Aid comes to rocket attack victims

JEWISH AGENCY FOR ISRAEL-PRESS
RELEASE

Monday, December 29, 2008

Jewish Agency provides emergency assistance to victims of rocket attacks
Emergency hotline for residents, new immigrants at absorption centers

Since the start of Israel's operation in Gaza Saturday, the Jewish Agency
has begun to aid residents of the area under attack by providing immediate
financial grants through its Victims of Terror Fund, which is underwritten
by the United Jewish Communities (US Federations) and Keren Hayesod.

As of Monday (Dec. 29), the Jewish Agency received 45 requests for
assistance and is already issuing checks to 14 families. Those eligible for
the assistance are people who have been physically injured or whose home was
badly damaged in a rocket attack. The grant, usually $1,000 per family, is
used for immediate needs such as paying for temporary housing, clothes and
other incidentals.

The Jewish Agency also set up a hotline 1800-200-183 for residents of the
area who need assistance. The hotline will serve residents interested in
being hosted by families living in the center of the country, away from the
area under fire as well as those needing to apply for Victims of Terror
funding.

The hotline will also serve the 1,200 immigrants living at five Jewish
Agency absorption centers in the area under fire. The Jewish Agency is
working to put the new immigrants in touch with relatives living abroad, and
has augmented staff and assigned additional social workers to the absorption
centers.

The Jewish Agency is supported by founding constituent partners:
Keren Hayesod, United
Jewish Communities and Jewish federations around the world; and primary
funders: Keren Hayesod,
United Jewish Communities and major Jewish Federations in North America,
International Fellowship of Christians and Jews.

Immigration to Israel in 2008

According to Jewish Agency figures 16,500 Immigrate to Israel in 2008, 3,150 from North America 500 immigrants arrive in final week of year




Tuesday, December 30th, 2008

Michael Jankelowitz Spokesman to Foreign Press Jewish Agency for Israel


The Jewish Agency for Israel announced that over 16,500 new immigrants will have moved to Israel in 2008, 3,150 of them from North America.

The number of total immigration reflects a drop compared with last year which saw 19,700 immigrants, due mainly to the slowing in the immigration of Falashmura from Ethiopia and a decrease in the number of immigrants from France.

The number of new immigrants from North America increased slightly this year from 3,074 in 2007 to 3,150, of them, 2,750 of the new immigrants from the United States and 400 from Canada.

The number of immigrants to Israel from South Africa nearly doubled compared with last year, to 370, and a second special flight from South Africa will arrive in Israel on December 31 with 80 new immigrants. South African Jews have expressed increased interest in aliyah, in part a result of growing political instability and rising levels of violence and crime in the country.A welcoming ceremony for the 80 new immigrants from South Africa will take place at Jerusalem`s Western Wall at 10:15am on Thursday, January 1st.

A special flight from Moscow with nearly 100 new immigrants arrived Tuesday (Dec. 23) at Ben Gurion Airport, to be followed by flights from the UK, US (in a collaborative venture with Nefesh B'Nefesh), and South Africa - bringing, in all, nearly 500 new immigrants between now and year's end.

Aliyah Department Director Eli Cohen estimates that immigration will increase next year, particularly from the West, where the economic downturn will spur potential immigrants to move to Israel in the coming year. Cohen noted that the Jewish Agency would work with the Ministry of Absorption as well as its partner organizations Nefesh B'Nefesh, in North America, and AMI, in France, to develop new employment and special absorption initiatives to attract more olim from North America and Western Europe.

The Jewish Agency is supported by founding constituent partners: Keren Hayesod, United Jewish Communities and Jewish federations around the world; and primary funders: Keren Hayesod, United Jewish Communities and major Jewish Federations in North America, International Fellowship of Christians and Jews.

