We are in a time of prayer and fasting at Jewish Voice and would like to ask you to join us.

Twice a year, we come together to focus on the Lord for a week. We worship, pray, intercede and fast – as a means of setting aside distractions so we can know Him better and hear Him clearly.

We pray for God’s wisdom, guidance and protection. We thank Him for all He has done in the past and is doing now, and we ask Him for clarity and favor in the things He will do in the future. And we pray for you, our partners.

Our theme for this spring is “Before the Foundation of the World.” We will be meditating on the Scriptures that tell us: we are chosen and called for good works, that God’s wisdom is being declared, that we have eternal life, and there is a kingdom that has been prepared for us. In this appointed time of Pesach (Passover), we will also meditate on the Lamb of God, Yeshua (Jesus), who was slain before the foundation of the world for our sins.

Will you pray for us as we gather in the Lord’s presence during this time of prayer and fasting?  Here are some ways you can pray:

• May we be hungry to fellowship together with the Lord and deeply moved by His love (1 John 1:3)
• That we will powerfully experience His presence during our worship times as we come prepared to offer Him our adoration and praise (1 Chronicles 16:29)
• For the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) to lead our prayer times and help us “hit the mark” as we intercede (Romans 8:26-27)
• For the desire and grace to fast as those who are longing for our Bridegroom and diligently seeking our Father’s will in all things (Mark 9:15, Isaiah 58:6)
• That the Lord uses this time to give wisdom and guidance and to prepare us for all that’s ahead in His plans for us and for those He is calling us to reach (Isaiah 55:6)

Let's Pray:

LORD, thank You that You are faithful to call us into a living relationship with You and that You speak as well as listen to us. We are so grateful for this set-apart time of prayer and our partners who will be interceding for and with us. May we be renewed and refreshed in Your presence as we worship, pray and fast. May we come away from this time transformed to see You more clearly and follow You even more closely as we receive Your help and direction for the times in which we now live. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.” 
Psalm 122:6 (NIV)

Shalom, my friend.

As a partner of Jewish Voice who loves the Gospel and the Jewish people, I’m sure you’ve been watching the news about the continuing situation in Ukraine and the current violence that’s been happening in Israel.

Just a few days ago, my team and I walked across the Polish border into Ukraine to meet with our partners on the ground. As we walked, the reality of everything we’ve been watching on the news came crashing over us. “This is real,” we thought. My heart aches over what is happening. I think of Ukrainians who are forced to flee their homes – and the lives being ended because of hatred, violence and acts of terror.

But in the midst of it all, God has called all of us to pray.

That’s why I encourage you to not feel overwhelmed by the darkness or the enemy today. Don’t give in to dismay. Obey God. Obey His command. Reach out to Him now – on behalf of Ukraine, Israel and the Jewish people. But also, with whatever challenge or heartbreak you might be facing right now. God will give you peace.

Thank you again for praying with us and for us in this work of ministry.

BREAKING: 6 INJURED IN TEL AVIV TERROR ATTACK

The Jerusalem Post reports that at least six people were wounded - some in serious condition - in what appeared to be a terrorist shooting attack in the center of Tel Aviv today. The attack took place in multiple locations on Dizengoff Street, a popular scene filled with restaurants and bars in the main Israeli city. 

At the time of writing, one of the wounded was said to be in critical condition. At least two shooters are reportedly still on the run. 

The suspected attack was the latest in a series of deadly attacks that began last month in Beersheba, Hadera and Bnei Brak. So far, 11 Israelis have been killed in the attacks.

Security forces have been on high alert in recent weeks amid the wave of terror attacks and concerns of further attacks during the month of Ramadan and the upcoming Passover holiday.

3 BNEI BRAK VICTIMS OF TERRORISM IDENTIFIED BY ISRAELI OFFICIALS

The Times of Israel released more information about the victims of those who were killed in last week’s Bnei Brak terror attack – when a Palestinian terrorist opened fire in a killing spree.

