“The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him.”
Nahum 1:7(NIV)

Shalom, my friend. 

We know how much God cares for us. It is such a blessing to know how much you care for Israel and the Jewish people. I am grateful that you stand strong in your support and desire to know what is going on in Israel so you can pray for her people and even speak out on their behalf.

This week’s news stories include responses to the boycott announcement by Ben & Jerry’s, possible positive news regarding next steps in the Israeli-Palestinian peace process and COVID-19 updates. As always, your prayers are greatly appreciated.

BEN & JERRY’S BOYCOTT ANNOUNCEMENT PROVOKES REACTIONS FROM ISRAEL AND U.S.

Last week, Ben & Jerry’s drew worldwide attention when the company announced it would not renew its license agreement with the Israel-based company that manufactures and distributes its ice cream once the agreement expires next year.

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett’s office said he spoke with Alan Jope, chief executive of Ben & Jerry's parent company Unilever, and raised concerns about what he called a “clearly anti-Israel step.” He said the move would have “serious consequences, legal and otherwise,” and Israel “will act aggressively against all boycott actions directed against its citizens.”

This is the latest in Israel’s long-time fight against the BDS (Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions) movement, a Palestinian-led campaign focused on boycotts, divestment and sanctions against Israeli businesses, cultural institutions and universities.

When asked about the decision of ice cream company Ben & Jerry’s to boycott West Bank settlements and Jewish neighborhoods in east Jerusalem, U.S. State Department Spokesperson Ned Price said, “I don’t have a reaction to offer regarding the actions of a private company… But more broadly, what I will say is that we firmly reject the BDS movement, which unfairly singles out Israel.”

U.S. STATES THREATEN SANCTIONS AGAINST BEN & JERRY’S AFTER ISRAEL BOYCOTT ANNOUNCEMENT

Florida and Texas have both threatened sanctions against Ben & Jerry’s following the ice cream company’s announcement of an upcoming boycott that will stop sales of its product within Israel’s occupied Palestinian territories.

The states’ actions came in response to a public call by Gilad Erdan, Israel’s ambassador to the U.S., asking 35 states with anti-BDS laws to take action against Ben & Jerry’s.

U.S. Representative Lee Zeldin of New York also spoke out against the boycott. He said, “The decision by Unilever and Ben & Jerry’s to target hundreds of thousands of Jewish customers abroad with this discriminatory boycott is a disgrace and a direct embrace of the anti-Israel BDS movement.” He called on the state of New York to take action.

In addition, several grocery stores that are Jewish-owned or in predominantly Jewish neighborhoods in the U.S. and Australia have started pulling the ice cream brand from their shelves.

PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY OFFICIAL SPEAKS ABOUT NEXT STEPS FOR PEACE PROCESS WITH ISRAEL

Last week, Hussein Al-Sheikh, civil affairs minister of the Palestinian Authority (PA), spoke in an exclusive interview about the next steps in the Israeli-Palestinian peace process and the U.S. role, among other topics, The Jerusalem Post reported. 

Al-Sheikh is one of the closest advisers to the president of the PA and the point person in security matters. He also serves as the chair for conversations between the Palestinian government and the U.S. administration.

The civil affairs minister was asked about how President Biden’s appointment of Hady Amr as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Israeli and Palestinian Affairs for the U.S. State Department has made a difference.

“Mr. Hady Amr is playing a very positive role in his constant contact between himself and the Israeli government. We agreed in principle that we need first to change the atmosphere between us and Israel,” Al-Sheikh said. “We agreed to start with what are called CBMs – confidence-building measures – between us and the new administration [U.S.] and between us and Israel.”

Al-Sheikh continued, “The second stage is to find the framework for the nature of conflict resolution between Israel and the Palestinians, which is or should be focused mainly on international legitimacy and legal decisions that refer to two states for two peoples living in peace and security in a stable, cooperative and prosperous environment between the two states. A Palestinian state and an Israeli state. This is the plan that we agreed on with the new administration and we are working on it right now.”

