently as 1876, the writer Mark Twain had lamented that not a bush, not an animal, not a person could be seen on this strip of land – today, life flourishes here. I remembered the biblical passage from Ezekiel 36:35: “Those who pass through you will say, ‘This land was a desert, but now it is like the Garden of Eden. The cities were deserted and in ruins, but now they are inhabited and well-fortified!’”
Everything went very quickly at Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv. An official approached us and took us out of the line of people waiting to be processed. He said, "You can go right through," and handed us the necessary paperwork. We were completely taken aback—what an unexpected VIP welcome!.
Shortly after, we were on the express train to Jerusalem, rolling through landscapes bursting with blossoms. I'd always been deeply impressed by the plants and flowers in Israel—and by all the little hoses that irrigated them. We in Europe don't have to fight so hard for every bit of greenery; we have plenty of water. But here, everything had been wrested from the desert and the swamps. Brilliant ideas had made it possible: desalination plants on the Mediterranean coast, the world's best wastewater recycling system, and computer-controlled irrigation.
Our boutique hotel "Bezalel" in Jerusalem proved to be a perfect choice. It boasts a great location in the city center, excellent service, a delicious breakfast buffet, and a happy hour at 5 pm. The absolute highlights were the garden and the fantastic rooftop terrace, but above all, the incredibly friendly, competent, and helpful staff, especially Adi Gur, the operations manager.
And then we experienced a miracle!
My husband, Harald, had left his backpack, containing money and many valuables, on the train. We reported it missing and went to the lost and found office at the station – but there was no trace of it. After two days of fruitless searching, we were told there was no chance of getting it back. Harald then tried to lock his iPad, which was also in the lost backpack, using his cell phone to prevent data misuse. Suddenly, he saw on a virtual tracking service that the iPad was in Herzliya. Since he couldn't get any information by phone, he took the train there the very next morning. And sure enough: the backpack, with all its contents, including the money, was at the train station 60 kilometers from Jerusalem. Someone had found it and handed it in untouched to the station manager. Unbelievable, but true! For us, this was a great encouragement and further proof that with God, all things are possible.
Prayers in Jerusalem
The main purpose of our trip was to pray for divine intervention in Harald's cancer. Therefore, we went daily to the "Kotel" (Hebrew), the western wall of the former Jewish Temple, because we believe it to be a special place.
King Solomon had once prayed at the dedication of the holy temple: “As for the foreigner who is not one of your people Israel, but has come from a distant land for your name’s sake… when they come and pray before this temple, hear from heaven… Do whatever the foreigner asks of you, so that all the nations of the earth may know your name and fear you as your people Israel do” (1 Kings 8:41-43). According to 1 Kings 9:3, he received the following answer from God: “I have heard your prayer and your plea before me… I have dedicated this temple… and I have put my name there forever. My eyes and my heart will always be there.”
And while we felt our inner peace and confidence growing with each encounter, realizing that even this situation was a blessing, we experienced heartwarming encounters with old and new Jewish friends. Some visited us, others came to pray with us at the Western Wall. We visited still others, such as Moshe Kempinski's bookstore "Shorashim" (which we highly recommend!) in the square in front of the large Hurva Synagogue. He is deeply committed to making the Jewish way of thinking and seeking God understandable. With his books, he creates a wonderful foundation for mutual understanding and respect. Once again, we were richly blessed.
One evening, we tried the restaurant "Margo" at 21 King George Street. This little gem, which opened six months ago, is tucked away behind the entrance to the Stay Inn hotel. The chef, Hesekiel, is a young Israeli, a creative self-taught chef who conjures up original and absolutely delicious meals. He told us his story and even gave us an extra dish when he realized how much we enjoyed his food.
This is something that fascinates us time and again in our various encounters: People are so open and share their life stories when they realize you're interested. And many of these stories are truly extraordinary and impressive, whether it's the young woman who immigrated from England six years ago, the antiques dealer who came to Israel from Syria as a child more than 40 years ago, the "lonely" soldier from the USA who volunteered for military service in Israel and was separated from his family during that time – or indeed our young chef and our friends Ari Abramowitz and Jeremy Gimpel, who are building the Arugot Farm in the Judean Mountains. What we found in all of them was a love for their country, a determination to make a valuable contribution to its development, energy, innovative ideas, and a great deal of warmth and friendliness towards us.
The crowning finale of our time in Israel was two days with Aviel and Anat Schneider (who head the news agency Israel Today), who hosted us and whose friendship we greatly appreciate.
A sunny morning on their terrace, far from the noise and bustle, surrounded by flowers and birdsong, was reminiscent of paradise. What we will always be grateful for is that they gave us insights we would otherwise never have had. They drove us into the unspoiled nature near the moshav (Israeli-Jewish village) where they live. We hadn't imagined such beautiful, pristine land existed here. And right in the middle of it all, a small vineyard with a garden—and people enjoying Shabbat. The atmosphere was incredible: the peace, the tranquility, the joy of life. Like a dream!
Warnings from the Foreign Office
We had received an email from the German Foreign Office in recent days explicitly warning us of demonstrations, violent riots, and attacks. What we experienced was something entirely different. Undoubtedly, the situation in Israel is tense, the losses from terrorist attacks are extremely tragic, the division among the people could become a real danger for the country's future, and the threat of rocket fire is terrifying.
But when you walk through the streets of this country, see the young soldiers protecting it, when you truly meet the people, you still feel how beautiful and vibrant Israel is – despite all its unresolved problems! It is a special land full of promises and fulfilled prophecies! The people here have unique potential. God's blessing is still palpable – He stands by His covenant with His people.
And it is the same God who has repeatedly saved Israel from seemingly hopeless situations. Whether it was during the Exodus from Egypt, the commemoration of which was just celebrated at Passover, or during the 1948 War of Independence, when five armies from Arab countries attacked the newly founded and militarily under-equipped Jewish state. On April 26, the 75th anniversary of Israel's Independence Day, Yom Ha'atzmaut, will be celebrated.
Isaiah 41:10: “But you, Israel, do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Am Israel chai – la chaim! The people of Israel live – cheers to life! With that in mind: See you next year in Jerusalem!