Of the 5 who were killed, 3 have been identified by Israeli officials:

Amir Khoury, a Christian Arab who served on the Bnei Brak police station’s motorcyclist responder team.

Yaakov Shalom, a resident of Bnei Brak who, according to The Times of Israel, was driving home when he was stopped by the gunman, who opened fire on his vehicle from a close range. Shalom, the son of a prominent Rabbi who passed of COVID-19 last year, is survived by his mother, wife and four children.

Avishai Yehezkel, a resident of Bnei Brak was shot while trying to protect his 2-year-old son. He is survived by his wife, who is eight months pregnant, and his son.

The remaining 2 victims remain unidentified. But, according to The Times of Israel, they were workers from Ukraine.

ISRAEL VOTES TO REMOVE RUSSIA FROM UN HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL

On Thursday, Israel joined 92 other countries in the U.S.-led push to vote Russia off the United Nations Human Rights Council. Twenty-four countries voted no and 58 countries abstained.

The only other country to be removed from the Human Rights Council was Libya in 2011.

According to the Jerusalem Post, the United States announced it would seek Russia's suspension after Ukraine accused Russian troops of killing hundreds of civilians in the town of Bucha. 

US Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield told Reuters: "It is important to say (to Russia) 'we're not going to allow you to continue to act with such impunity and pretend that you respect human rights."

Russia has warned countries that a yes vote or abstention will be viewed as an "unfriendly gesture" with consequences for bilateral ties, according to a note seen by Reuters. 

Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid was also quick to note, "the vote today does not change our position on the UN Human Rights Council, which is an extremist, morally flawed, biased and essentially anti-Israel body that has been exploited since its inception by the main countries violating human rights in the world as a political tool, including to attack Israel."

LET US PRAY TOGETHER

Please pray with me for:

• God to bring peace and safety to the situation in Ukraine, protecting the lives that could potentially be at risk
• God to move in the hearts of world leaders and give wisdom to address the global threat of a nuclear Iran
• God to give peace and comfort to the victims, and their families, of the recent terror attacks
• God’s protection to be upon His people in Israel who are constantly facing threats and violence from surrounding enemies
• Peace in the hearts and minds of the people of Israel and their enemies
• Jewish people to recognize Yeshua (Jesus) as their Messiah

It happens more than you’d think. This year, Passover and Good Friday align on the calendar. Both are Friday, April 15, 2022. In the last 100 years, Passover and Good Friday have fallen on the same Friday 34 times. It’s only fitting, after all, because the very first Good Friday – the one 2,000 years ago when Jesus died – was Passover. Coincidence? Not one bit.

It might seem like chance when Passover and Good Friday occur the same day, but Jesus’ death on Passover was a pre-ordained, orchestrated part of God’s eternal plan. In each of the feasts the Lord commanded Israel to keep, He demonstrated a picture of His ultimate plan of redemption. In Passover, we see the image of Yeshua (Jesus), sent to deliver us from death and bondage to sin. 

The Lord spoke through Moses to the Israelites in Egypt, revealing that the Angel of Death would come over all of Egypt, and the firstborn of every family would die. However, God told them how to escape this final plague. Each household was to sacrifice an unblemished lamb and paint its blood on the doorframe of their home. On seeing the blood, the Angel would pass over that home and spare them from death. 

Centuries later, God sent the promised Messiah, Jesus of Nazareth, to fulfill hundreds of prophecies in the Holy Scriptures. Just as the Lord delivered the Israelites from slavery to Egypt at Passover, He delivers those who place their faith in Jesus as the Messiah from bondage to sin, granting us new and eternal life. He passes over our sin, covering it with the shed blood of Jesus. 

In Egypt, lambs died on Passover to save Israelite families from physical death and deliver them to freedom. Hundreds of years later, at the right time, Jesus died to save and free us spiritually – for eternity. And He died on Passover. He is “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). His very name, Yeshua, means “salvation,” and the apostle Paul calls Him “our Passover” (1 Corinthians 5:7).

The connection is clearly intentional, so how did Passover and Good Friday get separated?

