Praise in the Gates

Shlomo Hizak, a native Israeli, heads the ministry of AMI–Jerusalem Center and travels internationally, teaching Christians of all denominations the biblical and historical truths about God’s covenantal purposes for Israel and the Jewish people and about the Hebrew foundations of Christian faith. He has written several books and edits Inside Israel Newsletter, which contributes on-the-spot insights into the restoration of Israel and the affairs of the Israeli people.

Dr. Göran Larsson serves as an international ambassador for the AMI ministry, teaching the church on restoring proper biblical relationships with the international Jewish community after the church’s long history of anti-Judaism and anti-Semitism. Larsson is a respected authority both in the Christian and Jewish communities in Israel and throughout Europe.

AMI is represented in the United States by Dr. Charles Bryant-Abraham of San Diego. An accomplished linguist, he is one of the translators for the new Millennium Edition of the King James Bible. He shares a passion for the restoration of Israel and the recovery of the church’s Jewish roots, which he sees as being essential for the health and maturity of the body of Messiah. He serves as advisor to a number of Christian communions that are looking to embrace the church’s Judaic heritage.

But, AMI–Jerusalem Center is more than theory and concept. It also features an intensive, people-centered effort that focuses on troubled Israeli youth, many of whom have immigrated from environments where anti-Semitism and persecution were the norm.

This work is accomplished through AMI’s exemplary Bnei Arazim Child Care Center in Rishon LeTsion, Israel. Shlomo Hizak, chairman of Benei Arazim, sums up the mission this way: "Ben Arazim is welcoming with open arms children whom society was not accepting. With the unbeatable combination of loving concern and top professional care, its formula is doing what no one else succeeded in doing . . . giving these tender human lives direction and meaning . . . giving them nothing less than a chance to start over."

The results have been unprecedented, with 100% of the initial group showing dramatic improvement. Now plans are moving ahead to expand into a new permanent center and then to begin replicating such centers across Israel.

Here’s an example of Bnei Arazim’s success: Moshe sat in first grade and did nothing. He bordered on autism, nonresponsive, like in a vacuum. At first he totally disliked the Bnei Arazim sessions; however, very slowly there was a breakthrough. Today he talks, plays, studies, even sings and acts. His fertile imagination, written off as "daydreaming," now is placed on paper as he develops writing skills he never knew he possessed. Moshe is alive as never before.

Ambassador Zalman Shoval, senior Lukud Party Leader, says, "The doors of Bnei Arazim lead our youngsters into tomorrow! Its selfless professionals give it so much of their expertise and personal dedication. It is a place where hope is rewarded by the incredible human achievement demonstrated by the young people themselves. These children have all too often been written off by their teachers, neighbors, even their parents. At Bnei Arazim they have a chance to overcome the odds and hurdles set before them. My family and I are honored to play a small part in this outstanding effort."

Restoration Foundation is pleased to recommend to our readers and partners the ministry of AMI-Jerusalem Center for Biblical Studies and Research. If you would like to demonstrate practical concern for Israelis, contact

AMI-Jerusalem Center
Box 22020, San Diego, CA 92192
Phone (619) 658-0032