
Shalom from Jerusalem,
As September begins, Israeli children are heading back to school, backpacks in hand, but the weight of war has not left their shoulders. The cycle of conflict continues, shaping their days, their classrooms, and their hearts.
Many students return to school while their fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, and close relatives are called up again on reserve duty, leaving families in a state of uncertainty. Hostages are still held in Gaza, their absence a constant ache in every home. Neighborhoods that survived previous attacks remain on high alert, and for countless children, the echo of sirens is still part of daily life.
Instead of settling into the rhythm of learning and friendship, many young Israelis carry fear and anxiety into their classrooms. Yet, even in this fragile reality, their courage shines through. They sit at desks, write in notebooks, and dream of a future where living in peace can finally feel real.
We pray for these children this school year that their hearts will find moments of safety, that their laughter will return, and that hope will be nurtured alongside their studies. And we lift up their parents and families, navigating the strain of constant readiness, of reserve duty, and of living in the shadow of uncertainty.
Let this school year bring strength, resilience, and glimpses of joy, even in the midst of ongoing trials. We pray God’s peace fills the gaps where fear persists, and His protection surrounds every child and every family across Israel.
Pray for:
- The immediate release of all hostages in Gaza. Ask God to guard their lives, strengthen their spirits, and preserve their dignity in the darkest moments. Pray for wisdom and courage for negotiators and leaders, that freedom comes swiftly without empowering evil.
- The students returning to classrooms amid ongoing conflict, that God would fill their hearts with courage, restore moments of laughter and learning, and nurture hope alongside their studies. Pray for their parents and families, that they are strengthened, protected, and comforted as they navigate the weight of reserve duty, uncertainty, and the lingering effects of war.
- The IDF soldiers, both active duty and reservists, serving on every front: ground forces in Gaza, intelligence and combat units in the north, those carrying out counterterrorism operations in Judea and Samaria, troops confronting threats in Syria, and forces protecting the skies against Houthi missiles from Yemen. Ask God to shield them from harm, frustrate the plans of their enemies, and grant courage, endurance, and divine insight as they defend Israel.
- The people of Israel to be drawn together in compassion, resilience, and shared purpose, even amid political divisions and military strain. Ask God to silence voices of hatred, guide leaders and citizens toward humility, truth, and dialogue, and foster a nation that stands strong in solidarity and hope.
- Jewish communities across the globe that they remain safe, courageous, and steadfast in identity and faith. Ask God to expose lies, dismantle antisemitism, and inspire world leaders to defend Israel, uphold justice, and ensure freedom and security for Jews everywhere.
- The families waiting in anguish, that God sustains them with courage, hope, and peace. Pray for healing and restoration for the rescued, the bereaved, and all affected, that sorrow is turned to joy, captivity to deliverance, and despair to songs of hope across Israel.
view and print all Prayer Points
HFI PRAYER REQUESTS
As Israel enters a new season, facing ongoing challenges on every front, physical, emotional, and spiritual, Hope for Israel remains steadfast in answering God’s call. Through prayer, service, and unwavering support, we continue to stand with our people in this critical hour. Here are meaningful ways you can join us in lifting up the ministry and the lives we serve.
MORAN
This month, Moran is excited to implement the first stage of a big project he’s overseeing in a community that was attacked on October 7th, 2023. Securing the safe rooms in each home to better protect the citizens from future horrific attacks is incredibly important to help residents feel safe to return home. He is very grateful to all who have supported this important project!
Additionally, he will welcome the ministry’s Solidarity Tour on September 4th for two weeks. This diverse group of 32 people from all over the world will be an amazing blessing for so many people in Israel. He also continues to oversee the ministry’s Israel advocacy & information project, as it remains crucial for people to receive reliable information out of Israel.
Moran continues to face some support challenges with two key staff on maternity leave in our Jerusalem office. Please continue to pray for wisdom & discernment as he seeks creative solutions in restructuring to meet the new reality in our office.
Moran’s family moved in to their new home last month and are still in transition with some renovations that will hopefully be completed after the High Holy Days. The family stands before a time of big transitions with their second daughter having graduated high school and moving on to a military preparatory program for a year, as well as their youngest daughter moving to a new local high school. These are positive changes that will inevitably hold some challenges, so we appreciate your prayers for Moran & his family.
Please continue to pray for:
- For wisdom regarding the various aspects of the ministry that he oversees.
- For strength & wisdom as he provides support for friends & families who have lost their loved ones in the war.
- For strength, wisdom, protection & health during this intense time.
- For guidance and inspiration as he writes his weekly Scripture commentaries.
- For a safe & successful Solidarity Tour! May all arrive safely and experience a life-changing tour!
HFI STAFF & BOARD MEMBERS
Our staff and board members continue to serve faithfully under high pressure. With limited personnel, high workload, and urgent needs in the field, we ask for prayer over our team.
Please pray:
- For blessing and strength over every staff and board member.
- For God to provide the right operations manager and a full-time counselor for the NerYah youth group and our believing soldiers program.
- Pray for protection over our media director and her newborn child, and over all team members’ families.
- For wisdom for our board in key decision-making.
