Episode 136 - An Arab-Israeli Pastor Reaching Israel: The Gospel from Nazareth (featuring Rev. Dr. Saleem Shalash)
Helping Christians make sense of their roots. Helping the Jewish community make sense of Jesus. Together, we are restoring the Jewishness of the gospel.
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 blessings
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Let the light shine in Nazareth - and beyond.
Thank you to Joshua Royal, for writing our closer song now running seven seasons straight. Listen to him at Joshua Royal Music.
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