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Outreach Recap: Want to see the impact you made?

December 12, 2022

Breaking New Ground Among the Lemba – in Zambia!

  • 4,754 Patients Received Care
  • 987 People Received Dental Care
  • 1,776 Eyeglasses Distributed
  • 1,017 People Heard the Gospel
  • 230 People Received Yeshua
  • 453 People Requested a Visit to Learn More about Jesus

In late October, we held our first-ever Medical Outreach in the country of Zambia. This was a huge undertaking years in the making. Prayer, scouting trips, meetings with government officials, and additional preparatory trips culminated in this first Medical Outreach to the community of Mumbwa, Zambia.

So many things about this Outreach are worth noting. But, here are a few highlights:

The community and local officials responded with tremendous support, and people quickly trusted that we really were there to serve them with no strings attached.

About 40 to 50 percent of the patients we saw were Lemba. That’s a remarkably high percentage, and we were thrilled to serve so many from our target audience. We conducted three or four transports each day, bringing Lemba patients in from their surrounding communities.

There is already a Messianic Jewish congregation in the area, and many of its leaders and members served with us. They worked in the Spiritual Care Ministry, praying with and for their fellow Lemba, which lends tremendous credibility to the Gospel message we bring.

We encountered a great openness to the Gospel – a hunger for it even – among those who came for prayer. The very first patient who entered the prayer tent sat down and said, “How can I know I’m going to heaven? I want to make sure.”

We met a Believer who’d had both his legs amputated. He relied on others to carry him to the Clinic on their backs. It took us nearly all day to arrange for a wheelchair to give him. While he waited, he volunteered as a translator in the prayer tent, helping to share the Gospel. He was so happy to receive his wheelchair and even came back the next day to serve as a translator again.

There’s more to tell you, and we’ll share it with you in the coming weeks – stories about others you helped through your gifts to Jewish Voice. In the meantime, take a look at the number of people whose lives you helped change in Mumbwa, Zambia.  Thank you so much!

U.N. Mourns Israel’s Statehood with Palestinians – Honors “Nakba Day”

December 08, 2022

While Jewish people and international friends of Israel celebrate Israel’s 75th anniversary as a reborn nation next May, the Palestinian people and others who oppose the Jewish State mourn that same event on May 15 with Nakba (“Catastrophe”) Day. And now, the U.N. has made it official, passing a resolution to institute Nakba Day.

Nakba

Nakba” means “catastrophe” in Arabic. If the word “catastrophe” makes you think of the Holocaust – that vile attempt by Adolf Hitler and Germany’s Third Reich to utterly exterminate the Jewish people through brutal and cruel means – you’re right on track with Jewish thought. The Hebrew word used for the Holocaust is Shoah, which means “Catastrophe.” The Palestinian people view the day Israel became a nation as their own catastrophe, and they petitioned the United Nations for international recognition of their sorrow. They have observed Nakba Day for years, often with violent protests and acts of terrorism against Israelis. Recently, however, they requested that the United Nations officially recognize May 15, 2023, as a day of commemoration for the Palestinian people.

In a shocking moment, on December 2 of this year, the resolution passed in the U.N.’s General Assembly by a vote of 90 to 30, with 47 member nations abstaining. For every one country that voted in support of Israel, three nations called its very existence a “catastrophe.”

The Players

To understand the new resolution, it helps to know who’s involved.

  • Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People (“the Committee”) – Established in 1975 by the United Nations General Assembly with the mandate to recommend a program that would enable the Palestinian people to exercise their inalienable rights to self-determination, national independence and sovereignty and return to the homes and property from which they had been “displaced”
  • Division for Palestinian Rights of the Secretariat (“the Division”) – a special entity within the United Nations, created in 1977 to help the Committee inform worldwide public opinion on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict toward the end of Palestinians achieving those rights stated in the Committee’s mandate
  • UN General Assembly – The main body of the United Nations to which all sub-committees put forth requests for action and ruling
  • Egypt, Jordan, Senegal, Tunisia, Yemen and the “State of Palestine” – Requested the U.N. General Assembly to declare a new day of commemoration for the Palestinian people

The Requests

So, what exactly was requested? Here’s what the resolution asked for:

  • The organization of international meetings and activities that support the Committee’s mandate
  • The participation of the entire international community
  • The continued participation of well-known distinguished experts from around the world
  • To expand the “Question of Palestine” website
  • To produce and widely distribute materials about the subject
  • The Division to create an annual exhibit or cultural event about Palestinian rights
  • Support and publicity for the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, which is November 29 annually
  • And an official declaration of May 15, 2023, as a day commemorating the 75th anniversary of what Palestinians call the Nakba

Makings of the Palestinian “Catastrophe”

While the Palestinian “Nakba Day” and this new U.N. resolution decry the displacement of Palestinians back in 1948 to make room for the new nation of Israel, it was the surrounding Arab nations that urged Palestinians to leave when the U.N. granted the land to Israel.

In the wake of the Holocaust, in the Fall of 1947, the United Nations presented a partition plan to reestablish a homeland for the Jewish people in a non-sovereign area of the Middle East known as “Palestine” – the Israel of the Bible. The plan provided a “two-state solution” by giving the Arab Palestinians a land of their own. Instead of accepting this plan, even before Israel declared itself a nation on May 14, 1948, Palestinians and surrounding Arab countries waged war on the Jewish people settling there.

Israel welcomed all Palestinians to become citizens of the newly formed State of Israel, with equal rights and representation. The vast majority refused the offer. Arab countries invited Palestinians to take refuge from the war in their lands, assuring them that it would be a short stay because they believed victory over Israel was imminent. Meanwhile, Arab nations expelled the Jewish people living among them.

What happened to the Palestinians who fled? Did they return? Did they stay to become citizens of the nations that persuaded and welcomed them? Many of them stayed where they had gone, but they were denied citizenship and the rights that come with it. Today, a Palestinian refugee is defined as one who fled at the time of Israel’s War of Independence and their descendants born to them after fleeing. Thus the “Palestinian refugee crisis” was born, and today, far more people are called “displaced” and “refugees” than left the area initially.

Pursuit of a Two-State Solution Today

Today, there is much talk about achieving peace between Israel and the Palestinian people through a two-state solution. However, many Palestinians don’t want it; instead, they prefer a one-state solution – theirs alone, with Israel dissolved and Jewish people expelled.

U.N. Anti-Israel Bias

This most recent resolution approved by the United Nations reflects an ongoing history of anti-Israel bias in the entity. Palestinian representation in the United Nations drives hard for recognition of their viewpoint that sees Israel as their oppressor and occupier. They have pressed for – and won – a permanent slot on the agenda of every Human Rights Council meeting for the discussion of Israel’s violations of Palestinian human rights. Item 7 is a permanent fixture on the schedule, and while it’s worded in a way that indicates it’s for discussing human rights violations occurring amid the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the conversation remains unbalanced. It regularly results in resolutions and condemnations against Israel but rarely does so against Palestinians, though they repeatedly violate the human rights of their own people in their fervor to harm Israel, continue to incite terrorist activity against Israelis and reward them with payments to the families of imprisoned or martyred terrorists.

It's important that we are aware of this continuing anti-Israel bias at the United Nations and in the public viewpoint. People tend to believe the most frequently heard voice. Here’s what we can do:

  • Let’s make every effort to present the facts to those who have formed their views based on incomplete or incorrect information
  • Let’s ask the Lord for knowledge and courage to speak up – in a loving and kind manner – to inform, counter, and redirect anti-Semitism and anti-Israel bias when we encounter it
  • Let’s pray, asking God to reveal the truth of His love for Israel to those who are prejudiced against her
  • Pray for God’s protection of Israel and the Jewish people worldwide as anti-Semitism is increasing in these volatile and intolerant times

Another way to support Israel is through Jewish Voice Ministries. Jewish Voice partners with more than 75 ministries in Israel to meet the practical, humanitarian and spiritual needs of Israelis. When you give to Jewish Voice, you support Israel and bless Jewish people around the world by meeting physical needs and sharing the Gospel with them. You’ll make a real difference in Jewish lives.