No Rest for the shell-shocked in Ashkelon Shelters

Last update - 14:57 30/12/2008
No rest for the shell-shocked in Ashkelon shelters
By Fadi Eyadat


December 30, 2008
No rest for the shell-shocked in Ashkelon shelters
By Fadi Eyadat



Dozens of bomb shelters in Ashkelon designed to serve hundreds of individuals and families are not ready for even short-term habitation. The shelters are foul-smelling, dark and decrepit. Some of the residents have resorted to taking shelter in stairwell, even though they are unfortified, and others simply choose to remain in their homes.

At issue are private shelters located in the city's poorer neighborhoods. A residential building on Hagalil Street holds eight households for the elderly, new immigrants and single-parent families.

"We don't go down to the shelters," said Miri Levy, a disabled mother of two young girls. "We stay at home and pray that the rockets don't fall on us. The girls go to the stairwell sometimes, but it's open and unprotected."

Yelena Glick, who lives with her chronically ill mother in the same building, has entered the shelter only once. "You can't be down there even for a second," she said. "Since then, I've gone into the stairwell and my mother has stayed in bed." Many of the shelters do not have light or ventilation. Iron bars protrude from the ceiling, and the floor tiles are cracked. According to Ashkelon municipal law, responsibility for maintaining the shelters falls on residents themselves, as the buildings are private property.

"Tenants here don't have money. Home Front Command came here three months ago, saw the shelters, wrote in their notebooks and promised to come back. Since then we haven't seen them," said resident Eli Kronfeld, who moved his family to stay with relatives in Hadera. The closest shelter to Kronfeld's home is 200 meters away. "I'm not at the age that I can get there in 30 seconds, certainly not when I have to go down four floors," he said. For now, he descends to the third floor every time an alert is sounded. Ashkelon municipal representatives said 640 private shelters exist in the city's shared residential buildings, of which 350 in poorer neighborhoods have been renovated in recent months with contributions from the non-profit International Fellowship of Christians and Jews.


http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1051018.html

Defending Israel!

Contact: Josh Block (202) 997-4614
AIPAC URGES CONGRESS AND THE ADMINISTRATION TO SUPPORT ISRAEL'S RIGHT TO SELF DEFENSE

AIPAC urges Congress and the Administration to stand firmly with Israel as it strives to defend itself against a renewed assault by Hamas terrorists.

"AIPAC is outraged that the U.N. Security Council failed to recognize Israel's right to self-defense in its statement on Sunday, a right enshrined in the U.N.'s founding charter," said AIPAC President David Victor. "Moving forward, we urge the administration to stand with Israel at the United Nations as it acts to defend itself in the face of continued violence from Hamas terrorists in the Gaza Strip. It is important that we never equate Israeli defensive measures with Hamas terrorism."

"We applaud the bipartisan coalition of American leaders who have stood up in support of Israel's right to defend its citizens, a clear sign of the strong ties between the United States and Israel," Victor added.

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) was one of the first members of Congress to speak out in support of the Jewish state's right to protect its citizens: "...when Israel is attacked, the United States must continue to stand strongly with its friend and democratic ally." House Republican Whip Eric Cantor (R-VA) rebuked Hamas for its continued attacks and said the terrorist group "has once again demonstrated its willingness to murder innocent Israelis and Palestinian civilians to achieve their political goals."

In addition, David Axelrod, senior advisor to President-elect Barack Obama, reiterated statements made by the then-senator during a July visit to Sderot, that Israel has a right to defend itself and "when bombs are ... raining down on your citizens, it is—it's obviously unacceptable."

Israel withdrew from the Gaza Strip in 2005 in an effort to reduce violence and lay the groundwork for a future Palestinian state. Since then, the Iranian-backed Hamas has wrested control of the territory from Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas in a violent coup, kidnapped an Israeli soldier in a cross-border raid and has overseen a major military buildup, acquiring weapons that now threaten a quarter-million Israelis.

