150 years ago--Opening ceremonies for the Centennial International Exhibition in Philadelphia include a long opening prayer

On May 10, 1876, the Centennial International Exhibition, officially the International Exhibition of Arts, Manufactures, and Products of the Soil and Mine, opened in Philadelphia. Running through November 10, 1876, the exposition celebrated the centennial of the Declaration of Independence. The opening ceremonies on May 10, before an audience estimated at 100,000, included the following prayer by Methodist Episcopal Church Bishop Matthew Simpson. Lengthy prayers, like lengthy political speeches, seem to have been the norm in those days. Like underwater watches in 1878, electronic amplification "had not even been invented," so speakers could be difficult to hear for those in the audience who were too far away.

Were such a prayer to be delivered today, the speaker would probably be denounced as a "Christian nationalist." As reported by The New York Times, May 11, 1876:

...The venerable Bishop arose and lifting his hands offered a prayer, which, unfortunately, was not audible to a thousandth part of the immense throng. All that appeared was a tall, gray headed gentleman, with his eyes and hands lifted to heaven, standing apparently silent and absorbed at the front of the stage. The prayer was occasionally interrupted by voices from distant points in the crowd; but, except for these, there was silence while the Bishop prayed. The prayer was as follows:

Almighty and everlasting God, our Heavenly Father: Heaven is Thy throne and the earth Thy footstool. Before Thy Majesty and holiness the angels veil their faces, and the spirits of the just made perfect bow in humble adoration. Thou art the creator of all things, the preserver of all that exist, whether they be thrones or dominions, or principalities or powers. The minute and the vast, atoms and worlds, alike attest the ubiquity of Thy presence and the omnipotence of Thy sway.

Thou alone art the sovereign ruler of nations. Thou raiseth up one and casteth down another, and Thou givest the kingdoms of the world to whomsoever Thou wilt. The past, with all its records, is the unfolding of Thy counsels and the realization of Thy grand designs. We hail Thee as our rightful ruler, the King eternal, immortal, and invisible, the only true God, blessed forevermore.

We come on this glad day, O Thou God of our fathers, into these courts with thaksgiving, into these gates with praise. We bless Thee for Thy wonderful goodness in the past, for the land which Thou gavest to our fathers, a land veiled from the ages, from the ancient world, but revealed in the fullness of time to Thy chosen people, whom Thou didst lead by Thine own right hand through the billows of the deep, a land of vast extent, of towering mountains and broad plains, of unnumbered products and of untold treasures.

We thank Thee for the fathers of our country, men of mind and of might, who endured privations and sacrifices, who braved multiplied dangers rather than defile their consciences, or be untrue to their God, men who laid on the broad foundations of truth and justice the grand structure of civil freedom.

We praise Thee for the closing century, for the founders of the Republic, for the immortal Washington and is grand associates; for the wisdom with which they planned, and the firmness and heroism which, under Thy blessing, led them to triumphant success. Thou wast their shield in hours of danger, their pillar of cloud by day, and their pillar of fire by night. May we, their sons, walk in their footsteps and imitate their virtues.

We thank Thee for social and national prosperity and progress, for valuable discoveries and multiple inventions, for labor-saving machinery relieving the toiling masses, for schools free as the morning light, for the millions of the rising generation; for books and periodicals scattered like leaves of autumn over the land, for art and science, for freedom to worship God according to the dictates of conscience, for a church unfettered by the trammels of state.

Bless, we pray thee, the President of the United States and his constitutional advisers, the Judges of the Supreme Court, the Senators and Representatives in Congress, the Governors of our several Commonwealths, the officers of the Army and the Navy, and all who are in official position throughout our land. Guide them, we pray Thee, with counsels of wisdom, and may they ever rule in righteousness. We ask Thy blessing to rest upon the President and members of the Centennial Commission, and upon those associated with them in the various departments, who have labored long and earnestly, amid anxieties and difficulties, for the success of this enterprise.

May Thy special blessing, O Thou God of all the nations of the earth, rest upon our national guests, our visitors from distant lands. We welcome them to our shores, and we rejoine in their presence among us, whether they represent thrones or culture or research, or whether they come to exhibit the triumphs of genius and art, in the development of industry and in the progress of civilization. Preserve thou them, we beseech Thee, in health and safety, and in due time may they be welcomed by loved ones again to their own, their native lands.

Let Thy blessing rest richly on this Centennial Celebration. May the lives and health of all interested by precious in Thy sight. Preside in its assemblies. Grant that this association in effort bind more closely together every part of our great Republic, so that our Union may be perpetual and indissoluble. Let its influence draw the nations of earth into a happier unity. Hereafter we pray Thee, may all disputed questions be settled by arbitration, and not by the sword, and may wars forever cease among the sons of men.

May the new century be better than the past. More radiant with the light of true philosophy, warmer with the emanations of a world-wide sympathy. May capital, genius, and labor be freed from all antagonism by the establishment and application of such principles of justice and equity as shall reconcile diversified interests and bind in imperishable bands all parts of society.

We pray Thy benediction, especially on the women of America, who for the first time in the history of our race, take so conspicuous a place in a national celebration. May the light of their intelligence, purity, and enterprise shed its beams afar, until in distant lands, their sisters may realize the beauty and glory of Christian freedom and elevation. We bseech Thee, Almighty Father, that our beloved Republic may be strengthened in every element of true greatness, until her mission is accomplished by presenting to the world an illustration of the happiness of a free people, with a free church, in a free State, under laws of their own enactment, and under rulers of their own selection, acknowledging supreme allegiance only to the King of King and Lord of Lords. And as Thou didst give to one of its illustrious sons first to draw experimentally the electric spark from heaven, which has since girdled the globe in its celestial whispers of "Glory to God in the highest, peace on earth and good will to men," so to latest time may the mission of America, under divine inspiration be one of affection, brotherhood, and love for all our race. And may the coming centuries be filled with the glory of our Christian civilization.

And unto Thee, our Father, through Him whose life is the light of men, will we ascribe glory and praise, now and forever.

The "amen" was faintly echoed by the vast congregation, and instantly there came from the orchestral stage a grand burst of music which thrilled and stirred the thousands and thousands of listeners to their hearts' depths. A thousand voices accompanied by organ and orchestra, were singing Whittier's "Centennial Hymn." The words of the opening lines --

"Our Father's God! from out whose hand
The centuries fall like grains of sand,
We meet to-day."--

echoed through the air.

100 years ago--Opening ceremonies for the Sesquicentennial International Exposition in Philadelphia include speeches addressing the U.S.A.'s material and spiritual condition

On May 31, 1926, opening ceremonies for the Sesquicentennial International Exposition took place at the newly-constructed Sesquicentennial Stadium in Philadelphia. Rain kept the attendance to 80,000, but 100,000 people went through the gates of the world's fair on opening day. The speakers at the opening ceremonies included Philadelphia Mayor W. Freeland Kendrick, U.S. Secretary of State Frank B. Kellogg, and U.S. Secretary of Commerce Herbert Hoover.

The representatives of the cabinet of President Calvin Coolidge noted the changes that had taken place in the 150 years since the Declaration of Independence and the 50 years since the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia in 1876, but also addressed the nation's moral and spiritual condition. The mention of improved ease and comfort might ring warning bells in the minds of those who regard such improvements as often being accompanied by moral and spiritual decline; of course, if people alive in 2026 were to travel in time back to 1926, they might take issue with that era's ideas of ease and comfort. The speeches of Messrs. Kellogg and Hoover showed how American leaders viewed the country's past, present, and future. It should be remembered that the Great War was less than a decade in the past, and the Civil War and Centennial were within living memory of many of those in attendance (the Civil War was about as far removed in time from 1926 as the Vietnam War is from 2026).

As reported in The New York Times, June 1, 1926 (bold in original):

...Mayor Kendrick then declared the exposition open and introduced Secretary Kellogg, who said in part:

"We have assembled in celebration of the formal opening of the Sesquicentennial Exposition of the City of Philadelphia, on the occasion of the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the birth of our nation. I like to think of the ceremony as the inauguration of the edifice which this exposition typifies. It is an edifice which this exposition typifies. It is an edifice which has its foundations in the pride and history of one hundred and fifty years and which will represent in its completion the achievement of a virile and versatile people, dedicated to the peaceful pursuits of art, commerce and industry.

