Last month was a busy month for Israel, both inside and outside the country. Enjoy these news briefs and remember to pray for the peace of Israel and the Middle East!

Israeli Defense Forces Appoint New Chief of Staff

A new Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff was sworn in, ending the successful military career of Gabi Ashkenazi. Lieutenant General Benny Gantz became the IDF’s twentieth military commander, with a well-trained, ready and capable army. Many speculate that within a few years, Ashkenazi will enter Israeli politics and stands a good chance for success.

Please pray for wisdom and leadership for Commander Gantz.

Much-Needed Rain Continues to Fall

Praise God for the rain that has fallen recently! Despite some heavy rainstorms, there are still reminders everywhere to conserve water. The only time it rains in Israel is during late November through early March, and rain is crucial in refilling the reservoirs and the Sea of Galilee (the Kinneret), which supply 25% of all water used in Israel. Currently, the Kinneret is five meters below the "red line," which is a danger mark. If the level dips below the “black line,” the lowest point ever recorded, the result will be dangerous, irreversible salt water damage.

Pray for more rain, as the prophet Joel (2:21-27) asks, as a sign of blessing and favor from the Lord. Pray for the people of Israel to look to Him as their provider!

An Oasis of Calm in the Midst of Chaos

Revolutions and social uprisings have been sweeping through the countries to the north, south, east and west of Israel. Of course, the Israeli government is watching the action carefully as we wait to see how everything settles, especially two major issues: Egypt’s 30-year peace treaty with Israel and the possibility of terrorist groups taking over the crumbling governments of Egypt, Tunisia, Libya and others.

Please pray for safety for civilians, and for people to seek God’s peace in this time of strife and instability.

Gaza Tunnels to Egypt -- Site for Renewed Arms Smuggling?

Egypt shares a long border with Israel along the Sinai. This was once a hotspot of conflict because of the tunnels smuggling terrorists and weapons in and out of Gaza. With the current lack of Egyptian military personnel patrolling these tunnels, it might be easier for the smuggling to continue.

Please pray for peace, as the Middle East is changing drastically and Israel is the democracy caught in the middle.

Soldier Missing for Over 1,700 Days

Corporal Gilad Shalit, age 25, has now been held captive for over 1,700 days – more than four and a half years. Shalit was serving near Gaza when he was captured by Hamas, and has had limited contact with the outside world since then. Hamas is calling for the release of over 1,000 dangerous prisoners in exchange for this one soldier’s safe return. His parents have been protesting by living in tents outside Prime Minister Netanyahu’s home in Jerusalem for over six months. This abduction is a real strain and sore spot on the psyche of Israeli citizens.

Please pray for the health, safety and well-being of Gilad as he is held in enemy territory, and pray for his safe release to happen soon.

Israelis Missing After New Zealand Earthquake

The destructive magnitude 6.3 earthquake that hit Christchurch, New Zealand, has caused over 147 deaths; among them was a young Israeli backpacker on his two-month post-army journey. The Israeli government is sending much-needed supplies and equipment in the effort to rebuild. Most Israeli backpackers have contacted the Israeli embassy in New Zealand except for a few trekkers, who were said to have just left for a hike when the earthquake occurred.

Please pray for the Lord to comfort those in New Zealand and elsewhere who have lost friends, family members, and homes in the earthquake.

Long Range Rocket from Gaza Falls in Beersheva

A missile launched from Gaza landed in a residential area of Beersheva - the first missile to land in Beersheva since the Gaza War in 2009. A residential building was damaged, but there were no casualties. School was canceled for the following day and residents were advised to be attentive for any further attacks.

Please pray for the safety of the residents in towns located near Gaza, and for those living in Gaza who are held captive by a corrupt and hostile government.

Israeli Wins Oscar at the Academy Awards

The award for Best Documentary Short Film was given to an Israeli for her work about the refugee situation in Tel Aviv. The film,Strangers No More, focuses on a poor school in South Tel Aviv where children from 48 countries study together in Hebrew. Many families are living in Israel as political refugees or foreign workers; a number are illegal and face deportation. The film highlights the teacher’s hard work in helping the children in their struggles with cultural, economic and social hardships.

Please pray for these refugee children, whose families were often victims of oppression in their former countries.

Messianic Center in Tel Aviv

The Chosen People Ministries Tel Aviv Messianic Center is a centrally located three-story building that is easy to get to from anywhere in the city or country. The facility has a meeting hall for congregations to hold their services, seminars and classes. It also has a fully-equipped industrial kitchen, which is used for soup kitchen ministries, and a large storage room that functions as a distribution center for the needy. Once a week the Center hosts a coffee shop outreach with live music. Recently, staff members Neriyah and Anna A. hosted a get-together at the Center for a hundred elderly people in the neighborhood. It was a wonderful time, and Neriyah shared his testimony.

Please pray that the Lord continues to use this facility as a major center for ministry in Tel Aviv.

Falafel or McFalafel? That is the Question.

Falafel, a classic Israeli sandwich, is sold throughout country – in some places, there are 2-3 falafel stands per block! Falafel is a delicious mixture of chickpea and spices that is ground to a delicate texture, sculpted into balls and fried. These chickpea balls are typically placed in pita bread with some salad, tahini sauce, and sometimes French fries. Recently, McDonald’s has begun to make them! Talk about cross-cultural adaptation!