“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: ‘May those who love you be secure.’” — Psalm 122:6

Shalom from Jerusalem,

As August unfolds in Israel, the usual rhythms of summer feel distant. While the school year is on hold, there’s no real “break” for many families. With fathers and mothers still serving on reserve duty and countless children without access to structured summer programs, daily life remains strained.

Instead of carefree days and travel plans, families are navigating emotional exhaustion, logistical challenges, and ongoing uncertainty. Communities are doing what they can, neighbors helping neighbors, volunteers stepping in, but the burden is heavy.

Some homes are still being rebuilt. Some families are still in mourning. Many live under constant rocket alerts or in towns near hostile borders. And yet, in parks and playgrounds, children still laugh. Around dinner tables, families still pray. There is weariness, yes, but also quiet resilience.

We pray that this summer becomes more than a season of survival. We pray that God meets His people in their weariness. That children feel safe. That parents find strength. That broken places begin to mend. And that even without a true pause, there would be moments of rest, joy, and healing.

FRONTLINE OVERVIEW — JULY 2025

In Syria, over 1,100 Druze and Christian civilians have been killed in Sweida amid brutal sectarian conflict. Both communities are enduring unimaginable suffering as clashes between militias, Bedouin factions, and Syrian regime forces escalate. Reports of atrocities, including summary executions and mass destruction, have devastated families and erased entire neighborhoods. Israel responded decisively to protect vulnerable populations, conducting targeted strikes to neutralize immediate threats and coordinating humanitarian aid to reach the wounded and displaced. Despite a fragile ceasefire, violence remains a constant threat.

In Gaza, the IDF targeted Hamas operatives and terror infrastructure tied to the October 7 massacre. Hamas’s use of human shields continues to endanger civilians. Aid is being closely monitored to prevent exploitation. Several Israeli soldiers have given their lives in these operations.

In Lebanon, Hezbollah continues to violate ceasefire agreements. Israel responded with precision strikes on weapons storage and launch sites, reinforcing security along the northern border.

In Judea and Samaria, the IDF disrupted several terror plots through targeted operations and arrests. Despite rising tensions, Israel remains committed to security and stability in the region.

In Iran and Yemen, Israel remained vigilant. The IDF intercepted multiple Houthi missiles launched toward Israeli territory, reflecting growing threats from Iran-backed proxies. Israel’s defense systems remain alert and active.

GLOBAL ANTISEMITISM AND RISING PRESSURE

July saw a troubling rise in antisemitism worldwide. In the entertainment and sports industries, public figures and organizations voiced anti-Israel rhetoric or boycotted Israeli teams. Terror plots against Jewish communities were uncovered in several countries. Hate speech and false narratives continue to spread, often blaming Israel for simply defending itself.

INTERNAL STRAIN AND NATIONAL RESOLVE

Internally, Israel is under strain. Political divisions, economic stress, and the weight of war have left many exhausted. Reserve duty continues for thousands, while political tensions complicate national unity. Still, communities support one another. Volunteers help the displaced. Families continue to care for soldiers and pray for the hostages. Israel’s resolve, though tested, holds firm.

RETURN OF THE HOSTAGES

Fifty hostages remain in Gaza. Their fate is unclear, but hope endures. Families continue to speak out, and international efforts persist. Every day that passes is a day too long. The need for breakthrough is urgent. The call to bring them home remains as loud as ever.

PRAYER POINTS

For Those on the Frontlines

• Pray for every IDF soldier: those on the ground in Gaza, stationed along the northern border, or monitoring threats in Judea and Samaria. Ask God to protect them, guide them, and give them courage in every mission.
  • Pray for wisdom and unity among Israel’s military and political leaders. That every decision be rooted in truth, justice, and moral clarity.
  • Pray that every hidden terror plot is uncovered and stopped before it harms. That no weapon formed against Israel would prosper.
  • Pray that the IDF would succeed in dismantling Hamas’s infrastructure fully, so terror no longer rules in Gaza.

For Families Living in the Strain

• Pray for parents serving in the reserves. For strength to endure, protection on every shift, and peace for their children at home.
  • Pray for families managing without childcare or summer programs, carrying exhaustion and emotional weight. That God would meet them in their overwhelm.
  • Pray for the displaced, the grieving, and the brokenhearted. That even in deep uncertainty, they would find comfort and healing.
  • Pray that summer would be more than survival. That families would be surprised with moments of connection, joy, and rest.

For the Hostages

• Pray for the fifty hostages still held in Gaza. That God would preserve their lives, sustain their spirits, and bring them home swiftly.
  • Pray for breakthroughs in negotiations. That real action would happen, not delays or politics, and lead to freedom.
  • Pray for the families who are waiting. That they would not lose hope, that their voices would be heard, and that they would feel the strength of global prayer.

For Jewish Communities Worldwide

• Pray for protection over Jewish communities facing rising antisemitism. That they would be shielded from hate, violence, and fear.
  • Pray that misinformation and lies would be exposed. That truth would rise, in the media, in government, and in the Church.
  • Pray for strong and principled voices in entertainment, sports, and public life to speak out against antisemitism with moral clarity.

For Israel's Place in the World

• Pray that the international community would see Israel clearly, not through propaganda or bias, but through truth.
  • Pray for fair reporting, honest diplomacy, and public support for Israel’s right to defend itself.
  • Pray that Israel would not be isolated, but strengthened by global solidarity and prayer.

