Monthly Archives: March 2020

BREAKING: 44% of Americans say virus a “wake up call” to return to God. Nearly 1/3 believe we are living in “what the Bible calls the last days.” Fascinating if surprising results in exclusive poll released by The Joshua Fund. Full details.

March 31, 2020 By in Epicenter

POLL-corovirus-slide-small

(Jerusalem, Israel) — The Washington Examiner was the first to publish the story, “Poll: 29% see Biblical ‘last days,’ 44% say virus is God’s ‘wake-up call.'”

You can read the full results of the exclusive national poll by clicking here.

Here’s the press release that just went out:

Exclusive New Poll Shows COVID-19 Creating Enormous Spiritual Interest, Causing Americans To Read The Bible, Listen To Sermons, Some For First Time.

Results Indicate Millions See Pandemic as a “Wake-Up Call” to Return to Faith. Nearly one-in-three Americans believe we are living in the “last days.”

Media Contact:
Kristin Cole, 615-289-6701 — kristin@alarryross.com

Nearly half of Americans (44%) say they believe that the coronavirus and resulting economic meltdown is a “wake-up call for us to turn back to faith in God,” and/or “signs of coming judgment,” according to a new poll commissioned by The Joshua Fund.

The survey was conducted March 23-26, 2020, by nationally respected pollsters McLaughlin & Associates. It was commissioned by The Joshua Fund, an Evangelical non-profit educational and charitable organization founded in 2006 by Joel C. Rosenberg. Rosenberg is a New York Times best-selling author of non-fiction and fiction books. He is best known for writing about “worst-case scenarios.” He has specifically written about pandemics in his 2006 book Epicenter: Why the Current Rumblings in the Middle East Will Change Your Future, and his 2012 book, Implosion: Can America Recover from Its Economic and Spiritual Challenges in Time?

“This survey provides a fascinating window into how Americans see the COVID-19 pandemic and how it is dramatically increasing their interest in spiritual matters,” said Rosenberg. “The results are clear: this unprecedented global crisis is causing Americans to start reading the Bible and listen to Bible teaching and Christian sermons online, even though they usually don’t; search online for teaching on Bible prophecy and God’s future for mankind; and/or engage in more spiritual conversations with family and friends.”

The McLaughlin & Associates questions were asked of 1,000 likely American voters. The poll had a margin of error of +/- 3.1% at a 95% confidence interval.

The breakdown of those who believe this crisis is a “wake-up call” back to faith in God includes:

  • 25% of self-identified “secular” Americans;
  • 42% of Jewish Americans;
  • 58% of Republicans; and
  • 41% of Democrats, including 34% of liberal Democrats and 47% of moderate Democrats.

Additionally, 22% of self-identified non-Christian respondents and 40% of Christian respondents indicate the global coronavirus pandemic and economic chaos have resulted in more interest in God and spiritual matters.

“These are no ordinary times,” said Rosenberg. “Americans in near full lockdown are anxious, and understandably so. Yet millions are turning to God, the Bible and Christian sermons for answers, some of them for the first time. That may be the most important silver lining in this crisis so far.”

What’s more, nearly one-third of all Americans (29%) said they believe that this crisis indicates that “we are living in what the Bible calls the ‘last days.’” Broken down by demographic, this includes:

  • Nearly 30% of Jewish Americans;
  • 30% of Democrats, including 27% of liberal Democrats and 34% of moderate Democrats;
  • 39% of Republicans;
  • 37% of military households;
  • 40% of African Americans, 50% of Hispanic Americans and 25% of White Americans; and
  • Some 28% of individuals 18-29, 33% of people age 30-40, 29% of people age 41-55, 33% of those between 56-65, and some 24% of seniors over 65.

In response to these results, The Joshua Fund has published “What Does The Bible Teach About Pestilence, Plagues & Global Pandemics?”, a 12-page fact sheet derived from insight from a number of senior pastors, theologians and seminary professors. It can be found at http://www.joshuafund.com.

