Shalom from Jerusalem,

We stand at the threshold of 2026 in Israel, with a quiet sense of hope in the air. A ceasefire is holding for now, even as challenges remain. Many families are focused on rebuilding their lives, restoring their homes, routines, and a sense of normalcy.

This moment calls for unity instead of division, strength instead of retreat. Israel moves forward with a deep commitment to healing and reconstruction, determined to overcome the struggles of the past and emerge stronger. This is not just a time to rebuild homes and infrastructure but also to restore the bonds that unite us, our communities, our faith, and our shared vision for the future.

In these times, faith becomes the foundation that keeps us grounded. It is the strength to rebuild when hope feels fragile, the courage to continue when the challenges seem overwhelming, and the determination to find light amid the darkness. The strength of our nation lies not only in its defenses but in the unity of its people and their unwavering belief in a better tomorrow.

Beyond our borders, false narratives and distortions continue to spread division and hatred. But we will not let these lies define us. Antisemitism persists, but we remain united, firm in our truth, and committed to peace and justice.

As we enter this new year, we ask you to pray with us for the continued rebuilding of our nation, for wisdom in navigating this fragile ceasefire, and for unity within our borders. May the God of Israel guide us through this time of healing, protect our people, and lead us toward a future filled with peace, strength, and unity. Together, may we emerge from this time of trial more connected and filled with hope for what lies ahead

Pray for: 

• The return of Ran Gvili. Ran was wounded in battle, kidnapped into Gaza, and later died from his injuries. To this day, his body has not been returned. He remains the last of the October 7 victims whose body has not yet been brought home. Pray that his body will be brought home soon. Pray that his name will be remembered and spoken, not allowed to fade into silence. Pray that his family will be left suspended in uncertainty, and that every fallen life would be held with care, truth, and the full weight of remembrance it deserves. Pray for comfort for his family and loved ones, asking God to meet them in their grief with His nearness, mercy, and peace.
  
• Pray for IDF soldiers and reservists on every front. Pray for Israel’s soldiers and reservists serving in Gaza, along the northern border in Lebanon and Syria, in Judea and Samaria, and across all areas of defense. Ask God to shield them from harm, grant discernment in every decision, and strengthen them physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Pray also for their families, carrying the weight of waiting and worry.
  
• Protection from the rise in terror attacks within Israel.
  As threats persist in cities, towns, and along Israel’s borders, pray for God’s protection over civilians in daily life. Ask Him to frustrate every terror plot before it unfolds, grant wisdom to security forces, and cover the land with His shelter of peace.
  
• A nation and soldiers carrying trauma. Pray for a nation carrying collective trauma, that God would restore strength, steady anxious hearts, and lead His people toward healing and renewed hope. Pray also for soldiers bearing the unseen wounds of war, asking God to bring healing to minds and hearts marked by fear, loss, and exhaustion.
  
• Jewish communities worldwide amid rising antisemitism. Pray that as antisemitism intensifies across nations, Jewish communities face growing hostility, fear, and isolation. Pray that God would surround them with protection, courage, and perseverance. Ask Him to expose lies, dismantle hatred, and move leaders and societies to stand firmly for truth, justice, and the safety and dignity of Jewish life everywhere.
  
• Unity and renewed connection among the people of Israel. Pray that in a time of exhaustion, division, and global pressure, pray for renewed unity among Jews in Israel and throughout the diaspora. Ask God to renew His people's connection to faith and heritage, and strengthen hope that draws His people closer to one another.
  

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HFI PRAYER REQUESTS

Hope for Israel continues to serve faithfully, bringing comfort, strength, and light as we walk alongside families restoring their lives, supporting those who mourn, and standing for truth in a complex and demanding season. Below are key ways you can pray for our ministry and for our nation this month.

MORAN

Moran hosted a wonderful small group from the USA for 10 days in December. This month, he continues to oversee the implementation of “Operation Doors of Hope” in a border community devastated on October 7th, 2023. These doors bring additional safety and peace to so many families who are trying to rebuild their lives in the aftermath of war. Many families are returning to the community as a result of these secure doors. He will also spend time with the staff in the office, overseeing various ministry projects.

This month, he looks forward to welcoming back our Media manager from maternity leave. She has been missed! Please continue to pray for wisdom for Moran and the management on how to restructure 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.
• Strength & wisdom as he provides support for friends & families who have lost their loved ones in the war.
• 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 steady dedication as the new year begins, even as the demands of ongoing recovery and rebuilding remain high. In this long season of recovery, uncertainty, and rebuilding, their work demands wisdom, endurance, and grace as they support communities across Israel. We are deeply grateful for your prayers, which strengthen our team in real and meaningful ways as we navigate these 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:

• For a female program coordinator and additional young adult volunteers to work with the believing youth in this year’s program.
• For this year’s program, which got off to a late start, to be relevant and practical for believing youth in the Jerusalem area.

Believing Soldiers  

Please pray:

• For physical and spiritual protection for every soldier in the field, on the road, in operational activity and in training.
• For wisdom, intelligence and discretion for commanders, making the right decisions in complex times.
• For our soldiers to maintain hope, meaning, and faith.
• For the speedy recovery of the wounded and those who have been worn out physically & emotionally after these two years of war.
• For more volunteers who connect with our vision for the believing soldiers.
• For the wisdom of the soldiers' coordinators, that they may know how to build a supportive & relevant program for the believing soldiers.

Believing Discharged Soldiers  

Please pray:

• For our believing discharged soldiers, for clarity & wisdom as they reenter civilian life. This can be especially challenging for soldiers just coming out of combat units who might also be dealing with some PTSD and other challenges.
• For guidance & refreshment for the coordinators of this outreach, that they would know how to reach these released soldiers in ways they need the most.

Believing University Students

Please pray:

• For focus, wisdom, and good time management as they continue this academic year. Many students are experiencing challenges and are unable to concentrate and stay on top of their studies.
• For Tigist’s training sessions, may she be given wisdom to build & lead them. Pray that all participants will have a heart to receive and come out of the sessions with real added value, that the dates and preparations will work with everyone’s schedules, and everything will go smoothly overall!
• For the students who are still being called up for reserve duty, or whose spouses have been called up, this affects their situation in their studies. So truly, prayers for help, guidance, and strength from God would be very timely and much appreciated.

MEDIA PROJECTS: FIGHTING FOR TRUTH

In an age of misinformation and competing narratives, the media landscape remains challenging as the new year begins. Hope for Israel continues its commitment to producing clear, truthful, Scripture-centered content that reflects 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 and Melissa as they navigate complex decisions related to tour operations and continue planning for 2026.
• For the HFI Tour 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 stand in the gap for the people of Israel, for truth, and for the next generation of believers, your prayers and faithful support remain a vital source of strength. Thank you for partnering with Hope for Israel as we serve with courage, compassion, and steadfast hope in these challenging days.

IN HIS SERVICE,
THE HOPE FOR ISRAEL PRAYER TEAM