Week of December 16, 2025

In the wake of the horrific tragedy in Sydney, Australia during the large Hanukkah gathering for the local Jewish community, Israel quickly sent political, practical, and community support to the shocked community and nation. Two men shot at the large crowd who was gathered to light the first Hanukkah candle, killing at least 15 people and injuring many.

Afterward, Israel immediately sent a team of skilled professionals from United Hatzalah medics.  The team is led by seasoned workers in psychological trauma and crisis response units; they will give assistance and support to the Jewish community and general public. The team has diverse experience in responding to terror attacks and massive disasters. In the past, United Hatzalah responded to tragedies and disasters such as the June 2021 Surfside apartment building collapse in Miami, the Tree of Life Synagogue mass murder in Pittsburgh in October 2018, and the earthquakes in Morocco and Turkey.

Please pray for this skilled team, and for the comfort and healing they will try to bring to the grieving community in Sydney. Please pray that Christians in Sydney will support and love their Jewish neighbors during this sensitive and tragic time. 

Videos from December 2023 are now emerging of six Israeli hostages celebrating Hanukkah in a deep tunnel in Rafah, which is in southern Gaza. They had been held by Hamas for two months until they were murdered by Hamas in August 2024 when Hamas detected IDF troops nearby. Evidence shows they were held together most of that time. The six hostages were Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Eden Yerushalmi, Ori Danino, Alex Lobanov, Almog Sarusi, and Carmel Gat.   Their bodies were brought back to Israel for a meaningful burial for their families and nation.

In the video, the footage shows the six lighting a Hanukkah candle, reciting blessings, singing Hanukkah songs, and providing comfort for each other. In an emotional comment, one is heard saying, “Hanukkah is emotional, isn’t it?”  The videos were found three months ago in Khan Younis, where a Hamas leader, Mohammad Sinwar, was found dead. The families received the videos six weeks ago and allowed its publication. The video reminds everyone that even through captivity, and eventually murder, the flame of the Jewish people can never be extinguished.

Please pray for the families of the fallen and the nation of Israel as it grapples with surrounding hate. Yet, the promises of God are alive and true! Israel will be a light to the nations in these dark times, and as believers, we have the promise of Jesus, who is the Light of the World!

Last week, Israel experienced unprecedented rains, winds, lightning, and thunder from Storm Bryon, which wreaked havoc in Greece and Cyprus before travelling across the Mediterranean to Israel. There was severe flooding in many Israeli cities; search and rescue teams helped rescue many stranded in cars, some stuck in their flooded homes, and others who were swept into rivers. Many cities advised their residents to remain at home and recommended them to avoid nonessential outings. Numerous transportation routes were flooded and caused serious delays, including the trains resulting from signal outages.

Please pray for the continued clean-up and health for those who were injured in the storm. 

As Hanukkah is celebrated around the world, our staff is hosting many Hanukkah parties throughout the country! It’s a wonderful time to remember that even in the darkness, we hold fast to hope and God’s faithfulness. As we gather many at family camps, children’s parties, special events for Holocaust survivors, and even around our holiday tables, we want to remember and share the message that Jesus is our light and salvation.

Each event brings much joy to people! The children and even adults love singing Hanukkah songs, spinning a dreidel (Hebrew: sevivon), and eating delicious donuts (sufganiyot) and latkes/fried potato pancakes (levivot). When news broke of the tragedy in Australia, it reinforced the need for togetherness, companionship, and hope in the Lord.

We pray the strong and sure message of salvation through Jesus can be shared with many.

 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.  The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.  John 1:5–6

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