VFI News ‘A Shining Light’: US Jewish Leaders Grieve Charlie Kirk; US Rebukes Israel Over Qatar Strike

Yesterday marked the 24th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center, a day we will never forget. Thousands of lives were lost, and many continue to suffer from long-term health effects.

We also grieve the heartbreaking news about the murder of Charlie Kirk, husband of Erika Kirk and father of two young children. This message calls for justice, unity, and prayer for Erika, her children, and everyone affected by this tragedy.

We stand with free speech advocates and leaders worldwide who have expressed condolences despite political differences. Let us come together, honor those we have lost, and stand strong for truth and freedom.

#911Anniversary #CharlieKirk #JusticeForCharlieKirk #FreeSpeech #PrayForErika

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/JysCjm2Tiz4

American Jewish leaders and organizations expressed sorrow and outrage after the killing of Charlie Kirk, condemning the assassination and extending condolences to his family. Statements emphasized the need to reject political violence and to safeguard civil discourse and community safety during a volatile period, noting how quickly heated rhetoric can spill over into real-world harm. Tributes recalled his advocacy for Israel and the Jewish people in public forums.

Broad coalitions urged solidarity across ideological lines, asking communities to resist the temptation to weaponize tragedy and instead to recommit to the sanctity of life. Synagogues and federations used the moment to review security postures and to offer counseling resources to those struggling with fear or grief. Many also encouraged participation in memorial gatherings designed to honor the dead and comfort the living.

Calls for accountability stressed that justice must be swift and impartial, without stoking further division. Commentators warned that a permissive environment for threats online and in public events can normalize dangerous behavior, making preventive action essential. Faith leaders asked for prayer, compassion, and a re-centering on shared values that protect every human being.

(JPost/VFI News)

“God of all comfort, we pray for Charlie Kirk’s wife, children and family. Please be near them as they are mourning his loss. We thank You for Charlie’s life and for his strong support in Israel and we pray that his legacy will live on long after his passing. Heal all those who have been affected by his death in body and spirit, protect Jewish communities from hatred, and turn hearts away from violence and toward truth, compassion, and life.”

US leadership voiced sharp displeasure after Israel targeted senior Hamas figures in Doha, with the president saying he was “very unhappy” about the way the operation unfolded on September 9, while also stating that ending Hamas’s rule remains a legitimate objective. Washington emphasized Qatar’s role as a key mediator and “strong ally,” underscoring fears that the strike could jeopardize hostage-and-ceasefire efforts, and said it relayed concerns directly to both Jerusalem and Doha. European capitals and international institutions issued parallel condemnations highlighting sovereignty and escalation risks.

Israeli officials framed the operation as part of a broader campaign to pursue Hamas planners and negotiators beyond Gaza after the October 7, 2023, atrocities. They argued that the group’s external command structure has exploited regional sanctuaries to guide violence, move funds, and stall negotiations, and therefore cannot be immune from targeted pressure. Hamas denied that top leaders were killed, while Israel assessed the results more favorably and vowed to continue constraining the organization’s capacity.

The fallout broadened debate inside Israel about timing, tactics, and coordination with allies, even as supporters of the strike said persistent pressure is necessary to free hostages and deter future attacks. US officials warned of diplomatic blowback that could complicate humanitarian arrangements and talks, urging restraint to protect de-escalation channels. Both sides signaled they would keep talking, but fundamental differences over how to deal with Hamas’s leadership abroad remained on display.

(TOI/VFI News)

“Seek peace and pursue it.” — Psalm 34:14

In a video message on September 10, the prime minister defended Israel’s Doha strike and demanded that Qatar either remove Hamas’s senior leadership from its territory or facilitate their prosecution. He likened Israel’s stance after October 7 to America’s post-9/11 doctrine of pursuing terrorists worldwide, arguing that states hosting such actors cannot be safe havens. Qatar countered that its hosting of Hamas’s political office has been part of internationally backed mediation and accused Israel of threatening its sovereignty.

