The International Christian Embassy Jerusalem was established in1980 in recognition of the biblical significance of all of Jerusalem and its unique connection to the Jewish people. Today the ICEJ represents millions of Christians, churches, and denominations to the nation and people of Israel. We recognize in the restoration of Israel the faithfulness of God to keep His ancient covenant with the Jewish people. Our main objectives are:
• To stand with Israel in support and friendship
• To equip and teach the worldwide church regarding God’s purposes with Israel and the nations of the Middle East
• To be an active voice of reconciliation between Jews, Christians, and Arabs, and to support the churches and congregations in the Holy Land
From its head offices in Jerusalem, the ICEJ reaches out into more than 170 countries worldwide, with branch offices in over 90 nations.
Our vision is:
• To reach every segment of Israel’s society with a Christian testimony of comfort and love
• To reach and actively represent to Israel the support of denominations, churches, and believers from every nation on Earth
The Christian Embassy is a non-denominational faith-based ministry supported by the voluntary contributions of our partners and friends across the globe. We invite you to join with us as we minister to Israel and the Jewish people worldwide by donating to the ongoing work and witness of the ICEJ.
WORD FROM JERUSALEM
CREDITS
ICEJ President Dr. Juergen Buehler
USA Director Susan Michael
VP International Affairs Dr. Mojmir Kallus
VP Finance David van der Walt
VP Operations Barry R. Denison
Senior VP & International Spokesman David Parsons
VP AID & Aliyah Nicole Yoder
Managing Editor/Publications Director Laurina Driesse
USA Managing Editor Karen Engle
Staff Writer Anastasiya Gooding
Graphic Design/Illustrators Ryan Tsuen, Nancy Schimp
Photography Adobe Stock, Adobe Firefly, Shutterstock, AP, Flash90, JAFI, Dorron Kline-Telfed, Chris van Beek, Ben White on UnSplash, Operation Lifeshield ,Wikimedia, ICEJ Staff and Branches
The New King James Bible is used for all Bible references unless otherwise noted.
Word From Jerusalem is published by the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Word From Jerusalem has no subscription price and is supported through contributions worldwide. The ICEJ USA Branch is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with offices in Tennessee, Florida, and Washington, DC. All gifts to this ministry are tax-deductible according to United States law.
INTERNATIONAL CHRISTIAN EMBASSY JERUSALEM - USA
Support our ministry online at: www.icejusa.org
FROM THE DESK OF THE SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT
Dear friends,
As we prepare for the Feast of Tabernacles celebration—this year from October 16 to 23—much uncertainty remains about where the current conflict in Israel will head. While the IDF has made substantial progress in weakening Hamas in Gaza, and Hezbollah in Lebanon, Iran has threatened to “punish” Israel for targeting senior leaders of their terror network. Yet they also seem ready to hold back. As we go to print it seems the IDF is preparing for a ground incursion into southern Lebanon and much uncertainty remains.
No matter how this all plays out, we are determined to continue with our plans to “keep the Feast” (Zechariah 14:16). Christian groups are still visiting the Land, and this Feast is shaping up to be a uniquely powerful and timely statement of steadfast Christian support for the Jewish nation and people. Our Israeli friends are so encouraged to hear that the Feast is still on—both on-site in Jerusalem and online—and just a few days past the one-year mark when this difficult conflict began last October 7.
Besides preparing for the Feast, the Christian Embassy continues to be a source of aid and comfort for Israel amid the ongoing war. We also are proud to show you in this month’s magazine two beautiful, gentle therapy horses we recently gifted to a kibbutz in the South so more children can receive much-needed trauma care. And our Aliyah efforts continue to bring Jews home from around the world, just as God promised would happen in these last days.
We also want to thank everyone who has joined us for the past year on our daily Global Prayer Gatherings and those who have participated in various prayer initiatives our branches have been involved in—like the USA Branch’s “50 States, 50 Days of Prayer for Israel.” This powerful campaign has brought intercessors from all 50 states together, who have met each day since August 24 for one hour over Zoom to represent and pray for their respective states and the nation and people of Israel—all leading up to the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) on October 12.
We cannot thank you enough for helping us rise to the challenges now confronting the restored nation of Israel. Join us on our daily Global Prayer Gathering at 9:00 a.m. (ET) as we continue to pray for the peace of Jerusalem (Ps. 122:6), the people of Israel, and Jewish people around the world at: www.icejusa.org/event-item-global-prayer-gathering.
A warm shalom from Jerusalem!
David R. Parsons
Senior
Vice President & International Spokesman International Christian Embassy Jerusalem
COVER PHOTO: A French-Jewish family making Aliyah prepares for departure to Israel (photo credit: JAFI)
FOR MAGAZINE ARCHIVES
visit www.icejusa.org/wfj
THE Calling FOR CHRISTIANS TO "KEEP" THE FEAST OF TABERNACLES
BY DR. MOJMIR KALLUS, VICE PRESIDENT FOR INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
And it shall come to pass that everyone who is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall go up from year to year to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, and to keep the Feast of Tabernacles. And it shall be that whichever of the families of the earth do not come up to Jerusalem to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, on them there will be no rain. If the family of Egypt will not come up and enter in, they shall have no rain; they shall receive the plague with which the Lord strikes the nations who do not come up to keep the Feast of Tabernacles.
