The U.S. had been publicly apoplectic about Israel taking out Iran’s nuclear capability, even though they knew the world was much better off. Israel had become a star. World opinion slowly and surprisingly turned in favor of Israel, and the U.S. wisely chose to thank Israel for their drone strike, albeit undercover. The U.S. remained reluctant to believe that the Gitmo guys, one of which was Omar’s cousin, had their fingers and their money in so many terrorist plans. Again, wisely they realized Israel should be given free hand to send drones after them. They informed them of this decision, again undercover.
Because Omar was so helpful and thorough in his interrogations, and so real in his new faith, Israel determined to hold him in maximum detention with top security for only two years. After that time, they promised to release him to live his life. They hinted that he might be welcome into their information gathering process if he truly proved his worth over the two-year time. Omar knew such a short sentence was a gift. He would cooperate and learn.
CHAPTER 29
PRESENT DAY, ISRAEL
Tassie, Jethro, and Tassie’s parents walked the steps to the Temple Mount. The crevice had been covered over and people were allowed to walk over a portion of the area. It was the first time any of Tassie’s family had been there, but what delighted their senses was watching the Israelis who had lived so close but had never in their lives visited this most holy site.
People regularly walked with their hands over their mouths. Part was the amazement of being there. Part was the amazement that the former buildings were simply gone. Many stood in one spot and just turned and gazed in every direction. Some did so with cameras, videoing history in the making.
Tassie and her family stood to the side and marveled. They had no words. An IDF soldier stood nearby. “May I answer any questions? We are here to guard, but also to inform.”
Tassie shrugged. “I know so little. I don’t really know what to ask.”
“Are you American?”
“I am, does it show that much?” Tassie squinted at the soldier.
“Oh, no, just your accent. I am very appreciative of all that America has done for Israel. My name is Ben Akeena.”
Tassie held out her hand. “I am Tassie Stevens. Those are my parents over there and my cousin, Jethro.”
Jethro nodded to Ben. “Pleased to meet you. We appreciate the IDF and are amazed at this. Did you see it disappear?”
“I did, I was among those who stormed to retake it, but there was no resistance. You?”
“I had just taken off in a helicopter and watched it from the sky. Incredible.”
“An IDF helicopter?” Ben Akeena studied Jethro.
“Yes, I’ve done some work with them. Did you hear about the relic with the tassel?”
“My parents told me that story, a young woman is the namesake, got kidnapped, but gained important knowledge of Israel’s enemies.”
As Ben talked and listened, Tassie noticed he occasionally turned and took in those who walked the Temple Mount, looking each person in the eyes. She had learned Israel trusted their soldiers’ trained ability to detect motives in the eyes.
Jethro smiled. “This is the namesake, Tassel Lydia Stevens, right here.” He put his arm around Tassie. “But call her Tassie or she might punch you.”
Ben faced Tassie. “This is marvelous. I’m delighted to meet you. And I will be sure to call you Tassie.”
“I usually don’t punch strangers or soldiers, so you’re safe.”
Ben laughed. “Americans. You are so comfortable talking and joking with people. I like that.”
“It’s so nice to meet you, Ben. I should let you get back to your work.”
Ben looked down, then took a step closer to Tassie. “Miss Stevens, my parents are quite taken with your story. Would you do the honor of coming to our home for dinner? They would love to meet with you and hear more of your story.”
“That’s very nice of you.” Tassie glanced at Jethro, who quickly turned and walked away. “I would be happy to do that. Perhaps by then I will have more questions about this place and what is going to happen here in the future.”
Ben looked at his phone. “Well, my shift is over in about five minutes. If you will still be here, I can share the history of the place without interruption.”
“I would like that.”
Tassie excused herself and found her parents who were busy taking pictures and chatting with Jethro.
Her dad put his arm around Tassie. “You ready to go, girl? We thought we’d walk back through the marketplace and just eat as we go.”
Tassie hesitated. “Ben’s shift will be over in a few minutes. He wanted to tell me some of the history here. He also invited me to dinner with his parents, so they can hear my story.”