"Citizens of Philadelphia, I congratulate you on this mighty conception. I congratulate you on the energy and patriotism which have made it possible. I congratulate you on marking by your civic effort the great milestones of the nation's history, the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. But, beyond all, I congratulate you on being citizens of the city that can truthfully be called the birthplace of the United States.

"President McKinley once said: 'Expositions are the timekeepers of progress. They record th world's advancement.' This is a pertinent saying, full of wisdom and observation. Expositions enable each generation to view itself and offer a very salutary opportunity for each generation to compare itself with the past. They are cross-sections of the life we lead and should be viewed with the keenest scrutiny.

"But the greatest value to the people of the United States of celebrations such as this, commemorating great moments in our history, lies in the fact that they keep alive the spirit which animated our ancestors in their struggle for independence and that thay constantly bring to the mind of the present generation the benefits of of the representative democracy under which for nearly a century and a half we have enjoyed that blessing of liberty and the stability and security of law.

"I have been reading recently what was said by the speakers at the opening of your other exposition just fifty years ago. They were amazed at the mighty progress of the nation in its first hundred years. We are no less amazed at the extraordinary development of our scientific and industrial life, in the development of our resources, in the exploitation of our potentialities, above all in the increased ease and comfort which has come to our common citizens during our own lifetime. Facts and figures of staggering dimensions could be cited to instance this progress. My time does not permit it, nor is it needful to any of us since we have ourselves lived through these bewildering and kaleidoscopic changes.

Hold Ideals of Fathers.

"What is more difficult to assess is the spiritual quality of our people. Are those rugged virtues still in us, that unshaken belief in the efficacy of law which is the heritage of civilization, that love of country and devotion to duty which animated that quiet group of men on July 4, 150 years ago?

"We recently took our part in a great war, a great soul-stirring event. Millions of our people went abroad, millions more gave up their normal occupations and undertook strange tasks. All of us were thrown with violence from the routine of our daily thought by the rush of great emotion. For some the pendulum swung back, life was flat and had lost its savor and in that dullness and disillusion agitators arose and are still active who questioned those institutions and that civilization which is ours and which had been accepted previously without question.

"Demands were made for changes in the fundamental law of our Government whoch would sweep away the guarantees of personal liberty, security of property and stability of Government. Even through these days, however, the great mass of our people held fast to their faith. The rugged virtues persisted and even in the complexities of our modern life Americans looked with direct gaze through sophistry and distortion and held with simple faith to the ideals of our fathers.

"Throughout the life of our country there have been the greatest changes in the economic and social conditions of the world ever recorded in history in a similar period. There have been revolutions and upheavals in society which have imperilled the very existence of stable governments but our people have held fast to those declarations of liberty and human rights and those principles of government enunciated in the Declaration of Independence and promulgated in the Constitution of the United States.

"Nations stand out in history as being animated by one straight and inflexible purpose, but this is seldom the case. We often forget that in other periods than our own, men have doubted, internal struggle has been rife. Some of man's greatest works have been the result of the bitterest struggle. The Constitution of the United States itself was fought with intense bitterness, and it was only the overwhelming personality of Washington which obtained its acceptance in the legislatures in certain of the Colonies.

"This questioning of our institutions was then but a normal thing. So we may stand secure in the belief that at heart this nation has not changed, that the things which the founders of our Republic longed for, we still long for, in so far as they have not been attained, that we are willing, when necessary, to fight to maintain these things which they fought for.

Exposition a Rededication.

"That no nation, however, is more reluctant than our own to enter war has been shown forcibly by our stimulation of and participation in all forms of international gatherings for the maintenance of peace and for the finding of methods for putting an end to war.

"However, in the last analysis, this meeting in Philadelphia is the sort of international gathering that we really prefer. When nations come together to show their products and wares in friendly rivalry, endeavor to stimulate their mutual trade and try to make themselves understood by their neighbors through their exhibits and friendly intercourse, that indeed is the happiest form of international gathering.

"While I am speaking of the international side of this exposition, may I mention an interesting coincidence between your exhibition fifty years ago and today? In 1876 a courtesy visit was made by the Swedish Fleet during the exposition and one of the young navy officers was his Royal Highness Prince Oscar, now known as Prince Bernadotte, who was enthusiastically received by Philadelphia. The nephew of this Prince Oscar, his Royal Highness the Crown Prince of Sweden, has done us the honor of visiting the United States and will come to Philadelphia as did his distinguished uncle. I know that his visit will be an equal success.

"Secure then in the permanence of the faith of early America,. grateful for the material progress of this nation, let us consider this exposition, the tangible evidence of our one hundred and fiftieth anniversary, as a rededication of the nation to American ideals, a fresh acceptance of America's burdens and a renewed gratitude for the bounty of America's blessings."

Secretary Hoover's Speech.

Secretary Hoover, the next speaker, drew a contrast between the condition of the United States now and at the time of the centennial of its independence.

"We have in this half century more than doubled our population. We have multiplied ten times in natural wealth. We have progressed vastly in science, in invention, in art and industry and in our social and national life.

"In the field of science the discoveries of fifty years ago were comparatively only upon the borderland of the great unknown continent of nature. The explorations of that day were set out here in a richness of exhibits. But since that time the men of science have pushed deeper and deeper into the unknown lands of nature and have brought new discoveries and inventions. A multitude of blessings to humanity have flowed from their labors.

"In the field of industry I would recall to you that the greatest tool then known to man was shown at the exposition of fifty years ago--the 1,400 H.P. Corliss steam engine. Here, too, was the first public appearance of Bell's telephone. They were wonders of the time. Today we build a single steam engine of 70,000 H.P.--fifty times as large. The transmission of power and electrical devices for relief of human labor were just in their infancy; the gasoline engine, the automobile, the aeroplane and the radio were unknown.

"Since then also science and industry have given us the steam turbine, radium, X-rays, moving pictures, talking machines, refrigeration, the linotype, typewriter, the harvester and tractor and a hundred other tools and comforts. Vast progress marks our chemical industries. We have advanced in the construction of buildings and homes, in the manufacture of textiles and a thousand other things. And today we are on the threshold of other great discoveries, the bare beginnings of which will again form a part of these exhibits.

Educational and Social Progress.

"From the inventions of this half century and the control of the powerful forces of nature men have been able to produce vastly more; to diffuse the benefits more widely; to decrease the sweat of men; to lift the standards of living; to increase the comforts of all our people to a higher level than ever before in the history of the world. With it all poverty and fear have become less, happiness has increased.

"We may be proud of the educational progress of our people in the fifty years' span between these expositions. During this time we have extended free education throughout the land. Free entrance to the doors of free opportunity, through education, is now open to all of our youth from the lowest grade to the university. We have seen the number of children in the public schools treble while our population but doubled. The youth in our high schools are ten times as many as fifty years ago. Those who attend our institutions of higher learning have increased in number over seven times.

"Progress in art is not to be measured by spans of fifty years but we may recount the important advance in commercial architecture as an outstanding accomplishment. Moreover, we have wider diffusion of the finer arts of decoration, music and literature through our people.

"In our social life we are steadily finding a better adjustment between our industrial and social systems. The rights of the public in the development and use of the great tools of power, transportation and industry are better controlled; the relations of employe and employer are upon a juster basis; we have gained greatly in spirit of cooperation and mutual helpfulness in such community. Our frictions are growing less. All of which shows fundamental social progress.

"Politically we have gained greatly in national unity. This great experiment in democracy is demonstrating the hopes, the prayers and the wisdom of its founders. Our national institutions have grown stronger and the resolute spirit for a democracy dedicated to an equality of opportunity among men that has not diminished but has gained in strength. We have risen in power and influence among nations until no foreign danger threatens our shores.

No Economic or Foreign Dangers.

"Morally we have made gains toward a higher plane in the conduct of our commercial relations. In many particulars we show improvement in the conduct of our national and local Government, though we suffer a national misfortune in the growing disrespect for law.

