Feels so good to be home

Israel Branch of Jehovah’s Witnesses Highlights

The Israel Branch committee is made up of 5 members.  There are 49 FT Bethel family members and 35 commuters (like our tour guide).  All of their literature is printed at the Central Europe branch in Germany. One of the biggest challenges of translation:  NWT of Hebrew Scriptures has not been completed yet. Since many only accept Hebrew Scriptures, requests are made by translators to change from GS to HS to appeal to the Jewish people. 

There has been a Bethel home in Israel since 1984; formerly under the Branch in Italy. Israel became a branch in 2016 and covers both the Israel and Palestine territories. The current high-rise building has 3 floors and was renovated in 2014 - added the glass window in front.  Have not had any problems with vandals. 

I met Anna who works at reception desk.  She has served at Bethel for 5 yrs.  Was a special pioneer previously so she appreciates the privilege to speak to interested ones who call the branch.  Unfortunately, someone else snagged her before I could get a pic. 

None of the Bethel family members live onsite. They live in rented apartments nearby.  One person does some of the Bethelites laundry onsite as they are allowed 6 items per week.  There is also one chef who provides lunch for everyone with enough food for them to glean for their evening meal.

View outside of Israel Bethel Home

Territory Highlights:

Palestinian: 2 congregations, 51 publishers, 10 pioneers, 34 bible studies

Israel: 32 congregations including 3 English, 332 pioneers (new all-time peak), 1,417 publishers, 1,252 bible studies and almost 13,000 return visits!!!

Must be a citizen to do public cart witnessing in Israel. There is a cart location in Jerusalem.  Informal witnessing (the sister described it as approach work) is very successful.

In Israel, military is mandatory for men andwomen.  To be exempted, they must get letter from elders stating that they are baptized and active JW.  Every year starting at age 18!  Choice of truth, military or jail.  Just another reminder of why it’s so important to teach our children the truth from a young age. 

They had a wonderful timeline of key theocratic milestones which started with Jesus’ ministry in 29 C.E!  I thought that was pretty cool. And I noted that 2012 was an important year: 

• Special convention Tel Aviv where brothers from Palestinian and Israel territories were united with delegates from US, Italy and  Greece.
• It was at this convention that the NWT Greek Scriptures was released.  
• And this was followed by the first special preaching campaign in the Fall.  Makes me excited for our friends who will get to participate in the next one this Fall.  😊

After several days walking through places of religious interest for Jews, Muslims and Christendom, as soon as I saw the Watchtower sign high above the trees, I knew I was home.