THIS WEEK’S GLOBAL UPDATE
A Note from Jonathan Bernis
Shalom, my friend!
As I write to you today, 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)
So often, we face painful circumstances that feel almost impossible to endure or overcome without a supernatural measure of strength. But in the midst of it all, according to the Scriptures, God promises His blessing of peace.
I pray over you now that God would give you strength and peace, no matter what you’re facing today.
And as Israel and the Jewish people continue to face the threats and rising unrest in parts of the Holy Land – and the ongoing war in Ukraine – I also ask that you join with me and everyone at Jewish Voice as we pray for God’s strength over His people and for His blessing of peace.
Please continue to pray for the work and ministry of Jewish Voice. And pray for God to open more doors to share the Good News of Yeshua (Jesus) with the Jewish people.
Thank you for standing with us through your partnership.
To the Jew first and also to the Nations,
Jonathan Bernis
President & CEO
Jewish Voice Ministries International
Headline News
Israel Giving Intel on Russia’s Iranian Drones to Ukraine
The Jerusalem Post reports that Israel has been providing Ukraine with "basic intelligence" on the Iranian drones used by Russia in its invasion.
According to The Jerusalem Post, a senior Israeli official told the New York Times about the intelligence sharing and that a private Israeli firm was also giving satellite imagery of Russian troop positions to Ukraine.
In addition to the unconfirmed intelligence aid, Israel has been providing Ukraine with non-combat aid.
This aid includes 25,000 meal rations, 1,500 helmets, 1,500 protective vests, hundreds of mine protection suits, 1,000 gas masks and dozens of hazmat filtration systems. Israel has also sent 2,000 helmets and 500 flak jackets for emergency and civilian use.
Israel has been reluctant to provide Ukraine with combat arms due to its concerns over how Russia could respond in Syria.
Jerusalem has been conducting an air campaign against Iranian military resources in Syria, and Russia has been conducting joint air patrols with Syrian forces. Analysts have expressed concerns about Russia's hardening of Syrian skies against Israeli incursions because of implicit support for Ukraine.[1]
Updates from the Middle East
Police Deploy 4 Reserve Companies Amid Growing Unrest in East Jerusalem
Israel’s Public Security Minister, Omer Barlev, ordered an immediate call-up of four police reserve companies late last week amid rising unrest in East Jerusalem. This followed a number of clashes in Palestinian neighborhoods throughout the city that occurred the previous night, where protesters hurled rocks and Molotov cocktails, launched fireworks and set tires and garbage dumpsters on fire in several neighborhoods – sparking some of the heaviest fighting seen there in over a year.
Palestinians Shoot Up Hotel Displaying Jewish Symbols in Bethlehem
Gunmen fired shots at a hotel in the West Bank city of Bethlehem for displaying Jewish symbols in one of its meeting halls. Palestinian social media users claimed that the Bethlehem Hotel was preparing to host a group of Jewish people for the Sukkot holiday, exhibiting the Jewish Star of David and a menorah, a symbol of the Jewish people and Judaism. They further accused the hotel and the West Bank’s governing Palestinian Authority (PA) of “promoting normalization” with Israel. No one was injured in the shooting.
Pray with Us This Week
Please pray with me for:
- God to continue to protect innocent lives from the fighting in Ukraine and to bring a peaceful end to the invasion by Russia
- God to bring peace and stability into eastern Jerusalem and the surrounding areas where violent riots have been erupting and to help prevent any escalating violence
- 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
