THIS WEEK’S GLOBAL UPDATE

A Note from Jonathan Bernis

Shalom, my friend!

As we continue to celebrate and thank God for Israel’s 75 years of independence, my attention is turned towards the words of the Psalmist who acknowledges the reality of God strengthening His people – and blessing them with peace. 

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

The miracle of Israel’s 75th anniversary is a testament to God’s faithfulness to His Chosen People through an ongoing, unflinching and ever-present measure of supernatural strength and peace. 

Maybe you’re facing an overwhelming challenge in your own life. I pray over you now that God will pour out upon your heart and mind the strength and peace to overcome. 

I hope you’ll also pray for this work of ministry that we share at Jewish Voice – for God to open more doors to share the Good News of Yeshua (Jesus) with the Jewish people.

Thank you for your partnership in this work of ministry.

To the Jew first and also to the Nations,

Jonathan Bernis

President & CEO

Jewish Voice Ministries International

Headline News

On Israel’s 75th Birthday, U.S. “Still Proud” to Be Among Its Top Friends

According to The Times of Israel, the Biden administration released a statement recently congratulating Israel on 75 years of independence – which began at sundown on April 25th.

As part of the statement, characterizing the U.S. as a “lifelong friend and supporter of Israel,” U.S. President Joe Biden highlighted his administration’s ongoing work with the Israeli government to “create a more prosperous, peaceful and integrated Middle East.”

The Times of Israel reports that the White House statement appeared aimed at underscoring that the bilateral relationship transcends brewing differences between the Democratic administration and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s hardline government over the latter’s judicial overhaul and policies.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken put out a similar statement congratulating Israel.

“Over the last 75 years, the United States and Israel have built a partnership that transcends politics and benefits the people of both nations,” Blinken said. “As we seek to promote peace and prosperity in the region, we will also remain unwavering in our commitment to Israel’s security and democracy, endeavoring to strengthen further the decades-old U.S.-Israel bond.”

The messages followed several months of tensions between the two governments.

Update from the Middle East

One Injured in West Bank Shooting Attack

According to Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reports, a man was recently injured from a gunfire attack targeting a group of runners who were running in memory of fallen soldiers as part of Israel’s Memorial Day. The unidentified man was rushed to the hospital with minor injuries as security forces began searching the area in an attempt to catch the terrorist – including setting up roadblocks in the area.

Pray with Us This Week

Please pray for:

• God to continue to protect innocent lives from the fighting in Ukraine and to bring a peaceful end to the invasion by Russia
• God to surround His people in Israel, who are constantly facing threats and violence from surrounding enemies
• God to give wisdom and insight to Israel’s leaders to make wise decisions and for there to be unity among the Jewish people in Israel
• Peace in the hearts and minds of the people of Israel and their enemies
• The Jewish people to recognize Yeshua as their Messiah
• God to continue to bless the nation and people of Israel as we celebrate Israel’s 75th anniversary

We are joining a historic worldwide Isaiah 62 initiative of prayer for Israel that involves a particular three-week time period and the call for lifelong prayer warriors for the salvation of Israel. This article will explain the initiative and provide additional insight into the who, why, what and how of prayer for Israel and the Jewish people.

THREE WEEKS OF INTENSIFIED PRAYER FOR ISRAEL

Across the world, there is an unprecedented prayer effort calling on people to pray very specifically for Israel. This is an intensive three-week season of prayer that begins on May 7 and ends on Pentecost Sunday, May 28.

Jewish Voice is looking for 1,000 of our partners to join us in committing to pray during these three weeks. Would you join your voice with others across the world to lift a resounding cry to the Lord?

TWO MAIN PRAYERS

During this three-week timeframe, from May 7–28, 2023, please ask the Lord to:

• Remove the spiritual blindness from the Jewish people so they will recognize Yeshua (Jesus) as Messiah
• Raise up 100 million lifelong intercessors who will pray for the salvation of Israel. May they be “Isaiah 62 watchmen” that give the Lord no rest until they see Israel’s salvation

THIS WEEK’S GLOBAL UPDATE

A Note from Jonathan Bernis

Shalom, my friend. 

The Scriptures promise us that God has good intentions for His people – that no matter what we face, are forced to endure or the circumstances around us and the world – we can trust God’s plan.

