Shalom from Jerusalem,
As the dreaded day of October 7 draws near, it is unfathomable to think that one year later, Israel continues to be at war. In many ways, it feels as though we have not moved past that cursed day. We continue to have 101 hostages still languishing in the dungeons of Gaza. Our troops continue to battle in the South, in the North and in Judea and Samaria as well as on other fronts. Families continue to be displaced, and all this with the backdrop of the Fall Feasts, which usually bring such hope, renewal and optimism. This year, Rosh Hashanah, heralding the New Year, falls on the day of October 3. Families celebrate the evening before, and this year many places at the table, previously filled with beloved faces, will be empty. In the middle of the 10 Days of Awe, we will commemorate October 7 and then we will commemorate Yom Kippur, with fasting and mourning. Our sorrow generally turns to joy on Oct. 17 during the Feast of Sukkot. However, this year, it is doubtful that there will be much joy.
Nevertheless, Israelis are resilient people. We continue. Our hopes and our prayers are for life. We have seen and experienced the tenuous nature of life. Thus, we cling to it and to each other more fervently. We trust in God, in the strength of our community, in our continuity and in our future.
The month of October is typically filled with joyful holidays and festive meals shared at the table. However, this year's celebrations are overshadowed by sadness and challenges due to the ongoing war. Many families are struggling to afford basic food items needed to observe the holidays. We are thankful for the opportunity to conduct one of our largest project called "Project Hessed", providing food Vouchers to hundreds of families, allowing them to celebrate Rosh Hashanah with dignity.
Please join us in praying for
- a decisive end to the war and victory for Israel
- comfort for all the bereaved families and hope for the families of the abductees, especially during this holiday season
- that our leaders would have clear wisdom and vision
- Praying for the safety of civilians and security forces during this holiday season, and that every family can celebrate Rosh Hashanah with dignity.
“Swords of Iron” - A Multidimensional War
The Gaza Strip
On October 7, Israel will have been at war for one year. The IDF continues to dismantle terror infrastructure including the tunnels and uproot and eliminate terrorists. We continue to lose soldiers in these precise and targeted operations. In the middle of September, 4 brave soldiers entered a booby-trapped building in Rafah and were killed. Israel lost her first female soldier, a paramedic, in this battle.
Currently, 101 of the 251 hostages kidnapped by Hamas on October 7 remain in Gaza. Despite ongoing negotiations, Hamas remains intransigent regarding accepting any deal that would end the war and release the hostages. Those that remain do not have much time left, either physically or psychologically, as is evidenced by the recent killing of hostages.
It is heart wrenching for us a nation, and particularly for the families of the bereaved, that the fall holidays, with their hope of renewal and optimism, will fall in the face of an ongoing war.
Please pray for:
- For wisdom and protection for our Commanders and soldiers who continue to fight in Gaza
- For safety and security for the citizens of the south who live in constant threat from rocket fire from Gaza
- Supernatural strength for the hostages. That they would remain hopeful.
- Wisdom for the negotiation teams.
- A deal would be reached to bring them home.
Northern Israel
In an astonishing moment, hundreds of pagers used by Hezbollah operatives exploded simultaneously in Lebanon. The members of the terror organization had been using pagers to communicate due to fears that mobile phones could be hacked by Israeli security forces. This was a targeted operation meant to disrupt Hezbollah and minimize any civilian casualties. The accusation is that the Mossad planted explosive elements within the pagers themselves, Israel has not claimed responsibility for this strike.
Additionally, a senior Hizballah commander, Ibrahim Aqil, part of the elite Radwan Force was also eliminated. According to Daniel Hagari, IDF spokesperson, Aqil and other commanders were “underground underneath a residential building using civilians as a human shield” at the time of the attack.
Aqil had a $7 million bounty on is head from the United States for his involvement in the 1983 strike on the US Embassy in Beirut, which killed 63 people as well as the bombing of the Beirut Marine barracks, which killed 241 personnel that same year. Of even greater importance, Hassan Nasrallah has also been eliminated. In another targeted strike, he, the head of the Hezbollah organization and the person responsible for so many deaths, not just of Israelis but of Americans and French and people all over the world, has been killed. The Israeli Defense Forces received word of meetings taking place 60 feet underground a neighborhood in Beirut and used explosives to carry out the attack. Nasrallah has been the head of the terrorist organization for decades. It is considered the most heavily armed non-state militia in the world. Though his death leaves a void at the top, we are hopeful that these significant strikes by the I.D.F. are bringing the goals of restoring citizens to their homes in the North, closer.
Northern Israel remains under daily rocket fire from Hezbollah bases in Lebanon more than 100,000 people are being evacuated from their homes, and today they are refugees in their own country. Private homes, agriculture, commercial business, public spaces, and national parks are being damaged and destroyed every day. Our beautiful and historic parks and forests have been burnt by fires set by rockets which fall in the dry grasses. The north is basically abandoned as most people who live along the border have had to move further south. Displaced children are going to new temporary schools. Parents are afraid to send them on the buses to get them to school.
Please pray for:
- Wisdom and courage for our leaders to respond to intelligence that is received.
- For the safety and defense of the civilians and our soldiers on the north
- For a speedy end to this war so that people can resume their normal lives
- For the emotional and physical protection of soldiers and civilians during this extended time of uncertainty
- That all children in the north will be able to return to their homes and study soon and safely
- Protection for the security forces in the north of the country who are in reserve and regular duty.
Antisemitism around the world
As October 7 draws near along with the Fall Feasts, many Jewish institutions around the world will be on high alert. Our faith is a corporate one, in which we gather and assemble and worship together. We will continue to do this, even in the face of the worst rise in anti Semitism since the Holocaust.