"Our dangers today are not economic or foreign; they lie in the possible submergence of the morel and spiritual by our great material success, and if this exposition, and the many conferences and congresses to be held here, serve to stimulate the moral and spiritual sense of our people it will have served a great and lasting purpose.

"The American people may well be proud of the accomplishment which will be shown here. It is the demonstration of the progress of peace, and it should contribute to the advancement of peace--for we invite all people to our shors to participate in our celebration of the arts of peace.

"This exposition of the arts, sciences and industry should not only point the way to further progress and the information, learning and good taste, but should strengthen the spirit of our people in reolution to further effort.

"This stock-taking of progress should contribute to mark the road to further advancement. We have yet much to do if we would make America that land of contentment and happiness, of service to the world and God."

Mr. Kellogg went on to co-author the Kellogg-Briand Pact in 1928, which outlawed war as a way of solving disputes between nations, and for which Mr. Kellogg was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1929. He died on December 21, 1937, the day before his 81st birthday. Mr. Hoover succeeded Mr. Coolidge as President of the United States on March 4, 1929, and was in office through the early years of the Great Depression, losing his bid for re-election to Democratic Party nominee Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1932. Mr. Hoover died on October 20, 1964 at the age of 90. Neither Mr. Kellogg nor Mr. Hoover would likely recognize the country that now still goes by the name of United States of America.

Israel appoints a special envoy to the Christian world

As reported by Tamar Stein of Israel365 News, April 24, 2026 (links in original):

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar moved this week to shore up one of Israel’s most important international relationships by appointing veteran diplomat George Deek as Special Envoy to the Christian World, a newly created role aimed at strengthening ties with Christian communities amid growing tension and scrutiny.

I am honored by the trust placed in me by Minister @gidonsaar. I accept this responsibility with gratitude, humility, and a deep sense of duty.

Today, I feel I am closing a circle. From the Sundays of my childhood sitting beside my father in church to this new diplomatic role, I… https://t.co/Lz9zl1lMcI

— George Deek (@GeorgeDeek) April 23, 2026

The Foreign Ministry announced Thursday that the appointment is intended “to deepen Israel’s ties with Christian communities around the world,” as a series of recent incidents involving Christians has drawn criticism and raised questions about Israel’s handling of sensitive religious issues during wartime.

“The State of Israel attaches great importance to its relations with the Christian world and with its Christian friends around the world,” Sa’ar said. “I am confident that George, a respected and experienced diplomat, will greatly contribute to the friendship and strengthening of the ties between the State of Israel and the Christian world.”

Deek, a seasoned diplomat with nearly two decades of experience, most recently served as Israel’s ambassador to Azerbaijan, becoming the first Christian in Israel’s history to hold the rank of ambassador. A native of Jaffa and a member of the Arab Christian community, Deek grew up in a mixed neighborhood of Jews, Muslims, and Christians. His father, Youssef Deek, served for years as chairman of the Orthodox Christian community in Jaffa and across Israel.

The appointment places Israel among a very small group of countries that have created a formal governmental structure focused on relations with the global Christian community. Hungary, through its State Secretariat for the Aid of Persecuted Christians, remains the only other country with a dedicated governmental body specifically tasked with assisting persecuted Christians worldwide. By contrast, countries such as Denmark, Greece, and Costa Rica maintain historic or official ties to Christianity but handle these relationships through traditional foreign ministry frameworks rather than appointing a designated envoy to the Christian world.

The timing of Deek’s appointment is not incidental. In recent months, Israel has faced a series of incidents that have strained relations with Christian leaders and communities, including restrictions placed on worship at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher during the war and reports of harassment against clergy in Jerusalem’s Old City. These developments have raised concerns not only among local Christian leaders but also among Evangelical Christians abroad, who remain among Israel’s strongest supporters.

Deek’s appointment reflects an attempt to bring order and intention to a relationship that has often been handled inconsistently. As an Arab Christian who represents Israel on the world stage, he brings a voice that can speak directly to Christian audiences in their own language and cultural framework, while presenting Israel’s case with credibility grounded in personal experience.

International Christian leaders welcomed the move. David Parsons of the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem called the appointment “very timely and much-needed,” noting that “it will definitely help to have an Israeli Arab Christian telling the truth about Israel’s democratic values worldwide.” David Rosen, former international director of interreligious affairs at the American Jewish Committee, said the step could lead to better coordination among government bodies that deal with Christian communities.

At the same time, the backdrop to this appointment remains difficult. According to a 2024 report by the Rossing Center for Education and Dialogue, there were 111 reported incidents involving Christians in Israel, including physical assaults, vandalism of church property, and harassment of clergy. While Israel’s Christian population—numbering approximately 184,200—continues to grow and enjoys full legal protection, these incidents have created friction that cannot be ignored.

The urgency of restoring trust was underscored last week by an incident in southern Lebanon. An IDF soldier was filmed smashing a statue of Jesus with a sledgehammer in the village of Debel. The footage spread quickly, prompting condemnation from Christian leaders and swift disciplinary action by the military. The soldier involved, along with another who documented the act, was removed from combat duty and sentenced to jail following an investigation.

Israeli leaders moved quickly to distance the state from the act. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the incident, stating that Israel remains the only country in the region where the Christian population is growing and where freedom of worship is protected for all faiths.

That assertion reflects a measurable reality, but the events of recent months have shown that policy alone is not enough. The creation of a Special Envoy to the Christian World signals that Israel understands the stakes. The relationship between the Jewish state and the Christian world is not peripheral. It is strategic, historic, and, as the prophet Isaiah made clear, bound up with Israel’s role among the nations.

The appointment of George Deek is a clear statement that Israel intends to address that relationship directly, with focus and accountability. Whether it succeeds will depend not on declarations, but on consistent action.

Deek brings to the role a rare combination of personal history and diplomatic experience rooted in Israel’s Christian community. A native of Jaffa’s Ajami neighborhood, he was raised in an Eastern Orthodox family in a mixed building of Jews, Muslims, and Christians. His father, Youssef Deek, led the Orthodox Christian community in Jaffa and nationally for many years, placing Deek at the center of communal leadership from a young age.

His family story reflects the upheaval of Israel’s founding. His grandparents fled to Lebanon during the 1947–1949 war after being warned of impending massacres, but returned to Jaffa after the war, rejecting life as refugees. His grandfather was briefly jailed for reentering illegally before being released with the help of Jewish colleagues. Other relatives who left did not return and remain scattered abroad. On his father’s side, Deek also traces Armenian roots; his great-grandmother survived the Armenian Genocide.

Professionally, Deek has spent 18 years in Israel’s Foreign Ministry, joining in 2008 after earning a law degree from IDC Herzliya and studying international law and diplomacy at Georgetown University on a Fulbright fellowship. He served in Nigeria and Norway, including as acting ambassador during the 2014 Gaza conflict, before being appointed in 2018 as Israel’s ambassador to Azerbaijan at age 34—the first Israeli Arab Christian to reach ambassadorial rank. He later received the Foreign Ministry Director General’s Award for Excellence.

As reported by All Israel News, April 24, 2026 (links, photo in original):

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar with George Deek (Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

Israel announced the appointment of its first Special Envoy to the Christian World on Thursday, after ties with Christian churches around the world had been strained by a series of incidents and scandals in recent months.

This includes Israel jailing two IDF soldiers who defaced a crucifix in southern Lebanon, as well as the spat surrounding the right of Catholic Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa to pray in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre on Palm Sunday.

The appointed envoy, George Deek, is “a veteran diplomat with 18 years of experience, who most recently served as Israel’s Ambassador to Azerbaijan and was the first Christian ambassador in Israel’s history,” according to the Foreign Ministry.

"Minister of Foreign Affairs @gidonsaar Appointed @GeorgeDeek as Special Envoy to the Christian World

Minister of Foreign Affairs Gideon Sa’ar has appointed George Deek as Special Envoy to the Christian World. The appointment is intended to deepen Israel’s ties with Christian… pic.twitter.com/GvCQPucywO"

— Israel Foreign Ministry (@IsraelMFA) April 23, 2026

Deek grew up as an Israeli Arab Christian in the city of Jaffa, where “his father, Youssef Deek, served for many years as Chairman of the Orthodox Christian community in Jaffa and in Israel.”

