A Call to Prayer: Standing with Israel’s Hostage Families
This week, I had the incredible opportunity to visit the West Wing, where we met with 23 families of hostages still being held in Gaza by Hamas. These families traveled all the way from Israel, carrying the weight of their suffering and the hope that their voices would be heard. It was a powerful, deeply moving time of prayer, listening, and standing in solidarity with them.
I am especially grateful for Paula White and the Office of Faith, who helped make this meeting possible. It meant so much to these families to know that people of faith are standing with them, lifting up their cause, and advocating for their loved ones. They shared heartbreaking stories—stories of unimaginable loss, of missing children as young as three months old, of families desperate for even the remains of their loved ones to be returned to their homeland. Their pain is unfathomable, yet their resilience is inspiring.
I am also thankful for President Trump, who has continually shown his commitment to Israel and the families affected by this crisis. He made space for these families to be heard, shining a light on this ongoing atrocity that has persisted for nearly 500 days. This is not just a political issue; it is a moral one.
The timing of this meeting is significant as we enter the week of Purim, a time that recalls the biblical story of Esther—a woman who risked everything to save her people from destruction. Today, we see echoes of that story as these families fight for justice, for the return of their loved ones, and for peace.
As I left the meeting, a high-ranking individual approached me and said, “I saw you last week on TV, and it touched my heart.” I was reminded in that moment that the work we do—whether through building hospitals, bomb shelters, playgrounds, or safe houses in Israel—is making an impact. These families know they are not alone, that there are people across the world standing with them in faith and action.
Now, more than ever, we must pray. Pray for the hostages. Pray for their families. Pray for wisdom and guidance for the leaders making critical decisions. Pray for peace—not only for Israel but also for Ukraine, Russia, and all nations in turmoil.
As Scripture tells us, “Blessed are the peacemakers.” May God grant wisdom to those in power, strength to those who suffer, and a swift return for those still in captivity.
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