BCLCIR calls for prayer for critically wounded IDF reservist Neria Dov ben Chana

The Black Christian Leadership Council on Israel Relations is urging pastors, congregations and prayer networks to pray for Neria Dov ben Chana, an IDF reservist critically wounded in a vehicle-ramming attack at the Maccabim checkpoint on Route 443 on Sept. 23. The council said the family needs healing, strength for medical teams and support for Ambassador Yechiel Leiter and Mrs. Chani Leiter.

Why it matters: - Neria Dov ben Chana remains in critical condition after a terrorist attack in Israel, making prayer support and public solidarity the central response from BCLCIR and its partners. - The appeal highlights the continued toll of violence on Israeli families and the role of faith communities in response efforts. - The council frames the attack as part of a broader struggle over Israel’s security and right to defend itself.

What happened: - The Black Christian Leadership Council on Israel Relations said it stands with Ambassador Yechiel (Michael) Leiter, Mrs. Chani Leiter and the Leiter family after their son was critically wounded. - Neria Dov ben Chana, an IDF reservist, was injured in a terrorist vehicle-ramming attack at the Maccabim checkpoint on Route 443 on Sept. 23, 2026. - He is being treated at Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem after emergency trauma care and complex brain surgery. - Ambassador Leiter asked people in Israel and others who believe in prayer to intercede for his son, saying he “needs a miracle.”

The details: - BCLCIR called on pastors, congregations, prayer networks and friends of Israel worldwide to pray for complete healing and restoration for Neria Dov ben Chana. - The council asked for strength for the medical teams at Shaare Zedek and comfort and courage for the Leiter family. - The council noted that the family already lost one son, Major Moshe Yedidya Leiter, of blessed memory, who fell in Gaza in November 2023. - Neria continued to serve in the reserves after that loss. - The council condemned the attack without reservation. - BCLCIR said Palestinian terrorism seeks to uproot the people of Israel from their land. - The council said Black Christian leaders stand with Israel’s right to exist, defend itself and live in peace. - BCLCIR co-chairs said, “We believe, with Ambassador Leiter, that when the people of God unite, miracles happen.” - The co-chairs said the council’s global prayer network is already engaged and asked churches and partners to keep Neria before the throne until healing comes. - Media contact information listed the Black Christian Leadership Council on Israel Relations and the organization’s website.

Between the lines: - The statement mixes a prayer request with a political message, linking Neria’s condition to BCLCIR’s long-standing support for Israel. - The reference to the family’s earlier loss underscores the emotional weight of the appeal and the significance of Neria’s continued reserve service. - The council’s language suggests it intends to use this moment to reinforce faith-based and public support for Israel.

What's next: - BCLCIR said its founding leadership will continue coordinating prayer, pastoral support and public solidarity with Jewish and Christian partners. - The council said updates will be shared as the family and medical teams permit. - Supporters are being asked to pray specifically for healing, wisdom for surgeons and nurses, peace for Ambassador Leiter and Mrs. Chani Leiter, and protection over the people of Israel.

The bottom line: - BCLCIR is turning Neria Dov ben Chana’s critical condition into a worldwide call for prayer, with the council framing the moment as both a humanitarian crisis and a test of solidarity with Israel.