Since Israel's withdrawal from Gaza, Palestinian terrorists have fired more than 6,300 rockets and mortars at the Jewish state, killing a dozen Israelis and wounding countless others. Even after an Egyptian-brokered "period of calm" was put in place between Israel and Hamas, rocket fire continued. In recent weeks alone, Hamas has fired some 600 rockets and mortars at Israeli civilians—as many as 80 in a single day—destroying Israeli homes and infrastructure, and claiming three Israeli lives.
###
Among the strong congressional statements of support for Israel are the following:

"I strongly support Israel's right to defend its citizens against rocket and mortar attacks from Hamas-controlled Gaza, which have killed and injured Israeli citizens, and to restore security to its residents." Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV), December 29, 2008

"When Israel is attacked, the United States must continue to stand strongly with its friend and democratic ally." Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), December 27, 2008

"Israel is acting in clear self-defense in response to heinous rocket attacks from Hamas-controlled Gaza." House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD), December 29, 2008

"The Israelis have proven time and time again their willingness to work with their neighbors for peace. Despite their best efforts, the Israelis have been forced to respond to terrorism with justifiable and understandable force to ensure their security." House Minority Whip Eric Cantor (R-VA), December 28, 2008

"Israel has a right, indeed a duty, to defend itself in response to the hundreds of rockets and mortars fired from Gaza over the past week. No government in the world would sit by and allow its citizens to be subjected to this kind of indiscriminate bombardment." Rep. Howard Berman (D-CA), Chairman of House Foreign Affairs Committee, December 27, 2008

"We stand with the Jewish State of Israel in its ongoing efforts to protect its citizens from those who seek its destruction." Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Ranking Member of House Foreign Affairs Committee, December 28, 2008

"It is regrettable that in response to Hamas' refusal to negotiate with Israel and continue its ceasefire, Israel was forced into this situation. Hamas has chosen war over peace. Israel has but no other choice to respond and protect its citizens." Rep. Alcee Hastings (D-FL), Co-Chair of Congressional Democratic Israel Working Group, December 29, 2008

"Israel has taken actions to defend itself and its people in an effort to restore security in the region." Sen. Benjamin Cardin (D-MD), Member of Senate Foreign Relations Committee, December 29, 2008

"Hamas is abusing the people of Gaza by using their homes as a base for terror operations. The world should no longer tolerate a terrorist government in the Gaza Strip." Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ), Member of Senate Appropriations Committee, December 29, 2008

"[Israel] is very much like we are and, if we turn our back on Israel, I believe that the equation will be so bad for America, so bad for the world, that we simply don't understand." Rep. Trent Franks (R-AZ), Member of House Armed Services Committee, December 28, 2008

"As a sovereign nation, it is clearly within Israel's rights to act in its own self-defense against all terrorist actions." Rep. John McHugh (R-NY), December 29, 2008

Special Update! Gaza Situation

Dozens of rockets have hit Israeli communities today (Saturday, December 27) as Israel launched a military operation against Hamas' recent escalation of attacks. Thus far today, rockets have hit a large number of Israel's southern communities including Sderot, Ashkelon, Netivot, and Ofakim. One person has been killed and four wounded in Netivot alone. Another man was wounded seriously during Shabbat morning services as his synagogue took a direct hit.

For residents of the Gaza perimeter, even the "relative calm" of the six-month cease-fire with Hamas had its moments of threatening and damaging Kassam attacks. For many, it was an occurrence they learned to deal with – repressing post-traumatic anxieties from earlier intensified periods and beginning to piece back together semblances of normal lives. But that was before December 24th when, just days after the cease-fire ended, 80 rockets and mortar shells struck homes, schools, outdoor public spaces, businesses and more across the region. 80 rockets in 24 hours; practically 1 rocket every 18 minutes. By 9:00 a.m., 25 rockets had already begun terrorizing the lives of residents in Sderot and nearby communities as far ranging as Ashkelon. From small businesses and factories, to kindergartens, community centers and schools, the incessant strikes have caused damage on every level – physically and psychologically; communally and individually. Widespread panic and hysteria have ensued as post-traumatic sentiments have resurfaced and intensified. First responders, working with local authorities, have frantically raced toward attack sites to offer on-the-scene assistance ranging from the emotional to the structural.

