One large-scale event is ending this week, and a small but very important ministry trip is coming up soon. We appreciate your prayers for each, as we know you have a heart for the salvation of Jewish people in the nations of the Earth.

Zimbabwe Medical Outreach

Have you been praying for our Zimbabwe Medical Outreach? Thank you! This edition of Prayer Points is being sent out just before the Outreach closes.

Here are a few reminders of how you can pray for these last few days of our Medical Outreach in Zimbabwe. Please pray for:

• Our ability to see and minister to the maximum number of patients on Thursday, March 10, the last half-day of the Outreach
• Signs and wonders, even in these last hours, to accompany the Word, giving witness to Yeshua (Jesus)
• Order, favor and safety in closing and packing up the Clinic and shalom and salvation for hired workers
• Safe travels back to Harare and then home, along with timely and negative COVID-19 test results required for international travel
• Rest and a sense of “well-done, good and faithful servant” for each participant
• Local congregational leaders as they follow up after the Outreach location and that the spiritual seeds that were sown will continue to bear fruit for eternity

Scouting Trip – Late March into early April

Three of our leaders will be traveling together, seeking the Lord’s direction and scouting out some key locations for potential ministry. We pray this will enable us to connect with new scattered tribes in the months and years to come.

Please pray for:

• Divine connections and unity to develop between our leaders and strategic contacts in each country – even before they leave the U.S.
• The Lord to put together every detail of this trip, enabling the team to be in the right places at the right times to connect with the right people and groups
• The Holy Spirit to prepare the team with openness to His “in the moment” guidance, giving them discernment between what might look like good possibilities and what are real God-ordained opportunities
• Protection and favor of every kind, including for their families back home as they travel

• Watch for the next Prayer Points, which will reach you right before this scouting trip. We will have fresh reminders for you and new information about how to pray. Thank you again for your prayers. They make a difference!

In the meantime, let’s pray together now.

Lord, what a privilege it is to make You known among the Nations. We want Your Jewish people everywhere to know that they are Yours and Yeshua is their Messiah. Please use the final days of the Zimbabwe Outreach and the Outreaches that will eventually result from the scouting trip to give many the opportunity to receive You. In Yeshua’s name, Amen.

“Be strong and take heart, 
all you who hope in the LORD.”
Psalm 31:24 (NIV)

Shalom, my friend.

While the global situation feels overwhelming – as we continue to hear breaking news about the situation in Ukraine – it would be easy to give in to the darkness.

But let me encourage you: no matter what you’re facing, no matter what you may feel inside, “be strong” and “take heart.” And the only way to do these things . . . is to place all your desires, circumstances and hopes in God’s hands.

The power of His presence, the certainty of His promises and the hope of His victory is all we need to endure and overcome the challenges we face.

As you pray this week, I’d also like to invite you to continue praying with me and everyone at Jewish Voice on behalf of God’s people – that God would 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.

ISRAEL INCREASINGLY SUPPORTS UKRAINE WHILE KEEPING A WARY EYE ON RUSSIA

The Washington Post reported earlier this week that Israel is going public with its support for Ukraine to a greater scale while keeping a wary eye on Russia, the primary backer of the Syrian regime – which is classified by Israel as an enemy state on its northern border.

Avoiding a direct condemnation of Russia, Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said, “We are praying for the well-being of the citizens of Ukraine and hope that additional bloodshed will be avoided. We are conducting a measured and responsible policy.”

According to The Washington Post, the Prime Minister also said that Israel will immediately send 100 tons of water purification kits, medical drugs, tents, blankets and other humanitarian equipment for civilians in the combat zones in Ukraine and to Ukrainians attempting to flee.

On the ground, as The Washington Post reports, Israel stands with Ukraine. Israeli medics are offering services to refugees across the Ukrainian border, Israeli phone companies are providing free credits to Ukrainian citizens to get in touch with family members, and Israeli tech companies are assisting with evacuating Ukrainian employees.

