As we began packing food boxes and sweet baskets for Rosh Hashanah this week, I was reminded again of the beautiful partnership God has given us with the municipality of Nof HaGalil. Since 2020, we have been working hand in hand with Mayor Ronen Plot and his team, shining the light of Yeshua in the midst of darkness. The mayor has repeatedly shown himself to be a true friend of our ministry, supporting us and blessing our efforts in remarkable ways.
So far, we have been able to distribute 300 special food boxes and sweet baskets to new Jewish immigrant families from Ukraine and Russia. These families have been through so much — war, loss, and the daunting task of starting over in a new country. When they receive these holiday packages, it is more than just food; it is a message of hope, love, and welcome. But there is still more to do. We have another 200 families waiting to be reached before Rosh Hashanah begins.
During the packing, our friend Tomer from the municipality joined us, and together we reflected on how significant this partnership truly is. Every single item that goes into these boxes is used to bless families who need it most, and the cooperation between our church and the municipality has created an extraordinary impact. What makes this even more powerful is that it shows a reality the world rarely sees — Arabs blessing Jews, and Jews blessing Arabs. Despite what the media often portrays, here in Israel we are witnessing daily acts of unity and compassion.
This unity is especially vital in a land marked by conflict.
The challenges we face do not distinguish between Jew or Arab; rockets and wars affect us all. That is why it is so important to stand together, to help one another, and to show that love is stronger than division. This is exactly what the Gospel calls us to do — to be peacemakers, bridge-builders, and a living testimony of reconciliation.
As I looked around at the volunteers, the municipal workers, and the families being served, I felt a deep sense of joy. This is the Kingdom of God in action. This is what it means to be one family. Together, we are declaring that God’s love breaks down every barrier and brings healing where the world only sees brokenness.
I invite you, dear friends, to continue supporting this project financially, and to continue praying with us — for Mayor Ronen, for Tomer, for the municipality staff, and for every family who will receive a package this Rosh Hashanah. Pray that their hearts will be touched by the love of Yeshua, and that the unity we are building here will only grow stronger.
Thank you for standing with us in this vision.
Because of your prayers and support, we can continue to bless, to unite, and to shine God’s light in Israel.
With love in Messiah,
Pastor Saleem Shalash