Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers—for in doing so, some have entertained angels without knowing it.
Hebrews 13:2
Israeli research suggests that 40,000 young Israelis travel the world for an average of six months following their mandatory army service before they begin college or their careers. For this reason, we maintain a thriving ministry in New Zealand, and now we’re branching out into Australia, India, Brazil, and the United States–all hotspots where young Israelis flock.
You get it that God has a plan to bring blessings to all the families of the earth through the nation of Israel. You get it, that the blessing of the scriptures are Jewish. You also get it that the blessing of our saviour is Jewish and that the blessing of salvation is also Jewish. As Yeshua said in John 4:22, “salvation is from the Jews”.
Yeshua’s second coming is intricately linked to Israel’s spiritual reawakening, as outlined in Psalm 67, Zechariah 12, and Matthew 23. If you hold a deep affection for Yeshua and eagerly anticipate his return, and if Israel’s spiritual revival is a key factor, then you likely desire to play a role in making that happen.
But how can you contribute? The answer lies right within the walls of your home.
A movement has begun among thousands of believers just like you. A movement that involves hosting Israelis in your home.
Most of these Israelis, having just completed their mandatory military service, are in a formative season of life. Some are hurting, questioning, or feeling lost and in need of direction. They’re seeking experiences that may somehow answer some of life’s most important questions.
It is within this transitional phase that they are particularly receptive to contemplating the messiahship of Yeshua. This is where your role becomes pivotal.
Should you be willing to open not just your home but also your heart, you can extend invitations to Israelis for brief stays, becoming an integral part of this movement. Your open-hearted hospitality holds the power to be transformative and thought-provoking, serving as a testament to the love and salvation of Yeshua—bringing scripture to life (Romans 11:11).
By graciously hosting Israelis at no cost, you often prompt them to inquire, “Why do you do this?”—an opportune moment to share your desire to bless God’s people. When the chance arises, hosts freely express their faith in Messiah, occasionally delving into the Hebrew scriptures and recounting the impact Yeshua has had on their lives. This storytelling becomes a potent testimony, forging lasting connections as hosts maintain contact with these travelers long after their departure.
Want to show the love of Yeshua to the nation of Israel?
Notes from Past Israeli Guests
Thank you so much for hosting us at your beautiful, loving, open, happy home.
We feel lucky to meet you here, so far away from home. It has been a very special time for us. We learned from you a lot, about family, love, community…
Thank you for everything you do! You are amazing! We are waiting for you at Israel, at our home! With love,
Thank you wouldn’t express how grateful we are for all you did for us. We feel so lucky to have this amazing experience with you. We really and truly appreciate all you are doing for Israeli travelers, for Israel and of course personally deep thank you from our bottom of our hearts for making us feel home and family such far away from Israel. We really felt special being here. Just watching movies with you all in the living room like friends! Thank for being our Australian Aba and Ima!! Hope seeing you again.
Thank you very much for your amazing hosting, you are such nice, warm, happy and good family. You opened your heart and your house for us, wanted to make us happy and we really appreciate you for that.
You are an amazing family, thank you for accepting us without asking questions. We wish you health and love. We will be happy to keep in touch with you and host you in our houses. Always waiting for you in Israel. Love very much.
So after being at the Himalayan mountains, at Honeymoon in private islands, and trekking at the bush, we can definitely say: your house is one of our best.
Thank you so much for the warm welcome, the amazing dinners, the music, the prayers, and especially the smile.
We can’t wait to show you some of our favorite places in Israel.
We wish you a lot of nice guests, happiness, health, and LOVE. Many years of “no worries” for Australia and for Israel, too. Thank you for everything!
So here we are again, saying goodbye. I really don’t know how to thank you enough for everything you have done and been for me these past few months. A real home away from home. Somewhere safe and warm and loving. Endless love. I’m really gonna miss my Aussie family… A really, beautiful family I was lucky enough to be apart of.
Can’t wait to see you again, maybe in Israel, maybe here in Australia. Lots of love.
Testimonials from Our Hosts
A year ago, around mid 2022, the Rabbi/Pastor from Celebrate Messiah came to our church to preach and share a little of what is going on in their ministry. I personally love it when he comes to visit, as I have a deep passion and heart for Israel and the Israeli people. Like Ruth, a gentile just as I am, I say to them, your God will by my God, and your people, my people! Anyway, he mentioned that there is a great need to host Israeli travellers. After 2-3 years of mandatory army service, young Israelis tend to travel the world before settling down back in Israel. Often on a tight budget, they need a place to stay cost-free. What a beautiful opportunity to do unto the brothers and sisters of Yeshua and so do for my LORD (Matt 25:34-40). My husband and I immediately put our hands up.
It was a year later, in May 2023, when we hosted our first guests. My husband likes his space and generally doesn’t enjoy sharing it with strangers, so this was a huge comfort zone expansion for him, but our first guests paved the way to continue hosting! They surprised us with their openness to talk about deep things and their wonderful sense of humour. There is much teasing in our home, and they fitted right in. We are still in touch with them and pray for them often – especially now during the war.
Ever since our first guests, we have come to love Israel and the Israelis more. They are open-minded, self-sufficient guests who clean up after themselves and even cook a meal or two for the family. Now, that is a blessing for me, a busy mum of 3 young girls. I have loved every conversation I have had with our guests. They have become friends with whom I will remain in contact – hey, maybe even have a place to stay in Israel when I finally get there. They’ve all offered us their homes too. They are easy to talk to and willing to listen.
If you are considering hosting, I would say: “Don’t hesitate!” It could become a beautiful ministry opportunity, but if not, a chance to meet some amazing people who will ultimately bless you, more than you might bless them.
When first approached to host Israelis, my intention was to assist Israel. If I couldn’t go there and help in some way, then this would be ideal. Looking after the young people who had finished their army service, I thought I was the one helping but I was doubly blessed. Querying the Lord as to why I felt such intense love for these people I hosted, the answer of course was that this was how He felt, and I had His Spirit.
Over the years I have been hosting, many firm, loving friendships have developed. I am listing just a couple. Barak was hosted in 2009, became a part of my family and took grandson Joshua to the airport museum. Now Barak is a pilot and his home in Rishon LeZion is where I am warmly welcomed every time I visit Israel. The second is Aviel and Gal. A recently married couple now living in Apollo Bay for a few months. Aviel is a baker and at the three Shabbat dinners we spent in my home, he made the challot. They are huggable friends.
What would you get out of hosting? Looking at your city and country through fresh eyes, and if asked, being able to share your own Testimony. As Israelis relaxed in my company there were opportunities to answer their questions about Yeshua, my Messiah. Never forced and always knowing when to stop the conversation. It’s such a privilege to share my life and my home.
Get in Touch
For questions regarding Host Israelis in Australia, please submit a form below to our team, or call our office at + 61 3 9563 5544.