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...

Yehuda Bauer, one of the most prominent Holocaust scholars of our time, passed away on October 18, 2024, at the age of 98. Born in Prague in 1926, Bauer fled with his family just before the outbreak of World War II. He dedicated his life to the study of the Holocaust, becoming a professor and later an academic adviser at Yad Vashem, Israel’s World Holocaust Remembrance Center.

Yehuda Bauer, a pioneering Holocaust scholar and moral voice, dedicated his life to ensuring the world never forgets the atrocities of the Holocaust. His powerful reflections serve as a reminder that history must not only be remembered but acted upon. Bauer’s work has been vital in addressing the rise of modern-day antisemitism and teaching the world about the dangers of hatred and bigotry.

In today’s world, where antisemitism is once again on the rise, Bauer’s message is more relevant than ever. For Christian Women For Israel, Bauer’s teachings offer a clear call to stand...

Israel continues to stand as a beacon of resilience and hope, but the threats she faces are constant. Just as the Lord promised, Israel stands firm amidst adversity, and we, as modern-day Esthers, are called to support her. Today, we explore critical topics like Israel’s military preparedness, the challenge of maintaining connections to the U.S., the rising espionage risks, and reflections on the dangers of forgetting history.

House Intel Chair: A Real-Life Espionage Tale Unfolds
A real-life espionage case is shaking the U.S.-Israel alliance, with leaked documents exposing Israel’s military operations. House Intelligence Committee Chair Mike Turner warned that these leaks could constitute a serious act of espionage. The exposure of sensitive military strategies puts not only Israel but also U.S. national security at risk. With the FBI investigating the leak, the situation has far-reaching implications for intelligence sharing between the two nations.

For Christian...

The story of Esther can be seen as an ancient example of intelligence gathering, with striking parallels to modern espionage events in Israel today. As a Jewish queen in the Persian Empire, Esther was in a unique position to gather critical information that would save her people from destruction. She used her access to the royal court to uncover the plot of Haman, who sought to annihilate the Jews. Esther’s bravery, combined with her strategic use of intelligence, allowed her to expose this threat and ultimately save the Jewish people, making her story one of the earliest examples of using secret information to protect a nation.

Fast forward to today, espionage remains a critical part of Israel’s survival. Modern Israeli intelligence agencies such as Mossad and Shin Bet have been instrumental in defending the nation against numerous threats. Israel has a long history of covert operations and intelligence work, whether it’s gathering information about enemy...

In a powerful and strategic message, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant recently visited an Israeli Air Force base and gave insight into the nation’s military readiness. Gallant boldly declared that once Israel strikes Iran, the world will finally understand the depth and precision of the Israel Defense Forces' (IDF) training. As Israel continues to face escalating threats from Iran’s nuclear ambitions, these words signal that Israel is prepared for any challenge, ensuring its survival and security.

This declaration underscores the seriousness of the situation Israel is navigating. Gallant’s statement reflects Israel’s understanding that, when the moment arrives, the world will witness the full scope of its military preparedness. For Christian Women For Israel, Gallant’s message is a call for us to remain steadfast in prayer, standing in solidarity with Israel as it defends its right to exist. As modern-day Esthers, we are called to support...

As tensions rise in the region, several major airlines, including Delta and American Airlines, have suspended direct flights to Israel until March 2025. However, El Al, Israel’s national airline, continues to operate direct routes between Israel and the U.S., standing alone in maintaining this critical lifeline. This is more than just a business decision—it’s a matter of national importance, ensuring Israel remains connected to its global allies and enabling the flow of essential goods and people.

El Al’s resilience echoes the strength of Israel itself. With the tourism sector facing immense challenges, the continuation of direct flights helps support both Israel’s economy and its people. For Christian Women For Israel, El Al’s commitment reminds us of the vital importance of keeping Israel connected to the world, especially in times of uncertainty. We stand with Israel in prayer, ensuring that the doors to the Holy Land remain open to those who...

Standing for Israel in Troubled Times

Israel continues to stand as a beacon of resilience and hope, but the threats she faces are constant. Just as the Lord promised, Israel stands firm amidst adversity, and we, as modern-day Esthers, are called to support her. Today, we reflect on the tragic impact of online hate, the brutal reality of hostage situations, and explore how faith and wise investments can help protect Israel's future.

The Heartbreaking Story of Shirel Golan: From Trauma to Tragedy

Shirel Golan survived the unimaginable horror of the Nova Festival terror attack on October 7th, but the trauma she carried was only compounded by vicious online hate. Shirel, who endured the chaos and violence of that terrifying day, was tragically driven to take her own life after facing relentless harassment from online bullies. It’s hard to fathom how, after escaping physical danger, she became a victim of virtual cruelty that ultimately broke her spirit. Her story is a...