Unfortunately, none of this is a new reality for Israel's southern communities. And the Jewish Agency has been standing by the citizens of Sderot and the Gaza Perimeter for the past several years. Responding to their crisis is our utmost priority – then and now. Our response framework strives to not only show our solidarity for their plight, but also work to strengthen their communities from within – fortifying and mobilizing human resources to respond to crises as they unfold. As the situation escalates, the Jewish Agency is already on the ground, responding with a range of immediate and long-term assistance programs:

Immediate financial aid for victims of Kassam attacks through our Fund for Victims of Terror and its SOS Emergency Fund, created by United Jewish Communities' Israel Emergency Campaign (IEC) and Keren Hayesod.

Cultural and recreational activities for the hundreds of children and youth in Sderot and surrounding communities, including a week-long program of entertainment during Hanukkah vacation and educational trips and summer camps in central and northern Israel.
Business coaching and loans for small- and medium-sized business facing financial ruin as a result of the situation in the region.

Trauma training that enables local community members to serve as first responders, and additional resources for psychological support including a hotline and mobile response unit.
Scholarships for students studying in southern colleges and institutions of higher education and incentive programs that encourage students and young adults in the south to stay and give back to their communities. As the needs on the ground intensify, the Jewish Agency stands ready to respond. Our programming and staff are already working with local authorities, organizations and individuals and actively making a difference for these beleaguered communities. Sadly, the news from Israel's south comes at a time that is already fraught with turmoil for Jews the world over. The global economic crisis took a more direct – and menacing – turn when it struck into the heart of Jewish philanthropy. Our efforts to strengthen and empower Israeli communities by reaching out to and helping individuals and communities under fire continue. And we know this wouldn't be possible without your collective and individual efforts to help, give and mobilize. Your partnership has been – and continues to be – a shining light in the darkness that hovers over Israel's southern communities during this week of Hanukkah and beyond.

Holocaust Survivors

Major Program to Help Destitute Holocaust Survivors Announced by International Fellowship of Christians and Jews

Majority of Funds Have Been Donated by Evangelical Christians

Last update: 2:00 p.m. EDT Sept. 22, 2008

CHICAGO, Sep 22, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews announced today a major program to assist Holocaust survivors in desperate need. The Holocaust Survivors Fund will distribute $10,554,470 to 27,785 people in 37 countries. The program, which has been funded by Christians in the United States and Canada, provides the neediest Holocaust survivors around the world with a special gift of between $300-$600. The program was unveiled at the IFCJ's conference in Chicago by the group's founder, Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein. It marks the 25th anniversary of the organization's existence.
The major two-day conference and celebration in Chicago continues Tuesday. Hundreds of IFCJ supporters, both Christians and Jews, have come together to show their solidarity with Israel including Dr. Pat Robertson, Jonathan Falwell, Pat Boone, Gary Bauer and Ralph Reed, Jr. and the Israeli ambassador to the U.S., His Excellency Sallai Meridor. The full program is available on our web site at www.ifcj.org.
"We created the Holocaust Survivors Fund when we realized the extent of the need," says Rabbi Eckstein. "Despite the billions of dollars that have been pledged to aid Holocaust survivors, there are tens of thousands of them who live in abject poverty. Our program gives them a little something to celebrate the upcoming Jewish New Year -- and just as importantly, lets them know that they are not alone or forgotten."
There are approximately half a million Holocaust survivors alive today. The IFCJ program has identified those most in need, and mostly in those countries where there is little welfare safety net to support them financially. It then went to its donors and asked for their help to provide these suffering people with tangible assistance and a new measure of human dignity.
"When we asked our Christian supporters for help, their response was overwhelming," says Rabbi Eckstein. "We are proud that our supporters have made these gifts of love. And we are resolved that the dwindling numbers of Holocaust survivors be able to spend their remaining days in dignity and comfort."
The funds will start reaching Holocaust survivors next week and will be completely disbursed by October 13. A breakout of numbers of survivors for individual countries is available upon request.
Since its inception in 1983, The International Conference of Christians and Jews has provided more than half a billion dollars of support to Israel and Jews living outside of Israel in a variety of ways. This includes helping Jews immigrate to Israel ("On Wings of Eagles"), assistance to impoverished Jews in Israel and countries of the former Soviet Union, and political advocacy on behalf of Israel. It is recognized as the premier organization that has built ties of dialogue, respect and cooperation between Jews and Christians.

