As we reflect on the challenges Israel faces today, the reality of rising violence and ongoing threats becomes painfully clear. Hamas continues to wage a campaign of terror, but Israel's resilience and faith stand as beacons of hope. From truck-ramming attacks to geopolitical shifts, Israel's story is one of perseverance and unwavering strength. In this edition, we explore the aftermath of a deadly attack near Tel Aviv, reflect on the lessons of Kristallnacht, and delve into how Israel is preparing for its future amidst growing threats.

Hamas’ Reign of Terror 

Hamas continues to spread violence and terror, with its recent actions highlighting the depths of its cruelty. On October 27, 2024, a truck-ramming attack outside the IDF’s Glilot base near Tel Aviv killed 72-year-old Bezalel Carmi and wounded 32 others, many of whom were elderly. 

Read more about how Israelis are navigating this difficult time.

Lessons from the Night of Broken Glass - 86 Years...

As we approach the 86th anniversary of Kristallnacht, the lessons from this dark chapter in Jewish history feel more relevant than ever. Kristallnacht, or the “Night of Broken Glass,” took place on November 9-10, 1938, when Nazi forces terrorized Jewish communities across Germany, destroying synagogues, homes, and businesses. It marked a brutal turning point in the Nazi campaign against Jews and is widely considered a prelude to the Holocaust.

In his compelling editorial, Phillip Gross reflects on today’s resurgence of antisemitism and how efforts to combat it, especially through Holocaust education, may not be enough. "Holocaust fatigue is inevitable, and there is only so long the sheer horror can meaningfully impact before the shock effect dissipates," he writes, highlighting the disconnect younger generations may feel from the atrocities of the past.

Survivors of the Holocaust, once hesitant to speak about their experiences, eventually became central to...

Hamas continues to spread violence and terror, with its recent actions highlighting the depths of its cruelty. On October 27, 2024, a truck-ramming attack outside the IDF’s Glilot base near Tel Aviv killed 72-year-old Bezalel Carmi and wounded 32 others, many of whom were elderly. The perpetrator, identified as Rami Nasrallah, an Arab Israeli driver, plowed into the bus stop, leaving chaos in his wake. While Hamas praised this horrific attack as a "heroic act," they refrained from claiming direct responsibility.

This attack, like so many others, demonstrates Hamas' clear and ongoing mission to incite terror, destroy lives, and kill innocent Jews. Their refusal to release more than four hostages, holding countless others captive, is a chilling reminder of the evil they perpetuate daily.

As Egypt proposed a two-day ceasefire and the release of hostages, Hamas’ response reflects the organization’s brutal agenda. Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi's proposal also...

Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”  As Christian Women for Israel, we are called to recognize the time we are in, understanding that every event—whether joyful or challenging—is part of His divine plan. 

In Ecclesiastes 3:2-8, the text continues, listing a series of life’s seasons: “A time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot...” These opposites show us that God has woven together the entire tapestry of human experience. He is present in both the highs and lows of life. This gives us hope in knowing that there is a time for healing and peace, just as there is a time for conflict and war.

When we pray through this passage, we can ask God for wisdom to discern the season we are in and the strength to fulfill His purpose for us during this time. Whether it’s a season of spiritual growth or a time to confront challenges head-on,...

As Christian Women for Israel, we find ourselves in a moment that calls for prayerful reflection on the state of America, the world, and our role within it. With yesterday's retaliatory strikes by Israel against Iran, the rise of antisemitism on college campuses in the U.S., and the ongoing conversation about the state of democracy in our country, the stakes have never been higher.

This isn’t just a matter of politics or military strategy. It’s a moment in history where we, as modern-day Esthers, must consider what time it is. Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” What time is it now, in the world, for those who stand with Israel? Is it a time to fight, to pray, to build, or to speak out?

Israel's retaliatory strikes against Iran serve as a stark reminder that the battle for Israel’s survival is not confined to its borders—it’s a spiritual battle that resonates with...