Not ready to donate? Add your name to show your support for Jewish People today!

Plus, stay connected to our ministry and receive emails that share how we're showing love, mercy, and the hope of the Gospel to Jewish People and their neighbors around the world. 

Prayer Points: You may be surprised where we’re asking you to pray about

December 07, 2022

It might be easy to think of Jewish Voice Ministries International in terms of only serving other nations. Still, we’re committed to proclaiming the Gospel to Jewish people, growing the Messianic Jewish community, and engaging the Church concerning Israel and the Jewish people right here in the United States as well.

A significant way we accomplish a major portion of that work is through the many Messianic Jewish ministries and congregations we support here in the U.S. In today’s Prayer Points, we are focusing on ways we can pray for these groups to flourish and accomplish all that the Lord is calling them to do.

Please join us in praying for:

  • Encouragement, fresh vision and resources for Messianic Jewish ministry leaders and congregations
  • Innovative, effective strategies and initiatives for reaching Jewish people and their families
  • Post-COVID congregation attendance and engagement to increase
  • Next generations: leadership development, collaboration and transfer, and also success in engaging youth
  • Protection and safeguards against anti-Semitism
  • Growing relationships and partnerships between Messianic Jewish congregations and Christian churches within their shared communities, leading to mutual understanding and Kingdom impact

Let's Pray

Lord, as 2022 draws to a close, would You enable these Messianic Jewish ministries and congregations to see all the ways You have blessed and helped them this year? Would You also give them fresh encouragement and vision for all You will call them to and equip them for in 2023? May they have a renewed sense of how you want to use them to reach the Jewish people, their neighbors and communities for the Kingdom in the months and year ahead. For Your Name’s sake, and in Jesus’ name, we ask, AMEN.

[Israel] Terrorist attacks in Jerusalem result in 1 dead and 19 injured

December 02, 2022

THIS WEEK’S GLOBAL UPDATE

A Note from Jonathan Bernis

Shalom, my friend!

As a partner of Jewish Voice who loves Israel and the Jewish people, I’m sure you’ve seen the latest attack in Jerusalem. It’s no exaggeration to write that God’s Chosen People are surrounded by enemies who want nothing more than to destroy the Israel and the Jewish people.

That’s why I hope you’ll take a minute now to “pray for the peace of Jerusalem” (Psalm 122:6).   

The truth is...against such hatred, violence and death, that’s the only thing you and I can do — the only thing we can control.

Even in your own walk of faith, I encourage you not to feel overwhelmed by the darkness or the enemy today. Don’t give in to dismay. Turn to God. Trust His Word.

Reach out to Him now — on behalf of Israel and the Jewish people. But also with whatever challenge or heartbreak you might be facing right now. And God will give you peace.

Thank you for standing with us through your partnership.

To the Jew first and also to the Nations,

Jonathan Bernis

President & CEO

Jewish Voice Ministries International

Headline News

Jerusalem Bombings: Teenager Killed, 19 Others Injured

The Jerusalem Post reports that at least one person was killed and 19 wounded in two explosions in bus stops at separate entrances to Jerusalem last week, in what police are treating as a coordinated double terror attack.

Both explosions, one at the entrance to the city near the Central Bus Station and the other in the Ramot neighborhood, occurred at bus stops during rush hour.

The bombs were detonated remotely and were reportedly packed with nails and bolts to maximum casualties. One bus near the scene of the first attack was riddled with holes, showing the dispersion of shrapnel.

