As Hanukkah approaches and Christmas draws near, we sense that this season carries unusual weight. These are weeks that speak of light and hope, yet here in Israel, many people are living with fear, loss, and deep exhaustion. Almost every family has been affected by the war in some way, and many are quietly searching for comfort, meaning, and peace.
In our daily conversations — in our congregations, neighborhoods, and circles of friends — we hear the same questions rising again and again. People are tired of surviving. They are open in ways they were not before, not because life is easy, but because the need is real.
“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light.”
Isaiah 9:2
Hanukkah reminds us that Israel has faced darkness before and that God has always been faithful to preserve His people. Christmas points us to Yeshua, the Jewish Messiah — born in this land, among this people, to bring salvation and hope to a hurting world. Together, these seasons remind us that God has not turned away and that His light still shines.
For many Israelis, Christmas feels unfamiliar or distant.
Yet when they discover that it marks the birth of a Jewish Messiah named Yeshua, curiosity often awakens. Defenses soften. People begin to listen, and honest conversations can begin.
Why Jerusalem
Jerusalem in December feels different. There is a natural openness in the city, a willingness to reflect and to listen. That is why we are once again inviting Israelis to come with us to Jerusalem — not for a lecture, and not to be pressured, but to hear the Gospel in a setting where hearts are open.
In recent years, around 400 Israelis joined us for this outreach. This year, sensing both the openness of the moment and the urgency of the season, we are intentionally expanding the scope of the evangelism by increasing the number of invitees from 400 to 500 Israelis for our Hanukkah–Christmas Evangelism Outreach.
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
John 1:5
The Heart of the Day
Everything about the day is intentionally shaped to serve one central moment. Worship helps hearts slow down and open, creating space to listen. Testimonies from men and women whose lives have been transformed by Yeshua help bring the message close and personal, showing that faith is not a theory, but a lived experience. At the heart of the day is Pastor Israel’s clear and loving preaching of the Gospel of Yeshua, shared plainly and faithfully with his own people.
A shared meal then creates a natural space for trust and connection to grow, and a guided walk through biblical sites connected to the life and ministry of Yeshua helps participants see that the Gospel is rooted in real places, real history, and the story of Israel itself. For many, this will be the first time they hear the Gospel presented in a way that feels respectful, relevant, and deeply personal.
A Message for This Time
The war has left many Israelis weary and wounded, both outwardly and inwardly. People are carrying grief, fear for loved ones, and a heavy sense of uncertainty. In moments like these, the invitation of Yeshua speaks with special clarity.
As Pastor Israel shared so simply and honestly, “In the light of war, pain, losses, and hopelessness — this is the best time to give people Yeshua.”
“Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
Matthew 11:28
How You Can Help
The full cost to bring one Israeli to Jerusalem — including transportation, meals, and the entire program — is $70 per person. A gift of $70 sponsors one Israeli, $700 sponsors ten, and $2,800 brings a full bus of forty people. Behind every number is a real person who will sit, listen, and hear the Gospel clearly preached by Pastor Israel.
We are deeply grateful for your prayers and your partnership.
Because you stand with us, we are able to create space for Israelis to hear the Gospel at a moment when hearts are open and the need is great. Thank you for walking with Beit Hallel, for helping us bring people to Jerusalem, and for being part of sharing the hope and salvation found in Yeshua with the people of Israel.
