Shalom from Jerusalem,

Tu B’Shvat, the Jewish New Year of the Trees, arrives quietly, marked by new buds on branches that have endured months of cold and strain. Across Israel, this season of the New Year of the Trees carries deeper meaning, reminding us that growth often begins beneath the surface, forged through loss, endurance, and prolonged uncertainty.

That long season reached a turning point when the body of Master Sgt. Ran Gvili, the last known hostage in Gaza, returned home. His return brought a moment of national significance, met with deep emotion, honor, and unity across Israel. Messages of respect and remembrance filled public spaces, reflecting the shared commitment to bring every Israeli home and to honor those who gave their lives. The moment carried both relief and resolve, closing one chapter while leaving a lasting imprint on the nation’s collective memory.

Israel now moves into what is being called Phase B, not a release from danger, but a shift into the slow and demanding work of recovery while remaining alert and resolute. The ground is still unsteady, and the scars remain close. Like the trees honored on Tu B’Shvat, Israel stands rooted in difficult soil, pressing forward with courage and faith, holding to the belief that even after the harshest winter, renewal and life can still emerge.

Pray for: 

• Protection in light of escalating threats from Iran. As Israel remains on heightened alert amid growing concern over a possible Iranian strike. Pray for God’s covering over the nation. Ask Him to guard Israel’s skies, borders, and cities, to grant wisdom and clarity to Israel’s leadership and defense forces, and to prevent plans of destruction before they are carried out. Pray for calm and courage among civilians living under the strain of ongoing regional threats. At the same time, pray for the people of Iran, many of whom live under repression and do not share the aims of the regime. Ask God to protect those who are standing up against injustice, to comfort families living in fear, and to bring truth, restraint, and eventual freedom to a people caught under a violent and oppressive system.
• Wisdom and protection as Israel enters Phase 2 of the ceasefire plan. As Israel moves into Phase 2 of the ceasefire framework, while Hamas remains armed, hostilities have not fully ceased, and threats persist on multiple fronts, pray for God’s protection over Israel’s people and borders. Ask Him to grant discernment and strength to Israel’s leadership as they navigate complex security decisions, ensuring that Israel’s right to defend itself is preserved and its citizens remain safeguarded. Pray that Israel would not be pressured into concessions that endanger lives, that violations would be exposed and restrained, and that God would shield the nation during this fragile and highly sensitive transition.
• Israel’s soldiers and reservists on active duty across all fronts. Pray for IDF soldiers and reservists operating under sustained pressure, whether in Gaza, along the northern front in Lebanon and Syria, throughout Judea and Samaria, or in ongoing defensive readiness across the country. Ask God to protect them in every operation, grant clarity and restraint in complex decisions, and strengthen them physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Lift up their families as well, living with extended separations, constant concern, and the weight of prolonged uncertainty.
• Protection amid persistent security threats within Israel. With continued attempts at terror attacks, heightened alerts, and security incidents affecting daily life, pray for God’s covering over Israel’s cities, communities, roads, and public spaces. Ask Him to disrupt and prevent acts of violence before they are carried out, to sharpen the awareness and effectiveness of Israel’s security forces, and to bring a measure of calm and stability to civilian life.
• Healing from the toll of prolonged war and national strain. Pray for a nation carrying deep fatigue, grief, and emotional strain after extended months of conflict, loss, and instability. Ask God to renew strength where weariness has set in, to quiet anxious hearts, and to lead the nation toward healing and restoration. Pray especially for soldiers and veterans bearing unseen wounds. stress, trauma, and exhaustion, that God would bring healing, peace, and renewed inner strength.
• Jewish communities worldwide amid rising antisemitism. As hostility toward Jews and Israel continues to intensify globally, pray for Jewish communities facing growing pressure, fear, and isolation. Ask God to surround them with protection and courage, to expose lies and false accusations, and to move leaders, institutions, and societies to stand firmly for truth, justice, and the safety and dignity of Jewish life.
• Unity among the people of Israel. In a time marked by internal strain, political tension, and international scrutiny, pray for renewed unity among the people of Israel and throughout the Jewish world. Ask God to strengthen bonds across differences, to deepen connection to faith and shared purpose, and to restore a sense of hope and resolve that draws His people closer together.

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HFI PRAYER REQUESTS

Israel is navigating a tense and unpredictable moment, with rising threats across the Middle East and growing pressure from Iran and its proxies. While the region remains unstable, our purpose is steady. We continue supporting soldiers and their families, walking closely with students and young adults, and serving communities shaped by prolonged war and uncertainty. In a time when Israel faces challenges on multiple fronts, the ministry remains committed to strengthening lives through truth, faith, and practical care. Below are key ways you can pray for Israel and for the work of Hope for Israel.

MORAN

Moran continues to oversee the implementation of “Operation Doors of Hope” in a border community devastated on October 7, 2023. These doors bring additional safety and peace to so many families who are trying to rebuild their lives in the aftermath of war. He has also devoted more time to the office, strengthening the staff and overseeing various ministry projects.