In 325 A.D., the Council of Nicea emphatically separated the celebration of Yeshua’s resurrection from Passover. By then, the Church consisted mainly of Gentile Believers, and animosity toward Jewish people had grown. 

Paul wrote the book of Romans in 56–57 A.D., and various councils had accepted it as canonized Scripture as early as 170 A.D.  Even so, the Council of Nicea didn’t regard Paul’s message to the Romans concerning the Jewish people. He wrote that the Gospel was “for the Jew first,” and God has not rejected the Jewish people. He explained that Gentile Believers in Jesus are grafted into the covenant God made with the Jewish people and have no reason to boast about their acceptance into God’s family. He explained that the gifts and callings of God to Israel are irrevocable. (See Romans 1:16 and Romans 11.)

Despite Jesus’ death on Passover and the prophetic picture of it within Passover observance, the Council wanted separation from the Jewish people. The Nicean Council abandoned the Jewish calendar for the Gregorian (the calendar we commonly use today) and declared the resurrection would be celebrated the first Sunday after the new moon following the Spring Equinox. 

It’s unfortunate, to say the least, that this Council went to such great lengths to separate what God designed to coincide. The disassociation of Passover and Good Friday on the calendar has been sadly effective in keeping much of the world from seeing God’s intended connection between Passover and Jesus, between Old and New Covenants. 

However, when we see it, it fills us with wonder at God’s visible orchestration to communicate His plans for drawing us to Himself as He carries out the timeline of His Kingdom. Clearly, “the LORD has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes” (Psalm 118:23 NIV).

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.

May those who love you be secure.” 

Psalm 122:6 (NIV)

Shalom, my friend. 

With our world rife with animosity and anger as the war in Ukraine continues – the outcome unknown at best – peace can seem so far away. And even unreachable. 

That’s why God commands us in the Scriptures to pray. 

This week, I encourage you to continue to pray for peace in Ukraine. To pray for the peace of Jerusalem. And I encourage you to also pray for peace in your own heart. And may God grant you security in your mind and body so that you may experience His presence and blessings in a special way. 

And as you pray, please continue to pray for Jewish Voice and the work we’re doing together for the Jewish people and their neighbors in Ukraine, Israel and around the world. 

Thank you for your partnership in this work of ministry.

PALESTINIAN TERRORIST KILLS FIVE IN PRE-RAMADAN SHOOTING SPREE 

A Palestinian terrorist opened fire on passersby east of Tel Aviv in the city of Bnei Brak just before 8 PM Tuesday night, killing five people, The Times of Israel Reports.
 
The gunman, later identified as Diaa Hamarsheh, 26, was shot dead by police officer, Amir Khoury, 32, who later died of his wounds. Among Hamarsheh’s other victims was a local Jewish Rabbi, Avishai Yehezkel, 29. 
 
Responding to the attack, the third deadly terror incident in a week, Israeli Minister Naftali Bennet said late Tuesday night, “Israel is facing a wave of murderous Arab tension. The security forces are at work. We will fight terrorism with persistence, diligence, and an iron fist.” 

ISRAEL, UAE AND EGYPT HOLD LEADERSHIP SUMMIT TO BOOST TIES

Haaretz reports that the Israeli Prime Minister, Naftali Bennett, met with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sissi and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan last week to fortify their regional alliance.

According to a released statement from the Egyptian presidency, the three leaders discussed energy market stability, food security and other international issues. 

And while the statement didn’t mention the talks and negotiations with Iran, Haaretz indicates that the timing of the summit is intended to present a united front against the West's steps to secure a nuclear deal with Iran and to express dissatisfaction over the U.S.'s decision to drop Iran's Revolutionary Guards from its list of terror organizations.

Haaretz also reports that the summit was part of an effort to forge a coalition, with American backing, among countries that in the past were considered adversaries of Israel – including Egypt, the Gulf states and Turkey.

Israel is interested in convincing the UAE and Saudi Arabia to boost their oil production to reduce the world's dependence on oil from Russia, according to Haaretz. The two Arab countries recently made it clear that they are unwilling to increase production, although Israeli officials said that such a step would be important.

