Israeli Diplomats Meet in Jerusalem

Over 100 Israeli diplomats gathered in Jerusalem to share stories from their work around the globe. In light of the world’s gradual turning against Israel, many diplomats have been working long hours to prepare explanations to foreign ministries and media outlets. The Israeli ambassadors from North America and Europe talked about becoming increasingly hated and unwanted, while ambassadors from Asia and Africa talked more optimistically about new opportunities. (Haaretz)

Please pray for the Israeli diplomats as they serve in as Israel’s representatives in other countries.

Israeli Population Rises 1.8%

Israel’s population currently stands at 7.8 million people, having risen 1.8% in the past year, a rate comparable to other years. Last year 166,800 new babies were born and 17,500 new immigrants arrived. Of the total population, 5.9 million are Jewish Israelis and 1.6 million are Arab citizens of Israel. (Haaretz)

Please pray for all the people of Israel – the new babies, the elderly, the Arabs, the Jews, and everyone else in the Land – to come to know Messiah!

A Change in Hamas?

Could it be that Hamas’ focus has changed? In 2008 and at the height of Operation Cast Lead, Hamas sent dozens of missiles into Israel’s civilian population centers. Today, missiles are still being launched, but not as many. Instead, Hamas and Fatah have been focused on mobilizing people in mass demonstrations for the establishment of a Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, with Jerusalem as its capital. (Haaretz)

Please pray for members of Hamas and Fatah to cease their violent attacks on Israel completely. Pray also for a peaceful and just solution to the issue of a Palestinian state.

Chosen People Ministries Worker Starts Bible Study While in Hospital

A few months ago, staff worker Neriyah A. was hospitalized with a very serious kidney complication. While recovering, he talked to doctors, nurses, and other patients about spiritual matters – and even started a daily Bible study which has continued after his release from the hospital!

Praise the Lord for the witnessing opportunities Neriyah had through his illness, and pray that the folks attending the Bible study will grow spiritually.

Israel Faces Water Shortage

The Sea of Galilee is still 70 centimeters below the danger line and 4.9 meters below its maximum capacity – this means that Israel is short about 2 billion cubic meters of water. Although November’s rain was more than adequate, forecasters expect this winter’s rainfall to be lower than average. Israel is planning to build an additional desalination plant, which would help meet its own water needs as well as enable the exportation of water to its neighbors. (Ynet)

Please pray for abundant rains to fall in Israel during the winter months.

Hit and Run Driver Fined in France

In September, a French citizen driving in Tel Aviv hit a 25-year-old woman and left her for dead. The penalty for a hit-and-run accident in Israel is 10 years in prison. He immediately drove to the airport and returned to France before he could be arrested by Israeli police. Recently, he was arrested in France for driving 156 km/h, but was freed after paying a fine. It is a challenging situation, as there are already diplomatic tensions between Israel and France over the Middle East process. (JPost)

Please pray that proper justice would be served, and for the Lord to comfort the family of the woman who was killed.