We can believe in the future He’s written. And we can lean on the hope He supplies. 

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

– Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

This promise feels more needed now than ever. 

We may not understand the violence and tension happening in Israel and the hatred against the Jewish people worldwide, but we can rest in the hope that God has a plan. And our responsibility is to simply trust Him. 

As you pray your own prayer of trust today, please also continue to pray for the work and ministry we share at Jewish Voice – for God to open more doors to share the Good News of Yeshua (Jesus) with the Jewish people.

Thank you for your partnership in this work of ministry.

To the Jew first and also to the Nations,

Jonathan Bernis

President & CEO

Jewish Voice Ministries International

Headline News

Iran Exploits Quake Relief Mission to Fly Weapons to Syria

According to YNetNews, following the devastating February 6 earthquake in northern Syria and Turkey that claimed the lives of over 6,000 people in Syria alone, hundreds of flights from Iran began landing in Syria's Aleppo, Damascus and Latakia airports bringing supplies.

These relief efforts continued for seven weeks.

According to sources who spoke with Reuters, the supplies included advanced communications equipment and radar batteries, and spare parts required for a planned upgrade of Syria’s Iran-provided air defense system to bolster Iran’s defenses against Israel in Syria.

An Israeli defense official, who asked to remain anonymous, confirmed the shipments, telling Reuters: “Under the guise of shipments of earthquake aid to Syria, Israel has seen significant movements of military equipment from Iran, mainly transported in parts.”

Iran’s representative to the U.N. denied the claims.

Updates from the Middle East

“Death to the Jews” Chants Heard at Berlin Rally

Hundreds of people showed up in the Kreuzberg and Neukölln neighborhoods at a recent rally organized in response to the police clashes with Muslim worshipers at the Temple Mount and Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. Berlin police are now investigating evidence of hate speech as demonstrators allegedly chanted “Death to the Jews” and “Death to Israel” – phrases that, if verified, could be criminal offenses under Germany’s strict post-World War II hate speech laws.

Terrorist Social Media Group Teaches How to Stab IDF Soldiers, Make Homemade Explosives

An online anti-Semitism monitoring group recently managed to infiltrate a closed group on the messaging app Telegram to discover the group is being used to promote terrorist activity against Jews and IDF soldiers. Meant to train potential terrorists, the group provides guidance on creating improvised explosive devices, stealing weapons from soldiers and using them against the troops, as well as suggesting various methods to further obscure and conceal their identity.

Pray with Us This Week

Please pray for:

• God to continue to protect innocent lives from the fighting in Ukraine and to bring a peaceful end to the invasion by Russia
• God to surround 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
• The Jewish people to recognize Yeshua as their Messiah

Israel is under ongoing persecution and opposition from the enemy, who looks for any opportunity to come against God’s Chosen People. He knows that the fulfillment of their destiny in Messiah will impact the world, so he does whatever he can to hinder them from believing Jesus is the Messiah and stepping into their calling as a light to the nations.

Here are a few things we are praying for Israel and the Jewish people. Join us as we:

Pray for the Government and People of Israel as situations have been evolving so rapidly over the last weeks.

• For the government to seek the Lord and His wisdom even if they are not Believers
• For God’s righteousness, justice and shalom to prevail
• Protection against the enemy who schemes against God’s purposes for His people

Pray for the Body of Messiah in Israel

Messianic Jewish Believers and Christians have been rocked in recent months by potential threats and actual incidents. Turmoil is dividing people, and uncertainty and tragedy are causing fear. Even Believers are divided at times, and the grace and healing of the Lord are desperately needed. Pray for:

• Believers in the Land to be strong in the Lord and the power of His might, trusting Him with their government, nation, families, neighbors and congregations
• Leaders of congregations and ministries to have an abundance of grace from the Lord as they shepherd those in their care through difficult issues and times
• The continued ability and boldness to share the Gospel freely; and for the Lord to lead Believers to hungry seekers among the many in Israel who are ready and waiting to hear more about Yeshua (Jesus)
• Unity to grow among Messianic Jewish, Arab Christians and all Believers in the Land

Pray for Young Adults in Israel

• The Lord to touch the hearts of young unbelievers and reveal the truth about who He is so they receive Him gladly; and for them to be connected quickly with other Believers who can encourage and disciple them
• Believing Jewish Israeli young people to come into the fullness of their Jewish identity in the Messiah and become a light to the nations
• Devoted young Jewish believers from Israel to join Jewish Voice in taking the light of the Good News to fellow Jewish people in the nations

In one of our next Prayer Points, we will invite all our Jewish Voice partners to engage in an upcoming intensified and focused season of prayer for Israel and the Jewish people. You can prepare now by asking the Lord to help you be ready to respond when the invitation comes!

