Today, I want to begin witha fun little wordplay and a short Hebrew lesson. We recently held our annual football (soccer) tournament, and the reason I chose this verse from Psalm 37:5 is because the Hebrew word used for “commit your way” is גול (gol), which is written and pronounced the same as the English word for a soccer “goal.” So I figured, if King David were around today, he might say: “Commit your goal to the Lord, and He’ll make sure you hit it.” I love that. Because this past month, we literally saw that play out on the field. From One Small Tournament to a Movement Three and a half years ago, my friend and I kicked off our very first football (soccer) tournament. We had no idea what we were starting. We didn’t have a grand plan or strategy; we didn’t even know where to begin. We just had a crazy idea that maybe, just maybe, we could gather believers from across the land around a game everyone loves. Now, dozens of tournaments later, it’s become something so much bigger than we ever dreamed. Not only does it unite believers from all over Israel, it’s also one of the few spaces left in this country where Jewish and Arab believers play, laugh, sweat, and pray together.

After the Ceasefire

This was our first tournament since the ceasefire. You could feel it – something different in the air. People were smiling again, but still cautious. It was as if everyone wanted to believe things could go back to normal, but no one was quite sure what “normal” even means anymore. We all know the tension hasn’t disappeared. The gap between Jews and Arabs might actually be wider now. But that’s exactly why we’re doing this. Because when the world is divided, the Kingdom steps in to build bridges. That’s what this tournament has become—a bridge. We had around 80 players this time, about a third of them Arabs. And just to remind you, that’s my family background too. The atmosphere was just unreal. It’s hard to explain the feeling I had, but at one point during the tournament, I thought: “We’re getting a glimpse of heaven – this is how it’s supposed to be. Jews and Arabs together. I’m savoring just a small taste of the unity the world keeps trying to crush.”

A Miracle on the Field

Among the players were two young Messianic Jewish soldiers who had been severely injured in Gaza. One lost sight in an eye and still carries shrapnel in his body. The other, my childhood friend Yigal, has a story that still gives me chills.

Yigal and Maxim, in the bottom right corner, holding a shirt of one of Maxim’s closest friends who fell in battle during the war.

            We grew up together, went to the same youth group, and shared the same goofy camp memories. During the war, Yigal was serving in Gaza when his Humvee flipped over and crushed him (January 2024). His legs were shattered, his ribs were broken, and his lungs were damaged. The doctors called it a miracle that he survived at all. When I visited him in the hospital, I barely recognized him. He looked like a shadow of himself – eyes blood shot, body weak, voice soft. At one point, he asked me, “So… how do I look?” I told him, “Better than ever.” We both laughed, but honestly, I didn’t know if he’d ever walk again. Before I left, he told me—dead serious—”I’m playing in the next tournament.” I smiled and said, “Of course you are.” But inside, I didn’t believe it. Fast-forward to now. There he was in this tournament (October 24, 2025). I’m watching him running, smiling, scoring goals. That moment on the field… I’ll never forget it. He played the entire tournament. God had healed him. It was like God telling me, “See? I’m not limited by your logic.” He told me later he’s studying to become a sports physician so he can help others like him.

The Best Is Yet to Come

This tournament left everyone hungry for more. It was about more than just football. It was about faith, unity, and watching God write stories no one else could. And I truly believe this is only the beginning of what He wants to do through this project.

On the Road Again

As you’re reading this, I’ll be in Germany, speaking at a youth event hosted by the ICE (The International Christian Embassy). It’s a huge honor to be invited, but I’m not going because of the stage. I’m going because the battle for the next generation is real. Israel’s reputation has taken hits. Antisemitism is on the rise. In the U.S., New York just elected its first Muslim mayor, Zohran Mamdani, known for his overt anti-Israel statements. But in Europe, the climate is even more intense. As an Arab Israeli believer, I carry a unique voice—one that can bridge divides and speak truth where others might not be heard. So I’m asking you to pray: Pray that I’ll carry God’s heart clearly. . Pray for the youth I’ll be speaking to — that truth would break through the noise and misinformation. And please, pray for the journey itself.

Looking Ahead – Katzir Hanukkah Youth Camp (Dec. 18-21)

One more thing before I go: We’re just one month away from our annual Hanukkah camp for Israeli teens. This time, our theme is “A Man After God’s Own Heart.” We’ll be delving into the life of David—his courage, failures, faith, and friendship with God. Please pray that this camp will be much more than just another event. Pray that it ignites something real in the youth—something that lasts long after the camp is over. Thank You! Thank you for being part of this journey. Thank you for standing with us, praying with us, believing with us. The story’s still being written, but thankfully, the Author is faithful.