Her mom raised her eyebrows. “Who’s Ben?”
Jethro smiled. “That good-looking soldier over there who can’t take his eyes off Tassie.”
“Jethro, I can still punch you out.”
Tassie’s dad laughed. “Well, that’s fine. Do I dare ask that he walk you back to the hotel, so you don’t get kidnapped again?”
“Daddy, I think I’ll be fine. I’ll call you if I need an escort.”
He kissed Tassie on the forehead. “See you later, sweetheart.” He put his arm around his wife, signaled Jethro to go with them, and walked off.
Tassie walked over to Ben. “My folks just left.”
“Do you need to go?”
“No, I’m good.”
“Well, I’m done so let me tell you the history of the Temple Mount. My mom is a great cook and loves company, so if you are free, we can go over as soon as we are done here.”
Tassie’s eyes widened. “Should you call her? I don’t want to surprise her.”
“I already called her. She was already cooking. One more is no problem. And she can’t wait to hear your story.”
“I guess it’s settled, then.”
“Well, this place, the Temple Mount, is where Abraham was instructed to sacrifice his son Isaac, many, many years ago.” Ben continued telling Tassie the amazing history of the storied Temple Mount.
Afterwards, they walked to Ben’s home. Tassie was immediately charmed by Ben’s parents and their home. Hospitality existed as part of the fiber of Israel, and Tassie hoped she never tired of the welcome she received in this land of the Bible.
The stone house and its terrace looked out over the city. The hills of Jerusalem held so many homes, but they did not seem crowded. Perhaps it was the view. Each terrace was graced with plants, beautiful flowers, small trees, and a view that was expansive. Decorated simply but with such taste, Tassie took in each piece of art and furniture. By the end of the evening she knew that the people were the greatest resource of Israel. Such kindness, such understanding, such wisdom and practicality.
Ben walked Tassie back to the hotel. “Tell your father that it only makes sense for me to walk you home. I am a soldier.”
Tassie and her parents along with Jethro remained in Jerusalem for a week. She and Ben saw each other each day, sightseeing, dinner with her parents and Jethro, and dinner and shopping with Ben’s parents with whom they also discussed the claims of Jesus and how many Jews were claiming him as Messiah. Upon returning to Tel Aviv, Tassie and Ben texted often, and Ben traveled the thirty miles to Tel Aviv when he was off a few days. Tassie often went to Jerusalem as well, sometimes with her parents who were deciding if they wanted to move to Jerusalem, and sometimes alone.
Much of world opinion still raged against Israel, but they moved forward preparing the Temple Mount for the rebuilding of the third Temple. All of Israel made ready, and celebrations occurred throughout the country and especially in Jerusalem. The oil well company started by Sally Goldman’s grandfather was expanding by the week, providing Israel and several countries with abundant supplies of oil. The profits grew, and the top fifty percent immediately went into an account for the funding of the Temple.
The IDF, the Mossad, the Shin Bet, and th
e Aman kept their technology innovative and their eyes on all avenues of attack against Israel. Most threats had been nullified. Russia however continued to complain that Israel had tapped into reserves from their oil veins. Russia claimed that Israel did not treat their Jewish Russians well and demanded access to all Israeli citizens that had Russian background. Israel refused. They had Omar’s playbook from his own testimony and his computer files and the earlier information from Tassie. Israel also had the word of families like Ben’s who had emigrated from Russia and were delighted to be in Israel.
Passover and the third Blood Moon were quickly approaching.
CHAPTER 30
PRESENT DAY, ISRAEL
Tassie stood with Ben Akeena on the terrace of his parents’ home in the hills of Jerusalem. No longer did the golden dome of the mosque reflect the sun, but the walls and stones of Jerusalem glowed with the amber of the sun’s luminescence. It warmed her heart. Ben Akeena warmed her heart, but the best lay in front of them: the foundation for the new Temple, the third Jewish Temple, also known as the Temple of prophecy, the Temple of the last days, was being laid. The excitement at every phase infused the Jewish people with laughter and joy.
