During the last attacks from Iran, families in Beersheba experienced extreme fear firsthand as the city was one of the main targets by balistic missiles. Parents rushed with their children to shelters, wondering whether the next explosion would be near their home. Some families were separated from loved ones serving in the army, while others struggled to comfort children who had become frightened by every unexpected sound.
During our visit to the city, one mother shared how her young son began waking up screaming, “Azakot, azakot”(“sirens, sirens.”) After a rocket landed near their home, even the sound of a passing car could make him believe another rocket was coming. For a child, the war does not simply end when the sirens stop. The fear can remain long after the immediate danger has passed.
Another mother described the terrifying moment when she believed her daughter had been killed. Her daughter had stayed home with the family dogs while the rest of the family went to the shelter. When a powerful explosion suddenly shook the area, the mother panicked, convinced that the house had collapsed. When her daughter eventually arrived safely at the shelter, the relief was overwhelming. Yet the shock was so great that the mother could barely speak for days.
And yet, in the midst of fear, there was also something else we heard again and again: faith.
One woman told us that when there was nothing else they could do, they prayed. Another spoke about relying on God when life has disappointed us and circumstances are beyond our control. For her, knowing that God loves her and that she can place her burdens in His hands gives her strength and hope.
Fear is real. It is a natural human response to danger. But faith reminds us that fear does not have to have the final word.
Bringing Practical Help and Encouragement
It was with this in mind that City of Life traveled to Beersheba to stand alongside families who had been affected by the recent attacks.
We distributed emergency war kits containing essential supplies that can make a practical difference during an emergency. But our visit was about more than distributing items. We wanted to meet people, listen to their stories, understand what they had experienced, and remind them that there are people who care.
For these families, hope is not the denial of what they have experienced. It is the decision to keep going, to care for their children, to believe in a better future, and to trust that God is present even in the darkest moments.
Please continue to pray for the families of Beersheba and for communities throughout Israel living with the uncertainty of war. Pray especially for children carrying the emotional scars of what they have experienced, for parents trying to protect and encourage their families, and for those whose loved ones are serving in the IDF.
Above all, pray that people will discover the hope that comes from knowing the living God.
Join us! Our ministry continues to stand alongside the communities of southern Israel, reflecting God’s love through practical support and care for families affected by conflict.