RISE IN SERIOUS CORONAVIRUS CASES IN ISRAEL IS HIGHEST SINCE MARCH

Renewed restrictions, including reimposing the “Green Pass,” (a vaccine certificate) begin on July 29 because of the increase in serious COVID-19 cases in Israel, The Times of Israel reported.

The restrictions apply to both indoor and outdoor events with over 100 participants. The requirement to present proof of vaccination, recovery or a negative test from the past 72 hours only applies to people older than 12. Under that age, there are no restrictions.

Health Ministry Director-General Nachman Ash said, “We hope the Green Pass will help reduce morbidity, but the number of serious cases is very troubling.”

CDC IN U.S. CHANGES TRAVEL HEALTH NOTICE FOR ISRAEL DUE TO SPIKE IN COVID-19 CASES

With the number of positive cases of the coronavirus reaching the highest number in several months, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) raised its travel health notice for Israel to “Level 3: High.”

The notice had been lowered to “Level 1: Low” in June. The Level 3 rating says unvaccinated travelers should avoid nonessential travel to Israel.

On Sunday, nearly 1,400 new COVID-19 cases were identified in Israel, The Jerusalem Post reported.

ISRAEL ADDS TWO MORE TO LIST OF PROHIBITED COUNTRIES FOR TRAVEL

Spain and Kyrgyzstan have been added to the list of countries that Israelis are not allowed to visit. This was approved by the government’s Constitutional Committee on Monday, according to The Jerusalem Post.

Already on the list are Uzbekistan, Argentina, Belarus, Brazil, South Africa, India, Mexico and Russia.

Georgia, Turkey, Cyprus and the United Kingdom were under consideration, but the committee decided not to add them to the list of prohibited countries at this time.

Let us pray together

Please pray with me for:

• Support for Israel regarding the Ben & Jerry’s boycott and any other actions by the BDS movement
• Wisdom for leaders in Israel, the U.S. and the PA concerning next steps in the Israeli-Palestinian peace process
• Protection of Israelis from the Delta coronavirus variant
• Jewish people to recognize Yeshua (Jesus) as their Messiah

“The Lord is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him.”
Isaiah 12:2 (NIV)

Shalom, my friend. 

I thank God and praise Him for you and your partnership. Knowing how much you support and care for Israel and her people means a great deal to me. 

As you read through this week’s news stories, I encourage you to be praying for the Jewish people and everything they are facing – whether it be diplomatic opportunities, concerns about the COVID-19 Delta variant or potential threats from Iran and the terrorist efforts they support. 

Together, let’s pray that these challenges would lead the Jewish people to turn to Jesus the Messiah and recognize that He is their strength, defense and salvation. 

ISRAEL’S FOREIGN MINISTER SAYS EUROPE MUST RECOGNIZE HIS COUNTRY IS UNDER ATTACK

Last week, during a meeting with European Union (EU) foreign ministers, Israel’s Foreign Minister Yair Lapid said Europe must remember that Israel is under constant threat from Iran when it (the EU) criticizes Israel.

“I accept that part of our dialogue is a moral judgment,” Lapid said. “I want to hear your opinions with an open mind. But it is not too much to expect that this dialogue will take into consideration that my home is under attack.”

Lapid noted that Iran backs Hamas in Gaza, which threatens southern Israel and also Hezbollah in Lebanon to Israel’s north.

Invited by EU High Commissioner for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell, Lapid is the first Israeli to speak before the Foreign Affairs Council in more than a decade, The Jerusalem Post reported.

In addition to the larger meeting, Lapid also met one-on-one with Borrell. “They discussed the importance of enhancing EU-Israel relations and considered how to address together existing challenges in order to achieve this common goal,” an EU statement said. They also spoke about “how the dialogue with the Palestinians can be moved forward.”

Afterward, Lapid met with the foreign ministers from Germany, France, the Netherlands and the Czech Republic. 

He also met with the Secretary-General of NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization). Lapid said Israel wants to deepen its cooperation with NATO in intelligence, cybersecurity, missile defense and other areas.