Let’s Pray

Lord, let us not slack off in vigilant prayer for Your people and Your Land. You are moving among Your people and calling them to Yourself! We are eager to see the answers to our prayers, knowing that You watch over Your Land and people with unceasing love. In Yeshua’s name, AMEN.

THIS WEEK’S GLOBAL UPDATE

A Note from Jonathan Bernis

Shalom, my friend. 

The Scriptures promise us that God has good intentions for His people.

No matter what we face or are forced to endure or the circumstances around us and the world – we can trust God’s plan.

We can believe in the future He’s written. And we can lean on the hope He supplies. 

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

— Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

We may not be able to understand the tension and turmoil happening in Israel or around the world . . . but we can rest in the hope that God has a plan. And our responsibility is to simply trust Him.

As you pray your own prayer of trust today, I hope you’ll also pray for this work of ministry that we share at Jewish Voice – for God to open more doors to share the Good News of Yeshua (Jesus) with the Jewish people.

Thank you for your partnership in this work of ministry.

To the Jew first and also to the Nations,

Jonathan Bernis

President & CEO

Jewish Voice Ministries International

Headline News

Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, Suspends Controversial Judicial Reform

According to The Jerusalem Post, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced last week that he was temporarily freezing the bill that would alter the makeup of the Judicial Appointments Committee.

As part of the announcement, he affirmed that he was willing to give a “real opportunity to real dialogue” over the government's judicial reforms, which have thrown the country into turmoil and unprecedented civil unrest.

The Prime Minister said that the country was on a “dangerous path” and that he would not allow it to descend into civil war.

The statement came after hours of tense negotiations as National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir threatened to quit the government if the legislation did not proceed on schedule and as tens of thousands of judicial reform opponents protested outside the Knesset.

If Ben-Gvir leaves the government and quits the coalition, the coalition will no longer have a majority, and the government could fall.

“Stopping the legislation is the right thing,” wrote Israel’s president, Isaac Herzog, in a statement following Netanyahu's announcement. “This is the time to start an honest, serious and responsible conversation that will quickly calm [tensions] and lower the flames. For the sake of our unity and for the future of our children, we need to start talking here and now.”

Updates from the Middle East

Prime Minister Netanyahu Assures No Law Against Christians After Missionary Bill Outrage

After a bill that would punish Christian missionaries with prison time for any type of proselytization caused a furor among pro-Israel Evangelicals, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly assured that the State of Israel would not pass legislation targeting Christians. The bill, now indefinitely put on hold, would amend preexisting proselytization provisions in the 1977 Penal Code, which forbids missionary action through material enticement, persuading minors to convert or holding conversion ceremonies without the consent of parents. The amendment would change the crime to apply to all conversion attempts "directly, digitally, by direct mail or online.” The maximum prison sentence would be a year for conversion attempts of an adult and proselytizing against minors would be increased to two years.

Israel Launches New Spy Satellite

Israel put a new version of its Ofek spy satellite into orbit late last week, with the Defense Ministry saying it would enhance around-the-clock regional monitoring as the country braces for a possible showdown with Iran. The satellite was launched on a Shavit missile over the Mediterranean Sea, a westward trajectory Israel usually opts for as a precaution against sensitive technology falling into the hands of hostile Middle East neighbors should there be a malfunction.

Pray with Us This Week

Please pray for:

• God to continue to protect innocent lives from the fighting in Ukraine and to bring a peaceful end to the invasion by Russia
• God to surround His people in Israel, who are constantly facing threats and violence from surrounding enemies
• The Lord to continue to bless JVMI’s ministry partners doing work on the ground.
• God to give wisdom and insight to Israel’s leaders to make wise decisions and for there to be unity among the Jewish people in Israel
• Peace in the hearts and minds of the people of Israel and their enemies
• The Jewish people to recognize Yeshua (Jesus) as their Messiah

Can a country be born in a day or a nation be brought forth in a moment?

