The bloodiest day in Israel in 50 years…

Dear Michael,

I’m writing to you today with a broken heart. Israel has just experienced the bloodiest surprise terrorist attack in over 50 years.

Middle East analysts are saying that this attack is on the level of 9/11 for Israel.

Hamas terrorists have infiltrated Israel by land, sea, and air, and have murdered Israeli civilians, and taken civilian hostages into Gaza. Thousands of rockets have been fired into Israel, over 100 people have been killed, 1000+ are wounded and millions are in bomb shelters.

To put that in context, in our last major conflict with Gaza in 2021 which lasted for 11 days, there were only 13 Israeli casualties.

One of our local partners, a pastor in one of the Israeli communities bordering Gaza writes:

“We heard yelling and shots of automatic weapons outside. Our kids were in panic, and we took shelter in the safe room. After a few minutes, I received horrible photos from outside with terrorists driving and walking down our streets shooting at people, cars, and at the windows of residential buildings. On our street, literally meters away from our building, a bus stopped to let people out, so that they could run to shelter. Tragically, the truck with Hamas terrorists was passing by at the same time and they opened fire… several people were murdered instantly.“

Israel is at war. Our nation is grieving and our hearts are broken. Our sons and our daughters, our friends and our families have been called up from the reserves to prepare for a military response.

As the Body of Messiah, we want to respond to this crisis and be the hands and feet of Jesus to so many who are hurting.

So many of you have asked us how you can pray and what you can do to help. We’ve set up a page with a list of prayer points that will be kept updated and an emergency crisis fund for those who feel led to give.

Thank you for your love and prayers as we grieve and pray about the right way to respond.

The situation is expected to get worse before it gets better, but our confidence rests in the truth that “He who watches over Israel neither slumbers nor sleeps.” (Psalm 121:4)

Blessings from Jerusalem,

- Michael

PS: We will be hosting a live prayer call on Zoom on Monday at 17:00 Israel time. We would love for those of you who are able to join to participate in the call where we will give live updates and pray over specific leaders and families. You can find out more about how to join that prayer call here: Put it on your Calander