One Year After October 7: Support Israel Through Prayer, Action, and Faith | Christian Women for Israel

One Year After October 7: Standing with Israel in Prayer and Action

As we mark the one-year anniversary of the October 7, 2023, terror attack, the pain still lingers. Over 1,200 lives were brutally taken, and more than 100 hostages remain in captivity. Israel, a nation built on resilience, continues to fight for its survival, surrounded by enemies who seek her destruction. How do we, as Christians, respond to this crisis? How do we stand in these times of peril, and what does it mean to truly support God’s people?

President Isaac Herzog recently reminded us of the ongoing grief: “Our wounds still cannot fully heal because they are ongoing.” With families torn apart by violence, and the fear of rockets still very real for many, this is a moment for deep reflection and urgent action. Can we afford to remain silent in the face of such relentless hostility?

A Battle on Multiple Fronts: The Physical and the Spiritual

In the midst of this ongoing conflict, the United Nations recently passed a resolution calling for Israel’s withdrawal from critical territories such as Jerusalem and Judea. 

At the same time, violence has escalated with Hezbollah in the north, firing thousands of rockets at Israel in recent weeks. The nation remains under siege. 

While the political battle and war rage on, there is a much deeper spiritual battle at play. Ephesians 6:12 speaks directly to this struggle: "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." How can we, as followers of Christ, not recognize the spiritual weight of this moment?

In these moments of grief, we are reminded of the deep spiritual connection we share with the people of Israel. As Psalm 121:4 tells us, "Indeed, He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep." Even in times of anguish and conflict, God remains ever watchful over His chosen people. We are called to stand as watchmen on the walls—lifting up our prayers and acting in faith, knowing that God is faithful to His promises.

This is more than a time of war; it is a time of spiritual warfare, where the forces of darkness seek to destroy the covenant people of God and the land He set apart. But we, as Christians, are grafted into this divine story. Romans 11:17 reminds us that we are part of the same root, the same promises. When Israel is under attack, it is not just a political crisis—it is a direct assault on the promises of God. And when we stand with Israel, we are not just standing with a nation; we are standing for God’s redemptive plan, knowing that His purposes for Israel remain steadfast.

In this spiritual battle, our weapons are not of this world—they are prayers, faith, and action. Let us for such a time as this, knowing that the God of Israel is our stronghold, and that He calls us to stand firm with His people, trusting that the victory is already His.

Esther 414: A Call to Stand for ‘Such a Time as This’

Just as Esther was called to stand for her people when all seemed lost, we too are called to act. Esther 4:14 says, “And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” Christian Women for Israel calls on modern-day Esthers to rise and defend Israel. We can no longer sit on the sidelines while Israel faces threats from every direction.

Whether through prayer, advocacy, or contributing to life-saving efforts like our campaign to place bomb shelters across Israel, we must act. These shelters are not just structures—they are places of refuge for families who face the constant threat of violence. Christian Women for Israel is working to expand this lifesaving effort by placing more bomb shelters in desperately needed neighborhoods, but we need your help.

Sisters in Need: Caring for Our Own

As we look to support Israel, we must also turn our attention to our sisters here at home. The devastation caused by Hurricane Helene has left many women in need of immediate assistance. Christian Women for Israel has launched our Sisters in Need grants to help those affected. In moments like these, can we remain indifferent? We are called to care for our sisters, to provide relief in times of disaster, and to stand together in faith and support.

Our calling extends beyond geographical borders—whether through helping those impacted by natural disasters or standing with Israel during times of war, we are united in a shared mission to be God’s hands and feet.

We will not forget the heartbreak of October 7!

As we pause to remember that day, let us honor the lives lost and stand with Israel in their continued fight for survival. This is a time for reflection, prayer, and unity with those still mourning and those still defending their homeland.

For those seeking more ways to act, we invite you to participate in the 12-hour virtual event hosted by Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF). This livestream will honor the brave men and women of the IDF who protect Israel each day. 

You can tune in at any time, on any platform:

• FIDF Website: Visit www.fidf.org, and you will find the livestream directly on the homepage.
• YouTube: Go to FIDF's YouTube channel, tap “Live” on the menu bar, and join the stream.

And if you are near Washington, D.C., consider attending the Philos Project rally, where Christians will come together to remember the victims and advocate for the return of the hostages.

Wearing the yellow-ribbon lapel pin is one way you can show your support for Israel. By wearing this symbol, you stand with God's people and affirm your belief in His promises for Israel. Share this message of hope and strength with a friend or family member as we unite in support.  

A Time to Pray and Protect

Psalm 143:11 offers us a final word of prayer: “For Your name’s sake, Lord, preserve my life; in Your righteousness, bring me out of trouble.” As we mark this painful anniversary, let us remember that our prayers are powerful, but our actions are also needed. Let us pray for Israel’s peace, for the safety of the hostages, and for the protection of God’s people. Let us also act—through Esther 414, through supporting bomb shelters, and through helping those in need.

Through Christian Women for Israel and Esther 414, we are called to stand for Israel’s future—for such a time as this.