“Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior,
who daily bears our burdens.
Our God is a God who saves;
from the Sovereign LORD comes escape from death.”
Psalm 68:19-20 (NIV)

As we move closer to Purim, I hope you know how much I treasure you and your partnership. It is critical that we, as Believers in Jesus, stand with Israel and the Jewish people and I’m so thankful that you do!

Purim is about celebrating God’s deliverance of the Jewish people from destruction. Throughout history, from Haman of ancient Persia to Herod, and from Hitler to Hamas, the enemy has attempted to annihilate the Jewish people. But God has faithfully delivered and sustained His people time and time again. As it says in Psalm 68, “Our God is a God who saves!”

I encourage you to celebrate Purim next week (February 25-26). Read the book of Esther and consider the many ways God has rescued the Jewish people and also how He has saved you – and then rejoice and tell others!

I have very good news to report this week concerning COVID-19 in Israel. The lockdown is easing considerably, and more than 25% of Israelis have received both vaccine doses. Two drugs from Israel are also showing promising results in treating the virus.

You’ll also read about Ethiopian-Jewish immigrants making aliyah to Israel even in the midst of challenging circumstances.

Thank you for staying up to date on what is happening in Israel and the Middle East, and for your love for Israel and the Jewish people.

Stores, Gyms, Hotels and More Set to Open in Israel on Sunday

On Monday, Israel’s cabinet ministers approved the reopening of stores, gyms, hotels and other venues on Sunday, February 21. The coronavirus cabinet also gave the okay for synagogues and other houses of worship to reopen Friday with attendance limited to 10 people indoors and 20 outdoors.

Street-front shops, malls, markets, museums and libraries will be open to all Israelis. Only people who have been vaccinated or have recovered from COVID-19 will be allowed to use gyms, enter sporting and culture events, hotels and swimming pools.

Purim Gatherings Worrisome Because of Last Year

Concern has been expressed by health officials that festive gatherings will spark another wave of COVID-19 infections. Last year’s Purim is believed to have been a major contributor to Israel’s first wave of infections, according to The Times of Israel.

The coronavirus cabinet said no to festivities and other gatherings over Purim this coming weekend and is restricting attendance at holiday meals to immediate family members.

More Than 25% of Israel’s Population Has Received Both Doses of Vaccine

Nearly 4 million Israelis have received at least one dose of the vaccine and 2.5 million - more than a quarter of the population - have received both doses. However, reluctance among Israelis below the age of 50 to get the injections, including among teaching staff, has been noticeable.

Pfizer Vaccine Effectiveness at 93% in Israel

Only 544 people of the half a million who have been vaccinated with both does of the Pfizer vaccine in Israel have subsequently been diagnosed with the coronavirus – that is 0.1%. Four cases were severe. Zero people have died.

That puts the effectiveness rate at 93%, Maccabi Healthcare Services announced last Thursday and The Times of Israel reported. Those vaccinated were compared to a “diverse” control group of unvaccinated members.

It is believed that full protection against COVID-19 for people who have been vaccinated kicks in a week after the second shot.

“This data unequivocally proves that the vaccine is very effective, and we have no doubt that it has saved the lives of many Israelis,” said senior Maccabi official Dr. Miri Mizrahi Reuveni after the new data release.

Reuveni said that among those who have been vaccinated and become infected, the vast majority have experienced the coronavirus lightly.

Has Israel Found the Cure for the Coronavirus?

Even with vaccines being rolled out, drugs to treat the worst coronavirus symptoms are still desperately needed around the world.

Clinical trials for two drugs developed in Israel are showing great promise: EXO-CD24 and Allocetra, reported ISRAEL21c, an American online magazine focused on technological and scientific advances by researchers in Israel.

EXO-CD24

In a Phase I clinical trial for EXO-CD24, an experimental inhaled medication developed at Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, all 30 moderate-to-severe cases were cured. EXO-CD24 specifically targets the “cytokine storm” responsible for serious breathing issues in COVID patients.

“To date, the preparation has been tried with great success on 30 severe patients, in 29 of whom the medical condition improved within two to three days and most of them were discharged home within three to five days. The 30th patient also recovered but after a longer time,” the hospital reports.