“The State of Israel attaches great importance to its relations with the Christian world and with its Christian friends around the world,” stressed Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar.

Deek is Eastern Orthodox but also has Armenian heritage through his father’s side, embodying two of the largest Christian Arab denominations in the state of Israel.

“I am confident that George, a respected and experienced diplomat, will greatly contribute to the friendship and strengthening of the ties between the State of Israel and the Christian world.”

"Walking through Jaffa with Israel’s first Christian ambassador, sharing a reality rarely discussed: a historic Christian community living openly, safely, and thriving in Israel. 🇮🇱 pic.twitter.com/c8NSkg0o6c"

— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) February 10, 2026

The appointment was greeted by broad praise for the move as well as for Deek himself, who said he was “honored” to fill the new role.

“I accept this responsibility with gratitude, humility, and a deep sense of duty. Today, I feel I am closing a circle. From the Sundays of my childhood sitting beside my father in church to this new diplomatic role, I carry with me the faith and values that shaped my life and my community,” he wrote on X.

“I take on this mission with a profound sense of responsibility: to serve, build bridges, and deepen the ties between Israel and Christian communities around the world.”

The Italian embassy in Israel congratulated Deek, adding he is “a friend of Italy and has always worked with absolute dedication to advance bilateral relations. He will be instrumental in fostering the relationship btw Israel & the Christian world.”

Reverend Johnnie Moore wrote on 𝕏, “I want to thank Israel for appointing Ambassador George Deek as its Special Envoy to the Christian World. George is a Christian from Jaffa whose family has lived in the city for generations. He is a dear friend & an incredible leader.”

Mariam Wahba, an Egyptian Christian and analyst at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD), said Deek is “the man for the job and has his work cut out for him.”

However, she added that “what is more important to Israel's relationship with the Christian world (whatever that means) is making sure someone is thinking about Christians at every level of government, and not just in an isolated 'special envoy' office and perhaps that is precisely what Ambassador George Deek intends to do.”

The creation of an office for a special envoy to the Christian world has been talked about for years by Israeli politicians. Two years ago, AIN Editor in Chief, Joel Rosenberg, urged that “it’s time for Netanyahu to keep his promise to appoint an ambassador to the Christian world.”

“Israel does not have a single senior-level emissary assigned to handle the global Christian portfolio,” Rosenberg noted at the time.

According to a report from Israel’s Central Bureau of Statistics last December, Christians make up some 1.9% of the country’s population, numbering around 184,200.

125 years ago--Pennsylvania Presbyterians criticize Sunday session of Congress

On Monday, March 4, 1901, William McKinley was inaugurated into his second term as President of the United States, with a new Vice President, Theodore Roosevelt, also taking office. To end his first term as President, Mr. McKinley signed a number of bills passed by Congress, including bills for Naval Appropriation and establishment of a National Bureau of Standards; the St. Louis Fair Bill; a bill amending the act authorizing the receipt of United States gold coin in exchange for gold bars; and a bill amending the act making further provision for the civil government of Alaska.

To get the bills passed for Mr. McKinley's signature, the United States Congress was in session on Sunday, March 3, to the displeasure of many, including Presbyterian Church leaders in Pennsylvania. Observance of the Lord's Day was taken more seriously in 1901 than it is today. As reported in the Washington Post, March 4, 1901 (bold, capitals in original):

PRESBYTERIANS THUNDER AT CONGRESS.

----------------

Making Laws on Sunday an "Evil Example to Law-Breakers."

Danville, Pa., March 4.--At a meeting of ministers and elders of Northumberland Presbytery, held here to-day, the following resolution was adopted by a unanimous vote:

"The Presbytery of Northumberland has learned with distress and alarm of the session of the National Congress for the transaction of ordinary business held on the Sabbath day, March 3. This needless disregard of the Lord's day is at once a violation of the civil law, an affront to the Christian conscience of the country, an evil example to lawbreakers in general, a wicked departure from the reverent custom of the fathers of the republic, and an offense to Almighty God, the gracious giver of the day of rest. It is against the general welfare, deserves general reprobation, and we earnestly hope may not prove a precedent for future meetings of our national legislature."

Norristown, Pa., March 4.--The East Pennsylvania Evangelical Conference, in session here to-day, adopted a resolution deprecating the action of the National House of Representatives in holding sessions on Sunday. The preamble states that the Christian feelings of the people have been shocked. The resolution was:

"Resolved, we, the East Pennsylvania Conference, desire hereby to express our emphatic disapproval of this open desecration of the Lord's day, thereby violating the laws of God and our country."

An interesting feature of to-day's session was in the patriotic service held at the noon hour in honor of the inauguration of President McKinley. Bishop Dubbs prayed earnestly for the President, the Vice President, their advisers, Congress, the army and navy, and all in authority, closing with an appeal to God to stop the "bloody war in the Philippines."

70 years ago--Mainline churches look to worldly music in an attempt to attract young people

The use of worldly methods and appeasement of engagement with popular culture in an effort to attract people--especially young people--to church was adopted by mainline churches long before it became fashionable in Evangelicalism. It may seem hard to believe today, but in the mid-1950s, religious broadcasting was dominated by mainline denominations; Thomas Reeves wrote about this is his book The Empty Church: The Suicide of Liberal Christianity (1996). The surveys cited in the following article provide an interesting glimpse into the popular musical tastes of young people in the United States just a few months before Elvis Presley became a national rock and roll celebrity (he was already becoming known in the field of what was then known as country and western music; a poll of disc jockeys published in the November 12 issue of The Billboard named him as the most promising C&W artist, with both sides of his single I Forgot to Remember to Forget/Mystery Train in the top 10 of all three C&W charts).

As reported by June Bundy in The Billboard, December 24, 1955 (bold in original, several errors corrected by blogger):

Churches May Woo Kids by Rockin' 'Em

Council Polls Teen-Ager Taste as Video Program Guide; Age Preferences Vary

NEW YORK, Dec. 17--Altho religious interests have long frowned on the teen-agers' preference for rock and roll music, the rhythm and blues medium may yet be utilized as a means of bringing youngsters into the church.

National Council of Churches of Christ introduced the idea of presenting jazz in a religious TV context on the "Theology of Jazz" portions of its CBS-TV series "Look Up and Live." A recent survey by the Council reveals the show is attracting older teen-agers with such jazz greats as Dave Brubeck, but kids in the 13-year-old age group don't dig modern jazz yet.

Instead, younger teen-agers polled for music preferences on the show almost unanimously vote for r.&b.-type record artists; thus confronting Frank Nichols, producer for the Council's broadcasting and film commission, with something of a dilemma.

Lyric Problem

The lyrics of many r.&b. tunes make it difficult--if not impossible--to work them into the context of a religious show. Nevertheless, Nichols is wrestling with the problem and hopes to work out some kind of solution.

The NCCC has been conducting extensive surveys on several different teen-age levels for some time now, in an effort to determine the most effective ways of reaching youngsters. At the same time, the teen-age market in general has become more and more a focal point of merchandising and marketing surveys made by the radio-TV industry, record companies and manufacturers of teen-age products.

Teen-Age Survey

Teen-age Surveys, Inc., this week, for instance, reported on its fourth continuing survey of teen-agers' views on deejays' radio-TV programs, music records and advertising effectiveness, with results again pointing up the differences in tastes between high school and college students.

Cognizant of the growing awareness of the teen-age market by manufacturers, Cleveland's independent radio station WERE is readying a merchandising service, whereby products aimed at the teen-age market will be tested by the station with special groups of teen-agers assembled for deejays' shows.

The survey efforts of the NCCC have been concentrated on three different channels, with a major advertising agency conducting regular tests on a mixed-age audience utilizing electronic program analysis equipment. Another survey is conducted at Columbia University to tap the college group. Still a third is made in the field and generally aimed at the pre-college group.

Qualifications

To qualify as a testee, the teen-agers polled must be "unchurched," since the primary aim of the show is to make converts.

Past surveys have shown that "Look Up and Live" has registered most effectively with the 17 to 23 age group. Consequently, Nichols now feels that somehow they must apply what they have learned about 13 to 17-year-old tastes (notably the rock and roll craze) to future programming.

