THIS WEEK’S GLOBAL UPDATE

A Note from Jonathan Bernis

Shalom, my friend!

As violence and terrorist activity continue to impact the Jewish people in Israel – and globally – it’s easy to feel fear and uncertainty.

But we have hope. 

We have hope that we’ll never be alone or be left to the mercy of our struggles and difficulties. And that we’ll never be without a shepherd – The Shepherd. 

“ADONAI is my Shepherd, I shall not want.” —Psalm 23:1 TLV

The Shepherd who is watching, waiting, leading and guiding. That’s the promise from the Scriptures for you today.

That’s why it’s to Him that we turn to now and ask for His protective presence to be upon all of us – and upon His Chosen People. Please join us in praying for peace and the safety of Israel and 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

Terrorist Neutralized in Suspected Terror Attack Near Mount Hebron

YNetNews reports that a terrorist wielding a knife was shot and neutralized late last week after he allegedly infiltrated an Israeli settlement in the southern Hebron Hills and attempted to stab people near a local synagogue.

No injuries were reported in the attempted attack.

Reports from eyewitnesses at the scene said that the person who shot the assailant was a member of the settlement's security team, who noticed the terrorist attempting to stab local residents while heading for the synagogue and opened fire to neutralize the suspect.

The IDF’s Home Front Command issued an alert to the settlement of suspected infiltration by terrorists after initial reports of the attack were received. "Enter your homes immediately, lock the doors and close the windows," the Home Front Command said in a statement to the residents and added that military forces were scanning the area.

While much remains unclear about the attack, Palestinians have reported a Palestinian “youth” was shot in front of a synagogue in the settlement south of Hebron.

Updates from the Middle East

IDF Downs Drone Crossing to Israel from Lebanon

The IDF downed a drone on Thursday that crossed from Lebanon into Israeli territory in the Upper Galilee. According to Israel’s military, "The drone was tracked by the IDF’s air control unit throughout the incident. The IDF will continue to operate to prevent any violation of Israel's sovereignty." The drone was a small, unarmed surveillance unit and was brought down via electronic warfare.

Over 170 Wildfires Break Out Across Israel Amid Heavy Heatwave

Israel's Fire and Rescue Services fought at least 176 separate forest fires across Israel last weekend amid a severe heatwave felt throughout the country. The Israeli police asked all people to avoid the areas of the fires while firefighters worked to bring the fires under control and locate all the travelers in the area.

Pray with Us This Week

Please pray for:

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

Konso, Ethiopia, Medical Outreach

• 10,426 Patients Received Care
• 878 People Received Dental Care
• 1,943 Eyeglasses Distributed
• 200 Families Received LifeStraw® Water Filters
• 1,023 Children Attended the Zehra Kids Program
• 2,379 People Heard the Gospel

You wouldn’t know it by the lush-looking terrain, but Konso, Ethiopia, has been in a severe drought for several years. People there were getting their drinking and cooking water from hand-dug wells, reaching 15–20 feet into the earth to scoop from a mere 5 inches of muddy water at the bottom. Bugs, visible to the naked eye, swam through the brown water collected in various containers.

But then, after our Outreach started, God's never ending love for the people of Konso became visible too.

It rained! Just like it did the last time we were there. God opened up the skies and let it rain long and hard. The people broke into dance, singing and praising the Lord for bringing both the rain and Jewish Voice to them to help meet their needs.

As you know, while we go to an area to reach a Jewish community with the Gospel, we eagerly serve thousands of their non-Jewish neighbors too. During this Outreach, team members had the privilege of sharing the Gospel with a Muslim family of eight. Each of them prayed, accepting Jesus as their Messiah, the only way to be reconciled to the one true God.

Truly, this is a marvelous thing. An Ethiopian pastor, who works with Muslims in a different region, joined us for the outreach. He was astounded that in one encounter, an entire family of eight people devoted to Islam turned away from it and came to faith in Jesus.

God is doing wonders in Ethiopia through the work you make possible with your support of Jewish Voice.

What a pivotal time for you to receive this email!

 So much is happening, with many events converging around this time. Here’s what’s going on.

• Tonight completes seven weeks of prayerfully Counting the Omer
• Next, we observe Shavuot Thursday evening, May 25, through Saturday evening, May 27
• Then comes Pentecost Sunday, May 28, which is also a Global Day of Prayer for Israel and the Jewish people, when over 100 million people are expected to pray! Please commit to praying and also let us know you are praying by signing up for a specific time on our calendar
• And, last but not least, this is a significant time for us at Jewish Voice Ministries International as we are finishing up our Outreach to Zambia

Here are some Prayer Points related to the above. Please join us in prayer during this convergence of events.