Russia is the main supporter of President Bashar al-Assad of Syria – a country to Israel’s north that maintains a large military presence in the country. With Iranian funding and support, Syria has become a weapons way station for Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed military movement in Lebanon, with an estimated arsenal of 100,000 missiles and rockets.

The Washington Post also reports that Prime Minister Bennett spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier this week. While the details of the conversation remain undisclosed, the Prime Minister’s office released the following statement:

“President Putin noted that he is ready for negotiations. Prime Minister Bennett said that Israel is ready to assist as much as required and at any time in order to help resolve the crisis and bring the parties closer. This is due to Israel’s special status and good relations with all parties.”

According to a senior Israeli official, the United States and Ukraine were briefed by Israel before and after Bennett’s meeting with Putin.

FRENCH PRESIDENT BRISTLES AT CLAIMS OF ISRAELI APARTHEID

The Jerusalem Post reported earlier this week that French President Emmanuel Macron came out against the recent description of Israel as an apartheid state by human rights groups like Amnesty International.

Speaking for the President at the recent annual dinner of the Representative Council of Jewish Institutions in France (CRIF), Prime Minister Jean Castex said:

“Erasing Jerusalem's Jewishness is unacceptable, just as it is unacceptable that in the name of a just fight for freedom, associations misuse historically shameful terms to describe the State of Israel, where all citizens, whatever their religion, have understood that their only hope is peace together. It is not by affirming such untruths that associations that claim to pursue an objective of peace can claim to fulfill their vocation. How dare we talk about apartheid in a state where Arab citizens are represented in government, in parliament, in leadership positions and in positions of responsibility? As I promised you, the definition of antisemitism of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance has been adopted by the Republic.”

COVID RULES IN ISRAEL ROLLED BACK

The Times of Israel reported this week that Israel’s two-year-long pandemic-induced national state of emergency ended on Tuesday, with cases plummeting and hospital wards emptying out.

A top expert, according to The Times of Israel, says that “there is no cloud on the horizon, for now.”

After so many people got infected by Omicron, experts expect that widespread immunity will reinforce vaccine immunity to protect Israel from a large outbreak in the near future, even with new variants.

According to The Times of Israel, most COVID regulations have been repealed as the country transitions from a “state of emergency” to a “special health situation.”

The most notable of these are travel restrictions.

Under the new guidelines, both vaccinated and unvaccinated tourists of all ages will be allowed into the country as long as they submit a negative PCR test before boarding their flight and take another one after landing in Israel. Citizens will no longer need to test before returning home (though it’s suspected that some airlines will still insist on a test); however, they will need to test upon return.

Presenting a green pass, which proves that its holder is vaccinated or has recovered from the virus, has become a prerequisite for far fewer venues in recent weeks and now won’t be requested at all. And while masks will still be required indoors, the current requirement for masks in some large outdoor gatherings will be canceled.

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

It’s a remarkable “God story” told in the only book of the Bible that never mentions God. The book of Esther describes the history behind Purim, an annual Jewish holiday known for its festive celebrations. God was at work behind the scenes, setting circumstances up to deliver the Jewish people from certain destruction. In the Purim story, two heroes emerge to inspire and challenge our relationships with the Lord today – Mordecai with his undeterred faith and Esther with her resolute courage.

The Purim Account

It was the 5th century B.C.E., and the Jewish people were living in Persia. Xerxes (also called Ahasuerus), the King of Persia, had conquered and resettled them throughout his empire. 

After Xerxes’ queen publicly disobeyed him, he banished her and conscripted young maidens from throughout the kingdom as candidates for her replacement. The women went through a year-long beautification process, after which the king chose Esther, a young Jewish woman who had kept her lineage secret.

One day, Esther’s cousin and guardian Mordecai overheard a plot to kill Xerxes. He told Esther and thus saved the king’s life. The event was documented, but Mordecai received no thanks.

