As winter approaches in Israel, the usual concerns about the cold and rain have been overshadowed by far heavier questions: How are the hostages faring in their unknown conditions? How will they endure the biting cold and relentless wetness of the season? Our thoughts also turn to the soldiers who must carry out their missions in the harshness of winter’s extremes, braving the rain, mud, and chilling winds.

And then, there are the many Israelis forced to flee their homes, now living as refugees, grappling with the reality of being far from the warmth and familiarity of their own spaces. For some, the homes they once knew have been destroyed, leaving them not just displaced but with a profound sense of loss.

This time of year is typically marked by the first rains, colder and windier days, and a turn toward the joys of Hanukkah at the month’s end. Yet this winter brings little celebration and much frustration. The country remains weary from the ongoing war. Rocket attacks continue to disrupt lives, and we grieve for the soldiers we’ve lost.

As we celebrate Hanukkah this year, we are reminded of the mighty victory of the Maccabees—Jewish warriors who stood firm against overwhelming forces—and the miraculous restoration of the Temple, a sacred symbol of our faith and unity. Hanukkah is not just a holiday of lights but a time to reflect on the resilience of our people and the miracles that have carried us through the darkest of times.

The light of the Hanukkah candles burns brightly, piercing through the winter darkness, a symbol of hope and perseverance. As we light them, we pray not only for the miracle of the oil but for a modern miracle—the restoration of Israel, both physically and spiritually. We pray for victory in this war, for peace to return to our land, and for the safe return of the hostages to their families.

This season of light carries a powerful message: even in the darkest times, the flame of hope must be kept alive. May this Hanukkah kindle within us the strength to rebuild, the faith to endure, and the courage to continue striving for the restoration of a nation yearning for healing, unity, and peace.

Prayer requests for Israel

“Swords of Iron” — Seven Fronts in a Multidimensional War

Israel is engaged in an intense, multidimensional war on seven fronts, each presenting unique challenges. The cost of this conflict is staggering, with over 800 soldiers tragically killed since October 7. This war underscores the complexity of modern threats, as Israel defends itself from a combination of direct attacks and regional hostilities orchestrated by adversaries.

The Gaza Strip
In Gaza, the IDF continues its operation to dismantle Hamas' infrastructure. The area has been divided into three operational zones to disrupt smuggling routes, neutralize operatives, and establish military zones to isolate Hamas. The region remains volatile with ongoing rocket attacks, heavy casualties among soldiers, and the grim uncertainty surrounding the 101 hostages still held by Hamas.

Lebanon
Daily missile, rocket, and drone attacks from Hezbollah have strained Israel's northern communities. While much of Hezbollah's leadership has been targeted, their relentless aggression continues to disrupt civilian life and endanger soldiers. However, as of Wednesday, November 27, at 4:00 AM, a ceasefire was enacted. There is hope this will reduce hostilities, though the situation remains tense and fragile.

Iran
Iran is central to the conflict, escalating tensions through direct missile strikes and support for proxy groups across the region. Israel’s retaliatory strikes aim to diminish Iran's influence, but the risk of further escalation remains a significant concern. Iran’s ability to mobilize its network of proxies heightens the stakes on multiple fronts.

Yemen
The Iranian-backed Houthis have launched drones and missiles at Israel, opening a southern front in the conflict. While most attacks have been intercepted by Israel’s defense systems, the threat from this region complicates Israel's already strained security operations.

Groups in Syria
Pro-Iranian militias in Syria continue to attack Israel's northern borders with rockets and drones. Operating in coordination with Hezbollah, these groups pose a persistent and dangerous threat, further destabilizing the region.

Groups in Iraq
Iraqi militias, heavily armed and directed by Iran, present a significant danger with the potential use of ballistic missiles and long-range attacks. Israel is actively working to counter this growing threat to its national security.

Judea and Samaria
Escalating violence in Judea and Samaria, with frequent terror attacks on civilians and soldiers, remains a pressing concern. The region’s instability continues to stretch Israel's resources and heightens tensions on this front.

