Shalom from Jerusalem,

As we enter December, Israel stands in a season that feels both darkness and pain, yet hope and determination. The threats around us have not vanished; enemies still plot, and lies continue to spread like shadows across the nations. Even in moments of quiet, we know how fragile that quiet truly is. Our soldiers stand watch, our families hold their breath, and our nation presses forward with courage shaped by perseverance and remembrance. 

Yet in these very days, as Hanukkah approaches, our hearts turn toward the story of light that refused to be extinguished. The Festival of Lights is more than a memory; it is a reminder that God’s presence still burns in places where darkness tries to rule. Just as in the days of the Maccabees, Israel is once again called to stand firm, to push back against overwhelming odds, and to shine with a hope that does not come from human strength.

Around the world, a different kind of darkness spreads: distorted narratives, misinformation, and voices that blame Israel even as she fights for survival. This war of words, images, and public opinion is fierce. But Hanukkah teaches us that even a single flame can break the power of night. In this hour, we too must be that light, speaking truth, praying boldly, and refusing to let lies drown out the story God is writing.

So as December begins, let us pray for protection over our country, comfort for the grieving, clarity for our leaders, and truth to shine through every attempt to obscure it. Let the God of Israel keep His light over this Land and strengthen His people with hope and peace.

Pray for: 

• The families of the fallen and the two remaining hostages.
  Pray for deep comfort for the families whose loved ones’ bodies were recently returned, that God would meet them in their grief with His nearness and mercy. Intercede urgently for the two hostages who remain in Gaza, asking the Lord to sustain their spirits, protect their bodies, and make a supernatural way for their rescue. Pray that no more families will have to face the heartbreak of loss.
• Protection amid renewed threats from Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran.  While the situation on the ground has shifted, Israel continues to face intensifying danger on multiple fronts. In Gaza, even under the ceasefire, Hamas continues redeploying fighters, tightening its grip through arrests and executions, and rebuilding its network, clear reminders that the threat has not disappeared. Along the northern border, Hezbollah is attempting to regroup and restore its capabilities. At the same time, Iran continues to arm and finance terror proxies while openly calling for Israel’s destruction. Pray that God shields Israel’s communities, frustrates every plan of the enemy, and grants the IDF sharp discernment to identify and dismantle threats before they strike.
• Truth to rise above global misinformation.
  As false narratives spread quickly across media and political platforms, pray for truth to cut through the confusion. Ask God to expose deception, silence propaganda, and awaken hearts around the world to Israel’s real struggle for safety and survival. Pray that global leaders and influencers would be moved toward honesty, justice, and compassion.
• Wisdom and clarity for Israel’s leaders.
  During this time of fragile pause, with shifting fronts, ongoing threats, and critical decisions ahead, pray for Israel’s leaders to be guided by righteousness and unity. Ask God to grant them steady judgment, moral courage, and the ability to act for the long-term security and well-being of the nation.
• Healing for a nation still carrying trauma.
  From soldiers returned from combat to families who endured months of fear, Israel bears deep emotional and spiritual wounds. Pray for God to restore strength to the weary, peace to anxious hearts, and hope to every home touched by war. Ask Him to rebuild communities in the north and south and bring healing to children who have grown up with war and in battle zones.
• Unity and spiritual renewal among God’s people.
  In a time of exhaustion, division, and global hostility, pray that the people of Israel, both in the Land and throughout the diaspora, would draw closer to one another and to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Ask for a fresh outpouring of His Spirit, bringing unity, revival, and renewed faith to this nation and all who stand with her.

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HFI PRAYER REQUESTS

As Israel steps into another uncertain month, the ceasefire remains fragile, and the wounds of war still shape daily life. Hope for Israel continues to stand with families navigating grief, communities working to rebuild, and young people carrying the weight of two difficult years. Across the world, hostility toward Israel grows louder, making truth and steadfast faith more essential than ever. Below are key ways you can lift our nation and our ministry in prayer this month.

MORAN

Moran had a very fruitful teaching trip last month. Thank you for your prayers! This month, he looks forward to hosting a small tour of visitors from the USA for 10 days. He also continues to oversee the implementation phase of some sizable security projects in communities that were devastated on October 7th, 2023. These projects help to bring additional safety and peace to so many families who are trying to rebuild their lives in the aftermath of war.

Please continue to pray for wisdom & discernment as he seeks creative solutions in restructuring to meet the new reality in our office. The staff is still in transition on various levels, and Moran would be grateful for your prayers.

Please continue to pray for:

• Wisdom regarding the various aspects of the ministry that he oversees.
• A meaningful tour for all involved.
• Strength & wisdom as he provides support for friends & families who have lost their loved ones in the war.
• Strength, wisdom, protection & health during this time.
• Guidance and inspiration as he writes his weekly Scripture commentaries & war updates.

HFI STAFF & BOARD MEMBERS

Our staff and board continue to serve with remarkable dedication, even as the needs across Israel remain overwhelming and resources are stretched thin. In this long season of recovery, uncertainty, and rebuilding, their work demands wisdom, endurance, and grace. Your prayers strengthen our team in real and tangible ways, and we are deeply grateful as we navigate these critical days together.

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 the continued health and safety of our team members who have given birth, and 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:

• The opening gathering will take place this month. We needed to delay the start of the youth group this year due to staffing shortages. Please pray that all will go as planned and that there will be a strong showing of the believing youth as we kick off this year’s program. 
• For the new program, which will include subgroups based on age, that it will foster deeper connections among the believing youth.
• For new leaders for the youth group, that God will bring those who have a heart for the youth and want to commit their time to them.

Believing Soldiers  

Please pray:

• For a new coordinator & volunteers for the Believing Soldiers program. Please pray that people who have a real heart for our believing soldiers, who desire to support them in practical ways, will join our initiative. 
• For wisdom and guidance on how to encourage the soldiers, and give them what they need during this stressful & intense season.
• For the mental & emotional state of the believing soldiers. Many are struggling with PTSD from their service during the war and need support.
• For those recently discharged, for strength, guidance, support, and compassion as they face the task of reintegrating into civilian life.

Believing University Students

Please pray:

• For wisdom in aiding students’ integration into their studies.
• For anticipation among students towards the new year, especially as many are coming out of reserve duty and struggle to integrate into civilian life.
• For a soft landing for first-year students who need to get used to a new framework and its demands.
• For the organization of the students' annual program, student training, and other dates that need to be officially closed.
• For wisdom on how to accompany and support the students in a meaningful way. 
• For us to be sensitive to the needs of the students, and that we develop a program relevant to their needs. 

MEDIA PROJECTS: FIGHTING FOR TRUTH

In an age of misinformation and weaponized narratives, the 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 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 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 grateful for God’s faithful provision throughout this difficult season. Even in a fragile ceasefire, 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.

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

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. We have some tours in the works for 2026, which we are really excited about: Experience Israel Tour (March 1-12, 2026); 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 for Moran & Melissa as they face challenging decisions regarding the tour operations and continue planning tours for 2026.
• 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 2026.

As we continue standing in the gap for the people of Israel, for truth, and for the next generation of believers, your prayers, encouragement, and faithful support remain a lifeline in these demanding days. Thank you for partnering with Hope for Israel as we serve with courage, compassion, and steadfast hope amid the ongoing challenges facing our nation.

IN HIS SERVICE,
THE HOPE FOR ISRAEL PRAYER TEAM