Over the past few years, the Jewish people have endured unimaginable hardships. The ongoing war in Ukraine began in 2022, displacing Holocaust survivors and families, and shattering communities. The horrific Hamas terror attacks against Israel on October 7, 2023, claimed 1,200 lives and left hundreds held hostage in Gaza. Two years of heartfelt prayer until the long-awaited peace treaty led to the return of some of those hostages in October 2025. Each of these moments has tested the resilience of the Jewish people. And each time, one truth has remained constant: millions of Christians around the world stand faithfully with Israel.
This unwavering solidarity has manifested in the form of lifesaving aid, emotional support, and spiritual solidarity. The Fellowship has been privileged to be part of this work, channeling Christian generosity into real-world impact.
When war broke out in Ukraine, thousands of Jewish people—many of them elderly Holocaust survivors—were forced to flee their homes. Having been on the ground in Ukraine for more than 30 years, The Fellowship immediately mobilized emergency aid, providing food, shelter, medical care, and safe passage to Israel for those seeking refuge. Christian donors played a critical role in this response, funding evacuation efforts and helping survivors rebuild their lives in safety.
That same spirit of compassion was on display again in the wake of the October 7 attacks. As rockets fell and families were torn apart, The Fellowship delivered over $5 million in emergency aid, including trauma counseling, food distribution, and security upgrades for vulnerable communities. Christian support enabled the construction of bomb shelters, the deployment of mobile aid units, and the establishment of an Emergency Response Center in Ramle, where families could locate missing loved ones and receive emotional support.
Most recently, the return of all living hostages in October 2025 marked a moment of national relief and global celebration. After 738 days in captivity, 20 Israeli men were reunited with their families. The ceasefire agreement that secured their release was not only historic and unprecedented—it allowed Israel's healing to begin. The Fellowship responded by opening a new Resilience Center dedicated to psychological support and trauma recovery for hostages and their families. This facility, funded in part by Christian donors, offers group therapy, counselor training, and long-term care for those navigating the emotional aftermath of captivity.
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In a recent video message, President and Global CEO Yael Eckstein expressed heartfelt gratitude to The Fellowship's Christian supporters: "For the first time in two years, we have all of the hostages home. Praise God! Redemption from the Lord comes in the blink of an eye, and I believe it's not just because of our leaders, but because of you—those of you who have been praying for the peace of Jerusalem, those of you who have continued to stand with Israel and the Jewish people."
Her words reflect the deep spiritual bond that has grown between Christians and Jews—a bond rooted in shared values, mutual respect, and a commitment to healing a broken world.
While the return of the hostages is a cause for celebration, it is also a reminder of the long road ahead. Many families are still grieving. Survivors are still processing trauma. Communities are still rebuilding. Meanwhile, the threats to Israel's safety and stability have not disappeared.
This is where Christian support continues to make a difference not just in crisis response, but in restoration, reconciliation, and long-term healing.
The Resilience Center is a powerful example of this mission. Survivors of terror, war, and displacement go there to find peace, to share their stories, and to begin the journey toward recovery. The Fellowship works closely with mental health professionals to provide culturally sensitive care, recognizing that healing must be tailored to each individual.
Children traumatized by missile attacks, elderly Holocaust survivors, and families who have lost loved ones all receive support there. And thanks to Christian generosity, the center is expanding its reach—training new counselors, opening satellite facilities, and integrating faith-based support into its programming.
The past year has also seen a remarkable rise in public expressions of Christian support for Israel. Initiatives such as Awaken the Dawn and Flags of Fellowship have galvanized millions of believers to stand visibly and vocally with the Jewish people.
Awaken the Dawn, a nationwide worship and prayer movement, dedicated its 2025 gatherings to intercession for Israel. Tens of thousands of Christians lifted their voices in prayer—declaring peace, protection, and restoration over the land and its people. The event served as a spiritual rallying point, reminding participants that their faith calls them to bless Israel and seek its peace.
Meanwhile, the 2025 Flags of Fellowship campaign became the largest Israeli flag commemoration in U.S. history. Over 1,300 churches, synagogues, and universities planted 1.5 million Israeli flags across North America and Israel—each one representing a life lost in the October 7 attacks. The campaign, organized by The Fellowship, served as both a memorial and a public stand against antisemitism.
At the flagship event in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Pastor Allen Jackson addressed a crowd of 10,000: "As Christians, we carry a sacred responsibility to bless Israel and the Jewish people, and to stand against evil in all its forms."
These movements are more than symbolic. They are spiritual declarations of unity, compassion, and moral resilience. They show the world that Christians are not passive observers, but active participants in both Israel's present and its future.
As we look ahead, the needs remain great. Israel is rebuilding—not just its infrastructure, but its spirit. Families are mourning, survivors are healing, and communities are striving to restore what was lost. The Fellowship is committed to walking alongside them on this journey, every step of the way.
But we cannot do it alone.
Your prayers, your generosity, and your voice matter. They have already saved lives, comforted the brokenhearted, and strengthened a nation under siege. And now, they are needed more than ever—to build resilience, to foster reconciliation, and to bring hope to those still waiting for healing.
Together, we can continue the work of restoration. Together, we can be a light in the darkness. Together, we can fulfill the biblical call to "comfort ye, comfort ye my people" (Isaiah 40:1). Thank you again for your unwavering support and constant compassion.
To learn more about how you can further support Israel's healing and stand with the Jewish people, visit IFCJ.org.
Robin Van Etten is a seasoned nonprofit professional with 25 years of experience in direct response marketing and fundraising. She is currently the US CEO and Global Chief Operating Officer at the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, a nonprofit humanitarian organization serving the needs of the Jewish population around the world. In 2025, she was named a Notable Leader in Philanthropy by Crain's Chicago Business.
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