It is alarming to share that the infamous professor from Cornell University who said that he was “exhilarated” by the massacre by Hamas, has been reinstated to his teaching position. This is under the guise of “freedom of speech” and was found not to “endanger” any students. One can only wonder at such a ruling.
Please pray for:
- Wisdom in speaking and writing about the anti-Israel bias. This is a serious issue that needs to be addressed throughout the world.
- That people Around the world will join and boldly speak against any words or acts of violence against any group of people
- That people of faith would understand the role of Israel during these difficult and challenging times
- Praying for physical protection for Jews around the world
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 had the pleasure of hosting the ministry’s first Israel Solidarity Tour the last two weeks of September. It was an incredibly powerful trip, exposing tour guests to the stark reality Israel faces since October 7th. There were a few air raid sirens during the tour, but everyone was unharmed and left forever changed after experiencing the daily reality of war in Israel. It was truly life-changing for all who participated!
This month, Moran will continue working in the field, providing support for those who have been directly affected by the war, including people we have evacuated from various parts of Israel, ensuring that bereaved families have what they need, bringing 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. His personal social media platforms continue to be bombarded with hatred and anti-Israel propaganda attacks, which can be exhausting to confront.
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 or he and his family as the intensity of the war continues.
- Guidance and inspiration as he writes his weekly Scripture commentaries.
- Peace during this difficult season, especially this month as Israel commemorates the year anniversary of the October 7th
HFI Staff & Board Members
Please pray for:
- Blessing over our staff & board members who devote time and energy to executing our vision for the ministry.
- Protection over their families while they serve.
- Wisdom for the board members as they make decisions that impact the ministry in tangible ways.
- 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
- And 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
Neria youth group
This month, the youth returned to schools, and some even moved to new schools. Those who moved to new schools weren’t sure how they would manage. During these uncertain times one more change can be unsettling. Thank God they now say that they are doing very well!! This is a wonderful testimony. All their fears seem to have evaporated! It is as though God’s mantle of grace and peace is surrounding them and we are very grateful for this.
At the end of September, we held the opening meeting of "Neria". Many of the teenagers were looking forward to the opening party, they were very excited and so was the team. It was an amazing meeting, and many new and regular teenagers came, also teenagers who had a hard time last year and went through challenges came. The teenagers shared with us that they enjoyed the meeting and look forward to the next one.
One of the testimonies we have had this year is that the seniors are very involved in a way that hasn't happened for several years and they came with a lot of motivation to serve and be part of the work and also to be an example for younger.
Please pray for:
- Continued wisdom and sensitivity so that the youth will recognize the voice and leading of God
- A continued peaceful and successful transition to their new schools
- All the youth who are experiencing fear and a lack of a sense of security during this time.
- That they would have supernatural peace.
- For the youth to experience deep connections and trust with each other
- For new guides for Neriah.
- Continued unity and special unity in the small groups that have been formed
- That the opening gathering would be a meaningful and bonding time for the youth
Believing Soldiers
The soldiers continue to receive on going support from us in many capacities. They continue to express appreciation for the physical, spiritual and emotional support they receive.
Prayer Requests from Soldiers:
- Pray for more instructors who see this service as important and vital. Often, supporting the soldiers can be challenging.
- Please pray for the condition of the soldiers on all level as the date of October 7 draws near. They will need a great deal of support on all levels.
- Please pray for wisdom and guidance so that we can provide all the soldiers need, on all levels.
- Please pray for the Department of Veterans for volunteers who can encourage the discharged soldiers.
Students group
The students begin the 2020-2025 school year in early November, after some had their semester continuing into the summer because they started late. The students have applied for scholarships and there is excitement for volunteering. However, there are two students currently on reserve duty for an unknown period. One of them is married with children, which adds more difficulty to the wife and children at home. And the other student is supposed to start his freshman year, and that's not easy either.
Prayer Requests for Students
- Wisdom in involving students in their projects. That there would be coordination of expectations and harmony between them and their target audiences.
- Excitement and enthusiasm among the students. That the first-year students would easily adjust to the new framework.
- That the students would finish their exams and assignments and experience success
- Please continue to pray for the wives of permanent personnel and students serving in reserve duty. That we may be an embracing and supportive team in times of loneliness and difficulties that are experienced during the war.
- Please pray for safety and protection for students who have been recalled to reserve duty.
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.
We need a suitable candidate to be a content writer and a Media Coordinator. Staffing changes during this time of war are incredibly challenging, and we would appreciate your prayers that the right individuals will join our team! Inquiries and resumes can be sent to info@hope4israel.org (we will also consider candidates who live outside of Israel and can work as freelancers)
Please pray for:
- New content writer.
- New media Coordinator
- Wisdom to manage attacks against our platforms and content and for the cessation of such attacks.
- Strength and wisdom for our media team as they continue to produce new content for our website, email, and social media, especially during the current war.
- 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!
- We need a video crew in Israel to work with to generate new content.
- Creating a grassroots movement of Israel advocacy via YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram
- Informative & exciting articles and other original material that will educate our audience and encourage their support of Israel now and always.
- Prayer for spiritual protection
- Insight and efficiency in updating our website and messaging; God would provide the right website designer.
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. Due to the war, we have only been able to host a handful of tours this year. It has been a very challenging and, at times, stressful logistical operation. We are looking forward to hosting our “Foosteps of Paul” tour to Greece in November. Please email info@hope4israel.org for more information on this tour! Please pray for:
- Wisdom for Moran & Melissa as they face challenging decisions regarding the tour operations in light of the current war.
- Open doors for "Footsteps of the Apostle Paul" tours to other countries of the Mediterranean region (Cyprus, Greece, Italy, etc.)
- A full Greece tour in November!
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!