QATAR ENCOURAGES HAMAS TO ACCEPT ISRAEL’S AID MONEY RESTRICTIONS

A diplomatic representative from Qatar is pressing Hamas officials in Gaza to agree to Israel’s requirements for receiving aid from his country, according to Israel’s Kan public broadcaster.

The representative is pushing for a quick response. If Hamas agrees, approximately $30 million will be transferred to the Gaza Strip in the form of a debit card-like system for families in need, The Times of Israel reported.

LAPID WILL BE THE FIRST ISRAELI FOREIGN MINISTER TO VISIT MOROCCO

On Monday, Yair Lapid, Israel’s foreign minister, confirmed he will travel to Morocco for an official visit and that Morocco’s foreign minister will make a visit to Israel. Details of the trips have not been finalized.

Lapid said the trip will happen after the renewal of direct flights between the two countries later this month, The Times of Israel reported.

This will be the first visit by an Israeli foreign minister to Morocco and comes after diplomatic ties were established late last year after a 20-year lull.

ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER ISSUES WARNING REGARDING COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS

On Monday, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said authorities will not tolerate people disregarding new coronavirus restrictions, The Times of Israel reported. A significant increase in enforcement is expected this week as infection rates continue to climb due to the Delta variant of the virus.

“I want to say here clearly: government decisions are not recommendations; they are binding. Whoever flouts them will pay,” Bennett said, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office.

Israel has reimposed a number of restrictions, including requiring facemasks indoors and the reintroduction of a system restricting attendance at large events to only those who have been vaccinated against or recovered from COVID-19, or who can show proof of a recent negative test. 

Bennett referred to following all of the virus restrictions as a citizen’s duty. 

On Sunday, in light of the sharp rise in COVID-19 cases over the past month, government officials agreed that criminal indictments would be filed against those who knowingly violate quarantine regulations.

Also on Sunday, Health Minister Nitzan Horowitz said another lockdown across Israel could happen, but the government is not currently considering it and the goal is to avoid it, according to The Jerusalem Post.

“Our main goal is to open the school year smoothly”

Bennett said the government is formulating a plan to ensure the academic year can begin on September 1, as planned.

“Our main goal is to open the school year smoothly. We went through a year where education was the first thing to get hurt, and we saw millions of students paying the price and zoning out in front of Zoom at home,” the prime minister said. “The actions we are taking now are aimed at helping us open the school year in an organized way.”

DELAY FOR VACCINATED TOURISTS WANTING TO ENTER ISRAEL

“We are postponing the date for the entry of tourists; it is not going to happen on August 1,” said Health Ministry Director-General Prof. Nachman Ash.
 “Unfortunately, the current situation does not permit us to allow tourists to enter.”

Ash also said a new date has not yet been set and authorities will be discussing measures to restrict all travel, including expanding the list of countries under Israel’s travel ban, The Jerusalem Post reported.

AT A MEETING IN IRAQ, IRANIAN COMMANDER URGED INCREASE IN ATTACKS ON U.S. FORCES

A senior Iranian Revolutionary Guard commander urged Iraqi Shi'ite militias to escalate attacks on U.S. targets during a meeting in Baghdad earlier this month. This was according to three militia sources and two Iraqi security sources familiar with the gathering, Reuters reported.

Following this visit by an Iranian delegation led by Revolutionary Guards intelligence chief Hossein Taeb, U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria were attacked several times. These attacks came after U.S. airstrikes against Iran-backed militias at the Syrian-Iraqi border on June 27.

Iran will not resume nuclear deal negotiations until new president takes power

Last week, an anonymous diplomatic source said Iran will not start back with negotiations regarding the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) until Iranian President-elect Ebrahim Raisi's administration has begun.

A U.S. State Department spokesperson confirmed that Iran asked for more time because of its presidential transition, Reuters reported.

Talks to revive the JCPOA began in April but stalled after the sixth round of negotiations ended on June 20.