Haman was a wicked officer close to Xerxes. He relished his position and got the king to decree that citizens bow before him. God-fearing Mordecai refused, enraging Haman. Haman convinced the king that all Jewish people were a threat because of their allegiance to the Lord. He persuaded Ahasuerus to issue an irrevocable decree offering payment to citizens who killed Jewish people on a selected day of the year. He cast lots (or purim) to determine the day.

When Mordecai heard of the plan to wipe out the Jewish people, he sat in front of the king’s gate wailing in sackcloth. Esther sent word to learn why, and Mordecai begged her to approach the king and save their people. Esther reminded him that going to the king without an invitation was punishable by death if he didn’t welcome her.

Mordecai’s Faith

Mordecai told them to reply to Esther with this answer, “Do not think in your soul that you will escape in the king’s household more than all the Jews. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place—but you and your father’s house will perish. Who knows whether you have attained royal status for such a time as this?”  ––Esther 4:13–14 (TLV)

Mordecai shows extraordinary faith in his reply to Esther. He knew beyond doubt that, though he, Esther and others may not escape death, God would not allow the Jewish people to be utterly destroyed. Why? Because God had made a covenant promise to the Jewish people that they were His people forever. He set His affection on Israel as His treasured possession, and His covenants are eternal (See Deuteronomy 7:6–9, Genesis 12:2–3, Genesis 17:7, Jeremiah 31:34–36.)

Mordecai recognized something else – God is sovereign and able to orchestrate circumstances to place people in positions to accomplish His purposes. Mordecai told Esther, “Who knows whether you have attained royal status for such a time as this?” (See Esther 4:13-14.)

Esther’s Courage

Esther sent this to reply to Mordecai, “Go! Gather together all the Jews who are in Shushan and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will fast in the same way. Afterwards, I will go in to the king, even though it is not according to the law. So if I perish, I perish!” ––Esther 4:15–16

Esther knew her life was in jeopardy by going to the king without an invitation. She considered Mordecai’s words and determined to go anyway. Her resolve to do the frightening– but right – thing shows her tremendous courage. She said she would go before the king and, “if I perish, I perish” (Esther 4:16). What gave Esther the courage to go against her fear and do what needed to be done? She saw before her the consequences if she didn’t, which bolstered her bravery to act. Though not directly stated, we can clearly see that she also entrusted the results to God. She determined to fast for three days and enlisted Mordecai and all Israel to join her, and then she would approach the king. She certainly sought the Lord for direction and favor during those days, and she emerged with an unusual plan.

The Result

The king received Esther and asked what she desired. Esther invited him and Haman to a banquet where she would explain her request.

Before the banquet, Xerxes discovered that nothing had been done for the man who earlier saved his life. He ordered Haman, of all people, to parade Mordecai through the city in stately fashion, hailing him as highly honored by the king.

At a second banquet, Esther revealed her Jewish identity and exposed Haman as the man whose plan threatened her life and that of her people. The king was outraged. He ordered Haman hanged and his position given to Mordecai. The Jewish people were allowed to defend themselves on the decreed day, and we know that it was God who provided a resounding victory, saving the Jewish people from annihilation.

Purim Today

In his new position in the king’s command, Mordecai decreed that Adar 13 and 14 on the Jewish calendar were to be days of celebration among the Jewish people, days of remembering how the Lord turned their sorrow into joy. He stipulated four observances: feasting, celebrating, sending food gifts to one another and giving gifts to the poor.

Today, Purim is a very festive holiday of the Jewish year. Along with observing Mordecai’s four commands, Purim is filled with costume parties and lively re-enactments of the Purim story. Whenever Haman’s name is mentioned, audience members boo, stomp their feet and rattle noisemakers called graggers – to symbolically blot out his name. Traditional Purim foods include Hamantashen – cookies filled with jams or other tasty delights. These cookies are triangular-shaped, representing Haman’s hat, or perhaps his ears, according to tradition.