Allocetra

Last week, Enlivex Therapeutics reported positive results from a multi-center Phase II clinical trial of its experimental COVID-19 immunotherapy drug Allocetra in severe and critical COVID-19 patients.

In October, five COVID-19 intensive care patients were discharged from Hadassah University Medical Center in Jerusalem after treatment with Allocetra.

Nine severe and seven critical COVID-19 patients were treated with Allocetra in the Phase II clinical trial. Fourteen of them recovered and were discharged from the hospital after an average of 5.3 days.

Altogether, 19 out of 21 Phase II and Phase Ib Allocetra trial patients recovered and were discharged from the hospital after an average of 5.6 days. Most of the patients in both studies had pre-existing risk factors, including male gender, obesity and hypertension.

“The Phase II patients who have been discharged from the hospital are currently healthy. We believe that these compelling results have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of Allocetra in these complicated patients…” said Professor Vernon van Heerden, head of the General Intensive Care Unit at Hadassah and lead investigator of both clinical trials.

Despite Airport Closure, Ethiopian-Jewish Immigrants Make Aliyah to Israel

Last Friday, more than 300 Ethiopian-Jewish immigrants flew into Israel on a chartered flight sponsored by the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ). They were able to make aliyah – the immigration of dispersed Jewish people to Israel – despite Ben-Gurion Airport being closed and the borders sealed off to lower coronavirus infections.

The new immigrants had to show negative coronavirus tests before boarding the flight and are now in quarantine in Israel for two weeks, The Jerusalem Post reported.

“This is a difficult time for everyone, but we are so grateful that these Ethiopian immigrants were granted special permission to make the journey home to Israel last night,” said ICEJ President Dr. Jurgen Buhler. “They have endured very tough conditions in Gondar and were expecting to come to Israel any day now, only to see their hopes dashed by the recent airport closure.”

ICEJ has sponsored flights for more than 2,700 Ethiopian Jews to date. About 7,500 members of the Jewish community still remain in Ethiopia. Israel has made arrangements to bring over the next couple of years all Ethiopian Jews who wish to come to Israel and have the right and means to do so.

Let Us Pray Together

Please pray with me for:

• The easing of Israel’s nationwide lockdown to have a positive effect on the people and the economy while keeping down the virus infection rate
• Wisdom for Israel’s leaders regarding the opening of schools
• Continued success for new treatments and vaccines to fight the coronavirus
• More Ethiopian-Jewish immigrants to be able to make aliyah to Israel
• Continued success in rolling out coronavirus vaccines in Israel and around the world, especially among the younger generation
• Jewish people to recognize Yeshua (Jesus) as their Messiah, the God who saves

“Because he has devoted his love to Me, I will deliver him.
I will set him securely on high, because he knows My Name.
When he calls on Me, I will answer him.
I will be with him in trouble, rescue him, and honor him.”
Psalm 91:14-15 (TLV)

It’s such a blessing for me to take just a few moments each week to gather these thoughts to share them with you, one of our most trusted friends.

Thank you for joining with me on this ministry journey and for investing a few minutes to read these words.

Purim is just two weeks away. Although not one of the biblical Feasts commanded by the Lord, the book of Esther proclaims Purim as a celebration to be observed throughout all Jewish generations. And with good cause – Purim marks another point in Jewish history when God intervened to save His people from utter destruction.

I’ll share more about Purim in the weeks to come, but I encourage you to read the book of Esther as we look forward to this celebration. This week, we’re also offering a book you’ll find helpful and interesting about Purim and the upcoming Spring Feasts.

Each week as I share news updates with you, whether we interpret them as “good” or “bad” news, I see God working in and through Israel and His people. I hope you do, too.

This week we have more coronavirus news as well as an update on how President Biden is responding regarding Iran and the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) nuclear deal. Also, a story with very good news about the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem.

Thank you for your love and concern for Israel and the Jewish people.

Third Pandemic Lockdown Eased Sunday

Last weekend, after more than a month, Israel eased the restrictions of their third nationwide lockdown to curb the spread of the coronavirus. At the same time, the country continues to have thousands of daily new cases and the death toll is now over 5,000, The Times of Israel reported.