The full survey is also posted on The Joshua Fund website at https://www.joshuafund.com/.

NOTE: The Joshua Fund is a nonprofit, non-partisan educational and charitable organization created to mobilize Christians to “bless Israel and her neighbors in the name of Jesus” by caring for the poor and needy, strengthen the Church in the Middle East and teach the importance of the Scriptures and biblical prophecy. The purpose of the survey was to better understand Americans’ spiritual views, not advance any partisan political objectives or influence federal, state or local legislation. The organization was founded in 2006 by Joel and Lynn Rosenberg. For more information, visit https://www.joshuafund.com/.

____________________

Is Israel (finally) about to have a unity government? Will it work? Will Netanyahu really step down after 18 months? How will this affect the peace process? CNBC asked me these questions. Here’s what I told them.

March 30, 2020 By in Epicenter

Gantz-Bibi-handshake2

(Jerusalem, Israel) — The deal is not yet done. Negotiations are in on-going, but there are lots of thorny issues on which the two leaders will have to compromise. That said, it does look like a 36-month unity government will come together in the coming days.

Over the weekend, a CNBC reporter here in the region asked me four questions:

  1. Will this unity government between Netanyahu and Gantz work?
  2. Will Netanyahu really step down and give Gantz the PM seat after 18 months?
  3. Netanyahu is seemingly the politician with nine lives — is this approaching the end of the road for him?
  4. How do you see both Gantz and Netanyahu navigating the peace process with such differing views?

The article ran today, I’m accurately quoted, and you can read it by clicking here.

For those of you who are interested in more detail, I’ll post in full the answers that I sent to the reporter. Hope you find the analysis helpful.

CNBC-logo

  • The coronavirus pandemic appears to be accomplishing something that three elections couldn’t – it’s forcing Israel’s deeply-divided leaders to put the health and safety of the nation ahead of their own political fortunes.
  • Yes, there is a very good chance that this broad-based, emergency unity government will work, for several reasons.
  • First, the enormity of the threat of the coronavirus outbreak to Israel, a nation of only nine million people – a significant percentage of whom are elderly and thus particularly vulnerable – should keep the new government focused on dealing this all-important mission and not get side-tracked on petty issues, at least until the crisis has passed.
  • Second, the Israeli people are overwhelming in favor of a unity government and have been calling for one through the past three rounds of elections. In fact, a new poll by Israel’s Channel 12 found that the proposed new unity government is supported by 61% of Israelis. Only 30% are opposed. Nine percent expressed no opinion. What’s more, 56% of the voters of Gantz’s party — Blue & White – support Gantz’s move into a unity government, while 39% are opposed to it.
  • Third, Netanyahu knows he needs this new government to work, not unravel. Under indictment in three separate corruption cases, Bibi is determined to stay in power as Prime Minister for the next 18 months, at least, because it will help him deal with the trials from a position of optimum political strength.
  • Fourth, Gantz knows that he needs this new government to work just as much as Netanyahu. Several of his closes political partners are furious at him for making a deal with Bibi. Nearly 40% of his voters are opposed to this move. As a result, the Blue & White party that Gantz had created has blown up in recent days. There is no clear political base or coalition for Gantz to return right now, if this unity government falters.
  • Whether Netanyahu will really step down as Prime Minister in 18 months to allow Gantz to become the premier is the big unknown. No one knows the answer to that, and all Israelis will be watching carefully to see if Gantz is emerging as the nation’s next leader, or will go down in history as a sucker.
  • That said, it’s increasingly possible that we are seeing the dawn of the post-Bibi era. Whether that’s a good or bad development for the country remains to be seen.
  • For all the political rhetoric of the campaigns, Netanyahu and Gantz do not have strikingly different foreign policy principles or objectives. While Netanyahu would have liked to have annexed portions of Judea and Samaria as Israeli territory to please his right-wing supporters, this is very unlikely with Gantz in the government. Gantz is open to annexing at some point. But he is looking at the bigger picture, knowing that the prospect of forging historic peace treaties with the Gulf Arab states is increasingly possible, unless Israel moves rashly with annexation of the territories. I suspect that Gantz and Netanyahu will be able to come to an agreement that securing one or more of these peace treaties in the next few years is the bigger prize and should be the higher objective.

