Israel’s Population Grows since Last Rosh Hashanah
Jerusalem, Israel (Source: Unsplash/ישראל ויסוצקי)
Since the last Jewish New Year, Israel has welcomed more than 60,000 new immigrants, the highest number in 20 years. This milestone is mainly the result of Jewish people hoping to find safety and security after leaving Russia (26,000 people) and Ukraine (14,000 people). Nearly 9.6 million people live in Israel, of whom 7 million are Jewish (roughly 46 percent of the world’s Jewish population). There are around 15 million Jewish people worldwide with about 8 million living outside Israel. Experts estimate that by the end of 2048, 100 years after the founding of Israel, there should be more than 20 million Jewish people living in the land!
Please pray for the growth and stability of the Jewish people in Israel and other countries.
Wounded Ukrainian Soldiers Arrive in Israel
An Israel button pin and a Ukrainian flag (Source: Unsplash/Marek Studzinski)
Two severely wounded Ukrainian soldiers recently arrived in Israel for further treatment as a part of an Israeli-Ukrainian agreement. An additional eighteen will arrive soon. All these soldiers are amputees. While in Israel, they will be fitted for prosthetic limbs and go through rehabilitation. Back in the spring, Israel had established a field hospital in Ukraine for six weeks to treat civilians. Israel has also provided humanitarian aid and protective equipment including helmets and flak jackets but has not sent weapons or defense systems.
Ukraine’s President Zelensky has criticized Israel for not sending more advanced weaponry, specifically the Iron Dome anti-missile batteries. Israel is walking a tightrope, trying to keep warm ties with Moscow, as Russia controls the skies over Syria, Israel’s neighbor.
Please pray that these soldiers arriving in Israel will receive wonderful treatment and start their road to healing and recovery.
Read more at The Times of Israel. . .
Astronaut Shares Stunning Pictures of Israel from Space
A picture of Haifa taken from space by astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti (Source: Twitter/@AstroSamantha)
Italy’s Samantha Cristoforetti is the first European woman to command the International Space Station. She recently posted pictures of Israel on Twitter and greeted Israel with “Shalom” as the station passed over Israel.
Praise God for amazing technology that helps us learn more about the world!
Israel Observes the Day of Atonement
This week, Jewish people around the world will be observing Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement), the holiest day of the year. It is the day when people pray and fast for the forgiveness of sins and acceptance from God.
In Israel, all work, schools, and transportation are closed; there are no cars on the roads or airplanes departing and arriving. It is a quiet day of deep introspection. On this day, even people who are not religious consider their sins and connection with the Lord. As believers in Jesus, we can be thankful for the atonement we have from the death and resurrection of Jesus, the Sinless One.
Please pray with our workers in Israel for the salvation of the Jewish people worldwide.