Please pray:

• For supernatural wisdom, courage, and protection for Israel’s leaders, soldiers, and commanders.
• For strength and hope for families who have lost loved ones or live in constant fear.
• For the safety of civilians in all regions, especially those under daily rocket, missile, and drone fire.
• For the hostages, that they remain strong and hopeful, and for a breakthrough in negotiations to bring them home safely.
• For the neutralization of threats from all fronts, including Gaza, Lebanon, Iran, Yemen, Syria, Iraq, and Judea and Samaria.
• For emotional and spiritual resilience for the people of Israel during this prolonged time of crisis.
• For a spiritual awakening in Israel and the surrounding region, that hearts would turn to God in faith, hope, and transformation amidst the darkness.

International Diplomacy and Hypocrisy

The global response to Israel's actions has been deeply polarizing. On one hand, there is significant international pressure for Israel to agree to ceasefires, often without addressing the ongoing threat posed by terror groups. On the other hand, institutions like the United Nations and the International Criminal Court frequently target Israel disproportionately, ignoring or downplaying the actions of groups like Hamas and Hezbollah.

This double standard is further reflected in the rising wave of antisemitic incidents worldwide, with Jewish communities bearing the brunt of global hostility. Israel faces the delicate balance of protecting its security while navigating the often biased diplomatic landscape.

Please pray:

• For favor and wisdom in Israel’s diplomatic efforts.
• For strength and protection for Jewish communities facing antisemitism.
• For clarity and effectiveness in communicating Israel’s right to self-defense.
• That hypocrisy in international bodies would be exposed, leading to fairness and truth.

Political Challenges and Division Among the People

Israel is not only facing external threats but also significant internal political challenges. The ongoing war has deepened existing divisions among the population, as differing opinions on military strategy, leadership, and governance come to light. Many are frustrated with political leaders and feel the strain of years of disagreements that have made it hard to achieve national unity during this critical time.

These tensions have grown worse because of the prolonged conflict, economic struggles, and the emotional toll of the war. Despite these challenges, there are moments of solidarity, with communities coming together to support one another. However, the need for true unity and wise leadership is more urgent than ever.

Please pray:

• For Israel’s political leaders to put aside differences and work together for the nation’s good.
• For wisdom, humility, and honesty among those in positions of authority.
• For divisions among the people to be healed, creating unity and mutual support.
• For the people of Israel to find hope and strength during these political and social struggles.

Economic Strain

The prolonged war has taken a heavy toll on Israel’s economy. Many businesses have been disrupted, and resources are stretched thin as the country focuses on defense and recovery efforts. Homes and businesses across the country have been destroyed by rocket fire, leaving families and business owners struggling to rebuild their lives.

The situation is particularly difficult for reservists who have been called up to serve for many weeks, leaving their businesses unattended and their families without their daily presence. This has added an extra layer of hardship for those who must balance their military duty with the need to maintain their livelihoods. The economic strain is widespread, affecting countless families and communities.

Please pray:

• Provision and resilience for families struggling to make ends meet.
• Creative and effective solutions for economic recovery.
• Strength and encouragement for business owners and workers rebuilding their lives.
• Support for reservists and their families as they endure prolonged separations and financial challenges.

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

Moran continues to be completely devoted to the ministry's emergency response efforts. He continues to work in the field, providing support for the evacuated families who are still out of their homes. He is in touch with them, making sure they have what they need while continuing to bring 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.

Moran and his board are working together to implement a total restructuring of the ministry in the coming months, including a larger-scale war response. In light of the new ceasefire agreement with Lebanon, the need to rebuild and restore communities will be immense. Moran and his board are putting plans in place to be ready to effectively meet this need when necessary.

Please pray:

• For wisdom regarding the various aspects of the ministry that he oversees.
• For wisdom for he and the ministry’s board as they devise & implement restructuring plans.
• For strength & wisdom as he provides support for friends & families who have lost their loved ones in the war.
• For strength, wisdom, protection, & health for he and his family during this intense time. Continued healing for Moran and his family after the loss of their beloved nephew/cousin in Gaza.
• For guidance and inspiration as he writes his weekly Scripture commentaries.
• For peace & endurance during this difficult season.