—————————

____________________

 

“The Jerusalem Assassin” — new thriller about an American-Israeli-Saudi peace summit and plot to blow it up — hits #10 on the Wall Street Journal best-seller list.

March 29, 2020 By in Epicenter

Jerusalem-Assassin-audio

(Jerusalem, Israel) — More good news on the novel front: The Jerusalem Assassin just hit the Wall Street Journal hardcover fiction best-seller list this week at #10.

WSJ-masthead

This comes after hitting two other lists last week.

Once again, let me say a HUGE THANK YOU to all of my readers in the U.S., Canada and around the world — not only for buying and enjoying this new one but for reviewing and promoting The Jerusalem Assassin on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, blogs and so  many other forms of social media. I couldn’t be more grateful for all this word of mouth, especially since the coronavirus scuttled the book tour.

God bless you guys — stay safe and healthy!

—————————

____________________

What does the Bible teach about pestilence, plagues & global pandemics? So many are asking that The Joshua Fund and I have published a fact sheet for pastors, ministry leaders, lay people and the media. Feel free to quote and share.

March 28, 2020 By in Epicenter

Plagues-smallgraphic

(Jerusalem, Israel) — As the global coronavirus pandemic worsens, and fear and confusion grow, I’m being asked by pastors, ministry leaders, radio and TV hosts, and journalists around the world what the Bible teaches on the subject of pestilence and plagues, and whether they factor at all into future prophecy.

For the past few weeks, I’ve been studying these issues carefully, and consulting with senior pastors, theologians and seminary professors whose insights and expertise I trust.

Now, my colleagues at The Joshua Fund and I have published a 12-page fact sheet. We hope that you will find it helpful as you study the Scriptures, teach Bible studies, prepare sermons, and discuss such matters with family and friends. Please feel free to quote and share the link and information with others.

  • The fact sheet is available on The Joshua Fund website by clicking here.
  • You can directly download the PDF document (for free) by clicking here. 

For those of you who are not familiar with our work, The Joshua Fund is a non-profit educational and charitable organization that my wife, Lynn, and I founded in 2006 to mobilize Christians to bless Israel and her neighbors in the name of Jesus, according to the Abrahamic Covenant of Genesis 12:1-3.

As part of its mission, The Joshua Fund seeks to educate the Church and all those who are interested about God’s plan and purpose for Israel and the nations, the purpose and power of Bible prophecy, and the relevance of the Bible to the people of the Middle East and to all people around the world. 

Our team of Evangelicals loves Jews, Arabs and all other ethnic and religious groups in the region. One of our projects is providing food and humanitarian relief on a monthly basis to thousands of Israelis and Palestinians who are needy, widows, single mothers, Holocaust survivors, refugees and other families struggling to make ends meet. This work is especially needed right now as so many in our part of the world are in partial or full lockdown.

To learn more about this ministry, please visit our website at www.joshuafund.com. 

____________________

“The Jerusalem Assassin” hits #6 on Publishers Weekly hardcover fiction bestseller list. Also hits USA Today list at #13. Here’s the latest.

March 27, 2020 By in Epicenter

ECD5FF29-3DCA-44BF-B524-DDBFF630B5BC

(Jerusalem, Israel) — Despite the cancelation of the book tour, I’m thrilled to announce that The Jerusalem Assassin has hit two major national best-seller lists in the U.S. this week.

Unfortunately, we did not hit the New York Times List. Not sure how that’s possible given the strong sales and high ranking on the other lists. But c’est la vie.

That said, I want to say a HUGE thank you to all of my readers in the U.S., Canada and around the world. My team and I are incredibly grateful that you purchased the new novel and that you’ve liked it so much.

