
Shalom from Jerusalem,
August in Israel is hot and dry. It is usually a month in which the kindergartens and camps are closed, and families take vacations. Many travel abroad and others travel to the north and south of the country to visit with family and friends.
Even the mental health workers take a holiday, and we tend to joke that this happens when the kids are out of their programs. What was anyone thinking?
This year, however, things are quite different. The War in Gaza and the North continues to rage, and there are many displaced people living in the hotels throughout the “safer” areas of the country. Though, as we have seen from the recent drone attack in Tel Aviv perpetuated by the Houthi’s of Yemen, no area can quite be thought of as “safe” and free of danger.
Sadly, there was a devastating attack on the soccer field of the Druze Village of Majdal Shams, in the North of the country. 12 kids were killed, and 34 more were injured, including 13 critically. This will undoubtedly elicit a strong and forceful response from Israel.
Though there are some who want to travel abroad, this has become more and more daunting amid the rise of anti-Semitic attacks worldwide.
On July 24 Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the Congress of the United States. He spoke eloquently to repeated applause and standing ovations. Of significance, was his honor of soldiers who had sacrificed so much for the State of Israel during the horrific attack of October 7, and the example of diversity within the ranks of the IDF In attendance was Lieutenant Avicail Reuven, a paratrooper from Ethiopia, who ran for 8 miles in uniform when he heard of the attack, to the front lines of Gaza to defend his people. There was also Master Seargent Ashraf al Bahiri, a Bedouin, who defended the citizens of Kibbutz Be’eri and other southern kibbutziem.
There is much to be in prayer for. We ask that you intercede on behalf of Israel and Hope for Israelthroughout the month of August.
PLEASE JOIN US IN PRAYING FOR:
Summer Vacation
Please pray for:
- An extra measure of grace and patience for parents during this time
- Activities for children that will keep them safe and busy
- Protection from depression and anxiety; many children are suffering from these due to the war
- An overall safe summer for all families in Israel
"Swords of Iron" – A Multidimensional War
On August 9, Israel will mark ten months since the beginning of the war. Israel has been fighting a war of attrition imposed upon it by Iranian-backed Hamas. The greatest disaster in the history of modern Israel has left us no choice but to wage an all-out war against the terrorist organization. While the IDF's operations in the Gaza Strip are carried out with the utmost care to avoid harming innocent people, the countries of the world listen to the propaganda of the terrorist organizations and their supporters and condemn the State of Israel.
Gaza Strip
The IDF has currently been operating in Khan Yunis as well as Rafah, and the war continues to be challenging and complex. The stated goals have been, and continue to be, the return of our hostages and the dismantling of Hamas military capabilities. We have heard from soldiers in the field that the intense heat is extremely challenging, and the soldiers continue to find entrances to tunnels where weapons are stored.
The IDF has confirmed that Mohammad Deif, the commander of Hamas’ military wing, has been eliminated. Deif was the Number 2 leader in the terrorist organization, second only to Sinwar. According to the IDF, Deif had embedded himself in a villa and a precision attack was authorized. It is hoped that this will further demoralize the remaining fighters of Hamas and expedite victory and return of the kidnapped.
The IDF continues to control the Philadelphia Corridor which is extremely important as it will prevent the movement (smuggling) of illegal weapons and ammunition between Egypt and Gaza. This seems to be a sticking point in the negotiations for the release of the hostages as Hamas wants all of the IDF to leave The Strip and we insist upon military control, for the time being, so that our efforts will not have been in vain
Northern Israel
More than 80, 000 Israelis remain evacuated from border towns due to the constant bombardment by Hizballah from Lebanon. Therefore, Israeli officials have said that school will not begin as is customary on September 1, in the Northern towns. The displaced children from the north who number approximately 15,000, will not begin school as planned. They will, instead, learn in hotels or makeshift temporary structures. The disruption in education, as well as the psychological, social and academic costs are very high. Though there are teams of dedicated teachers and social workers who give of themselves tirelessly, the collective trauma of these past months and the ongoing sense of impermanence experienced by the civilians is taking a very high toll.
There are calls to rectify this situation immediately and discussions in the government are underway to determine the way to proceed so that the citizens of Israel might simply return to their homes and live normal lives.
Watch what Moran has to say about the situation in northern Israel here.
In a significant development, Fuad Shakir, a commander of Hezballah and a prominent figure on the US most wanted list, was killed in a targeted strike in Beirut. Shakir was notoriously responsible for the brutal rocket attack on Majdal Shams, which tragically resulted in the death of 12 innocent children. His elimination marks a critical point in ongoing efforts to dismantle Hezballah's leadership and curb its violent activities.