The address came amid renewed talk of a hostage deal and discussion of how to constrain Hamas’s operations abroad. Israeli officials said the aim is to deny the group strategic depth and disrupt decision-making while keeping open the possibility of negotiations under pressure. Critics warned that confrontations on foreign soil risk alienating partners whose cooperation is needed to manage the wider conflict and humanitarian picture.

Domestically, the message rallied supporters who see international pursuit of terrorist leaders as essential to deterrence and justice. Detractors argued that public ultimatums could narrow diplomatic options or harden adversaries’ positions. The coming weeks are likely to test whether behind-the-scenes contacts can bridge the gap between security imperatives and the sensitivities of regional diplomacy.

(TOI/VFI News)

“The Lord loves justice and will not forsake His faithful ones.” — Psalm 37:28

Beirut’s foreign minister said the Lebanese Army has begun a phased plan to restore state control in areas long dominated by Hezbollah, pledging that the removal of weapons south of the Litani River will be completed within roughly three months. The announcement followed a devastating year of fighting and growing domestic pressure on the Iran-backed group after heavy losses, alongside international calls to enforce border commitments. Officials framed the effort as a step toward reasserting sovereignty and creating conditions for stability along the frontier.

Lebanese authorities cautioned that capacity limits and political resistance could slow implementation, even as they described units already working to collect caches and prevent violations. Hezbollah-aligned voices criticized the plan as unrealistic or externally driven, while other factions said it was overdue, given the economic and security burdens borne by civilians in the south. The army highlighted coordination with UN forces and the need for sustained political cover to make progress.

Israel, for its part, linked any changes to tangible demilitarization and durable security guarantees, saying that only the end of rearmament and cross-border fire will allow a full return to quiet. Analysts noted that effective enforcement would require persistent patrolling, credible penalties for breaches, and a credible mechanism to address disputes. Whether the timeline holds will depend on the balance between internal Lebanese consensus and the willingness of armed actors to pull back.

(TOI/VFI News)

“He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth.” — Psalm 46:9

Experience the joy and spiritual depth of “We Delight in Your Shabbat” with Barry and Batya Segal — a beautiful Messianic worship song that celebrates the peace, rest, and divine presence of Shabbat. This uplifting song blends Hebrew phrases like “Avinu Malkeynu”, “Sh’ma Yisrael”, and “Baruch haba b’Shem Adonai” with heartfelt lyrics about God’s creation, His covenant with Abraham, and the promised Messiah. Reflecting themes of Sabbath rest, divine provision, and faith in Yeshua (Jesus), this powerful worship anthem invites listeners to delight in God's appointed day of rest. Perfect for Shabbat services, Messianic congregations, or personal reflection, "We Delight in Your Shabbat" reminds us that just as God rested after creation, we too can enter His rest through the work of His Son.  

Defense officials estimated on September 10 that roughly 150,000 residents had evacuated Gaza City since the Israel Defense Forces issued a citywide order to move ahead of a renewed offensive. The figure marked a rapid increase from earlier counts and followed repeated calls for civilians to relocate away from areas of intensified combat. Authorities said the aim is to reduce harm to noncombatants while isolating embedded Hamas battalions and infrastructure.

Israel has argued that Hamas uses civilian neighborhoods for command nodes, weapons storage, and rocket fire, complicating efforts to minimize casualties and protect humanitarian corridors. Officials said leaflets, broadcasts, and designated evacuation routes were part of the effort to separate civilians from fighting, while acknowledging the hardship imposed by displacement. Aid groups urged safe passage, clear information, and reliable access for relief supplies.

The wider war, many months since October 7, continued to shift as operations expanded and control lines moved. Military planners said progress would be measured by degrading the enemy’s capabilities and constricting its movement, not by timelines alone. Even as pressure mounted on Hamas units in dense urban terrain, the humanitarian imperative remained central to how Israel sought to structure the campaign.