Restrictions on travel and businesses that don’t serve the public were removed. Businesses with individual interactions, such as hairdressers and cosmeticians, were allowed to open. But many businesses and shops remain closed, as well as schools and preschools.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Health Ministry officials issued warnings of the potentially devastating consequences of reopening schools with coronavirus morbidity remaining high and variants of the virus hitting children harder than previous strains.

More Than 2 Million Israelis Have Received Both Vaccine Doses

Israel’s COVID-19 vaccination program with the Pfizer/BioNtech shot is ongoing. Nearly 3.5 million people have received the first dose and over 2 million of them have also received the second dose.

Health Ministry data from Sunday shows 92.8% of people ages 60 and over have either received at least one vaccine dose or have been infected and recovered from COVID-19.

Israel Expands Vaccination Drive to Anyone Over the Age of 16

Everyone over 16 is now eligible to receive the coronavirus vaccine, said Israel’s Health Minister Yuli Edelstein, according to U.S. News & World Report.

“From this morning anyone over the age of 16 can get vaccinated. Take advantage of the opportunity that almost no country in the world has,” he announced on Facebook last week. “Come in droves, this is the only way we will beat coronavirus – together!”

Israel has had the world’s most rapid vaccination campaign. More than one-third of the population have received at least one dose. But the rate of vaccinations has slowed down in recent days. Healthcare providers are finding it more difficult to get people to come in to receive the vaccination.

More Accurate, Cheaper Mass COVID Test Developed

Researchers from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) have developed a new single-stage test using a combinatorial pooling method for COVID-19 diagnostic testing. It can help prevent the spread of the coronavirus by identifying people who are infected sooner and at a lower cost.

BGU’s Professor Tomer Hertz explained that the method used to create this test “is the only process now available to deliver the level of mass testing that countries are currently aiming for in order to control outbreaks.”

The test successfully identified all positive patients and asymptomatic carriers in a single round of testing, The Jerusalem Post reported. It was developed in a collaboration between BGU, Soroka University Medical Center, The Open University of Israel and Clalit Health Services in Israel.

U.S. Senate Votes 97 to 3 to Keep Embassy in Jerusalem

Last week the U.S. Senate voted overwhelmingly to keep the United States Embassy in Jerusalem permanently, The Times of Israel reported.

In May 2018, then-President Donald Trump’s administration moved the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, recognizing the holy city as Israel’s capital.

President Joe Biden is expected to take a more balanced approach concerning Israel and the Palestinians. But he has said he doesn’t plan to move the embassy.

President Biden Says U.S. Will Not Lift Iran Sanctions Until it Stops Enriching Uranium

The U.S will not lift sanctions on Iran to get the country back to the negotiations table President Biden said on Sunday.

During an interview on “Face the Nation” on CBS, he was also asked if Iran must stop enriching uranium first. The President nodded his head yes.

On Friday, Ned Price, the State Department spokesman, said the U.S. approach would be “to ensure that we are consulting and coordinating very closely with first and foremost our allies, but also our partners, and of course, with members of Congress” about Iran.

Before the interview on CBS, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Tehran’s “final and irreversible” decision was to return to compliance with the 2015 nuclear deal only if the U.S. lifts sanctions. This was reported on Iranian state TV, according to The Jerusalem Post.

The nuclear deal known as the JCPOA and was signed during the Obama administration. The U.S. withdrew from the deal in 2018 under the Trump administration.

Let Us Pray Together

Please pray with me for:

• More success with COVID-19 testing options like the one developed by Ben-Gurion University
• President Biden and his administration to make wise decisions regarding Israel – especially in regard to the Palestinians and Iran
• The easing of restrictions to have a positive effect on the Israeli people and the economy while keeping down the virus infection rate
• Wisdom for Israel’s leaders regarding the opening of schools
• Continued success in rolling out coronavirus vaccines in Israel and around the world
• Jewish people to recognize Yeshua (Jesus) as their Messiah

We are headed to Fiche, Ethiopia, for our first Medical Outreach of 2021. We are so excited to get into the field again to serve, minister to and love the Ethiopian people, all in the name of Jesus. We want every expression – in word or deed – to proclaim the Good News, and we know we need your covering of prayer, especially in times like these.

