How You Can Pray for Israel as They Remember and Honor
Within just over a week’s time, Israel will observe three significant national holidays. Each one offers distinct opportunities to focus on key historical events that remain relevant today. They also provide us with the opportunity to pray. Here are the events and some ways to seek the Lord during each one.
Yom HaShoah / Holocaust Remembrance Day • April 13–14
On the 27th of Nisan, Israel observes its Holocaust Remembrance Day, marking the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising. There are many meaningful observations around the country, to remember not only the 6 million Jewish people who perished because of hate and antisemitism, but also to honor those who survived. Traditionally and most poignantly, at 10:00 a.m., a public siren sounds for two minutes. Everything halts. Drivers stop on highways, get out, and stand alongside their vehicles in silent honor until the siren ends. As I write this, real sirens go off in Israel almost daily, warning of incoming missiles from Iran or Hezbollah. We’re not sure if this longstanding memorial tradition can even take place this year. Pray for:
- Elderly Holocaust survivors who still live with deep grief and haunting memories. Pray also for the generations of their families that have been impacted
- The fresh grief of October 7 and the sense that it reopened a historical wound, along with the surge of global antisemitism. Pray for protection, and pray against fear
- All who are hurting and asking, “Why, God?” to come to know the salvation, deliverance, and comfort of the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob
Yom HaZikaron / Memorial Day • April 20–21
This day is a time to remember soldiers who have fallen in battle, ever since Israel’s independence. Again, sirens traditionally sound, and silent remembrance ensues. It’s also a time to remember the victims of terrorism. Pray for:
- The families of those who have died protecting Israel’s right to exist, families of those who have died at the hands of terrorists, and all those who have survived these types of tragic events
- The whole nation, as they remember. In Israel, nearly everyone knows someone who has been killed in one of these ways
- Protection for those currently serving in the military
Yom HaAtzmaut /Independence Day • April 21–22
A week after Holocaust Remembrance Day and immediately on the heels of Memorial Day, Israel celebrates its Independence Day. This truly is a joyous, nationwide celebration. Israelis come together with military displays, gatherings of family, friends, and neighbors around food, and community parties and festivals. Here are some ways to pray this year:
- Wisdom regarding which of the usual celebrations should take place and for protection over those that do. War has made even the most mundane activities difficult and uncertain
- Gratitude for all the ways the Lord has protected and watched over Israel and continues to
- The global community to recognize Israel’s right to exist and thrive as a democracy
Let’s Pray
Lord, may these observances reveal You as Israel’s protector and comforter. May the nation and its citizens put their hope in You and receive courage and confidence that You have a hope and a future for them, and for their nation. In Yeshua’s name, Amen.
