Shalom from Nazareth!
These are unusual and challenging days across Israel. Life has taken on a different rhythm as families stay close to shelters and remain attentive to alerts. At times, the sirens still sound, sending people quickly to safer places. Even when the skies are quiet, there is a sense of watchfulness in the air.
Yet amid this tension, we continue to see God’s faithfulness.
Here in Nazareth, we often remind one another that the message Jesus gave us was never meant only for peaceful times. His call to love our neighbors, to care for the vulnerable, and to bring light into dark places becomes even more meaningful during moments like these.
Over the past few days, our humanitarian center has been filled with activity. Volunteers have been gathering throughout the day to prepare practical help for families who are struggling because of the war. Tables are covered with supplies, food is being organized into bags, and blankets are being folded for distribution.
Our team is hard at work preparing food baskets containing products and basic necessities for families in Nazareth, Nof HaGalil, and nearby communities. These packages are helping families who are facing difficult circumstances during this time.
Many people in our region are spending long hours — and sometimes entire nights — in public shelters. Some arrived there very quickly with only a few personal belongings. In several shelters we visited, families were resting directly on hard floors while waiting for the alerts to pass. Elderly people, mothers with small children, and young families are all trying to adapt to a situation none of us expected.
Because of this, we are not only distributing food baskets. We are also working to provide mattresses, blankets, and comfort kits so that families staying in shelters can have a small measure of rest and dignity during these difficult nights.
One moment this week was especially meaningful for us. A couple from the United States had come to Israel to serve with us for a short time. When the war began, their travel plans suddenly changed, and they were unable to leave the country as expected. Instead of becoming discouraged, they immediately joined our volunteers and began helping prepare aid packages for families in need.
Watching them work side by side with our local team was a beautiful reminder that the body of Christ truly stretches across nations. Even in a time of war, believers from different backgrounds can stand together and serve others with compassion.
These days also remind us of something very important: the reality of war touches everyone. The sirens are heard by Jewish families and Arab families alike. Fear and uncertainty do not distinguish between communities.
For this reason, our heart is simple. We want to serve anyone who needs help.
Every food basket, every blanket, and every mattress we deliver is a small expression of the love of Jesus. Sometimes these simple acts of care open the door to conversations, prayer, and moments of encouragement that people deeply need during times like this.
Right now we are continuing to prepare assistance for 500 vulnerable families, both Arab and Jewish, through wartime food baskets and essential supplies for shelters organized by the municipality.
If you feel led to stand with us during this time, your support helps us continue this work and reach more families who are living through these difficult days.
- $14 provides one blanket
- $53 provides one mattress
- $55 provides one comfort kit (coffee, tea, cookies, cups, and an electric kettle for a family in a shelter)
- $40 provides one wartime food basket
Each gift allows us to bring practical help and encouragement to another family here in Nazareth and the surrounding communities.
Thank you for continuing to pray for Israel.
Thank you for remembering Nazareth.
And thank you for standing with us as we serve people here in the name of Jesus.
With gratitude and love,
Pastor Saleem Shalash