In February 2025 I led a small group to Israel to serve war-weary Israelis. One of the stops we made was in Kiryat Shmona, one of the northern-most cities. Situated on the Lebanon border, Kiryat Shmona saw their share of rocket fire from Hezbollah.

When barrages became too frequent and too deadly, the city of about 25,000 was evacuated. But there was a small group that chose to stay: a few members of the Messianic Jewish congregation. The son of Pastor Israel Illuz happens to be a chef, so he closed down his restaurant, moved all his cooking equipment to the church, and the group began preparing hot meals for the soldiers fighting just over the border in Lebanon. (Who would otherwise be eating rations while serving in a cold and difficult environment.)

That small group of women and I were so blessed to join the effort last February (during a season of relative safety). We gathered there alongside those brave congregants and two other couples who were serving longer term. There, we saw sagging ceilings and other damage caused by the rockets. We also saw the small bomb shelter just outside the front door. Standing in a warzone was surreal (though we were safe there at that time).

Most of these photos were taken in the sanctuary and kitchen (notice sagging ceilings and other damage) where our group helped prepare meals and spent sweet fellowship time with the believers. In one photo, a Swedish artist, unable to stand to help prep, drew exquisite pictures on tin lids that covered hot trays.

Since then, rocket fire from Hezbollah has ramped back up, yet those faithful servants of God continue their mission feeding the young soldiers on the front lines.

Recently, Pastor Illuz sat down with Dr Erez Soref at ONE FOR ISRAEL to discuss the current situation in Kiryat Shmona. Though the residents have returned, they still endure repeated sirens throughout the days, sending them to bomb shelters. Seeing this interview brings it all back to vivid memory.

I hope you are blessed as you see and hear of God’s goodness to the faithful servants in Kiryat Shmona, and I encourage you to pray for them regularly.