Following an initial investigation at both scenes, Israeli police are treating the two explosions as a coordinated joint attack and made efforts to uncover additional explosive devices across the city.

Though no group has taken responsibility for the attack, Hamas praised it with its spokesperson, Abd al-Latif al-Qanua, saying that it was “in response to the occupation and its settlers' crimes against our people and Al-Aqsa Mosque.”

Updates from the Middle East

Synagogues in New York City on High Alert After Foiled Attack

New York City’s Jewish community is heaving a sigh of relief after the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) and New York Police Department (NYPD) announced they had stopped “a developing threat to the Jewish community.” But some, while grateful to law enforcement, are worried other threats could be lurking around the corner. Two suspects were arrested at Pennsylvania Station in Manhattan. NYPD officers seized weapons, including an illegal firearm and a large hunting knife; ammunition and a Nazi armband apparently belonging to the suspects, according to reports.

UN Exhibit on Display Showing Jewish Expulsion from Iran and Arab Countries

UN Ambassador Gilad Erdan launched an exhibit at the Manhattan UN headquarters on Tuesday that will be on display for one week. According to a quote from Erdan in The Jerusalem Post, he launched the exhibition “to fight in every way the false narrative that the Palestinians spread at the UN.” The exhibit includes documents illustrating the lives and history of Jewish people in Arab countries as well as Iran. According to The Jerusalem Post, a UN Partition Plan, in which a Jewish and an Arab state were voted upon on November 29, 1947, led to Israel's war of independence half a year later on May 15, 1948.

Pray with Us This Week

Please pray with me 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 bring comfort to individuals and families affected by the recent terrorist attack in Jerusalem
  • 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

Prayer Points: We weren’t sure it would happen

November 23, 2022

We weren’t sure it would happen, and it took a while to determine where or when, but now it’s official – we are headed back to Ethiopia for one last Outreach in 2022! Including travel dates, the Outreach will be December 1–10. Every day that we’re there will be an opportunity to praise the Lord, love and serve Him, and minister to those around us. And every day will be an opportunity for you to join and support us through prayer!

This location in southern Ethiopia is another brand-new community for us to serve Ethiopia’s Jewish people and their neighbors in Ethiopia. Though we haven’t been there before, Our partners and friends from the Messianic Jewish congregation in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital, have already been working in this area. We are excited to bring a full-scale Medical Clinic to this new people group who are part of Ethiopia’s greater Beta Israel Jewish people.

Please pray along with us using the daily prayer points below. We hope to see every hour of the Outreach covered in prayer – and you can help. Sign up here (to choose a time to pray from home.

Here are ways you can pray each day.

Wednesday, November 23 – Wednesday, November 30 | Psalm 90:17

  • All logistics, including permissions, VISAS and medical supplies, to come together quickly, as we have a short lead time for this Outreach in a new location
  • For all on-site preparations to take place smoothly and completely
  • God’s favor and anointing of ease to prepare the way and eliminate any stress or urgencies

Thursday, December 1 | Genesis 28:15

  • Protection, safety and health as our team and partners prepare and travel, including negative COVID-19 tests
  • A strong confirmation for each person that the Lord is with them and will enable them to minister out of the overflow of relationship with Him
  • The Lord to prepare the spiritual atmosphere and people’s hearts for the kingdom to come, and the forces of darkness to be pushed back so the Gospel will have good soil

Friday, December 2 | 1 Peter 4:10

  • Relationships and fellowship among all participants to begin to form a deep team unity
  • A sweet and restful Shabbat, including a good night’s sleep
  • Ease and protection in adapting to new foods

Saturday, December 3 | Psalm 32:8

  • Safety on local planes and, in particular, on the mostly dirt roads as we travel to our lodgings near the Clinic site
  • Divine order and instruction from the Lord in setting up the Clinic and patient route through the site
  • Effective training for every medical department and spiritual care team

