Israel
• GOVERNMENT: Parliamentary democracy
• POPULATION: 9.8 million
• RELIGION: Judaism (majority); with pockets of Islam, Christianity, and Druze
• LANGUAGE: Hebrew (official), Arabic (special status)
• CURRENCY: Israeli Shekel (ILS)
• CLIMATE: Mediterranean along the coast, desert in the south
Pray with us
Pray for peace, mercy, and reconciliation in the Israeli-Arab conflict. Ask God to intervene where human efforts have failed. Ask God for an end to violence, for comfort to victims on both sides, and for true, lasting peace through Jesus the Messiah.
Pray for the growing Messianic Jewish movement and the spiritual restoration of Israel. Thank God for the increasing number of Jews coming to faith in Jesus. Ask God for boldness, perseverance, and protection for these believers, and that Israel would recognize the true Messiah (Romans 11:25–31).
Pray for unity in the Church across ethnic and denominational lines. Lift up the ministry efforts between Messianic Jews and Arab Christians. Ask God to strengthen these relationships and use them as a testimony of love and reconciliation to the entire region.
THE REALITY
Israel is a land steeped in rich cultural heritage and spiritual history, yet many of its people lack a personal relationship with Jesus. While only 8% of the population identifies as Christian and evangelism faces legal and cultural resistance, interest in the Gospel has been growing among Jews. At least 12,000 Jewish Israelis now recognize Jesus as Messiah. Despite ongoing rejection and persecution, God is using the Messianic movement to bring more people into His saving grace and truth.
Amid social tension and deep cultural divides, action sports have emerged as a meaningful connection point within the young generations. Surfing, skateboarding (with over 58 skateparks), mountain biking, climbing, kite surfing, and wakeboarding are popular among young people seeking a community that shares common interests. These spaces are providing natural opportunities to gather with a diverse group of people needing to be transformed by the Good News of the Gospel.
The Christian Church in Israel is small and has often experienced division. Made up of about 80% Arabs, 12% expatriates, and 8% Jews, across Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant, signs of unity are emerging. God is raising bold leaders who are building bridges across denominational, ethnic, and theological lines. Joint outreach into Muslim areas is also being pursued while other grassroots efforts are paving the way for reconciliation and friendship that is setting an example in this region often marked by conflict.