Regardless of whether you observe Purim, you can take personal strength from Esther’s courage and Mordecai’s faith. God calls each of us to entrust our lives to Him as we let Him accomplish His purposes through us. And He invites us into His Word to discover His fullness there. He beckons us into a stronger, higher and deeper faith in Him. He challenges us to believe His Word and stand unshakably on His steadfastness.

Questions for Personal Reflection

• How does Esther’s courage inspire you to trust God more?
• In what areas do you need God’s help to live courageously?
• How does Mordecai’s faith invite you to more fully believe what God has said and promised in His Word?

In what ways might God be combining the faith and courage challenges of the Purim story to beckon you deeper in your relationship with Him?

A Call to Pray from Ezra Benjamin

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.
May those who love you be secure.”
(Psalm 122:6 NIV)

Shalom, my friend.

While we celebrate many victories this week – including the historic partnership between Israel and Bahrain and the deepening friendship with Egypt – I’m reminded by the Scriptures that we must remain vigilant in praying for continual peace.

This is especially true now, as it appears the Iran nuclear talks in Vienna are on the verge of concluding – though the outcome is at best uncertain.

That’s why I want to invite you to continue to pray with me and everyone at Jewish Voice on behalf of God’s people. And may you and yours experience the blessing of God in a special way.

EGYPTIAN PRESIDENT’S GESTURE SHOWS SIGNS OF WARMING RELATIONS BETWEEN ISRAEL AND EGYPT

Haaretz reported last week that Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sissi made a moving gesture that likely indicates warming relations between Israel and Egypt.

In last week’s conference of North African and Middle Eastern countries in Cairo, a smiling President Sissi crossed the conference hall to personally greet Israel’s Energy Minister, Karine Elharrar.

According to Haaretz, a video of the action has been widely shared online. The Egyptian President left multiple delegates waiting as he spoke with Elharrar – telling her that he hoped she would visit his country again in the future.

Haaretz reports that Energy Minister Elharrar is a member of the Yesh Atid party and has been in office since June 2021. She uses a wheelchair due to muscle atrophy and made international headlines earlier this year after she was unable to attend a session at the United Nations’ climate summit in Glasgow since the hosting venue was not wheelchair accessible. 

While Israel and Egypt have had diplomatic relations since 1979, it is widely considered a “cold peace” that is maintained by the countries’ political and military leadership but isn’t widely popular among the general Egyptian public.

For that reason, according to Haaretz, the Egyptian President’s gesture to Elharrar was celebrated as a sign of change.

ISRAEL BOOSTS NATURAL GAS EXPORT TO EGYPT BY 50% 

Alarabiya News reported last week that Israel will boost natural gas export to Egypt by as much as 50 percent by the end of the month, deepening energy ties between Middle Eastern neighbors.

According to Israel’s Energy Minister Karine Elharrar, the firms that own Israel’s two biggest offshore reservoirs, led by Chevron Corp., will pipe another 2-2.5 billion cubic meters more gas per year to Egypt.

Israel currently sends 5 billion cubic meters each year to Egypt via a pipeline that connects southern Israel to the Sinai Peninsula, according to Alarabya News. And Israel’s Energy Minister said that the aim is to reach a capacity of 6.5 billion cubic meters by next year.

“Egypt is a big strategic partner for us,” Minister Elharrar said.

The added fuel would help Egypt meet its domestic energy needs and push forward plans to consolidate regional resources for export to bigger markets such as Europe.

ISRAEL’S PRIME MINISTER URGES BAHRAINI OFFICIALS TO FIGHT THE THREAT FROM IRAN IN HISTORIC VISIT

The Jerusalem Post reported last week that a Bahraini military band played “Hatikvah,” Israel’s national anthem, outside the royal palace in Manama as Prime Minister Naftali Bennett made history as the first Israeli leader to visit the Gulf state.

The Prime Minister, according to The Jerusalem Post, was received by Bahrain’s Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, who is also the kingdom’s Prime Minister, before a one-on-one meeting and a working lunch.

Iran was at the top of Bennett’s agenda.