“As our prime minister said, the Scripture tells us in the Psalms that our mouths would be filled laughter as we see our captivity disappearing. Seeing this makes me want to shout and dance and sing.” Ben picked up Tassie in his arms and swung her around before gently setting her down and placing a kiss on her cheek. “Oh, Tassie, here we are, almost Passover, and the Temple is being built. And your family, with the relic diamonds and gold, and your oil wells, have financed the lion’s share of it.”
Tassie smiled. “I’m so happy to be a part of it. God really did all of this.”
“True enough, but to be a part of it, to be able to see it . . . it’s history and prophecy all together.” He reached down and took her hand.
“Ben, I know the Bible indicates, or prophecy does . . . ” Tassie paused. “I don’t know enough . . . but I think the Christians believe that Jesus will return when the Temple is built, and the Jews believe that the Messiah can’t come until the Temple is built. Is that right?”
“Well, my parents always told me God’s ways are higher than our ways. That’s in Isaiah. And all through the Holy Writings, God talks about His wonders. I think it’s all culminating right now into God’s plan from the beginning of time.” Ben chuckled. “And it’s a little different than everybody thought, but it’s pretty much what we hoped would happen. What so amazes me is that so much of our country is starting to see that Jesus is the Messiah, that He already came.”
“So, does that mess up the rebuilding of the temple? I mean, if the Jews are Christians now, do they want or need the Temple?”
Ben put his arm around Tassie. “Interesting, huh? Your uncle, Rabbi Welcker, said that it is something only God could do.”
“Wait, wait, we want to hear this.”
The young couple turned to see Ben’s mom carrying a plate of bread and hummus and fruit, while his dad brought a pitcher of iced tea to the little table on the terrace.
“Please, come sit with us. We want to hear as well.”
Tassie hugged Ben’s mother and sat in the chair his dad pulled out for her. Mr. Akeena squeezed her shoulder and sat down.
Ben continued after having a sip of tea. “Rabbi Welcker said ‘Only God could fulfill everyone’s hopes and dreams and theology, as well as His own plans, in such a short time’.”
“We’re listening, son.”
“The Temple provides the means for sacrifice. That is the work of the Temple. Sacrifice covered our sins, so the Jews believe we are still in our sins until the sacrifice is restored. But they know that the Messiah will fulfill all the requirement of the law, which is sacrifice. Now they are beginning to see . . . their eyes are being opened . . . to what the Christians held, that Jesus’ death on the cross was the sacrifice needed once for all.”
“So, will they still do animal sacrifice like we’ve been taught?” Ben’s mother sat with her elbows on the table and her chin in her hands.
“Rabbi Welcker says . . . he’s been studying the New Testament of the Bible . . . that our sacrifice now is praise.”
“Praise? You mean like singing?” Tassie now mirrored Ben’s mother with her chin in her hands.
“Think of the Psalms. Praise was singing, praying with shouts, dancing, bowing, lifting hands. It’s exuberant and reverent at the same time. Kind of what people are doing as they see the foundation coming together.”
Tassie pursed her lips. “Okay, but what about Jesus returning or the Messiah coming?”
“Well, the Messiah is coming . . . into the hearts of the Jews. Maybe when the temple is rebuilt it will signal the time for what they call the second coming of Jesus.”
“Son, I think where we Jews got hung up was that we thought the Messiah had to come in power and glory. We missed the humility and sacrifice part. And don’t the Christians believe the second coming is in power and glory?”
“Yes, Dad, that’s pretty much it.”
Everyone sat and stared off into the distance for a while. Tassie shook her head. “A year ago, I was only interested in being a powerful, rich lawyer, and I scoffed at anything religious. Now I live in Israel, a completed Jew, amazed that I know Jesus and love the Bible, and I’m a part of God’s plan. Does it get any better than this?”
Ben glanced at his parents. His father winked. His mother smiled and wiped a tear from her eye. “Perhaps, Tassie.”
Tassie looked at each one and squinted her eyes. “What . . . you mean, it does get better?”
