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.
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.
Dear friends,
It’s been just over a year since Israel experienced the worst massacre in one day since the Holocaust, referred to by Israelis as “Black Shabbat.” The grief resulting from the evil that manifested through Hamas terrorists on October 7, 2023, is still heavy. Most Israelis are struggling with some level of PTSD while, at the same time, trying to move forward in life amid a seven-front war. In my article “One Year after October 7,” I recap what happened on October 7, Israel’s response over the past almost 13 months, and how, amid such darkness, a renewed hope is bubbling forth in the region.
For over 40 years, the ICEJ has stood by Israel, showing our support in various ways, both in the Land and around the world. We do this through administering AID projects, engaging in advocacy for Israel, and assisting in Aliyah to the Jewish homeland. The events of October 7, 2023, and the after-effects that continue today have only emboldened us to stand firm to this commitment. We couldn’t do it without you, our supporters. So thank you.
You’ll read about some of these projects in this edition of Word From Jerusalem and how the ICEJ is continuing to come along Israelis impacted by the war with love and practical assistance. One such project, “Parents and Children Returning Home Together,” is supporting the families of Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak in their journey to rebuild their lives and strengthen their community. I encourage you to read about it.
And we continue to support various Aliyah efforts! Dr. Howard Flower’s article on Aliyah through the decades provides insight into the ICEJ’s involvement in Aliyah for over 40 years—and affirms God’s faithfulness to His promises that He will bring His people home “from the four corners of the earth.”
We cannot thank you enough for helping us rise to these challenges and pave the way for a brighter future for the people 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 (Psalm 122:6), the people of Israel, and Jewish people around the world at: www.icejusa.org/event-itemglobal-prayer-gathering.
Shalom from Jerusalem,
David R. Parsons
Senior Vice President & International Spokesman
International Christian Embassy Jerusalem
COVER PHOTO: IDF soldiers inspect burned cars at the Nova festival site (photo credit: AP).
FOR MAGAZINE ARCHIVES visit www.icejusa.org/wfj
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ONE YEAR AFTER OCTOBER 7 ISRAEL RISING FROM ASHES TO RENEWED HOPE
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OCTOBER 7 MEMORIAL EVENT UNITES GROUPS IN SUPPORT OF ISRAEL
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PASTORS, LEADERS TELL ISRAELIS: “YOU ARE NOT ALONE” ON TOUR
14 ISRAEL IN CRISIS
45 YEARS OF ICEJ ALIYAH AND INTEGRATION WORK
ONE YEAR AFTER OCTOBER 7 ISRAEL RISING FROM ASHES TO RENEWED HOPE
BY DAVID PARSONS, ICEJ SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT & SPOKESMAN
Over recent decades, official visitors to Israel felt obliged to make a pilgrimage to Sderot, near Gaza, to view the rusting heaps of Hamas rockets on display behind the town’s police station. Even presidential candidate Barack Obama stood there in 2008, insisting he would never tolerate his daughters living under the constant rocket threat faced by Israelis in the western Negev.
Then US democratic presidential contender Sen. Barack Obama speaks in front of a display of rockets behind the Sderot police station in 2008, pledging that as president, he would preserve the close ties between the United States and Israel. (AP Photo/
Today, that police station no longer exists. Hamas terrorists overran it during their mass invasion last October 7. For the oneyear anniversary of that dark day, a memorial was hastily erected on the leveled station to honor the 20 heroic police officers who fell defending their city.
Now, visitors are drawn instead to new pilgrimage sites, such as the “car graveyard” near Tekumah, where the crushed remains of 1,500 burnedout vehicles collected from surrounding roadsides after the October 7 massacre are stacked 30 feet high—each rusted frame testifying to the many innocent lives lost that day. A few miles away at the Nova music festival site, a haunting silence still lingers in the place where 364 civilians were slaughtered and 40 were taken hostage by Hamas on that “Black Shabbat.”
Remembering October 7
Just over a year ago, as Israelis rested on the holy day of Simchat Torah, some 6,000 Hamas and Islamic Jihad militiamen breached the Gaza security fence and poured into Israel to murder, maim, and seize hostages. The so-called “al-Aqsa Storm” was more successful than even Hamas expected. Over 1,200 Israelis were killed, while 251 were abducted into the terror tunnels of Gaza. It took three days for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to secure the border area. The mass atrocities shook all of Israel, leaving everyone terrified of home invasions by armed jihadists and an even bigger assault from Hezbollah in Lebanon.