U.N. HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL REPORT ACCUSES ISRAEL OF APARTHEID

According to The Times of Israel, United Nations Special Rapporteur Michael Lynk accused Israel of apartheid in a report submitted last week to the Human Rights Council in Geneva.

“With the eyes of the international community wide open, Israel has imposed upon Palestine an apartheid reality in a post-apartheid world,” wrote Lynk.

According to The Times of Israel, the report, Lynk’s final in his six-year term, does not mention terrorist groups like Hamas or Islamic Jihad. And further, it says Israel “must cooperate in good faith with the Palestinian leadership to completely end the occupation and realize a genuine two-state solution.”

Israel and Jewish organizations, according to The Times of Israel, blasted Lynk as hostile to Israel and the report as baseless.

“This report recycles baseless and outrageous libels previously published by NGOs that share the same goal as the author of this report: to delegitimize and criminalize the State of Israel for what it is: the nation-state of the Jewish People, with equal rights for all its citizens, irrespective of religion, race or sex,” said Meirav Eilon Shahar, Israel’s envoy to the United Nations in Geneva.

According to The Times of Israel, Shahar is referring to the Amnesty International report that was released in February – accusing Israel of apartheid.

Israel called that report “false, biased and antisemitic,” and accused the organization of endangering the safety of Jews around the world.

OVER 6,000 UKRAINIANS HAVE IMMIGRATED TO ISRAEL SINCE THE BEGINNING OF THE RUSSIAN INVASION

The Times of Israel reports that hundreds of new immigrants from Ukraine are landing in Israel each day. And thousands more are expected to arrive in the coming weeks. With the influx, that doubles the totals from 2021, and the Israeli government is scrambling to find housing for them.

According to Israel’s Immigration and Absorption Ministry, since the Russian offensive began on February 24, 8,238 people from Ukraine, Russia and Belarus have arrived in Israel and more than 75% of them are coming from Ukraine. 

“We are getting close to 10,000 new immigrants. Right now, it’s mostly young mothers, small children and men over the age of 60, including 120 Holocaust survivors. They are coming with nothing, just the clothes on their back and a small bag,” Immigration and Absorption Minister Pnina Tamano-Shata said in an interview last week.

The Times of Israel also reports that of the more than 8,000 new immigrants who have arrived in the past month, more than a quarter – 2,342 – have opted to spend their first few weeks in the country in hotel rooms rented by the government. The rest have arranged their own housing, many with relatives who already live in Israel.

In the coming weeks, however, as more and more people arrive and require places to sleep, the government will have to find alternative housing for the new immigrants.

Let Us Pray Together

• Please pray with me for:
• God to bring peace and safety to the situation in Ukraine, protecting the lives that could potentially be at risk
• God to move in the hearts of world leaders and give them wisdom to address the global threat of a nuclear Iran 
• God’s protection to be upon His people in Israel who are constantly facing threats and violence from surrounding enemies
• Peace in the hearts and minds of the people of Israel and their enemies
• Jewish people to recognize Yeshua (Jesus) as their Messiah

“From the LORD comes deliverance.

May Your blessing be on Your people.”

Psalm 3:8 (NIV)

Shalom, my friend.

I’m holding on to this truth from the Scriptures as we continue to pray and respond to the crisis in Ukraine – that God will bring deliverance.

And I pray it over you as well, in whatever you’re facing today, that you’ll experience the power and presence of the Lord as the Deliverer of His people. 

There’s no greater promise we have from God – which was ultimately realized in the coming of His Son, Yeshua (Jesus), the Messiah.

God is close at hand to bring deliverance and blessing. Whether it’s in the midst of terror threats against Israel or the war in Ukraine – again, God will bring deliverance.

Please join me and all of us here at Jewish Voice Ministries International in praying for God’s will to be done in Israel – and around the world. And for His grace, protection, and blessing to be upon His people...and those who support them.

Thank you for your partnership in this work of ministry.

ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER KEY MEDIATOR IN POTENTIAL RUSSIA AND UKRAINE CEASEFIRE

The Times of Israel reported late last week that Israel’s Prime Minister, Naftali Bennett, has played a central role in advancing negotiations between Ukraine and Russia.

According to The Times of Israel, Kyiv and Moscow have made significant progress toward agreeing on the tentative deal, which would also have Ukraine put limits on its military and remain neutral by not making alliances or hosting foreign forces on its soil. Negotiators from the two sides discussed the full deal for the first time early last week.

But despite the apparent progress in the talks, The Times of Israel reports that Ukrainian negotiators suspect Russia may be buying time to regroup its military during the talks. “They lie about everything,” a Ukrainian source is reported as saying.

Israel is one of the few countries that maintains good working ties with both Ukraine and Russia. Israel’s attempt to take the middle ground has caused friction on all sides for Jerusalem as Ukraine and the U.S. have pushed Israel for more support.

Prime Minister Bennett has defended his decision to not send arms or other military aid to Ukraine as necessary to maintain his status as a neutral broker.

Israel is wary of angering Russia due to the Kremlin’s presence in Syria, where Israel carries out security operations against Iran-linked forces, in coordination with Russia.

The Times of Israel indicates that Israeli officials have been careful not to exaggerate Bennett’s role in negotiations and have said he is not actively making proposals or pressuring the sides. Instead, they describe him as a channel of communication, passing messages from the sides in what they have described as a frank and realistic manner.

U.S. CONSIDERS REMOVING IRAN’S ISLAMIC REVOLUTIONARY GUARD CORPS DESIGNATION AS A FOREIGN TERRORIST ORGANIZATION 

According to The Times of Israel, the U.S. is reportedly weighing a move to delist Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terror organization, as it moves closer to reviving the nuclear agreement with Tehran.

Tehran, in return, would commit to de-escalation in the region.

The IRGC, a hardline militia with close ties to Iran’s supreme leader, was designated a Foreign Terrorist Organization after it withdrew from the 2015 nuclear agreement officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

The Times of Israel reports that the move is seen as a key final ask from Iran before it agrees to return to compliance with JCPOA.

While no decision has been made, The Times of Israel indicates that Israel is reportedly opposed to the idea, particularly because the pledge from the IRGC to reign in its activities is not slated to include an explicit reference to actions against U.S. allies in the region such as Israel.

When rumblings of a possible IRGC delisting made headlines last month, Israel’s Prime Minister, Naftali Bennett, made his sentiments known immediately saying, “They are now asking to let the biggest terror organization on earth off the hook.”

HAMAS, ISLAMIC JIHAD CALL FOR ATTACKS IN WEST BANK

The Jerusalem Post reported that leaders of Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) called for escalating the fight against Israel, especially in the West Bank and Jerusalem, until “the liberation of Palestine.”

The call for stepping up “resistance operations” against Israel comes amid mounting tensions between the Palestinians and Israel in the West Bank and Jerusalem.

According to The Jerusalem Post, the Palestinian Authority, Hamas and PIJ have warned that Jews are planning to “storm” al-Aqsa Mosque compound (Temple Mount) during the upcoming Jewish holidays.

They called on Muslim worshipers to converge on the mosque in the coming days to “thwart” the planned “incursions,” warning that Israeli measures could lead to a religious war in the region – recalling last year’s war between Israel and Hamas.

LET US PRAY TOGETHER

Please pray with me for:

• God to bring peace and safety to the situation in Ukraine, protecting the lives that could potentially be at risk
• God to move in the hearts of world leaders and give wisdom to address the global threat of a nuclear Iran
• God’s protection to be upon His people in Israel who are constantly facing threats and violence from surrounding enemies
• Peace in the hearts and minds of the people of Israel and their enemies
• Jewish people to recognize Yeshua (Jesus) as their Messiah

BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS AND EXPLORING CONNECTIONS

It’s here! The scouting trip we’ve been telling you about for the last several months is starting today. We have some prayer requests to share with you and a way for you to sign up to cover the trip dates in prayer.