The Untold Story of Oppressed Christians in the Middle East

The Untold Story Of Oppressed Christians In The Middle East
Thursday, July 31, 2008
By: Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein


In the daily drumbeat of Mideast news, there is one story of historic proportion that is nearly unreported: the growing persecution and systematic destruction in the Islamic world of some of the world’s oldest Christian communities.

Sure, we hear when a Catholic bishop is murdered in Iraq, when machete-armed fanatics attack Egyptian Copt worshipers, or when churches are torched in Hamas-controlled Gaza. But what about the jailing in Saudi Arabia of foreign workers for holding forbidden Christian prayers? Or the arrest in Pakistan of a Christian man for marrying a Muslim woman? Or the continuing Islamic educational system that teaches the young that Christians (as well as Jews) are “the descendants of apes and pigs”?

The pattern is nearly the same wherever extremist Islam holds sway. From Bangladesh to Darfur, Christians have become regular targets for Islamic thugs and the governments that back them. Just this month, a Pakistani court upheld the kidnapping, conversion and “marriage” to older Moslem men of two Christian sisters, aged 10 and 13.


Yet even in lands that are not under orthodox Sharia law, Christian communities feel the pressure of persecution. In constitutionally secular Turkey, a legally recognized Protestant church in the capital of Ankara is under threat of closure by local Islamist police.


Many Christians in Islamic lands have become subject to such terror that they are fleeing the homelands their ancestors have known almost since the time of Jesus. Iraq’s Christian sects now feel forced to pray in secret. Others simply leave. Although they comprise less than four percent of Iraq’s population, Iraqi Christians now account for 40 per cent of its refugees.


Lebanon’s once politically powerful Christian community has already shrunken almost beyond recognition. Thirty years ago, Lebanon was 60% Christian; today it is barely 25%. The growing political power of Iran-backed Hezbollah is encouraging further departures.

Even in the Holy Land, where Jesus walked, there is an increasing Christian exodus from both the West Bank and Gaza. Part of it surely stems from the continuing Palestinian- Israeli conflict. But much of it results from a growing Islamic campaign to force Christians to sell their property and leave. Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus, was once 90% Christian. Today it has a 65% Moslem majority.


The only place in the Mideast where Christian communities continue to grow is in the Jewish State of Israel. Israel’s tolerance is logical. What people of faith knows the dangers of religious persecution better than the people of Israel – especially those whose families originated in the Islamic world? Between 1948 and 1956 more than 850,000 Jews were forced to flee the Arab lands where their families had lived for centuries.


Most found new homes in Israel; others settled in Western Europe and the Americas. Today there are almost no Jews in the Arab world. In Egypt, where 180,000 Jews once lived, there are fewer than 80. In Iraq, where Jews once comprised a third of Baghdad, there are possibly ten left. In Libya, there are none.


For much of Islamic history there was relative tolerance of both Jews and Christians. Though never treated as equals to Moslems, they were accepted as Dhimmi – protected minorities.
Today there seems to be a dangerous tendency in many Muslim nations to neither respect nor try to preserve the historic sanctity of these once sheltered cultures and faiths.

When Afghan fanatics destroyed two ancient statues of Buddha, the world was shocked. But the world should not forgot that between 1948 and 1967, when Islamic forces controlled the Holy City of Jerusalem, there was a systematic campaign to erase the historic Jewish presence.

Synagogues were destroyed and ancient Jewish gravestones carted away. Even today, the Palestinian Authority not only denies Israel’s right to consider itself a Jewish state, but denies the historic Jewish connection to Jerusalem. It is an empty effort to enhance the Palestinian political narrative at the expense of others’ hard earned history.

If there is a hope of true peace in the Middle East, extremist Islam must reform its view of others. It cannot go on teaching that non-Islamic history in the Middle East is “fiction.”

