Israel has been at war for two years. Could joy return to the birthplace of Jesus?
British journalist Paul Calvert, who has lived in Bethlehem for over two decades, joins us to start the 2026 Red Alert Report season to share a firsthand account of Christmas in the sacred city of Bethlehem—where faith, history, and conflict converge.
Paul brings encouraging news to start 2026: after two years of war in Gaza and strained relations among Christians, Muslims, and Jews, Bethlehem is once again celebrating the birth of Jesus. The streets that had fallen silent are now echoing with carols, processions, and the voices of pilgrims returning to honor the nativity.
Though the region is still scarred by conflict and age-old tensions, signs of healing are emerging. International visitors are once again walking the ancient paths of Judea. The nativity season, which stretches into January through Orthodox and Armenian Christian traditions, is being observed with renewed reverence and cautious joy.
Tune in to hear how light is breaking through the darkness in Bethlehem—and why the celebration of Jesus’ birth matters more than ever.

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Operation Life in Israel and the Christmas Season

In this special Christmas episode, host Amy Zewe is joined by Sandy Shoshani, director of Be’ad Chaim—an outreach ministry supported by The Jerusalem Connection through Operation Life for Israel. Also joining is Shelley Neese, president of The Jerusalem Connection, for our annual update on how mothers in crisis in Israel are being ministered to and supported in choosing life though the work of Sandy and her team.

What You’ll Hear

• Sandy shares her heart for the women and babies of Israel, reminding us of the season when we celebrate the birth of the most precious baby of all—our Savior, Jesus Christ—born in Judea to Jewish parents facing crisis.
• Updates on the growth of Be’ad Chaim, the resilience of its staff, and their unrelenting desire to minister to mothers from all backgrounds, including those grieving loss or abortion.
• How you can partner in this ministry, commemorate a lost child through the Garden of Life program, and receive monthly updates directly from Israel.

Why It Matters

At Christmas, we remember the miracle of life and God’s gift to the world. Operation Life continues that legacy by helping mothers in Israel choose life and find hope in the midst of crisis.

· Learn more and partner with this ministry: https://thejerusalemconnection.us/operation-life-for-israel/

· Participate in the Gardens of Life to plant a tree and receive a certificate in honor of a lost child: https://thejerusalemconnection.us/the-gardens-of-life/

· To sign up for the newsletter or weekly prayer sheet: https://www.beadchaim.com/contact

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In this episode, host Amy Zewe sits down with filmmakers Justin Kron (The Kesher Project) and Todd Morehead (Grafted Ministries) to discuss their powerful new documentary: October 7: Bearing Witness to the Massacre.

This unique film explores the causes and consequences of the October 7, 2023, terror attack on Israel, offering a perspective that goes beyond other important documentaries on the subject. Justin and Todd share their motivation, creative process, and how their deep faith in Jesus Christ—the Jewish Messiah—shapes their work and commitment to truth.

www.October7film.com

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