Dear Prayer Partners,

Shalom and Greetings from Jerusalem! Summer has come to an end and we have entered the holiday season. After a difficult and trying summer, Israelis are recovering from the impact of the war and trying to resume normal life. Thanks to God that we are entering a season of joy and time spent with loved ones. Always during the High Holidays we ask you to join us in prayer for the hearts of the people of Israel to receive their Messiah, Yeshua. He is our ultimate sacrifice that atones for our sins with His death and resurrection. We are able to rejoice in this gift during Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement). Please join us in praying that this will be a season of harvest in the Land, both literally and spiritually.

Please join us in interceding on behalf of Israel for:

High Holidays: Thanks to God that Rosh Hashanah was full of blessings and joy with families and friends. There were no incidents of terrorist attacks or uprisings. The weekend of October 3rd-4th, we celebrate Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, and the following week is Sukkot, often referred to as the “Feast of Tabernacles”. Please pray for continued protection during the holiday celebrations and that there will be a revelation of Yeshua as the Messiah for those who seek redemption. Pray for the safe travels of the thousands of believers who are traveling from all over the world to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles in Jerusalem. Pray that it will be a time of jubilation and dedication to the Lord.

Middle East Tensions: War continues to rage in Syria and Iraq. Terrorist groups like ISIS have taken advantage of the chaos that was brought with the war in Syria and used it to take over large masses of territory across the region. They continue to advance to the border of Turkey and Lebanon and are massacring innocent victims along the way. These atrocities that are occurring not so far from Israel’s borders are hard to imagine. We ask for your prayers for the Middle East, particularly in Syria and Iraq. Pray for the international coalition that is leading a counteroffensive against ISIS militants. Pray for the Lord’s hand of protection over the innocent civilians who are caught up in the crossfire of a ruthless war. Please pray for the defeat of any enemy that seeks to kill and destroy. Pray for the light to overcome the darkness.

Israel and Palestinians: The “peace talks” have long been postponed after the war with Hamas this past summer. Hamas and Fatah leaders continue talks to build their alliance. Hamas has agreed to let the Palestinian Authority to operate and increase its presence and responsibilities in the Gaza Strip. For Israelis and Palestinians alike, currently neither party sees a legitimate partner to pursue peace with. Fatah is bonding with Hamas, and Israel refuses to deal with a terrorist organization. Please pray for the true Peace of God to fall on this Land. Pray for wisdom for Israeli and Palestinian leaders and for them to turn to the Messiah as the only true source of peace and justice.

Rain: In the coming months, Israel will be entering into her rainy season. There is usually a small window every year during the winter months that Israel receives the majority of rainfall. This needs to be enough rain to last the entire year until the next winter. Please pray for an abundance of rain this year. “Ask the Lord for rain in the springtime; it is the Lord who sends the thunderstorms. He gives showers of rain to all people, and plants of the field to everyone.” Zechariah 10:1

Israeli Economy: Analysts say the war with Gaza cost the Israeli economy about $3 billion (including things such as lost wages.) Businesses, especially those in the south, suffered great losses. One of the hardest-hit sectors was tourism. The number of foreign tourists arriving plummeted more than 25 percent. Please pray, once again, for all of the people whose lives and businesses were greatly affected by the recent war. The attacks may have ceased, but the rebuilding will take much longer. Pray for rain for the upcoming winter, which will help boost the economy in the coming year. Pray for the Lord’s provision for those who are struggling to meet their basic needs, as well as for the civilians in Gaza who continue to suffer from their leadership, Hamas.

BDS- Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions: The BDS movement is a global initiative aimed at using economic and academic leverage to place political pressure on Israel as a way of supporting the Palestinian cause. Governments, companies, and organizations are boycotting the buying and selling of goods, products and services from Israel. This campaign also encourages individual consumers to boycott buying any Israeli goods. Lately, we’ve seen protests aimed at preventing commercial boats carrying goods from Israel from docking in the U.S. ports. In addition, there are more American universities boycotting Israeli universities and professors, forbidding any form of collaboration. Please be praying against this movement that places a burden on Israel’s economy and businesses. Pray for the governments and individuals making these decisions to boycott Israel, that they would not see Israel nor the God of Israel as their enemy. Pray for us as we begin a counter-BDS campaign in the coming weeks.

Following are some ministry requests for Hope for Israel:

Moran – Please pray for wisdom for Moran as he leads the Hope for Israel ministry and strength to accomplish all of the tasks ahead of him. Moran will be traveling extensively in the coming months and needs prayer to complete all of his projects and work in the last few weeks before he leaves for his travels. Please also keep his family covered in prayer, especially for health and peace in the home as the coming months will be especially busy.

HFI Board – Please continue to pray for the Board as they always have important decisions for the ministry in front of them.  Please keep their families in your prayers as well, that the arrows of the enemy will not penetrate, but that the LORD will shield them.

HFI Staff – Please continue to intercede for our staff members, board members, and ministry partners & their loved ones; please pray that we will walk in the victory that Yeshua has given us over illness and disease.  Please continue to pray for His protection over our children’s hearts & minds as well.  Please also pray for the entire staff in our work, that the LORD would inspire and work through us to bring Himself glory in Israel.

Ner Yah Youth Group – Please keep the youth of Ner Yah in your prayers, for their hearts and their walk with the Lord. Pray that their relationship with the Lord would strengthen and their lives would be such a light that they begin the influence the world around them. Pray that they will be thirsty for more of God and for their hearts to be open towards Him.

Ner Yah Leaders – Please continue to pray for the staff and student leadership team as they lead the group. Please pray that God would strengthen them in love and the fruits of the Spirit as they meet the youth weekly and disciple them. Currently there are only 4 team members who are helping to lead the youth group. Please join us in prayer for more leadership to come to the forefront in order to invest more attention and time into the youth.

Experience Israel Tour – Please pray for the 10th Anniversary Experience Israel tour February 27th-March 14th. Pray that the Lord will bring the right people to join this tour and that all of the preparations and operations will be blessed.

Pastor’s Solidarity Tour- Moran is co-hosting a tour with pastor’s and their spouses January 19th-27th. Pray that this tour will bring the right leaders to come and stand by Israel and that all the logistics will run smoothly.

Tour Department – One of the ways that Hope for Israel is able to supplement the ministry’s income is by organizing and leading tours to Israel.  The tours also carry a strong ministry component, as tour participants often have opportunities to bless Israel via tangible acts of service.  As the situation in Israel continues to heat up, it is more important than ever for followers of Messiah to show their support by physically coming to Israel.  Please continue to pray that the LORD will bless this aspect of the ministry and that He would bring more and more people to witness His love on these tours. 

Lastly, please continue to pray for the salvation of Israel & the Jewish people throughout the world; we long for the day when all Israel will recognize her Messiah and receive Him… “For if their rejection [of Yeshua] is the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead?” Romans 11:15

In His Service,
The Hope for Israel Prayer Team