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 the 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.