Blessing Israel | September 2025

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SEPTEMBER 2025

YOU ARE STANDING WITH ISRAEL AND BLESSING HER PEOPLE IN NEED ISRAEL

BRINGING HOPE TO MISSILE STRIKE SURVIVORS

In Bat Yam, a coastal city south of Tel Aviv, terror struck an entire neighborhood when an Iranian missile destroyed a residential building. Hundreds of residents were displaced. The direct hit obliterated that building and damaged nearby buildings for blocks, making them unlivable.

One frightened survivor recalled the horror, saying, “The building was shaking, and I was holding the door shut. And it felt like the door would fly out.”

Since the beginning of the war with Iran, Israel has faced relentless attacks, leaving communities in a state of upheaval and despair. With so many people left homeless and traumatized, where could they turn for help?

Fortunately, you came to their rescue through CBN Israel. Thanks to your support, a bus arrived in Bat Yam to take the elderly, Holocaust survivors, and those with disabilities to safer places, including a shelter and a hotel.

In the wake of the attack, your gifts helped to launch a trauma hotline, which offered counseling and hope to those reeling from loss.

At a time when it seems that so many forces in

the world are aligning against Israel, it means a great deal to the Israeli people to know you are standing with them. Your support conveys volumes to those who are hurting.

You are there for terror victims with hot meals, safe lodging, professional trauma therapy, and encouragement. And you are bringing ongoing relief to refugees and new immigrants, single mothers, and others in need. Thank you for being a true friend to those facing crisis in the Holy Land!

THANK YOU FOR MAKING THE DIFFERENCE!

ISRAEL RELIEF

Your support provides food, clothing, housing, education, and hope to Israel’s most vulnerable people. You are blessing victims of war and terror, Holocaust survivors, widows, orphans, single moms, refugees, and others who desperately need our help.

ISRAEL NEWS

Your gifts make it possible to produce unbiased, independent journalism through broadcasts, podcasts, and online media dedicated to informing the world about what is happening in Israel and the Middle East through our news bureau in Jerusalem.

BOMB SHELTER

TISRAEL FILMS

Your funding helps produce groundbreaking films that tell the true story of Israel, its right to exist in the face of growing antisemitism, its extensive biblical history, its innovative and entrepreneurial culture, and its commitment to helping others—even its enemies.

ISRAEL INSTITUTE

Your partnership enables us to shape the future of Israel advocacy by training, educating, and equipping the next generation of Christian leaders to stand with the Jewish nation and counter anti-Israel propaganda, disinformation, and antisemitism.

RESTORATION

he world watched nervously as news stories showed Iran’s missile attacks on Israel. But the town of Bat Yam, south of Tel Aviv, was on the front lines.

An Iranian rocket hit the area, destroying hundreds of homes. Thankfully, one apartment building with 18 families was spared. However, when they all rushed to the bomb shelter, they discovered that it was in disrepair. There was a foul odor and the staircase was broken, with no railing, making it unusable for the older people to go downstairs into the shelter.

With the danger of missile attacks still looming, these families urgently needed to find safety.

end of the day today, it’s all going to be painted and clear. The stench is going to be out, and people can come and stay here.”

Nachmani added, “It was so easy to work with CBN. … We have the same biblical mission—to strengthen Israel and make sure that the Jewish people are thriving.”

Thanks to your generosity, CBN Israel was able to partner with Tenufa Bakehila or “Building Hope.” This organization is on a mission to repair shelters across the Holy Land.

Building Hope’s director, Gabi Nachmani, had his team work quickly to fix the damage, including installing a safe railing. He said, “Hopefully, by the

The daughter of one elderly resident said gratefully, “It will be a lot safer for my mother to get to the bomb shelter. She can hold on to the railing. Even getting out of the shelter was hard for her without this railing. Thank you so much for helping!”

Her mother was also thrilled by the new safety features, saying, “This is so touching—thank you! I would kiss your hands for doing this work.”

Your gifts to CBN Israel are doing so much, as many still suffer from the effects of war and terror. You are providing nutritious meals, housing, trauma counseling, financial aid, and more. Thank you for making a difference at this crucial time!