(Zechariah 14:16–18)
These verses from the prophet Zechariah resonated in the hearts of the founders of the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem when it was established in 1980, as they were moved to launch a Christian celebration of this ancient biblical Feast.
The Feast of Tabernacles, or Sukkot, was a relatively unknown holiday to Christians back then. Such unfamiliarity was symptomatic of the condition of the wider church, which had lost the understanding of many Bible truths
since cutting itself off from its Hebraic roots. It is only in recent decades—after the Holocaust and the sudden miraculous restoration of the Jewish nation to their ancestral homeland—that the church has begun to rediscover the very roots on which it was founded. In particular, the Feast of Tabernacles soon became the occasion for the biggest annual Christian celebration in Israel.
Why Do We Celebrate the Feast?
Mindful that the festivals “are a shadow of things
to come” (Colossians 2:17), we do not suggest doing it to keep the Mosaic commandments or to bring believers under the yoke of the Law but rather as a way to deepen and enrich their faith walk with God. So what can we learn from this biblical holiday?
The Feast of Tabernacles is a feast of reliance. It declares that we are totally dependent upon God. The agricultural aspect of the Feast of Tabernacles is the ingathering of the fall harvest. In ancient times, the children of Israel were
I) The ICEJ holds its first Feast of Tabernacles celebration at the Anglican school in Jerusalem in 1980. 2) A more recent Feast of Tabernacles closes with morning prayer and worship at the Tower of David in the Old City of Jerusalem. 3) The Feast of Tabernacles celebration saw pilgrims coming from all over the world coming up to Jerusalem to worship the God of Israel.
inspired by this festival to acknowledge that ultimately, the fruits of this harvest were a gift from God. It reinforced their awareness that they are totally dependent on Him.
The same theme is also present in the historical aspect of the Feast, which commemorates how God provided for His people in the wilderness when they were delivered from slavery in Egypt. He fed them, clothed them, cared for them, and protected them. The people of God were totally dependent upon the provision of God in a harsh environment. That experience teaches us, too, the lesson that we should trust God to provide all we need.
This is what Jesus taught as well. For example, in the Sermon on the Mount, he said:
Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds
of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?
The Feast of Tabernacles is an opportunity to learn to trust God rather than lean on your own strength.
So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?
(Matthew 6:25–30)
The Feast of Tabernacles is an opportunity to learn to trust God rather than lean on your own strength. Over the years, many pilgrims experienced His miraculous provision in relation to their coming to this very Feast! Facing impossible financial situations or obstacles to travel, they relied on God and saw Him make a way where there was no way.
A Feast for All Nations
The Feast of Tabernacles is a feast of reliance. It declares that we are totally dependent upon God.
The kingdom of God begins with Israel but has impacted the whole world. God decided to use Israel as a mechanism to reach all mankind with His salvation. This is the very reason why God called Israel into existence through Abraham, saying: “In you all the families of the earth will be blessed” (Genesis 12:3).
Now that Israel is back in her ancient homeland in accordance with so many biblical promises, the time is drawing near when His kingdom will be finally established, and Jesus will reign in righteousness and peace from Jerusalem. Indeed, “The earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea” (Habakkuk 2:14). At that time, as Zechariah 14 envisions, all the nations will come up to Jerusalem to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles.
The Christian Embassy is a ministry of preparation. We are calling the righteous remnant from all nations to discern the times and come up to worship the King in Jerusalem. Join us in Jerusalem in spirit for the Feast of Tabernacles online—and prepare your heart for His soon coming!
Another unique aspect of the Feast of Tabernacles is that it is not only for the Jewish people. We find a hint in the commandments in Numbers 29 describing the sacrifices to be brought to the temple during Sukkot. Counted altogether, there are 70 bulls, which Jewish commentators say are offered on behalf of the 70 nations descended from Noah—meaning, the entire world. Also, the tradition of waving the four species (Leviticus 23:40) declares that God is the ruler of the world. Sukkot is thus the time when the reign of God over the whole earth will be manifested.
Photo: Jews pray at the Western Wall during the Feast of Tabernacles. (Credit: Shutterstock)
OUR PRAYERS ARE HAVING A
Since the beginning of the war between Israel and Hamas last October 7, the Christian Embassy has taken a stand by committing before the Lord to pray for Israel every day until the nation can declare victory in this current battle.
Just as the armies of Israel are at war, we have engaged in the spiritual battle in the heavenlies through our daily online prayer meetings. One of these intercessory efforts is the Global Prayer Gathering (GPG), where Christian leaders and prayer warriors faithfully come together every morning to pray for Israel.
For the past 10 months, over 25,000 people from more than 170 nations around the globe have joined this prayer call as we pray for Israel and the region amid the present turmoil. We thank everyone who has joined us in prayer on the GPG.
T hroughout this prayer vigil, we have seen God move in powerful ways. I want to share some testimonies of God’s faithfulness we have seen.
First, we must thank God that roughly half of the Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza have been freed. Hamas is widely known to be cruel Islamic terrorists—just look at the atrocities they committed on October 7. To get that many hostages safely back has to be considered a miracle and an answer to our many prayers for the hostages.