We are taking what we’re hearing from the Lord very seriously and proactively to reach all the remaining scattered Jewish tribes over the next decade or so. In order to take the next steps, three of our JVMI leaders are currently headed to Africa to explore ministry opportunities in areas with potential for future connection and ministry.

The burden and urgency of the mandate are upon us as we follow through on giving the Lord our “yes” to be used by Him to reach dozens, hundreds, even many, many thousands of Jewish people over the next years. You and your prayers are part of this call. We are answering together.

The trip is from today, March 23, through April 3. Please pray along with us for the Lord’s favor in building relationships and exploring connections at this time in expectation of open doors for future effective ministry.

Please pray for:

• The three Jewish Voice leaders making this trip together as well as their families at home
• Safe and easy travels – by air and ground, to and from Africa, and within and between each country they’re visiting – with no issues or delays
• Unity, health, protection, and good rest throughout the trip
• A great time connecting in person with our Ethiopia staff members
• A wonderful relationship-building day with the Messianic leaders from the three main groups in Ethiopia with which we minister – deepening relationships between them and us and them with one another
• Clarity from the Lord as we fly to meet with a new group of Jewish people we are considering working with in the future
• Fruitful fellowship and conversations in Zimbabwe as we visit with the Lemba people concerning their relatives in surrounding nations
• A successful meeting with another group from whom we hope to learn more regarding their Jewish history and connections
• Doors to open into a new nation as we meet with leaders of two groups of Believers who will hopefully help facilitate that

With each location, each group, and every individual we encounter, we need the favor, protection, and wisdom of the Lord. We especially ask that you pray for the unity of the Spirit and a shared witness of what the Lord is saying, what He is doing, and specific details as to how He is inviting us to participate.

Let's Pray: Lord, we cover in prayer our team on this scouting trip, and we pray for each moment and all the outcomes of the trip itself. Thank you, Lord, for Your help building relationships and exploring connections. We trust that You will push back the forces of darkness to create clear opportunities and strategies to break new ground in reaching Jewish people in Africa. In Yeshua’s name and for Your glory, AMEN.

Sign up to cover this scouting trip in prayer, March 23–April 3, 2022.

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.”

Psalm 122:6 (NIV)

Shalom, my friend.

Peace is heavy on my heart. The peace of Jerusalem. Peace for the Jewish people around the world – especially those caught in the middle of the current war in Ukraine.

And I pray that you have peace in your own heart and mind as we continue to navigate global conflict and uncertainty.

While the Scriptures tell us to pray for the “peace of Jerusalem” in any and every season – my heart is moved for us to be more vigilant in prayer than ever before. 

Because we know that God has the power to change hearts, lives and circumstances. 

I’m sure you’ve experienced God’s supernatural presence in your own life. And I hope you’ll hold up your experience as a point of confidence and faith as, together, we ask God to bring His peace to Jerusalem, to Israel, to the Jewish people and the world. 

Thank you for your partnership in this work of ministry.

U.S. CALLS ON ISRAEL TO IMPOSE SANCTIONS ON RUSSIA TO HELP BRING AN END ITS WAR AGAINST UKRAINE

The Jerusalem Post reported late last week that the United States wants Israel and its allies to enact strong sanctions on Russia to help force an end to its war against Ukraine.

When pressed for a reaction should Israel fail to apply sanctions, a senior U.S. Embassy Official replied to reporters in Tel Aviv, “I’m telling you what we would like to see. The strength of our sanctions package depends on broad participation. Our economic measures are strong because we are united with all our allies and partners who joined us.”

According to The Jerusalem Post, Israel has condemned Russia’s action and sent humanitarian aid to Ukraine but has not formally leveled sanctions. 

Individual Israeli companies, however, have halted their operations in Russia.

Israel has attempted to walk a thin diplomatic line over the war, taking a strong stand in support of Ukraine and maintaining strong ties with the U.S. At the same time, however, it has been careful in its condemnations not to take actions that would cut off ties with Moscow, such as sanctions.

Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has used Israel’s strong ties with both Moscow and Ukraine to mediate between them. 

According to The Jerusalem Post, the Prime Minister met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow last weekend and has engaged in telephone diplomacy with Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. 

FORMER ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER, BENJAMIN NETANYAHU, TESTS POSITIVE FOR COVID-19 

According to The Times of Israel, Israel’s former Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has tested positive for COVID-19.

The announcement was issued by a spokesperson for Netanyahu late last week – along with the assurance that the former Prime Minister is feeling well and following Health Ministry guidelines.

Prior to testing positive, Netanyahu attended a Likud faction meeting at the Knesset, meaning that everyone who came in close contact with him will need to get tested and remain in isolation until they receive a negative test result if they’re not vaccinated or haven’t recovered from the disease.

According to The Times of Israel, Netanyahu’s positive test is also likely to delay his ongoing corruption trial, following several delays over the past few weeks.

Court proceedings were delayed two weeks ago after Judge Moshe Bar-Am, one of three judges overseeing the trial, tested positive for COVID-19.

The Times of Israel reports that Israel began rolling back nearly all of its COVID-19 health regulations as a recent wave of infections receded, leaving in place just a handful to prevent a reversal of the positive development. 

ISRAEL AND TURKEY TAKE STEPS TO NORMALIZE TIES WITH PRESIDENTIAL VISIT TO ANKARA

The Jerusalem Post reported that last week Israel’s President, Isaac Herzog, became the first Israeli leader to visit Turkey in over a decade marking a thaw in relations between the countries.

The result of President Herzog’s visit to Ankara, according to The Jerusalem Post, is that the sides agreed to establish a mechanism by which to work out disagreements, rather than the repeated withdrawals of ambassadors as Turkish President Erdogan did when he opposed Israeli actions towards the Palestinians.

Erdogan called Herzog’s “historic visit” a “turning point in ties between Turkey and Israel.”

According to The Jerusalem Post, President Herzog said he hopes the relations between Israel and Turkey will be characterized “by mutual respect allowing us to deal with the regional and global challenges we share.”

“Israel and Turkey can and must cooperate in many areas that dramatically influence the region that we all call home,” President Herzog stated. “We will try to promote a dialogue with actions and mutual respect. We agree that we won’t agree on everything. But we will resolve the disputes with mutual respect and honesty . . . We will look together toward a shared future.”

The Jerusalem Post reports that among the areas in which Turkey and Israel hope to expand ties are in tourism, economics, energy, security and fighting climate change.

The official state visit came at President Erdogan’s invitation and was the first by an Israeli leader since 2008 and a President since 2007. 

LET US PRAY TOGETHER

Please pray with me for:

• God to bring peace and safety to the situation in Ukraine, protecting the lives that could potentially be at risk
• God to move in the hearts of world leaders and give wisdom to address the global threat of a nuclear Iran
• God’s protection to be upon His people in Israel who are constantly facing threats and violence from surrounding enemies
• Peace in the hearts and minds of the people of Israel and their enemies
• Jewish people to recognize Yeshua (Jesus) as their Messiah

“The LORD gives strength to His people;
the LORD blesses His people with peace.”
Psalm 29:11 (NIV)

Shalom, my friend.

With so much tension and turmoil around the world, we must be more vigilant than ever to do battle through our prayers by asking God to intervene and accomplish His purposes. 

And this isn’t just about the global enemies who are surrounding Israel — it’s also about our own lives. We must be a people of prayer. That in every circumstance we face, we’re quick to hand over our cares and concerns to God.

Nothing moves God’s heart like the prayers of His people – He will equip us with strength and peace. Remember that as you pray this week – through the challenges you’re facing and your prayer on behalf of God’s people. Please ask for God to open the eyes of His Chosen People to see the hope made available to them through Yeshua (Jesus), the Messiah.

Thank you for your partnership in this work of ministry.

