Shalom from Jerusalem!

We are entering the sixth week of Israel's third lockdown since March 2020. Israel has been in lockdown longer than any other country in the world - over 139 days! Despite the immense challenges we face, as believers, we know our hope is in Him. Yet, our young people are perhaps more affected by these periods of isolation from extended family and friends than any other part of the population.

Maintaining our investment in believing youth through the NerYah youth group has actually been more vital this past year than previous years. While we could not hold in-person meetings since the school year opened in September 2020, we have hosted weekly virtual meetings that have averaged between 25-50 youth. These meetings provide an important point of continuity in the midst of uncertainty, and allow the youth a safe space to not only receive encouragement, but also share what they're going through.

In addition to hosting fun and engaging weekly meetings via zoom, we assigned a young adult leader to several youth by geographic region. This allowed for a more personal approach, where each youth received weekly phone calls and encouraging text messages by his or her leader. One young man shared with us how he's been affected:

"NerYah has really helped me cope with lockdown and gave me something certain during these uncertain times, as well as giving me a social group to connect with while I was stuck at home. The leaders are amazing and feel like my older brothers and sisters. They really encouraged and challenged me in terms of my faith. Neryah has been a real blessing, and I look forward to it every week."

Thank you for entrusting your offering to Hope for Israel as we continue to invest in the future generation of believers in Israel. Your partnership means a great deal to me, and I am truly grateful!

In His Service,
        Moran Rosenblit
        Founder & Executive Director
        Hope for Israel
        Jerusalem