Let us pray together

Please pray with me for:

• Understanding and partnership between Israel and the EU 
• Protection of Israelis from the Delta coronavirus variant, especially those with compromised immune systems
• Wisdom for Israel in dealing with Iran, Hamas and other terror groups
• Additional countries in the Middle East to normalize diplomatic relations with Israel and work together for peace
• Jewish people to recognize Yeshua (Jesus) as their Messiah
   

Your support of Jewish Voice helped save Hermela’s life. Let me share her story so you can see how you’re making a difference for Jewish people in need.

Hermela is from Ethiopia. Unable to find work in her home country that would enable her to support her family, Hermela waited at the border hoping to find a job in another country.

Unfortunately, this was a dangerous area. Members of local tribes often prey upon people here — a sort of “no man’s land.” Kidnappers captured Hermela and brought her to a camp where she faced danger and even threats of torture.

In cases like Hermela’s, kidnappers often demand exorbitant ransoms from their victims’ families. Many who are captured die before they can escape, or before their loved ones can afford the ransom. Miraculously, Hermela’s family was able to pay for her freedom, and she was released.
Though Hermela does not come from an Ethiopian Jewish background, the State of Israel welcomed her with open arms. As a recognized victim of human trafficking, she was able to spend several months recovering in a government shelter.

After leaving the shelter, Hermela was feeling desperate and alone. She didn’t know who to trust. She had been through so much. She was suffering both physically and emotionally.

That’s when social workers, who often help victims of human trafficking, brought
Hermela to a special shelter. This new home for Hermela is operated by one of the many Messianic congregations our ministry supports in Israel. Your support of Jewish Voice makes shelters like this possible!

Hermela is so thankful to be at this shelter where she and her children are in a
safe, stable and compassionate environment for the first time. The shelter provides for her family’s daily needs as well as their medical expenses. Hermela’s toddler has special needs, and the congregation helped to find a good school for her. The congregation was also able to connect Hermela with legal assistance at no cost so she could stay in Israel to raise her children.

Now Hermela is working outside the shelter and taking steps to obtain her visa so she can find a permanent home to raise her children.

As you can see, Hermela has walked a difficult road. But she knows God is her
Provider and Redeemer. She sees how He brought her to a place of healing and deliverance — and your giving to Jewish Voice helped make this possible! The staff who work with Hermela at the shelter say:

“We pray that her life, which God ‘redeemed from destruction,’ will bless many others!”

The Scripture that comes to mind is Psalm 103:4: “He redeems your life from the pit. He crowns you with lovingkindness and compassions.”

Hermela is just one of many people you help by partnering with Jewish Voice. Thank you for being a vessel. Thank you for allowing God to use you to bless so many other men, women and children who are facing great need — both Jewish people in need as well as the most vulnerable in Israeli society.

We are all in need of God’s great redemption — and His chosen way to redeem each of us is through His Son, Jesus the Messiah! That’s why we support Messianic congregations in Israel like the one that helped Hermela. These are groups of Believers in Jesus who want to see all Israel saved!

P.S. Please give today to support our ministry to Jewish people in need in Israel.
Whatever amount you are led to give will help change lives — and share the Good News of Jesus the Messiah!

During our recent Outreach to Dawro, Ethiopia, our staff back at headquarters received some captivating photos from the field. They were of the Zehra Kids Program that took place at the Medical Clinic. Joy was evident from the children as well as joy on on the faces of the parents as they joined in the creativity and fun. We were so excited to see what was taking place and then hear a report after our team’s return. 

Zehra Kids Program was a great success for both the children and community. Zehra means seed in Hebrew (see Zechariah 8:12), and the Zehra Kids Program is expanding beyond its original vision. This is how it all began: as a drop-off program to bless, engage and minister to children during our Medical Outreaches. Here are some of the results of the Zehra program during the Dawro Outreach, along with some hoped-for longer-range outcomes from it.

Praise the Lord and pray along with us! 