Interestingly enough, Nichols notes, the 13-year-olds prefer Frank Sinatra (who is liked by all age groups incidentally) to Eddie Fisher, with the latter's name seldom showing up in their request-answers. Bill Haley, the Crew-Cuts, and the Four Freshmen are others showing up strong on their preference sheet, along with Al Hibbler, Count Basie and Joe Williams.

The 13-year-olds have little or no interest in modern jazz. Several students in this group thought Dave Brubeck was a classical musician, and a couple referred to him as blind, evidently confusing him with George Shearing. Also the 17 to 23-year-old group has little interest in r.&b. They responded much more to Brubeck (who has made two appearances on series including one wherein he commented on segregation and how jazz has broken thru the color lines), Eddie Sauter, Stan Kenton, Wilbur de Paris and other jazz greats.

However, surveys indicate that both the 13 to 17 and 17 to 23 age groups have little interest in straight commercial pop singers, and Nichols has programmed the series accordingly during the last year. At first he planned to include country and western artists from time to time, but, according to the surveys, there is virtually no demand among teen-agers generally for c.&w.

Electronic Count

Most scientific of the NCCC's surveys are those conducted by the electronic program analysis equipment, with each person in the audience reporting his responses thruout the show by pressing one of three levers ("not at all interested," "fairly interested," and "very interested").

When these individual reports are out together in chart form, they form a graph, indicating which segs of the show held the most audience interest. Nichols uses them to determine programming schedules on future shows.

The graphs are so detailed that they accurately chart the decline and rise of audience interest on each musical number, thereby enabling a performer to gauge exactly where the lyric or his larynx faltered.

In line with this, Nichols opines that record companies might well utilize such electronic survey equipment to determine which take on a record session is most effective.

Marian and Jimmy McPartland are scheduled to appear on Part 5 of "Theology of Jazz" on "Look Up and Live" January 1. Nichols is also talking of airing a live remote from a Mitch Miller record session early next year. Singer Merv Griffin is the permanent emcee on the "Look Up and Live" which spotlights various members of the clergy (Reverend Alvin "$64,000 Question" Kershaw, etc.) appearing on a rotating basis.

Other music figures who have appeared on the show during the past year include Jerry Jerome's orchestra, Ellis Larkin, Sonny Greer, Lawrence Brown, Jo Jones and Mahalia Jackson.

See also my posts: Today's Evangelicals, Tomorrow's Liberals--A Warning from 1983 (January 13, 2010)

Ambrose University College's "Jazz Day" provides evidence of increasing worldliness in evangelical schools (March 5, 2014)

50 years ago: United Church in Calgary experiments with modern music (June 15, 2018)

Synagogue in U.S. Virgin Islands rewrites Beatles songs for Purim (March 14, 2020)

This recent prophecy sounds plausible, but has already proven false

But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die.
And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the Lord hath not spoken?
When a prophet speaketh in the name of the Lord, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the Lord hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him. Deuteronomy 18:20-22

The description of this video from the YouTube channel Near Death Experiences, posted in late November 2025, reads:

Eva Crawford, a dedicated nurse with 12 years of experience, never believed in dramatic spiritual encounters — until she died for 5 minutes on November 26th, 2025, during a routine shift. In those moments, she experienced a near-death experience (NDE) where Jesus Christ revealed urgent warnings about the mark of the beast system and where believers must never be found when it’s fully implemented.

This life-changing NDE opened her eyes to the urgency of the times we are living in and the importance of staying faithful.

Watch till the end to hear how this experience transformed her and why it’s a message everyone needs to hear.

If you're wondering how people are going to be deceived into worshiping the Antichrist, listen to the part of the video starting at about the 3:05 mark, and notice how certain Ms. Crawford is that she was in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ:

I found myself standing in a place of such great beauty that human words feel totally unable to describe it...a presence so holy, so perfect that I immediately understood that I was standing before God Himself. That's when I saw Him approaching, and every part of my spirit knew who it was before my mind could even grasp it. Jesus Christ, the savior I'd believed in but never truly known, walked toward me with eyes that held the kindness of forever and the urgency of a father warning his children of immediate danger. His appearance wasn't like the paintings in church windows or the movies I'd seen. He looked like a man in his 30s, but there was something eternal about Him, as if He held all of history and all of forever inside Himself. When He looked at me, I felt completely known, completely understood, and completely loved despite every mistake and doubt I'd ever carried.

However, He apparently didn't resemble the most recent physical description of the apostle John's encounter with Him in Revelation 1:13-17:

And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.
His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;
And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.
And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.
And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:

Ms. Crawford may indeed have had a spiritual experience, and her description of how the system of the Beast will be implemented sounds plausible. However, she gave specific dates for the fulfillment of her alleged vision, and we already have evidence that it fails the biblical test of 100% accuracy in the passage from Deuteronomy cited above. Starting at about the 28:03 mark of the video, we hear and read:

I saw the exact order of events that would start the mark system, and it was much closer than anyone imagined. In January 2026, I watched as a coordinated set of computer attacks crippled the global money system. Banks failed overnight, stock markets crashed with no hope of recovery, and digital money became worthless. The confusion was so complete that governments around the world declared emergency rule and stopped normal laws.

But this wasn't a random attack by enemies or terrorist groups. As Jesus allowed me to see behind the scenes of earthly events, I realized this crisis had been carefully planned by the same powers that had spent decades preparing the mark system. The collapse was done on purpose, designed to create such desperation that people would beg for any solution no mater what it cost. "Watch how they offer salvation through technology," Jesus said. And I saw world leaders appearing on every working screen, announcing the emergency start of a new body-based identification system. This wasn't presented as the mark of the beast, but as humanity's rescue from money collapse and social chaos. The lies were expertly done. Children would be protected from being taken through GPS tracking. Elderly patients would never be without their medical records in emergencies. Workers would have instant access to their job benefits and social help. Everyone would be equal in this new system, no matter their race, class or background. But I could see the spiritual truth behind this attractive idea. The moment anyone accepted this mark, once that choice was made. The plan began with the weak populations that Jesus had shown me. Patients in hospitals were told they needed the mark for their safety and the safety of others. Children in schools were marked as part of required health programs. Elderly residents in care facilities received it automatically with their routine medical procedures. Within weeks, the system spread to include all of society. No one could buy food, access transport, receive medical care, or even enter public buildings without the mark. Those who refused were systematically kept out of every part of normal life, labeled as terrorists and threats to public health and safety.

I watched as the four dangerous places Jesus had warned me about became exactly the death traps he had predicted. The cities turned into spy prisons where unmarked individuals were hunted by complex AI systems that could spot faces, track movements, and guess behavior patterns. The medical facilities became enforcement centers where health care workers--many believing they were helping people--gave the mark as standard practice. The churches proved to be the most heartbreaking betrayal of all. I saw pastor after pastor standing before their groups, Bible in hand, explaining why receiving the mark was not only okay, but actually the loving thing to do. They quoted Bible verses about obeying those in charge and caring for the needs of neighbors. They argued that the mark was simply technology, no different from a driver's license or social security number. But what upset me most was seeing how many sincere believers were carried away by these arguments. These weren't people who fought against God or mocked faith. They were true Christians who had trusted their spiritual leaders more than they had built their own relationship with Christ. When their pastors assured them the mark was acceptable, they followed that advice straight into eternal destruction.

It is now February 2026. The events prophesied for January 2026 didn't come to pass, but the statement that true Christians will take the mark of the beast doesn't agree with scripture. Those who take the mark will indeed go into eternal torment (Revelation 14:11), but they won't be true Christians. The tribulation chapters (6-19) of Revelation indicate that the Church will be in Heaven (which implies a pre-Tribulation rapture). Also, the real Lord Jesus Christ said that those who are His sheep will never be lost (John 5:24, 10:28-30, 17:12, 18:9). Since the prophecies allegedly revealed to Eva Crawford didn't take place by the date predicted, and they contradict statements that the real Jesus made about Himself, it's plain that the "Jesus" who allegedly revealed them to her was a false Jesus and a false prophet.

