This week’s report is a recap of the horror of Oct. 7, 2023, followed by the progression of hate and the clash of good vs evil that we are witnessing. Included here are words of encouragement and specific points of prayer and outreach action items. This week’s report is a call to action during a time of mourning, trauma, anger, and sadness.
From the new feeds of the carnage of Oct. 7 and to the images of the individuals stolen from this world, we see images of people who are no different than you and me. But they are now gone, missing, or severely injured. The entire community is traumatized, mourning, angry, depressed, and activated, simultaneously, which is also exhausting.
The growing, accepted collective hate of Israel is being manifested globally and bleeding into corners of the world including college campuses and city centers. This will strike fear and despair into any sane person.
What must we (Christians) do? Remember the lessons of the last century –its warnings as well as encouragements from sages such as Deitrich Bonhoeffer, and still-living Holocaust survivors.
We must meditate on God’s Word and promises, given thousands of years ago, but are very much alive and active today:
Ezekial 36:24: “‘For I will take you out of the nations; I will gather you from all the countries and bring you back into your own land.
Deuteronomy 31:6: Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Psalm 121:4: Indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
And how do we pray? What is our supplication?
The ICEJ prepared a specific and inspiring set of prayer notes identifying the prayers needed and the biblical verses to meditate on as you pray. Consider praying collectively by joining a global community of prayer every morning at 9 a.m. Eastern Time.
The Philos Project offers resources for tangible and practical ways to reach into the Jewish community in your area to be the hands and feet of God in the company to comfort ye my people.
Participate on your own or through the ICEJ or Philos to pray, reach out, and be active and engaged.
Have you reached out to your Jewish friends, neighbors, co-workers, or family members? Are you having trouble knowing what to say that can even be helpful?
Molly Tolsky pens this helpful article to share insights on what to say when you don’t know what to say:
Your Jewish Friends Are Not OK – Hey Alma
Think about asking…
How are you doing? (beyond the cliché “How are you?)
What does it feel like to be Jewish right now?
What do you want your friends to know?
…..And listen…… The answers will break your heart but also inspire you to not stand by silently. The answers will mean your heart will melt and make your prayers every more fervent.
Moving forward means standing together. The Jewish community is an inspiration in its resolve and resiliency—and its most recent unity. Let the Christian community come alongside in support, comfort, and defense. Let not the lessons of the last century be lost. Let us together choose life:
Deuteronomy 30:19: This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.
Shavua Tov.