(TOI/VFI News)

“Lord, have mercy on the innocent. Bring swift protection to families fleeing danger, healing to the wounded, and safe passage for aid to reach those in need. Grant wisdom to decision-makers and soldiers alike, that every action would minimize harm and open a path toward lasting peace for Israelis and Palestinians.”

A worsening cash crunch has left large numbers of Palestinian public employees with partial or delayed salaries and forced a postponement of the school year for more than 600,000 children. The PA’s finances—heavily dependent on revenues transferred via Israel—have been battered by withholdings and broader economic shocks after October 7, contributing to growing hardship across Judea and Samaria. Community leaders voiced anxiety about social strain, while businesses reported shrinking demand and mounting arrears.

Teachers, security personnel, and civil servants described months-long delays or cuts that complicate rent, food, and transportation costs. Palestinian officials called for international intervention and a predictable mechanism for clearing fiscal disputes, warning that continued instability could undermine public services and security coordination. Banking frictions and limits on labor permits inside Israel added further pressure by curbing household income.

Israeli voices cautioned that a collapsing economy next door can rebound negatively on security, while others argued for strict conditionality to ensure funds do not empower extremists. Donors weighed short-term relief against concerns over governance and transparency. For families caught in the middle, the urgent hope is for restored salaries, a stable school calendar, and a path toward sustainable growth.

(TOI/VFI News)

“Father, we lift up families in Judea and Samaria who are facing economic strain. Provide dignified work, timely wages, and stability in homes and schools. Guide leaders to just policies that de-escalate tensions, value life, and open doors for peace and prosperity.”

A senior Middle Eastern intelligence source said at least 45 Israeli diplomatic missions worldwide have faced targeting since October 7, 2023, calling the scope reminiscent of the early 1980s. The warning reflected a broader spike in antisemitic threats and violence against visibly Jewish institutions and individuals across multiple countries, prompting tightened security and contingency planning. Authorities urged heightened vigilance and closer cooperation with local law enforcement to protect staff and visitors.

The assessment pointed to coordinated plots alongside lone-actor incidents, each amplifying anxiety across Jewish communities. Security professionals highlighted the need for layered defenses, clear communication protocols, and rapid information sharing with national agencies. Community leaders, meanwhile, emphasized resilience initiatives and support networks for those affected by harassment and intimidation.

Diplomats and communal institutions alike have sought to balance accessibility with safety, adjusting public events, travel routines, and building perimeters. Investigations into specific threats remained ongoing in multiple jurisdictions, with prosecutors signaling that credible cases would be brought swiftly. The long-term challenge is to deter would-be attackers without isolating the very communities that thrive on openness and engagement.

(JPost/VFI News)

A newly published study highlights a major olive-oil production hub in Beit Aryeh during the Iron Age, illuminating how cultivation and pressing underpinned the northern Kingdom of Israel’s economy. Archaeologists said the site’s scale and organization point to robust state or regional management and long-distance trade, tying local farms to broader Mediterranean markets. The discovery adds texture to our picture of daily life, administrative structures, and resource flows in the biblical heartland.

Researchers noted that oil functioned as food, fuel, ritual material, and commercial commodity, making it strategically important for communities and rulers alike. Installation remains and pottery assemblages suggest sustained, coordinated activity rather than sporadic use, implying a reliable labor force and distribution system. Such findings help anchor textual references to agriculture in tangible evidence from production landscapes.

The study’s authors argued that environmental adaptation and technological ingenuity were key to the site’s success, from terrace management to press design. By mapping installations across the ridge, they traced patterns that likely connected estates, storage pits, and transport routes. The result is a window into an economy resilient enough to support culture, worship, and governance through the rhythms of the olive harvest.

(JPost/VFI News)

“[The Lord] brings you into a good land… a land of olive oil and honey.” — Deuteronomy 8:7–8

The suggestions, opinions, and scripture references made by VFI News writers and editors are based on the best information received.

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