Update from Jerusalem – Massive wildfires in Israel

Massive wildfires erupted across Israel today, prompting the closure of the Tel Aviv–Jerusalem highway (Route 1). Many drivers were caught completely off guard by the sudden outbreak, leading to chaotic scenes where people abandoned their vehicles and fled on foot to safety. On Yom HaZikaron, Israel’s Memorial Day, this serves as a painful reminder of the trauma of October 7th.

The first major fire ignited near Latrun, where just last night we attended a moving Yom HaZikaron ceremony co-organized by the Jewish Agency at Yad L’Shiryon (held outdoors). That very location now appears to be partially destroyed. This morning, we passed by Latrun on our way to work in Karmei Yosef.

While working in the vineyard, powerful winds picked up and shifted direction frequently. The heat reached 36°C and the atmosphere resembled a sandstorm. From where we stood, we could see thick smoke rising in the distance, and firefighting aircraft flew overhead at low altitudes. We ended work early, partly due to the need to return to Jerusalem via a long detour. Thankfully, we made it back safely. Several villages in the area have already been evacuated, and according to some reports, even Hadassah Hospital in Jerusalem is preparing for a possible partial evacuation.

Independence Day begins tonight, but all public celebrations have been cancelled due to the situation. A few arrests have reportedly been made in connection with suspected arson. Winds are expected to intensify further, making the next 24 hours critical in battling the flames. Social media is awash with maps showing multiple fires scattered across the country, though the accuracy of these maps remains uncertain at the moment.

Israel is receiving support from international firefighting teams — but more than anything, it needs our prayers.

Update from our colleague in Israel.