NUCLEAR TALKS ON THE BRINK AMIDST WAR IN THE UKRAINE

The Washington Post reported last week that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has cast a shadow over talks to revive the Iran nuclear deal. There are growing doubts around the negotiations in Vienna, which have already extended beyond their deadline, that a new agreement is even in sight.

Iran’s chief negotiator returned to Vienna last week with hardened demands, according to sources of The Washington Post, dampening hopes that an agreement could be wrapped up swiftly. European negotiators had warned that they were prepared to walk away. And the United States joined the warning as well.

Saeed Khatibzadeh, a spokesman for Iran’s Foreign Ministry, countered on Twitter with a warning that Iran could pull out, too.

“Iran is willing but will not wait forever. A deal is at hand if WH [White House] makes its mind.”

The threat may just be part of the inevitable last-minute brinkmanship that typically accompanies the final hours of negotiations, analysts say. 

But the stakes – which have always been high – have been raised higher by the war in Ukraine, which has rocked the stability of Europe, sent oil prices soaring and raised the specter of nuclear conflict for the first time in over 30 years.

The outcome in Vienna could further destabilize the world, risking a new nuclear arms race in the Middle East and perhaps yet another war.

According to The Washington Post, Iran’s nuclear program has now reached the point where it is only weeks away from achieving breakout, which would mean it has enough enriched uranium to produce a nuclear bomb.

ISRAEL CONDEMNS RUSSIA’S ACTIONS ON THE GLOBAL STAGE

The Times of Israel reported that Israel called on Russia to cease its attack on Ukraine from the stage of the U.N. General Assembly last week, taking another step closer to the US-led Western position against Moscow after initial apprehension to take sides due to fears of alienating the Kremlin.

Israel’s Deputy Ambassador to the U.N., Noa Furman, called Russia’s invasion “a serious violation of the international order” in a speech during an emergency General Assembly session on Ukraine, echoing comments previously made by Foreign Minister Yair Lapid.

According to The Times of Israel, the Deputy Minister urged Moscow “to heed the calls of the international community to stop the attack and respect the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine.”

The Times of Israel tells that, since tensions between Russia and Ukraine began escalating, Israel has sought to avoid aligning too closely with either side. It’s one of the few countries that maintains relatively warm relations with both Ukraine – a fellow Western democracy — and Russia, which controls the airspace over Syria in which Israel operates to target Iranian proxies.

Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has avoided condemning Russia or its President Vladimir Putin directly and has rejected Ukrainian requests for military aid.

However, the Prime Minister has expressed solidarity with the Ukrainian people and approved multiple shipments of humanitarian aid.

Israel was not required to offer a statement during the emergency session. According to The Times of Israel, Jerusalem appears intent on clarifying that its hesitance in alienating Putin should not be interpreted as support for the invasion.

ISRAELI FLIGHTS RESUME FULL SCHEDULE TO DUBAI AFTER REACHING A SECURITY AGREEMENT WITH UAE 

According to YnetNews, Israel’s Shin Bet security agency said that Israel and the United Arab Emirates agreed on a security arrangement that will allow Israeli airlines to resume a full schedule of flights to Dubai.

A dispute over airport security in Dubai had forced them to cut back services and without a resolution, all flights would have been halted this week.

According to YnetNews, nonstop flights from Tel Aviv to Dubai were among the fruits of a landmark 2020 deal establishing ties between Israel and the UAE. Hundreds of thousands of Israelis have visited the UAE and Gulf commercial hub since.

Israel's flag carrier El Al welcomed the resolution and said it would immediately return to operating up to three or four flights a day to Dubai.

LET US PRAY TOGETHER

Please pray with me for:

• God to bring peace and safety to the situation in Ukraine, protecting the lives that could be at risk
• God to move in the hearts of world leaders and give wisdom to address the global threat of a nuclear Iran
• God’s protection to be upon His people in Israel who are constantly facing threats and violence from surrounding enemies
• Peace in the hearts and minds of the people of Israel and their enemies
• Jewish people to recognize Yeshua (Jesus) as their Messiah