ZAMBIA OUTREACH

Pray with us for the ending of our Zambia Outreach and beyond. We appreciate your rear-guard prayers! Please pray for the following:

• The ability to see as many people as possible on the closing day of the Outreach, Thursday, May 25
• Protection while packing up the tents and equipment and paying local workers – pray for their salvation
• Safe travels home and the Lord to continue working in this region of Zambia, bringing a great movement of His Holy Spirit among these dear people
• Effective and timely follow-up to all who want to hear more about Yeshua (Jesus) as the Lord continues establishing His Kingdom and developing healthy congregations in the region

GLOBAL DAY OF PRAYER FOR ISRAEL • Pentecost Sunday, May 28

• Many — even now — to commit to pray on this day and for a global tidal wave of prayer and intercession that will come before the Throne of our great and merciful God, the God of Israel
• The Lord to respond to millions of prayers for His Land and people with millions of salvations, miracles, signs and wonders
• A sustained move of the Holy Spirit that reaches Jewish people to the ends of the Earth
• Here are 24 Prayer Points for the 24 hours of Global Day of Prayer for Israel and the Jewish People on Pentecost Sunday, May 28th

SHAVUOT and PENTECOST: Aligning with God’s Timetable

• As we commemorate the giving of the Law, we pray for the Lord to bring a renewed reverence and love for His Word and His will
• As we commemorate the giving of the Holy Spirit, we pray for the Lord to move in the Earth, creating a deep longing for Him so that millions will seek Him and find Him

Let's Pray

Lord, during this season of convergence, will You meet with us? Show us all that You are doing, and help us hear what You are saying. We pray for an immense harvest of souls in Israel, in Zambia, and across the globe. Build up Your body. Call Watchmen to pray for Israel, and save Jewish people and their neighbors. You alone are able. In Jesus’ name, we ask. Amen.

THIS WEEK’S GLOBAL UPDATE

A Note from Jonathan Bernis

Shalom, my friend!

Thank you for your love and compassion for the Jewish people – in Israel and around the world.

I’m so grateful that you are willing to stand with God’s Chosen People and their neighbors through your ongoing prayers and financial support.

And I pray you’ll experience a special outpouring of God’s blessing on you for your faithfulness to His people. Just as the Scriptures promise, “I will bless those who bless [Israel]” (Genesis 12:3).

Please join us in praying for God’s strength, protection, love and blessing to be upon His people, wherever they are around the world. And that He draws them to Himself through the Good News of Yeshua (Jesus), the Messiah.

Thank you for your partnership in this work of ministry.

To the Jew first and also to the Nations,

Jonathan Bernis

President & CEO

Jewish Voice Ministries International

Headline News

Israel Kills Another Top Islamic Jihad Commander in Gaza City Airstrike

The Times of Israel reports that a recent Israeli airstrike in the Gaza Strip killed a senior Palestinian Islamic Jihad member, Iyad al-Hassani, head of the terror group’s operations department. This is the sixth in the latest round of hostilities.

The strike in the Gaza City neighborhood of Nasser that killed al-Hassani, along with another man the military said was his assistant, dealt yet another blow to the terror group.

In a joint statement, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Shin Bet security agency said al-Hassani was a top official in the group’s military council who had replaced the head of Islamic Jihad in northern Gaza, Khalil Bahtini, who was killed in an Israeli strike previously.

“He was involved in all the decisions concerning the rocket fire and rocket barrages carried out by the group toward Israel,” the IDF said.

The IDF further said that the air defense systems – Iron Dome and the medium-range David’s Sling – intercepted 296 of the rockets, marking a 91% interception rate of projectiles heading for populated areas in this recent barrage of attacks. Several rockets have landed within towns, killing one and injuring several others, as well as causing extensive damage.

The rest landed in open areas without causing damage, according to the IDF. Most rockets targeted towns in southern Israel, but some reached as far north as Tel Aviv.

The military also said it had carried out strikes against 254 targets belonging to Islamic Jihad.

Israeli officials have insisted that they are keeping the fight limited to Islamic Jihad and not the larger and better-armed Hamas terror group, which rules the Strip, hoping to avoid widening the conflict.

Following 5 days of exchanged fire, during which, over 1,000 rockets were launched into Israel, a ceasefire was declared on Saturday, May 13th.

