As you receive this email, we are on the threshold of our Jewish Voice Ministries staff Week of Prayer and Fasting, August 30 to September 3. This year, we have invited you to join us by participating in Operation 1226, an initiative to fill the week not only with our staff’s prayers but with those of our partners as well. You can learn more and sign up to participate.

Each year, our staff takes two weeks, one in the fall and another in the spring, to spend extended time together in worship and prayer. We praise the Lord for what we’ve seen Him do in the previous months and intercede for current projects, initiatives and upcoming Outreaches. We pray for you, our partners, and for others who minister alongside us. We also fast together as we seek His face and “inquire of the Lord,” as Scripture exhorts us, for the future. It’s a time of personal refreshment, corporate encouragement, and revelation and enlightenment as the Lord meets with us in powerful ways. 

As we approach this fall’s week with the Lord, we feel a particular sense of urgency and desire. In addition to participating in Operation 1226 and praying with us, here are some ways you can pray for us:

• That we come into the Week of Prayer and Fasting with hearts prepared to meet with the Lord
• That we experience the Lord’s presence  in each worship and prayer time and the gifts and ministry of the Holy Spirit  flow freely
• For each team member to hear from the Lord for themselves personally, regarding their unique ministry roles and for the ministry as a whole
• For a corporate witness among our leadership and other team members regarding what the Lord is saying to us in this season – and even for breakthrough in some of the things we’ve been waiting on Him for
• That the Lord would deeply affect us, speak to us, and profoundly prepare us for the assignments He has given us: to proclaim the Gospel to the Jew first, grow the Messianic Jewish community, and engage the Church concerning Israel and the Jewish people

Let’s Pray
Lord, we are deeply aware that we need You and can do nothing apart from You. We know that in these weeks of worship, fasting and prayer, You make Yourself known in ways that envision, embolden and empower us for the seasons ahead. May this time be transformational as we place our trust and faith in You for the days and years to come beyond this Week of Prayer and Fasting so that we will be ready – a people prepared – to be who You call us to be, to go where You say to go, and to do all You call us to do! In Jesus’ name, AMEN.

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

Shalom, my friend. 

Because you’re a true friend and partner who is willing to pray fervently and give generously in support of Israel and the Jewish people, I’m hoping I can count on you again. As I write, we’re seeing a significant escalation of tensions in Israel – with hostilities from Hezbollah along Israel’s northern border, and more activity from Iran. 

Please join with me and all of us at Jewish Voice Ministries International as we continue to pray for God’s intervention, peace and the safety of God’s people. 

HEZBOLLAH CLAIMS RESPONSIBILITY FOR LARGEST ROCKET ATTACK AGAINST ISRAEL SINCE 2006

Last Friday morning, the sirens in northern Israel came to life as a barrage of rocket fire was launched from Lebanon. Israeli residents within communities near Israel’s northern border were forced to take shelter from the attack.

When the dust settled, The Times of Israel reported there were no casualties from the 19 rockets. We are grateful for the Lord’s protection in this situation.

The Hezbollah terror group claimed responsibility for the attack – the largest in scale since 2006. The Jerusalem Post also reported that Hezbollah released a statement claiming the attack was in response to the Israel Air Force airstrikes carried out early Thursday morning after Palestinian operatives fired three rockets towards the northern city of Kiryat Shemona on Wednesday.

The IDF (Israel Defense Forces) had initially retaliated Wednesday by firing some 100 artillery shells towards the launch sites and later carried out airstrikes.

According to The Times of Israel, Friday’s attack included ten rockets that were intercepted by the Iron Dome missile defense system, six that landed in open territory and a final three rockets that failed to clear the border and landed in Lebanese territory.

No one is eager for there to be any additional escalation of hostilities – potentially leading to an all-out war. 

According to The Jerusalem Post, Brig. Gen. Ran Kohav, of the IDF, told reporters that “No side wants war but, on the other hand, we will not accept that this continues: that every two to three weeks there is firing towards the North.”

