Feb 2026 Report from Our National Leader

Dear faithful readers and friends (Chaverim),

Happy New Year for 2026, and welcome to our February-March edition of Israel & Christians Today.

My prayer is that this edition will inform and inspire you as we continue to stand together as Christians for Israel—those who love and comfort the Jewish people unconditionally, just as we are comforted and loved by our Lord Jesus Christ.

Comforting our Jewish Family in Bondi

We begin this year with heavy hearts following the worst terrorist attack on Australian soil. On 14 December, during what should have been a joyous Hanukkah by the Sea celebration, 15 Australian Jews were killed and over 40 injured.

On 18 December, Mandy and I flew to Sydney to commemorate the 8th day of Hanukkah with the Israeli Ambassador and Christian leaders at the Great Synagogue. The atmosphere was sombre, heavy with the horror and heartache of yet another senseless attack on the Jewish community—a pain all too familiar since 7 October 2023.

We travelled to Bondi to pay our respects at the impromptu memorial at the Surf Pavilion, just metres away from where so many lives were extinguished by radicalised evil. The scene was surreal. The Bondi weather and beach were as beautiful as ever, yet they stood in stark contrast to the growing mound of flowers, the media scrum, and a flash of bright yellow and black: the uniforms of ZAKA.

The Light of Israel in the Darkness

It was there I caught up with our good friends: Marnix Van Ede, the ZAKA International Public Relations Officer; International Commander Mr Nachman Dyksztejn; and Matthew Chivers from Bridges for Peace (pictured above. They were busy working the crime scenes—collecting body parts and blood in accordance with Jewish law, counselling victims, and bringing the light of Israel into a very dark place.

The timing was providential. Mandy and I had been with Marnix and Nachman in Israel just a month earlier on our Solidarity Mission. We visited ZAKA HQ and saw firsthand how these Orthodox first responders comfort Israelis—after 7 October, and more recently following the Texas floods.

When the tragedy struck Bondi, we were asked if we could help fund a specialist team of women trauma counsellors— including Valerie Dyksztejn—to provide sensitive support to women in the community. Thanks to your generosity, Christians for Israel Australia Foundation was able to provide US$12,000 to assist in flying this specialist team to Australia immediately. This support was deeply valued by the local Jewish community, but much more is required. We ask you to continue to prayerfully support the vital work of ZAKA.

Solidarity and Remembrance

Despite the darkness, we have seen light. C4I was pleased to distribute hundreds of copies of our newspaper and 2026 calendars to guests at the Great Synagogue. We heard moving words from our dear friends, Israeli Ambassador Amir Maimon and his wife Tal, as well as Special Envoy Against Antisemitism, Mrs Jillian Segal.

Mandy and I were privileged to present the outgoing Ambassador with a unique gift—a Challah cover featuring an indigenous print design, a symbol of our prayers for him as he and Tal return to Israel this February. We have cherished their friendship over the past four years. While the political temperature between our government and Israel has been challenging, our love for the Jewish people remains steadfast.

On the Gold Coast, Mayor Tom Tate hosted a special evening of commemoration where we again distributed resources to a large pro-Israel Christian and Jewish crowd.

A National Call to Action

Following Hanukkah, we witnessed a profound moment on 22 January, the National Day of Mourning. Fifteen pillars of light illuminated the Sydney icons, honouring the 15 lives lost. While there has been criticism regarding government inaction prior to the attack, I was intrigued to see the secular authorities draw on themes that mirror Biblical traditions of national repentance.

The Prime Minister’s office encouraged the nation to perform Mitzvahs—acts of kindness—to counter the darkness. Fifteen specific Mitzvahs were suggested, urging us to turn from evil toward righteousness:

1. Uplift the sick—visit the unwell and offer support.

2. Honour your parents—perform a task to help an older relative.

3. Open your home—offer hospitality to someone unexpected.

4. Travel with care—treat roads and drivers with respect.

5. Act with intent—seek guidance and clarity before tasks.

6. Prioritise family—dedicate the first hour of the evening to family, screen-free.

7. Gratitude first—begin the day with thanks.

8. Prayer for healing—pray for the recovery of the Bondi victims.

9. Work with integrity—honour your time commitments.

10. Pay it forward—encourage others to pass on kindness.

11. Cherish your partner—remind loved ones of your gratitude.

12. Quiet kindness—perform acts of good without expecting return.

13. Teach children—read stories showing the good in the world.

14. Legacy of life—empower the next generation with hope, not loss.

15. Give to others—donate to organisations in service of others.

Looking Ahead to 2026

Friends, the needs across Israel remain immense. As you read these pages, I encourage you to prayerfully support our humanitarian projects:

• Bring the Jewish people home (Aliyah)

• Provide food parcels and accommodation

• Support Hebrew lessons for new immigrants

• Adopt a Holocaust survivor

• Support printing/distribution of this free newspaper.

Our team is preparing for a significant year of ministry. We hope to expand our humanitarian support, grow our teaching resources, and strengthen Christian understanding of Israel across Australia. We can’t do this without faithful partners like you.

Please give securely online to make your tax-deductible gift. Every gift—large or small—makes a real difference.

Mandy and I, and the Christians for Israel Australia team, are deeply grateful for your love, prayers, and faithful partnership. We witnessed firsthand in Israel how much your support matters. Please continue standing with us as we stand with Israel—especially in these challenging days.

With every blessing in Messiah,

Ian Worby
National Leader, Christians for Israel Australia