The Israeli Defense Forces regularly schedules “war games” or “war simulations” for strategy, logistics, and combat readiness; recently, one such preparedness simulation exercise took place. The Ministry of Aliyah, the agency that oversees Jewish people immigrating to Israel, carried out an emergency assessment for 45,000 Jewish people fleeing a collapsing country or a country wrecked by extreme antisemitism and riots. During this simulation, there would be 800 refugees arriving daily in Israel over a two-month period.
Every major government, non-profit, and national organization was present to brainstorm the process and system—even down to realistic disruptions—to receive and integrate the new immigrants. The refugees were divided into four stages: removal from their dangerous or collapsing country, arrival in Israel, short-term housing, and long-term integration.
As assessments were taking place, the goal was to establish inter-communications and systems to pinpoint where there were gaps on paper versus gaps in real life. For instance, what happens if someone arrives without identification papers? The Jewish Agency would spend time researching family details for the new arrivals. What happens when a child arrives without parents or guardians? Then, a system of social workers would need to be on hand at the airport. What happens if airport workers max out on their weekly hours? A list would be established of former airport workers who don’t need to be trained but could be ready to come help in the emergency. Finally, immediate rest locations could be found in schools, theatres, and hotel auditoriums with kibbutzim and moshavim ready to take people in for short-term housing with the goal of long-term solutions.
The different groups planned out and made concessions for unexpected details. Information, interagency cooperation, and data sharing will be key to success. Flexibility and situational assessment will be a priority. In the meantime, Israel is ready to take in Jewish communities worldwide in the event of catastrophic situations.
Please pray for Israel’s readiness to take in large numbers of Jewish people fleeing their countries because of political, economic, antisemitic, or dangerous situations.
In a major defense achievement, Israel has developed lasers that can successfully take down enemy drones, UAV (unmanned aerial vehicles), and small rockets for a fraction of the usual cost. The technology has long been in development but will now revolutionize defense and save countless lives. The Iron Beam (also called ‘Magen Or’ in Hebrew) uses the Iron Dome’s alerts and control systems. Split-second decisions are made by the computer command controls for whether to deploy the Iron Dome or Iron Beam depending on which target is approaching, at what speed, and the determination of an attached warhead. The Iron Dome costs $50,000 a missile, whereas the Iron Beam costs half a dollar to utilize. Both systems were conceptualized together, and initial research and development was given to the Iron Dome in 2007 with a large success rate. Only recently has the Iron Beam been given further research and development, which is the result of the establishment of attack drones and UAVs in warfare.
The Iron Beam uses ground-based high-power electric lasers up to a range of six miles. The system takes a number of weaker electric beams and combines them by using fiber optics to produce one large beam. For reference, the cheap laser beam used during conference presentations or to play with your cat uses one electric watt. The Iron Beam uses 100,000 electric watts. “Just as the Iron Dome once symbolized the shift from deterrence to active defense, so the Iron Beam symbolizes the shift from a world of ammunition to a world of energy,” says Rafael chairman Dr. Yuval Steinitz. “This is a deep conceptual change.”
The IDF is the first military in the world to operate laser weapons. It is safe to assume that in the near future, we will see lasers on satellites intercepting intercontinental missiles from space, or even airplane laser systems. Though the laser beams have not yet reached this maturity, the Iron Beam has already saved hundreds of lives during the wars with Hezbollah, Hamas, and Iran. The Iron Beam successfully took down 40 UAVs launched by Hezbollah through trained soldiers ensuring their safe destruction and the removal of the threat.
Please pray for the swift establishment of the Iron Beam defense systems for safeguarding civilians and protecting government assets from enemy attacks.
Recently during harsh rains, Israel’s southernmost city of Eilat experienced exceptionally large amounts of rain that caused the roads into the city to flood. The city’s only highway connecting to the rest of the country was closed, resulting in long lines of vehicles that got stuck on the highway in the desert. The Negev is a desert that barely sees rain; but when it does, the dry, parched ground has a hard time absorbing the rain, which causes sudden and dangerous floods. Water pools together, and a serious flash flood occurs very quickly, which is what prompted the recent road closures. The Ovda Airbase in the Negev also sustained some damage but will return to full operation and safety standards after assessments.
Please pray for Eilat and the Negev region after severe flash floods closed the only road into the city. Pray for safety, quick restoration of travel, and protection over the Ovda Airbase as repairs are made.
This year, Israel’s population surpassed 10 million; only about 35,000 believe in Jesus. Our hearts break for those who have not experienced salvation. As the apostle Paul said in Romans 10:1, “Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for [the people of Israel] is for their salvation.”
Looking back over 2025, we thank God for the many opportunities we had in 2025 to evangelize thousands of individual Israelis from so many backgrounds—and even see the fruit of salvation! We are doing everything we can to help them find God through Messiah Jesus. In a few days, we will light the Hanukkah candles as a symbol of God’s miraculous peace and light. Jesus is the light of the world, and He called us to shine His light to those around us.
Here are just a few stories—directly from our staff in Israel—of how we are shining God’s light in the Holy Land.
