Shalom dear friends,
I want to take a moment to share a very special and encouraging experience with you from Nazareth. Recently, I had the joy of spending time with my dear friend and brother, Pastor Saleem Shalash. We sat together, shared a meal, prayed, and spoke openly about the heart of God for this land and for all who live here.
Our conversation was not a formal meeting or a planned event.
It was the kind of conversation that flows naturally when brothers in the Lord come together with a shared burden for the Kingdom of God. We spoke about how to build God’s Kingdom in Israel, how to reach people with the Gospel, and how Jewish and Arab believers can walk together in unity and purpose. These are not theoretical discussions for us — they are daily realities that require wisdom, humility, and deep reliance on the Lord.
We talked honestly about reaching Jewish people, reaching Arab people, and how God is teaching us that the Gospel is not owned by one group or culture. There are different keys, different approaches, and different sensitivities — but the same Savior, the same message, and the same calling. When Jewish believers reach Jewish people, and Arab believers reach Arab people, and when we support and strengthen one another in that calling, something powerful is released in the spirit.
What made this moment especially meaningful is not just what we discussed, but who we are together.
A Jewish pastor and an Arab pastor sitting side by side in Nazareth, speaking about God’s plans for salvation in Israel. Friends, this is not something you often see portrayed in the media. In fact, it is usually ignored or dismissed. But it is real. We are not simply ministry partners — we are friends, we are brothers, and we are family in the Lord.
We are living in a very difficult season. War, conflict, fear, and uncertainty continue to touch everyday life here. Emotions run deep, and divisions can feel overwhelming. Yet in the middle of all this, we are called to be people of shalom. True shalom does not come from political solutions or human agreements. Real shalom comes from heaven. It comes through Jesus — Yeshua HaMashiach. He alone is our peace, and He alone can reconcile hearts.
During our time together, Pastor Saleem shared something very important.
He reminded us of the words of Jesus to His disciples: “Come and see.” Not “listen to the media,” not “accept the narrative,” but “come and see.” What God is doing in Israel today — among Jews and Arabs who love Yeshua and walk together in faith — is often hidden from the world. But it is happening. Quietly, faithfully, and powerfully.
We regularly visit one another, pray together, and stand with one another. When I am in Nazareth, I am welcomed as family. When Pastor Saleem comes to Jerusalem or Ashdod, he knows he has a home with us as well. This relationship is not symbolic or occasional. It is lived out in prayer, mutual encouragement, and shared vision. This is what the Kingdom of God looks like on the ground.
Dear friends, this unity is a sign.
It is a sign to Jewish people, to Arab people, and to the nations.
This unity testifies that Yeshua is alive, that reconciliation is possible, and that God’s redemptive work in Israel is far from finished. Thank you for standing with us, praying for us, and believing with us for what God is doing in this land.
Shalom and blessings to you all,
Pastor Israel Pochtar
