Purim Parcel Bomb Déjà Vu!
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Ami's injuries healing |
The Purim holiday in early March this year, was not without concern once again for the Ortiz family. Some of you may have
heard the story of Ami, a 15 year old boy back in 2008 who unfortunately
opened a Purim gift basket left at the door of his family’s apartment, only to
find himself being hit by a blast from the bomb inside, filled with metal
shrapnel. The Ortiz family are Jewish
believers in Yeshua/Jesus.
Investigations revealed the attack was because of their faith, Ami’s
father, David, being the pastor of a Messianic congregation and active in
winning Arab and Jewish people to faith in the area where they live. Ami suffered injuries to his face, eyes,
arms, legs, chest and internal organs.
This terror attack
drew interest from Christian communities around the world as Ami’s struggle for
survival went global, and his story of rehabilitation was shared over many long
months, long surgeries, and many ups and downs.
Various miracles amazed the doctors as Ami made progress, not the least
of which that he had survived at all!
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Ami doing much better today! |
Four years on, and the
effects of the attack and all that followed has not greatly diminished. The physical and emotional scars are still visible
- such is the experience of people who have experienced terror and violence at
the hands of others. Once again, during the
Purim celebration this March, another gift was left of the doorstep of the
Ortiz apartment. This time the family
had taken precautions, and video footage revealed someone in a Purim mask
placing the brown box at the door, ringing the bell, and running back down the
stairs. Immediately things swung into
action – police were called, the bomb squad came, as did two fire trucks, and
other believers in the area were phoned and warned to be cautious. The street was shut off, neighbours were
evacuated and a fire truck lift was used to carry those in the apartment down
to safety. Once everyone was well clear, the bomb squad
moved in, and using a mechanical robot, detonated the package.
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Bomb Squad at the Ortiz apartment |
“The bomb squad also lifted themselves up through the window
with the robot and when they saw the box, they were very alarmed and they
called out to the others from the window, saying it wasn't like a traditional
Purim gift package and it was suspicious. They told everyone to get back. They
sent the robot into the hallway, and destroyed the box which turned out to be
filled with food products, which was a relief not only to us but also to our neighbours
who had also been evacuated from their apartments.” wrote the Ortiz family in a report they
released.
The ordeal lasted 3 hours, and no
one is sure if it was a bad joke to scare the family, or just the wrong gift delivered
to the wrong door by a group delivering to needy families with children
attending a primary school in the area.
Media and security services felt it was unlikely to be the latter, but
if it was a mistake, it was an inexcusable one.
Please pray for the believers in
Israel. There are many people around the
world who are persecuted for their faith in Jesus, and this is just one
story. Pray for their safety and
protection. Pray for the seeds they
plant and the soil they sow into, that it produces good fruit for the Kingdom. Pray for their faith so they are strengthened
and encouraged, knowing that they are not alone.
Your People My People also works to
support and promote ministries in Israel that support victims of terror and
their families. If you would like to be
involved in a practical financial way, please click the DONATE ONLINE link at
the top left of the page after selecting your currency. Thank you.