Since the onset of this conflict, there also has been a looming threat that Hezbollah, Iran’s strongest proxy terror militia, would attack Israel from Lebanon. In response, Israel has evacuated all the communities within three miles of the northern border. There has been an artillery duel and war of attrition in the immediate vicinity of the border since October 8 last year, but in our daily prayers, we have been asking the
Lord to hold back a wider attack by Hezbollah in the North. We can report with thanksgiving that the restraining hand of God has held the enemy at bay for almost a year
Another answered prayer is that the Lord is raising Rahabs in the enemy camp to assist Israel against Hamas and other Iranian proxy militias. Early in this war, the Lord revealed that we should pray for Him to raise people in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran who would be like Rahab, the local woman in the battle of Jericho who helped the Israeli spies with key intelligence into the movements of the enemy. In the same way, we have been praying that the Lord would use ordinary people to reveal the plans of Israel’s enemies. We have seen this prayer answered many times, especially when people inside the enemy camp have helped locate their leaders and, in some cases, the Israeli hostages. This intel has been vital for Israeli forces to successfully carry out their missions against the leaders of Hamas and Hezbollah, even when they were honored guests in Tehran.
In addition, we saw Iran launch a massive attack of over 320 cruise and ballistic missiles and armed drones late one night in mid-April. Many of us in Israel were already asleep, but others alerted our intercessors abroad to start praying. Over the next couple of hours, most of the missiles and drones were hunted down and destroyed before they ever entered Israeli airspace, and the few that got through did only minor damage. We are so grateful that the prayers of believers all around the world helped raise an added wall of protection around Israel and her people.
So, we see that God is answering our prayers, and His hand is moving as we continue to stand in the gap for Israel. Thank you again for your earnest, effective prayers for the Jewish nation and people.
JOSHUA GOODING, HEAD OF ICEJ PRAYER DEPARTMENT
Join our
NOV 24 - DEC 3
Registration ends: NOV 18 2024
Learn more or register at: www.icejusa.org/servingtour/
In the wake of the October 7th attacks and ongoing conflict, Israel faces its darkest hour. As Christians, we feel an urgent call to stand with Israel and we invite you to join us in supporting Israel through various practical means. In this hands-on tour, each activity plays a crucial role in aiding and uplifting Israel. You will be serving side by side with Israelis and internationals in regions bordering Gaza as well as regions close to Tel Aviv.
Join us this November to bring hope and healing from the October 7th attack and war in Gaza. Let us stand with Israel and be a light in this everincreasing darkness.
WITH GRATITUDE FOR THE LIFE OF BETTY JACKSON
In July, the ICEJ saw a dear friend go home to be with her Lord. Betty Joyce Jackson, age 88, passed away on Tuesday, July 16, 2024.
Miss Betty often shared her story of how her faith in God truly ignited when faced with a dire diagnosis as a young wife and mother. In a moment of desperation, she offered a heartfelt prayer: “Let me know the truth before I die.” This prayer, a testament to her unwavering faith, led to a transformative encounter with Jesus of Nazareth, and God granted her many more years to live. Throughout those years, she made a tremendous impact for the kingdom—including the work of the ICEJ.
Miss Betty arrived in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, in 1967 with her husband, George, to help establish a veterinary practice to provide for their young family. They opened their home for a Bible study that welcomed people from every part of the community. She shared her testimony and prayed for others with a sense of purpose shaped by her conviction of God’s transforming power. A belief that prayer changes lives and futures became the overriding passion of her life.
George and Betty founded World Outreach Church in 1980, the same year the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ) was established. George and Betty had said they had a ministry of giving away books, sharing with others the writings of Christian authors who had impacted them—especially the writings of the renowned Derek Prince. For more than a decade, they spent much of their time in Israel, overseeing the translation of those books into Hebrew and serving the people of Jerusalem.
Betty is survived by her husband of 68 years, George Jackson. The couple served on ICEJ USA’s advisory board, and the family they raised and the church they established have been tremendous blessings to our ministry over the years. Their son, Pastor Allen Jackson, served on ICEJ USA’s board for many years and spoke at ICEJ events, including numerous times at the Feast of Tabernacles. In 2006 the US Branch was prompted to move its headquarters from Washington, DC, to Tennessee, sensing the Lord's call to be rooted in the heart of the Bible belt. World Outreach Church graciously provided a home for our new office at a property owned by the church. It also provided a spiritual home to several staff members who attended World Outreach over the years.
Our prayers and condolences go out to the Jackson family. While we know Miss Betty is with the Lord she loves, she is greatly missed by those who love her. We also say thank you to the Jacksons and World Outreach Church for the significant contributions they have made to the work of ICEJ. Your generosity has made an impact on us and many Israeli lives.
GET TO KNOW YOUR ICEJ USA TEAM
SARAH BARNES Operations Manager
If you call the ICEJ USA office, you’ll likely enjoy a lovely conversation with Sarah, our operations manager who joined the ICEJ team three years ago. One of Sarah’s primary responsibilities is building relationships and interacting with our partners and ICEJ USA family, which she thoroughly enjoys. Additionally, she processes donations, manages data entry and the ICEJ store, keeps the website updated, and assists with email marketing.
Sarah says Israel and the work she does for the ICEJ are important to her because Israel and the Jews are important to God: “I love knowing I am working for the Lord and honoring His commandments to love and support Israel.”
In her free time, she enjoys making memories with her children—playing sports, crafting, or gardening. “I also used to bake custom cakes, cupcakes, and cake pops, and when time allows, I enjoy making treats for special occasions.”
Sarah’s favorite Bible passage is Psalm 121, a song of accents that declares God as the helper of those who seek him and the keeper of Israel: “I will lift up my eyes to the hills—from whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. … Behold, He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep” (vv. 1–2, 4).
