Operation Roaring Lion – Day 25
Operation Roaring Lion – Day 25
War Update from Jerusalem
Official Logo for “Operation Roaring Lion”
These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. John 16:33
Dear Friends, Shalom from Jerusalem!
The local news in Israel is flooded with reports of constant sirens blaring across the country and barrages of incoming missiles on a daily basis, articles about episodes from the public bomb shelters, discussions regarding certain grades resuming school in specific areas, stranded Israelis abroad, cancelled flights in the Middle East, damaged buildings and streets in Israel, and most tragically – the casualties and loss of life. It’s words on paper, however, for us Israelis – at the epicenter of it all, living through these disruptive sirens, interceptions, explosions, and impacts – it’s a daily reality once again, especially with additional large barrages from Hezbollah in Lebanon that joined the IRGC, and we are already conditioned to what we are supposed to do according to the Home Front Command. These rockets coming from the north of Israel don’t provide the luxury of an advanced notification several minutes before the actual sirens go off. The IDF has once again called up reserves to send troops to southern Lebanon for another ground operation that is expected to last weeks if not longer.
Until now:
- Hundreds of ballistic missiles and UAVs have been launched from Iran and Lebanon
- At least 24+ deaths reported in Israel with nearly 4,000 people hospitalized
- US forces reported 13 deaths and 200 wounded
- Over 1,500 civilians have been evacuated from their homes by the Home Front Command
- Thousands of damage claims for buildings and vehicles
Many are exhausted and growing impatient, primarily due to the lack of sleep, and it’s hard to keep track of everything that transpires. One loses sense of time due to the constant interruptions. How can parents work if they have no one to take care of their children? How can children go to school if the way to and from classes is not guaranteed because the streets aren’t safe, even in an area that is considered “calmer”? And the question that everyone would like an answer to – while understanding the necessity to eliminate the threat to the very existence of Israel: When is it all going to end?
(L) The initial Extreme Alert notifying of the incoming missiles in 4 languages
(R) The official OK indicating when it’s safe to leave the protected space
Every modern screen is “hacked” by this notification to warn Israeli residents of an incoming missile barrage: cellphones, modern car dashboards, coffee machines, credit card readers… Common daily activities such as taking a shower or going to the grocery store have become cumbersome, as you might want to think twice about your timing. One tries to calculate how far one can stray from a building with a protected space.
Last week, Waze, an Israeli navigation system, added a new ‘crisis’ feature that allows drivers to search for the nearest bomb shelter while driving with a click of a button. Israeli coders have also launched a rocket risk shower predictor that uses statistics to estimate how safe it is to take a shower across the country at that specific moment in time. It’s only a predictor though and can only be used with caution…
‘Can I Shower?’ – Rocket Risk Shower Predictor
Israeli coders use statistics to estimate how safe it is to take a shower
Hospitals have once again transferred their patients to underground wards for safety. This isn’t the first time, unfortunately, but the staff is already trained and familiar with such events.
Sheba Hospital, Underground Ward in Tel Aviv
Bar Kupershtein, a former hostage who was released on October 13th, 2025
after 738 days in Hamas captivity, posted this photo from an underground parking lot
once he was forced to seek shelter from incoming Iranian missiles.
The Hebrew caption reads: “I once again returned underground…”
Lately in Jerusalem…
Earlier this month was the Feast of Purim. Public celebrations were not permitted, so families gathered to celebrate mostly indoors or in parks close to their homes. Incoming missiles forced everyone to take shelter several times, so anyone who happened to be in the neighborhood huddled together in a shared underground bomb shelter.
Celebrating Purim in a shared underground bomb shelter
From the bakery to the bomb shelter – Baker Avi just managed to take all the bread out of the oven before taking shelter
A friend baker asked Avi during their conversation in the bomb shelter: “Can you imagine if there’s a siren while we’re making Matza (for Passover)?! What will I do if the batter is not allowed to sit for longer than 18 minutes?”