The most deceptive error is that which is mixed with truth. The scenario presented by Eva Crawford is plausible, but you don't have to receive direct revelation from God in order to see the direction in which things are going. Covid 19 in the early 2020s was likely a dry run, and this blogger can't forget the cowardice and servility toward dictatorship on the part of church leaders.

120 years ago--New York clergyman blasts women's vices

This item from the tail end of the Gilded Age, indicating that morality in New York City was already in decline, was published in the Vancouver Daily Province, January 27, 1906 (bold, capitals in original); unfortunately, the microfilm image of the page on which it appeared contained a fold in the page that went undetected when photographed, obscuring part of the article. I'll fix that if I ever come across the entire article.

SOCIETY LEADERS STEEPED IN VICE

---------------

VICE IN NEW YORK

---------------

Women of Four Hundred Are Addicted to Drinking, Gambling, and Cigarette Smoking--Causes of Decrease of Marriage in the Wealthy Classes.

NEW YORK, Jan. 26--Supplementing the sermon which he delivered on Sunday night in the Church of the Epiphany, and which caused widespread discussion, the Rev. Dr. Madison Peters said to a newspaperman today:

"The remarks I have made upon the women of the fashionably rich are not the idle mouthings of a sensationalist nor the vicious attacks of one whose motive is to stir up ugly feeling. Every word I have spoken is the plain statement of facts that any fashionable physician, any clergyman who has moved about in society, and every society man or woman knows and dares not refute.

"I have been into the cafes of the Astor, the Waldorf, Sherry's and other fashionable hotels, and nine women out of ten will order drinks of the same kind that their escorts order, and quite as many of them. I have watched these women, and I have wondered if they realized what those same men thought of them deep down in their hearts.

They think--mark you, I am voicing the sentiments of the man about town when I say it--they think these same young women are all right for a time, but they would not marry such women.

"And this brings naturally to mind the thought why there are in this city to-day thousands of men in their thirtes and forties, men of means or of excellent salaries and incomes, who are not marrried? And why are there so many instances of men marrying, as society puts it beneath them?

Vices of women.

The answer is because so many of the daughters of their own fashionable set are given to drink, cigarette-smoking, gambling (for that is what bridge whist has resolved itself into), and to kindred vices. It is because men of the world and of society realize that such women are not fit to become the mothers of children--not fit to preside at their tables and over their household. All men require purity and integrity in the women they care for, and such qualities are not to be found among women whose lives are spent in frivolous pleasures.

Not many of these men, finding the women of their own circle given over to these vicous habits, go 'beneath it,' and find honest young women, whose names are not in the social register, as their helpmeets.

The cause of these conditions is largely due to the fact that women in society have nothing to do. They are deprived of the attention and society of their husbands; they are without children and housekeeping cares, and they become mere pleasure-seekers, and before they know it they are brought to that state of mind where all of their faculties are engaged in discovering modes of selfish enjoyment.

"If there were more children in the homes of the rich there would be less dissipation. Think of it, on Fifth Avenue from Washington Square to Nine ...during the past year. These ... eloquent

....Only the other day, I was going up in the elevator in one of the most fashionable hotels of the c[ity] when I heard a young woman say to another, and it was then 9 o'clock, 'I haven't done a thing all day but play bridge.'

Idle away time.

"That is only an example of what women do with their time. I am told that the gambling whist habit has become so prevalent that women--dozens and dozens of them--go from house to house, from fashionable hotel to hotel day after day and night after night, reviving themselves by drinks of various sorts. Of course there are those who would criticize a man of the cloth for offending his fashionable pew renters perhaps by telling the truth about these alarming conditions.

"The conditions are all the more grave when one considers that the entire country is influenced by the doings of members of the ultra-fashionable circle of New York. Their every movement is heralded in the society columns, and their amusements are seen as a pattern by other silly women all over the land.

"When Mrs. Astor slums she has a thousand followers; if Mrs. Fish plays bridge the smaller fry will follow suit, and if all of fashionable society drink and smoke, the entire country will feel its vicious influence. That is where the most harm is done."

Ted Cruz denies biblical truth in denying Jewish responsibility for the crucifixion of Jesus

As reported by World Israel News, January 15, 2026:

Republican Senator Ted Cruz lambasted claims by fellow Christians that Jews were responsible for the death of Jesus, calling the accusation historically inaccurate, theologically false, and fundamentally bigoted.

On Wednesday, the senator hosted conservative pundit Ben Ferguson and former Auburn Tigers basketball coach Bruce Pearl on his podcast, “Verdict with Ted Cruz.”

During the discussion, Pearl, who is Jewish, challenged antisemitism based on the claim that Jews killed Jesus, while appearing to affirm that Jews were indeed responsible.

“You could either look at the Jews and say, ‘Well, you all killed Christ…killed our God.’ Okay, well, was it not God’s plan to send his son to die so that you would be brought into covenant with him? Wasn’t that his plan?” Pearl said.

“Does it really matter who killed him?” he continued. “Jesus was Jewish.”

Cruz responded that the claim that Jews killed Jesus is factually incorrect, adding that it also contradicts Christian dogma regarding the death of Jesus.

“The week before Christmas, and Ben will remember this, I sent out a tweet and I said, ‘Two thoughts that drive the anti-Semites crazy in this Christmas season. Number one, our savior Jesus was Jewish in the line of David, and number two, Jews didn’t kill Jesus – I did. You did. He died for our sins’,” Cruz said.

The senator then castigated those blaming Jews for Jesus’ death as “antisemites,” adding that no argument is made to hold Italians responsible, despite the execution being carried out by Romans.

“That’s what the New Testament says, is that he willingly took the cross to die for our sins, and so the sort of antisemites who says Jews killed Jesus, well actually, it was Romans who drove the nails in. Is anyone mad at the Italians? Like that’s just stupid. It’s bad theology, it’s bigotry, and I will admit I was kind of happy with that tweet because it really did drive the anti-Semites crazy.”

Senator Cruz needs to take a closer look at the New Testament. I've already dealt with this subject, so rather than repeat myself, I refer the reader to my posts 50 years ago: Pope Paul VI promulgates Second Vatican Council's Declaration on the Relation of the Church to Non-Christian Religions (Nostra Aetate) (October 28, 2015) and To deny the Jewish role in the crucifixion of Jesus is to deny the word of God (April 18, 2022).

Samoa plans to open an embassy in Jerusalem in 2026

As reported by Etgar Lefkovits of Jewish News Syndicate, January 7, 2026 (links in original):

The Pacific Island nation of Samoa will open an embassy in Jerusalem this year, the country’s prime minister told Christian leaders this week.

The news comes on the heels of similar moves by fellow Oceania nations, including Fiji, which inaugurated an embassy in Jerusalem in September, and Papua New Guinea, which opened its embassy two years ago, and serves to highlight the strength of faith-based diplomacy.

“I [have] instruct[ed] our foreign affairs to start preparation to open an office of Samoa in Jerusalem this year,” Samoa Prime Minister La’auli Leuatea Schmidt said in an address to the Christian leaders, with the flags of both countries in the background.

He noted that Samoa was following in the footsteps of neighboring Fiji.

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/17S1ayY99Y/?mibextid=adiEgM

Israel and Samoa, which have maintained bilateral ties since 1972, have strong, growing relations marked by cooperation in health, technology, agriculture, and energy.

The Israeli embassy in Wellington, New Zealand, handles diplomatic relations with the predominantly Christian nation of 220,000 people.

“It is exciting to see another nation give Jerusalem the respect it deserves by deciding to open its embassy in the Israeli capital,” Juergen Buehler, president of the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem, told JNS on Wednesday.

“Like Fiji, the island nation of Samoa has a large Christian population that wants its leaders to stand with Israel on biblical principles. We are optimistic that more countries will follow suit in the coming year.”

Seven countries currently maintain embassies in Israel’s capital: the United States, Guatemala, Honduras, Kosovo, Paraguay, Papua New Guinea, and Fiji.

All other nations that maintain ties with Israel have their embassies in Tel Aviv or its suburbs, due to the political sensitivities of Jerusalem.

President Donald Trump’s decision to move the American embassy to Jerusalem during his first term set the stage for other countries to follow suit.