Praise from The Zehra Kids Program during our Dawro, Ethiopia, Medical Outreach 

This was a wonderful Outreach in so many ways, but the Zehra ministry to children was especially meaningful as it was the first time we were able to hold it in well over a year. Here are some praises: 

• There was strong Zehra team unity, and we were able to set up the Clinic quickly and with ease. This is a direct answer to your specific prayers! 
• There were 529 ministry encounters and opportunities with children. Imagine the impact on them AND their families! 
• The children’s hearts were joyful and open to the specially written curriculum and song, which focused on learning The Shema. 
• The community witnessed and received the Zehra Kids Program as a testimony of love. 

Prayer Requests for the Community  

When we ministry in a particular location, we leave a little of ourselves there and continue to carry the people in our hearts in prayer. This Ethiopian community is no exception. Here are some ways you can pray with us for the many children and their families that we encountered in Dawro: 

• For protection over families and children (mind, body & spirit) 
• Rear guard prayers over the seeds of the Good News and identity as Jewish people in Yeshua (Jesus) that the Zehra team sowed in Dawro
• That the eyes of every child’s heart would be enlightened to know the hope of their calling 
• That each heart would desire to know the Lord personally and come to worship Him only 
• For the Lord, through near-by congregational leaders and local Believers, to continue to establish, strengthen, and grow a thriving Messianic Jewish congregation with a vibrant children’s ministry 

Let’s Pray: 

Yeshua, when You were on Earth, You told Your disciples to allow the children to come to You. What a privilege it is to be used by You to enable children to encounter You. Please continue to draw these young ones and their families into relationships with You and a deeper understanding of the identity, heritage and purpose that is theirs as Jewish Believers in Messiah. Amen. 

You can join this unprecedented journey to reach the remaining “Lost Tribes of Israel”

"For I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.”
Romans 1:16 (NIV)

Millions of Jewish people have yet to hear the Good News

You can play a key role in reaching the remaining “Lost Tribes of Israel” around the world

God has put on our hearts the vision to take the Good News to all of the remaining scattered Jewish communities around the world who have not yet been reached with the hope of Jesus the Messiah. Our goal is to accomplish this in the next 10 years. This would be in conjunction with the worldwide goal of multiple Bible translation ministries to provide all people access to God’s Word by approximately 2033.

With your support, we want to share the Good News with ALL of the unreached “Lost Tribes of Israel” — from places like India, Central Asia, the remote Pacific Islands and other regions in eastern and southern Africa.

Just as we have done in Ethiopia, Zimbabwe and other countries, our plan is to seek out these Jewish communities, identify their physical needs – from clean water to medical care and more — and help meet these needs in the name of Jesus.

Inside this issue of Good News, you’ll see how we plan to carry out this vision God has given us — but it will only be possible when compassionate friends like you partner with us both in prayer and giving.

The difference we can make together

Our ministry in Ethiopia began more than 20 years ago when a team of a dozen people provided medical and dental care for 1,300 of the most needy from the
Beta Israel community.

Flash forward to today — hundreds of thousands of Jewish people and their neighbors in Ethiopia and Zimbabwe have received clean water and medical, dental and eye care.

But — even more important — more than 57,917 have come to know Jesus as their Messiah!

And, in Ethiopia, our most recent Outreaches have been led almost entirely by our in-country staff! Here are the steps we will take — with support from you, our caring partners — to reach the Jewish communities around the world who have not yet heard the Good News:

• Identify and form relationships with “Lost Tribes” communities around the world
• Determine the most critical needs in the communities
• Meet needs to transform lives and open the door to sharing the Gospel
• Train local leaders and help establish Messianic congregations
• Empower indigenous Messianic Jewish communities

Our ultimate goal: All remaining scattered Jewish people groups on earth have the opportunity to hear and respond to the Gospel message.

You can play an important role by saying yes today

Stand with us financially and in prayer to reach scattered Jewish communities for Jesus

You can help launch the 10-year vision God has put on our hearts: to take the Good News to all of the remaining “Lost Tribes of Israel” around the world who have not yet been reached with the hope of our Messiah Jesus. Please pray with us and consider sending a gift today. Thank you!

“Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my defense, he has become my salvation.”
Isaiah 12:2 (NIV)

Shalom, my friend. 

Thank you for being committed and sharing my love for Israel and the Jewish people. You are concerned about what is happening in Israel and that’s why I’m glad to be writing to you with the most recent news updates and prayer requests for this week.

COVID-19 is again making the headlines in Israel due to an increase in new cases and deaths. Let us pray for protection for Israel as they face a wave of the Delta variant of COVID-19. Let's pray especially for those who are immune-compromised. Please join me in praying that God would draw His people to Him through this latest challenge and the others the country and people are facing. 

Let’s pray for the Jewish people to turn to Jesus the Messiah so they will know Him as their strength, their defense and their salvation. When we put our trust in the Lord, we have no reason to be afraid.

ISRAEL ROLLS OUT COVID-19 BOOSTERS FOR SOME AT-RISK CITIZENS

As the Delta variant of COVID-19 spreads quickly in Israel, the Health Ministry approved giving a third dose booster of the Pfizer vaccine, which is the one the majority of Israelis have received. This makes Israel the first country in the world to begin distributing a booster dose of the vaccine.

This third dose is for adults with impaired immune systems based on “accumulating evidence” that they aren’t well enough protected after their initial doses, The Times of Israel reported.

Sheba Medical Center, Israel’s largest hospital, invited dozens of its heart transplant patients for boosters on Monday.

Due to the rise in Delta variant cases, Israel returned to required mask wearing indoors and there has been an increase in voluntary mask wearing outdoors.

ISRAEL SEES INCREASE IN NEW COVID-19 CASES, REPORTS FIRST DEATHS IN TWO WEEKS

On Monday, 423 new cases of COVID-19 were reported in Israel. Of those infected, 47 were in serious condition and 17 were on ventilators, according to The Jerusalem Post.

Last week, two deaths due to complications from COVID-19 were reported – the first fatalities from the coronavirus in more than two weeks, according to The Times of Israel. One victim was an unvaccinated 48-year-old man. The other was an 86-year-old man who had received both vaccine doses.

ISRAEL BEGINS SEIZING BITCOIN AND OTHER CRYPTOCURRENCY ACCOUNTS USED BY HAMAS

Last week, Israel’s Defense Minister Benny Gantz ordered security forces to seize cryptocurrency accounts being used by the Palestinian Hamas terror group. The stockpile of accounts being operated from the Gaza Strip were part of Hamas’ efforts to raise funds from abroad for its military.

The terror group accelerated its online campaign to raise donations after the 11-day conflict with Israel in May.

“The intelligence, technological and legal tools that enable us to get our hands on terrorists’ money around the world constitute an operational breakthrough,” Gantz was quoted as saying, according to YNet News.

Last year, the U.S. Justice Department said it seized millions of dollars from cryptocurrency accounts used by militant groups, including al-Qaida and the Islamic State group. These accounts served to finance their organizations.

One prong of the U.S. investigation targeted the military wing of Hamas. Law enforcement officials seized more than 150 cryptocurrency accounts that they say laundered funds to and from accounts operated by the group.

Hamas, which seized Gaza from rival Palestinian forces in 2007, is considered a terrorist group by Israel and Western countries. They have had four significant conflicts with Israel during that time.

UAE OPENS ISRAEL EMBASSY IN TEL AVIV

On Wednesday, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) opened its embassy in Israel. It is located in the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange building.

The ceremony was hosted by UAE’s ambassador to Israel, Mohammad al Khaja.

In late June, Israel’s Foreign Minister Yair Lapid traveled to Dubai to officially inaugurate Israel’s embassy.

The two countries announced that they would normalize diplomatic relations nearly a year ago, in August 2020. 

