THIS WEEK'S GLOBAL UPDATE
A Note From Jonathan Bernis:
Shalom, my friend!
Thank you for your love and compassion for Israel and the Jewish people.
I’m so grateful that you are willing to stand with and bless God’s Chosen People through your ongoing prayers and financial support.
And I pray God’s richest blessing on you for your faithfulness, according to the Scriptures:
“I will bless those who bless [Israel]...”
— Genesis 12:3 (NIV)
Of course, the greatest blessing of all — and our only hope — is the Good News of Jesus.
So please continue to stand with us in prayer for God to open more doors to share His truth and His Word with His Chosen People.
Thank you for standing with us through your partnership.
To the Jew first and also to the Nations,
Jonathan Bernis
President & CEO
Jewish Voice
Headline News
Israel Judicial Overhaul: Protests Mount after Bill Passed
A group of Israeli doctors declared a strike and black ads covered the front pages of Israeli newspapers earlier this week in a backlash over the government's ratification of the first part of a judicial overhaul that critics say endangers democracy.
The bill, curbing Supreme Court review of some state decisions, passed in a stormy Knesset parliament on Monday after an opposition walkout. As the vote took place, protesters were out in their thousands, some scuffling with police.
Protest leaders said growing numbers of military reservists would no longer report for duty if the government continued with its plans. Former top brass have warned that Israel's war-readiness could be at risk.
However, opposition leader Yair Lapid asked protesting reservists to hold off, pending any Supreme Court ruling on appeals against the new law. Both a political watchdog group and the Israel Bar Association have filed challenges.
The crisis has opened a deep divide across Israel and hit the economy hard by triggering foreign investor flight, weakening the shekel and raising the potential for strikes across public sector unions.
Updates from the Middle East
New Sanctions Against Iran for Military Support to Russia and Syria
The European Union (EU) said last week that it had established a “new framework for restrictive measures” in view of Iran's military support of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine and of Syria's regime. This new framework prohibits the export from the European Union to Iran of components used in the construction and production of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), the EU said in a statement. According to The Jerusalem Post, the EU is also imposing restrictive measures against 18 individuals and 5 entities for human rights violations in Afghanistan, South Sudan, Central African Republic, Ukraine and Russia.
Islamic Jihad Members Attack Worshippers at Joseph's Tomb
Jewish worshippers were recently attacked at Joseph's Tomb in Nablus. According to an IDF statement, the IDF acted to protect the worshippers, and several of the gunmen were wounded in the exchange of fire. The IDF also reported that, in addition to shooting, the attackers threw explosives, burned tires and threw stones at Israeli security forces at Joseph's Tomb.
Jewish Cemetery Vandalized in Poland, Tombstones Defaced
Over a dozen 19th- and early 20th-century tombstones in the Jewish cemetery in the Polish city of Katowice were vandalized. Additionally, two headstones belonging to Jews who passed away after the Second World War were also damaged. Some of the defaced tombstones suffered irreversible harm. The culprits fled from the cemetery, which underwent restoration in the past two years, using a ladder found on the premises. A complaint has been filed with the local police, and security cameras captured the vandals' actions. Authorities hope to apprehend them soon.
Pray with us this week for:
- God to continue to protect innocent lives from the fighting in Ukraine and to bring a peaceful end to the invasion by Russia
- God to surround His Chosen People in Israel, who are constantly facing threats and violence from surrounding enemies
- God to give wisdom and insight to Israel’s leaders to make wise decisions and for there to be unity among the Jewish people in Israel
- Peace in the hearts and minds of the people of Israel and their enemies
- The Jewish people to recognize Yeshua (Jesus) as their Messiah