ICEJ RENOVATES HOMES, SHELTERS FOR NEEDY ISRAELIS
BY NATIVIA SAMUELSEN, ICEJ AID ADMINISTRATOR
Even before the current war erupted last October, Israel was already facing significant socio-economic challenges, with many Jewish and Arab families living in poverty and struggling to meet their basic needs. One way the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ) is reaching out to help these families is by sponsoring a dedicated team of workers who renovate and repair homes and bomb shelters across Israel.
A government study released before the war began last October 7 found that poverty was increasing across all sectors of society, with one-third of Israeli households living with food shortages. The highest rates of poverty were among elderly Jews, including many Holocaust Survivors, as well as large families in the Arab sector.
The gap between rich and poor in Israel is one of the highest among developed nations, and the ongoing conflict in Gaza and on other fronts has only exacerbated this problem. Many poorer families choose to eat first while neglecting badly needed home repairs, resulting in unhealthy and even hazardous living conditions.
The ICEJ Steps in to Help
In response, the Christian Embassy has been sponsoring a special work team that is renovating and repairing homes and bomb shelters across Israel. To date in 2024, the team has completed more than 40 apartments for elderly evacuees from the Gaza border communities. These vulnerable senior citizens, unable to relocate to hotels due to their specific needs, were moved to assistedliving facilities in Tel Aviv and Beersheva. The renovation projects in these apartments
have included repairing walls, painting, refurbishing corridors, and other renovations to ensure the homes are safe, comfortable, and welcoming.
In addition, the team has focused on also repairing community bomb shelters that residents of large apartment buildings share during times of rocket attacks. They have renovated over 200 shelters in seven cities, providing safety for hundreds of Israeli families. Bomb shelter renovation has included clearing debris, installing new lighting fixtures, replacing floor tiles, cleaning and upgrading restrooms, installing new water tanks, and painting and sealing walls to prevent mildew.
During a recent ICEJ’s Hands-On Tour, Christian volunteers from some 14 nations worked alongside the Israeli construction team to renovate three large underground bomb shelters in Ashkelon. Local Israelis were deeply touched by the spirit of caring and collaboration they sensed from the Christian visitors.
The true impact of this renovation work is best understood through the personal stories of individual Israelis. These stories, filled with hope and resilience, serve as a powerful reminder of the human connection that transcends borders and cultures.
Genia Returns Home
Genia, a widow and Holocaust Survivor, has faced a lifetime of unimaginable hardship. Her home—with broken floor tiles that caused her to fall, a kitchen filled with leaks and mold, and exposed electric wires that posed
a constant danger—testified to her struggles. Genia was heartbroken after being moved to a retirement home in Ashkelon and longed to return to the place she knew as home. The renovation team realized her plight and took action. They fixed her rundown kitchen, repaired the broken floors, replaced the dangerous sockets, and repainted the walls.
When Genia stepped back into her rejuvenated home, tears of relief and joy streamed down her face. She now lives in a safe, healthy environment where she can cook meals, move freely, reclaim her sense of independence and dignity, and regain her memories of home.
A Home Makeover for Michael and Elina
Michael and Elina are both Holocaust Survivors in their 90s who have endured years of hardship and loss. Living in Jerusalem, their home had fallen into disrepair. The walls were covered in mold, the paint was peeling, and ceiling beams were exposed, creating a constant reminder of neglect. But the couple was too old and frail to fix the flaws and felt isolated with their children living far away.
When the renovation team arrived, they saw the crumbling walls and instantly knew this couple desperately needed comfort and care. The team worked tirelessly to repaint and repair their home and even replaced old lighting fixtures to brighten their lives. Recognizing Elina’s mobility struggles, the team installed handrails, ensuring she could move safely.
When Michael and Elina saw their transformed home, they were grateful. The renovations restored their home and brought back their dignity and hope, allowing them to age safely and comfortably in the home they cherish.
These stories testify to the renovation team’s dedication and hard work undergirded by the financial and hands-on support of the ICEJ. Together, we are significantly impacting the lives of Israel’s most vulnerable citizens, providing them with safe, comfortable, and dignified living conditions.
The ongoing house renovation project is now assisting the apartment renovation of 10 elderly evacuees from Gaza border communities and the renovation of 10 additional bomb shelters.
Thank you for helping the Christian Embassy positively impact the lives of so many Israeli families in need. Together, we can continue to bring hope and comfort to those who need it most.
Christian volunteers renovate a bomb shelter during an ICEJ Hands-On Tour
ICEJ DONATES HORSES FOR TRAUMA THERAPY FARM NEAR GAZA
BY MARELINKE VAN DER RIET, ICEJ PUBLICATIONS ASSISTANT
Not far from the Gaza border, Kibbutz Urim stands as a testament to Israeli resilience amid the adversity of living for years under the constant threat of terrorism. Established in 1947 by Bulgarian Jewish immigrants, this community of nearly 500 members is devoted to Israel—every young adult serves in the IDF upon turning 18. However, recent decades have sorely tested their resolve, even well before the October 7 massacres last year.
The tranquil atmosphere at Kibbutz Urim belies the harsh reality these residents of the western Negev have endured for over two decades. The incessant threat of rocket attacks repeatedly forced families into bomb shelters at a moment’s notice. Add to that the terror tunnels and incendiary balloons coming from Gaza, which gnawed away at any sense of security. Many families lost loved ones to Palestinian terrorism. For children growing up in this environment, the fear and trauma left profound psychological scars. Many youngsters regressed emotionally, lost their joy, or developed negative defense mechanisms.