On May 14, 1948, the British withdrew from overseeing the land designated by the United Nations to be returned to the Jewish people as a national homeland. A fledgling government declared its independence as the sovereign State of Israel.

After thousands of years, the people of Israel (the Jewish people) once again possessed the Land of Israel – in direct fulfillment of Bible prophecies found in Isaiah 66:8.

After a ceremony that lasted only 32 minutes, leaders who had labored toward the day signed The Declaration of the Establishment of the State of Israel. It offered full and equal citizenship to all Arab inhabitants of the Land, appealing to them and the surrounding Arab nations for peace, even amid their ongoing attacks on the Jewish State.

The Declaration also proclaimed that the Jewish State would

• ensure social and political equality of all its inhabitants irrespective of religion, race or gender
• guarantee freedom of religion, conscience, language, education and culture
• protect the holy sites of all religions

One of the most notable declarations of the newly formed State of Israel is that it opened its doors to welcome Jewish immigrants from the world over to come and make Israel — the Land of their forefathers, heritage and faith – their home. In the State’s first four years, nearly three-quarters of a million people immigrated to Israel, and the influx of Jewish people moving “home” continues today. It is the fulfillment of prophecies spoken of in the Scriptures:

Why it’s important for Believers to stand with Israel

God chose Israel to set His affection on. He called them to be set apart as His own people. Gentile Believers are grafted into the metaphorical “natural tree” that is Israel, but Romans 11 clearly states that God has not forsaken Israel, and His gifts and callings are irrevocable. Israel remains the apple of God’s eye, and His covenant with her is everlasting.

So, if Israel is beloved of God, all Believers in the God of Israel and the Father of Messiah Yeshua should love Israel too. To read these and many more verses about God’s love for Israel and His faithfulness to His promises, see “God’s Love for Israel” on our website.

Nakba Day

In November of 2022, while Israel and those who support her looked forward to celebrating her 75th anniversary in the spring, the United Nations passed a resolution approving a day of mourning for Arab people regarding the very same occasion. Nakba Day is May 15, 2023, and the Arabic word means “catastrophe.”

It’s hard to see this word choice as anything but an insult to the tragedy of the Holocaust, which spurred the rebirth of Israel and has been known in Israel ever since as HaShoah, meaning The Catastrophe.

While Israel goes about building and protecting herself, those who hate her have not ceased raising their voices against her in a world prone to listening to and believing whoever shouts the loudest. This is one more reason we must pray and do what we can so that the voice of support for Israel and historical truth rises above the voices of her enemies wishing to disparage and destroy the Jewish State and her people.   

What does standing with Israel mean?

Among other things, standing with Israel means:

• Supporting her right to the Land God gave the Jewish people
• Being attuned to even subtle forms of anti-Semitism and lovingly speaking the truth of God’s forever-heart for Israel and the Jewish people
• Thoughtfully voting for candidates who support Israel’s right to exist, protect and defend herself
• Being informed about Israel’s history and all sides of the story regarding the conflict with her enemies
• Praying for Israel and the Jewish people
• Blessing Israel and the Jewish people through supporting organizations that share the Gospel of Messiah Jesus with Jewish people and meet their practical needs in His name

To learn more about Israel’s history of independence and standing with Israel, check out these other Jewish Voice articles and TV shows.

Our team members have returned from our southern Ethiopia Outreach with stories of the wonderful things the Lord has done! Our Zehra Kid’s Program manager shared some great praises and prayer requests with us that we want to pass on to you, fresh from the field.

This Outreach provided more than 1,000 ministry opportunities with children through Zehra Kids! Another highlight was the birthing of a vision to expand the Zehra Kids Program to minister to young teens. Praise God with us over these things.

As exciting as these things are, some of the most significant moments this time for the Zehra Kids Program in Ethiopia occurred in the area of team formation and development.

The local three-member team of indigenous Believers who oversaw the Zehra program represented each of the three Jewish people groups we work with in Ethiopia. This was very symbolic. There was so much unity on this team of three leaders in their 30s and two younger assistants in their 20s.

Our Zehra Program manager had some significant mentoring opportunities with this team during the week. Her primary role on this trip was to invest in the Zehra leadership team while they ministered to the children, and it was a highlight and joy for her.