The Times of Israel also reported that the Hamas terror group expressed its “full support” for Hezbollah’s decision to launch rockets at the “Zionist enemy,” saying, “The battle with this enemy must remain an open one until [Israel] disappears.” 

Currently, Israel has conveyed to Lebanon via United Nations peacekeepers that it could intensify its response if calm is not returned to the border.

ATTEMPTED HIJACK OF THE ASPHALT PRINCESS TANKER THWARTED BY CREW, U.S. AND OMANI WARSHIPS

Early last week, according to The Times of Israel, five or six Iranian gunmen attempted to take control of the Asphalt Princess tanker and divert its course to the Islamic Republic.

As the Iranian operatives stormed the tanker, reports indicate the crew quickly sprung to action and sabotaged the ship’s engines so that it could not move any further.

The gunmen fled the ship once US and Omani warships arrived at the scene. None of the crew was injured in the hijacking attempt.

The Times of Israel last week indicated that no one has taken responsibility for the brief seizure, which underscored mounting tensions as Iran and the United States seek a resolution to their standoff over Tehran’s tattered 2015 nuclear deal with world powers.

This attempted hijack comes on the heels of another incident two weeks ago when a suspected Iranian drone attack on Israeli-linked Mercer Street tanker left a British national and a Romanian dead. 

Such an attack, according to UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, is an intentional, “destabilizing action of Iran.”

Ambassador to the U.N. Gilad Erdan also said concerning the attack, that this is another opportunity for Security Council members to identify the “pivotal role the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has played in sowing violence and destruction in the Middle East and elsewhere in the world.”

ISRAEL MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS BRIEFS AMBASSADORS OF UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL – CALLING ON THEIR SUPPORT TO STOP IRANIAN TERROR AND AGGRESSION

According to the Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Defense Benny Gantz and Minister of Foreign Affairs Yair Lapid hosted ambassadors of United Nations Security Council member countries for a briefing in Jerusalem last Wednesday (August 4, 2021). 

This briefing is part of the larger national effort of the State of Israel to call on the international community to condemn and stop Iranian terror and aggression in the region – sparked specifically by the recent Mercer Street tanker attack and the attempted hijacking of the Asphalt Princess.

Following the briefing, Minister Gantz and Minister Lapid issued a joint statement:

“During the past week, Israel has acted in all possible diplomatic and security channels in order to call on the international community to set clear boundaries for Iran and to cease its aggressive conduct. The Minister of Defense and Minister of Foreign Affairs emphasized to the ambassadors that Israel will maintain the right to act independently in the face of any attack or threat to its citizens and sovereignty. They further stressed that the recent attacks are not part of a local or bilateral conflict – rather that this is an attack on the international community, and that the community should treat it as such and respond. Such action requires unity within the international community, and action may be taken through the UN Security Council or any other international framework that will hold Iran accountable for its actions.”

Minister Gantz also emphasized, “The Iranian people are not our enemy. The Iranian regime is threatening us and sparking a regional arms race.”

Let us pray together

Please pray with me for:

• The ceasing of hostile escalations between Hezbollah and Israel 
• Protection for Israeli families and residents along Israel’s northern border 
• God’s intervention in the midst of the diplomatic discussion about Iran and their destabilizing effect on Israel and the world
• Peace in the hearts and minds of the people of Israel and their enemies
• Jewish people to recognize Yeshua (Jesus) as their Messiah

In the last Prayer Points, we shared some encouraging updates and new prayer requests regarding the Zehra drop-in program for children, which took place during our Dawro, Ethiopia, Medical Outreach in May. The Zehra (“seed” in Hebrew) program is working toward blessing children in several other ways as well. In addition to the Outreach drop-in program – where children can play and learn while their parents and families make their way through the Medical Clinic – there are other “Zehra seeds” (ministry opportunities) going on. Zehra Kids Education Program is Jewish Voice’s ministry umbrella over:

• Weekly Shabbat School materials for children in Messianic congregations in Africa
• Early Childhood Development Centers in areas where we minister
• School Fee Assistance program
• In-person school visits in communities where we conduct Outreaches, often taking place during our Outreaches

In this edition of Prayer Points, we want to highlight the Shabbat School program, and specifically the curriculum being developed for these weekly gatherings. We have partnered with another ministry to produce a customized curriculum series to meet the needs of the children and their teachers in Messianic Jewish congregations in Zimbabwe. We are so excited about the potential impact and long-range vision for these materials, not only for children but for entire families.