Light to the Young and Old
This month, we are planning various evangelistic holiday programs for all ages, from Holocaust survivors to families and youth. Between December 18 to 24, we will hold a family camp for believers’ and non-believers’ families. During this camp we will celebrate two great holidays—the Festival of Lights and Christmas—and focus on the Son of God, who is the true light and who came into this world to save us and set us free. My hope is for all our ministry to glorify Yeshua (Jesus) so that through our witness, many hearts will be opened to Him.
Light to the Street-Scarred
We continue to cook and serve in Tel Aviv for drug addicts and prostitutes. Every time we go, we share the good news of Jesus and encourage them to believe and be set free. There are centers they can go to, and we encourage them to take that step.
Light to the Curious
Recently, after a long day, I realized I had no groceries and decided to grab dinner at a local cafe. An American Jewish man, Evan (name changed) was seated next to me. He was visiting Israel for the first time in 20 years. We talked about Jewish life in New York, what is happening in Israel, and the New Testament. He said the New Testament is for Christians but “we have the Hebrew Scriptures.” I mentioned the New Testament was written by Jewish people. He admitted Jesus was Jewish. Then we went on to have a gospel conversation. He seemed open but not quite seeking. Interestingly, once Evan left, the waitress came over and said, “I heard something about Jesus and Jewish. I used to know a Jewish follower of Jesus and have been curious at times about Jesus. I’m super busy working. Can we exchange numbers and meet?” Of course, I said yes. We swapped contact information, and she and I are having coffee to discuss Jesus this week.
Light to the War-Weary
After my last tour of duty with two and a half months of army reserves, I’m finally back home, and my leg, which I sprained near the end, is slowly healing. During my time in the reserves, I had a meaningful conversation with one of the other soldiers that led to a deep talk about faith and values. It was one of those moments when you can sense God opening hearts. Now that I’m home again, I am back to leading worship gatherings, sharing the gospel through music, and helping believers here in Israel grow in their faith. My band, Bain Hakolot (Between the Voices) is organizing concerts and recording an EP reflecting our experiences and prayers during this war. We’re really excited about what’s ahead and how God might use it to encourage people and draw them closer to Him. I also just released a new song called “To Carry My Cross.” It’s in Hebrew, but there are English subtitles on the YouTube video. I hope it blesses you.
Light to the Studious
A fairly new believer came to our ladies’ Bible study. When I asked her how she had come to faith in Yeshua, she said it started years ago in high school with a formerly religious Bible teacher who was helping her prepare for the matriculation exam on the Tanakh (Hebrew Bible). Shockingly, this teacher suggested to his students that they read the New Testament and learn about Yeshua (Jesus), because He is amazing, although the teacher said He seemed too good to be true. Years later, she came across videos online and became convinced that Yeshua is the Jewish Messiah. She reached out online to find believers, and another ministry in Israel put her in contact with us so we could help get her connected and find a local congregation. She told us she is so grateful to have believers to fellowship with now! We are here to help her put down deep roots as she grows in her walk with Jesus as her personal Savior and Lord.
Light to the Hope-Hungry
You might remember how during these challenging times of war, we produced a Hebrew website called LaOmek (Going Deeper) where Israelis can explore ideas of hope, peace, and fear. They could read articles with interactive opportunities to respond. They could download the Psalms in modern Hebrew. They could read about the love and hope found in Jesus. Hundreds of people interacted with the website, which gave us many opportunities for follow-up. The longer the war dragged on, the more people were drawn to the Psalms for hope and comfort. Recently, we had an event at our Ramat Gan ministry center called “Psalms of Hope.” Because our president Dr. Mitch Glaser was in Israel—and he had a special message from Psalm 22—we invited everyone who had given us their email address from LaOmek. Our building was packed to capacity. The crowd was an eclectic mix of regulars, new people, believers, not-yet-believers, and brand-new followers of Jesus. There were believers in our community, friends who brought their seeking friends, and quite a few people who got the special invite from the LaOmek website. Dr. Glaser shared from Psalm 22, and talented musicians sang unique Middle Eastern songs directly from the Psalms. After the event, conversations about faith and God flowed for several hours. Everyone who came participated in long conversations, and small groups naturally formed to talk about the Scriptures and interact with our staff. People asked deep and honest questions. What an answer to prayer to see this happen before our eyes! Something is stirring.
You are a part of these stories—thank you!
Truly, you were present in each of these stories through your prayers and support for our ministry. Your love, prayers, and partnership enable us to keep going, and we are very grateful for you. During this season of light, may the joy of the Lord radiate from your home, your life, and your love for the Lord!
Pray for each of us and each of the people above. God knows them all by name. May His light and truth continue to illuminate to them and us how to know Jesus more deeply and love Him more fully. Pray also for some families and individuals to whom we minister which we cannot mention online, as the situations are too critical or sensitive to publish. God knows their names and needs also. May they be drawn closer to Him each day as well.
“The people who walk in darkness will see a great light; those who live in a dark land, the light will shine on them. . . . For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:2, 6).
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