As you and your loved ones enjoy this Fourth of July weekend, we simply wanted to pause and send you our love and heartfelt blessings from Israel. This special holiday is an opportunity for us to honor you, your nation, and the remarkable heritage that has been faithfully passed from one generation of Americans to the next. It is a legacy shaped by courage, sacrifice, faith, and a deep appreciation for the precious gift of freedom—values that continue to inspire people far beyond your own borders.
Perhaps that is one of the reasons we feel such a special connection with you and your nation. Living here in Israel, we know that freedom is a precious gift that should never be taken for granted. Every generation has had to defend it, pray for it, and cherish it. We deeply respect the way so many believers across America have used that freedom to serve God, bless others, stand faithfully with Israel, and make a lasting difference for His Kingdom.
This weekend also gives us the opportunity to say something we never want to leave unsaid:
Thank you.
Thank you for walking this journey with us. Through your friendship, your faithful prayers, and your unwavering support, you have stood beside us through seasons of great joy and through some of our most difficult days. Although an ocean separates us, we have never truly felt far apart. In Messiah, we have become one family, and your love for Israel has encouraged us more than you will probably ever know.
As wonderful as political freedom is—and it truly is—we are reminded that there is an even greater freedom that unites us all. As Yeshua Himself said,
“If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed”
John 8:36
That is the freedom that no government can give and no circumstance can take away. It is the freedom that transforms hearts, restores lives, and fills us with an eternal hope that reaches far beyond this world.
My prayer for you this Independence Day is simple. May you continue using the freedoms God has entrusted to you well. Be a light in your family. Be a light in your church. Be a light in your community. Be a light throughout your nation. Our world needs believers who will stand firmly on God’s Word, love one another sincerely, and reflect the heart of Messiah wherever He leads them.
As we celebrate with you from here in Israel, we also thank God for the extraordinary friendship He has woven between our two nations and, even more importantly, between His people. We believe this friendship is far deeper than politics or current events. It is rooted in our shared faith, our love for God’s Word, and our desire to see His purposes fulfilled in our generation. For decades, faithful believers across America have stood with Israel—not because it was always easy or popular, but because they chose to stand on God’s promises and love His people. Your faithfulness has strengthened us, encouraged us, and become part of the story God is writing here in this land.
May the Lord richly bless you and your family this Independence Day. May He continue to pour out His favor upon your home, strengthen your faith, guide America with His wisdom and grace, and use you to be a light wherever He has planted you. Thank you for walking this journey with us. We are grateful for you, we pray for you, and we thank God for the privilege of serving Him together.
Happy Independence Day!
With much love and gratitude from Israel,
Pastor Israel Pochtar