- For Bill Katz, our U.S. representative: for health, fruitful engagements, safe travels, and protection for his family amid growing antisemitism.
THREEFOLD VISION FOR EMPOWERING THE FUTURE GENERATION OF BELIEVERS
NerYah Youth Group
Please pray:
- For a young believer who shared a particular challenge he has at school in terms of his studies.
- For male and female coordinators in NerYah with a big heart for the young believing girls.
- For more staff to work with the Neryah youth in the upcoming school year! We are shorthanded and need more support to meet the needs of these amazing believing youth!
Believing Soldiers
One of our believing lone soldiers was very grateful for the timely emotional and mental support we gave him. In addition, we provided one of our believing soldiers with a crucial piece of safety equipment. She was so grateful because she could not afford to supply it on her own.
Please pray:
- For a new coordinator to join the team.
- For strength, wisdom, patience & protection for our believing soldiers as this war continues to drag on without any real end in sight.
- For more volunteers to work with our believing soldiers
- For wisdom for the coordinators of this important outreach, that they would know how to support the soldiers in a way that is relevant to their specific needs.
Discharged Believing Soldiers
Please pray:
- For our believing discharged soldiers, for clarity & wisdom as they reenter civilian life. This can be especially challenging for soldiers just coming out of combat units who might also be dealing with some PTSD and other challenges.
- For guidance for the coordinators of this outreach, that they would know how to reach these released soldiers in ways they need the most.
Student Testimonies
Please pray:
- For spiritual strength for the believing students, especially during this time with the war. Many students are wrapping up summer work and submitting final papers from the last academic year.
- For refreshment for the believing students who are preparing to begin the upcoming academic year after the High Holy Days.
MEDIA PROJECTS: FIGHTING FOR TRUTH
In an age of misinformation and weaponized narratives, media has become a frontline battlefield. Hope for Israel remains committed to creating clear, truthful, Scripture-centered content that shares the reality of life in Israel today.
Please pray:
- For protection over our media platforms and an end to ongoing cyberattacks.
- For energy, wisdom, and focus for our media team as they meet increased demands.
- For God’s guidance in responding with grace and truth to critics and misinformation.
- For a grassroots movement of Israel advocates to rise across social platforms.
- For insight and creativity in developing content that educates, encourages, and changes hearts.
- For spiritual protection over the media team and their families.
- For the successful, timely development of our new website, both in design and functionality.
TOURS & MINISTRY FINANCES
Tour Operations
One of the main objectives of our tour operation is to cover ministry overhead, so that a higher percentage of donations can go to projects. Due to the ongoing security situation, all our groups have either canceled or rescheduled for 2026, leaving the tour operation without any income for the foreseeable future. We look forward to hosting a great group of people on the Israel Solidarity Tour this month!
Please continue to pray:
- For wisdom for Moran & Melissa as they face challenging decisions regarding the tour operations, and begin to plan tours for 2026.
- For open doors for “Footsteps of the Apostle Paul” tours to other countries of the Mediterranean region (Cyprus, Greece, Italy, etc.)
COMMUNITY RESTORATION INITIATIVE
One of Hope for Israel’s most significant financial operations is currently underway: assisting communities that were directly impacted by the October 7 attacks and the ongoing conflict. From rebuilding infrastructure to securing homes and providing emotional and practical support, this is a long-term commitment to healing and restoration.
Please pray:
- For abundant provision to fully fund this critical work of restoration and renewal.
- For wisdom and strategic partnerships as we coordinate with local leaders and families.
- For hope to be restored in these devastated communities, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
- For the strength of the teams involved in logistics, counseling, and construction that they would be protected and sustained.
OPERATION HESSED (GRACE)
As part of our ongoing effort to serve families affected by war and economic strain, Hope for Israel continues with Operation Hessed, which will provide hundreds of food vouchers to families in urgent need across the country. These vouchers will offer practical relief and restore dignity to those struggling in this season.
Please pray:
- For the provision to meet the full scope of this initiative and reach every family on our list.
- For wisdom and sensitivity in identifying and assisting those most in need.
- For each food coupon to be more than just material help that it would be received as a sign of God’s grace and love.
Ministry Finances
We are grateful for God’s faithful provision throughout this difficult season. Even in the midst of war, economic instability, and growing ministry demands, we have seen His hand sustaining our core operations.
At the same time, the scope of our work has expanded dramatically from emergency aid and community restoration to national advocacy and outreach. The need is greater than ever, and we are trusting the Lord to meet these needs fully so we can continue serving Israel with integrity, consistency, and compassion.
Please pray:
- For God’s continued provision to sustain both our daily operations and long-term projects.
- For wise financial stewardship across every department, especially as we respond to urgent needs and growing responsibilities.
- For new donors and partners who will stand with us and invest in Israel’s future.
As we continue to stand in the gap, for the people of Israel, for truth, and for the next generation of believers, your prayers, encouragement, and faithful support remain the lifeline that makes our work possible. Thank you for partnering with Hope for Israel as we serve with courage, compassion, and unwavering hope in the midst of these challenging times.
IN HIS SERVICE,
THE HOPE FOR ISRAEL PRAYER TEAM