Will you please pray with us for:

• The extensive planning involved in making the curriculum available
• The sometimes-complex matter of delivering it to and reproducing it in remote rural areas where congregations often meet in rustic structures, under trees and in open fields
• Distribution strategies to be both practical and cost-effective
• The Lemba Children’s Coordinator and five regional coordinators who will oversee the curriculum’s distribution and use
• Every child and family who will have the opportunity to know Jesus and God’s Word more deeply through these resources
• Each person teaching and helping children believe and grow in their faith and identity
• Spiritual protection over the children and the materials that will shine the light of Yeshua (Jesus) into their understanding

Let’s Pray

Lord, may You use this beautiful and truth-filled curriculum to personally touch the hearts of children and their families with Your love. May they come to know Jesus and be confident that they are deeply loved and valued by You. We ask for Your timing, strategies, favor and provision in getting these resources into the hands and hearts of these dear ones. Please multiply the curriculum’s effectiveness through our prayers. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

“I will bless those who bless you [Israel] . . .”
Genesis 12:3 (NIV)

Shalom, my friend. 

Thank you for your love and compassion for Israel and the Jewish people. I’m so grateful that you are willing to stand with her through your ongoing prayers and financial support. And I pray God’s richest blessing on you for your faithfulness for His people. 

As you pray please keep in mind the news from Israel: new COVID-19 rules and restrictions, two historic diplomatic announcements in Israel, and updates on Iran. Thank you again for praying with us.  

ISRAELI “GREEN PASS” RULES IN EFFECT AS SERIOUS CORONAVIRUS CASES IN ISRAEL CONTINUE TO RISE

Late last week The Jerusalem Post reported that the “Green Pass” (a vaccine certificate) rules were now in effect — through August 8, 2021 — because of the increase in serious COVID-19 cases in Israel.

The effects of the “Green Pass” rules and restrictions are aimed at making certain events only available to people who are vaccinated, recovered or who can present a negative coronavirus test result.

These rules and 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.

In addition to the “Green Pass,” the “Happy Badge” system announced by the Israeli government in the middle of July is still in effect. The “Happy Badge” is an outline for how to safely hold events with more than 100 people. According to The Jerusalem Post, the “Happy Badge” only applies to weddings and other large celebratory events involving food and mingling, and it requires eventgoers to present a negative coronavirus test.

ISRAEL’S PRIME MINISTER ENCOURAGES ISRAELI SENIORS OVER AGE 60 TO GET THIRD COVID-19 VACCINE DOSE

Prime Minister Naftali Bennett made an announcement late last week concerning the official rollout of a third COVID vaccine dose for those over 60. In addition, he urged all eligible Israelis to schedule appointments starting early this week.

The Times of Israel reported that the booster doses of the COVID vaccine will be given starting this week to those over age 60 who received their second shot more than five months ago.  

“The reality has proven that the vaccines protect against serious cases and against death,” said Bennett. “And just like you need to get a new flu shot every year, here, too, the vaccine requires a refresh.”

The Times of Israel also reported that one local poll, published at the time of last week’s announcement, showed that 72 percent of Israelis over age 60 intend to receive a third COVID-19 vaccine dose when it becomes available, 9% say they won’t get it, and the rest say they are undecided. 

AFTER 30 YEARS OF DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS, AZERBAIJAN OPENS TRADE OFFICE IN TEL AVIV

Thirty years after establishing diplomatic relations with Israel, Azerbaijan inaugurated its Trade and Tourism office in Tel Aviv last week.

