The Feast of Sukkot (Booths)

Sukkot, the last of the yearly cycle of Biblical holidays, begins this week (on September 30) and ends October 6^th. During this joyous celebration, Israelis will spend as much time as possible – sometimes even sleeping! – in homemade sukkot or booths, a reminder of the 40 years spend wandering in the desert and of God’s miraculous provision during this time. Two other interesting – and highly relevant – themes of the holiday are unity and redemption.

The day directly following the end of Sukkot, October 7^th, is Simchat Torah, or the “Joy of the Torah,” when Jewish communities celebrate the ending and beginning of the yearly cycle of Torah readings. This day is marked with Torah study, dancing and general celebrations.

Please pray for:

• Safety for worshippers throughout Israel over the holiday season
• A return of unity between Israelis
• For Israelis to find their Messiah, Yeshua

Judicial Reform and Societal Polarization

Israel has unfortunately returned to the polarized reality of the beginning of the year. On September 12, the Supreme Court heard petitions against a bill limiting the use of the so-called “reasonableness” standard, a clause limiting the extent of its own powers. The Court will continue to debate during the coming days. Should the court indeed vote the law “unconstitutional,” Israel will be at a judicial crossroads, with the executive and judicial branches of government pitted against each other.

Another serious issue highlighted by the continuing judicial reform controversy is the internal division and unwillingness to engage in genuine dialogue. The IDF remains deep in the controversy as many reservists continue to refuse volunteer service in protest of the judicial reform. Unfortunately, violence has increasingly become part of the reality on both sides of the argument during protests and civil events.

Israel desperately needs leaders who are willing to put aside their differences and work together for the good of the country.

Please continue to pray for:

• Peace, stability, and unity in the country
• Maturity in the Knesset and in the Supreme Court, and an immediate and mutual effort to find compromise.
• Israelis of all opinions to come together in supporting and defending their country
• The neutrality of the IDF
• God’s protection over and redemption of His people

Israeli Security and Terror

Two deadly terror attacks occurred throughout September, wounding 5 Israelis and killing one. One of the terrorists, who was killed on site, was only fourteen years old, a testimony to the tragic impact of terrorism and hatred on the Arab, as well as Jewish, population.

Several other terror attacks were foiled by Israel’s security forces in process, and a terror cell was discovered just outside of Jerusalem in a neighborhood with a relatively peaceful history. In general, the terrorist infrastructure continues to grow in size and strength, funded by Iran and Lebanese terror group Hizballah.

After three years without riots on the Gaza border, this month protesters returned to the fence, bringing tires to burn, homemade explosives and even loaded firearms. It is unclear if the situation will escalate or not, but Israeli officials are bracing for the possibility that thousands of violent protesters could soon be gathering on the border on a weekly basis. Simultaneously, a major IDF raid in the terrorist hub of Jenin killed or wounded at least 30 terror operatives. Some are concerned that the high casualties will lead to another escalation in the area.

As the US-Iran deal reaches its final stages, with the released Iranian Americans landing on US soil and the Iranian funds released, questions continue to circulate – even among the US’ European allies – about the wisdom of the deal. Critics say that even if the money is monitored by the Americans as they say, its influx will still free Iran to reallocate different assets, which could be funneled towards terror.

Please pray for:

• Protection and alertness for Israel's security forces as they do their job.
• Healing for those injured and comfort for bereaved families
• Wisdom for leaders and IDF top brass in responding to multi-front threats to Israel’s security, especially in light of division caused by the judicial reform.
• A long-term solution to terrorism and Iranian influence in Judea and Samaria
• Wisdom to counter Iranian proxies on Israel’s northern border, such as Hizballah
• Revival in Iran and in all the Middle East, that people would come to know the God of Israel!

Israel on the International Stage

Towards the middle of September, the UN opened its 2023-2024 session of the General Assembly, the main gathering of delegates from every UN member nation. Leaders of both Israel and Iran spoke at the opening event in New York city, and this year could prove a difficult one for Israel on one of its most difficult battlefields.

On that note, and under the auspices of the General Assembly meetings, Prime Minister Netanyahu met with President Joe Biden in person for the first time since his election. The two’s long relationship became rocky in January following the unrolling of Israel’s controversial judicial reform bill.

One major issue discussed by the two heads of state was the developing plan for normalization between Israel and Saudi Arabia. Viewed as a major foreign policy win for Biden as well as for Israel, until opening of the General Assembly, news on the deal was based largely on conjecture. However, in New York the negotiations were confirmed not only by Netanyahu and Biden but also by Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince.

Please pray for:

• Favor for Israel in international forums such as the UN
• The continuation and improvement of positive relationships with Israel’s allies
• The normalization deal with Saudi Arabia, that it would be something that truly blesses Israel and advances peace

Arab Sector Crime Rate

Tragically, the number of Arab sector homicides so far this year is a record, standing currently over 120. The murder rate is already more than twice what it was last year at this time and continues to grow almost exponentially. Much of the problem stems from illegal arms networks, criminal activity and feuds. The government and police have both stated that bringing down Arab sector crime is a top priority during the coming and recently passed a law to install facial recognition cameras in particularly difficult areas.

Please pray for:

• healing for those injured and comfort for families who have lost loved ones
• the prioritization of this issue and for a drop in Arab sector violence
• improved relations between the Arab sector and police.