On behalf of our entire publishing and PR team, we’re also grateful for everyone who has been write about and reviewing The Jerusalem Assassin on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, blogs and other forms of social media. They e been fun to read. Please don’t stop — and please encourage your family and friends to buy and read and review this thriller during this crazy global lockdown!

More interesting news to announce next week. But for now on this lovely Friday afternoon — as I continue my quarantine here in Jerusalem — Shabbat Shalom.

—————————

____________________

BOMBSHELL: Emergency unity government suddenly forming in Israel. In shock move, Gantz to serve as Foreign Minister for 18 months, then become Prime Minister. Netanyahu then to step down. Blue & White Party breaking up in fierce disagreement. Here’s the latest.

March 26, 2020 By in Epicenter

Gantz-Bibi-handshake

(Jerusalem, Israel) — The coronavirus pandemic appears to be accomplishing something that three elections couldn’t. It’s forcing Israel’s long-deadlocked party leaders to put the well-being of the nation ahead of their own political fortunes.

More than 2,500 Israelis now have the virus. Eight have died. Decisive action is needed to save lives and our economy.

Like most Israelis, I’ve been calling for months for a unity government. It now appears to be at hand. But it‘s a bombshell story — almost entirely unexpected by most Israelis — and events are fast-moving and updating almost minute by minute.

Here’s what we now so far:

  • Netanyahu and Gantz are creating an emergency unity government, in a deal apparently brokered by Israeli President Reuven Rivlin. 
  • Gantz was just elected as Speaker of the Knesset, winning 74 votes in favor, 18 were opposed, and the rest abstained.
  • But this is only temporary — once the full agreement is finalized and signed, Gantz will become Foreign Minister for 18 months.
  • Netanyahu will serve as Prime Minister for 18 more months.
  • Then, Gantz will become the Prime Minister.
  • It’s not clear at this hour what happens to Netanyahu at that point.
  • Upset with this move, two of Gantz’s key allies — Yair Lapid and Moshe “Bogie” Yaalon — have rejected the Gantz move.
  • The Blue & White Party is now breaking up.
  • Gantz’s team are expected to get the major Cabinet portfolios, including the Foreign Ministry, Defense Ministry, Justice Ministry and the Economic Ministry.
  • These are enormous concessions by Netanyahu and the Likud.
  • In his first speech after being elected Knesset speaker, Benny Gantz says “democracy has won,” the Times of Israel reported. Gantz says he was chosen “to unify the people and not divide.” Gantz added: “I promise to all Israelis to do the right thing at this time. The Knesset will work for the people and citizens — all of them.”
  • Not clear yet: what happens when Netanyahu goes on trial. 

—————————

____________________

“The Jerusalem Assassin” book tour was scuttled. I’m now back in Jerusalem in quarantine for 14 days. Here’s what that really means and what I’m doing with my time.

March 24, 2020 By in Epicenter

5B60F52C-B32A-4DB5-BA32-53ED24496533
(Jerusalem, Israel) — The Israeli Foreign Ministry is urging all Israelis to come home ASAP or risk all flights being canceled and the doors to the country being closed indefinitely.

So, after several weeks in the States, I flew back to Israel and arrived Sunday afternoon. Thanks so much to the amazing pilots and crew of United Airlines who got us back safe & sound!

Obviously, The Jerusalem Assassin book tour had to be scrapped. (That said, I do hope you’ll buy, read and post your review of my new novel. You can download the e-book reader on a Kindle, Nook or iPad, or download the audio version directly to your phone.)

Now that I’m home, I’ve had to enter a 14-day quarantine period. I thought that meant just staying home in our apartment here in Jerusalem with my family. Didn’t sound so bad. My wife, Lynn, however, informed me just before I got back on the plane what was actually in store for me.