Here’s how you can pray for the Jewish Voice Medical Outreach in Fiche, Ethiopia, starting NOW:

• Use the daily prayer requests below to pray along with us before, during and after
• Sign up on our prayer calendar for a specific time during the Fiche Medical Outreach to pray from home. We hope to have every hour covered by our faithful partners so that as we minister, travel, and even sleep, someone – maybe you! – is praying.

Thank you for joining us in this way. Let’s pray!

The Week Before: Thursday, February 11–Thursday, February 18 ● Psalm 68:1, Malachi 3:1

• Pray for the Lord to clear the way and scatter His enemies in preparation for His work in Fiche
• Global Outreach Team members as they each travel to Ethiopia ahead of the Clinic to complete preparations with our in-country team members
• Key team leaders to effectively meet with and receive favor from local government, community and religious leaders ahead of the Outreach
• Our Outreach Engagement Manager and the small group of Outreach Partners as they travel on February 18, arriving in Addis Ababa the next day
• Sustained health and negative Covid-19 tests for team and partners, enabling them to enter Ethiopia

Friday, February 19 ● Psalm 34:7–9, Romans 14:19

• God’s spiritual and physical protection throughout the week over the team, partners, belongings, equipment, vehicles, Clinic site and lodgings
• Protection of family members at home and all that pertains to those serving on this Outreach
• Unity among all team members – JVMI staff, volunteer, medical and dental, as well as JVMI Ethiopian staff and local congregational leaders
• A restful and grateful time of fellowship as the team share Shabbat dinner in Addis Ababa

Saturday, February 20 ● 1 Corinthians 14:33, Romans 8:28

• Safe travel to the Clinic site in Fiche Saturday morning
• Effective Clinic set-up to best serve those who will come for treatment
• A good line management strategy, including exits, entrances, and patient flow once inside the Clinic site
• Daily prayer-covering for favor with the community and openness to the Good News expressed in word and deed

Sunday, February 21 ● Proverbs 16:7, 9

• God’s wisdom and acute discernment for our spiritual care leader and Ethiopian congregational leaders we are partnering with to carry out the best plans for reaching the community with love, LifeStraws® and the Good News
• Supernatural discernment in the hiring of local workers who will fully understand and support the work of the Lord through JVMI all week during the Clinic
• A smooth opening to the Medical Clinic this afternoon as we prepare to minister to thousands
• Effectiveness for every department of this large Medical Clinic, including medical, dental and eye care, plus supernatural healing from the Lord

Monday, February 22 ● Psalm 91:11, Ezekiel 36:26

• Angelic protection over the Clinic site, hotel we’re staying in everywhere we walk or drive and over team members visiting homes in the community
• Shalom, the peace of God, to permeate every aspect of this Outreach and reveal the Kingdom of God to this region’s people with no disturbances
• The Lord to touch the hearts of leaders and those whose testimonies will deeply influence many others, and for God to receive the glory

Tuesday, February 23 ● Mark 16:20, Luke 4:14

• Increasing favor with all in the area and many people to receive care and seeds to be planted for them to accept Yeshua (Jesus)
• Successful patient care along with order in the Clinic and community as we minister in the Holy Spirit’s power
• Us to walk in the Spirit, being supernaturally sensitive and obedient to His guidance
• Expressions of love, clarity of the Word and signs and wonders to bring forth the fruit of healing, salvation and deliverance

Wednesday, February 24 ● Psalm 50:23, 2 Corinthians 10:4

• A canopy of praise, worship and prayer to rise up from within our team members, with external expressions as able
• The Spirit of God to be at work in this area, pushing back resistance and darkness and opening hearts to receive Jesus
• God to establish a spiritual beachhead during this Outreach for continuing the work of the Good News and expanding His kingdom

Thursday, February 25 ● Revelation 21:6, 2 Timothy 4:7

• Us to leave the area with many blessings manifested among community members and that their hearts be filled with gratitude to God
• Safety and ease as we close the Clinic and pay local workers
• Smooth travel back to Addis Ababa, where the team and partners will take another COVID-19 test in preparation to return to the U.S.