The Jerusalem Post reported that trade between the countries was about $200 million in 2020, excluding oil supplies. Israeli companies are represented in Azerbaijan in a variety of fields, from road construction to telecom and medicine.

In addition, Tourism Minister Yoel Razvozov is reported to have said “Relations between Israel and Azerbaijan are of a strategic nature and are based on trust and mutual respect. Over the past three decades, we have witnessed many breakthroughs in relations between the two countries, but the opening of the official Trade and Tourism Representation is another historic event.”

The Jerusalem Post also reported that this “historic” event is a preliminary step to the opening of the Azeri Embassy.

HISTORIC DIPLOMATIC MISSION TO MOROCCO ANNOUNCED

Last week, Foreign Minister Yair Lapid announced to The Times of Israel that he will be traveling to Morocco for an official visit on August 11 to 12.

As The Times of Israel reported, the upcoming trip will be the first for an Israeli foreign minister.

The announcement came days after the commencement of the first direct commercial flights between Israel and Morocco, and a mere seven months after the countries normalized diplomatic relations in a U.S.-brokered deal.

For over a decade, official ties with Morocco had been suspended due to the Palestinian uprising in Israel in 2000 — the outbreak of the Second Intifada. But these ties have been renewed, amid a wave of normalization agreements between Jerusalem and Arab countries, since late last year.

Earlier this week, an Israeli diplomatic source told The Times of Israel that the ties with the North African kingdom “will turn into full diplomatic relations.”

LEAKED IRANIAN DOCUMENTS POTENTIALLY EXPOSE PLANS FOR CIVILIAN CYBER STRIKES

Early last week, Sky News reported that classified Iranian documents, allegedly by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, had been uncovered that detail how cyberattacks could cause damage to the West.

The alleged documents, which are indicated to be five different reports, contain worrying information, including details on how cyberattacks could be used against civilian infrastructure and systems, such as cargo ships, air filtration systems and gas station fueling systems.

More investigation is being undertaken to determine the authenticity of the of uncovered documents — including the veracity of the threat they pose.

EBRAHIM RAISI, NEW IRANIAN PRESIDENT, TAKES OFFICE THIS WEEK

New President, Ebrahim Raisi, took office this week in Iran, replacing Hassan Rouhani.

As reported by The Jerusalem Post, his ascension to power has brought nuclear negotiations between Iran, the U.S. and the world powers to a standstill for over two months — with no clear end in sight.

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, remains the final word in the country, especially on major strategic issues like the nuclear negotiations.

But it has been reported that Khamenei both lined up support for Raisi to be elected president and that Raisi is expected to be his choice as his successor, given that he is 82 and has had health problems in recent years.

What this means for the future of nuclear talks and negotiations remains unclear. 

Let us pray together

Please pray with me for:

• Protection of Israelis from the Delta coronavirus variant
• God’s fruitful blessing as Israel seeks greater diplomatic relationships with Azerbaijan and Morocco
• Peace and safety amidst the unknowns with Iran — especially now with Ebrahim Raisi taking power
• Jewish people to recognize Yeshua (Jesus) as their Messiah
   

What is Elul? Elul is a month on the Jewish calendar preceding the High Holy Days of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. These holidays are about repentance and right standing with the Holy God of Israel, and one doesn’t enter such a season lightly. Engaging well with the Lord on these matters requires preparation. That’s how Jewish people and Messianic Jews spend the Hebrew month of Elul.

Elul sits on the calendar between the time of year when Israel committed two of her great sins against the Lord (the golden calf and the 10 spies’ bad report) and the High Holy Days. It proves a fitting time of year to dedicate extra focus to self-examination, repentance and seeking right standing with God for the coming year. Some scholars believe this period overlapped with Yeshua’s 40 days of fasting in the wilderness. Jewish tradition holds that on Rosh Hashanah, God pronounces a judgment on each Jewish person for the coming year and, 10 days later, on Yom Kippur, He seals that judgment.

