Jewish, Israeli in West Bank / Gaza

Introduction / History

The West Bank is the land west of the Jordan River. To the east is Jordan, and to the north is Israel. Israel annexed this land during the Six Day War in 1967. Arab nations have repeated their efforts to have this land returned to the local Palestinians, but Israel wants to keep it. Political leaders keep seeking a two-State solution which would make this area set apart for Arab Palestinians, but neither side is getting what they want, and compromise is difficult.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Nearly half a million Jewish Israelis have settled in the West Bank, and in 2021, Israel made preparations to establish an additional 1300 settlements in that disputed area. Jewish Israelis have built pleasant homes and continued their lives, but the nearby Palestinian population deeply resents them. There is a strong Israeli military presence. Palestinians consider the Israeli settlements to violate international law. There are some Israelis and Palestinians trying to build friendships, but those who do are often suspected of being spies. Peace is tenuous in the West Bank.

What Are Their Beliefs?

For religious Jews, God is the Supreme Being, the Creator of the universe, and the ultimate judge of human affairs. Beyond this, the religious beliefs of the Jewish communities vary greatly. Orthodox Jews generally follow the traditional religious beliefs and practices found in the Jewish literature that interprets Scripture regarding ethical, religious, civil, and criminal matters.


Reform Jews do not believe that God reveals the Jewish Law. They are not restricted to kosher foods. They neither wear the skullcap (yarmulke) when praying nor use Hebrew in prayer. All religious Jews believe in the coming of a Messianic Age, but only the Orthodox Jews look for a personal Messiah.


Many Jewish people keep cultural Judaism, but they have rejected the spiritual elements taught in the Old Testament. They might take part in cultural events and even religious ceremonies, but they are secular or New Age in their spiritual lives.

What Are Their Needs?

Jewish people have a wonderful understanding of their connection with the Abrahamic Covenant. However, they also have a history of rejecting Jesus Christ as Messiah, the one who has fulfilled that covenant. They tend to view Christianity as the religion of their oppressors rather than the fulfillment of what God promised all of humanity through Abraham centuries ago.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Lord to give the Jewish people in the West Bank hearts that will want to please him. May they look to the Lord for guidance and truth, and not be satisfied with cultural traditions.


Pray for Jewish people in the West Bank to begin a movement to Jesus Christ, finding ways to exalt him while honoring their culture.


Pray for the Lord to move among Jewish leaders in the West Bank to open the doors to Christ's ambassadors.

Text Source:   Joshua Project