Prayer for Israel

🇮🇱 Passover in Israel: A Light in the Darkness


An update from Efraim and Jeannie Goldstein in Nahariyya

As the seasons of Passover and Easter aligned this year—a rare occurrence due to differences in the Jewish and Gregorian calendars—we were reminded of the powerful unity between these two foundational events. While often observed separately, the Passover Seder and the Last Supper are, in fact, part of the same redemptive story—one that culminates in the death and resurrection of Yeshua the Messiah.

For over 45 years, Efraim and Jeannie Goldstein have been sharing this very message: that Messiah is present in the Passover. Their faithful ministry has brought this truth to thousands of believers around the world, helping many rediscover the deep roots of their faith.

“Cleanse out the old leaven that you may be a new lump… For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.”
1 Corinthians 5:7

Although they were not able to attend the Or Hagalil Congregation Seder in Nahariyya this year, the Goldsteins marked the feast with a small but meaningful family gathering in Pennsylvania—holding fast to the story of God’s great redemption and its fulfillment through Yeshua.

Meanwhile, back in Israel, the Or Hagalil Congregation, under the leadership of Pierre, gathered to celebrate Passover in the midst of a sobering national reality. With over 50 Israelis still held hostage in Gaza, and no ceasefire in sight in either Gaza or Lebanon, this year’s Festival of Freedom was observed with heavy hearts.

Yet even in the midst of such grief, hope has not been extinguished.

A few days before Passover, a team from Or Hagalil distributed gift bags to over 50 IDF soldiers passing through the Nahariyya train station. These soldiers—many of whom are stationed nearby—were warmly greeted and thanked for their service. It was a small but powerful act of encouragement during a time when their presence carries deep significance for the local community.

In addition to supporting soldiers, the congregation has continued to bless families in financial hardship with grocery gift cards, offering not only practical assistance, but also a tangible expression of God’s love and provision. These efforts have been made possible through the generous giving of friends and partners from around the world.

“…that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and may share His sufferings…”
Philippians 3:10

Please join us in prayer:

  • 🙏 For the safe release of all hostages still held in Gaza.
  • 🙏 For the people of Lebanon, that they may be freed from Hezbollah’s control and the looming influence of Iran.
  • 🙏 For the continued witness of Or Hagalil, that their light would shine brightly among both Jews and Arabs in Nahariyya.

We are thankful to God for Efraim and Jeannie’s faithful ministry and for all they continue to sow into Israel and the nations. Their story is a reminder that even in times of war and uncertainty, the message of redemption remains powerful—and the light of Messiah still shines.

Thank you for standing with them—and with us—in prayer and support.

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