Our hearts and prayers are with the families and the Jewish community in Manchester, England, who are mourning the loss of two lives and the serious injuries of four others in this heinous act of antisemitism. What makes this crime especially horrifying is that it not only happened on Yom Kippur, the most solemn day on the Jewish calendar, but also that it was meant to cause even greater tragedy. The synagogue was completely crowded, and the attacker aimed to breach it and cause more destruction.
During an interview, the synagogue’s rabbi explained that while a typical service usually attracts about 30-40 people, more than 300 attended on Yom Kippur. Acts like these continue to show a rise in antisemitism worldwide because, as it says in Proverbs (27:20), evil is never satisfied; it always seeks more.
To understand the alarming rise of antisemitism in Europe, consider this: according to a report in the Times of Israel on September 30, 2025, a nationwide poll in Italy found that 15% of respondents believe attacks on Jewish people are justified. An additional 18% approved of antisemitic graffiti in public spaces, and, shockingly, 20% thought it was acceptable to attack pro-Israeli professors or for businesses to refuse service to Israeli customers. There is a noticeable increase in the severity of this hatred called antisemitism, but really, this is not just an attack on Jews; it’s an assault on our Western society and the biblical values we stand for.
Once again, antisemitism is like the canary in the coal mine. When the canary falls, it signals that something deadly is spreading through the air. Today, that “canary” is being suppressed, while many watch with indifference. But the reason the canary collapses is because it detects the invisible poison—the threats that could destroy us all if ignored. Tribulation and distress for the Jew first and also for the Gentiles (Romans 2:9). This seems to be happening more and more today. Everywhere, the warning shofar is sounding louder.
We also observed the latest peace plan proposed by the President of the United States, offered a week and a half ago. Remarkably, reports suggest that Hamas has shown signs of agreement, prompting President Trump to call on Israel to halt its offensive in Gaza.
Last Saturday, Israeli media reported that the IDF has now shifted to a fully defensive stance and expects the hostages to be released soon: this is great news and a sign of steadfast prayers! It would also be a huge relief to see the suffering of countless Gazans finally come to an end.
However, we should remember that these developments also match what biblical prophecy predicts, with events leading to a temporary peace amid increasing hostility toward Israel and the Jewish people. A fragile peace that will eventually break down into global conflicts. What stands out about this plan is the strong international support it received when it was first introduced.
Major Arab nations, including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and even Turkey, which has often used hostile language toward Israel, have all agreed to it. Alongside them, the European Union has also expressed its approval. In short, the world appears to be in agreement.
But what likely prompted this quick consensus on the peace plan isn’t very different from the one proposed five years ago or by the previous US administration. Still, there are several notable elements in this 20-point peace plan. For example: Article 13 states that a multinational International Stabilization Force (ISF) will provide security. This could mean foreign armies might soon be stationed just 50 miles (about 80 km) from Jerusalem. Could this be the first step toward fulfilling Zechariah’s prophecy that the nations will come so close to Jerusalem and eventually surround it?
Then Article 17 states that interfaith dialogue and coexistence initiatives will be promoted to foster peace and cooperation. Might this open the door for Muslims to accept building the Third Temple?
To emphasize the importance of this peace plan, President Trump strongly believes in it, so much so that he used the word eternal twice. First, he talked about “eternal peace in the Middle East” while sharing his vision. Then, near the end, he also said, “This is eternity. This is forever.”
And there is a progression in his vision: Five years ago, on January 28, 2020, he revealed what he called the “Deal of the Century.” Today he speaks of the “Deal of the Millennium.” Something significant is happening in our world. At the very least, these words indicate that he senses the seriousness of the times.
In this, we can agree with him because we are truly living in days when the hoofbeats of the four horsemen of Revelation 6 are approaching. Yet, if these events are delayed, it is only because of God’s grace, who still desires many to come to the saving knowledge of the Messiah. But Scripture is clear: when the time arrives, the wars foretold in prophecy will be unleashed. In His prophecies of the end times, Jesus said in Luke 21:28, Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.
In a world filled with uncertainty, this verse reminds us not to despair but to lift our eyes with confidence, for God’s promises assure us that redemption is nearer than it appears.
Click here for the Video: Israel and the Nations: Can there be Peace