AMID RISING ANTISEMITISM, JEWISH STUDENTS TRAIN FOR BATTLE BEFORE SETTING FOOT ON CAMPUS

Since Hamas’s October 7th attack on Israel and the war in Gaza, many American college campuses have become hostile and even dangerous places for Jewish students. With offenses that include antisemitic graffiti, violent protests, and physical intimidation, Jewish identity on campus has come under siege. In response, CBN News covered a unique program based in Israel that is preparing the next generation of Jewish students not to shrink back—but to stand tall.

The Nitzavim Fellowship, now in its fourth year, equips Jewish high school graduates during their gap year in Israel with the tools, training, and conviction to confront antisemitism and strengthen Jewish identity once they enter U.S. college campuses.

“There is tremendous antisemitism right now,” Aleeza Ben Shalom, best known as the star of

Netflix’s Jewish Matchmaking, told CBN News. “I haven’t seen anything like it in my entire lifetime. If I had a child on campus, I’d be terrified. Students are afraid just to walk around or do anything visibly Jewish. It’s dangerous.”

But instead of fear, Nitzavim instills readiness. “The idea of our whole organization,” explained Rabbi Adi Isaacs, “is to bring as many students as possible to Israel for their gap year—and to equip them to make a difference for Israel and the Jewish people once they go on to college.”

Mark Sanders of the Nitzavim Fellowship said this year’s cohort includes 100 students heading to 32 secular universities. “They’re launching 24 initiatives that we believe can potentially impact over 12,500 Jewish students across the U.S.”

At a special showcase event held at Hebrew University in Jerusalem—styled after Shark

CBN News Middle East Bureau Chief
The Nitzavim finalists pitched creative solutions to combat antisemitism and empower Jewish students.

Tank —these students pitched their projects. The first prize, a $5,000 award, went to Ben Goodman, a future New York University (NYU) student who created a Jewish educational app.

“I want to take this to insane heights,” Goodman said. “Not just NYU—every college in America.”

Netanya Greiff, Nitzavim’s director, said each student had to identify a specific issue at their future campus and craft a solution. “Tonight we’re not just celebrating their hard work—we’re celebrating the impact they’re about to have.”

Rabbi Isaacs recalled how students from last year’s program felt, even with preparation: “They were still shocked. But when encampments started, they were ready. They stood with Israeli flags. They called campus security. They weren’t scared—they were confident and equipped.”

Judges for the student showcase included national marathon champion Beatie Deutsch and real estate developer Chani Horowitz. “I see these American kids so proud to be Jewish—it amazes me,” Horowitz said. “Ben Goodman? I told him to skip college and come work for me!”

Deutsch was deeply moved. “You saw passion. You saw students who want to make a difference. In a world that feels negative and hard, this gave

me so much hope.”

But she also knows what these students are up against. “Today, being Jewish means being accused of genocide,” she said. “Even people who follow me on Instagram now ask how I can support Israel. That’s the level of misinformation. On campus, it’s 10 times worse. You need deep conviction and a strong connection to your identity to face that.”

Greiff agreed, adding, “Many of our students are heading to Ivy League schools—the epicenters of campus antisemitism right now. But they’re not going in blind. They understand the environment, and they’re determined to build up stronger communities.”

The program doesn’t just arm students with talking points; it builds a network of support, mentorship, and mutual encouragement.

“These kids aren’t sheep being sent to a lion’s den,” said Sanders. “They’re tigers—equipped with advocacy tools, confidence, and a mission. They know how to answer antisemitism, how to rally intimidated Jewish students, how to lead with courage. They’re front-line soldiers in this battle.”

Ben Shalom closed the night with a joyful reminder of the bigger vision: “We’re here to dream bigger, to be Jewish people doing Jewish things, and to be a light to the nations.”

Left to Right (Top): The “Bear Mitzvah” booth presented a creative way to celebrate Jewish milestones and traditions. The “Challapallooza” booth engaged attendees with a fun, interactive celebration of Jewish food culture. These Nitzavim fellows shared their ideas for strengthening Jewish identity on college campuses. Esteemed judges, including Beatie Deutsch and Chani Horowitz, evaluated students’ innovative projects. (Bottom): The audience at Hebrew University gathered to witness the Nitzavim student showcase. The judges provided valuable feedback to the Nitzavim finalists’ initiatives. Ben Goodman won the competition with his groundbreaking Jewish educational app that aims to reach campuses nationwide. The Nitzavim participants are preparing to tackle antisemitism on U.S. campuses with confidence and conviction.