Friday, February 26 ● Psalm 90:17, Psalm 37:23

• A refreshing and encouraging Shabbat dinner together, sharing testimonies and praises
• Safe travel home, a long journey that begins tonight
• A special outpouring of grace on the leaders of the Addis Ababa congregation with whom we partnered during this Outreach, along with wisdom and strategies from the Lord for future ministry in the Fiche area

Saturday, February 27 and beyond ● Psalm 74:12

• Grace and safety for team members completing final tasks in Ethiopia
• The work of the Lord to continue in Fiche, including establishing a congregation there
• Wisdom and grace for Jewish Voice Ministries regarding future ministry in Fiche, as well as for the rest of our 2021 Outreach plans

LORD, we look to You because we are entirely dependent upon You. We pray to You for this Outreach in Fiche, Ethiopia, knowing that prayer is Your design to bring about Your will on the Earth. And we trust You to work in and through us and also in the dear people of Fiche, beyond anything we could ask or think. We ask for salvations, healing and deliverance, and we pray this in Jesus’ name and for Your glory. AMEN!

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves in tender compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”
Colossians 3:12 (TLV)

Already we are in a new month of this new year. While we hold out hope for change, we still face many of the same challenges and ongoing tensions.

That’s why I want us to focus on what we can do to bring about change. Let’s live out our faith as God’s people, knowing we are deeply and dearly loved by our Creator. We can bring change by showing compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Just think what a different world this can be if we take these steps!

Let’s start with some very good news – another Muslim-majority nation has normalized relations with Israel. And Kosovo has taken a bold additional step – they have agreed to open their embassy in Jerusalem, recognizing the city as Israel’s capital! This is only the third nation to do so – joining the United States and Guatemala – and the first Islamic country.

Once again, Iran is in the news concerning their lack of compliance to the JCPOA nuclear deal, and according to the new U.S. Secretary of State, Iran could have the materials to build a nuclear weapon in a matter of months – or even weeks.

The Biden administration has also shared initial plans regarding Israel and Palestine.

As you read through these news stories, please continue to lift Israel and the Jewish people in prayer. Thank you.

Muslim-Majority Kosovo Formally Establishes Ties With Israel

With Meliza Haradinaj-Stublla, Kosovo’s foreign minister, in Pristina and Gabi Ashkenazi, Israel’s minister of foreign affairs, in Jerusalem, a joint declaration establishing ties between the two countries was signed via a Zoom ceremony.

Kosovo also plans to open an embassy in Jerusalem – recognizing the city as Israel’s capital, The Times of Israel reported.

“The establishment of relations between Israel and Kosovo is an important and moving historical step that reflects the many changes the region has experienced in recent months,” Ashkenazi said. “Today, Kosovo officially joins the circle of countries that aspire to peace and stability and recognize Israel, and Jerusalem as its capital.”

Haradinaj-Stublla said, “Recognition by Israel is one of the greatest achievements for Kosovo, coming at a key moment for us, thanks to the United States of America, our common and eternal ally,” she said.

The decision to establish ties between Muslim-majority Kosovo and Israel occurred last September at a summit of Kosovo-Serbia leaders at the White House with then-President Donald Trump.

Moroccan Delegation Expected to Visit Israel by End of February

As long as COVID-19 infection rates in Israel do not rise, a Moroccan delegation will visit Israel by the end of February and an Israeli one will visit the North African nation, according to The Jerusalem Post.

This was agreed upon during a conversation last week between Israel’s National Security Advisor Meir Ben-Shabbat and Morocco’s Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita.

Ben-Shabbat, who was born to Moroccan-Jewish immigrants, will lead the Israeli delegation.

The two officials agreed to create several work groups to discuss mutual cooperation concerning water, energy, investments and tourism. Because of the pandemic, the work groups will meet online for now.

Iran could produce enough material to build nuclear weapon in “a matter of weeks” says U.S. Secretary of State

According to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Iran is currently months away from being able to produce enough material to build a nuclear weapon. But, he said, that timeframe could be reduced to “a matter of weeks” if Tehran further violates restrictions it agreed to under a 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, reported The Times of Israel.

The Biden administration intends to return to the deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) if Iran resumes compliance, Blinken said in an interview with NBC News.

