After the nationalization of Is rael, in 1949 the world watched in complete wonderment at the strategic air lifts which went on from nearby Aden, adjoining the Yemen state. This was because the Arab govern ment wouldn’t allow Israeli planes into Yemen. What is absolutely amaz ing is that a hardened Arab ruler would allow Jewish people, their valued slaves, to leave. Yet what was true of Pharaoh of old in Egypt was true of modern Arab rulers who obeyed the voice of God even though they likely did not realize that it was God who compelled them. What a strange and spontaneous moving of the Spirit of God to bring them back to their land out of bondage! The prayer they uttered throughout the long centuries was then answered. It is the petition which states, “This year we are servants here, but next year we hope to be free men in the land of Israel.” Their forefathers had said that through the centuries. Now the . creation of the modem state of Israel actually had its begin nings long before 1948. Back in 1897 in Basel, Switzerland, the first Zion ist Congress was convened. Follow ing the productive sessions, Dr. Theo dor Herzl wrote these interesting and even prophetic words in his diary: “I have seen this day the founding of the state of Israel. If I were to say it openly, I would be laughed at and scorned. In fifty years everyone will see it.” He certainly spoke better than he knew. In ex actly five decades, following that con ference, Israel, as a free nation, came into existence. Back in 1861 in London, England, there was inaugurated “The Society for the Colonization of Palestine.” Serving as chairman was Baron Ed mund de Rothschild. Agricultural farms in Palestine continued to flour ish as selected Jewish people went there to purchase lands from the Arabs. It was formerly barren desert, but by their inventive skills, the
them from the homeland, asking that they come back home to help. But there was no desire to comply for they had captured this then fertile area, and enjoyed the settlement to its full. Through the 5th century, Judaism was accepted as the national religion of the area. Ethiopia ruled next, aften which the Persians came. In the 8th century, the Moslems took over the country, and the Jews were reduced to nothing more than second- class citizens. These past eleven mil lenniums have meant tremendous bondage, privation and persecution for God’s chosen people. Slavery in the United States was small and relatively short-lived compared to the centuries upon centuries, over 1100 years, for the Jews in Yemen. In later history, Yemen received its independence from the Turks af ter World War I. The restrictions placed on the Jewish people only worsened. Many of them were slaugh tered and the majority were slaves
Dr. Daniel Rose (right), in cap and gown, attends commencement exercises for Biola Schools and Col leges. With him is his lifelong friend Mr. Eugene Poole, now retired and former director of the Biola Stewardship Department. Mr. Rose is 99 years of age and has faithfully served the Lord as director of the Jewish Department as well as member of the Biola Board of Directors.
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