For the Druze and Christian Communities in Syria

• Pray for the protection and healing of the Druze and Christian families in Sweida. That God would shield them from further violence and provide lasting peace and stability.
  • Pray for the wounded, the mourning, and those displaced. That critical aid would reach them, and that the Church would rise in compassion and intercession.
  • Pray that the international community would not ignore their suffering but respond with tangible support and justice.

As you lift up Israel in prayer, may you also be strengthened. “The Lord is near to all who call on Him.” (Psalm 145:18)

This is not a time for silence or distance. Please commit to daily prayer, to sharing truth, and to standing boldly with Israel and those suffering across the region. Your voice matters. Your prayers matter. May God protect His people, bring healing to the land, and guide us all with wisdom, strength, and hope.

CONTINUING IN HOPE: PRAYER FOR HOPE FOR ISRAEL

Even as Israel faces challenges on every front, physical, spiritual, and emotional, Hope for Israel continues to respond to the call God has placed before us. Through prayer, service, and truth, we stand with our people in this critical hour. Below are specific ways you can join us in lifting up the ministry and those we serve.

MORAN

Moran is currently traveling in the United States at the beginning of the month and will return to Israel to provide direct support to families rebuilding their lives and to deliver aid to those in need. He is also leading a major project to upgrade and secure safe rooms in a community that was attacked on October 7th, 2023, helping residents better protect themselves against future threats.

In addition, Moran continues to oversee the ministry’s media and Israel advocacy initiatives, an increasingly vital task in the face of misinformation and media bias. He is also navigating challenges at our Jerusalem office, where two key staff members are on maternity leave.

On the personal front, Moran’s family is preparing for a move to a new apartment in mid-August. This comes at a time of multiple transitions: one daughter has graduated high school and is entering a military preparatory program, while another is beginning at a new high school.

Please pray:

• For wisdom and clarity as Moran leads key areas of ministry and responds to the current needs on the ground.
  • For strength and discernment as he supports grieving families and writes weekly Scripture-based reflections.
  • For protection and health for Moran and his family during this demanding season.
  • For safe travel and open doors as he speaks and advocates for Israel abroad.
  • For peaceful transitions for his daughters and a smooth move into their new home.

HFI STAFF, LEADERSHIP & SUPPORT TEAM

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 beliving 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 Believing Youth Group

This summer, NerYah team members personally visited youth at home to check in and say goodbye as the school year ended. These visits deeply touched many teens, reinforcing how much consistent presence and care matter. Throughout July, NerYah youth, especially graduating seniors, participated in faith-building conferences and remained engaged despite ongoing challenges.

Please pray:
• For the final 12th-grade meeting in August to bring meaningful closure and encouragement.
• For new staff with a heart to serve Israel’s believing youth.
• For protection over youth during the summer break, especially from harmful influences such as alcohol, smoking, or destructive peer pressure and that they would surround themselves with uplifting, godly friends.

Believing Soldiers & Discharged Veterans

We’re grateful to hear directly from soldiers who recently completed their military service. Many expressed how deeply they appreciated the support and prayers even when they couldn’t always respond. Your partnership made a real difference in their lives.

Please pray:
• For strength, wisdom, and peace for all currently serving.
• For discernment as young believers choose roles and prepare for military service.
• For more volunteers who share our vision to walk alongside believing soldiers.
• For recently released soldiers to heal from trauma, find clarity for the future, and reintegrate smoothly into civilian life.
• For wisdom and creativity for the coordinators as they develop relevant support and new resources.

Believing Students

Many students applying for scholarships expressed heartfelt gratitude for the vital support Hope for Israel has given them financially and spiritually. Some are also balancing reserve duty while continuing their studies during this unstable time.

Please pray:
• For emotional resilience and mental peace as students face academic and personal uncertainty.
• For wisdom and grace for our new student coordinator as she begins this critical role.
• For believing students to remain grounded in their faith and equipped to be a light in their academic communities.

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
Due to the ongoing security situation, all our tours have been postponed or canceled, leaving our tour operation without income. These tours help cover ministry overhead so that more donations go directly to projects. We’re still hopeful to welcome participants on the Israel Solidarity Tour in September 2025 and are exploring tour options in the Mediterranean region for 2026.

Please pray:
• For wisdom for Moran and Melissa as they make key decisions about future tours.
• For open doors to begin “Footsteps of the Apostle Paul” tours in Cyprus, Greece, Italy, and beyond.
• For the remaining spots in the 2025 Solidarity Tour to be filled, and for it to be a meaningful, unifying experience.

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 strength for the teams involved in logistics, counseling, and construction  that they would be protected and sustained.

OPERATION HESED (GRACE)

As part of our ongoing effort to serve families affected by war and economic strain, Hope for Israel cintinue with it’s Operation Hesed a focused intiative that will provide hundreds of food coupons 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 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.
• For the resources needed to expand and multiply our impact without compromising our calling or values.

In closing as we remain committed to standing in the gap, for the people of Israel, for truth, and for the next generation of believers. Your prayers, encouragement, and faithful support make this possible. Thank you for lifting up Hope for Israel as we serve with compassion, boldness, and unshakable hope.

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” — Psalm 46:1

IN HIS SERVICE,
THE HOPE FOR ISRAEL PRAYER TEAM