Jewish and Christian community leaders are forming a historic prayer partnership over the weekend of Nov. 17-19, when congregations and synagogues across the United States will cry out to God on behalf of Israel, as well as the roughly 240 hostages still being held by Hamas. Spearheaded by the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem, USA Branch (ICEJ USA), the “Weekend of Prayer for Zion’s Sake” will be an unprecedented moment in history to stand with the Jewish people in support of Israel and the hostages.
“The ICEJ is mobilizing the American Christian Leaders for Israel network of some 3,000 leaders to promote the weekend of prayer for Israel to their churches and networks,” said ICEJ USA director Dr. Susan Michael. In addition, the ICEJ global headquarters is mobilizing its network of representatives and branch offices in over 90 countries to do the same. “We’re calling on churches around the world to stand with and for our Jewish friends in prayer according to Isaiah 62:1, which says: ‘For Zion’s sake, I will not hold my peace,’” said Michael. “It is our hope that a weekend of concentrated prayer in unity with the Jewish community will bring about a breakthrough in Israel’s situation and the release of the hostages.”
The ICEJ is asking churches to lead a time of prayer for Israel and the release of the hostages during their regularly scheduled services that weekend. “Every Sabbath in synagogues, Jews pray a ‘Prayer for Israel,’” said Michael. “On this weekend, they will do so knowing churches are joining them with prayer during their own services.”
“It’s a historic initiative because major rabbinical networks have agreed to support this and notify all their synagogues that churches are praying with them that week,” said Michael. “They may even ask synagogues to pray a prayer of thanksgiving for the prayers and support of churches—it is unprecedented!” said Michael.
Pastors and Christian leaders are also being encouraged to phone their local synagogues and let them know they and their church members are praying for Israel and the release of the hostages that weekend.
“But the weekend of prayer for Israel shouldn’t end there,” said Michael. The ICEJ is urging pastors and Christian leaders to speak up and stand with their local Jewish community via rallies or vigils and on social media. “We cannot hold our peace or be silent at this time!”
One such opportunity preceding the “Weekend of Prayer for Zion’s Sake” is a mass rally for Israel in Washington, D.C., on Nov. 14, at 1 p.m. Organized by the Jewish Federations of North America, the rally is aimed to give Jews and Christians the ability to stand together in solidarity, and with one unified voice demand the return of the hostages and declare continued U.S. support for Israel as it battles Hamas to rid Gaza of the terrorist network. The ICEJ is helping to promote this historical event and gather Christian participants in large numbers.
“It’s more critical than ever that the Christian community shows our support of the Jewish community,” said Michael. “Our Jewish friends must see and hear us!” #neveragainisnow!
For more information about the Weekend of Prayer for Zion’s Sake, visit: www.icejusa.org/weekendofprayer.
For more information about the rally for Israel in Washington, D.C., visit: www.icejusa.org/rallyforisrael.
Download the Weekend of Prayer flyer.
About the International Embassy Jerusalem U.S. Branch
The United States branch of the International Christian Embassy in Jerusalem serves as a channel and a voice of Christian support for Israel and the Jewish people. Its objectives are to financially support the ministry and humanitarian aid and Aliyah projects of the ICEJ headquarters in Israel; to provide educational tools, speakers, seminars, and programming for churches and pro-Israel groups across America; and to stand on behalf of Israel in the public square when the need arises.