Recognizing their community’s need for proper counseling, kibbutz members established a horse therapy farm aimed at healing the deep wounds in their children, using an innovative method known as “zootherapy.” This type of therapeutic approach uses animals as mediators to treat people suffering from sensory, physical, intellectual, or psychological disorders.
The technique has proven its worth worldwide, with tangible effects apparent from the very first sessions. As the children establish relationships with animals, it promotes a sense of well-being and other physical and mental benefits, such as lower heart rates and stress reduction. This is especially true with therapy horses, as children learn to trust again through interaction with such large but gentle animals.
The International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ) began sponsoring horse therapy sessions at Kibbutz Urim and quickly saw the positive impact on the children, so we went a step further. Thanks to generous donations from Christian friends in Switzerland and Canada, the ICEJ decided to donate two therapy horses, “Andy” and “Diana,” to the therapy farm. It just so happened they were delivered to the farm in the wake of the October 7 massacres, when the need for such trauma therapy treatments immediately multiplied among all the children of the region.
Currently 96 children are enjoying horse therapy lessons at the farm. However, the demand is much higher now, and an additional 84 children are currently on Urim’s waiting list. Since 90 percent of children in the region suffer from varying degrees of trauma, increased support and resources are needed. Riding and grooming sessions, initially limited to 30 minutes, have been extended to 50 minutes to meet the considerable needs of the children. While the therapeutic benefits are evident, parents find it difficult to afford the longer lessons, so outside support is crucial to help families give their children the care they need.
The horses’ impact on traumatized kids has been profound. Take Erez, for example, a young Israeli boy who was kidnapped by Hamas and held captive in Gaza for 50 days before his release last November. Just two days after being freed, he requested to reunite with his beloved horse, “Dingy.” Despite the challenges of gaining permission to visit the Urim horse farm, located at the time in a closed military area, Erez arrived and spent over two hours riding. He later shared with his teacher that the thought of riding “Dingy” again was what had kept him strong during the long days of his captivity in Gaza.
Another memorable moment on the farm came when a small fiveyear-old boy brushed a horse while singing loudly. Looking on from nearby, his mother was in tears. She explained that her son used to sing all the time, but after being stuck in a safe room for 12 frightful hours last October 7, he had stopped singing altogether. Grooming the horse at the Urim farm that day sparked his singing again for the first time.
As Kibbutz Urim and its surrounding communities continue to rebuild amid the ongoing threats from Gaza, this therapeutic horse farm stands as a beacon of hope. The farm that was originally conceived as a simple riding school has evolved into a lifeline for the region’s children. Through their dedication and innovative approach to healing, kibbutz members are providing a pathway to resilience for the next generation.
With your continued support, the healing touch of horses like Andy and Diana will continue to restore young lives. Please do your part by giving to our Israel in Crisis fund.
“MISS HOLOCAUST SURVIVOR” FILM WINS PRESTIGIOUS PRIZE IN GERMANY
BY MARELINKE VAN DER RIET, ICEJ PUBLICATIONS ASSISTANT
Adocumentary featuring several residents of the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem’s special Home for Holocaust Survivors in Haifa recently won a prestigious prize for filmmaking in Germany. In late August, Yudit Setz of the ICEJ and Shimon Sabag of our partner organization, Yad Ezer L’Haver, were invited by the city of Berlin to join director Radek Wegrzyn to receive the Ernst Lubitsch Prize 2024 for his touching film entitled Miss Holocaust Survivor – A Beauty Contest that Celebrates Life.
Born in Poland and a long-time resident of Germany, Wegrzyn dedicated four years of work to the documentary project. His film captivates audiences with a heartfelt portrayal of Holocaust Survivors in Israel taking part in a unique beauty contest late in their lives.
The film’s main character is 90-year-old contestant Rita Kasimow Brown, a Haifa Home resident who hid as a young Jewish girl with her family in a Polish forest to evade the Nazi invaders. She recalls sleeping and dreaming of food because when she was awake, her life was a nightmare. But Rita survived the ordeal and later moved to Israel and raised a family of her own.
First held in 2012, the annual beauty pageant is open to elderly Jewish women in Israel who survived the Holocaust. Sponsored by Yad Ezer L’Haver in cooperation with the ICEJ, the contest gives these women a moment to recapture the beauty of their youth, particularly since certain rites of passage were robbed from them as youngsters during World War II.
Support the work of the ICEJ Haifa Home for Holocaust Survivors. Give today at: www.icejusa.org/holocaust-survivors
Yudit Setz with Shimon Sabag on the red carpet in Berlin receiving the Ernst Lubitsch Prize, 2024
Yudit Setz (L) with 90-year-old Rita Kasimow Brown (R), the film's main character
CARING FOR ELDERLY, HOLOCAUST SURVIVORS IN BATTERED ESHKOL REGION
BY LAURINA DRIESSE, HEAD OF ICEJ MEDIA AND PUBLICATIONS DEPARTMENT
The Eshkol region along the Gaza border was ground zero for the Hamas massacres last October 7, and many who live there have spent almost a year now living as evacuees elsewhere in Israel. Among these displaced families are many elderly Jews, including several Holocaust Survivors, and the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ) is stepping in to help care for their well-being until they can return home safely.