The ceasefire following the two-year war against Hamas in Gaza, triggered by the Oct. 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel, has renewed a diplomatic push for additional embassy moves to Jerusalem.

Argentina intends to move its embassy to Jerusalem this spring, while both Hungary and the Czech Republic are also mulling such a move.

See also my post Israel had some diplomatic achievements in 2025 (December 31, 2025).

Archaeological discoveries announced in 2025

I've been negligent in recent years when it comes to mentioning archaeological discoveries. It will take too long to reproduce the articles, so this post just includes headlines and links (sometimes more than one article per item). For those interested in biblical archaeology, I recommend the blogs theoarch and Ferrell's Travel Blog.

Byzantine monastery with mosaic inscription from Deuteronomy discovered near Kiryat Gat (January 6, 2025)

Israeli archaeologists solve mystery of missing cave art in the Levant (January 8, 2025)

Ritual Complex Dating to First Temple Period Discovered in Jerusalem’s City of David also Ancient Jewish private ritual bath is unearthed in Jerusalem's City of David (January 27, 2025)

Researchers Uncover Ancient Worship Site Near First Temple in Jerusalem (January 16, 2025)

Roman Boundary Stone Found in Israel Links Talmudic Accounts to Diocletian’s Lost Villages (January 28, 2025)

Ancient Aramaic inscription finally deciphered reveals Jewish name in the heartland of Judea (January 31, 2025)

Archaeological Proof of King David: The Ancient Stone That Confirms His Dynasty (February 3, 2025)

Israeli archaeologists continue search for Pool of Siloam in ancient City of David (February 12, 2025)

American tourist discovers rare ancient Jewish coin from Hasmonean period in Shiloh, Samaria (February 27, 2025)

Archeologists find evidence of Josiah, the last king of Judah (March 12, 2025)

Scientists: “Evidence suggests that the Genesis flood story might have a basis in reality” (March 13, 2025)

Exciting new discovery in Judean Desert from time of Maccabees mystifies archaeologists (March 25, 2025) also Mysterious Pyramid Discovered in Judean Desert Unveils Hellenistic Era Secrets (March 25, 2025)

Excavations under Church of the Holy Sepulchre reveal evidence of ancient garden, supporting Gospel of John (March 25, 2025)

Ancient and Unique Clay Jug Featuring Camel Decorations Unearthed in Yatir Forest Excavations (March 30, 2025)

Archaeologists Confirm Biblical Armageddon Site at Megiddo in Northern Israel (March 31, 2025)

Little girl discovers 3,800-year-old Canaanite seal on family trip near Beit Shemesh, Israel (April 1, 2025) also Israeli preschooler stumbles on 3,800-year-old artifact near Beit Shemesh; Israeli Toddler Uncovers 3,800-Year-Old Scarab at Biblical Site (April 2, 2025); 3-Yr-Old Girl Finds Canaanite Scarab Where David Faced Goliath (April 2, 2025)

Dyeing for royalty: Ancient tools reveal economic power behind biblical Israel (April 17, 2025) also Archaeologists Discover Ancient Facility that May Have Produced Scarlet and Blue Dyes Used in Temples (April 27, 2025); Israeli scholars find ancient manufacturing site of purple dye near Haifa (May 3, 2025)

Historic Stone Capital with Menorah Set for Exhibit Ahead of Independence Day (April 29, 2025) also 1,500-Year-Old Stone Column Element with Menorah Design Unveiled for First Time (April 29, 2025); Rare menorah-carved capital found near Jerusalem is unveiled for Israel's Independence Day (April 30, 2025)

New Israeli Study Shows Ancient Names Reflect Cosmopolitan Biblical Israel (May 13, 2025)

Rare 1,500-Year-Old African Figurines Discovered in the Negev Desert (May 14, 2025) also Archaeological discovery hints at African Christian community in ancient Israel (May 14, 2025)

Tiny treasure discovered in Jerusalem's City of David: Second gold ring found in less than a year (May 21, 2025)

The buried truth: Unearthing Jewish history on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem (May 22, 2025)

From Battleground to Holy Ground: How Archaeology Proves Israel’s Ancient Heritage (May 29, 2025)

Treasured 14th-century Shem Tov Bible finds its way home to Jerusalem (May 30, 2025) also World’s Oldest Known Complete Tanach Returns to Israel (June 3, 2025)

1,700-Year-Old Roman Sarcophagus Depicting Pagan Drinking Contest Discovered in Caesarea also Roman Sarcophagus Discovered in Caesarea Provides Clue to Size of the Ancient City (June 9, 2025)

New evidence for why King Josiah went to meet Pharaoh Necho in Megiddo (June 9, 2025)

New technology gives earlier dates for Dead Sea Scrolls, challenging doubts about book of Daniel (June 27, 2025)

Can the Bible be trusted? A fresh look at the word 'Ebenezer' through the lens of modern research (June 28, 2025) also The dawn of settlement: Uncovering the secrets of ancient Israelite Izbet Sartah and Earliest Hebrew alphabet found at Izbet Sartah reveals surprising Israelite literacy in the Iron Age (July 7, 2025)



1,900-year-old lion-headed bronze discs discovered in Israel likely used in pagan burial rituals (June 29, 2025) also Roman-Era Burial Discs Discovered in Israel Shed Light on Ancient Funeral Customs (June 30, 2025)

Discoveries at Shiloh that back up the Bible: A conversation with archaeologist, Scott Stripling (July 1, 2025) also Excavating Biblical History: New Discoveries at Shiloh and the Search for the Ark’s Gateway (July 25, 2025); Shiloh’s Tabernacle mystery: What the Bible and archaeology reveal (July 26, 2025)

Unearthing the Truth of Salome’s Tomb: New Research Reframes Centuries-Old Christian Tradition (July 7, 2025)

Rare 15th-century Biblical manuscripts shed light on Ethiopian Jewish heritage (July 9, 2025) also 15th Century Manuscripts Reveal Insights into Ethiopian Jewish Traditions (July 15, 2025)

Lost Christian site discovered in Jordan using ancient map of the Holy Land (July 19, 2025)

‘I saw a yellow color’: Volunteer uncovers 2,000-year-old Galilee treasure (July 24, 2025)

Golden Treasures from Jesus’ Time: Discoveries at Sussita Illuminate Biblical History (July 27, 2025)

First ever: 5,500-Year-Old Blade Workshop Found Near Goliath Battleground (July 28, 2025) also Discovery of early Bronze Age workshop sheds light on Canaanite industry (July 28, 2025); Sophisticated 5,500-year-old flint blade workshop unearthed near Kiryat Gat, Israel (July 31, 2025)

Israeli researcher claims finding 'this is from Moses' written in ancient Egyptian mine (July 30, 2025)

Rare First Temple-era seal impression found in Jerusalem (July 30, 2025) also Ancient clay seal with biblical name found near Temple Mount in Jerusalem (August 1, 2025); First Temple Clay Seal Validates Biblical History: May Reference King Josiah’s Servant (August 15, 2025)

Rare first century coin declaring 'For the Redemption of Zion' discovered in Jerusalem (July 31, 2025) also “For the Redemption of Zion” – a rare coin from Year Four of the Great Revolt discovered in Jerusalem (July 31, 2025); Coin minted during the Jewish Revolt uncovered near the Temple Mount (July 31, 2025)



Unearthing Shiloh: Inside the ongoing search for the biblical Tabernacle (August 2, 2025) also Ancient Structure at Shiloh May Have Housed the Ark of the Covenant, Archaeologists Say (August 12, 2025)

Ancient Jewish Sages Were Key Players in Mediterranean Wine Industry, New Study Shows (August 6, 2025)

'Extremely rare' ancient Aramaic inscription discovered in Dead Sea cave (August 10, 2025)

Archaeologists Find Earliest Evidence of Bronze-Making in Land of Israel (August 10, 2025) also New study reveals evidence of 3,000-year-old bronze production site in Samaria (August 15, 2025)

Israeli Archaeologists Uncover World’s Oldest Known Nursing Home (August 18, 2025) also Christian Nursing Home Found in Northern Israel: Uncovering the Earliest Byzantine Elder-Care Institution (August 19, 2025)