Updates from the Middle East

Abbas Compared Israel to Nazism, Demanded UN Ban Israel During First-Ever “Nakba Day”

Palestinian Authority President, Mahmoud Abbas, addressed the UN assembly during its first-ever commemoration of “Nakba” or “Catastrophe” Day, the Palestinian term for Israel’s Independence Day. The state of Israel harshly opposed the event, calling it a “distortion of history,” and said it had convinced many other countries to also boycott the commemoration. This year marks Israel’s 75th anniversary of becoming a free state.

Michigan Rep. Rashida Tlaib’s Tweet Calling Israel “Apartheid State” Gets Torn Apart by Instant Fact Check

Michigan Rep. Rashida Tlaib tweeted early last week that “Speaker McCarthy wants to rewrite history, but the apartheid state of Israel was born out of violence and the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians. 75 years later, the Nakba continues to this day.” This tweet was in response to House Speaker Kevin McCarthy's post noting the “special relationship” between Israel and the U.S. Tlaib’s tweet was the subject of an instant fact check by Twitter. The fact check first points out that Israel was created by United Nations General Assembly Resolution 181, linking to the document at the U.N.'s official website. The fact check then points out that the “ethnic cleansing” Tlaib claimed happened “affected both Jewish and Arab communities caught up in the war initiated by 5 Arab states who opposed the existence of Israel.” The last note pointed out that Israel has over 20% Arab citizens who have “full and equal rights,” linking to a Democracy Institute study that found the country’s Arab residents had declining rates of infant mortality and rising life expectancies.

Anti-Semitic Incidents, Hate Crimes on the Rise in California

According to a report recently released by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), more than 500 anti-Semitic acts targeting Jewish people, including assault, vandalism and harassment, were committed in California last year. That’s an increase of more than 40% from 2021, underscoring a proliferation of hate crimes and extremism in the state. The report on California comes after the ADL released another report, in collaboration with Tel Aviv University’s Center for the Study of Contemporary European Jewry, that shows anti-Semitic incidents are at a new high worldwide, with the upward trend intensifying in the U.S.

Pray with Us This Week

Please pray for:

• God to continue to protect innocent lives from the fighting in Ukraine and to bring a peaceful end to the invasion by Russia
• God to surround His people in Israel, who are constantly facing threats and violence from surrounding enemies
• God to give wisdom and insight to Israel’s leaders to make wise decisions and for there to be unity among the Jewish people in Israel
• Peace in the hearts and minds of the people of Israel and their enemies
• The Jewish people to recognize Yeshua as their Messiah
• God to soften the hearts of those who would deem Israel’s existence a “Catastrophe”

Pray with us for our second Medical Outreach to Zambia

We are so excited to return to Zambia for our second Outreach! This time we will be taking our largest group of Outreach volunteers since before COVID-19.

We were in Zambia’s Mumbwa region last October, our first Outreach in a new country in 10 years. We saw a high percentage of Lemba Jewish people coming through the Clinic and prayer room, and we came home with many praise reports. That was just seven months ago, and since then, three new Messianic Jewish congregations have formed!  

We look forward to ministering with and among these wonderful people again. We don’t want to take those recent blessings for granted, so we ask for your full prayer support once again. Here’s how you can help:

• Pray through the detailed day-by-day Prayer Points below
• You can also commit to a specific time slot to pray for us from home during the Outreach. SIGN UP on our Prayer Schedule, referring to the dates below.

Please pray for our Zambia Medical Outreach:

Wednesday, May 10–Wednesday, May 17| Isaiah 40:3

• All preparations such as visas, medical supplies, team unity and community relationships to come together and be fully in place in good time
• The Medical Clinic site to be ready for thousands to receive care from the Lord
• Growing relationships between Zambian and Zimbabwean leaders and congregations who are partnering with us for this Outreach

Thursday, May 18| 3 John 1:2

• Protection, health, safety and favor as our team and partners prepare and travel
• All luggage to arrive in good condition and on time with our partners
• Spiritual preparation for each partner, medical and staff team members, enabling them to bring the light of the Gospel and stand strong in the full armor God provides

Friday, May 19 | Philippians 2:2

• Unity among partners and staff members as they begin to bond in preparation for ministering together
• A restful evening and Shabbat dinner following the rigors of travel along with good sleep Friday night and throughout the week
• The Lord to give our team wisdom, favor, discernment and protection regarding any unique factors, conditions or timeframe in this location

Saturday, May 20 | 2 Corinthians 10:3–5

• A good time of encouragement and fellowship at Shabbat service with the local Messianic congregation Saturday morning
• Orientations – for the Clinic and the Spiritual Care Ministry – to effectively equip everyone for ministry of all kinds
• God to prepare the spiritual atmosphere and hearts of the people for this week of ministry
• Spiritual forces of darkness to flee, making way for the King of Glory to come with salvation, healing and deliverance

