One of the greatest privileges of ministry in Israel is witnessing God’s faithfulness in bringing Jewish people home from the nations. It is something the prophets spoke about centuries ago, and today we have the opportunity to see it unfolding before our eyes.
Recently, our team has been preparing to welcome families from the B’nei Menashe community as they arrive in Israel and begin building new lives in Nof HaGalil.
The B’nei Menashe are a Jewish community from northeastern India who trace their ancestry to one of the lost tribes of Israel. For many years, they have longed to return to the land of their forefathers. Over the coming months, approximately 900 members of this community are expected to make aliyah and settle in Israel.
The word aliyah means “going up” and refers to the return of Jewish people to their homeland. For those making aliyah, this is far more than a relocation. It is the beginning of a completely new chapter of life. Families leave behind familiar surroundings, language, employment, and community as they step into an unfamiliar future filled with both excitement and challenges.
As these families arrive, many will need practical support during their first weeks in Israel. That is why our team has been working alongside the Municipality of Nof HaGalil to prepare welcome packages filled with hygiene products, toiletries, and other essential items. We have also been gathering new clothing, bedding, and practical supplies to help make their transition a little easier.
As we loaded supplies and prepared the packages, I stood together with Ronen, one of our friends from the municipality who regularly works with us on humanitarian projects. Looking around at the growing stacks of clothing, bedding, and hygiene supplies, he became visibly emotional.
He shared how grateful the municipality is for the partnership we have built over the years. He told me that whenever the city reaches out to us for help, our team is always willing to respond. He spoke about how every visit to our center reminds him of the compassion and generosity he sees expressed through our congregation’s service to others.
His words deeply encouraged me.
Standing there together, I could not help but reflect on the significance of the moment. Here was a Jewish municipal representative and an Arab pastor working side by side to welcome Jewish families from India back to Israel. It was a simple scene, yet it reflected something beautiful about what God is doing in this land.
These are not the stories that usually make headlines. The media often focuses on division and conflict. Yet every day, relationships are being built, trust is growing, and people from different backgrounds are working together to bless one another and serve their communities.
I was also reminded of our ongoing need to walk by faith. As we prepared these supplies, we knew the practical costs involved. We stepped forward believing that God would provide what was needed, trusting Him to send the resources required to care for these families with dignity and excellence.
Next week, I will have the opportunity to personally visit some of the newly arrived B’nei Menashe families. I am looking forward to encouraging them, hearing their stories, and praying with them as they begin this important new season of life in Israel.
You can be part of welcoming these families home.
Each hygiene and welcome package costs 160 NIS (approximately $45 USD) and contains a wide selection of practical items that help support a family during their first days and weeks in Israel. While the contents themselves are important, the message they communicate is even more valuable: you are welcome, you are seen, and you are not alone.
Together, we have the opportunity to bless families as they take their first steps in the land of Israel while continuing to build bridges of friendship, compassion, and mutual respect between Jewish and Arab communities.
Thank you for standing with us as we serve the people of Israel and seek to reflect God’s love through both practical care and meaningful relationships.