Friday afternoon – from street music in downtown Jerusalem to taking cover in a public bomb shelter
Hundreds gather in 2 halls and the stairwell that once used to serve as a center for Holocaust Survivors before October 7th, located right by a playground
Passers-by join in the protected shelter, all getting their steps in once again, waiting for the storm to pass. Whoever can, follows the live updates, sends an “I’m safe” message or makes a phone call if they have cell service in the bomb shelter. Everyone is eager to get back out to try and go about their day, as normal as possible. 4-year-old Lia is being held by her father, little Ben finds distraction playing a game, neighbors complain to each other about the previous sleepless night…
Cluster Bombs passing over Jerusalem
Damage in Jerusalem from shrapnel after a missile was intercepted a 3-minute-drive away from our FZS distribution center
Empty streets in downtown Jerusalem
Empty streets in the Old City of Jerusalem
Shrapnel from Iranian missile interception strikes home near Tanya in central Israel – Visiting with Tanya
Shortly after Shabbat started, among other sites – fallen shrapnel struck a building close to Tanya’s home, a Holocaust Survivor who prays for us daily. Thankfully no injuries were reported and Tanya confirmed that she was safe. Since the beginning of this war, Tanya moved out of her bedroom to sleep in her safe room. Not everyone is as fortunate to have a safe room in their apartment. Many share a public bomb shelter under the ground floor in the building, have to walk a block to get to a protected space, or have altogether moved to public underground parking lots and subways as they can’t make it in time to a safe space or it’s just too much of a hassle so frequently during the night. Due to all the restrictions and limited movement, part of the frustration and emotional strain is from the lack of freedom. Thankfully we know that we always have true freedom in our Messiah, no matter what!
And Still, Life Goes On…
Even though the situation remains hostile and critical, as the alerts on our phones constantly remind us, yet through it all, there is a yearning for (a sense of) normalcy and life must go on, and so it does. Babies are being delivered in underground hospital wards and some miracles of life included babies being brought into this world even in an ambulance or car under rocket fire! Wedding ceremonies are also celebrated in bomb shelters or reinforced underground parking lots.
Y., a young man who was critically wounded during his service 2 years ago in the war, has since fallen in love and got married earlier this week. We were blessed to meet and host Y. for a week retreat last year, along with 5 others, and are overjoyed that he was able to celebrate his big day, given the circumstances. The initial venue canceled, and the couple was forced to limit the number of guests to 50 people due to the current restrictions in Israel for gatherings, incl. a secure access to a protected space in time. Sure enough, during the evening celebration, the whole wedding party had to take cover in a bomb shelter – twice! This did not stop the couple and their guests from continuing their rejoicing underground – quite the opposite!
Bride and Groom under the Chuppah – Wedding party celebrates in the bomb shelter later the same evening
Some parents turn the sirens and overhead explosions into a game and positive experience for their children whenever they’re on their way to a protected space with a song and dance. Many turn to humor to lighten the mood and exchange jokes, share happy memories of better days, or start planning an exotic trip abroad once everything’s over. We know that the best medicine is prayer and a relationship with our Heavenly Father.
Everyone has basic physical needs and yearns for social contact as well. Some Israelis will go for a short walk in the park (aware of the closest shelter nearby), others will visit family or friends and then enter the bomb shelter together if they hear a siren. At FZS, we have welcomed several brave Olim this week, who took it upon themselves to come to our distribution center in Jerusalem using the-now-infrequent buses. We were blessed to offer them clothing, food items, bread from the local bakery, as well as some words of comfort in our Lord!
We Never Lose Hope!
We are so thankful for the faithful grace and mercy of the Lord, which is new every morning, for His promises and so much more, that we take for granted, such as an uninterrupted hour of sleep! Even though there are challenges, interruptions, disappointments and uncertainties, we can really trust only in God and find comfort and indescribable Shalom in Him. We continue to pray for the will of the Lord in everything and through it all!
Prayer Requests
- God’s devine protection and preservation
- Wisdom for decision-making government officials
- Patience and Shalom for everyone through the hardship
- Freedom for the Iranian people from an oppressive regime
- Comfort and strength for those who have lost relatives and friends
- A quick recovery for the wounded
- Those evacuated who no longer have a home due to the damage caused by incoming missiles
- Safety for the US and Israeli forces
- Those still stranded abroad
- Peace for relatives that live abroad and worry
- Children in Israel have experienced 6 extreme years with lockdowns, no school, and countless rocket barrages… Please pray for their wellbeing as they grow and mature.
- A discerning and wise spirit among the believers; not of fear, but power and might!
- We are also praying for provisions for further shipping containers with aid for our distribution center.
“You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. Trust in the Lord forever, for in Yah, the Lord, is everlasting strength.” Isaiah 26:3-4
Indeed, we have so much to be grateful for! Thank you for all your faithful prayers as you stand with us in these once again challenging and uncertain times!
Blessings and Shalom from Jerusalem!
For Zion’s Sake Staff
FZS US Mailing Address
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