03 remembering october 7

Letter 03 | October 7, 2026

Hey, it’s Jake.

three years since oct 7

Today marks three years since October 7.

For a small nation like Israel, the scale of that day is difficult for us to understand.

On that Saturday, Hamas and armed groups attacked southern Israel, massacring around 1,200 people right where I’m standing most of them civilians—and taking around 250 hostages into Gaza.

What was done to boys, girls, and babies in those kibbutzim is something I still struggle to process.

last year, i went back with the pastor I worked with

I wish I had never seen some of the footage but last year, I went back to Israel alongside my dear friend and ministry partner—pastor Emmanuel. I had the priviledge of serving alongside Pastor Emmanuel for many years in Discipleship Ministry in Jax Beach.

During our time in ministry together, God opened a door for us to visit Israel.

Together.

Have you ever ha a desire so deep, it was visceral? Well, I can’t remember if I prayed about it, but I recall saying to myself many times — and probably to the Lord — “If only Emmanuel and I could just get to Israel together.” Somehow, we did.

We visited the massacre site. And at a military base, I saw some of the darkest footage my eyes have ever seen.

three months into ministry

October 7 came only three months into my first season of full-time ministry.

It was Shabbat.

Then Sunday came, and soon the world erupted in accusations toward Israel.

Violent incidents towards Jewish people in the U.S. more than tripled during the subsequent months of this massacre in 2023.

Statistically, I’m a minority in my generation for loving Israel.

A biblical love

But my love did not begin on October 7, and it is not based in politics. It’s based in the Bible.

And it was profoundly shaped by the prophet Isaiah, in a prayer chapel as a college student.

Yes—years ago in a chapel, the Lord began showing me His heart for Israel through the prophet Isaiah.

God’s everlasting covenant with Israel transformed my understanding of His character and awakened in me a desire to see Israel know her Messiah and Jerusalem have peace. 

We must learn to see Israel through God’s eyes and the promises of Scripture.

And whatever suffering comes, take heart.

the king is coming

The King is coming.

He is coming back to that land.

He’s coming back to dwell with His people.

a message for you…

So whether you’re my friend or foe, I’ve got a message for you. It’s not changing:

The God of Israel loves you.

He has revealed Himself in Jesus, who died and resurrected to redeem humanity from themselves.

If you’re hurting in this dark hour, call upon Him. I pray we all know His nearness in the most personal of ways 🤍

I’ll see you again….shalom.

-IBJ 9/1/26 🤍