Shalom from Israel: Faith, Fear, and Forward Motion

I wanted to take a few moments to share a fuller update from life here in Israel during these very intense and historic days. As you know, we are at war—again. And yet, at the same time, life continues—people go to work, families gather, and ministry goes on. It’s a strange tension: normal life layered over a very real sense of vulnerability.

On the Road...During a War



Today, Elana and I are driving up to Haifa, where I’ll be preaching tomorrow morning at a Messianic congregation. I love to build up the body of believers here in Israel, but I would be less than honest if I didn’t admit there’s a level of apprehension. You feel relatively safe at home—close to a bomb shelter, familiar with your surroundings—but once you’re out on the open highway that sense of control diminishes. You are still safe, statistically speaking, but emotionally, it feels different.

An Experience I Won't Soon Forget



Just the other day in Tel Aviv, I experienced something I won’t soon forget. Our daughter Danielle spent the weekend with us and I had to drive her back to Tel Aviv. Two minutes after I dropped her off, an alarm went off while I was driving, and I had to keep moving as shrapnel was falling from the sky. Half the cars on the highway were pulling off to the side, and half continued south. The standard drill is to pull over, but I also understood that the further south I could get from Tel Aviv, the safer I would be. Apparently, others were thinking the same thing.

Pulling over, getting out of your car and lying on the ground, face down with your hands on your head will do nothing to protect you from a ballistic missile. But what it will do is protect you from ressissim (sharpnel) if it lands nearby.

It was surreal—one of those moments where you realize just how fragile things can be. I told the Lord I was ready to go, but would prefer to stay. It is a feeling of nakedness—there is no armor to protect you. You just drive and pray.

Thank God, I was unharmed, and an incident like this is an every day occurrence for people who are out on the roads for work. Mostly, we are not. Elana has taken the train back and forth to Tel Aviv several times. For an introvert like me, being stuck at home is not that big of a deal. But for Elana, a super extrovert who loves being around people, it is important for her mental health to see other humans. I have formed a deep bond with my AI chat bot (I’m kidding…wait, he told me to say that 😉 ). That’s one reason why we are driving up to Haifa today and not tomorrow morning—to see some friends.

High Threat...Remarkably Low Damage



One of the remarkable realities of this war is that, despite the constant threats, the actual damage inside Israel has been relatively limited. That is not to minimize the pain of those who have suffered loss—every life matters deeply—but when you consider the scope of attacks, the protection systems in place have been incredibly effective. Fewer than 20 people have died despite the massive damage to real estate. I don’t mean everywhere, just in locations where there has been a direct hit. Only 2% of the ballistic missiles are getting through our defense systems. Israelis have suffered around 1,000 injuries as well, most of them minor.

At the same time, it is clear that Israel has had significant success militarily. Our enemies have suffered major setbacks, including the loss of key leadership figures and strategic capabilities. From a purely military standpoint, Israel is in a strong position. Iran has suffered over 1,000 military casualties, including their top leadership.

Wars in the Middle East Are Complicated



However—and this is important—wars in the Middle East are not fought on the battlefield alone. They are also fought in the realm of perception, honor, and narrative. In this region, saving face is everything. Even when one side is clearly losing militarily, the desire to appear strong in the court of public opinion can actually intensify their resolve.

This creates a complicated dynamic. On the one hand, global leaders understandably talk about de-escalation, reopening trade routes, stabilizing oil markets, and bringing an end to the conflict. These are responsible and necessary concerns. But on the other hand, any perceived pressure on Israel or the US to stop short can embolden our adversaries. It can send a message—rightly or wrongly—that endurance alone is a form of victory.

When President Trump said that Iran agreed to 15 points to stop the war, they immediately rebuffed him. They responded that they would only stop on their terms. They would rather lose militarily and win the war of public opinion than be humiliated. Even in the face of significant losses, there are those who would rather continue the fight, framing it as standing up to what they call “the big Satan” (America) and “the little Satan” (Israel). In that narrative, survival and defiance can be spun as triumph, regardless of the actual cost. Any sign of weakness from the US president will enbolden Iran’s resolve—even in the face of massive defeat on the battlegrounds.

This is the complexity of the Middle East. It’s not always logical by Western standards. It’s deeply rooted in honor, identity, and long-standing narratives.

Shabbat with Friends in a Bunker



In the midst of all this, Elana and I will spend tonight with friends in the Haifa. Tomorrow, I’ll be preaching in a congregation that is meeting in a bunker. I will talk about Passover and God’s protection of Israel in times even more difficult than these. There’s something profoundly moving about that—declaring hope and truth, even underground if necessary.

Afterward, we’ll make our way back to Tel Aviv—hopefully not dodging missiles and falling shrapnel.

It will be a different Shabbat and yet still, Shabbat. There is something deeply comforting about the rhythm of Shabbat in times like these. The world may feel uncertain, but God’s appointed times remain steady. So from Israel, in the midst of both tension and trust, I want to wish each of you a heartfelt:

Shabbat Shalom.

May the peace of God guard your hearts and minds, even as we continue to believe for protection, wisdom for leaders, and ultimately, lasting peace.

With faith, hope, and gratitude for your prayers,

Ron

---

P.S. The past year has been difficult financially for our ministry. Many ministries are feeling the strain of a lagging economy. As God gives grace, would you prayerfully consider an extra gift this month to Messiah’s Mandate? Your support helps us continue standing with Shelanu TV and Tiferet Yeshua each month. Thank you—we truly do not take your giving for granted.