Current Israel

United Arab Emirates Astronaut Brings Israeli Flag to Space 

United Arab Emirates (UAE) astronaut Hazzaa al-Mansoori, recently revealed that he took an Israeli flag to space in 2019! It was not until 2020, when Israel and the United Arab Emirates signed the Abraham Accords, that ties between the two countries were established. Al-Mansoori presented the flag to the Israeli pavilion at the World Expo in Dubai. He said, “I am happy to be here and present this Israeli flag to the people here and the Israeli public. I took this flag with me two years ago on my first mission as an Emirati astronaut and this is my gift to all Israelis.” Al-Mansoori is planning to visit Israel, and wants to see the Ilan Ramon space museum, in Mitzpe Ramon.   

Praise the Lord for the deepening ties between Israel and the United Arab Emirates! 

Defence Minister Benny Gantz Meets with Mahmoud Abbas 

A senior Israeli leader has met with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, on Israeli ground, for the first time in more than a decade. Defence Minister Benjamin “Benny” Gantz invited Abbas to his home in Rosh HaAyin, just thirty minutes east of Tel Aviv. The two talked about the Palestinian Authority’s spiralling financial crisis. Gantz agreed that Israel will loan the regime 100 million shekels (24 million pounds). Israel will also legalise the status of 9,500 undocumented Palestinians and foreigners.

The Israeli government led by Prime Minister Bennett wants to help the Palestinian Authority under Abbas’ leadership, because the alternative would be an empowered Hamas government leading Gaza, and the West Bank. “If the Palestinian Authority is stronger, Hamas will be weaker. When the Palestinian Authority has more ability to enforce order, there will be more security and our hand will be forced less,” Gantz said.   

Please pray that the ties and trust between Gantz and Abbas will be strengthened.   

Painting and Art Classes 

On sunny winter days, Chosen People Ministries Israel, hold outdoor classes for the community. One member of our team uses her gift of watercolour painting to teach children how to engage their artistic skills. In her lessons, she has the children draw biblical pictures, and then shares Bible stories with them. The children’s parents are delighted, and the community appreciates her paintings as gifts.

Our team that works with Holocaust survivors also facilitate special art projects. This ministry inspires older people to get their hands, brains, and hearts involved in learning and creating something they can take home and enjoy. What a wonderful way to bless the community, help people in practical ways, and enable them to learn more about the Lord in the process!   

Please pray that these groups feel the love of God and share it with their families and friends!