As Israel’s conflict with Hezbollah and Hamas reignites, a church in northern Israel stands as a beacon of resilience—and uncertainty.
For the last year, Pastor Israel Iluz and his congregation in Kiryat Shmona have faced the brutal reality of living near a warzone. With air raids, rocket fire, and ground operations becoming a part of daily life, the faith community has found itself not only fighting for survival but also grappling with their role in the midst of an escalating conflict. And as tensions rise once more, the church’s leaders are unsure of what’s to come next.
A Year of Rockets and Resilience
Pastor Iluz’s days are often punctuated by the sound of air-raid sirens. At times, exhaustion has led him to ignore the threats around him. During one close call, his wife warned him of an impending missile strike as he was showering. Rather than running for shelter, he told her to go ahead while he finished his shampoo.
“Another round of war would be devastating,” Iluz says, a reflection of the trauma his community has endured. Yet, as the rockets continue to fall and ceasefires break, the uncertainty surrounding the region’s future remains ever-present. Just a few days ago, Israeli airstrikes hit Beirut for the first time since the November ceasefire with Hezbollah, a move that has reignited fears of another violent escalation.
Church Serving Amid Conflict
During the worst of the fighting, as thousands fled the region, Iluz’s congregation played a crucial role. While many of Kiryat Shmona’s 23,000 residents evacuated, around a dozen church members stayed behind to volunteer. They helped prepare meals for Israeli soldiers deployed on the northern border, their efforts a testament to the community’s unwavering support for the military and the nation.
“I saw our people serving in the kitchen, cooking for soldiers, and when the sirens went off, they’d run to the bomb shelter and then right back to the kitchen. It’s something you can’t forget,” Iluz recalls. In those harrowing days, it wasn’t just about providing food—it was about offering hope, unity, and a sense of normalcy in the face of chaos.
Renewed Tensions and the Church’s Fragile Peace
Now, with the escalation of conflict following Israel’s return to Gaza and renewed airstrikes on Lebanon, Iluz and his congregation fear what lies ahead. The ceasefire agreements have ended, and each attack feels like a countdown to another full-blown war. The church, despite its resilient spirit, remains cautious. Every gathering feels precarious.
“We’ve already experienced so much loss,” Iluz admits. “Every day that we wake up and the missiles don’t come, we count it as a blessing. But we also know the situation can change in an instant.” This uncertain atmosphere looms large over the church’s operations. Every meeting, every prayer service, feels shadowed by the potential for a sudden escalation of violence.
A Mission of Peace, Despite the Chaos
Despite the fears, the church continues to operate. Faith, after all, is what keeps the congregation grounded. The community’s leaders remain focused on their mission of peace—no matter how fragile it may seem. Even in the darkest days, they believe their purpose is clear: to serve, to support, and to lead with love.
“Our role is more than just to protect our own,” says Iluz. “We have a responsibility to help the people around us, to be a light in these dark times.”
As tensions mount in northern Israel, the church is determined to weather the storm. The need for faith, hope, and community has never been greater. For now, as Iluz and his congregation prepare for the worst, they cling to the belief that their mission will prevail—even amid a renewed war.