Ben scooted his chair back and placed one knee on the terrace. He reached into his pocket and looked up at Tassie. Her eyes widened, and her mouth dropped open. “Tassie, I know time may be short, and it may be chaotic, but I believe it will be glorious if you will spend it with me as my wife. Would you do the honor of marrying me?”
Tassie gulped. “Oh, Ben.” Tears ran down her cheeks. “I . . . I . . . ”
Ben turned his head slightly and looked at her out of the corners of his eyes. “Is it too soon?”
“No, no, it’s just that . . . I’m, I’m . . . ”
“What?” All three Akeenas asked it together.
“Speechless, I’m speechless.”
Ben’s dad reached over and patted her hand. “Just one word, Tassie, a yes or a no.”
Tassie put her hand over her mouth. Then pulling it away, she blubbered, “Yes, yes, of course yes, a thousand times yes.”
At the ‘of course, yes’ everyone laughed, and Ben picked her up again, twirled her around and kissed her. Then his parents hugged her.
“Welcome to the family, Tassel Lydia Stevens. We are delighted.”
“Wait, wait, the ring!” It was still in his pocket. Ben pulled it out. With tears coursing down her face, Tassie held out her hand. Ben brought her hand to his lips and gently kissed it and placed the ring on her finger.
Tassie wiped her eyes and looked at the ring. She wiped her eyes again and brought her hand closer and studied it. Ben and his parents just stood with smiles on their faces.
“Why does this look familiar?” Tassie noticed their grins and stepped back. “What?”
Ben’s mother put her hands to her mouth. “This is so exciting.” She turned to her husband as he placed his arm around her.
Ben took Tassie’s hand. “I went to visit your parents to ask their permission to marry you. Rabbi Welcker was there and he told me a little story.”
“Another story?” Tassie pretended to punch him in the stomach.
“Oh, oh, get engaged and now I get beaten up.” Ben laughed and sat down at the table.
“Okay, tell me the story.” Tassie sat down and picked up the bread, dipped it in the hummus, and took a bite. The sun was high in the sky and the day warm with a slight breeze. She could smell the fragrance of the flowers Ben’s mother planted all around the terrace wall.
“Well,
when they went to officially appraise the gold rings, they discovered that a smaller third ring was inside one of the bigger ones. Perhaps it was the wedding ring of the Goldmans or the Liebermanns. Rabbi Welcker asked if they could keep it and place one of the diamonds on it and give it to you since you are the namesake for so much of this.”
Tears filled Tassie’s eyes. She pulled her hand with the ring close to her face. “Are you telling me . . . ” She looked at each of them.
“When I asked permission to marry you . . . by the way, your parents said yes.” Ben laughed. Tassie smiled. “Well, the rabbi got this twinkle in his eye and rubbed his hands together. He told me about the ring and his idea, so we got the ring size from your mother, had it sized, and the diamond placed into the ring. The other rings, and diamonds, per your family’s request, funded the extra oil wells, and they are helping fund the new temple. So, Tassie, does it get any better than this?”
“I’m overwhelmed.” Tassie stood to embrace her fiancé.
“We’ll leave you two lovebirds alone. Tassie, we love you. You are now our daughter. In Jewish tradition, once you are betrothed, you are family. What is ours, is yours, and we are so happy.”
Tassie hugged them both and then walked over to the wall to again gaze across at the temple foundation. Ben stood behind her with his arms around her waist and kissed her neck. “I love you, Tassel Lydia Stevens.”
“And I you, Benjamin Isaiah Akeena.”
EPILOGUE
SEVEN YEARS LATER, VIRGINIA
Ben and Tassie, two children in tow, walked into the church that Rube and Jill had attended with Jared and his wife, Deb, before moving to Israel. It was the second time they had been back to visit in the States. Tassie and Deb walked down the hall to drop the kids off in children’s church. Tassie started back down the hall and almost bumped into a man.
“Oh, excuse me. . . ” The words died on her lips and, as if in a dream, Tassie remembered when she first met Mr. Green Eyes. This man stood with a beautiful woman. She had that gorgeous Middle Eastern tone of skin, slightly dark, slightly tan. Three small children clung to him.
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