Dear precious readers and friends (Chaverim),
As I write, many of us feel the weight of unfolding events in the Middle East, particularly the escalating conflict involving Israel, Iran, and America. Yet in God’s providence, the timing itself has carried a sobering Biblical echo.
The opening of this latest conflict fell on Saturday 28 February 2026, the very weekend Jewish communities around the world marked Shabbat Zachor, the Sabbath of remembrance immediately preceding Purim. Only days later came Purim itself (2–3 March 2026), the festival celebrating Israel’s deliverance from an enemy within the Persian Empire.
Purim: The Pattern We Must Not Ignore
The Book of Esther is not merely a children’s story, it is a revelation of how genocidal hatred operates and how God overturns it. Haman’s decree was total: to destroy the Jewish people throughout the Persian Empire.
Scripture shows that this kind of hatred is not simply political; it is spiritual. Shabbat Zachor confronts that reality by commanding Israel to remember Amalek, the enemy that attacked the weak and weary. Jewish tradition links Haman with Amalek, and history shows that ‘the spirit of Haman’ resurfaces in every generation.
But Purim also teaches the law of reversal. The gallows prepared for Mordechai became the place of Haman’s judgement. What was meant for evil was turned back.
Esther’s question still confronts the people of God today: ‘Who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?’ (Esther 4:14). There are moments when silence is complicity, and passivity becomes a form of surrender.
So we must discern the hour we are in — pray, stand, give, and speak — not in hatred toward people, but in spiritual clarity and covenant faithfulness toward the God of Israel.
God’s story is not only about judgement. It is also about redemption.
Modern‑day Iran stands on the soil of ancient Persia, and within Persia is the older Biblical identity of Elam. Elam appears early in Scripture as a son of Shem, and the Elamites formed a significant civilisation in the region of today’s Iran (Genesis 10:22, 14:1,9).
Remarkably, by the time we reach the New Testament, Elamites are present at Pentecost, hearing the wonders of God in their own language (Acts 2). In other words: God’s story is not only about judgement. It is also about redemption.
And Jeremiah records a promise that should shape how we pray: ‘But in the latter days I will restore the fortunes of Elam’ (Jeremiah 49:39).
Friends, this is why we must be careful not to demonise the Iranian people. Regimes may rage and threats may escalate, but God is still able to bring awakening and deliverance. We can stand unashamedly with Israel’s right to defend herself while also praying for mercy, truth, and redemption among the peoples of Iran.
That leads us to our response. Purim teaches that deliverance is often connected to courage, people who will not remain silent. Esther’s moment was not comfortable. It was courageous. She stepped forward because silence would have been a form of surrender.
For such a time as this, we must pray for the peace of Jerusalem, speak truth with love in a world of confusion, stand against antisemitism, and comfort God’s people with practical help.
That is why the work of Christians for Israel Australia matters so deeply right now:
- Aliyah — helping Jewish people return home
- Food parcels and welfare support
- First Home in the Homeland — assisting new immigrants to settle
- Holocaust survivor care, including ‘Adopt a Holocaust Survivor’
- First responders — including ZAKA and Magen David Adom
Each of these is a tangible expression of comfort, and every gift helps us ‘turn compassion into action’.
A few highlights in this edition (if you haven’t spotted them yet):
- Sondra Oster Baras shares the reality of life ‘in and out of shelters’ and the resilience of ordinary Israelis living through extraordinary days.
- Anemone Rüger provides a sobering update on Holocaust survivors and ongoing care needs, and why your support continues to matter.
- You’ll read a powerful Biblical reflection on the dignity of life and the calling of ZAKA first responders to bring honour even in devastation.
- There is also thoughtful commentary helping us understand how Israeli and American interests intersect — and where they may diverge — in the current conflict.
- And you’ll find stories that remind us the battle is not only physical but spiritual, and that God is still moving in the nations.
A Legacy That Speaks Beyond Our Lifetime
You will also notice a full‑colour Will and Bequest legacy brochure inserted into your copy of this newspaper. For many believers, preparing a Will is both a practical responsibility and a deeply spiritual act, a way of expressing faith, stewardship, and love beyond our own lifetime. Scripture reminds us that ‘good people leave an inheritance to their children’s children’ (Proverbs 13:22).
If you would like to prayerfully consider including the ministry work of Christians for Israel Australia in your planned estate giving, the brochure outlines how such a gift can become a lasting legacy of hope, helping us continue to inform, inspire and comfort God’s people for generations to come. This is, of course, a personal decision, and the brochure provides further information and confidential contact details.
Friends, Purim reminds us that the threat is real, but so is the God of Israel. And so is the calling on His people.
For such a time as this, may we be found faithful.
With heartfelt thanks for your prayers and partnership.
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