There is a sacred opportunity now to take up the call for the Islamic world’s hard-pressed and ever shrinking Christian communities. All people of commitment and tolerance - Christian, Jew, and Moslem - should speak out loudly and forcefully so that the Islamic world’s Christians do not suffer the same fate as its now all but non-existent Jewish communities.

IFCJ on Facebook!

IFCJ on Facebook! Tell Your Friends

The Fellowship is continually working towards reaching as many people as possible to support Israel and her people. Not everyone can contribute monitarily so this is a great and extremely important way for you to show your support when money is tight.Just go to the links below, join the cause and tell all your friends. Its easy, free and helps promote understand and fellowship between Christians and Jews.

Holocaust Cause: http://apps.facebook.com/causes/104181?m=91e6b129

Georgia Cause: http://apps.facebook.com/causes/111035?m=91e6b129

With great respect and appreciation,
The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews

A Fellowship Greeting!

Short video on how The Fellowship came to be. Hope you enjoy!

An Outpouring of Christian Support for Israel

Introduction from Yael Eckstein-Farkas:

"My name is Yael Eckstein-Farkas, and, as you might have guessed, I'm the daughter of Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein, The Fellowship's founder and president. I live in Israel with my family and have been involved in The Fellowship's work for about a year now. " - Yael-Eckstein Farkas

Below is an excerpt from Yael's Corner, a monthly e-letter written by Yael featured at www.ifcj.org

An Outpouring of Christian Support for Israel - By Yael- Eckstein Farkas

Every holiday celebrated in Israel is special. In my home of Jerusalem all the people come alive at these holy and wondrous times, to thank God and give praise for the miraculous deeds that He has performed both in our days and the days of Old. Sukkot is the holiday when the Jews celebrate the miracles that God performed for the Israelites when they were wandering in the desert after leaving Egypt in biblical times.

During Sukkot outside of every home in Israel you see a little wooden hut set up, with branches hanging over the top, which becomes a makeshift home for the entire holiday, which is celebrated for seven days. The hut, called a sukkah, commemorates the stupendous miracle of the cloud of glory that God sent to protect the Jews in the desert. This cloud that went with the Jews from the time they left Egypt until Moses died kept peace and security within the Jews traveling camp and blocked out the many threats faced in the desert.

Although today Sukkot is a holiday that is celebrated only by Jews, in the days of the Temple a sacrifice would be brought every day of the holiday in honor of all the nations of the world. Every person took part in the celebrations that would occur. Because the Holy Temple is no longer standing, this custom no longer occurs. But nearly thirty years ago Christians from all over the world decided that they would find their own way to Israel during Sukkot to show support for Israel and march in solidarity with God’s people.

This year around 7000 Christians from over 100 nations attended, which made it the largest annual tourism event in Israel. They came simply to tell Israel that they are our friends. All of the people who flew in from far off countries are mindful of where they came from and the passport that they hold, yet no matter where they settle and call their home, they know that Israel is God's home and they came to recognize this. Not only did this march boost the economy, it boosted us Israeli’s spirits as well.

When I went outside on this sunny Thursday morning to take my daughter for a walk, the main street by my house whose six lanes are normally packed with cars was closed down to vehicles. I asked one of the officers what was happening and he explained to me that the street would be used for a parade that would include Christians from all over the world.

Just hearing him say that in such a matter of a fact way gave me chills. For 25 years, it has been my father’s dream that every Jew and Israeli would know that Christians are our friends – and now, an Israeli policeman finds it normal that an enormous Christian solidarity march will take place in Jerusalem! I felt so proud that it was my father who first broke this stigma and was the pioneer in building this bridge of understanding between Christians and Jews, which has extended beyond the work of The Fellowship and into the everyday lives of millions of people.

As the march first began I saw Jerusalem’s many residents trickle out of their homes to see what was going on. People stopped in amazement as they saw a sight that they probably never saw in their lives. As far the eye could see was a crowd of Christians waving different colored flags representing all the nations of the world. The Jerusalemites were shedding tears of joy as the participants in the march banged drums, blew trumpets, and danced with all of their heart to show the people of Israel that, like us, they celebrate our homeland, and give us encouragement to continue to fight our holy battle for God's promised land.

