As I write this letter, the streets of Jerusalem are stained with blood. Not a day passes without another stabbing or shooting attack. Every day, people get injured or killed. The hatred of the Oslo generation of Palestinian youngsters suddenly seems to be unleashed in a most horrible way as teenagers are being stabbed and parents are being shot in front of their children. According to the report released by Magen David Adom (Israel's national emergency service), since October 1st, seven attack victims have lost their lives, 99 were injured (10 of these are in life-threatening conditions), and 26 were treated for trauma. The prophet Ezekiel calls it an "ancient hatred" (Eze 35:5) which is unleashed upon Israel in the last days. This hatred takes pleasure in the shedding of blood. It is a hatred which claims that the ancient land of Israel was expropriated from the Jews and "has become our possession" (Eze 35:10; 36:2). This hatred is driven by demonic forces that want to annihilate the Jewish people, and it is directed against the purposes of God. This uprising is not just a civil unrest. Its goal is to frustrate the plans and purposes of God for Israel and the entire human race. The Palestinians have in their hearts to continue fighting until the Palestinian State encompasses the entire Land of Israel. It's a religious war directed against the God of Israel and what He's doing in this Land. As we witness this in Israel, we understand that these forces will not be overcome by physical force alone. Paul states: "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places" (Ephesians 6:12). And here is the main battle line. It is our prayers that will bring change. This is the reason why we fast and intercede. Therefore ,I want to encourage you to pray for Israel in these days more than ever before. One of the victims affected by this terror is a Dutch believer who has been living in Israel for many years. She described that as she was being stabbed, an angel appeared and stood before her. The angel deterred the terrorist, who then left the woman. She knows this is why she is still alive today. Prayers do make a difference! The book of Proverbs declares that "... a brother is born for adversity." (Proverbs 17:17) It is in times like these our practical work is also even more important than in times of peace. As Israel is facing these strenuous times, it is our responsibility as Christians to care for those who have become victims of this horrendous terror. Our staff here in Jerusalem is reaching out to those who are affected by this wave of terror. Join us in our effort to comfort the nation of Israel – below you will find practical information on how you can stand with Israel at this difficult time.
Yours in Christ,  Dr. Jürgen Bühler
Executive Director Appeal We invite you to join us in a very tangible effort to comfort the people of Israel. The ICEJ is partnering with a therapeutic center in the land to help those affected by the unrest. Your donation can help specifically fund treatment of Psycho-trauma (commonly known as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD), as well as support a range of educational and curative programs that help rebuild communities throughout the land of Israel. You can help us meet this urgent need in Israel. Please consider donating today.
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