Animating Biblical Truths for Peace in the Middle East
by Eli Birnbaum, Israel Director
As the war in Israel continues without a clear path forward, I find myself turning to Scripture more and more. In God’s Word, we find comfort, wisdom, healing and the One who can bring true and lasting peace. With all the mounting tensions, the Middle East needs Him now more than ever.
To help us communicate Messiah’s gospel of peace to our people in Israel, we created over 60 Scripture-based animated videos. Each animation presents a biblical truth in an engaging and imaginative way, featuring beautiful, unique art styles and original Hebrew music by local Israeli artists. These short films focus on biblical concepts such as hope and restoration, something our people are desperately seeking right now.
One of the animators working on this project asked, ‘Is this hope really in the Bible?’ That question deeply moved me, reminding me how vital it is to keep sharing the truth and hope found in Scripture in these difficult times. This is what our region urgently needs right now: the hope that can only be found in Yeshua, the Messiah. I strongly believe this is how we will bring peace and healing to Israelis and Arabs alike.
One video in particular aims to heal the rift between Israelis and Iranians by exploring the plight of persecuted believers in Jesus in Iran. This riveting short film follows underground believers in Iran as they gather to worship in secret under the threat of religious persecution.
We collaborated with Israeli recording artist and CEO of Morasha Organisation, Yaron Cherniak, who composed an enchanting traditional Persian folk song from Psalm 6:2–7 for this video. Yaron’s song was then performed by Iranian artists in Farsi (the official language of Iran). This is the gospel of peace in action, where Israelis and Iranians united in Messiah cooperate and create meaningful art that will inspire others to seek Him.
You can find this video and all the others on our Hebrew language website designed for unbelieving Jewish seekers, Yeshua Nekuda (https://www.yeshuanekuda.co.il/), and on our Yeshua Nekuda social media channels on YouTube (@yeshua_nekuda) and Instagram (@yeshuanekuda).
These are difficult times that call for deep reflection and prayer. As this conflict continues, our prayers should focus on seeking God’s wisdom, strength, protection and guidance for all involved – including our leaders, soldiers and civilians. Most importantly, we should pray for the salvation of all people and the peace of Jerusalem. Hold fast to God’s promises to sustain Israel, as He has done throughout history, believing that His plans for this nation are rooted in His eternal covenant and not in political decisions or world leaders.
As Dan Sered, Jews for Jesus COO and a fellow Israeli points out, ‘Israel being attacked is nothing new in redemptive history. This present crisis will prove to be another instance where we will see the Lord keeping His promises to His people, Israel, showing that He is a promise keeper. Psalm 121:4 tells us, “Behold, He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.” The church should rise up and pray for the peace of Jerusalem, pray for salvation to come to Israel, Gaza, West Bank, Lebanon and all throughout the Middle East. There are many reasons for this war and there are many people who are suffering on both sides. Let’s pray for the innocent and an end to this conflict.’
Please continue to pray with us for peace and protection for all in the region. And pray that these animations will open many hearts to receive Yeshua’s peace. I know that one day, Messiah’s love will heal all of Israel and the Middle East!