Iran rejected any new negotiations or changes to the participants in the nuclear deal on Sunday after France’s president said new talks should include Saudi Arabia, according to The Jerusalem Post.

The JCPOA is a nuclear deal completed by Iran and six major powers that committed Iran to restricting its nuclear program in return for sanctions relief from the U.S. and others.

Israel, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain want to discourage the Biden administration from returning to the Iran nuclear agreement in its original form, believing it is not stringent enough. The Biden administration has pledged to consult with Israel and its other Middle East allies before making decisions regarding Iran.

Biden Administration Announces Restoration of Relations With Palestinians

Last week, U.S. President Joe Biden’s administration announced it is restoring relations with the Palestinians and renewing aid to Palestinian refugees, the Associated Press reported.

But, unlike his predecessors, Biden prefers pushing incremental steps that both Israel and Palestine can take while also discouraging unilateral moves that would dissolve whatever confidence remains between the sides.

Acting U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Richard Mills said, “Under the new administration, the policy of the United States will be to support a mutually agreed two-state solution, one in which Israel lives in peace and security alongside a viable Palestinian state.”

But U.S. efforts to build trust with both parties are not just an end in itself. They still appear connected to the broader goal of a resolution to the conflict, no matter how far off it might be, The Times of Israel reported.

Mills stressed that “the U.S. will maintain its steadfast support for Israel” – opposing one-sided resolutions and other actions in international bodies that unfairly single out Israel and promoting Israel’s standing and participation at the U.N. and other international organizations.

The Biden administration supports the Abraham Accords and will urge other countries to establish ties with Israel, but Mills said it “is not a substitute for Israeli-Palestinian peace.”

“It is the hope of the United States that normalization can proceed in a way that unlocks new possibilities to advance a two-state solution,” Mills added.

Let Us Pray Together

Please pray with me for:

• More Muslim-majority countries like Kosovo to establish formal ties with Israel and continued progress with Islamic nations like Morocco that have signed the Abraham Accords
• President Biden and his administration to make wise decisions regarding Israel – especially in regard to the Palestinians and Iran
• Continue improvement in the number of coronavirus cases in Israel
• Continued success in rolling out coronavirus vaccines in Israel and around the world
• Jewish people to recognize Yeshua (Jesus) as their Messiah

I’m writing to ask for your help in reaching members of the “Lost Tribes of Israel” and other Jewish communities in Africa with something they desperately need: clean, safe water.

But first, let me share a powerful story from Exodus 15:22-27 about the miracle of clean water:

Right after crossing the Red Sea, the Israelites entered the Wilderness of Shur. But within three days, they were in desperate need of water.

Coming upon a spring called Marah (“bitter”), they found the water undrinkable. They grumbled to Moses, who wisely called out to God for help. God directed Moses to a tree and told him to throw it into the water. When he obeyed, the water was turned from bitter to sweet.

What a beautiful example of how God can miraculously provide for our needs. He made the water drinkable for the Israelites. And He’s still meeting needs in amazing ways today!

One of these ways is through YOU providing LifeStraws^®.

I’ve written about them before, but if they are new to you let me explain:

A LifeStraw is a remarkable, almost miraculous, water filtration device. Each Family LifeStraw costs $75 and provides enough clean drinking water for a family of five for three years! That means each $15 you give provides clean water for one person for three years.

This simple, portable, inexpensive filter removes 99.9% of the bacteria, parasites and pollutants from water. That means it takes out disease-causing contaminants, effectively turning “bitter,” undrinkable water into pure, safe, healthy water!

Do you see the connection to the story from Exodus? Bitter, undrinkable water can be made drinkable to meet the needs of thirsty people.

And that’s exactly what YOU can do right now with your gift to provide clean water with LifeStraws. You’ll make a life-changing – even life-saving – difference for Jewish people and their neighbors living in remote areas of Africa.

Along with LifeStraws, we are able to educate communities on the dangers of unclean water and the need for basic hygiene. And prayerfully, very soon we will be able to provide medical, dental and eye care for many in need through our new, smaller mobile clinics.

Most important, we pray with the people and share the Good News of our Messiah – who called Himself “Living Water” and wants to give them abundant life, now and forever.