T he shocking carnage last October 7 marked the worst pogrom against the Jewish people since the Holocaust. Children were shot in front of their parents, and parents in front of their children. Entire families were burned alive. Women were gang raped. Frail elderly Holocaust
Destroyed Sderot police station (photo: Flash 90)
Survivors were brutally executed at point-blank range. Babies were bludgeoned and beheaded.
Even so, the resulting death toll could have been worse, as the great secrecy by Hamas over their operation also surprised Hezbollah, which was not ready for all-out war. But by the next day, Hezbollah joined the fray with relentless rocket barrages across the border, and other Iranian proxy militias soon followed. This left Israel facing a seven-front war—with the threat of missile, drone, and terror attacks emanating from Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Yemen, and Iran itself.
Israel’s Response
In response to October 7, the IDF immediately carried out its largest-ever mobilization of 350,000 reservists and evacuated tens of thousands of Israeli civilians from the Gaza and Lebanon borders. These swift actions deterred Hezbollah from invading the North with its elite Radwan forces and allowed the IDF to concentrate first on destroying Hamas in Gaza and returning the hostages. However, the pace of battle was slow due to the complexity of tunnel warfare, the presence of the hostages, and the international community’s insistence that over two million Gazan civilians remain on the battlefield—allowing Hamas to continue using them as human shields.
As the fighting in Gaza lumbered on, Israel also faced widespread condemnation by world leaders, charges of genocide and war crimes in The Hague, and a global wave of antisemitism on a truly appalling scale. Even more concerning has been the often-frosty approach of the Biden administration, which slowed sorely needed US arms shipments—and its repeated criticisms and demands for a ceasefire seemed to help preserve Hamas as a fighting force and ruler of Gaza.
Intelligence Failure
But perhaps the most troubling aspect of this conflict for Israelis was the failure of the nation’s renowned intelligence services to detect and foil the Hamas invasion plans. An official commission of inquiry has not yet convened. But it is already clear that obvious warning signs were tragically ignored, largely due to the prevailing “group think” among senior Israeli political and military leaders that Hamas was deterred from attacking by the IDF’s superior might and the building boom in Gaza.
T hus, October 7 caused Israelis to lose trust in their leaders. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was singled out for allowing Qatar to pour money into Gaza and his reluctance to accept any blame for the brutal Hamas onslaught.
T he edginess and doubts among Israelis started to turn around, however, beginning in mid-April.
Restored Confidence and Hope
At the time, the IDF had successfully targeted two Iranian generals in Damascus, so Tehran retaliated by launching over 350 ballistic and cruise missiles and armed drones in its first-ever direct attack on Israel. Yet Israel and its allies managed to shoot down 99 percent of the missiles and drones. Since then, Israel has begun to find its footing and regain its confidence.
In fact, over the past six months, Israel has managed to carry out incredible feats that have sent its enemies reeling. The costly intelligence failure of October 7 has given way to a series of legendary intelligence
successes on par with Israel’s preemptive strikes on the Egyptian Air Force in June 1967 and the Entebbe rescue mission of July 1976.
T his includes eliminating Hamas Politburo Chief Ismail Haniyeh during a visit to Tehran, and finally catching up to notorious Hamas terrorist Muhammad Deif inside Gaza. The IDF also has taken out the senior military commander of Hezbollah, Fuad Shukur, along with its deputy commander, Ibrahim Aqil, plus the militia’s rocket chief, drone chief, intelligence chief, finance chief, Radwan force commander, southern front commander, and finally, the supreme leader himself, Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah.
In other remarkable operations, the Israeli air force recently destroyed thousands of rockets just minutes before they were to be launched into Israel. Elite IDF troops also landed inside Syria to blow up an underground guided-missile factory. Soon after, the Mossad pulled off a spellbinding covert operation involving rigged pagers and walkie-talkies that simultaneously exploded in the hands of thousands of Hezbollah operatives all over Lebanon. Just days later, Israel struck a high-priority target list of over 2,000 Hezbollah arms depots and military sites in a mere 48 hours.
And in its latest sensational achievement, Israel’s air defenses disposed of another massive wave of over 180 Iranian ballistic missiles—the largest such barrage ever launched at a nation.
