Greetings from Nazareth — the city where Jesus grew up.
These days our city, like much of Israel, is living under the sound of sirens and the uncertainty that comes with war.
For many families here, every night now carries the same question: Will the sirens sound again?
Last night was especially difficult. Rockets were launched from the north by Hezbollah, and throughout the night, sirens sounded again and again across Nazareth and the surrounding towns. Families were awakened repeatedly, rushing into shelters in the darkness. At the same time, missiles were also launched toward Israel from Iran, making it a long and exhausting night for many people here.
When a siren sounds in the middle of the night, everything changes instantly. Parents gather their children, neighbors hurry down staircases and into underground shelters, and families wait together until the danger passes. It is a stressful and exhausting reality, and many people here have now gone several days without proper rest.
Yet even in the midst of these difficult nights, we continue to place our trust in the Lord.
Yesterday we gathered together as a church to worship and pray. Near the end of the meeting, the siren suddenly sounded and we all had to move quickly into the shelter together. Moments like this remind us how fragile life can feel during wartime — but they also remind us how important it is for believers to stand together in faith, encouraging one another and lifting our hearts to the Lord even in the midst of uncertainty.
While the rockets and sirens affect everyone, another challenge is quietly growing for many families in our city. With schools closed and workplaces disrupted, parents are struggling to balance work while caring for their children at home. Some cannot go to work at all. Others have already begun losing their jobs. As a result, many families are suddenly facing serious financial pressure.
Our phones are ringing constantly with calls from people asking for help.
Just yesterday, a young mother from our city called our office in tears. With schools closed and her husband unable to work this week, she told us they had spent most of the night in their building’s shelter with their two small children.
“Pastor,” she said quietly, “we don’t even have enough food for the next few days. Is there any way you could help us?”
These are the voices of families simply trying to care for their loved ones during a very uncertain time.
Together with our team and volunteers, we are doing everything we can to respond. We are distributing wartime food packages, blankets, mattresses, snacks, and other basic supplies to families who are spending long hours in shelters or struggling to meet their daily needs. We are also preparing to provide emergency gift cards of 500–1000 shekels to help vulnerable families purchase essential items during these difficult days.
One thing becomes very clear in moments like this:
War touches everyone.
The sirens are heard by Jewish families and Arab families alike. Fear does not distinguish between communities.
For this reason, our heart is very simple — we want to serve anyone who needs help.
Here in Nazareth, we continue building bridges of love between Arab and Jewish communities. Even in the middle of war, we are witnessing moments of unity, compassion, and kindness that remind us of God’s heart for all people.
Every food basket we deliver, every blanket we place into someone’s hands, and every mattress we provide for a shelter becomes a small but powerful expression of the love of Jesus. Often these simple acts open the door for prayer, encouragement, and meaningful conversations about faith with people who are searching for hope.
Right now, we are preparing assistance for 500 vulnerable families across Nazareth and the surrounding communities — both Arab and Jewish — through wartime food baskets and essential supplies for shelters, organized together with the municipality.
If you feel led to stand with us during this time, your support allows us to continue this work and reach more families living through these difficult days.
Your support can help provide:
- $14 — One blanket for a family sheltering during rocket attacks
- $53 — One mattress for a shelter space
- $55 — One comfort kit (coffee, tea, cookies, cups, and an electric kettle for a family staying in a shelter)
- $40 — One wartime food basket for a family in need
- $140–$280 — An emergency gift card (500–1000 shekels) to help a vulnerable family purchase essential supplies
Each gift allows us to bring practical help and encouragement to another family here in Nazareth.
We also want to thank you deeply for your prayers. Your love and support truly make a difference in the lives of the people we are serving.
Due to the current situation, my upcoming trip to the United States had to be cancelled because flights are not operating normally. Even my son Suleiman is waiting for flights to resume so he can take his planned trip later this month. These are difficult and uncertain days for many families across Israel.
Yet even in the middle of war, we hold firmly to the promises of God and continue serving the people around us.
As the Scriptures remind us:
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
Psalm 46:1
Thank you for praying 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