Sunday, December 4 | Mark 1:15

  • Word of mouth to bring many people to the Clinic for care and the Good News
  • God’s grace as the Clinic opens for the first half-day
  • Safe and uneventful transportation to the Clinic for patients coming from a distance

Monday, December 5 | James 5:16

  • The spiritual care tent to be a place of healing, deliverance and salvation for many in need of Yeshua (Jesus)
  • Healing through medical care and divine intervention throughout the week, including in the lines and the community
  • A successful and Spirit-led strategy to bring LifeStraws® and the Good News of living water into the surrounding areas

Tuesday, December 6 | Deuteronomy 28:3

  • Favor and blessing from government and community leaders and for the Lord to pour out a blessing upon them
  • Jubilant praise and worship that lifts the spirits of those participating and infuses the week with the fragrance of Yeshua
  • Renewal, insight and bold faith during team prayer times

Wednesday, December 7 | Acts 4:30

  • The Lord – out of His kindness – to move on the hearts of many, producing repentance and readiness to receive Yeshua
  • The Word to be spoken boldly, accompanied by signs and wonders
  • Each Outreach Partner and team member to serve with energy, humility and dependence on the Lord

Thursday, December 8 | Luke 15:7

  • The ability to see as many patients as possible the on this last day of the Outreach
  • Healing and salvation to take place even for those who are not able to be seen
  • Protection as the Clinic equipment is all packed up and readied for transport

Friday, December 9 | John 13:35

  • Safe travels as local and international team members travel home
  • A restful Shabbat, including reflection and testimony of all the Lord has done this week in and through the team
  • Effective follow-up to all who want to hear more about Jesus

Saturday, December 10 | Mark 16:15

  • Vision and guidance from the Lord for further ministry in Southern Ethiopia
  • Continued grace on the Addis Ababa congregation as they reach out to their nation to see many come to know the Messiah
  • A season of rest and recuperation for our Global Outreach team and in-country teams in Ethiopia, Zimbabwe and Zambia after a season of hard work, Outreaches, and transformed lives!

Let’s Pray

Lord, we are eager to meet and minister to the people of Southern Ethiopia. How grateful we are that You know them and You know their needs. You go before us, and You go with us. And You will stay with them long after we leave, nurturing new life, discipling Believers and raising up leaders. We are grateful for every ministry opportunity You have given us this year,  including this last Medical Outreach in Southern Ethiopia. In Jesus’ name, AMEN!

Israel and U.S. work together to counter Iran’s nuclear threat

November 18, 2022

THIS WEEK’S GLOBAL UPDATE

A Note from Jonathan Bernis

Shalom, my friend!

As you’re likely aware by now, Kanye West, also known as Ye, has drawn harsh criticism and denouncement for a series of anti-Semitic comments in recent weeks.

These comments have led to dropped partnerships with a host of brands, including Adidas, Gap and Balenciaga. West has also repeatedly been banned from Instagram and Twitter.

As one of our partners and friends in ministry, you know that Jewish Voice stands against anti-Semitism in all its forms. We condemn hate-fueled rhetoric, vandalism and violence toward Jewish people — in Israel, across the U.S. and worldwide.  

That’s why in light of the hate-filled antics we continue to read about in headlines around the world, I hope you’ll join us in praying for God to reveal His love for Israel and Her people — as we pray for God to bring His peace to Jerusalem, to Israel and to the Jewish people.

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

Thank you for standing with us through your partnership.

To the Jew first and also to the Nations,

Jonathan Bernis

President & CEO

Jewish Voice Ministries International

Headline News

Israel, U.S. Working to Counter Iran’s Threat of Hypersonic Missiles

The Jerusalem Post reports that Israel’s Missile Defense Organization (IMDO) and Missile Defense Agency (MDA) in the United States are working on numerous air defense projects. This key partnership comes as Washington and Israel have signed an agreement that would see the U.S. come to assist Israel with missile defense in times of war.

