THIS WEEK’S GLOBAL UPDATE
A Note from Jonathan Bernis
Shalom, my friend!
With crises erupting throughout the world, especially the war in Ukraine now approaching a full year of violence, we must continue to be vigilant in prayer.
Even though there’s every reason to be concerned, together we can stand on the knowledge that God is in control of every situation. I believe He will intervene and work everything according to His own purposes.
But He has called us to pray. Our prayerful actions are what you and I can control today, tomorrow and in the days and weeks ahead. We can – and must – be obedient in this.
Thank you for standing with us so faithfully. And for your love for God’s Chosen People.
Please continue to pray for the work and ministry we share at Jewish Voice. And pray for God to open more doors to share the Good News of Yeshua (Jesus) with the Jewish people.
To the Jew first and also to the Nations,
Jonathan Bernis
President & CEO
Jewish Voice Ministries International
Headline News
Russian Missile Destroys Ukrainian Synagogue
YnetNews reports that Huliaipole, a city in the Ukrainian region of Zaporizhzhia, experienced catastrophic damage in the historical part of the city – including the destruction of a local Synagogue – following Russian bombardment.
This marks the second time the Synagogue was bombed since the Russian invasion of Ukraine last February.
Moshe Asman, Ukraine's chief Rabbi, said:
“On behalf of the Jewish community of Ukraine, I strongly condemn the Russian bombardment of the Synagogue in the city of Huliaipole. It is common knowledge that holy sites are off-limits during an armed conflict. It’s an understanding the Russians chose to violate. I expect world leaders to condemn this act.”
Updates from the Middle East
IDF Strikes Hamas Weapons Sites in Gaza After Rocket Attacks
The IDF struck weapon production and storage facilities in Gaza late last week after rocket sirens sounded in Sderot, Ibim and at various points throughout the night. Israel’s Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant, confirmed the strikes, saying, “Any shooting at the State of Israel or any attempt to harm the lives of the residents of the south will be met with the strength of the IDF.” The escalating violence between Israel and the various Palestinian militant groups has continued despite appeals from the United States for calm from both sides.
Israel and Sudan to Cement Peace Deal
Israel’s Foreign Minister, Eli Cohen, secured Sudan’s agreement to sign a normalization deal with Israel in a historic one-day meeting with Sudanese President Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan. “Today’s visit to Sudan laid the foundations for a historic peace agreement with a strategic Arab and Muslim country,” Cohen said. The actual deal will be signed later this year when Sudan’s military, which has overseen the country since October 2021, hands over power to a civilian government.
Pray with Us This Week
Please pray with me for:
- God to continue to protect innocent lives from the fighting in Ukraine and to bring a peaceful end to the invasion by Russia
- God to surround His people in Israel, who are constantly facing threats and violence from surrounding enemies
- Peace in the hearts and minds of the people of Israel and their enemies
- The Jewish people to recognize Yeshua (Jesus) as their Messiah
