Four More Returned to Israel

(Updated at 5:26 a.m.) Four more hostages’ bodies have returned to Israel: Israeli-American Itay Chen, 19; Israeli-American Capt. Omer Neutra, 21, grandson of Holocaust survivors; Col. Asa Hamami, 40; and Staff Sgt. Oz Daniel, 19. All were killed October 7 2023, but their bodies were taken to Gaza.

In exchange, Israel returned 45 Palestinian bodies to Gaza.

The Islamic extremist Hamas terrorist group has seven more bodies to return in order to complete their part in the first phase of the U.S. brokered ceasefire. Until they do, the second phase cannot be fully implemented, including the withdrawal of Israeli troops, disarmament of Hamas, and plans for rebuilding and governing the Gaza Strip after two years of devastating war.

About 13%, close to 1.3 million, of Israel’s population are ultra-Orthodox Jews, like the Haredim, who have built a way of life around full-time study of their Torah (the first five books of the Bible) and prayer. Many believe mandatory military service disrupts that way of life, and have largely been exempt.

Last Thursday, reservists of the IDF’s new ultra-Orthodox Haredi brigade stood at the Western Wall for a ceremony after completing their training. A few hours later, perhaps as many as 200,000 ultra-Orthodox men from various Jewish sects blocked the entrance to Jerusalem to protest military conscription. Some clashed with police and even chased female journalists.

Many believe in a coming Messiah and prefer to wait to fight until he arrives. In fact, about 97% of Israel is unreached with the gospel, not realizing that their Messiah came 2,000 years ago, but they rejected Him. He didn’t fight violent earthly battles to rescue them from oppressive nations. He fought a spiritual battle to set them free from sin and death. But the Jews tortured and killed Jesus, the Son of God who was without sin. His death on the cross provided the way for all who believe in Him to have eternal life. John 3:16. In fact, three days later, He rose from the dead, proof that the victory was won. Hundreds of Jews saw Him. Yet, today, still so few believe. They still await an earthly warrior ruler.

Lord, please comfort the families of these, and all those who lost loved ones in the war. When they awaken afraid in the night and cry out, answer them, and show them Your way to salvation. Bring Christians to them to show them Your love and share the good news of the One who died to give them abundant life. Our hearts are saddened by the devastating numbers of those who have died, those who are in need of healing, and those undergoing extreme hardship and stress. But most of all, we long to see the lost saved and the spiritual captives set free. Please make the way for these Orthodox Jews and all others who have not yet heard the good news that their Messiah has come to know Your plan for their salvation. Give them a hunger for You that drives them to seek You until they find You. Lift the veil from their eyes so they can see You as You truly are. And when Your truth seeds enter their heart, plant them deep so that they take root and grow until salvation. Comfort all hostages who survived these past two years, and others who suffered greatly during the invasion and massacre. Heal their minds and bodies. Cast out fear with Your perfect love and bring Christians to them to help them heal from the trauma they have experienced. Put Bibles in their hands, and open up other ways for them to hear the gospel in a way they will easily understand. From out of so much death, bring forth LIFE, Lord. Spark a church-planting movement both in Gaza and in Israel that spreads all throughout the Middle East. Replace hatred with LOVE, war with PEACE, and death with new LIFE. Make the horrific acts of these terrorists who claim to serve “God” so repulsive, millions of Muslims will balk at such religion gone wrong and hunger for what is right. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

(For more updates on Israel and Gaza, visit our Israel-Gaza page.)

Mikaela Vincent and her husband are missionaries who live by faith, trusting in God to provide for their needs as they pray for and share Christ with the nations. If you would like to help their ministry through a donation, or by shopping at Mikaela’s online bookstore, click the buttons below:

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