By Arlene Bridges Samuels

Candidates running for President, House, and Senate seats in the 2024 United States elections are saturating the country with ads and appearances on airwaves, social media, events, and conversations. Scores of texts and emails are overwhelming our mobile phones and computers, and our mailboxes are stuffed with duplicate fundraising letters for political donations.

In less than two weeks—on November 5—Americans will finish their early and final voting, which sets the stage for the next four years in our nation and the world.

However, a genuine problem is looming in the United States. An October headline shouted, “Apathy Among Christian Voters Could Be ‘Gamechanger’ in 2024 election.” The Barna Group’s research notes that out of 104 million people of faith, an estimated 32 million self-identified churchgoers who regularly attend church will not cast their ballots. As you will see, it is seriously time for us...

Israel faces immense challenges, but through faith and resilience, the nation stands strong. In this edition, we look at how October 7th has forever changed the Simhat Torah holiday's meaning, and we hear from an Israeli citizen living under the constant threat of rocket fire. We also explore the impact of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar’s failed gambit and its consequences for the Middle East, as well as the wider geopolitical tensions surrounding Israel. Join us as we reflect on these events and offer you practical ways to stand with Israel today.

Simhat Torah Forever Marked by the Tragedy of October 7 

Simhat Torah, traditionally a time of joy and celebration, has been deeply marred by the brutal massacre on October 7. This year, instead of gathering with pure joy, Israeli Jews reflect on how to balance the grief and sorrow of recent tragedies while still honoring their faith. Families who lost loved ones now face the bittersweet task of celebrating amidst their...

Romi Sussman, a mother of six, faced every parent’s worst nightmare during the October 2023 Hamas attacks. Her 17-year-old son and his friends had gone to Sderot for Simchat Torah, intending to uplift the community during the holiday. However, the day of joy quickly turned into one of terror. At 6:29 AM on October 7, the first sirens blared, and rockets began to fall.

Eighty boys, including Romi's son, were crammed into a bomb shelter built for just 15. With no food, no water, and no bathroom, they spent over 30 hours enduring relentless sirens and the terrifying sounds of gunfights outside. “There were constant sirens, rockets constantly falling, and the constant sound of gunfights outside,” Romi writes. Her son and his friends held their breath each time the soldiers protecting them exited the shelter to battle terrorists, praying they would return safely.

When he returned home after more than 30 hours out of contact, Romi’s son later recounted how he...

Yahya Sinwar, the Hamas leader responsible for launching the deadly attack on Israel in October 2023, believed he was setting the stage for a decisive battle that would reshape the Middle East and, in his mind, lead to the downfall of the Jewish state. However, his plan did not unfold as expected. Instead of breaking Israel, Sinwar's gambit has led to massive devastation for Gaza and Lebanon, the loss of thousands of lives, and the strengthening of Israel’s military resolve.

The attack led to the deaths of over 1,200 Israelis, but Israel’s military response has been swift and unrelenting. As the Wall Street Journal notes, “Instead of facing a concerted attack from its foes, Israel has managed to go after them sequentially,” targeting Hamas in Gaza and later Hezbollah in Lebanon. This has drastically weakened the Iranian-led “axis of resistance,” a coalition that Sinwar had hoped would unite to bring Israel to its knees.

One of the most significant...

Simhat Torah is traditionally one of the most joyous celebrations in the Jewish calendar, a time to rejoice over the completion and renewal of the Torah reading cycle. Families gather in synagogues, dancing with the Torah scrolls in their arms, expressing gratitude for God’s Word.

Yet this year, the spirit of Simhat Torah has been overshadowed by the horrifying massacre on October 7, 2023, when Hamas terrorists launched a horrific and brutal attack, killing over 1,200 Israelis and taking nearly 200 hostages.

Instead of celebrating with dancing and joy, Israeli families are now mourning their loved ones. As one Israeli shared, "This year, we cannot dance with the Torah like we used to. The joy is gone. How can we celebrate when so many of us are grieving?" The tragedy has transformed a day of celebration into one of sorrow and reflection.

As we think of the traditional blessings of Simhat Torah, “Blessed are You, O Lord our God, King of the Universe, who has given...