ECD5FF29-3DCA-44BF-B524-DDBFF630B5BC
She said that she and one of our sons would drive both of our cars to the airport. They would leave the keys to my car on the front seat and wave to me from the other car. I would not be allowed to hug them, or kiss them. Then, wearing a protective mask and plastic gloves, I would follow them back up to Jerusalem.

When we got home, I would have to proceed directly through our apartment without stopping, heading straight for the master bedroom, and locking myself in for 14 straight days. Lynn said she had cleared out all of her things from our room, and was moving into our guest room. She was giving me the master bedroom since it’s the only one in our small apartment that has an adjoining bathroom.

Every day, she or our sons set meals and bottles of water, and occasional mugs of coffee outside my door. They knock and back away. I can open my door just enough to get the food and drinks, then quickly shut it again. Crazy, but true. Here’s a photo of me goofing around with my family, they in the backyard of our garden-level flat, and me looking through the barred-window of our bedroom.

I’ve just begun Day #3, so I’ve got a long ways to go. Still, I’m very grateful to the Lord and my family for taking care of me. So far, I’m healthy and peaceful. I can study the Bible and pray for so many family, friends, leaders and all of you. I’m doing radio and print interviews by phone and Skype, doing conference calls and Zoom meetings, posting on social media and keeping track of the latest news. Not terrible.

And while I’m deeply grateful for your prayers, please pray especially for all the Israelis and Palestinians who are elderly and infirm, poor, shut-ins, single parents, and even single young people who have little or no human contact these days, have lost their jobs or are about to, and are growing worried about their future.

2B153CC7-E453-49AC-B9AE-C6EBA22671CD

By God’s grace, The Joshua Fund ministry that Lynn and I founded in 2006 is delivering food, other practical supplies and encouragement to thousands of such people in Israel and the West Bank — and this work is more important than ever.

Unemployment here has shot up from 4% to nearly 20% in just a matter of weeks. About 500,000 people have applied for unemployment benefits just in March. The number of corona cases has shot past 1,600. Two Israelis have now died. And just like in many countries, anxiety — even fear — is mounting. These are the folks who really need our love, prayers and practical assistance.

May the Lord keep you and your family healthy and safe. In the meantime, I’ll do my best to keep you posted on the latest news and trends via this blog, Twitter and Instagram. Let’s pray this is all over soon.

—————-

Are the Saudis getting ready to make peace with Israel? Here’s what I’m telling reporters as they interview me about #TheJerusalemAssassin.

March 19, 2020 By in Epicenter

231B64F3-475C-4066-B771-9E5F1CCA5E0E

(West Palm Beach, Florida) — As you might have guessed, the book tour has unraveled. I was supposed to speak in Florida tonight and tomorrow but all events have, of course, been canceled.

That said, I’m doing TV and radio interviews about The Jerusalem Assassin, as well as about the coronavirus pandemic and its implications for the US, Israel and the Mideast.

A central theme of the novel: Are the leaders of Saudi Arabia getting ready to make peace with Israel, and if so, what might that peace process look like, and what new dangers might that set into motion?

Here are links to a few of the interviews. I hope you’ll take a look to get my answers. Then, as you read the book, please post your reviews on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, GoodReads, other book sites and all social media. Would love to hear your thoughts — and please keep spreading the word about the book. Thanks so much, and I pray that you and your family stay healthy and safe.

2614D988-C0E1-4A11-A2BD-D3F5F881A068

27264A51-692C-4BF4-AD4E-1837FB64D444

—————————

____________________

It’s Launch Day — and a former CIA Director says, “The Jerusalem Assassin is Rosenberg’s best thriller yet!” Get yours today and please let me know what you think. (Also, here’s a book tour update.

March 17, 2020 By in Epicenter

Jerusalem-Assassin-audio

(Virginia Beach, D.C.) — The Jerusalem Assassin is finally available in hardcover, e-book and audio formats. Please order your copy today online or go to your favorite bookstore!

