Pray with Us! - May 2026 - Hope for Israel

Shalom from Jerusalem,

May arrives with a sense that much is still unsettled. Questions around leadership, security, and the wider region remain. Life continues, but with a steady awareness that things can shift quickly and that much remains unresolved.

This month marks Jerusalem Day, remembering 1967, when, in the midst of the Six-Day War, Israeli forces reached the Old City and the division of Jerusalem came to an end. For the first time in nearly two decades, access was restored to places that had been closed, including the Western Wall. It was a moment that reshaped the reality of the city, bringing it back together after years of separation and marking a turning point in the modern history of the State.

Israel will also celebrate Shavuot, the Feast of Weeks, a time centered on bringing the first fruits of the harvest. What was grown, cultivated, and waited on is brought forward as an offering, recognizing that what has been received did not come by human effort alone. Even in a season that feels incomplete, there is still something to place in God’s hands, a response of trust in the middle of what is not yet resolved.

Pray for:

Pray that in this season of Shavuot, hearts across Israel would be open to trust God, even in the midst of what is still unsettled.
Pray for provision for families, communities, and those still affected by the war, that their needs would be met in both practical and personal ways.
Pray for wisdom and stability for leaders and those making decisions, as the situation remains unclear and sensitive.
Pray for unity within Israel, that even in a time of tension and division, there would

PRAYER REQUESTS FOR ISRAEL

RISING VIOLENCE AMONG YOUTH IN ISRAEL

In recent months, there has been a noticeable rise in violence among youth across Israel, in some cases leading to loss of life. Incidents of aggression, group violence, and emotional outbursts are becoming more frequent, reflecting a deeper strain beneath the surface. Much of this appears connected to the prolonged reality of war, ongoing instability, and the pressure young people have been carrying for years.

Please pray:

For protection of young people across the country, their lives would be preserved, and situations would not escalate into further harm.
For this generation, that they would find stability, guidance, and healthier ways to cope with the pressure they are carrying.

As Israel continues to face a multi-front war, the reality is no longer limited to one front. From Iran, to Hezbollah in Lebanon, to the Houthis in Yemen, alongside Hamas and Islamic Jihad in Gaza and Judea and Samaria, threats are coming from multiple directions at the same time.

OPERATION LION’S ROAR

While a ceasefire framework exists, Hezbollah continues its attacks on northern communities, and Israel remains under pressure across multiple fronts. Even during this “ceasefire,” children are still running to shelters in their schools, and soldiers continue to be killed on the front lines. At the same time, the situation with Iran remains unresolved. Though diplomatic discussions are underway for a more permanent outcome, the threat has not been removed.

Recent weeks have shown how quickly conditions can shift, from missile attacks reaching Israeli cities to ongoing activity along the northern border.

Please pray:

For protection over Israeli families living under the ongoing threat.
For the safety, strength, and protection of soldiers and reservists defending Israel.
For comfort for the families of the fallen, that God would surround them with peace and strength in their grief.
For healing and restoration for the wounded, both in body and in spirit.
For wisdom for Israel’s and the United States’ and other world leaders as they make critical decisions in this sensitive time.
For a long-term solution that would remove the threat and bring stability to the region.
For the protection of people across the Middle East who are resisting terror and oppressive regimes, including Iran, that they would be kept safe and strengthened, and that there would be real freedom, stability, and restoration in the region alongside the people of Israel.

ANTISEMITISM WORLDWIDE

In many parts of the world, antisemitism is becoming more visible, showing up more often in public spaces, on campuses, and online. For many Jewish communities, this is shaping daily life, bringing increased caution and real questions about safety and belonging.

Please pray:

For Jewish communities around the world, that they would be kept safe and able to live openly without fear.
For students facing antisemitism on campuses, that they would stand firm, find the words when needed, and feel supported rather than alone.
For leaders and societies to clearly confront and reject antisemitism in all its forms.

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HFI PRAYER REQUESTS

Life is starting to move forward again, but no one really knows what comes next. Even in a fragile ceasefire, people remain alert, aware of how quickly things can change. In this reality, we continue to serve communities still affected by the war, speak into the confusion with truth, and walk closely with believing youth, soldiers, and students. We invite you to join us in prayer as we continue strengthening lives across Israel in these uncertain days.

MORAN

Although a ceasefire has been declared in northern Israel, the reality there looks very different. Moran continues to oversee the ministry’s primary war-relief initiative: Operation Restoration., while also continuing to write important updates on the situation in Israel, publishing twice a week, as well as the weekly Scripture commentary. He also actively advocates for Israel online, via Facebook, Instagram, & Threads, which has become increasingly important as many people (believers included) are confused and disillusioned about Israel.

In May, he looks forward to hosting the ministry’s “Footsteps of Paul” Greece tour. This promises to be a time of wonderful fellowship and growing in the word as the group traces the ministry of the apostle Paul.

