Pray for Israel

Home to many of the holiest sites in Christianity, Islam, and Judaism, Israel has been conquered and reconquered for over 3,000 years. Encircled by 16th century stone walls, Jerusalem’s Old City is divided into four historic quarters — Jewish, Muslim, Christian, and Armenian — where synagogues, churches, mosques, and centuries-old marketplaces stand within walking distance of one another. Israel, or “the land of milk and honey,” is geographically diverse, from its Mediterranean coastline to the Negev Desert. Widely celebrated as the “Startup Nation,” Israel pioneers global innovation across technology, cybersecurity, agriculture, and medicine. In its parliamentary democracy, two or more political parties work together to lead the country, with the prime minister serving as head of government.

Despite various attempts to settle land partitions, deep hostility between Arab and Jewish populations continues, with each side viewing the other as the aggressor. Palestinians accuse Jews of unlawfully occupying the land their families have resided in for generations. Meanwhile, Jews point to thousands of years of historical, cultural, and religious ties to the land, viewing their presence as a restoration of their ancestral homeland. Military campaigns, rocket fire, blockades, terrorist activity, and armed uprisings have claimed thousands of lives on both sides. This friction reached a devastating peak on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a surprise attack into Israel, killing 1,200 people. Israel responded by declaring war and launching a massive military campaign in the Gaza Strip that has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians. The war has deepened the divide in Israel.

The Torah is viewed as both a historical record and religious law in Israel. Nearly three-quarters of the population follows Judaism. The remainder of the population is Muslim and less than two percent of people are Christian. Though freedom of religion is a legal right, it is not always respected, and the law does not officially recognize Messianic Jews as a religious community. Messianic Jews, along with Christian converts from other faiths, face increasing discrimination. There have been reports of Christians being harassed by conservative Jews and Muslims alike. Even in the face of animosity, the Gospel is spreading, and interest in the Word of God is growing. The most powerful witness has been the testimony of Messianic Jews as they minister to their lost brothers and sisters. As house churches grow, God’s grace is empowering and encouraging evangelical leaders to spread the Good News that Messiah has come and will soon return.