“Israel and Bahrain are dealing with major security challenges that stem from the same source, which is the Islamic Republic of Iran,” the Prime Minister said. “Iran destabilizes the entire region. We will not allow that. We are fighting Iran and its henchmen in the region day and night, and we will help our friends in promoting peace, security and stability, whenever we are asked.”

The Prime Minister also met with U.S. Fifth Fleet Commander Vice Adm. Brad Cooper amid a military exercise led by the fleet with the participation of the Israel Defense Forces and other armies.

Bennett praised the cooperation between the IDF and the U.S. military, saying the Fifth Fleet “is an important factor in maintaining regional stability in the face of security threats.”

According to The Jerusalem Post, Prime Minister Bennett also said that Israel is working to increase military cooperation with its friends in the region to bolster security and stability.

ISRAEL’S DELEGATION TO VIENNA DURING NUCLEAR DISCUSSION APPEARS TO ANNOY, ANGER SOME IN IRAN

The Times of Israel reports that Israeli diplomats traveled to Vienna last week to meet with negotiators involved in talks aimed at restoring the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, for the first time since the Vienna talks resumed in April.

The appearance of an Israeli delegation in close proximity to the high stakes talks over the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) apparently angered some in Iran.

“The overt and unexpected presence of the Zionists in Vienna is undoubtedly a deterrent to progress in the current sensitive situation,” Iran’s Nour News wrote on its Hebrew Twitter feed.

Israel is not a party to the Vienna talks and has said it reserves the right to act as it sees fit against Iran’s nuclear program regardless of the negotiations’ outcome.

While the Israeli government is officially opposed to a return to the 2015 deal, which U.S. President Donald Trump pulled the U.S. out of in 2018, it has also sought to influence negotiations to seek tighter curbs on Tehran and more robust security arrangements.

The unusual decision to send an Israeli envoy to Vienna comes amid a growing sense of urgency among involved parties to reach a deal to revive the 2015 nuclear accord with Tehran.

According to The Times of Israel, officials involved in the talks have indicated that they are nearing a conclusion, and experts have predicted that the next few weeks will either see a deal reached or talks fall apart for good.

LET US PRAY TOGETHER

Please pray with me for:

• 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
• God to bring peace and safety to the situation in Ukraine, protecting the lives that could potentially be at risk
• Peace in the hearts and minds of the people of Israel and their enemies
• Jewish people to recognize Yeshua (Jesus) as their Messiah

Will you pray for us as we head to Zimbabwe for our first Outreach of 2022? Although we have ministered to the Lemba in this region before, this will be our first time in this particular community, and we are excited! We chose this location because of the many Messianic Jewish congregations in the area, and we look forward to partnering with these Lemba congregational leaders in reaching out to this community.  We know the region and have good partnerships there, yet we know that nothing of lasting value will happen apart from prayer. That’s why we covet yours.

Please pray with us starting today for our Zimbabwe Medical Outreach, March 3–13. Help cover these dates in prayer by signing up on our Jewish Voice 24-7 Prayer Watch schedule and using these daily prayer points. Please pray for:

Wednesday, February 23–Wednesday, March 2 | Proverbs 3:5-6

• Last details of preparations to fall into place at the Clinic and campsite locations
• The spiritual atmosphere to be prepared for the kingdom of Light to advance
• Hearts prepared to receive Yeshua
• Forces of witchcraft and darkness to flee as the King of Glory ministers

Thursday, March 3 | 1 Corinthians 16:9

• Safe travels for all participants, including the 6-hour drive to the campsite on Friday
• Good health and protection of all kinds; negative COVID-19 test results in time
• Every participant to be rested and prepared for the spiritual opposition that can accompany open doors for effective ministry

Friday, March 4 | Numbers 6:24–26

• The unity of the Spirit to reign among the various team members (staff, medical, Outreach, workers) and for all things to be done in love
• Fellowship to begin during Erev Shabbat dinner tonight and to grow all week
• Help from above in adapting to different time zone, food and culture
• Blessings and favor for each team members’ family back home

