Photo Friday: Let the Birds Increase on the Earth

Stand for Israel  |  January 22, 2021

“God blessed them and said, ‘Be fruitful and increase in number and fill the water in the seas, and let the birds increase on the earth.’ And there was evening, and there was morning…” (Genesis 1:22-23)

High atop the ancient fortress of Masada, built by Herod the Great and the site of a famous Jewish revolt against Roman rule, this flock looks out over Israel to the Dead Sea. These aren’t just any birds, however. This is Tristram’s Starling, a species native to the Holy Land since Bible times. With its wolf whistle call and its gregarious nature, Tristram’s Starling is a favorite to visitors of this majestic site. Shabbat shalom, friends.