Shalom, dear friends,
Here in Nazareth, as we have just passed through Palm Sunday, our hearts are drawn again to that beautiful and powerful moment when Yeshua entered Jerusalem—not on a horse, not in power as the world understands it, but on a simple donkey. There is something very deep in this picture, something that speaks quietly but clearly to all of us. The King of Kings chose humility. He came close to the people, not above them. He came not to conquer by force, but to bring peace, restoration, and salvation.
When we hold the palm branches, we are not only remembering a moment—we are declaring a victory. In our land, palms have long been a sign of celebration, even going back to the days when the temple was cleansed and restored after a time of defilement. It was a moment of renewal, of God’s house being set right again. And in the same way, when Yeshua entered Jerusalem, He came as the One who brings cleansing—not only to a place, but to our hearts, to our lives, restoring what has been broken and making room again for God’s presence.
This is why Palm Sunday is not just the beginning of a week—it is the beginning of a journey, a journey that invites us to walk with Him more closely.
We are now walking through what we often call the week of suffering. It is a week that reminds us of the cost—of sacrifice, of the cross, of love that was willing to give everything without holding back. It is not an easy path to reflect on, but it is a necessary one. And yet, even in this, we are not without hope. Because we know where this story is going. We are not walking in darkness without direction—we are walking toward something.
Sunday is coming.
Resurrection is coming.
Life is coming.
Yeshua Himself said that unless a seed falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone—but if it dies, it produces much fruit (John 12:24). In these words, He was not only speaking about what was ahead for Him, but also revealing a deeper truth for all of us. Sometimes, in the difficult seasons, in the places of surrender, in the moments we do not fully understand, something new is being prepared beneath the surface. God is bringing life out of what looks like loss, and hope out of what feels uncertain.
And here in Israel, in these challenging days, we are holding onto that truth very closely.
Even in the middle of uncertainty, even with the reality of war around us, even when daily life feels fragile, we are choosing to lift our voices. We are worshiping. We are declaring that Yeshua is King. As it is written, if we are silent, even the stones would cry out—but we are not silent. We are praising Him, standing together as one body, and shining His light in a time when that light is needed more than ever.
This is also our calling.
Yeshua said, “I am the light of the world,” and then He told us that we are the light of the world. This is not just a statement—it is a responsibility, and also a privilege. And it is something we are living out every day here—through simple acts of love, through being present with people, through listening, helping, and sharing hope where it is needed most. In a time when many are searching for peace and stability, we are reminded that we carry that light within us, and we are called to reflect it wherever we go.
Thank you for standing with us in this season.
Thank you for your prayers, for your support, and for being part of this family here in Nazareth. It means more than we can fully express. You are not far from us—you are walking this journey together with us. Your partnership is helping us continue to share the good news, to care for people in both practical and spiritual ways, and to be a light in very real and tangible ways during this time.
We also ask you to continue praying with us—for the peace of Jerusalem, for protection over this land, and for hearts to be open to the message of Yeshua, especially in this significant and holy season.
As we continue through this special week, we hold both the weight of the cross and the joy of what is coming. We do not ignore the suffering, but we also do not lose sight of the promise.
Palm Sunday reminds us that the King has come.
The cross reminds us of His love.
And the resurrection reminds us that life will always have the final word.
We love you, we pray for you, and we bless you from Nazareth.
Pastor Saleem Shalash
Home of Jesus the King Church