AWAKENED BY THE TRUMPET

“In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you shall have a sabbath-rest, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, a holy convocation. You shall do no customary work on it; and you shall offer an offering made by fire to the Lord” (Leviticus 23:24-25 nkjv).

Every year, as summer gives way to autumn, the Jewish people mark Rosh Hashanah “the Head of the Year.” This festival signals more than just a change of seasons on the calendar; it begins a sacred time known as the “Ten Days of Awe,” culminating in Yom Kippur, “the Day of Atonement.”

Rosh Hashanah traces its roots to the biblical “Feast of Trumpets,” a day when the shofar, a ram’s horn, is sounded to call God’s people to attention. In ancient Israel, the arrival of this feast was a moment requiring deep watchfulness.

Since it fell on the new moon, when only the faintest sliver of light would appear, priests and witnesses had to remain vigilant to confirm its arrival. To avoid missing this holy appointment, rabbis eventually added a second day—underscoring just how vital it was to stay awake, alert, and ready.

This theme of readiness is echoed throughout the New Testament as a picture of the believer’s posture toward Christ’s return:

“Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming” (Matthew 24:42).

Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober (1 Thessalonians 5:6).

Looking for the blessed hope and glorious

appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ (Titus 2:13).

The Feast of Trumpets was not merely about marking time; it was about awakening the heart. The piercing blast of the shofar cut through routine and distraction, calling every soul to return to God with repentance and renewed devotion.

Today, even if we don’t observe Rosh Hashanah in the traditional sense, the message still speaks to us: Be watchful. Be prepared. Be eager for the coming of the King. Our lives can easily drift into complacency, but the trumpet of Scripture sounds a clear call—wake up, stay ready, live expectantly.

The Lord Jesus was offered once to bear our sin. And He has promised to appear again (Hebrews 9:28)—not in humility this time, but in power and glory to gather His people forever.

May we not be found asleep or distracted. May we live each day with hearts tuned to the sound of His coming.

PRAYER:

Father, awaken my spirit to Your voice. Help me to lay aside complacency and live in anticipation of Your Son’s return. Keep me watchful, hopeful, and ready. Amen.

PRAYER POINTS

Pray for protection and courage for Jewish students as they return to campuses where hostility and antisemitism are increasing.

Pray that the Trump administration will take meaningful action to confront and combat antisemitism on college and university campuses.

Pray for a change of heart among those who harbor blind hatred toward Israel and the Jewish people, that understanding and compassion will replace prejudice.

Pray for wisdom, discernment, and strength for President Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as they lead their nations.

Pray for the Jewish community in Israel and around the world as they prepare to celebrate Rosh Hashanah later this month. Ask God to bless them with a year of peace, safety, and renewal as they enter the Jewish New Year.

Pray the peace of Jerusalem and for God’s protection over all who dwell there.

Pray for CBN News as it works to provide truthful reporting and a clear alternative to misinformation in the media.

Pray for CBN Israel as it offers hope, practical assistance, and comfort to Israelis recovering from the war with Iran.

DO YOU HAVE A PRAYER NEED?

Based on the New York Times bestseller by Dan Senor and Saul Singer, The Genius of Israel reveals why the Jewish state is largely immune to the social problems that plague many Western societies.

Filmed on location in Israel and hosted by Gordon Robertson, this CBN Films documentary explores the unique religious and cultural traditions that make Israel one of the most innovative and resilient democracies on earth.

BRINGING FAITH, NEWS & INSPIRATION FROM THE HOLY LAND

Hosted by Gordon Robertson • 30-Minute Weekly Broadcast

CBN proudly presents The 700 Club Israel—a dynamic new program that delivers powerful stories, trusted reporting, and biblical insight from Israel and the Middle East.

BIBLICAL INSIGHT FROM THE HOLY LAND

Teachings and devotionals filmed on location bring Scripture to life.

NEWS THROUGH A BIBLICAL LENS

Trusted reporting from Israel, led by Gordon Robertson and the CBN team.

CHRISTIAN COMPASSION IN ACTION

Inspiring stories of hope—from Holocaust survivors to displaced families.

MOMENTS OF PRAYER AND MINISTRY

Spirit-led segments that uplift and invite viewers to stand with Israel.

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