In another consequential event, Ismail Haniyeh, the political leader of Hamas, was killed in Tehran. The implications of his death are yet to be fully understood, particularly concerning the ongoing hostage negotiations. Additionally, this development raises questions about the escalating tensions in the northern regions. This assassination fulfills a prior promise made by Israel, asserting that those responsible for the October 7 massacre would face severe repercussions.
Please pray for:
- The protection of IDF soldiers who are carrying out their duties in the field.
- Refreshment for all of Israel’s soldiers and protection from mental, physical, & emotional exhaustion.
- The security forces' leaders to continue to receive wisdom to win the war and eradicate terrorist activities, and to disarm terrorist groups.
- Strength & hope for entire families who have lived in hotel rooms for ten months.
- The political echelon to manage the war with prudence and wisdom.
- The reserve soldiers, many of whom are now returning to yet another round of fighting and protection for their families.
- Wisdom for IDF & Shin Bet (Secret Service) leaders as they plan how the war will move forward, especially as they fight a war against an enemy that hides among civilians, further complicating matters.
- Protection against any additional missile and terror attack that may still occur anywhere in the country.
Hostages
The IDF and the General Security Service continue to work tirelessly to locate and rescue other abductees whose conditions and whereabouts remain unknown. The terrorist organization currently holds a one-year-old baby, a four-year-old child, numerous young women, and both young and older men. Despite efforts and negotiations proposed by Israel and the U.S., progress remains stalled since Hamas continues to reject all the deal proposals put before it. It was recently published that two more hostages were killed, and Hamas is holding their bodies. Their names are Alex Dancyg, who was 75 and a historian and contributor to Yad Vashem, and Yagev Buchstav, who was 35.
Additionally, the bodies of five hostages were retrieved by our forces from an unguarded tunnel in Khan Younis. Their names are Maya Goren, who was 56 and a kindergarten teacher, and four soldiers: Oren Goldin, Tomer Ahimas, Kiril Brodski and Ravid Areyeh Katz. It is significant to note that this tunnel was in what was known as a humanitarian zone. Time is running around for the release of the hostages!
Please pray for:
- The immediate release of all captives in Gaza! May they receive God’s strength to survive until their freedom.
- The families who are suffering from the absence of their loved ones, that they may receive strength to continue the struggle and find comfort and peace.
- The IDF to receive additional and high-quality intelligence on the location of the remaining hostages.
- The men, women, and children who have been released from captivity, that they may receive deep healing from the trauma they have experienced.
Surge in Antisemitism
There is a sharp increase in the hatred of Jews all around the world. Jewish athletes have travelled to the Olympic Games in France under heavy guard and radical groups have threatened “blood running in the streets of France” because they dared to host Zionists. Indeed, there have already been disruptions in the high-speed rails in Paris. These have been described as “coordinated arson attacks” meant to disrupt those attempting to come to the Olympic games. Israeli athletes will receive 24-hour protection during the Olympic Games, and France has deployed an additional 45,000 officers, about 10 times more than normal, on top of 10,000 soldiers, search dogs, tactical teams and bomb squads. May the Olympics continue to proceed without incident and in a true spirit of sportsmanship.
Please pray for:
- Protection for Jews around the world.
- Protection for all people attending the Olympic Games. That these games would proceed peacefully.
- Protection from radical Islam that seeks to influence public opinion in Western countries, especially on university campuses.
- Wisdom for the leaders of nations to find ways to prevent antisemitism in their countries.
- Students and young people in the U.S. to open their eyes to the actual situation in Israel.
HFI Prayer Requests:
We continue to prayerfully seek the Lord’s wisdom and guidance to implement a renewed vision amid a tragic and costly war. Please join us in praying!
Moran
Since the war broke out, Moran has been completely devoted to the ministry's emergency response efforts. He continues to work in the field, providing support for those we have evacuated from the north and south of Israel, ensuring that the evacuated families have what they need, bringing meals every day to injured soldiers and their families, and delivering aid to anyone who is in need.
He also continues to oversee the ministry's Israel advocacy & information project, as people must receive reliable information from Israel. His personal social media platforms continue to be bombarded with hatred and anti-Israel propaganda attacks, which can be exhausting to confront.
Please continue to pray for:
- Wisdom regarding the various aspects of the ministry that he oversees.
- Strength & wisdom as he provides support for friends & families who have lost their loved ones in the war, all the while dealing with personal loss related to the war.
- Strength, wisdom, protection & health or he and his family during this intense time.
- Guidance and inspiration as he writes his weekly Scripture commentaries.
- Peace during this difficult season.
HFI Staff & Board Members
Please pray for:
- Blessing to our staff & board members who devote time and energy to executing our vision for the ministry.
- Protection over their families while they serve.
- Protection for family members who are returning to the army to serve. Strength and peace for their families who await their return
- Wisdom for the board members as they make decisions that impact the ministry in tangible ways.