Please continue to pray for:

Strength & protection in this challenging season of tenuous ceasefires.
Wisdom regarding the various aspects of the ministry that he oversees.
Guidance and inspiration as he writes the weekly Scripture commentaries & war updates, and films videos advocating for Israel.
A safe & successful Greece tour.

HFI STAFF & BOARD MEMBERS

The needs across Israel have not eased yet; our staff and board continue serving with full commitment each day. This season still calls for wisdom, perseverance, and grace, as the situation remains sensitive and can shift without warning. Your prayers are part of what sustains this work. We are deeply thankful for the way you stand with us as we continue serving through these days.

Please pray:

For renewed strength, peace, and protection over every staff and board member as they pour themselves into serving others.
That God would swiftly bring a full-time counselor for both our NerYah youth and believing soldiers programs, to support those carrying heavy emotional burdens.
For covering over all our team members’ families.
For divine wisdom and unity for our board as they make key decisions regarding upcoming projects and future planning.
For Bill Katz, our U.S. representative, that his travels would be safe, his ministry fruitful, and his family protected, especially amid the growing wave of antisemitism in the nations.

THREEFOLD VISION FOR EMPOWERING THE FUTURE GENERATION OF BELIEVERS

NerYah Youth Group

Please pray:

For our in-person youth meetings this month, that the youth would be encouraged, enjoy themselves, and feel a renewed connection with the staff and one another.
For 11th–12th grade students preparing for their matriculation exams, for focus, understanding, and concentration during the preparation and the exams themselves.
For our academic mentoring program, that it would continue to strengthen the youth and encourage them to invest in their studies and succeed.

Believing Soldiers

Please pray:

For all the soldiers, that they would return home safely and that these difficult days would soon be replaced by days of quiet, security, and stability, despite the fragile ceasefire across different fronts.
For the soldiers on the ground, for emotional strength, renewed energy, and the ability to face the ongoing pressure and strain, and that they would be protected in body and mind at all times.

Believing University Students/Discharged Soldiers

Please pray:

For peace and inner calm amid academic pressure, and the ability to face challenges without anxiety or discouragement.
For good time management and clear thinking, that they would approach each task with patience and confidence.
For strength through challenges, disappointments, and struggles of faith, and for hope and trust in this time of uncertainty about their future and studies.
For those recently discharged from the army, for guidance in decisions regarding studies, work, and their next steps in life.
For our counseling and meetings with discharged soldiers, that they receive the tools and guidance needed for their transition to civilian life.

MEDIA PROJECTS: FIGHTING FOR TRUTH

Much of what is said about Israel today is formed at a distance, without context, without proximity to the people living through it. Key details are left out, reality is reshaped, and narratives take hold before the truth has a chance to be heard. This is not a moment to stay silent. Hope for Israel speaks from inside the reality itself, sharing what is actually happening, the lives behind it, and the faith that remains. As confusion spreads and voices grow louder, this work carries even greater weight to bring clarity where there is distortion, and to hold to truth in the midst of it.

Please pray:

For the protection of 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 the right person to join us in content creation in promoting Israeli advocacy and in communicating the truth.
For spiritual protection over the media team and their families.
For the successful, timely development of our new website, both in design and functionality.

MINISTRY FINANCES

We are deeply grateful for God’s steady provision through this difficult season. Even in the midst of a fragile ceasefire, economic strain, and growing demands, His hand has sustained our work and allowed us to continue moving forward.

At the same time, the scope of what we are doing has grown significantly, from emergency aid and community support to national advocacy and outreach. The need has not slowed. We continue to trust the Lord to provide what is needed so we can keep serving the people of Israel with faithfulness, consistency, and care.

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.

COMMUNITY RESTORATION INITIATIVE

Hope for Israel’s most significant initiatives are currently underway: Operation Restoration & Operation Doors of Hope. Both projects are the biggest financial commitments we’ve undertaken to date.

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

Tours

Being in a season of war once again has proved challenging as tours are cancelling. 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. We are excited for the upcoming Greece tour: Footsteps of the Apostle Paul in Greece (May 22- June 2, 2026); and an Israel Solidarity Tour (August 27 – September 7, 2026).

Please continue to pray:

For wisdom regarding current & future tour operations.
For the HFI Tours to be full!
For other groups that are planning tours through us to materialize, and for our tour operation to regain traction in the latter part of the year.

The reality across Israel has not settled, and the needs remain both immediate and ongoing. We continue to stand alongside the people of this land, responding where it is needed and staying present in the midst of what is still unfolding. Your prayers and support make this work possible. Thank you for standing with us as we continue to serve across the nation.

IN HIS SERVICE,
THE HOPE FOR ISRAEL PRAYER TEAM