Week of March 18, 2025
Israeli Military Tries to Enlist Ultra-Orthodox Young Men
In 2024, a high court ruling said that ultra-Orthodox young men were no longer exempt from military service, even if they were studying in a yeshiva (Jewish religious school). Since June 2024, 10,000 draft orders were sent out to eligible ultra-Orthodox men. So far, only 177 have enlisted. Many in the ultra-Orthodox community feel that military service is incompatible with their way of life (specific times for praying, specific foods, etc.). Some fear they will become secularized and leave their religious lifestyle behind.
Israelis who do serve and feel they have carried the nation’s defense on their shoulders for decades, especially since October 7, 2023, have grown tired of these exemptions. Many Israelis think exemptions for the religious community make military service a one-sided burden. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have opened new units that accommodate religious soldiers’ needs and might build a new training and induction facility. Soon, the IDF will send 14,000 more draft notices to the ultra-Orthodox in the hopes of meeting their enlistment goals.
Please pray for the strengthening and morale of the IDF, who protect the land and people of Israel.
Israel Gives Humanitarian Aid to Druze Communities
Over the past few weeks, Israel has been showing signs of support for the minority Druze community in Syria. Israel is calling for Syria’s new leadership to protect the rights of Syrian minority groups, including the Druze. Israeli leaders are very skeptical of the new Syrian government, led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa. Many consider his Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group, once affiliated with Al Qaeda, to be jihadist.
Found throughout Israel, but mainly in the Israeli Golan Heights, Syria, and Lebanon, the Druze are an Arab group. Their faith originated in Islam, but they maintain distinct practices. In Israel, the Druze are very loyal citizens. Many serve in the IDF, and some have reached senior ranks. In a show of support, Israel has delivered 10,000 packages to the Druze communities in Syria, which include basic supplies like oil, flour, salt, sugar, etc.
Please pray for peace and stability along Israel’s border with Syria and for good relations with the Druze community.
Israel Nears Implementation of Iron Beam Laser Defense System
Israel is soon going to have the Iron Beam laser air-defense system in their multilayered defense protection. The laser system can stop short- and mid-range aerial threats like rockets, mortars, cruise missiles, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The system works like the Iron Dome missile defense system, but costs a fraction of the price. Where the Iron Dome missile interceptor costs between $40,000 and $50,000 per interceptor, some estimate the Iron Beam operational cost to be as low as $2 to $3.50 per laser shot. Last October, Israel agreed to a $500-million-dollar deal with Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Elbit Systems to expand production of this Iron Beam system. The IDF hopes to eventually install the Iron Beam on Israeli fighter jets, though that would take several more years.
Please pray for this and future strategic developments that keep the IDF and the nation of Israel safe from her enemies.
Chosen People Ministries—Israel Celebrates Purim
As Purim just finished, our staff in Israel want to share with you about the numerous ways they were able to present the message of salvation to many people last week! Our staff had not one or two but many Purim parties where children, youth, parents, grandparents, and everyone in
between came to celebrate. Our ministry held Purim celebrations in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and the North. Many of our staff and volunteers arrived dressed in funny costumes and ready to take some time to be silly with others. This past year has not been easy, and it is good to take a break
from the hardships, even for one night.
While our staff read the story of Esther, Mordecai, and Haman, they could not help but feel that the past was very present as they booed Haman, the villain of the story. The Lord was present when Esther fasted, prayed, and looked to Him to protect and defend her Jewish people. Mordecai helped guide and advise her for “such a time as this” (Esther 4:14). Even if the Lord’s name is not mentioned in the biblical story of Esther, we see Him guiding and protecting throughout the story. That is what we shared through the holiday festivities—through the hardships since October 7, 2023, the Lord is with us!
Many staff had encouraging conversations with attendees, so please pray for the words to sink deep and for more conversations to come. Passover is only a month away!