Thousands of residents of the Eshkol farming villages along the Gaza border suffered unimaginable trauma when Hamas terrorists invaded their peaceful lives. Most were evacuated from their kibbutz homes to hotels near the Dead Sea and Eilat, while some of the elderly were taken to care homes around the country. This relocation has been particularly difficult for the elderly and Holocaust Survivors, who often feel alone with no family or friends to talk to.
Situated only a few miles from Gaza, the Eshkol Community Center was a thriving hub for these elderly residents prior to October 7, with regular community gatherings and activities. The center was forced to close for a time, but the staff kept in touch with community members by visiting them, offering encouragement and practical assistance, and connecting them with new social workers. Now the center has reopened and is a lighthouse for returning community members who are slowly starting to come home.
When we discovered many of the evacuated elderly were Holocaust Survivors, the Christian Embassy promptly stepped in to sponsor special activities that address their unique needs and ensure transport to community events.
An ICEJ team recently visited the Eshkol Community Center and was touched to see the resilience of the locals and staff. The center’s lobby displays banners honoring those who lost their lives or were taken hostage, and paintings by local residents still hang on the walls from last Sukkot, as no one has the heart to take them down.
Our tour of the center was hosted by the CEO, Anat, and daycare manager, Yulia. The facility offers a gym and personal training programs, as well as physiotherapy classes for the elderly. A computer room helps with online skills, and a lecture hall offers talks and events. In addition, the dementia wing provides daycare and creative activities in the morning, plus a “snooze” room for therapeutic care.
An art studio, popular among the residents, is currently under renovation and will reopen soon. In the meantime, two rooms have been turned into a temporary art studio, and we met several elderly residents who came to paint their memories and impressions from that dreadful “Black Shabbat.” Some of the painters also lost loved ones.
While there, the team met Shoshi, who showed us a picture of her granddaughter, Shir. She was meticulously painting a memorial set up for Shir at the Nova festival site.
The art facilitator, Gael, was working on a painting of the entrance to a local kibbutz; she will soon add in terrorists just outside the gate. Yulla was painting a red road, which she titled the “Blood Road,” as the area roads became death traps for hundreds of Israelis on October 7. Yudit had a similar idea with her painting of metal cars piled up, symbolizing the thousands of abandoned and torched cars from that dark day.
The ICEJ staff also met Ilana, a beautiful 92-year-old lady who learned to paint only four years ago. She presented her painting of houses burning on October 7. Later, she invited the ICEJ team for tea at her home in Kibbutz Urim, where she shared how on October 7 her living room was turned into a coordination center for emergency firstresponders. She also was delighted to show us several other beautiful pieces of her art on exhibit at the kibbutz.
As these community members give a voice to that day and express their feelings through art, the hope is that their deep wounds will slowly begin to heal. Their work is now being displayed at a special one-year anniversary exhibition.
Anat and Yulia shared with us the trauma and difficulties they and their staff have experienced since the war began and explained their dream to turn the whole center into a large, protective shelter. They want to create an inviting atmosphere at the center where people feel at “home,” so those who are still afraid to return to the region can slowly ease into it. In this process, the most important thing is to recreate the sense of community. Every day, more friends show up at the center and take comfort and joy in being reunited.
The Christian Embassy is honored to support the important work of the Eskhol Community Center to care for the well-being of the elderly residents and Holocaust Survivors of their region.
Help support these efforts by giving to our Israel in Crisis fund—your donation will make an impact on Israeli lives during this very difficult time.
Shoshi paints the memorial set up for her granddaughter, Shir, at the Nova festival site
Gael with her painting of an entrance to a local kibbutz Yudit with her painting of metal cars piled up in the corner
ICEJ SPONSORS FLIGHT FOR UKRAINIAN JEWISH STUDENTS
BY MARELINKE VAN DER RIET ICEJ PUBLICATIONS ASSISTANT
In early September, 19 Jewish students from various cities across Ukraine arrived at Ben Gurion Airport on an ICEJ-sponsored flight from Moldova to begin their high school studies in Israel.
Their journey as part of the Jewish Agency for Israel’s (JAFI) Naale Academy program began with a farewell to their parents before embarking on a 12-hour bus ride to Chisinau, Moldova’s capital, and then the flight to Israel.
Launched in 1992 in St. Petersburg with just 50 students, the Naale Academy has grown to include Jewish high school students from over 40 countries. More than 20,000 Naale participants have since become Israeli citizens, demonstrating the program’s success and far-reaching impact.
The Naale program, a collaboration between Israel’s Ministry of Education and JAFI, boasts an impressive success rate. Approximately 90 percent of the Jewish teenage participants decide to stay and become Israeli citizens, and 60 percent of their parents often follow suit.
The 19 students who arrived a few weeks ago are ages 14 to 15. The program spans three years, culminating in an Israeli high school
diploma. Many of these students are eager to make Aliyah, with five in the new group already holding Israeli citizenship. Several have older siblings who have already made Aliyah, and their familiarity with Israeli culture through Jewish Agency camps has eased their transition.
Stories of Hope
Pnina Zubaryev, an ICEJ staff member from Ukraine, joined the students on the flight from Moldova to Ben Gurion Airport to meet them and hear their stories along the way.