She also had a number of conversations and teaching opportunities to share about God’s heart and purposes for Israel and His Jewish people with this core leadership team and the other local workers who assisted with Zehra.

Your ongoing intercession for the Zehra Kids Program in Ethiopia is greatly appreciated. Please pray for the following:

• Continued unity for the newly developed national children’s team in Ethiopia, composed of two men and one woman
• The Holy Spirit to protectively seal the seeds sown into the hearts of the children who went through the Zehra program during our southern Ethiopia Outreach
• Members of the local Zehra department staff who heard Romans 1:16 explained for the first time – that the priority to reach Jewish people with the Good News will continue to impact their personal walk with the Lord
• The Lord’s leading in developing and expanding the Zehra program to include a division to minister to young teens
• A growing and unified coalition of children’s ministry workers among the Messianic Jewish Believers and congregations in Ethiopia, stemming from the symbolism and unity of the three Zehra leaders being from the three tribes we minister among

Let’s Pray

Lord, we are so grateful for how You are expanding vision, birthing strategies, raising up young leaders, and forming a core team. We thank you for every child ministered to through Zehra during this Outreach and that those joining the work of Zehra would enable even more children to be ministered to in the years to come. In Yeshua’s name, AMEN.

THIS WEEK’S GLOBAL UPDATE

A Note from Jonathan Bernis

Shalom, my friend. 

Our world is rife with animosity and anger, with ongoing attacks in Israel, the continuing war in Ukraine and other conflicts around the world.

Peace can seem so far away. And even unreachable. That’s why God commands us in the Scriptures to pray.

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. May those who love you be secure.”

— Psalm 122:6 NIV

This week, I encourage you to continue to pray for peace in Jerusalem and throughout Israel. For peace in Ukraine. 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.

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

Thank you for your partnership in this work of ministry.

To the Jew first and also to the Nations,

Jonathan Bernis

President & CEO

Jewish Voice Ministries International

Headline News

IDF Suspects Hezbollah Behind Bombing Attack on Northern Highway

According to The Times of Israel, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Shin Bet security agency suspect the Lebanese Hezbollah terror group is behind the recent blast on a highway in northern Israel that seriously wounded a man.

Reports indicate that a bomb planted on the side of the Route 65 highway near the Megiddo Junction exploded, seriously wounding Shareef ad-Din, 21, from the Arab village of Salem.

Following the blast, troops began to close roads and search for the suspected terrorist who planted the bomb.

The alleged terrorist was shot dead at the Lebanese border several hours after the attack. He was armed with an explosives belt at the time. And several more weapons were found in the vehicle, according to the IDF.

“The assessment is that neutralizing the terrorist prevented another attack,” the IDF said.

The military said the suspected terrorist crossed into Israel from Lebanon and planted the bomb. But the exact manner in which the suspect crossed into Israel is still being investigated, as are his potential links to Hezbollah.

Updates from the Middle East

Shooting Terror Attack in Tel Aviv Wounds Three

At least three Israeli civilians were injured by gunshots in a recent shooting terror attack near a cafe on Dizengoff Street in Tel Aviv. The injured were evacuated to Ichilov Hospital. One of the injured arrived in critical condition after being shot in the neck. Another injured man arrived in moderate condition with gunshot wounds, while the third was lightly injured by shrapnel, according to Ichilov Hospital. “I want to wish the injured people a speedy recovery, in my name and my wife Sara's name,” said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from Italy. “We strengthen the work of security forces against terrorists. I'm sure that these incidents won't ease up as this is part of our work for building up the country.”

Kherson Rabbi Returns to Liberated Ukrainian City to Celebrate Purim with Remaining Jews

Rabbi Yosef Wolff, the chief rabbi of Ukraine's Kherson region, posted a video of himself from the liberated city, having returned to celebrate the holiday of Purim with the remaining local Jewish community months after he was forced to flee due to the Russian invasion. “There's nothing like coming back home,” he said. “The Jewish community that is still in Kherson welcomed me with tears of joy and excitement.”

Pray with Us This Week

Please pray for:

• God to continue to protect innocent lives from the fighting in Ukraine and to bring a peaceful end to the invasion by Russia
• God to surround 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
• The Jewish people to recognize Yeshua (Jesus) as their Messiah