A ltogether, these impressive operations have dealt staggering blows to Hezbollah, with its upper command structure and half its rocket arsenal wiped out. Iran’s most lethal, effective, forward threat against Israel is collapsing, and hopes are renewed that Lebanon can work itself free of Hezbollah’s grip one day. Meanwhile, Hamas has been severely weakened in Gaza, and its besieged leader, Yahya Sinwar, may soon be killed or driven into exile. Iran is also now in Israel’s direct line of fire, and the shadow of fear its “axis of resistance” cast over the whole region is surely dissipating.
One year after that dark day of October 7, Israel is settling old scores with radical Islamic terror militias that have the innocent blood of many nations on their hands. They are fighting a just war by moral means and with dazzling precision. Even the Sunni Arab world is cheering Nasrallah’s death and marveling at Israel’s hi-tech wizardry. Alas, there is also renewed hope the region can return to the path of reconciliation via the Abraham Accords.
Still, there are more battles ahead, and Israelis will need time to truly get past the shock of the October 7 massacres. Indeed, the wounds inflicted that dark Saturday will remain open so long as there are hostages still held in Gaza.
This article was originally published on October 3, 2024.
The late supreme leader of Hezbollah, Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah
OCTOBER 7 MEMORIAL EVENT IN DC UNITES GROUPS IN SUPPORT OF ISRAEL
BY SHANNON BENNETT, ICEJ DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS
On the first anniversary of the October 7 massacre in Israel, the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ) US Branch, under the banner of the American Christian Leaders for Israel (ACLI) network, joined a diverse group of leaders and organizations gathered on the National Mall in Washington, DC, to stand in solidarity with Israel. This October 7 memorial event brought together multiple communities in prayer and remembrance alongside the Jewish people, underlining the shared commitment to supporting Israel as it continues its fight against those who seek its destruction.
Luke Moon, executive director of The Philos Project and a member of the ACLI network, spearheaded the event. Moon’s vision for the event was clear: unity across religious and cultural lines in support of Israel. Initially, Moon secured the permit for the National Mall as a preventative measure against proHamas groups obtaining access to the space for violent antisemitic demonstrations. Luke’s “preventative measure” resulted in one of the most diverse pro-Israel events in recent history, with approximately 60 organizations from numerous communities in representation. Groups represented included Jews and Christians from multiple traditions and ethnic backgrounds, as well as pro-Israel Muslim and Hindu groups.
T he American Christian Leaders for Israel (ACLI) network, a project of the US Branch of
the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ), was a leading sponsor of the event and instrumental in its planning and rallying the support of multiple organizations. A total of 14 ACLI network organizations signed on as sponsors. Dr. Susan Michael, director of ACLI and ICEJ USA, encouraged the crowd gathered on the National Mall, saying, “We (ICEJ) are the largest Christian Zionist organization in the world. We reach into over 170 countries with a presence and representation in over 90 nations. Over the last 24 hours, we have been a part of gatherings like this all around the world, from London to Helsinki, and on and on and on. We are here to say that Christians stand with Israel.”
Dr. Michael then handed the microphone to fellow ACLI leader Troy Miller, president of the National Religious Broadcasters. Miller shared that after the events of October 7, Christian broadcasters quickly dispatched crews to Israel, producing thousands of stories and documentaries. In his address, Miller reassured the Jewish community that while mainstream media may have overlooked them, “Christian media is there to tell your stories, and we will be with you and support you always. God bless Israel.”
Event organizers invited both presidential and vice-presidential candidates to speak at the event and were delighted when Senator JD Vance, the Republican vice-presidential nominee, accepted their invitation. Vance vowed
to support Israel and condemned pro-Hamas protests on American college campuses, stating that universities using federal money to harass Jewish students should lose their accreditation and funding. Commenting on Israel’s ongoing war with Hamas, Vance stated, “The best way to end the war, and I believe the only way to end the war, is if Hamas would let the hostages go.” Vance continued declaring that Hamas started the war when it attacked the Jewish State on October 7, 2023, and “Israel is going to finish it.”
A powerful moment during the event was the display of photos of each person whose life was taken on October 7, 2023, as well as every hostage still held captive. Attendees marched with these images to the White House, making a profound statement of awareness, solidarity, and unity. This act of remembrance honored not only the victims but also the many heroes who have emerged amid the violence over the past year.
