Aviv Ministry has made the difficult decision to temporarily close its outreach centre in Tel Aviv due to increasing security risks from recent missile attacks. Located in one of Israel’s most densely populated areas and without access to a bomb shelter, the centre’s closure prioritizes the safety of volunteers and the vulnerable individuals it serves, primarily drug-addicted immigrants from the former Soviet Union, along with native Israelis and Arabs. While the centre is on pause, the ministry continues its broader operations with resilience and faith, asking for urgent prayer support during this turbulent time.
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Dear Friends,
Thank you so much to everyone who has been praying for us and for Israel during these very difficult days! We truly feel your love and support.
By God’s grace, we are safe – although the stress and lack of sleep are definitely taking a toll. After much thought and prayer, we made the difficult decision to temporarily close our Aviv Center. This was not an easy step, but the reality is very different now compared to previous wars with Hamas or Hezbollah. Back then, most rockets were intercepted by the Iron Dome, and even those that got through usually caused relatively limited damage.
This time, we are dealing with far more powerful missiles from Iran. Even a single hit can cause devastating destruction and loss of life. These attacks are often directed specifically at Tel Aviv, where our soup kitchen is located, since it is one of the most densely populated area in the Land, so that missiles could cause the greatest number of casualties. In addition, Aviv Center does not even have a bomb shelter, so for the safety of our volunteers and visitors, we are pausing operations in it for now. Thankfully, all our other projects are continuing with minimal disruption.
We also want to briefly explain why Israel acted first against Iran. The hostility toward Israel, including calls for its destruction, has been a consistent part of the ideology of the Islamic Republic of Iran since the 1979 revolution. In recent months, especially as Hamas and Hezbollah have been weakened, Iran rapidly accelerated its nuclear weapons program, coming dangerously close to completion. As Prime Minister Netanyahu recently said that for decades, the leaders of Tehran have openly called for Israel’s destruction. They have backed up their genocidal rhetoric with a nuclear weapons program, which has become a clear and present danger to Israel’s very survival. Therefore, Israel is not acting out of unjustified aggression, but out of a basic need for self-defense.
Israel is not a war-seeking nation – and has repeatedly made real concessions in pursuit of peace:
· In 1979, Israel returned the entire Sinai Peninsula – a vast and strategically important territory – to Egypt in exchange for a peace treaty.
· Every year, Israel provides Jordan with millions of cubic meters of water under the terms of a 1994 agreement – without any reciprocal arrangement – simply to maintain peaceful relations.
· The Abraham Accords with the UAE, Bahrain, and Morocco are a testament to Israel’s continued willingness to build bridges, even when it receives little love in return.
· Even in times of war, Israel has provided humanitarian corridors, electricity, water, and medical aid to Gaza.
These are not the actions of an aggressive people. They are costly steps taken in the hope of peace. And Israel is taking these steps time after time, even though it is constantly fighting for its very existence.
Once again, thank you for your continued prayers! Please keep standing with us, praying for protection, wisdom, and peace – for Israel, for our neighbors, and for all innocent lives affected by this conflict.
With deep gratitude,
Dov and Olga Bikas and Aviv Ministry Team
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🙏 Suggested Prayer Points:
- Protection for Israel and Its People
Pray for the Lord’s hand of protection over Tel Aviv and all cities under threat. Ask for the safety of civilians, military personnel, and those serving on the front lines of ministry. - Peace in the Region
Intercede for de-escalation and for true peace to take root—especially between Israel and hostile neighboring forces. Pray for the Prince of Peace to reign. - Wisdom for Israeli Leadership
Ask God to grant discernment, wisdom, and moral clarity to Israel’s leaders as they make critical decisions for national security. - Strength and Provision for Aviv Ministry
Pray for Dov, Olga, and the entire Aviv team—for renewed strength, peace in their hearts, and provision to continue their ministry in creative and safe ways during the closure. - Healing and Freedom for the Addicted
Even while the centre is closed, lift up those struggling with addiction. Pray that God would meet them in their distress and lead them to healing, restoration, and salvation. - Gospel Impact Among Jews and Arabs
Ask the Lord to use this moment of uncertainty to open hearts to the gospel among all communities the Aviv team serves—Jews, Arabs, and immigrants alike. - Reopening in God’s Timing
Pray that the Aviv Centre would reopen soon under safe conditions, with greater impact and protection than before.