Saturday, March 5 | Philippians 2:13

• Each participant to be prepared, equipped and anointed to fulfill God’s purposes through them
• Successful orientation and training for each Outreach department and area
• Good, mild weather throughout the week and that the Lord would draw many to come and receive spiritual and physical care

Sunday, March 6 | Matthew 19:14

• Ease and order, effective treatment and miraculous healings as the Clinic opens today
• The Zehra Kids team to be fully equipped and have love and unity regarding God’s heart and vision for children
• Anointing and favor on the new curriculum based on The Shema regarding prayer and friendship with God
• Children to understand their identity, calling and heritage in Messiah as Jewish Believers

Monday, March 7 | 2 Thessalonians 3:1–3

• Open doors and favor in the community for the Living Waters team as they distribute LifeStraws® and share the Good News in surrounding Jewish villages
• That the Word would run swiftly, accompanied by signs and wonders, and produce fruit for eternity
• Each outreach team member to trust in the Lord’s design of them and allow His Spirit to move powerfully through them
• Protection from the enemy’s schemes and the battle of the mind

Tuesday, March 8 | 2 Corinthians 6:2

• Many to visit the prayer tent and receive salvation, healing, deliverance and encouragement
• Local congregational leaders to have great love, wisdom and stamina as they lead the prayer tent ministry
• The strength of the Lord to operate supernaturally in the fruit and gifts of the Spirit as we love, serve, minister and pray

Wednesday, March 9 | Colossians 1:13–14

• Daily morning prayer times and Wednesday evening worship gathering to set the spiritual atmosphere for the Clinic, campground and surrounding area
• Any opposing forces in the spiritual or natural realm to flee in the name of Yeshua
• The Lord to prepare ground for ongoing ministry in the community, even after we’re gone

Thursday, March 10 | Philippians 2:10–11

• The ability to see and minister to the maximum number of patients on this last half-day of the Outreach
• Order, favor and safety in closing and packing up the Clinic plus shalom and salvation for hired workers
• The spiritual seeds that were sown to continue bearing fruit for eternity

Friday, March 11 | Psalm 18:19

• Safe travels back to Harare with a timely turn-around and negative COVID-19 results required to travel internationally
• Rest and a sense of “well-done, good and faithful servant” for each participant
• Effectiveness and encouragement for the local congregational leaders as they follow up with new Believers and continue outreach in the community

Saturday, March 12 | Acts 2:42

• Yeshua’s (Jesus’) presence to continue to be felt in the city and for the kingdom of Light to advance, drawing many to Him
• The Lord to continue to grow the congregations and build up the Believers in the Masvingo region, including establishing new Believers in Him

We know the Lord will meet with you as you pray for this Zimbabwe Medical Outreach, and He will meet with us there as a result of those prayers! Thank you.

Let’s pray together now:

Lord, help us as we seek to bring Your Light, love and Good News to the people of this Zimbabwe community. We declare You are worthy to be praised in this region and that the forces of darkness must flee at Your name! May many men and women, and many children, come to know You! May many receive healing and deliverance. And may You receive the worship and glory You are due! In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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

Shalom, my friend. 

The crisis in the Middle East – the conflict, uncertainty and animosity against Israel and the Jewish people – continues to escalate. 

And while there’s every reason to be concerned, I stand on the knowledge that God is in control of every situation. I believe He will intervene and work everything according to His own purposes. As the Scriptures declare, “God’s ways are not our own.”

But in the midst of it all, God has called us to pray. Our prayerful actions are what you and I are able to control today, tomorrow and in the days and weeks ahead. We can – and must – be obedient in this. 

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is not an option. 

Thank you for standing with us so faithfully. And for your love for God’s Chosen People. 

Please continue to pray for the work and ministry we do together at Jewish Voice. And pray for God to open more doors to share the Good News of Yeshua (Jesus) with the Jewish people. 

