Jews represent the oldest monotheistic religion of modern times. Because of the uniqueness of their history and culture, all Jews have a strong sense of identity. Persecution of and discrimination against the Jews have been the historical reasons for their migrations and settlements around the world.
The Jews of Europe arrived on the continent at least 2,000 years ago during the early days of the Roman Empire. Since then, they have been a significant influence in the history and culture of Europe. Much of what is considered "Jewish" today finds its roots among the European Jews.
Western Europe now has the largest concentration of European Jewish residents. The Netherlands received a large influx of Sephardic Jews from Portugal in the late 1500s, and another contingent of Ashkenazic Jews after World War II. They have been very influential in the development of Dutch commerce.
Because of the Holocaust, many European Jews, including those from the Netherlands, emigrated to Israel. That Jewish homeland is also home to many Jews from the Netherlands.
Most Dutch Jews live in the Netherlands, but many have gone to Israel, the Jewish homeland. There are also Dutch Jewish communities in Suriname.
Dutch Jews in Israel have been a blessing to their nation. They have been involved with many occupations. They have been involved with commerce, sports, the theater arts, music, politics, and civil service.
Because of the uniqueness of their history and culture, all Jews have a strong sense of identity.
For religious Jews, God is the Supreme Being, the Creator of the universe, and the ultimate judge of human affairs. Beyond this, the religious beliefs of the Jewish communities vary greatly. Each Jewish denomination maintains synagogues and celebrates the traditional Jewish holiday calendar. While most European Jews are religiously affiliated, there is a significant minority which is not religious.
The Jews have a wonderful understanding of their connection with the Abrahamic covenant. However, they also have a history of rejecting Jesus Christ as Messiah, the one who has fulfilled that covenant. Pray that as the Gospel is shared, it will not be viewed as anti-Semitic, but rather as the fulfillment of what God promised through Abraham centuries ago.
Pray for his kingdom to come and his will to be done among the Dutch Jewish people in Israel.
Pray for a movement of Dutch Jewish households to study the Bible and accept the blessings of Christ.
Pray for a spiritual hunger that will drive the Dutch Jewish people in Israel to the arms of Jesus.
Pray for workers who are filled with the fruit and the power of the Holy Spirit to go to these people.
Scripture Prayers for the Jewish, Dutch in Israel.
https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/11661/IS
https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/11661/NL
https://www.jhf.nl/about/our-history
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Dutch_Israelis
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_Jews_in_the_Netherlands
https://brill.com/view/title/7159
| Profile Source: Keith Carey |