T he event also served as a call to action, reminding all that Israel and its people are not alone in their grief or their fight against those who seek their destruction.
R abbi Chaim Steinmetz of New York’s Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun reflected on the day’s events, sharing, “I left so inspired after today’s rally—it was truly a light of hope on such a difficult day. Thank you for your friendship and fellowship.”
ICEJ and ACLI Christian leaders
Senator J. D. Vance, vice-presidential candidate Memorial March to the White House
ICEJ USA PASTORS, LEADERS TELL ISRAELIS: “YOU ARE NOT ALONE”
BY JOHN VEDDER, ICEJ CHURCH RELATIONS COORDINATOR
Why are you here?” Israelis repeatedly asked us. Our group’s response was always similar: “Because we wanted to see for ourselves what Israel is facing and tell you that you are not alone. There are Christians in the United States that love and support you.”
In September the ICEJ USA took a group of 15 pastors and leaders to Israel on a solidarity mission to stand with the nation of Israel and tell them that we are with them. While we spent some of our time taking the group to important biblical sites throughout Jerusalem and central Israel, we also prioritized blessing the communities of the Gaza envelope attacked on October 7.
One way we blessed the people of the land was by picking avocados for the community of Nir Oz, which lost 25 percent of its members in one day. The survivors are currently living in a hotel far away from their homes, which are still unlivable—a result of October 7—and are not able to harvest the fields as they usually would. Our container of avocados went directly to help feed this community. As we traveled throughout Israel, we opened the Bible to read about God’s everlasting covenant and great love for the people of the land.
However, partway through the trip, our plans changed as Hezbollah began shooting rockets further into the country, even as low as the Sea of Galilee, Haifa, and the Jezreel Valley. We were forced to stay in Jerusalem an extra couple of days but made the most of it by visiting some
sites many had never been to before. We loved on shop and restaurant owners and anyone the Lord sent across our paths. It was our mission to be a comfort and blessing to as many as we could (Isaiah 40). We understood that while we would come home with memories of our own, the purpose was to stand with Israel in her greatest time of need.
We heard many times from Israelis that they did not realize so many Christian leaders in America cared for them. This group of pastors directly represented over 3,500 churches spread out across the United States, and we stood on behalf of these churches and many more that stand with Israel.
As we began the trip, we prayed that the Lord would go before us, walk with us, and be our rear guard. We found that the Lord did all of this— and much more. This trip impacted not only this group of pastors but will change the congregations and communities that they represent for decades to come.
As the Jewish people are searching across the world to see who will stand with them, now is the time for pastors and leaders to boldly love and support the people of Israel. In years past the church has been silent. This generation will not be. We are honored to stand publicly in our support of Israel.
Give today to the ICEJ Israel in Crisis fund—and be part of the generation that speaks up for, loves, and blesses Israel.
B Y JULAINE STARK ICEJ USA DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS AND PRAYER
The ICEJ USA initiated a unique prayer effort over the past few months, “50 States, 50 Days of Prayer for Israel,” with unanticipated results: the daily Zoom calls not only allowed for powerful prayer times but connected participants one to another across the country.
Each day for 50 days, participants representing a different state joined the ICEJ USA core team over Zoom as panelists to pray for America and their respective states and stand as Isaiah 62 watchmen for Israel. Additional attendees from around the country and internationally tuned in to pray and participate in the chat. The order in which each state joined the Union determined which day participants joined, starting on August 24 with Delaware and ending with Hawaii on Yom Kippur, October 12.
These powerful times of intercession began with a short introduction and worship. The “mantle of intercession” was then handed to guest panelists representing their state. On some days, there were more panelists than time in the hour to pray; on other days, the groups were small. But regardless of the number present, each state’s unique history—especially regarding Israel and the Jewish people—created a beautiful tapestry of prayer across this nation.
There were many memorable moments, like when the governor of Mississippi declared a statewide day of prayer for Israel amid Hurricane Francine—and his proclamation aligned with our 50-day prayer initiative. Another moving day was when state panelists from eleven previous
days came alongside Oregon’s panelist, Peter Carlson, to stand with and pray for his state and Israel—a beautiful picture of Psalm 133:1: “How good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity” (ESV). One day we awoke to the news that six hostages in Gaza were shot right before rescue, and over Zoom, we “sat shiva” (a Hebrew concept of mourning with and supporting those who have lost a close family member) by praying for the families who had just received such devastating news.