One student, Taisiia, told Pnina about how a massive attack last year by Russia on the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine left her with no future there. “It’s a ghost town,” Taisiia said. Taisiia already has an aunt living in Israel and is hopeful for a brighter future in her new land.
Another new student, Roman, said his father, though already an Israeli citizen, has been stuck in Ukraine due to the ongoing conflict. “My father made Aliyah years ago but paid visits back to Ukraine occasionally,” explained Roman. “The last visit was when the war started, and now he can’t leave because he also still has Ukrainian citizenship.”
Roman’s situation is a common problem right now for Ukrainian Jewish families who want to immigrate to Israel. Men between 18 and 60 are still prohibited from leaving Ukraine, and those 25 and older are subject to being drafted. Thus, many Ukrainian Jewish families making Aliyah have been separated over recent years, with some fathers, brothers, and sons unable to leave for Israel yet. Roman has other family in Israel, and he is excited to join them—his older sister, now 30, was also part of the Naale program.
Ukrainian Naale students hold a banner at Chisinau Airport, thanking the ICEJ for sponsoring their flight to Israel.
Meanwhile, Viacheslav was enthusiastic about his journey. He is following in the footsteps of his older brother, who is in the final year of the Naale program and currently lives in Netanya. Viacheslav is already contemplating joining the Israeli army. “Of course! We fight for our land!” he said with pride.
Zakhar was inspired to study in Israel by an uncle, aged 27, who also completed the Naale program and now lives in Beersheva. Despite leaving his parents behind in Ukraine, Zakhar is excited about his new life in Israel and dreams of building a future there.
Since 2005, the ICEJ has supported Naale students at the request of the Jewish Agency’s senior representative in St. Petersburg. Our efforts have expanded to include Jewish teenagers from Belarus and the Baltic states, covering flights, pre-Aliyah logistics, testing, airport transfers, and summer camps. Despite such challenges as the COVID pandemic and the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, the ICEJ has assisted over 46,000 Ukrainian Jews to make the journey home to Israel since the 1990s.
“Everyone hopes and believes for a good life here,” said Pnina, who made Aliyah from Odessa more than 15 years ago. “They did not leave Ukraine because of the war. They were prepared to come to Israel before it started.” She added that these new Naale students were thrilled and grateful that Christians paid for their flight tickets.
As these 19 Ukrainian Jewish students embark on their new journey in Israel, their stories remind us of the hope and determination that define the human spirit. Each student’s arrival promises a brighter future, made possible by the collective support of our generous Christian donors.
The ICEJ is committed to providing these life-changing opportunities, but we need your continued help to do even more. Your donation helps students like Taisiia, Roman, Viacheslav, and Zakhar achieve their dreams in Israel, their ancestral homeland.
Support the ICEJ’s ongoing Aliyah efforts so that together, we can make a lasting impact on Israel.
Naale students depart from Ukraine by bus
Jewish students hold a banner at Chisinau Airport, Moldova, thanking the ICEJ for sponsoring their flight to Israel
Naale student Taisiia Roman is excited about his new start in Israel
Zakhar, who hopes for a bright future in Israel
Viacheslav, who is following in his brother’s footsteps
Naale students arrive in Israel
Despite the multifront conflict surrounding Israel at present, Jewish families are still immigrating to their ancient homeland, with some 70 French Jews arriving in Israel in August alone on Aliyah flights sponsored by the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem.
In the wake of the recent startling electoral shift in France, where leftist parties with a history of antisemitic rhetoric gained unexpected ground, the Jewish community in France finds itself increasingly unsettled. This climate of uncertainty has prompted many French Jews to make a pivotal decision—to make Aliyah to Israel. In response, the ICEJ has stepped forward to sponsor more Aliyah flights from France at this critical time.
Over the past month, the ICEJ sponsored life-changing flights for two groups of French Jews making their way to their ancestral homeland. The first flight, which arrived on August 15, brought 39 Olim (new immigrants), comprising 12 households, many of which included large families with up to 6 children. Aside from one family from Strasbourg, the rest were from Paris, with new homes awaiting them in Jerusalem, Netanya, and various other cities across Israel.
One family member succinctly captured the collective sentiment, saying: “We are Zionists. We belong in the land of Israel. It is time to come home.”
A second flight arrived shortly after, further demonstrating the urgency driving this movement. This latest group, a blend of 14 households, included both retirees and young adults, as well as families with small children. Their new destinations include
ICEJ FUNDS FLIGHTS FOR FRENCH JEWS MAKING ALIYAH DESPITE CONFLICT
BY MARELINKE VAN DER RIET ICEJ PUBLICATIONS ASSISTANT
Jerusalem to Tel Aviv, reflecting the diverse hopes and needs of these new Olim.
One parent conveyed their heartfelt motivation for making this significant move, explaining: “We are doing this for our children.”
With these recent arrivals, the ICEJ has now assisted more than 187,000 Jewish people in their journey home to Israel. Since last October 7 alone, more than 24,000 Jews from across the globe have taken the courageous step of making Aliyah. The surge in applications from France is particularly striking, as over 7,000 new Aliyah requests have been filed in 2024, a staggering increase from just 1,200 the previous year. Studies show that approximately 38 percent of French Jews—around 200,000 people—are now considering immigrating to Israel.
These numbers are more than just statistics; they reflect tough decisions Jewish families are making to ensure a safer future and their hopes that Israel will provide stability and security amid global uncertainty. Even amid a seven-front war, Israel remains a refuge for Jews facing rampant antisemitism worldwide, in some cases reminiscent of preHolocaust conditions. From a broader perspective, we see God’s hand in this divinely orchestrated ingathering of the Jewish people.