Let us pray together

Please pray with me for: 

• Protection of Israelis from the Delta coronavirus variant, especially those with compromised immune systems
• Wisdom for Israel in dealing with Iran, Hamas and other terror groups
• Additional countries in the Middle East to normalize diplomatic relations with Israel and work together for peace
• Jewish people to recognize Yeshua (Jesus) as their Messiah

Changing circumstances in the countries where we serve require continual adaptation as we follow the Lord’s leading toward accomplishing His purposes. Due to such changes, we are unable to conduct a Medical Outreach this month.

One thing that does not change is our need and gratitude for your prayers. We would like to enlist your prayers now as we continue to seek the Lord regarding where He would have us reach out next: in which nations and particular locations and to which people groups. To that end, several key team members are going on a “scouting” trip to Africa this month.  

We are praying that they will be like Joshua and Caleb as they assess locations, situations, and the potential for fruit, having spiritual eyes and not simply human understanding. Would you pray for them and this trip? 

Please Pray For: 

• Protection of all kinds, good health and sleep as well as safe travels throughout the whole trip
• Favor at every checkpoint and with all authorities and community members
• The Spirit of the Lord and prayers of His people to push back any spiritual opposition as we ask the Lord to lead us to His open doors for effective ministry
• Unity, brotherly love and a corporate witness from the Lord for those participating in this scouting trip
• Clear and specific direction as to where the Lord of the Harvest is leading us for future Outreaches, so the Kingdom of Light can advance, bring salvation and transform lives and communities
• Safe travels, protection, divine appointments and great favor – especially in darker regions where the Good News is scarce but desperately needed
• The Lord to send clear voices of true wisdom and guidance that will help us assess locations and groups to which He might send us in the future as we seek out the “Lost Tribes of Israel”

Let’s Pray

Lord, You are the One who opens doors that no man can shut and shuts doors no man can open. We ask You to open doors for effective ministry in the nations. Please speak powerfully to our scouting team regarding Your heart and plans to reach Your people, and show us clearly how You want us to participate with You in that. Our eyes are on You as we seek to do Your will and Yours alone. In Yeshua’s name, AMEN. 

“You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free!”
John 8:32 (TLV)

Shalom, my friend.

What a joy it is for me to connect with you each week and share important news about Israel and her people. Knowing you also care deeply for the Jewish people means so much to me. 

For those of us in the United States, we just celebrated our country’s independence – our freedom. But for Believers, we know true freedom is found only in knowing Jesus as our Messiah. 

He is the Truth and He sets us free. There is no greater freedom and blessing than this! I’m so thankful you share my heart’s desire for the Jewish people to also know this ultimate freedom. 

As you pray for their eyes to be opened to Jesus, please also pray for their protection from enemies, for more opportunities for peace to be established with neighboring countries in the Middle East and for continued strong support from the U.S. and other world powers. Thank you for your partnership!

PRESIDENT BIDEN SPEAKS OF UNWAVERING SUPPORT FOR ISRAEL

Last week, during Israeli President Reuven Rivlin’s farewell visit to the U.S., President Joe Biden offered his strong support for Israel and said, “Iran will never get a nuclear weapon on my watch.”

The Jerusalem Post reported that Biden told Rivlin his commitment to Israel “is ironclad” and that he has an “unwavering commitment to [Israel’s] self-defense.”

Biden also spoke about his team working closely with the new Israeli government and said, “I am looking forward to hosting Prime Minister [Naftali] Bennett at the White House very soon.”

IRAN ACCUSES ISRAEL OF SABOTAGE ATTACK ON CENTRIFUGE PLANT IN JUNE

Earlier this week, Iran acknowledged damage to its Karaj facility and accused Israel of causing it with an attack in June. 

This came from an official Islamic Republic News Agency report in which Iran’s government spokesman, Ali Rabei, said the alleged attack was an attempt to thwart ongoing talks regarding the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) nuclear deal between Iran and world powers, including the U.S.

“The Zionist regime carried out this action to signal it can stop Iran and to say [to world powers] that there is no need to talk with Iran. But whenever sabotage has happened, our strength has increased,” said Rabei, The Times of Israel reported.

