As 2025 draws to a close, the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews found itself on the ground during one of the most challenging and transformative years in recent memory. From Israel to Ukraine, The Fellowship has been a lifeline—providing humanitarian aid, strengthening security, supporting aliyah, and building community between Christians and Jews in unprecedented ways.
This year has tested the resilience of the Jewish people and the global faith community that stands with them. But these tests have revealed extraordinary courage, compassion, and unity. The following are some of The Fellowship's most significant accomplishments of 2025, each one a testament to what faith, generosity, and partnership can achieve.
Responding to Crisis: Emergency Aid in Israel
In June, Israel faced a new wave of danger when Iranian missile strikes damaged hundreds of buildings, injured civilians, and forced approximately 5,000 Israelis to evacuate their homes. The Fellowship acted immediately, distributing $2.5 million in emergency aid to families whose homes were destroyed or who were displaced by the attacks.
Fellowship volunteers delivered ready-made meals, emergency supplies, and emotional support to elderly residents, many of whom had no one else to turn. One of the most striking images from the crisis was Zelda, a 90-year-old woman, sitting among the rubble of her damaged building as Fellowship staff brought her food and comfort the very next day. Throughout the year, The Fellowship strengthened Israel's emergency preparedness by supporting first responders, hospitals, synagogues, and vulnerable communities in places of danger.
Humanitarian Aid Across Borders: Supporting Syrian Christians and Druze
In early 2025, The Fellowship completed one of its most significant humanitarian operations to date: delivering critical aid to persecuted Christian and Druze communities trapped in war-torn areas of Syria. Working in partnership with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), The Fellowship coordinated a multi-week operation to bring food, medical supplies, and essential goods to families facing violence and displacement. This mission showcased The Fellowship's commitment not only to the Jewish people but also to vulnerable minorities across the Middle East. As Fellowship President and global CEO Yael Eckstein explained, "Once we became aware of what was happening… we could not turn a blind eye."
Standing Against Antisemitism: Strengthening Christian–Jewish Solidarity
With antisemitism surging globally, especially on college campuses, The Fellowship expanded its efforts to build bridges between Christians and Jews. In May, The Fellowship highlighted its work to strengthen solidarity and confront hate through education, advocacy, and interfaith partnerships.
This initiative reflects The Fellowship's founding mission: to unite Christians and Jews in support of Israel and the Jewish people. In 2025, that mission became more urgent than ever.
Flags of Fellowship: A Movement of Unity and Remembrance
One of the most visible and impactful initiatives of 2025 was the second annual Flags of Fellowship event. More than 1,300 churches, universities, and synagogues across the U.S., Canada, and Israel participated—planting over 1.6 million Israeli flags to honor the victims of the October 7 attacks and stand in solidarity with Israel.
The event culminated in memorial services on October 5, drawing over 1 million congregants nationwide—going from a singular event to a movement. And this movement became a powerful symbol of unity, remembrance, and moral clarity—showing the world that Christians and Jews stand together against hatred and terror.
Aid to the Former Soviet Union: Supporting the Most Vulnerable
The Fellowship's 2025 Strategic Plan reaffirmed its commitment to alleviating poverty among elderly Jews in the former Soviet Union (FSU), allocating millions of dollars to support impoverished seniors, Holocaust survivors, and families in need.
In Ukraine, where war continues to devastate communities, The Fellowship provided food, heating assistance, medicine, and companionship to thousands of elderly Jews living in extreme poverty. Many, like 79-year-old Olga, live without indoor plumbing or reliable heat—forced to pump water from outdoor wells and walk to outhouses in subzero temperatures. Fellowship staff delivered food boxes, blankets, and emergency supplies, offering both physical and emotional warmth. A core Fellowship belief is that every life is precious, and none of God's children should be left to suffer alone.
Aliyah and Resettlement: Bringing Jews Home to Israel
In 2025, The Fellowship continued its decades-long mission to help Jews make aliyah (immigrate to Israel) and support them as they rebuild their lives in the Holy Land. The organization allocated nearly one million dollars to aliyah and resettlement efforts—providing flights, housing assistance, and integration support for new immigrants from around the world. This work fulfills biblical prophecy and offers safety and hope to Jews fleeing conflict, poverty, and persecution.
Organizational Milestones
In May, The Fellowship was named one of the Best Nonprofits to Work For by The NonProfit Times for the fifth time and the third consecutive year. This recognition reflects The Fellowship's commitment to excellence, integrity, and culture of compassion. Behind every food box delivered, every bomb shelter built, and every family comforted, there is a dedicated team working tirelessly to serve the Jewish people.
Looking Ahead: The Mission Continues
As we reflect on 2025, one thing is clear: The Fellowship shows up when and where it matters most. When missiles fell, The Fellowship delivered aid. When elderly Jews in Ukraine faced freezing temperatures, The Fellowship brought warmth. When persecuted minorities in Syria cried out for help, The Fellowship answered. When antisemitism surged, The Fellowship sought to build bridges. When the world needed a symbol of unity, The Fellowship planted millions of flags.
This holy work is far from over. The needs in Israel, Ukraine, and across the Jewish world continue to grow. Poverty, trauma, displacement, and rising hatred demand a response rooted in faith, compassion, and action. The Fellowship remains committed to delivering that response. With your continued support, we hope to make 2026 our most impactful year yet.
As we enter a new year, we invite you to join us in blessing Israel and her people. Your support provides food to the hungry, security to the vulnerable, and hope to those who feel forgotten. Together, we can continue to be a light in the darkness.
To learn more or to make a donation, click here.
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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