Rumors of War Distress Israeli Tourism
When Yeshua taught his disciples about the End Times (Mt 24:6, Mk 13:7), He prophesied both of real wars, and “rumors of wars.”
In our short history here in Israel, while we have had several genuine wars and military “operations,” the rumors of war are always with us. Lately, there are rumors concerning Iran, Syria, Lebanon and Egypt. This kind of speculation has an ill effect on an important part of the Israeli economy—tourism.
Already for 2013, many Christian tour groups have cancelled. There are many local believers involved in the tourism industry and tour companies, like Sar El.
We want to encourage our readers: if you are planning to come, don’t cancel! And if you are not yet planning to come … come!
The rumors of war are always there, and if you are thinking: “maybe we should go when things quiet down and there are no rumors of war,” then you may never come to Israel!
It is well documented that tourism is one of the best sources of revenue in Israel. Less known is the economic concept “velocity of money”—how many times money gets spent and re-spent. A tour may employ a guide, driver, bellboys, waiters, clerks, cleaners and managers. These people then spend their money on car mechanics, piano lessons, groceries, children’s supplies and so on.
Praise God for the ultimate win-win: a tourist to Israel gains great spiritual insight into their faith by walking where Jesus walked … and at the same time the visitor ministers greatly in material ways to the people of Israel.
Click here for the original article at reviveisrael.org.