This month, he is very excited to welcome David to the staff as Director of Operations. David is an amazing answer to prayer! As someone who grew up in the Threefold Vision of the ministry and led NerYah for many years, coupled with a strong professional background, David will bring a fresh perspective to HFI while having a deep connection to the ministry’s vision. We welcome David back to Hope for Israel and are excited for how God will work through him to help us grow.

Moran will also be welcoming a tour group from the States. This is a tour of dear friends of the ministry, and we are grateful for their commitment to bless Israel in these tough times. Moran will join the group intermittently to teach at certain biblical sites throughout the country.

Please continue to pray for wisdom for Moran and the management as they embark on this exciting time of transition. 

Please continue to pray for:

• Wisdom regarding the various aspects of the ministry that he oversees.
• Wisdom as he provides support for friends & families who have lost their loved ones in the war.
• Continued strength, wisdom, protection & health during the winter season.
• Guidance and inspiration as he writes his weekly Scripture commentaries & war updates, and films videos advocating for Israel.

HFI STAFF & BOARD MEMBERS

Our staff and board continue to serve with deep commitment, even as needs across Israel remain immense and resources are under constant strain. In this extended season of recovery, uncertainty, and rebuilding, their work calls for wisdom, endurance, and grace. Your prayers support our team in real and meaningful ways, and we are truly grateful as we walk through 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

The NerYah believing youth group is a regional program for ages 14–18, a place where teenagers grow, are strengthened, and are built up both as individuals and as believers. It is a living, active community that walks with them throughout the year through weekly gatherings, in-depth study, shared experiences, open conversation, prayer, and personal relationships. NerYah provides a sense of belonging, value, and security, encouraging young people to build strong foundations for their lives and to feel seen and loved. Even in times of crisis and war, NerYah remains present and supportive, reminding every boy and girl that they are not alone.

Please pray:

• For NerYah’s programs, including trips, volunteer days, and school visits that the security situation in the country will allow us to carry them out as planned.
• For the students volunteering with the NerYah youth group this year, that we would work together in cooperation and that their relationships with the youth would be positive, healthy, and constructive.

Believing Soldiers  

The believing soldiers group is a year-round framework of accompaniment and support that provides soldiers with a warm home beyond their military service. The department holds regular, meaningful gatherings that combine personal and spiritual conversation, alongside experiential, routine-breaking activities that allow soldiers rest, encouragement, and renewal. In addition, the department maintains ongoing personal contact with each soldier, offers emotional and practical support, and distributes personalized care packages during holidays and special periods according to individual needs. During times of emergency and war, the department’s activity intensifies and includes close accompaniment, physical and emotional assistance, continued encouragement, and a strong sense of belonging, with the aim of reminding soldiers that they are not alone and that there are people who see them, care for them, and walk with them every step of the way.

Please pray:

• For protection and safety for the soldiers in the field, a sense of security, and God’s presence to accompany them day and night.
• For the families of soldiers and reservists, for strength, comfort, peace of mind, and faith during this complex time.
• For wisdom, understanding, and sound judgment for commanders as they make decisions in challenging situations.
• For a swift and full recovery for the wounded.

Believing University Students/Discharged Soldiers

Even during exam season and challenging winter conditions, a group of students continues to show up consistently. Through their volunteer service, they support the soldiers’ department by helping distribute care packages, balancing academic pressure, demanding schedules, and fatigue along the way. Their involvement is not incidental, but intentional, rooted in a sincere desire to stand with and support the soldiers.

Amid ongoing war and heightened security tension, these students view their volunteering not as an obligation but as a meaningful responsibility. They recognize their role as part of a broader mission and understand that their presence and effort matter. Their continued commitment reflects a strong sense of solidarity, shared purpose, and personal responsibility during a difficult and demanding season.

Please pray:

• For wisdom, focus, and strong memory as students prepare for the exam period.
• For emotional strength and resilience for students, especially amid war and the challenge of maintaining focus and routine.
• For wisdom in how to accompany and support students in ways that are meaningful, relevant, and sensitive to their needs.
• For the training sessions throughout the year, wisdom in both learning and instruction, attentive hearts among participants, true added value from each session, well-aligned dates and preparations, and smooth execution overall.
• For discharged soldiers, to find clear direction after their release from the army and to discover their true identity beyond the uniform.

MEDIA PROJECTS: FIGHTING FOR TRUTH

The story being told about Israel is often shaped far from the people living it. Facts are blurred, context is lost, and truth is quickly replaced by louder narratives. In this environment, silence is not an option. Hope for Israel continues to meet this challenge by producing clear, truthful, Scripture-centered content that reflects the real lives, struggles, and faith of people in Israel today. When misinformation spreads easily and voices of distortion grow stronger, this work becomes not only necessary, but urgent, anchored in truth, grounded in faith, and committed to telling the story as it truly is.

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:

• Wisdom regarding current & future tour operations.
• The HFI Tours to be full!
• Other groups that are planning tours through us to materialize and for our tour operation to regain traction in 2026.

We remain committed to standing in the gap for the people of Israel, for truth, and for the next generation of believers. Your prayers and faithful support strengthen this work in real and tangible ways. Thank you for partnering with Hope for Israel as we serve with courage, compassion, and lasting hope in these challenging days.

IN HIS SERVICE,
THE HOPE FOR ISRAEL PRAYER TEAM