ICEJ Urgent Appeal to the Church on Behalf of Israel

By: ICEJ President Dr. Juergen Buehler

With the current crisis in Israel, the church has arrived at a crossroads when it is not enough anymore to just say, “We stand with Israel” or “We love Israel.” Real action is needed! 

Israel is at war! As I write this, Israel has lost more than 1,200 people, most of them civilians. Over 3,000 rockets have come down in Israel so far. The border fence at Gaza was breached multiple times, and over 20 communities in the south came under fire—some even under the control of Hamas terrorists. 

In some communities the battle raged for three days until the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) regained control. Hamas massacred entire communities and abducted over 230 people as hostages to Gaza, raping and torturing the captives. Most of these were women, children, and elderly people, but several IDF soldiers were also taken. Sadly, scores of infants were murdered and even decapitated.  

Israel’s President Herzog said, “This was the worst day in Jewish history since the Holocaust. It reminds us of the events of (the) Yom Kippur War in 1973, especially as this attack happened on the day of the 50th anniversary of Yom Kippur War.” 

Israel quickly mobilized all its reservists and placed them on the skirts of Gaza, as well as on the northern border with Lebanon as the situation with Hezbollah has started to escalate. Most of the young men and women between 18 and 40 in congregations across Israel have been called up for army duty, including two of my own sons. Currently, well above 500 messianic believers are serving in the IDF, including in frontline commando units. 

As I write this, many lives have already been lost on the battlefield, with the names of fallen soldiers published daily in the news. As of late October, five were believing soldiers.  

This attack is without a doubt rooted in the demonic realm as a manifestation of the spirit of Amalek (see Exodus 17:8ff; Deuteronomy 25:17; 1 Samuel 30:3; Esther 3:1, 8). Now is the time for the church to ascend to our spiritual vantage point and join in battle, just as Moses prayed while Joshua was fighting Amalek on the ground! This is even the time to call for an Esther fast to approach the throne of God on behalf of His beloved people. 

It’s Time to Stand with Israel 

Brothers and sisters, it is imperative for the global body of Christ to stand with Israel and its people. Our professions of love and support alone will not do it anymore! It is the time for action! Here are three ways you can support Israel today: 

1. Prayer 

Join our daily Global Prayer Gatherings at 9:00 a.m. (ET). You will join a worldwide army of Christian leaders and intercessors and receive daily updates on the critical situation on the ground here in Israel. The sessions have translations in different languages. If you need the meeting translated into your own language, we can facilitate that. Also consider holding special prayer meetings in your churches, communities, networks, etc. 

2. Support 

Dedicate your next Sunday offering to Israel and mobilize your network. If you are a denominational leader, pastor, or ministry leader, now is the time to act. Time is essential! 

We ask for your assistance to help us meet the following urgent needs: 

• Assist in the evacuation of entire communities around the Gaza Strip. 
• Establish temporary refugee centers around Jerusalem to care for evacuees. 
• Provide food, clothing, and other supplies to those who lost their homes and were forced to flee their communities. 
• Come alongside Israeli pastors to assist the needy in their flocks. 
• Provide food, clothing, and even protective vests to IDF reservists called to the battlefront. 

3. Solidarity 

Urge your government officials to affirm their stand with Israel. Organize pro-Israel solidarity rallies and marches in your hometowns and capitals. These demonstrations are already taking place around the world, but in many cases, few Christians are attending. Enthusiasm also can wane quickly.  

Again, the church needs to take a stand at this hour! Please help Israel by showing public support for her within your own communities and nations.  

light versus darkness.”

The ICEJ is continuing to respond to the urgent needs of Israeli communities along the Gaza border and throughout the nation. Please join us in these worthy efforts by giving a generous donation to our Israel in Crisis fund.