JERUSALEM – Firebombs devastated the Jerusalem television studios of the Daystar television broadcast studios during the weekend of May 19-20.

Jerusalem is the perennial focal point of conflict levied against the State of Israel by Muslim extremists whether nation-states like Iran and Turkey or terrorist organizations like Hamas, Hezbollah, and the PLA. Jerusalem has been a continual bone of contention, but especially so since the United States officially recognized it as the capital of Israel and moved its embassy to the city.

It is utterly amazing that this ancient city in this tiny Middle Eastern country could be the center of so much controversy. Yet it is. Just as the Bible has said it would. Extremists are equally determined to wipe Israel off the map, but the anti-Christian sentiment is just as prevalent within the same hate groups.

Breaking reports from CBN News this morning revealed that the Jerusalem studios of the popular international Christian television network, Daystar, were destroyed in a terrorist attack.

Daystar became the first Christian network to broadcast live from Jerusalem in 2006. With studios on Mt. Zion, viewers were able to see a panoramic view through large studio windows that overlook the Old City of Jerusalem.

The demolished studio is no longer functioning, but Daystar is expected to rebuild and restore broadcasting as soon as possible. Meanwhile, not even the 24/7 live feed of the city background is available. Instead, Daystar is broadcasting a static image while Christian music plays.

Marcus and Joni Lamb began what would eventually become the Daystar Television Network in 1984 in Montgomery, Alabama. According to the Daystar website, Marcus Lamb, at 27 years of age, became the youngest person ever to build a television station in the United States.

Six years later, the Lambs moved to the Dallas-Ft. Worth Metroplex to launch a second station, KMPX-TV. On New Year’s Eve 1997, the Daystar Television Network broadcast its first live broadcast.

Today, Daystar is recognized as the fastest growing and the second-largest Christian television network in the world. The network broadcasts via multiple satellite feeds to more than 680 million households in 200 countries around the world.

The firebombing occurred as contractors were renovating the Jerusalem studios. A spokesperson reported that the control room was “probably totally devastated.” He said that “the main electrical panel and anything plastic is totally melted.”

Speaking on behalf of Daystar, Dave Sharett, said,

“I believe that God has a reason and a purpose and at the very least he’ll redeem what has happened here.  So, these ashes will raise up, be raised up and proclaim the glory of God.”

Please pray for the resurrection of Daystar’s Jerusalem studios.

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