Israel has almost always gone without public transportation on the Sabbath as a result of religious Jewish people not working or traveling on the Sabbath. From Friday afternoon until Saturday night, buses, trains, and most stores and restaurants close. However, the majority of Israelis are secular and would prefer to have public transportation options, especially from the airport. On Saturdays, planes do land, but the only way to travel without a personal car is with an expensive taxi ride.
Now, a private and free bus initiative will begin operation from Ben Gurion airport to Tel Aviv. This affordable option will help many who live in the Tel Aviv area and do not practice the religious elements of Israeli life. Tel Aviv deputy mayor Meital Lehavi said, “This is not a political statement but a response to a basic, social, and equitable need, and we will continue to expand freedom of movement across the country for the benefit of all citizens of the state.”
Please pray that the new buses will provide those in need with affordable, safe, and quality transportation for all the different groups of people in Tel Aviv and Israel!
Global cyber attacks have increased over the last year by 168 percent. What were once occasional assaults have now become persistent attacks. This is especially the case in Israel, where attacks are almost a daily occurrence, making Israel the world’s most targeted country for cyberattacks according to Radware’s 2026 Global Cyber Threat Report. Israel accounted for 12.2 percent of all global cyberattacks. State and national cyberattacks have become a new war front for Israel in addition to physical attacks on Israel’s borders.
Please pray that Israel’s infrastructure, banking, medical, and defense systems would remain strong against cyberattacks.
Tensions continue to simmer in the Middle East, especially as the United States has fortified the region with its military forces. Israel has been prepared to join the fight amid increasing expectations that Iran would fire ballistic missiles at Israel following potential American attacks.
One result of tensions is found directly on Israel’s northern border. A proxy of Iran, Hezbollah has been entrenched in southern Lebanon for decades. After Israel decimated its soldiers and leadership command, Hezbollah has been taken over by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard. These officers recently arrived in Iran to rebuild Hezbollah’s military strength and train units of their missile launch teams. These officers and rocket launch teams are ready to strike Israel if the United States attacks Iran. There is also talk that the Houthis in Yemen will do the same.
Recently, Israeli airstrikes have been more common, with targets intended to degrade Hezbollah’s launch possibilities and command centers. Israel has also targeted weapons caches and storage centers. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said that if Iran persuaded Hezbollah to fight with them against Israel, the IDF would “significantly strike” Hezbollah and warned “that if it decides to intervene, this time the blow will be very painful.”
Please pray that the Iranian revolutionary guards and Hezbollah along Israel’s northern border do not rise up to attack Israel.
Israelis love to travel, and many head to Asia because it is vibrant, a foodie-haven, and safe for Israelis. Many Israelis can be found in Japan, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. In each of these countries, there are believing hosts who love to open their homes to Israeli travelers. They are part of our Host Israelis network. Once the Israelis come back to Israel, our staff in Israel loves to connect with them and hear about their travels, experiences, and conversations. What makes this connection even more amazing is when the hosts come to Israel and organize a reunion!
A reunion was recently held with some hosts from Taiwan. Our Tel Aviv Messianic Center was decorated for Lunar New Year, with hot dumplings and Taiwanese snacks, to welcome the Israeli guests. Many hugs, thank you’s, and memories were shared during the reunion. During the Israeli guests’ stay with their hosts in Taiwan, each home displayed a genuine love for Israel and the Jewish people. Each guest home prays for Israel and has a deep love for the Lord. The Christian hosts’ faith is a minority in Taiwan, and they are special people who want to share their life and faith in Jesus with their Israeli guests.
Please pray these connections between hosts and Israelis will lead to opportunities to share the gospel!
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