You’ll be meeting a critical physical need AND sharing the love and hope of Jesus!

It really is a type of modern-day miracle and a symbol of the Living Water that only Jesus offers!

Right now, each $15 you give provides clean water for one person for three years.

Will you provide Family LifeStraws to as many Jewish people in desperate need of clean water as you can by sending a generous gift right now?

You can imagine the disciples’ confusion – their glances around the room and the unspoken question in their eyes.

“What is He doing?”

Jesus had taken off His outer garment and wrapped a towel around His waist. He filled a basin with water, knelt before His disciples – and began washing their feet.

How could this be? This was servants’ work. Yet here was their Rabbi, the Messiah of God, humbling Himself to serve them in one of the lowliest ways.

After He finished, He explained many things, as John 13–14 records:

• He came as an example
• He is the way, the truth and the life
• No one comes to the Father except through Him
• Whatever we ask in His name, He will do – for God’s glory
• If we love Him, we will keep His commandments
• Because He lives, we will live also
• He will send us the Helper
• The Helper will teach us and be with us forever
• Jesus gives us His extraordinary peace

Jesus spoke these things to His disciples in the Upper Room on the night before He died for us.

The Upper Room
is just one of the many inspiring sites
you’ll visit on the

Jewish Voice Ministries

Israel Tour 2021

October 10-20, 2021

SAVE! Register before March 1, 2021, and receive a $200 discount per person!

We are planning this exciting Israel tour in faith that COVID-19 will be a matter of little concern by tour time. However, in case it (or anything else beyond our control) causes travel restrictions that force us to cancel the trip, you will receive a full refund for any payments you’ve made toward it. If the tour is able to take place, but you choose to cancel your participation, our regular cancellation schedule listed in the brochure will apply.

“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.”
Deuteronomy 6:4-5 (NIV)

I’m sharing with you the powerful words of the Shema from Deuteronomy. These verses are a declaration of faith for the Jewish people and also for those of us who embrace Jesus as the Messiah. I pray that they encourage and strengthen you today!

This week, as you’ll read below, we’ve seen more progress and reasons to be hopeful concerning Israel and two Islamic countries that have signed the Abraham Accords.

There is also some good news on the coronavirus front in Israel regarding early data that shows the vaccine working to decrease hospitalizations.

And a news story to lead us to prayer – in one ultra-Orthodox city, protests against the current coronavirus restrictions have turned violent.

Thank you for your great compassion for Israel and the Jewish people. Your love and prayers are greatly treasured.

Israel’s Government Authorizes Normalization With Morocco

The normalization agreement with Morocco received a unanimous vote of approval by Israel’s cabinet on Sunday, The Jerusalem Post reported.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the agreement “a historic moment after four peace agreements with four Muslim and Arab states in four months.”

He also praised Morocco’s King Mohammed VI, adding, “Together we are advancing direct flights between the countries. It will happen soon – economic, trade, technological cooperation and the opening of missions in both countries.”

Israel and Morocco renewed relations last year within the framework of the Abraham Accords.

Israel’s Embassy Officially Opens in United Arab Emirates on Same Day UAE Approves Opening of Its Embassy in Tel Aviv

On Sunday, Israel officially opened its embassy in the UAE with the arrival of Ambassador Eitan Na’eh in Abu Dhabi. That same day, the UAE’s cabinet approved the opening of its embassy in Tel Aviv.

“The embassy will work to advance Israel’s interests and will be at the disposal of its citizens,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement, according to The Times of Israel.

The UAE, along with Bahrain, signed the Abraham Accords normalization agreement with Israel in September 2020.

Israel’s Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi praised the UAE decision to open its own embassy.

“This is an important decision that will advance the warm ties between countries and between nations,” he said. “We look forward to welcoming the UAE representatives soon.”

Israel Has a 60% Drop in Hospitalizations for People 60+ Three Weeks After First Vaccine Shot

Among the most vulnerable members of society, vaccines are averting serious cases of the coronavirus, according to an Israeli healthcare provider.

Full effects of Pfizer’s vaccine only kick in around a month after the first shot. But data from Israel shows there is a significant drop in infections even before this point.