When the marchers walked by they shouted out words of comfort like “shalom” and “we love you” and gave the thumbs up. But what was so unique, in my eyes, was the recognition among the Israelis that these Christians really are our friends. Seeing the different Christians from all different nations march the streets of Jerusalem did something that no sermon or editorial can accomplish – it showed absolute sincerity of Christian support for Israel.

We all realized that these participants bought expensive plane tickets not just from the U.S., but from far away countries like Malaysia, China, Singapore, Brazil, and India, solely to walk these streets and show their solidarity with Israel. Most of those standing on the sidelines of this march probably did not imagine that they had anything in common with Christians from Singapore or Malysia. But the march made them realize that Jews and Christians from all over the world are connected through God's Bible and the promises He gave. We Israelis are used to hearing people on radio, television, and in newspapers questioning our right to defend ourselves, and even our right to exist as a nation. This show of Christian support reminded us that there are better days ahead.

The hope and comfort that the solidarity march brought to the people of Israel is very similar to that which the Fellowship brings to Israelis and Jewish people around the world. When I visit people in their homes who have come home to Israel thanks to The Fellowship’s On Wings of Eagles program, or others who have received funding for lifesaving medical devices, or food for their children, or job training, I see that these gifts bring more than just immediate relief in a crisis – they give people the feeling that they aren’t alone. When Jews in Israel see the “donated with love by Christians in America, The Fellowship” sign hanging at the entrance to nearly every welfare program in Israel, they know we are not fighting our battle for survival alone – we have support from thousands of people in every country, people brought together by The Fellowship. It reminds us that even if some international governments and media don't support us, we have the greatest support from ordinary citizens of nearly every country.

Christian friends of Israel, the strength you give us cannot be expressed in words. A friend is someone who is by your side through the good times and bad, and that is what you have proven to be. On behalf of all Israelis, thank you!

With blessings from Jerusalem, Yael Eckstein

Help Us Lift Up Israel and the Jewish People In Prayer

The Fellowship Prayer Team unites Jews and Christians around the world to raise a chorus of prayer to God for the security, well-being, and protection of Israel and the Jewish people. By appealing to God on behalf of his children, the Prayer Team will make a powerful, positive impact on Israel's struggle for peace and security, and provide a tremendous source of encouragement to Israel and her people.


Pray for the Fellowship Prayer Team, that we will grow and multiply the number of faithful intercessors. Teach us how to pray in power.

Pray for global cooperation on the current financial crisis. Pray for the poor and the vulnerable, and everyone at risk of losing meager resources due to credit problems and banking failures.
Pray for the upcoming U.S. elections.

Pray that the next administration will support Israel, be a good steward of the resources God has given the American people, and honor God in words and in action.

During a period of political uncertainty in Israel, continue to pray for a smooth transition of power from outgoing Prime Minister Ehud Olmert to his successor.
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. "Deliver me from my enemies, O God; protect me from those who rise up against me. Deliver me from evildoers and save me from bloodthirsty men". Psalm 59:1-2

Pray to stem the rise of anti-Semitism in the world today, which has grown worse during the current economic crisis. "Hear me, O God, as I voice my complaint; protect my life from the threat of the enemy. Hide me from the conspiracy of the wicked, from that noisy crowd of evildoers. They sharpen their tongues like swords and aim their words like deadly arrows". Psalm 64:1-3

Pray for the protection and safety of Christians in India and Iraq currently suffering under harsh persecution. Pray that God will calm religious tensions in these troubled areas.
Pray for Rabbi Eckstein.

Pray that God will protect and guide him as he works in partnership with Fellowship supporters to help poor Jews in Israel and around the world, and to help Jews return to Israel from the four corners of the earth. Pray for continued blessings on the ministry of The Fellowship.

Check out more about our prayer team at www.ifcj.org