An Arab-Israeli Pastor Reaching Israel: The Gospel from Nazareth (featuring Rev. Dr. Saleem Shalash)

He once burned with hatred for Israel. Now, he’s rebuilding bridges from Nazareth to Jerusalem, from Arabs to Jews, and from division to divine reconciliation.

In this riveting episode, Dr. Rev. Saleem Shalash shares his extraordinary journey - raised as a Catholic Arab in Israel, hardened by bitterness, and unexpectedly wrecked by grace. A tragic accident. A voice from heaven. A Bible in his hands for the first time.

But this isn’t just a personal conversion story - it’s a call to the Church, to the nations, and to anyone willing to see beyond headlines and into the heart of God. 

From confronting replacement theology to launching a humanitarian aid center that serves Jews and Arabs alike, Saleem is living proof that Jesus is still building bridges.

Key Takeaways

• Identity with Depth: Saleem is an Arab Israeli believer - not a convert from Islam, but a lifelong Christian navigating complex identities in the land of Israel.
• A Tragic Catalyst: The death of a friend forces a deep spiritual reckoning, leading to a radical encounter with God.
• From Religion to Relationship: His path led through doctrine, but it was mercy that truly changed him.
• The Eldest Son Syndrome: A powerful revelation from the story of the Prodigal Son unveils a common spiritual pride within the Church.
• Hatred Healed by the Spirit: A supernatural moment in prayer replaces years of hatred for the Jewish people with overwhelming love.
• Jesus in the Old Testament: Saleem rediscovers his Bible, this time finding Yeshua in every chapter - from Genesis to Malachi.
• Bridge Builders in Action: Through Home of Jesus the King Church, he brings food, aid, and the gospel to Arabs, Jews, refugees, and Muslims alike.
• Challenging the Church: A strong rebuke to Western Christianity for turning from God’s promises to Israel.
• Cultural Keys: How understanding ancient Jewish culture unlocks deeper meaning in Scripture.

Chapter Markers

• 00:00 – Welcome and intro to Dr. Saleem Shalash from Nazareth
• 01:14 – Growing up Arab Christian in Israel
• 02:52 – A Catholic upbringing and the path to priesthood
• 04:55 – A tragic accident and a voice that changed everything
• 06:42 – Entering a Messianic Bible college: Jews and Arabs together
• 08:45 – A revelation from Luke 15: Who is the elder son?
• 11:42 – Deliverance from hatred: a divine moment in the war room
• 13:56 – Falling in love with the Old Testament - and seeing Yeshua
• 18:58 – Sharing the gospel with an 80-year-old Holocaust survivor
• 21:26 – Why Israel still exists: the promises of God
• 24:37 – Reaching Jews, Muslims, and Christians - with love
• 26:39 – The “slice of cheese” between cultures: humanitarian ministry in action
• 28:49 – A wave of openness: how October 7 changed hearts
• 31:23 – A divine appointment with the Jewish mayor of Nof HaGalil
• 38:18 – The gospel circle: from Jerusalem and back again
• 42:58 – Walking where Jesus walked: Nazareth through local eyes
• 47:43 – The humanitarian aid center vision for Arabs & Jews
• 49:28 – United in Messiah: A shared mission and shared family
• 51:24 – Closing prayer and blessing

This is a movement of reconciliation, restoration, and revival. Be a part of it.

• Support the work. Subscribe to the mission. Learn more at:
  • thejewishroad.com
  • Bridge Builders: Home of Jesus the King
  • https://www.jtk-israel.org/

Let the light shine in Nazareth - and beyond.