It’s no secret that Iran has backed and supported terror organizations for decades. Especially those who seek the utter destruction of Israel. Most specifically, today, terror groups like Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad.

And while all of us have been skeptical of reports that indicate Iran’s compliance with nuclear sanctions, the reality that Iran has removed any attempt of hiding its violent intentions has made the threat even more significant.

Iran’s Nuclear Declaration Should Move All Of Us To Action

Our hearts are consistently burdened to pray for the peace of Israel: for the people and families who are caught in the crossfire of terrorism, for the wisdom and strength of Israeli leaders and for God to move and change the hearts of leaders who embrace ideologies of terror and violence.

But the burden to pray has been even more acute in the previous weeks as flare-ups along the Gaza boundary erupted, and the skies over Israel were set on fire as extremist forces launched a barrage of rockets, forcing Israel to counter and defend herself and her people.

Standing with Israel on Yom HaZikaron – Israel’s Memorial Day

“You’re doing the right thing, son,” his mother said as they stood at the door.

The young man left his home in England and headed for what was still called the “British Mandate of Palestine.” Since 1922, the British had been responsible for the area and were charged with helping establish a Jewish homeland there. In 1947, they turned the matter over to the United Nations. 

Until it gained sovereignty, the would-be State of Israel was forbidden to buy or manufacture ammunition or formally build the infrastructure for an army. Meanwhile, Arabs were already attacking and fighting to drive the Jewish people out. The fledgling Jewish state had to defend itself – to protect their lives as well as the Land that God had given them long ago, and the United Nations was about to return to them. So, they called on the Diaspora – Jewish people living outside the Land. And volunteers came from all around the world.

The young Englishman left his home and family to fight in a volunteer army thousands of miles away to gain and preserve a Jewish homeland. His proud mother supported his decision.  “My mother, bless her, gave me a kiss and wished me good luck. A kiss, and out the door,” he said with a sigh.

Barely 20 years old, he went to war and faced head-on the challenges of being a combat soldier. “We had to take a hill,” he remembered. “How do we take a hill which is full of Egyptian infantry and backed by artillery? At 4:30 one morning, a surprise attack. We were halfway up the hill before they knew what was coming, and,” he said, “we took it.” Astonishment still ringing in his voice, he added, “I think it was a miracle. We took it!” The next day, reinforcements arrived, and the volunteer Jewish army held the hill.

Being a part of creating and defending a Jewish state still moved the English soldier more than six decades later. “That feeling of a homeland at last,” he said, “where nobody could kick you out – it was yours! It was a marvelous feeling.”

That young soldier was interviewed in his eighties by Toldot Yisrael, a project telling the stories of soldiers from Israel’s War of Independence. His name was Vidal Sassoon, the famous British-American hairstylist and entrepreneur. 

Unlike Vidal Sassoon, thousands of soldiers didn’t survive Israel’s War of Independence. In new battles through subsequent years, thousands more were added to the rolls of those who gave their lives to build and defend the State of Israel. 

On Yom HaZikaron (YOHM Ha-Zee-kar-OHN), Israel’s Memorial Day, the State of Israel stops to honor those who lost their lives for the cause of Israel’s freedom. Two sirens sound. The first marks the beginning of the holiday in the evening, and the second signals the reading of public prayers during the day of commemoration. The blasts are two minutes long, and for that time, all Israel stands still. Traffic stops, commerce stops, everything stops, and Israel stands in silence to honor the fallen.  

As we rejoice that God has kept His promises to bring Israel back into the Land He gave them long ago, we recognize this prophetic fulfillment did not come without cost. And we stand with Israel on this day commemorating their losses, both early and recent.

Yom HaZikaron begins at sunset on May 7, 2019, and ends at sundown May 8. 

Vidal Sassoon’s story is part of a Toldot Yisrael video called The Volunteers: Answering the Call of History.

Holidays can be especially lonely for Holocaust survivors who have no relatives nearby. But many members of this unique generation have found a family in the community of fellow survivors brought together by JVMI’s ministry partners in Israel who conduct Bible studies, home visits and special events for them.

Recently, one such event took place when Holocaust survivors were invited to a Passover Seder. They enjoyed a delicious Passover meal and dined to live music performed by a Messianic worship team. Throughout the Seder itself, guests heard the leader explain the amazing symbolism of Yeshua (Jesus) as the Lamb of God represented in the various Seder elements. The Jewish holidays provide exceptional opportunities to bring up a discussion of Yeshua (Jesus) as there are so many connections we can show between Him and the Biblical Feasts.  

Each guest received a beautiful Passover gift bag from Jewish Voice Ministries International (JVMI). The gifts included halvah (hal-VAH) – a sweet, Middle Eastern treat made from sesame seed – plus an assortment of teas and a pair of mugs. The attached card affirmed God’s tremendous love for each of the recipients. JVMI gave out 100 gift bags at the event. The whole evening was a lovely celebration, and everyone had a marvelous time. 

JVMI’s ministry to Holocaust survivors is not like our Medical Outreaches to Africa where hearts are more open and ready to receive Yeshua. Many of these people witnessed or endured horrific acts of violence. Some of them saw their parents, siblings and other relatives killed before their very eyes. 

After what they’ve gone through, many Holocaust survivors do not believe in God at all. As we minister to them, the kindness and compassion we show helps open their hearts to believe in Him again. 

“It is a process,” says a JVMI staff member in Israel. “We need to continue and not give up. It is working. God is softening hearts.” 

At the same time, the ministry is urgent. The people who endured the Holocaust as children are now elderly and thousands of them die in Israel each year. 

We greatly appreciate your ongoing prayers for Holocaust survivors in Israel and our ministry to them.