The factory at Karaj was tasked with replacing centrifuges that had been damaged at Iran’s underground Natanz nuclear facility during a mysterious blackout in April, according to a New York Times report.

IRAN RESTRICTS UN NUCLEAR INSPECTORS ACCESS TO MAIN URANIUM ENRICHMENT PLANT

For weeks now, Iran has been restricting the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) access to its main uranium enrichment plant at Natanz. Iran is citing security concerns, saying the facility was attacked by Israel in April, The Jerusalem Post reported.

This standoff continues to raise tensions with the U.S. and other world powers regarding the ongoing discussions to try and revive the JCPOA nuclear deal.

This is the latest in a variety of actions by Iran that breach the 2015 agreement, including enriching uranium to close to weapons-grade and failing to explain the origin of uranium particles that the IAEA found at several undeclared sites in Iran. 

GERMAN PRESIDENT REAFFIRMS HIS COUNTRY’S SUPPORT OF ISRAEL

During his visit to Israel last week, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier shared that his country is determined to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, The Times of Israel reported.

This was Steinmeier’s last official visit with Israel’s outgoing President Reuven Rivlin before he is succeeded to Isaac Herzog on July 9.

The German president also condemned the recent missile attacks by Palestinian terror groups on Israeli civilians, saying it is “something we will never accept.”

Rivlin thanked Steinmeier for leading Germany “in the uncompromising fight against antisemitism,” saying the European country “has stood firm with us in our just campaign against terrorist forces that seek to wipe us off the map.”

OUTGOING ISRAELI PRESIDENT SAYS TO PA PRESIDENT: “IT’S UP TO US TO END THE CONFLICT”

Last week, while on his farewell tour of the U.S., Israeli President Reuven Rivlin made a request of Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas to work together to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

“We are not condemned to live together, we are destined to live together,” Rivlin said at UN headquarters in New York to various United Nations ambassadors.

“It is up to us to end the conflict. Let us forget the past. Let us build confidence. There are possibilities to ensure a bright future for our people,” he said, according to Israel’s i24 News.

During a meeting with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Rivlin also spoke out about resolutions and commissions of inquiry that have been launched against Israel at the UN.

“Our Middle East region needs to build trust among peoples. Peace between Israel and the Palestinians will never be achieved through anti-Israel decisions or commissions of inquiry,” he said, according to a statement from his office.

“The bias against Israel in the UN institutions must end. We wish to continue working with the UN to meet the humanitarian needs of the people of Gaza, with whom we have no conflict,” Rivlin said.

ISRAEL INAUGURATES EMBASSY IN UAE, COUNTRIES AGREE TO ECONOMIC AND TRADE COOPERATION

Last Tuesday, Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid inaugurated the country's new embassy in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and called for peace with the country's neighbors.

This is the first visit to the UAE by an Israeli Cabinet minister since an agreement was brokered between the two countries and Bahrain by the Trump administration in September 2020. The agreement ended decades of conflict.

“We are standing here today because we chose peace over war, cooperation over conflict, the good of our children over the bad memories of the past,” Lapid said at the inauguration, United Press International reported.

In addition, Lapid and UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, H.E. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, signed a bilateral Agreement on Economic and Trade Cooperation.

Under the agreement, the governments are committed to developing economic relations and free flow of goods and services, as well as cooperation regarding trade fairs, exchanges of experts and knowledge, exchanges of delegations, cooperation in standardization and regulation, encouraging cooperation of the private sector, encouraging research and development, agro-technologies and more. This was reported by the Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Let us pray together

Please pray with me for: 

• Continued strong support for Israel from the U.S., Germany and other countries
• Protection for Israel from Iran, Hamas and other terror groups
• Wisdom for the U.S. and other world powers regarding Iran and nuclear deal negotiations
• Israel and the Palestinian Authority to work together to end the conflict
• Additional countries in the Middle East to sign agreements with Israel and work together for peace
• Jewish people to recognize Yeshua (Jesus) as their Messiah