Though Israel has a multi-layered air defense umbrella, including the Iron Dome, Arrow 2, Arrow 3, David’s Sling and the still-in-development Iron Beam laser system, there is still no system that can intercept hypersonic missiles.

Hypersonic missiles pose an emerging threat as they fly five times faster than the speed of sound and have complex and varying flight paths, making them hard to intercept. They also fly much higher than subsonic missiles yet much lower than intercontinental ballistic missiles, in an area where many countries — including the U.S. — do not have enough tracking covering.

These missiles can also carry nuclear warheads, making the threat even more alarming. Especially after Iran recently announced that it had developed a hypersonic missile that could “penetrate every missile defense shield.”

Updates from the Middle East

Amazon Under Pressure as Sales for Anti-Semitic Book, Film Continue to Skyrocket

As the anti-Semitic book and film Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America that NBA star Kyrie Irving promoted on social media continues to occupy best-seller lists on Amazon, the e-commerce giant has come under pressure from Jewish groups to remove it from its website for its anti-Semitic claims about the Jewish people.

New Museum to Tell Story of Jewish Heroes of World War II

Nearly one out of every 10 Jewish people alive in 1939 joined an Allied army to fight the Nazis. Their ranks spanned the entire military gamut, from privates to generals. And a new museum, dedicated to the Jewish soldiers in World War II, will tell their stories. Located at Israel’s Armored Corps Museum at Latrun, halfway between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, it’s set to open in May next year.  

Pray With Us This Week

Please pray with me for:

  • The Lord to protect the Jewish people around the world from anti-Semitism of all kinds 
  • 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

Prayer Points: It took 4 years to become a reality

November 09, 2022

Have you been able to join us for one of our Zoom Prayer Briefings yet? They are dynamic online gatherings with a Jewish Voice leader and several other team members. You’ll hear exciting updates to encourage your faith and inspiring information to inform your prayers.

Jewish Voice Vice President of Global Ministry Affairs, Rabbi Ezra Benjamin, joined us for our latest one just a few weeks ago. He covered a wide range of topics, including several important points regarding our recent Zambia Medical Outreach that we want to share with you in this Prayer Points email.

Please pray into the items Rabbi Ezra shared with us. Prayers now will sow seeds into Jewish Voice Outreaches in Zambia and elsewhere in 2023 and beyond!

Zambia Outreach — A Tree of Life!

We sought the Lord for four years regarding an Outreach in Zambia — and, finally, we were able to go this October. Ezra quoted Proverbs 13:12 and mentioned how this long-awaited, first Jewish Voice Outreach in Zambia is now like a tree of life. May it continue to bear much fruit and produce much life. Here are some ways you can pray:

  • After four years of longing to impact the Lemba Jewish people in Zambia, rejoice in the Lord regarding the fruit that came about during this Outreach, and will come forth
  • Unity and effectiveness for the trained and equipped Believers doing the follow-up ministry to those who expressed a desire to be contacted after the Outreach
  • The Lord to raise up faithful Lemba Jewish shepherds in Zambia who are anointed to shepherd and serve their own people in the fear of the Lord
  • The Lord of the harvest to send out workers into the fields that are ready for harvest and send to Jewish Voice those who are called, anointed and equipped to reach their own Jewish people in this way
  • A unified, active congregational expression with strong leadership for the Messianic Jewish Believers already in Zambia and those who will come to Yeshua in days and months to come
  • Guidance for Jewish Voice and our faithful on the ground ministry partners regarding future ministry opportunities from the Lord in Zambia and that He would continue to sow His own love in us so that we overflow with ongoing compassion

We hope you can join us for our next Zoom Prayer Briefing, in early 2023, regarding what the Lord is showing us for this next year. In the meantime, please continue to pray with us and know that we are so grateful to you, our Prayer Partners. Rabbi Ezra mentioned that the Lord is using the intercessory arm of Jewish Voice Ministries to stir the compassion of Yeshua in us as we pray together and to sustain our Global Outreach team as we go and go again to reach the Jewish people who are the apple of His eye. Thank you for your prayers!