Sunday, May 21 | John 6:37

• Protection during travels to the Clinic location Sunday morning, including a timely arrival
• Smooth set up at the Clinic for all elements of medical, dental and spiritual care departments, as well as for the Zehra Children’s Program
• The Lord to bring many people for care and prayer when the Clinic opens early Sunday afternoon

Monday, May 22 | Psalm 77:14

• Favor with the local authorities and community and that any “opposers” in the area become Believers in the one true God!
• The Lord to move powerfully through the Gospel and the ministry of the Holy Spirit through miracles, signs and wonders
• Daily morning prayer times to energize and focus the team, building faith and expectancy and cleansing the spiritual atmosphere for the activity of the Holy Spirit

Tuesday, May 23 | Colossians 3:23

• The Spiritual Care tent to be a place where the presence of the Lord is experienced and many are saved, healed or delivered
• Special grace and anointing on the Zehra Kid’s Program with many, many children learning about salvation and Jewish identity in Yeshua (Jesus), the Messiah
• The Living Waters team, who will be going out into the community several times to distribute LifeStraws® and bring the Good News of Living Water in Jesus

Wednesday, May 24 | Daniel 11:32b

• Effective medical and dental care and healing, including supernaturally as a testimony of God’s power and love
• Special ministry opportunities and divine appointments from the Lord that will bear lasting fruit for the Kingdom
• Spiritual strength and stamina for the team, renewed by intimacy with the Lord, fellowship with one another, and the joy of seeing God work firsthand

Thursday, May 25 | Luke 4:18

• The ability to treat as many patients as possible on this last day of the Outreach and supernatural healing for those we are not able to see
• Shalom as we say goodbye to local workers. May many of them come to know Yeshua
• Safety and efficiency in packing up the Clinic after the last patient is seen

Friday, May 26 | Matthew 25:23

• Many testimonies of the goodness of the Lord during the Outreach, shared during tonight’s Shabbat dinner
• Each participant to know the pleasure of the Lord, hearing Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant”
• Safe travels home and a special outpouring of refreshment for our Global Outreach Director, who has been in the field many weeks already this year 

Saturday, May 28 and Beyond | 2 Peter 3:18

• The week’s ministry to leave a lasting and eternal impact in the community through salvations, love, and provision
• The Lord to continue working in this region of Zambia, bringing a great movement of His Holy Spirit among these dear people! 
• Effective and timely follow-up to all who want to hear more about Yeshua
•  The Lord to continue establishing His Kingdom in this and developing healthy congregations in this region of Zambia, including the three planted after our last Outreach

Let’s Pray

Lord, as familiar as it is for us to reach out to the Lemba people, Zambia is a different nation from Zimbabwe, full of new opportunities and challenges. Thank You for all the ways You helped us navigate them last fall. May this second Outreach be another example of Your desire to reach Your people with the Good News of Yeshua and bring healing and hope to the community, families and individuals You will send to us for Your care. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.

THIS WEEK’S GLOBAL UPDATE

A Note from Jonathan Bernis

Shalom, my friend!

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you for your partnership in this work of ministry.

To the Jew first and also to the Nations,

Jonathan Bernis

President & CEO

Jewish Voice Ministries International

Headline News

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Update from the Middle East

One Injured in West Bank Shooting Attack

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

Pray with Us This Week

Please pray for:

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

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

THREE WEEKS OF INTENSIFIED PRAYER FOR ISRAEL

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

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

TWO MAIN PRAYERS

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

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

THIS WEEK’S GLOBAL UPDATE

A Note from Jonathan Bernis

Shalom, my friend. 

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

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

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

– Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

This promise feels more needed now than ever. 

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

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

Thank you for your partnership in this work of ministry.

To the Jew first and also to the Nations,

Jonathan Bernis

President & CEO

Jewish Voice Ministries International

Headline News

Iran Exploits Quake Relief Mission to Fly Weapons to Syria

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

These relief efforts continued for seven weeks.

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

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

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

Updates from the Middle East

“Death to the Jews” Chants Heard at Berlin Rally

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

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

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

Pray with Us This Week

Please pray for:

• God to continue to protect innocent lives from the fighting in Ukraine and to bring a peaceful end to the invasion by Russia
• God to surround His people in Israel, who are constantly facing threats and violence from surrounding enemies
• Peace in the hearts and minds of the people of Israel and their enemies
• The Jewish people to recognize Yeshua as their Messiah