IRAN EXPANDS TERROR THREAT IN MIDDLE EAST AND ISRAEL THROUGH IRAQI MILITIAS

While negotiations continue with Tehran for their return to the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), The Jerusalem Post reported last week that Iran has recently established even closer ties with Iraqi militias and is now using them to attack Israel, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and other states.

The Jerusalem Post indicates that Iran has been arming, mobilizing and advising militias in Iraq since the 1980s. But recent attacks demonstrate Iran’s larger expansion through Iraq and its greater threat.

The most recent attack being the drone strike in UAE. The news that a militia in Iraq may have been behind the attack on the UAE is an important new milestone in Iran’s role.

The Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen attacked the UAE on January 17, 24 and 31. The expansion of attacks to include Iranian-backed ones from Iraq is being seen, according to The Jerusalem Post, as a new threat. The attack from Iraq reportedly involved up to four drones and was launched by a group tied to pro-Iran groups in Iraq.

Another significant indication is the May 2021 attacks in Israel.

While Iran had targeted Israel with drones for several years from Syria, The Jerusalem Post reports that Tehran upped its drone threats to Israel in May 2021 during Israeli clashes with Hamas in Gaza. Iran had already provided Hamas with drone technology just as it had done with Hezbollah and the Houthis.

But in May 2021, Iran was behind the drone threat to Israel from Iraq, with a drone apparently flying all the way from Iraq into Israel’s airspace before being shot down. The incident was reported at the time. Jerusalem said the drone was an Iranian UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) at the time and indicated it came from Syria or Iraq. Subsequent reporting said it came from Iraq. 

GERMANY OFFICIALS REJECT “APARTHEID” LABEL FOR ISRAEL IN RECENT AMNESTY REPORT

According to Deutsche Welle (DW), one of Germany’s international news outlets, Germany’s Foreign Ministry gave a statement late last week in connection with the report published earlier in the week by the human rights organization Amnesty International regarding Israel's treatment of Palestinians . . .

The Amnesty report accused Israel of subjecting Palestinians to a system of “apartheid” founded on policies of “segregation, dispossession and exclusion.”

Germany, as reported by DW, disagrees with the use of the term “apartheid” in reference to Israel, the Foreign Ministry said.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Christopher Burger said at a press conference, “We reject expressions like apartheid or a one-sided focusing of criticism on Israel. That is not helpful to solving the conflict in the Middle East.”

Germany is one of Israel's staunchest supporters and has pursued a special relationship with the country as well as with pro-Israeli Jewish groups in Germany.

The Central Council of Jews in Germany labeled Amnesty’s report “antisemitic” and called on Amnesty International's German chapter to distance itself from it.

Amnesty International Germany published the report on its website but noted that, in the current climate and historical context, an “objective, factual debate” on the report is difficult to achieve – and said it would not organize any activities around the publication to deter “misinterpretations of the report.”

According to DW, the report was no longer prominently placed on the Amnesty Germany website late last week, despite being at the top of the Amnesty International page.

ISRAEL’S DEFENSE MINISTER’S FIRST OFFICIAL VISIT TO BAHRAIN SENDS CLEAR MESSAGE TO IRAN

The Jerusalem Post reported last week that Israel’s Defense Minister, Benny Gantz, made his first official visit to Bahrain.

According to The Jerusalem Post, Defense Minister Gantz signed historic military agreements, met with King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa and met with the commander of the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet.

The public meetings, a year after the Abraham Accords were signed, come as tensions with the Islamic Republic of Iran are at an all-time high, and missile attacks by their proxies in Yemen and Iraq against the UAE have increased.

Bahrain, according to The Jerusalem Post, has been of strategic interest to Iran for years. The kingdom has previously seen several large attacks by the terror cells organized by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and Hezbollah – and continues to face threats posed by Sunni terror groups.

With the meetings a mere 200 kilometers away from Iran, Israel is sending a clear message to Iran: We are building bridges with your neighbors, and we are here to stay. 

Let Us Pray Together

Please pray with me for:

• 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