Elul is a month of intentional time reflecting on our lives with the Lord. As the days progress, our focus intensifies as we pray and ask God to reveal where we have fallen short of His laws and desires for our lives. We humble ourselves before Him in repentance, seek forgiveness and make amends with others as needed.

What is Repentance?

The Jewish tradition of repentance is called teshuvah, which means “returning.” Teshuvah includes three aspects: confession, regret and a commitment not to repeat the sin. As the Lord reveals our sins to us, we agree with Him that they are wrong, express genuine remorse and turn from them with a determination to forsake them in the future.

Elul Traditions

Along with taking stock of one’s life before the Lord, Elul traditions include blowing the shofar every morning (except on Shabbats) during the month. The shofar serves as a call to awaken the soul to repentance. Special prayers of repentance, called selichot, are recited during Elul. Another custom is to read Psalm 27 twice each day of the month and through the last day of the Feast of Sukkot, following Yom Kippur.

Preparing Your Heart for the New Year

As Messianic Jews who believe in Jesus, we understand that we have been sealed in the Holy Spirit. Still, reflection and repentance should be an ongoing part of our relationships with God. The time preceding the High Holidays is a perfect time to dedicate extra focus to assessing our lives before the Lord.

To help you participate in this season of prayerful searching, we’ve put together a list of Scriptures, one for each day of Elul, that you can meditate on, pray over and listen to the Lord regarding. We’ve alternated Scriptures centered on examination, sin and repentance with the verses of Psalm 27.

Daily Scriptures for Elul Meditations

A Jewish day begins and ends at sunset, so we’ve listed both Gregorian calendar dates that coincide with each Elul date of the Jewish calendar. For instance, Elul 1 begins at sunset on August 8 and ends at sundown on August 9.

Start your journey by praying to have an open heart, willing to hear what the Lord has to say to you. May you encounter Him more personally and intimately than ever before this Elul. May you discover afresh His love and forgiveness along with new mercies every day. And may you know His power to restore and revive you as you return to Him.

Elul 1, August 8/9, 2021                  Psalm 85:8 

Elul 2, August 9/10, 2021                Psalm 27:1

Elul 3, August 10/11, 2021              Psalm 139:23–24

Elul 4, August 11/12, 2021              Psalm 27:2

Elul 5, August 12/13, 2021              Psalm 38:18

Elul 6, August 13/14, 2021              Psalm 27:3

Elul 7, August 14/15, 2021              Psalm 51:10

Elul 8, August 15/16, 2021              Psalm 27:4

Elul 9, August 16/17, 2021              Psalm 19:12

Elul 10, August 17/18, 2021            Psalm 27:5

Elul 11, August 18/19, 2021            Isaiah 30:15

Elul 12, August 19/20, 2021            Psalm 27:6

Elul 13, August 20/21, 2021            Psalm 26:2

Elul 14, August 21/22, 2021            Psalm 27:7

Elul 15, August 22/23, 2021            Psalm 51:1–2

Elul 16, August 23/24, 2021            Psalm 27:8

Elul 17, August 24/25, 2021            Lamentations 3:40

Elul 18, August 25/26, 2021            Psalm 27:9

Elul 19, August 26/27, 2021            Psalm 119:59

Elul 20, August 27/28, 2021            Psalm 27:10

Elul 21, August 28/29, 2021            Psalm 86:11

Elul 22, August 29/30, 2021            Psalm 27:11

Elul 23, August 30/31, 2021            Psalm 51:1–2

Elul 24, Aug 31/Sept 1, 2021           Psalm 27:12

Elul 25, September 1/2, 2021         Psalm 25:11

Elul 26, September 2/3, 2021         Psalm 27:13

Elul 27, September 3/4, 2021         Matthew 3:8

Elul 28, September 4/5, 2021         Psalm 27:14

Elul 29, September 5/6, 2021         Psalm 32:5

“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