Israel data is being closely monitored because the country has the fastest vaccination drive. Maccabi Healthcare Services reported earlier this month it had seen a 60% reduction in coronavirus infections three weeks after the first shot is given, according to The Times of Israel.

At that time, it wasn’t clear if the benefits were being felt equally by people likely to have a mild infection and those who would have more serious symptoms.

The decrease in hospital admissions is swift after vaccination, Maccabi suggests in its latest data. Findings show hospitalizations start to fall sharply from Day 18 after people receive the first shot. Galia Rahav, head of infectious diseases at Israel’s largest hospital, Sheba Medical Center, described the data as “very important.”

By Day 23, which is 2 days after the second shot, there is a 60% drop in hospitalizations among vaccinated people aged 60-plus, Maccabi shared after monitoring 50,777 patients. It compared their hospitalization rate at that point with their hospitalization rate soon after receiving the vaccine, using 7-day moving averages.

Rahav cautioned that some of the drop may be due to a tendency of newly vaccinated people to follow lockdown rules, which causes a drop in infection and hospitalization.

Government Approves Near-Complete Shutdown of Main Airport to Combat Coronavirus Variants

On Sunday, Israel’s cabinet ministers approved the near-complete shutdown of Ben Gurion Airport, located just east of Tel Aviv. The closure goes through the end of January when national lockdown measures are scheduled to be eased.

This step is being taken due to fears over fast-spreading or vaccine resistant coronavirus variants entering the country. As the cabinet meeting was held, the Health Ministry reported five more cases of the South African coronavirus variant were found among travelers from South Africa and Dubai. The ministry said 27 total cases of the strain have been detected in Israel, The Times of Israel reported.

A copy of the proposal the ministers approved said all foreign aircraft will be barred from entering Israeli skies or landing at Ben Gurion Airport. Exceptions will be made for cargo planes, emergency aircraft and planes that traverse Israeli airspace without landing.

The document also said departing flights would be limited to those traveling for medical treatment, essential work, legal proceedings, a funeral of a relative and traveling from one residence to another. It said the director of the Health Ministry can grant exceptions for humanitarian or “special personal” reasons.

“We are closing the country hermetically,” said Netanyahu. “Just in this week of closing the skies, we will vaccinate another million Israelis.”

New Clashes in Ultra-Orthodox City Turn Violent

Violent riots went late into the night on Sunday in Bnei Brak. Ongoing clashes have occurred as police try to enforce coronavirus regulations in this ultra-Orthodox city where there is intense opposition to such measures by radical elements in the community, The Jerusalem Post reported.

A bus driver was assaulted and chased off his bus. Later, it was set on fire, causing damage to nearby apartment buildings. Electric cables also caught fire and dozens if not hundreds of homes lost power.

Other vandalism included a traffic light knocked over and dumpsters pushed into the street and lit on fire. One video showed police officers being targeted with fireworks. Riot police responded by deploying stun grenades to disperse the rioters. The police vowed to continue enforcing the national lockdown.

These clashes occurred as lawmakers from the United Torah Judaism party and other Haredi officials held a meeting on the roof of the Bnei Brak city hall. They placed the blame for the violence on the police rather than the protesters.

Following the meeting, Bnei Brak Mayor Abraham Rubinstein and his deputy mayor were attacked by ultra-Orthodox rioters as they walked through a crowd of protesters in the city, according to The Times of Israel.

The two were pelted with eggs, rocks and other objects and were forced to flee, with reports saying security guards had to use pepper spray to distance the mob.

During the clashes in Bnei Brak, extremist ultra-Orthodox mobs attacked reporters and photographers for major networks Channel 13 and the Kan public broadcaster. They threw various objects at them, including rocks. Footage showed the journalists trying to flee the attacks, asking store owners for shelter.

Let Us Pray Together

Please pray with me for:

• Continued progress with countries that have signed the Abraham Accords and for more nations to seek peace with Israel
• The success of the coronavirus vaccine to continue in Israel and around the world
• Wisdom for all involved in the violent protests that have been taking place in Bnei Brak and for peaceful resolution to be sought
• Jewish people to recognize Yeshua (Jesus) as their Messiah