New Analysis Suggests 3,800-Year-Old Egyptian Inscription Mentions Moses (August 19, 2025)

Rare Hellenistic Weight Inscribed with Name of Official Seized in Jerusalem (August 20, 2025) also Ancient lead weight of fair-trade official found by Israel's antiquities theft unit (August 20, 2025)

Rare Gold Coin of Egyptian Queen Berenice II Unearthed in the City of David (August 20, 2025) also Ancient gold coin discovered in Jerusalem, shedding light on Second Temple period (August 20, 2025); Small but significant: Ancient Egyptian coin reshapes view of Jerusalem between Temple periods (August 21, 2025)



STUDY: Silver Was Currency in the Land of Israel Long Before Coins Appeared (August 24, 2025)

Ancient Dam Uncovered in the City of David Linked to Kings of Judah (August 26, 2025) also New dating of dam discovered in City of David opens floodgate of questions about Jerusalem’s history (August 26, 2025); Archaeologists Unearth Israel’s Largest Ancient Dam in City of David (August 27, 2025)

Ancient Baptisery, Cathedral Found While Renovating French Shopping Hall (August 28, 2025)

Israeli archaeologists discover 2,000-year-old Hebrew inscription in City of David (August 28, 2025) also Discovered in City of David: A 2,000-Year-Old Receipt Reveals Daily Commerce in Second Temple Jerusalem (August 29, 2025)



Inside Israel’s vast archaeological world (August 30, 2025)



4,000-Year-Old Lamp Wicks Unearthed in Yehud Among Oldest in the World (August 31, 2025) also 4,000-year-old lamp wicks shed light on ancient burial rituals; Israeli archaeologists unearth well-preserved 4,000-year-old lamp wicks (September 2, 2025)



Bethsaida discovery? Israeli archaeologists believe they found Peter’s hometown by Sea of Galilee (August 31, 2025)

Ancient Samaritan Estate With Colorful Mosaics Unearthed in Kafr Qasim (September 2, 2025) also 1,600-year-old Samaritan estate unearthed in central Israel (September 2, 2025); A Glimpse into a Lavish Samaritan Agricultural Estate at Kafr Qasim (September 2, 2025); Archaeologists uncover 'magnificent' Samaritan agricultural estate in central Israel (September 3, 2025)



Israel unveils digital archaeological database with millions of ancient records (September 9, 2025) also Israel Unveils One of the World’s Largest Digital Archaeological Databases (September 12, 2025); Israeli researchers develop computer tool to study Dead Sea Scrolls (September 17, 2025); Vast collection of antiquities now online as Israel launches new archaeological database (September 21, 2025)



New discovery in the City of David changes what we knew about the Pool of Siloam (September 17, 2025)

Rare coin hoard unearthed in Galilee reveals hidden chapter of Jewish revolt against Rome (September 18, 2025) also Ancient coin stash used by Jewish rebels in fight against Rome discovered (September 18, 2025); Hidden Galilee Complex Yields Coins from Last Jewish Revolt Under Rome (September 18, 2025); Ancient Coin Hoard Reveals Last Chapter of Jewish Resistance in Roman Judea and Samaria (September 19, 2025)

Hoard of Gold Coins and Jewelry Discovered During Excavations at Hippos (September 25, 2025) also Trove of ancient gold coins discovered on Golan Heights (September 25, 2025); Archaeologists discover 'one of the largest hoards' of Byzantine era coins found in Israel during Galilee dig (September 25, 2025)

Evidence for the biblical Temple of Solomon: Ancient beams and modern discoveries (September 19, 2025) also A small but unique discovery: Phoenician presence and Solomon’s Temple (September 27, 2025) and Was King Solomon real? Archaeological clues to Israel’s golden age (October 18, 2025)



Cosmic Rays Reveal Hidden Chambers Beneath Ancient Jerusalem (October 1, 2025)

Archaeologists uncover 1,500-year-old synagogue in Golan Heights (October 5, 2025) also Ancient synagogue discovered in the Golan, testifying to Jewish ties to the area (October 5, 2025); Ancient 1,500-Year-Old Synagogue Unearthed in the Golan Reveals Flourishing Jewish Life in Antiquity (October 6, 2025); 1,500-Year-Old Synagogue Unearthed in Golan Heights Reveals Ancient Jewish Presence (October 9, 2025); https://www.facebook.com/reel/786188881066853

For the first time in Jerusalem: an Assyrian inscription from the First Temple period was discovered (October 22, 2025) also First Temple era artifact unearthed in Jerusalem (October 22, 2025); Rare First Temple-era Assyrian inscription found in Jerusalem confirms connection with ancient Judah; Ancient Assyrian Tax Inscription Found Near Temple Mount (October 23, 2025)





Archaeologist says Jordan sites match biblical account of Sodom’s fall (October 26, 2025) also New Archaeological Evidence Points to Sodom and Gomorrah’s Location Near the Dead Sea (October 31, 2025)

Foxes in Bethsaida: Hints of Lamentations Prophecy and Harbinger of Hope for Jews and Christians in the Holy Land (November 3, 2025)

Ancient Winepress and Canaanite Ritual Artifacts Unearthed Near Tel Megiddo Reveal Early Settlement Expansion in Jezreel Valley (November 5, 2025) also ‘Smoking gun’ of ancient wine production unearthed in northern Israel (November 5, 2025); 5,000-Year-Old Winepress and Canaanite Relics Discovered in Northern Israel



New Atlas Reveals Roman Roads 50% More Extensive Than Previously Known (November 12, 2025)

Ancient Silver Goblet from Judean Hills Bears Earliest Known Image of Creation (November 16, 2025)

When Migratory Birds Filled the Carmel Plain: New Study Revives a Biblical Landscape (November 21, 2025)

New Radiocarbon Study Reopens the Door to an Exodus Timeline Rooted in the Days of Pharaoh Ahmose (November 30, 2025)

AI Unlocks 1,000 Years of Jewish History Hidden in Cairo’s Sacred Archives (November 30, 2025)

Israeli archaeologists uncover remains of dramatic mountaintop royal palace (December 4, 2025) also Ancient Fortress Excavation Reveals Hidden Jewish Royal Palace (December 5, 2025)

Ancient Hasmonean Wall Uncovered in Jerusalem: Evidence of Maccabean Power and Mysterious Destruction (December 8, 2025) also Archaeologists uncover huge Hasmonean-era wall in Jerusalem as Hanukkah approaches (December 9, 2025); City of David Excavation Reveals Massive Hasmonean Period Wall (December 9, 2025)



First material evidence of Judah Maccabee’s battlefield discovered near Jerusalem (December 10, 2025) also Hanukkah Discovery Evidence of Judah Maccabee’s 163 BCE Battle Uncovered Near Jerusalem (December 11, 2025); Hanukkah miracle: Israel discovers evidence of Judah Maccabee’s battlefield near Jerusalem (December 11, 2025)

Rare 1,400-year-old menorah pendant found near Western Wall sheds light on Byzantine Jewish life (December 15, 2025) also Ancient menorah pendant discovered under Temple Mount puzzles archaeologists (December 15, 2025); Underground Judaism: Menorah pendant discovery from Byzantine era suggests Jews still worshipped in Jerusalem despite being banned (December 15, 2025); A rare, 1,300-year-old lead pendant decorated with a menorah symbol uncovered by Temple Mount (December 18, 2025)

Rare Hasmonean-era oil lamp discovery near Jerusalem revealed on first night of Hanukkah (December 16, 2025)

2,700 year-old Hebrew clay inscription found in Jerusalem reveals first mention of Bethlehem outside the Bible (December 25, 2025)

Rare gold coins, ring discovered in Judean Wilderness point to Byzantine Christian past (December 26, 2025)

Mikveh from final days of the Second Temple discovered beneath Western Wall Plaza (December 29, 2025) also Second Temple-era mikveh discovered near the Western Wall (December 29, 2025); Road Construction Leads to the Discovery of Rare Cave System in Samaria (December 31, 2025); 2,000-year-old Jewish ritual bath discovered near Second Temple site (January 1, 2026)