Greetings from Nazareth — the city where Jesus grew up, where His words of compassion first echoed through the hills of Galilee, and where His call to love our neighbor still guides our steps today.
Like the rest of Israel, Nazareth is living through tense and uncertain days. Sirens continue to sound during the nights as rockets are launched toward the country, sending families quickly into shelters. Life does not stop, but everything moves with a new awareness of how fragile normal routines can be.
We are now in the sixth day of this war with Iran. The situation remains serious, yet we are thankful for God’s protection. Many of the incoming rockets have been intercepted, and the intensity of the attacks has lessened compared to the first days. We continue to pray for wisdom for leaders, for protection over civilians, and for peace to return to this land.
Even in the middle of these difficult days, however, the work of serving people cannot stop.
At our humanitarian center in Nazareth, the building has taken on the atmosphere of a small factory of compassion. Volunteers move from table to table, preparing aid packages and organizing supplies for families affected by the war. Boxes of food are stacked along the walls, hygiene kits are being assembled, and mattresses and blankets are being prepared for delivery to shelters.
Each food basket contains the basic staples that help a household continue through difficult days — rice, flour, sugar, oil, beans, tuna, spaghetti, tahini, and other essentials. For families who had to leave their homes quickly or who are spending long hours in shelters, we are also preparing hygiene kits with practical items like towels, shaving razors, deodorant, and other daily necessities that help restore dignity during uncertain times.
On every bag we distribute, we print a message in four languages — Arabic, Hebrew, English, and Russian:
“He went about doing good… go and do likewise.”
This simple sentence captures the heart of what we believe the Lord has called us to do. Rockets falling on Israel do not distinguish between communities. The sirens are heard by Jewish families and Arab families alike. Fear touches everyone, and therefore compassion must reach everyone as well.
As followers of Jesus, this is our opportunity to demonstrate His love in practical ways.
We are currently working hard to prepare assistance for 500 vulnerable Arab and Jewish Israeli families. This assistance includes food baskets, coffee and tea comfort kits, and hygiene packs for individual families, as well as mattresses and blankets for public shelters organized by the municipality.
Many people in the shelters are sleeping directly on hard concrete floors. For elderly people, mothers with young children, and families spending long nights underground during repeated alerts, even a simple mattress or blanket can bring a measure of comfort and dignity.
We are continuing to work closely with local authorities in Nazareth and nearby Nof HaGalil to identify families and shelters where help is most urgently needed. Every day, our team is packing, delivering, and responding as new needs arise.
If you feel led to stand with us during this time, your support can help us 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
Every gift helps us bring practical help and encouragement to another family — both Jewish and Arab — reminding them that they are not forgotten.
Thank you for praying for Israel. Thank you for praying for Nazareth. And thank you for standing with us as we continue to serve in the name of Jesus during these challenging days.
In gratitude and love,
Pastor Saleem