- Our U.S. representative, Bill Katz, drives and flies thousands of miles weekly to speak on behalf of Hope for Israel, for health & traveling mercies, for protection over his wife and daughter while he is traveling, and for fruitful meetings and speaking engagements. Please pray for protection over Bill during this period as antisemitism continues to grow throughout the world.
Threefold Vision for Empowering the Future Generation of Believers
NerYah
We held many meetings during the month and had the opportunity to get to know the youth in a deeper and more personal way.
We visited a teenage girl who lives in the south of the country in a city which had been infiltrated by terrorists. This young woman, along with her mother, gave us a tour of their city and told us of their terrifying experience, along with their testimony of how God rescued them from danger. It was very meaningful for all of us to visit and hear from the heart of this precious young woman.
Additionally, because of your prayers, we have a new, very suitable member, with a big heart for youth, who has joined our team!
Roi our youth leader has returned from reserve duty! Thank you for your prayers!
Please pray for:
- The planning of the coming year, for the most efficient and welcoming way for our youth
- Protection for the youth, spiritually, emotionally and physically, and that the Lord will prepare their hearts for change and growth
- For the assembling of the team for next year, with more young volunteers, with exactly the right people during this significant time for the youth
Believing Soldiers
This past month, we started a new project in which we asked believing soldiers to send us videos from the field in which they encourage each other. The soldiers were excited to participate in this effort and were really encouraged by it because they felt a connection and empathy with the soldiers who sent the videos. It “hit the mark” and was precisely what they needed.
Please pray for:
- Male and female counselors who see the significance of this service and are willing invest their time in it.
- All the soldiers, those in the rear and on the front lines, during this challenging period during the war. The security threat is very high, and they need many prayers for peace and protection.
- Wisdom and guidance in encouraging the soldiers and giving them what they need.
- The mental state of the soldiers, some of whom are reaching burnout and are significantly challenged and struggling to find joy and draw closer to God.
- The monthly meetings - that the soldiers will come and that it will be a blessed time.
- The distribution of packages! This month we will distribute the summer packages to the soldiers! We need wisdom as to the contents and how to distribute them, and that this will be a blessing to them!
Students, Released Soldiers, and Reservists:
This month, we will conclude the year with the students who volunteered in our scholarship program. and we will continue our personal contact with some of our beloved Released Soldiers, and Reservists. As you can well imagine, it has been a challenging year.
Please pray for:
- This challenging time of war. Things are heating up and no matter where the Released Soldiers, and Reservists are stationed, they need wisdom, grace and protection
- Next Year’s Scholarship Program. We need wisdom in providing the proper training
- Ideas that will refresh the reservist students and their wives
- Released soldiers to find their way after their experience in the service. Some are returning to studies; others need to find employment.
HFI Media Projects
During a period when Israel is fighting not only a physical war but also diplomatic and public pressures and fake news, we see our work in the media as doubly important! Thank you for your continued support of our work in this area and your continued prayers! If you aren’t already receiving our regular updates about the war and the ministry, you can subscribe here.
We are still in great need of a suitable candidate to be a content writer. Staffing changes during this time of war are incredibly challenging, and we would appreciate your prayers that the right individuals will join our team! Inquiries and resumes can be sent to info@hope4israel.org (we will also consider candidates who live outside of Israel and can work as freelancers)
Please pray for:
- A content writer.
- Wisdom to manage attacks against our platforms and content and for the cessation of such attacks.
- Strength and wisdom for our media team as they continue to produce new content for our website, email, and social media, especially during the current war.
- Insight and wisdom are needed to offer fact-based and Scripture-based answers to those who oppose Israel; God would use our content to change peoples' hearts and minds!
- We need a video crew in Israel to work with to generate new content.
- Social Media manger.
- Creating a grassroots movement of Israel advocacy via YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram
- Informative & exciting articles and other original material that will educate our audience and encourage their support of Israel now and always.
- Prayer for spiritual protection
- Insight and efficiency in updating our website and messaging; God would provide the right website designer.
Tours
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 war, all our groups through September have either cancelled or rescheduled for 2025, leaving the tour operation without any income for the foreseeable future. This has been a very challenging and, at times, stressful logistical operation.
We have opened registration for our ISRAEL SOLIDARITY TOUR in September as well as "Footsteps of the Apostle Paul" in Greece in November! Please email info@hope4israel.org for more information. Please pray for:
- Continued wisdom for Moran & Melissa as they face challenging decisions regarding the tour operations considering the current war.
- Open doors for "Footsteps of the Apostle Paul" tours to other countries of the Mediterranean region (Cyprus, Greece, Italy, etc.)
- A full Solidarity Tour in September!
Ministry Finances
God has faithfully provided for the ministry's operating and project costs! We ask that you pray that He will continue to do so and that we will be able to bless more Israelis than ever!
In His Service,
The Hope for Israel Prayer Team