When we speak about the miracle of Israel, we often think of dramatic moments – wars won against impossible odds, hostages rescued, or immigrants arriving home after centuries of exile.
But sometimes the greatest miracles happen quietly.
A few months ago, I stood on the slopes of Mount Ebal looking across the breathtaking hills of Samaria. This is the very mountain where Joshua built an altar after the people of Israel crossed the Jordan River into the Promised Land. It was here that the tribes gathered to hear the blessings and the curses as they began a new chapter in their history. As I looked down the hillside, I saw something that moved me deeply. There was almost nothing there. A few caravans. A water tank. An Israeli flag. Several young families unloading boxes, children already running between the homes, preparing to begin life on a windswept hill.
Thousands of years ago, Jewish families lived on these very hills. They planted vineyards, raised their children, and worshipped the God of Israel. Centuries passed. Empires came and went. The Jewish people were scattered around the world. And now they were home again. I remember thinking that I was not simply looking at another new community. I was watching history come full circle.
Building the Future
This week, Israel took another historic step that will allow scenes like this to be repeated across Judea and Samaria. Israel’s Security Cabinet has approved approximately 1.3 billion shekels (about $350 million) to help establish dozens of new pioneer neighborhoods throughout Judea and Samaria. The funding will allow families to move quickly onto the land while permanent homes, roads, schools, and infrastructure are being developed. Instead of waiting for years before a community becomes reality, pioneers can begin living there almost immediately.
For many people, this sounds like another government budget. For us, it is something much bigger.
Every family that moves onto these hills strengthens Israel’s presence in the Biblical Heartland. Every child born there becomes another chapter in the incredible story of the Jewish people’s return to their ancestral homeland.
Why It Matters
- The places we call Judea and Samaria are not simply names on a map.
- This is where Abraham first walked with God.
- This is where Jacob dreamed of the ladder reaching Heaven.
- This is where Hannah prayed for a son.
- This is where Samuel judged Israel.
- This is where the Tabernacle stood in Shiloh for several centuries.
The Bible is filled with these mountains, valleys, and towns. They are woven into God’s covenant with His people.
The prophet Amos declared:
“I will plant Israel upon their land, and they shall never again be uprooted.” (Amos 9:15)
Every new community reminds us that God’s promises endure through every generation.
Your Role
- As Christians who love Israel, you have the privilege of standing alongside these courageous pioneering families.
- You can pray for them.
- You can encourage them.
- And through CFOIC Heartland, you can help provide practical assistance that strengthens these communities and the families who call them home.
Many of the communities we support today began exactly like the one I saw on Mount Ebal, with only a few caravans, enormous faith, and pioneers willing to build where few others would. Years later, they are thriving communities filled with families, schools, farms, playgrounds, and synagogues. That is how Zion is rebuilt. One family. One hill. One act of faith at a time.
Thank you for continuing to stand with the people of Israel and the communities of Judea and Samaria. Your prayers, friendship, and generosity truly make a difference.
“Sing, O heavens! Be joyful, O earth! Break forth into singing, O mountains! For the LORD has comforted His people, and will have mercy upon His afflicted.” (Isaiah 49:13)
Standing with Zion,
Shmuel Junger
Executive Director
Christian Friends of Israeli Communities (CFOIC Heartland)
a land being rebuilt