Israel is the unchallenged worldwide leader in water technology. Currently, Israel produces over 40% of its national water demands from 4 desalination plants that transform sea water into fresh drinking water. This percentage increases every year with 70% output projected by 2050. In water reclamation, Israel is the undisputed world leader by reusing and purifying 87% of the country’s waste water for agricultural purposes. In the agricultural world, Israel’s desert farming technology have demonstrated that successful crops can be grown on only 10% of the water that is used in traditional farming techniques. With modern miracles like these, it’s no wonder that Israel is the only nation on earth where the deserts are shrinking and not expanding. Ironically, Ezekiel 36 seems to allude to time when God said He will end famines in Israel and multiple the produce. “I will multiply the fruit of the tree and the produce of the field, so that you will not receive again the disgrace of famine among the nations”. (Ezekiel 36:30). For the first time in history and due to these technologies, Israel has become virtually drought and famine proof.
As a result, almost 150 nations have learned or been using these Israeli designed technologies and techniques to their benefit. South Africa is not one of them.
Exactly two years ago, the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement (BDS), claimed a major victory in South Africa after a water conference was cancelled when several speakers withdrew when they learned an Israeli envoy was included as conference speakers. The reason that was given was “There is enough evidence to show how Israel’s policies have taken water away from Palestinian communities,” he said. “Hiding this through a pseudo-technical debate about water technology would be unacceptable.” As a result, the conference was cancelled and South Africa has continued to refuse Israel’s multiple attempts to help in their water crisis. Since that time, it is reported that the average rainfall has dipped to less than 15 inches per year from a historic average of roughly 30 inches pear year. Yet, 60% of Cape Town’s population, which has been the hardest hit, has ignored the government’s water rationing suggestions. As of today, South African leaders seem to be willing to drive their people and nation’s economy into the ground, as the drought continues and cities like Cape Town are expected to run out of water in less than 2 months, by mid April 2018. This would be a first for any civilized city or nation, especially when there are simple and viable solutions being successfully demonstrated throughout the world and being offered by the world’s foremost water expert – Israel - to end the crisis. All of this could have been avoided by simply acknowledging Israel’s innovation, position and influence in the earth.
In the Scriptures, we see something very similar prophesied during the coming Messianic age:
“And it will be that whichever of the families of the earth does not go up to Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, there will be no rain on them. If the family of Egypt does not go up or enter, then no rain will fall on them; it will be the plague with which the LORD smites the nations who do not go up to celebrate the Feast of Booths.”(Zechariah 14:17-18)
Ironically, as South Africa has refused to accept or recognize Israel’s help and position in the world, their drought has worsened. While there is not a king being worshiped in Jerusalem (yet), and I hesitate to say that their anti-Semitic decisions brought it upon themselves, the parallels are curiously similar. With a city of over 3.75 million people about to run out of water and their stubborn leaders all but inviting a potential humanitarian crisis and chaos, why would they not recognize and accept Israel’s leadership in hydrology? Unbending political stances? Stunning selfish pride? Blind hatred and anti-Semitism? Whatever the reason, the pending water disaster was completely avoidable. As the old saying goes, “You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink.” May these stubborn leaders humble themselves for the sake of their population and receive Israeli help and may God’s mercy intervene in Cape Town.
In the Bible, the prophets foretold the revival of the physical land of Israel. To see over 100 then/now photo comparisons (including 15 of Jerusalem) that provide visual evidence that the land of Israel is reviving after 2000 years, pre-order Doug’s new book “Israel Rising: Ancient Prophecy/ Modern Lens”, just in time for Israel’s 70th anniversary! Order here.
Doug Hershey is an author, conference speaker and founder of Ezra Adventures, an Israel focused travel and education company. From years of hands-on experience, cultivating unique relationships in Israel and a love for history, Doug provides a rare perspective on the connection between the Jewish Scriptures and present day Israel. When he is not in Israel, he is speaking in churches and synagogues about the prophesied restoration of Israel. For more info go to EzraAdventures.com.