Anti-Semitic banners flown at Colosseum marking 100-year anniversary of Italian Dictator Mussolini’s Regime

November 04, 2022

THIS WEEK’S GLOBAL UPDATE 

A Note from Jonathan Bernis 
 
Shalom, my friend! 
 
While the Scriptures tell us to “pray for the peace of Jerusalem” (Psalm 122:6) in every season, my heart is especially moved for us to be more vigilant in praying for peace than ever before.  
 
We’re seeing numerous incidents of anti-Semitism in Italy, Germany, the United States and around the world. And more than just in the stories below. The hatred and animosity toward God’s Chosen People can feel overwhelming, but we know that God has the power to change hearts, lives and circumstances.  
 
That’s why I feel confidence and hope in asking you to join us as we pray for God to bring His peace to Jerusalem, to Israel and to the Jewish people.  
 
We at Jewish Voice have taken a strong stand against anti-Semitism in all its forms. For more information and to take a stand with us, click here.  
 
Please continue to pray for the work and ministry of Jewish Voice. And pray for God to open more doors to share the Good News of Yeshua (Jesus) with the Jewish people.  
 
Thank you for standing with us through your partnership. 
 
To the Jew first and also to the Nations,  
  
Jonathan Bernis 
President & CEO 
Jewish Voice Ministries International 

Headline News 

Italian Neo-Fascists Display Pro-Mussolini Banner 100 Years After His Rise to Power 
 
The Times of Israel reports that late last week, Italian neo-fascists draped a pro-Mussolini banner over a Rome bridge as the country marked the 100-year anniversary of the fascist leader’s ascent to power. 
 
According to reports, the banner hung in front of the Colosseum and featured a portrait of Benito Mussolini in military uniform alongside another banner with the words “100 years after, the march continues.”  
 
Italian officials reported that thousands of fascists gathered to commemorate Mussolini’s blackshirts entering Rome on October 28, 1922, the start of his dictatorship. 
 
In 1938, the Mussolini regime began stripping rights from Jews, banning them from public office, forbidding intermarriage, permitting the confiscation of their property and eventually allowing their internment. 
 
Under the dictator’s regime, which ran until July 1943, more than 7,000 Italian Jewish men, women and children were murdered in the Nazi death camps. 

Updates from the Middle East 

Swastikas Painted on Signs at Buchenwald Concentration Camp Memorial Site 

Berlin police reported that swastikas and other anti-Semitic symbols were painted on signs at the national memorial complex that stands at the site of the former Buchenwald concentration camp in Germany. More than 56,000 of the 280,000 inmates held at Buchenwald and its satellite camps were killed by the Nazis or died because of hunger, illness or medical experiments before the camp’s liberation on April 11, 1945. According to authorities, the damaged signs were removed swiftly and the police are investigating. 
 
Gal Gadot “Proud” to be Jewish Amid Kanye West Anti-Semitism Scandal 

The recent anti-Semitic outbursts of rapper Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, have sparked backlash in the United States from both Jewish and non-Jewish celebrities. Israeli actress Gal Gadot has joined in the outpouring of support for Jews on social media after Kanye West’s comments. Gadot posted a selfie wearing a Star of David captioned with the word “proud” on her Instagram and Twitter accounts. According to reports, German sportswear giant Adidas ended its partnership with Ye over his “hateful” comments about Jews. And other major fashion brands like Gap and Balenciaga also stopped their collaborations with the rapper. 

Pray with Us This Week 

Please pray with me for 

  • God to shield and protect all Jewish communities from acts of violence fueled by the increase in anti-Semitic displays of hate.  
  • 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 
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