HFI Staff & Board Members

Please pray:

• For the HFI board meeting on Dec 5th, for wisdom for the board members and direction for 2025.
• For blessing over our staff & board members who devote time and energy to executing our vision for the ministry.
• For an administrator manager in Israel.
• For protection over their families while they serve.
• For wisdom for the board members as they make decisions that impact the ministry in tangible ways.
• For 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
• 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 believing youth group
Many young people have joined NerYah, and even more are eager to become part of this ministry. This is truly an answer to prayer, and we thank you for your faithful intercession.

We are also grateful for the safe return of Ro’ee from his reserve duty. He has begun his academic year on time, and your prayers have been a source of strength and encouragement for him.

This month, we have been focusing on the value of *unity*. This has brought the youth closer together, fostering an atmosphere of mutual support and deeper commitment to one another. We are encouraged by the sense of purpose and love that is growing within the group.

As we move into the coming month, our focus will shift to *discipleship*. We are excited to guide the youth in growing deeper in their faith and understanding of what it means to follow the Lord wholeheartedly.

Please pray:

• For security within Israel so that we may resume outside trips. These outings play a vital role in building relationships and offering meaningful spiritual experiences.
• For strength for the youth to resist temptations and negative influences such as harmful content, alcohol, and cigarettes. Pray that they remain strong in their faith and maintain good mental and spiritual health.
• For wisdom for planning special gatherings and events throughout the year. We desire that these moments leave a lasting impact on the youth and glorify God.
• For more youth leaders to join us in this mission. Pray for individuals with a heart for discipleship and a passion for guiding young people in their walks with the Lord.

Believing Soldiers
This month, we met with one of our soldiers to encourage her and provide her with tools to cope with the challenges she is facing. This meeting was initiated in response to her expressed need for support and guidance during a particularly difficult time. Through heartfelt conversation, practical advice, and prayer, the soldier felt a renewed sense of strength and hope. She left the meeting feeling encouraged, equipped, and deeply loved, knowing she is not walking this journey alone. This was a beautiful opportunity to show her the care and support of her community and the faithfulness of God in her life.

Please pray:

• For more male counselors who see this service as important and vital. Often, supporting the soldiers can be challenging.
• For the mental and spiritual condition of the soldiers. The time has been very challenging, very long, and these young people have been exposed to seeing and enduring many harsh things.
• For wisdom and guidance so that we can provide all the soldiers need, on all levels.
• For wisdom as to how to deal with discharged soldiers who still have psychological, spiritual and physical needs

Students group
Hope for Israel is providing scholarships for 21 students. This is very exciting! The students expressed gratitude for the financial assistance, especially considering the continuing challenging circumstances. expressed a great deal of appreciation.

On November 11 we held the opening meeting of the year for the students, and they We are very happy about the addition of a new student coordinator. This is a direct answer to prayer.

Please pray:

• For strength and excitement for the new year of studies. It is not easy to find motivation during these challenging times.
• That students in the Reserves find peace and strength to manage their studies amidst the challenges they face. Many reservists are deployed and then return, only to be called back into service. Please keep their safety in your thoughts and prayers.
• For the wives of reserve soldiers who are also students. There is additional stress on the families due to fear of the unknown and having to maintain some sort of routine during the absence of the other parent.
• For the continued success of the scholarship project. That the students integrate into their respective departments where they volunteer and for wisdom for the project’s management team.

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.

Please pray:

• For wisdom to manage attacks against our platforms and content and for the cessation of such attacks.
• For strength and wisdom for a professional media team that will provide media services to the various media pages of our organization.
• For 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!
• For a video crew in Israel to work with to generate new content.
• For a grassroots movement of Israel advocacy via YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram.
• For informative & exciting articles and other original material that will educate our audience and encourage their support of Israel now and always.
• For spiritual protection
• For insight and efficiency in updating our website and messaging

Tours

Moran hosted a very special “Footsteps of Paul” Tour in Greece last month – thank you for praying! It was truly life-changing for those who joined the tour. We are still working on rescheduling tours due to the war and have not moved forward with scheduling any new tours for 2025. This has been a very challenging and, at times, stressful logistical operation. 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.

Please pray:

• For wisdom for Moran & Melissa as they continue to face challenging decisions regarding the tour operations.
• For open doors for "Footsteps of the Apostle Paul" tours to other countries of the Mediterranean region (Cyprus, Greece, Italy, etc.)
• For grace as we begin planning our next Israel Solidarity Tour in early 2025

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