A Ship of Tarshish

What the prophet Isaiah saw in a dream or a vision, nearly 2,700 years ago, when he wrote that "in the lead are the ships of Tarshish, bringing your sons from afar..." is beginning to be fulfilled in our day. On July 25th, 2001, the director of Operation Tarshish and Wings of Doves witnessed the partial fulfillment of this prophecy as over 300 Olim (Immigrants to Israel) came aboard the Iris.  

As the sun slowly descended at the conclusion of the day, it also brought about the end of a chapter in the lives of these former Soviet Union Jews. They were leaving behind the country which had the Jews captive for many years, and as the prophets foretold, were returning to Israel, the Land of their forefathers.

Hundreds of family and friends were at Odessa port to wave them farewell. Some would never see them again. But many of the immigrants on the ship were "going ahead", to establish themselves in the Land, when their friends and family planned to follow.

This ship, The Iris, was chartered by the Christian organization, Ebenezer Emergency Fund or EEF. This was further fulfillment of prophecies as the prophet Isaiah foretold that, " I will beckon to the Gentiles, I will lift up my banner to the peoples; they will bring your sons in their arms and carry your daughters on their shoulders," (Isaiah 49:22) and again, "in the lead are the ships of Tarshish, bringing your sons from afar, with their silver and gold, to the honor of the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, for He has endowed you with splendor." (Isaiah 60:9)

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And these Jews were certainly being "endowed with splendour!" Once at sea this voyage was like any other luxury cruise - the Jews were relaxing on the deck, swimming, spending time in the Jacuzzi, being served delicious 3 course meals and this 3 times per day, watching a wide range of videos in the TV lounge. Our beds were made each morning, during the day there times of entertainment for the children, and in the evenings there was entertainment for the parents. Altogether, we were treated as royalty!

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During the voyage these Jewish immigrants relaxed and enjoyed themselves. Some were even learning Hebrew together, in preparation for their arrival in Israel. For these poor ex-Soviet Union Jews this trip was a small taste of the wonderful blessings in store for them once they reached the Land of Israel. For God promised that " I will bring back My exiled people Israel; they will rebuild the ruined cities and live in them. They will plant vineyards and drink their wine; they will make gardens and eat their fruit." (Amos 9:14) He promised that He would richly bless them as He brings them "home," and this trip was a beginning of the fulfillment to that promise.

The voyage from Odessa to Haifa only took three days, and for those of us who had been to sea before, were most thankful that the seas were extremely calm. On the voyage there were five Olim (Immigrants to Israel) which Wings of Doves the branch of Operation Tarshish working in the Former Soviet Union, had assisted. The Wings of Doves ministry had helped the five with passports, photos, visas, trips to the Israeli Embassy, a trip down to Odessa on the day of departure, and whatever else they had needed to bring them to the point where they could leave on the ship for Israel. (The Christian organization EEF covered the cost of chartering the Iris.) Operation Tarshish was thrilled to have some of the Jews it had assisted in leaving the Former Soviet Union, sailing on the ship.

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The Iris arrived in Haifa port about 21:00 when the Olim disembarked and were duly processed by the Absorption Ministry officials. After being registered as Olim Hadashim (New Immigrants) they received a sum of money from the Israeli government to start their lives in Israel, plus Shekels (Israeli currency) to cover the cost of a taxi ride to their destination. Most were going to family or friends who had made Aliyah (immigrated) before them, but some were dispatched to one of the many Absorption Centers around the country. Here they would stay until they had learned the language, obtained employment, and were able to afford accommodation of their own.

The voyage on the Iris was an unforgettable experience, in which the prophets of old would have loved to participate. Over 300 Jews on this trip were returning to the Biblical homeland. Wings of Doves, with contributions received from Christians, Operation Tarshish has been able to help over 1,800 Jews fulfill prophecy by assisting them and bringing them to the point where they could leave for Israel. (EEF has already helped multitudes return to Israel with this ship).

You too can become a part of prophecy by contributing to Operation Tarshish and Wings of Doves, and know you have helped a child of Abraham home to Israel!

 By donating $300 you can help a single Jew to leave for Israel, and $500 will help a small family. We promise you their name(s) on arrival in Israel so you may continue to pray for them.