The case of 15-year-old Ami Ortiz, critically injured in March by a bomb concealed in a holiday gift package, continues to draw attention here in Israel.

In one of the latest developments, Jay Sekulow, chief counsel for the American Center for Law and Justice, met with Israeli Minister of Internal Security Avi Dichter about the investigation.

Dichter assured Sekulow that he was personally overseeing the case, while Sekulow conveyed the message that U.S. senators and congressman are deeply concerned that the perpetrators be brought to justice.

The Associated Press ran a story on Ami's case and the wider plight of Messianic Jews within Israel, which hit the wires worldwide.

Here in Israel, Channel 1's story brought Ami's plight into Israeli homes. Here are two links to the story, which include English subtitles: PART I / PART II

Meanwhile, a group of American Messianic believers meeting in Israel this week plan to speak out on these issues.

Today's today's Jerusalem Post featured an article about them.

Finally, below are a couple of excerpts from the latest updates and prayer requests from Ami's parents, David and Leah Ortiz:

June 19 update:
First, we want to say thank you for your love, constant prayers for us and the body of Messiah in Israel, your encouragements, and your support behind us as one family. One thing that we are continually seeing through this ordeal is the unification of the Body in a new way. The postcards and e-mails are still coming in; literally from all around the world. The Lord has been keeping us by His grace and through the prayers of the faithful. We are still praying that the Lord would intervene and bring healing to Ami's arm before the operation, which is set for one week from today [June 26].

June 20 Update:
This week has flown by, but with Ami experiencing more and more pain in his left arm and hand, and now electric "shocks" in one of the toes that was partially amputated by the bomb and sometimes throughout his whole body. I have to say it has been a bit discouraging, as we know the whole world is praying, and you are all praying so diligently. I've been wondering, where are you Lord?? Where are you in this, and why are you letting Ami suffer and seemingly get worse even. A brother just sent me something as I sat down to write this update and it is the answer. It is too long to include it all, but here are a few excerpts.

A long time ago, a precious older saint said something to me that has never left me. It has become like a permanent message pinned on the notice-board of my mind. This is what she said:

'When God wants to do something great, He starts with something difficult; when He wants to do something very wonderful, He starts with something impossible!'

Over and over again in my own life, I can testify to the truth of these words. However, more recently I have found that all these occurrences were dress rehearsals for a situation I am now facing. Just as David had his dress rehearsals killing the lion and the bear in order to prepare his heart to face Goliath, so too the Father takes us through training sessions; smaller battles that build our faith and knowledge of His character so that we may not only stand but triumph in the day we face our Goliath.

Then she begins to recount the story of Lazarus, Mary and Martha -- how they had seen the Lord heal and had a close relationship with Him, yet their eyes scanned the horizon as their brother became more and more ill, and He didn't seem to arrive ... or care.

'Hope deferred makes the heart sick', the Word tells us and as the reality of the situation before their eyes became more and more hopeless, confusion was replaced by anger and somewhere inbetween these two raging emotions, faith was desperately trying to keep its head above the stormy waters.

This is exactly where we have been this week. However, what happened after Lazarus even died was the greatest miracle of all, resurrection from the dead, and God being glorified. And so we simply need to keep on trusting, no matter how difficult, painful, and confusing. We have no choice but to trust Him. I have to say that the medical staff are wonderful and compassionate people who have been trying to do their utmost to help Ami and relieve his symptoms.

Please pray for these developments and for Ami's surgery on June 26th.

Ami has five siblings who are a blessing to him and who are dedicated to supporting him during this time. My oldest is a daughter, who is married and has a four month old baby. She comes to the hospital several times a week and brings home cooked food to Ami, even though she teaches, has a small baby, and her husband comes also even though he works very hard and is exhausted at the end of the day.

The next four are boys -- and I would ask for prayer for all as we are all coming to terms with this tragedy. There have been varied responses from all, and as far as the faith is concerned as well. If you could keep Chen, 29, her husband Nissim, baby Rani, Aaron, 27, Ariel, 24, Natan, 21, and Elad, 19, in your prayers as well, we would appreciate it greatly.

David has been taking on the burden of the investigation and the numerous meetings with lawyers, meetings with other believers and congregational leaders in the land, sharing information, providing evidence to various legal entities, etc., etc. He needs much prayer.

Please pray for strength for myself, Leah, as well as I haven't been feeling too well these days and I am exhausted. I suffer from MS, and the enemy is trying to aggravate the symptoms -- whom I rebuke in the mighty name of Yeshua [Jesus].

Thank you for everything -- heaven will tell the whole story, and we will be able to rejoice together one day!