When sirens sound across Israel, life continues in a delicate balance between tension and resilience. Across the country, families live with the quiet awareness that the situation can change at any moment. In different areas of the nation, alarms still echo through the streets, reminding people to remain close to shelters. Conversations between neighbors often begin with simple questions like, “Did you hear the siren last night?” or “Where were you when it happened?”
And yet, life continues.
Children still walk to school in the mornings. Shops open their doors. The Mediterranean still glows under the warm sun. People greet one another with quiet determination, choosing to move forward day by day. In many ways, the nation is learning again how to live in the tension between uncertainty and hope.
But in the middle of it all, we continue to feel something deeply encouraging: your prayers. Even though many of you are thousands of miles away, it truly feels as though the global family of believers is standing with us. Your prayers strengthen us in ways that are difficult to fully express, and as we walk through these days together, we hold tightly to the promise of Scripture:
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil, for You are with me.”
Psalm 23:4
Worship Rising From the Shelter
Last Shabbat, our Beit Hallel family gathered once again inside the bomb shelter. Because of the situation and limited space, we divided the congregation into two separate services so everyone could safely attend. What could have felt heavy or fearful instead became something profoundly powerful.
There is something sacred about worshiping during difficult times. When voices rise in praise while the reality of war surrounds us, faith becomes more than words—it becomes a declaration of trust in the Lord. As worship filled the shelter, the presence of God was tangible. Some prayed quietly with tears in their eyes, while others lifted their hands in surrender and gratitude.
One young mother stood near the back holding her small child as we worshiped. Later she quietly shared, “When the sirens sound, this place gives me peace because I know my children are safe—and we are not alone.” In that small underground space—built for protection—hearts were lifted toward heaven.
Moments like these remind us that even in the most uncertain seasons, God is near. Together we held onto the truth of Scripture:
“The battle is the Lord’s.”
1 Samuel 17:47
A Refuge for Families
Over these months, the bomb shelter where we gather has become much more than a meeting place—it has become a refuge for families. Parents bring their children knowing they will be safe. Believers gather to worship, pray, and encourage one another even when sirens sound across the city. In the middle of war, this space allows the community to lift their eyes toward God together.
In moments like these, we are reminded that the Church is not defined by walls or buildings—it is a family standing together in faith. Yet keeping this refuge open requires practical provision. To ensure that our congregation and community can continue gathering safely, we must cover the rent and utilities for the shelter for 2026, totaling $35,000 for the year.
This shelter allows families to gather safely during times of war, enables worship and prayer to continue even when sirens sound, provides encouragement and spiritual refuge for the community, and ensures that the light of faith continues to shine even in difficult days.
If the Lord places it on your heart, we invite you to become part of keeping this refuge open. A gift of $10, $50, $100—or any amount—helps sustain this place of safety and worship.
Standing Shoulder to Shoulder
Please know that when you pray and support this work, you are not distant observers. You are standing shoulder to shoulder with us here in Israel. Together we are walking through a difficult season, yet we continue to witness God’s faithfulness every step of the way.
Your prayers strengthen us. Your generosity makes this refuge possible. Your partnership allows worship and hope to continue rising from this land—even during times of war.
And we hold firmly to another promise from Scripture:
“The Lord your God is the One who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you victory.”
Deuteronomy 20:4
Thank you for praying. Thank you for standing with Israel. And thank you for helping keep this refuge open so that families can gather safely and worship can continue to rise from this land.
With gratitude and hope,
Pastor Israel Pochtar
& The Beit Hallel Team