Also, I’m thrilled to share with you this new endorsement:

“THE JERUSALEM ASSASSIN is Rosenberg’s best thriller yet! Once I started, I couldn’t quit. The way he weaves together highly creative fiction with underlying facts and faith produces dramatic credibility and a rapid pace. The story really gallops across today’s Mideast landscape to stunning finish. A standout winner!” — Porter Goss, former Director of the Central Intelligence Agency

When I first started writing political thrillers nearly twenty years ago, I never would have imagined a former CIA director reading — much less endorsing — my work. I’m deeply grateful to Porter and hope you enjoy the new book as much as he did.

BOOK TOUR UPDATE: I’m at the CBN News headquarters here in Virginia Beach to appear on a number of programs, including “The 700 Club.” At this point, I’m still planning to speak in Ft. Myers, Florida on Wednesday night, which will be webcast and broadcast on statewide Florida television. Some events on the tour have been postponed due to the coronavirus crisis. Other events are being changed into other webcasts. I’ll also be doing radio, TV, print and online interviews. For all the latest updates, please follow me on Twitter. Thanks, and please stay healthy and safe!

 

As we face this crisis, the President has asked us to pray. I agree. Let’s humble ourselves and ask the Lord to have mercy on our nation and our world. (Here’s the text of his official proclamation.)

March 15, 2020 By in Epicenter

NationalDayofPrayer-2020

(Washington, D.C.) — As we face this unprecedented global crisis, there is only one person to whom we can turn to protect, heal and save us — the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the King of kings, the Lord of lords, our Creator and Redeemer.

In that spirit, I’m grateful that the President of the United States issued a proclamation calling for today be a special day of prayer. Here is his official statement. I hope that you’ll read it and set time individually and as a family to focus on the Lord in prayer.  Nothing could be more important.

In our times of greatest need, Americans have always turned to prayer to help guide us through trials and periods of uncertainty.  As we continue to face the unique challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic, millions of Americans are unable to gather in their churches, temples, synagogues, mosques, and other houses of worship.  But in this time we must not cease asking God for added wisdom, comfort, and strength, and we must especially pray for those who have suffered harm or who have lost loved ones.  I ask you to join me in a day of prayer for all people who have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic and to pray for God’s healing hand to be placed on the people of our Nation.

As your President, I ask you to pray for the health and well-being of your fellow Americans and to remember that no problem is too big for God to handle.  We should all take to heart the holy words found in 1 Peter 5:7:  “Casting all your care upon him, for he careth for you.”  Let us pray that all those affected by the virus will feel the presence of our Lord’s protection and love during this time.  With God’s help, we will overcome this threat.

On Friday, I declared a national emergency and took other bold actions to help deploy the full power of the Federal Government to assist with efforts to combat the coronavirus pandemic.  I now encourage all Americans to pray for those on the front lines of the response, especially our Nation’s outstanding medical professionals and public health officials who are working tirelessly to protect all of us from the coronavirus and treat patients who are infected; all of our courageous first responders, National Guard, and dedicated individuals who are working to ensure the health and safety of our communities; and our Federal, State, and local leaders.  We are confident that He will provide them with the wisdom they need to make difficult decisions and take decisive actions to protect Americans all across the country.  As we come to our Father in prayer, we remember the words found in Psalm 91:  “He is my refuge and my fortress:  my God; in him will I trust.”

As we unite in prayer, we are reminded that there is no burden too heavy for God to lift or for this country to bear with His help.  Luke 1:37 promises that “For with God nothing shall be impossible,” and those words are just as true today as they have ever been.  As one Nation under God, we are greater than the hardships we face, and through prayer and acts of compassion and love, we will rise to this challenge and emerge stronger and more united than ever before.  May God bless each of you, and may God bless the United States of America.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim March 15, 2020, as a National Day of Prayer for All Americans Affected by the Coronavirus Pandemic and for our National Response Efforts.  I urge Americans of all faiths and religious traditions and backgrounds to offer prayers for all those affected, including people who have suffered harm or lost loved ones.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fourteenth day of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-fourth.

DONALD J. TRUMP