The Aliyah efforts of the Christian Embassy are making a crucial difference for many Jewish families during their time of heightened concern and need for assistance. You can be part of this significant prophetic moment. Your support for the ICEJ ensures that this critical mission continues, enabling more families to embark on their journey to Israel and to find safety and a new beginning there.
French-Jewish families prepare for departure to Israel, August 15, 2024
Your Israel Answer
Would Palestinian Statehood Bring Peace to the Middle East?
By Dr. Susan Michael, ICEJ USA Director
MMany Western countries continue to call for a two-state solution—an independent state for Palestinians alongside that of Israel. But is this “solution” viable and could it bring peace?
The answer is no—and here are a few reasons why.
1. Palestinians have been brainwashed to believe the only path to peace is the dismantling of Israel.
What the West fails to recognize is that while they are calling for a two-state solution, the Palestinian people don’t want that. They have been schooled since birth to believe their only hope is in one state—a Palestinian State—in the territory now known as Israel. This is why their slogan is: “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.” Translated, that means from the Jordan River (Israel’s eastern border) to the Mediterranean Sea (Israel’s western border), there will be a Palestinian state free of Jews.
There is already one state in that territory—the State of Israel—and some 20 percent of Israel’s population is Arab. Though a minority, they are afforded all the rights of Jewish citizens. They have their own political parties, serve in the Knesset, serve on the Supreme Court, and have even been crowned “Miss Israel.”
If a Palestinian state is created, however, the Jewish minority would most likely not be allowed to remain, according to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who said, “In a final resolution, we would not see the presence of a single Israeli—civilian or soldier—on our lands.” Peace for the Palestinians is a state free of all Jews.
2. Jew hatred is part of Palestinian DNA.
The Palestinian Authority (PA) has historically asserted that Jews are inherently evil and endanger not just Palestinians but all humanity. This rabid antisemitism fosters a culture of hate that permeates textbooks, summer camps, television programs, mosques, and media outlets. From a young age, children are taught to value terrorism and hate Israelis and Jews, the “occupiers” of the Land of Israel. Being a martyr for the Palestinian cause is glorified. Israel is demonized. And Israel’s mere existence is consistently denied.
A December 2023 survey revealed that diplomacy and negotiations
are not an option for Palestinians, who believe only violence and armed struggle will end the Israeli “occupation.” The Palestinians simply don't want to live next to Israel. History proves that at its core, peace is not their goal—a Jew-free state is. Within this context, “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” is a call for genocide and should be condemned by world powers.
3. Gaza proves the fallacy of the two-state solution.
Over the last 100 years, Palestinian leadership has consistently turned down opportunities to achieve statehood because negotiating borders and final status issues would entail recognizing the existence of Israel.
Lacking a partner to negotiate with, Israel unilaterally pulled out of Gaza in 2005. A Palestinian government was formed but was then quickly taken over by Hamas (a Palestinian terrorist group that calls for not only the annihilation of the Jewish State but all Jewish people). Gaza is prime real estate on the Mediterranean coast and could have become a “Singapore of the Middle East.” Instead, Hamas spent every penny and every waking hour working toward the destruction of Israel.
On October 7, 2023, Hamas invaded southern Israel, massacred over 1,200 people, and took On October 7, 2023, Hamas invaded southern Israel, massacred over 1,200 people, and took more than 250 others hostage in Gaza. Sources say the roots of the attack can be traced to what Gazan children have been taught in schools—including UNRWA schools—and demonstrate the blinding hatred for Jews that whole generations had been taught.
Gaza was a test of Palestinian statehood, and it was a complete and utter failure. But rather than pushing to eliminate Hamas after what it did to innocent Israelis on that dark day, many nations—including the United States—have pushed harder for a Palestinian state.
Conclusion
While world leaders are calling for two states, PA leaders call for genocide and the creation of a “Jew-free” state. Awarding the Palestinians with statehood after the horrific terrorist attack of October 7 would only fuel global terrorism and convince the Palestinian people that they can achieve their goals through violence instead of peaceful negotiation.
16-month calendar runs from September 2024 through December 2025. Astonishing photos from across Israel Made in
Book and study guide giving background information on the land, people, and culture of the Bible that will bring the stories to life.
OUR ONLINE STORE AND RECEIVE A 20% DISCOUNT ON ALL PURCHASES www.ICEJ.store and use the discount code: “FALL24”
Generation’s Story: 75 Years of American Christian Engagement with Israel was recently awarded the 2024 Editors’ Choice Award! The award is sponsored by the Christian Editor Connection and celebrates newly released books that are “superbly written, well edited, and published by a Christian publisher or self-published.”
BASIC ONLINE PACKAGE at 5000 USD
● Full registration to 8-day gathering
● Videos On Demand accessible until end of January 2025
● Digital certificate of participation
BY MY SPIRIT ONLINE PACKAGE at 12000 USD
● Basic Package items (Videos on Demand accessible until end of July 2025)
● Feast T-shirt merchandise*
● ICEJ 2025 Calendar* Free shipping included for Feast merchandise* USA Sponsor
FIRST-FRUIT
PACKAGE at 17000 USD
Upgrade to a First-Fruit package and bless Israel with your Feast offering of $50 USD
