“Some 3.5 million visitors arrived in Israel in the past 12 months of Hebrew year 5772, 3% more than in 5771. Of this number, about 3 million are tourists who stayed more than one night in Israel (2% increase compared to last year),” reports Ynet News. “The greatest increase was registered during the Hebrew month of Iyar which includes the Passover holiday, with 354,000 visitors….The fact that 5772 was a record year for incoming tourism is a great achievement given the severity of the global economic crisis (especially in Europe, which is the source of the largest countries providing tourism into Israel) and in light of the problematic geopolitical situation in the region. Once again, tourism has proved itself to be an engine for positive economic growth this year. Revenue from incoming tourism stands at NIS 18 billion (about $4.6 billion), an increase of 10% and NIS 2 billion ($500 million) on last year….’Against the background of the geopolitical challenges and the global economic crisis, the achievements are even greater,’ says Tourism Minister Stas Misezhnikov. ‘We will continue to work in the coming year to make a vacation in Israel more accessible, cheaper and more attractive for Israelis and tourists alike.’ The Tourism Ministry is currently preparing to welcome over 300,000 visitors who are expected to arrive in Israel over the period of the Jewish holidays.”
Have you been to Israel? Would you like to go? Please prayerfully consider coming on The Joshua Fund’s next “Prayer & Vision Trip to Israel.” It will be held June 25 through July 7, 2013 and includes admission to the 2013 Epicenter Conference. On behalf of the entire Joshua Fund team, I cordially invite you and your family to join us.
Yes, I certainly realize that war clouds are building in the Middle East. Yes, my team and I understand full well that the chance of a major war between Israel and Iran soon is growing. We realize that will discourage some. But we are moving forward with plans for next year’s trip to Israel and Epicenter Conference. Why? Because we believe that more than ever it’s vitally important for sincere followers of Jesus Christ to be traveling to Israel, praying for Israelis and Palestinians, encouraging believers in the Land, studying the Word of God in the Land where much of it was written, worshipping the Lord in Jerusalem, and demonstrating our unconditional love and unwavering support for Jews and Arabs in the epicenter in real and practical ways. That’s why I’m asking those of you who truly love Israel and are truly “prayer warriors” to pray about this. If the Lord gives you the “green light,” then please register and plan on coming to Israel with us next summer. This trip is not for everyone. It is for those who know the Lord is telling them to participate. To learn more — and to register – please click here.
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