Lura’s American calendar said that the official Holocaust Memorial Day (Yom Hashoah) was April 17th; my Jewish calendar said it was the 18th….huh?
Oh yah, each new day begins at sundown, that’s why Lura’ American calendar said it was the 17th which actually, according to the Jews, the 17th is Holocaust Memorial Day Eve (Erev Yom Hashoah). And the 18th is Holocaust Memorial Day. And God called the light Day, and the darkness He called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day. Gen 1:5 KJV. You do the math (smile).
Anyhow on the 18th Arad was celebrating Holocaust Memorial Day and Joe (head of Arad’s Holocaust Survivors’ Assoc.) asked me if I would attend to take pictures. He said it was in the same area where the monument that Lura and I contributed too the other day.
So I show up with my camera, to my surprise a little Holocaust guy (Master of Ceremony) physically grabs me by the hand and pulls me way up front, seating me in what appeared to be a reserved seat among the dignitaries, the honored guest, the grandstand / viewing stand.
There seemed to be 10 seats: 2 rows of 5. Arranged as follows:
1, 2, 3, 4, 5,
6, 7, 8, 9, 10
I sat in seat #6. The head rabbi who spearheaded the Big Demonstration on the 14th sat right in front of me, in seat #1. Another chief rabbi sat in seat #2 and another was sitting in seat #7. In seat #4 sat the ex vice mayor (the guy I talked to about erecting a chess pavilion). I don’t know who the others were, sure one was the new mayor whom I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting.
Tears began to swell in my eyes as I thought of myself representing YOU the ‘American Christians’ who are blessing Israel! And that this was an expression of their thanks, appreciation, and that they recognized. In other words, I felt like an ambassador for Christ. That the Holocaust Survivors of Arad had set a special place, right up front, to acknowledge Christ and their Christian friends.
Please don’t get me wrong! It’s not like I’ve overwhelmed with pride or something! I was thrust into this position or situation! The humbleness and unworthiness I felt was what was hitting me.
Then to be seated and rubbing elbows with those who hate the Christ in me! Wow, the love – hate, the mixed emotions, what just happened on the 14th…wow!
P.S.
I only snapped a few pictures. I was in an awkward position.
Edwin Beckford
(4/04)