But these were not isolated incidents. As the weeks progressed, several state panelists who had already served for their state’s assigned day continued to join the call, sometimes daily, to silently stand with, pray for, and support the states that followed behind. It became a big family, a group effort, for the panelists and the many attendees who joined daily to follow along.
By the fiftieth and final day, it was clear that although we had completed the initiative, the need for prayer was greater than ever. Susan Michael closed the call with a stirring reminder to take our places on the wall for Israel.
The clarion call to prayer has gone out across this nation in a new way, and ICEJ USA will continue to connect intercessors with Israel—and each other. Watch for new initiatives and opportunities to pray in the coming months.
Join the ICEJ Rosh Chodesh prayer watches every Wednesday at 3:00 p.m. (EST) at: www.icejusa.org/event-item-rosh-chodesh
“ 50 States, 50 Days” of Thanks
Tune in from Thanksgiving Day through Giving Tuesday for a special marathon of all 50 days of prayer rebroadcast in order, from Delaware to Hawaii. This unique broadcast will start at 10:00 a.m. (EST) (7:00 a.m. PST) on November 28 and conclude on Tuesday, December 3, with a live 50-state praise and worship time led by ICEJ USA staff, core team intercessors, and special guests. Find the schedule of states, approximate broadcast times, and signup form at: www.icejusa.org/50states50days
GET TO KNOW YOUR ICEJ USA TEAM
JULAINE STARK Director of Operations and Prayer
Julaine Stark, our director of operations and prayer, has been with ICEJ in one capacity or another since the Feast of Tabernacles 2015— including as assistant to Barry Denison, VP of operations, in Jerusalem. Her positions in various industries and ministries have had one common thread: she was usually there during a time of transition and has helped bring the organization or ministry from one season to another. As ICEJ’s USA director of operations, Julaine oversees the organization’s day-to-day activities, ensuring processes run smoothly and efficiently, and equips the team with the resources, tools, and internal communications they need to thrive in their work. “I love to help people discover their giftings and find their place in the kingdom of God.”
Julaine’s connection with Israel, however, started in her early teens. “When I was 12 years old, I read Corrie ten Boom’s The Hiding Place, and I remember feeling deeply frustrated that I was ‘born too late.’ In college, Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s story had the same effect. Years later, during a crossroads moment of my own, the Lord brought those moments back and sparked a conviction that it’s never too late, and Israel needs modernday Corrie ten Booms and Dietrich Bonhoeffers more than ever.”
As an intercessor, Julaine spends much time in the Word studying what the Lord says so her prayers agree with Him—evidenced by those who have participated in the recent 50 States, 50 Days of Prayer calls and ICEJ’s Rosh Chodesh prayer calls. “God’s Word is clear about Israel’s importance to Him and is central to His redemption of mankind. Israel is important to me because it’s important to Him.”
In her free time, Julaine loves to read and journal extensively. She enjoys crocheting, painting, traveling, and spending time with her grandson. Her favorite verse is Isaiah 41:13: “For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, do not fear; I will help you” (NIV).
AJOHN CHARLES KEPLEY: A LIFE WELL-LIVED
BY ICEJ USA DIRECTOR SUSAN MICHAEL
dear friend of Israel and the ICEJ USA has gone to be with the Lord. John Charles Kepley, age 90, of Roanoke, Virginia, died on July 25, 2024. Known for his joy and passion for ministry, the verse that guided his life was “But seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and His Righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33)—and John’s life reflected this truth.
A fter serving in the Presbyterian Church as a minister, he established Interfaith Ministries with both local and international outreach, fulfilling a call to teach the Bible and evangelize. His driving force was his compassion for the poor and the poor in spirit. One of his major projects
was a mission outreach in India, where he established a hospital and a school. India became John’s passion, once saying, “India changed my life.”
He was also deeply involved with Israel, lobbying and speaking on her behalf. His first trip to Israel, along with his wife, Mary Elizabeth, was in 1974, shortly after the Yom Kippur War. The trip was so meaningful the couple returned a few years later and stayed for three months. During that time they met several of the founders of the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ). They attended the 1982 ICEJ Feast of Tabernacles and returned to Israel many times afterward.
John and Mary Elizabeth served faithfully on
the USA Advisory Board of the ICEJ. They were always available to help however they could, whether hosting a meeting in their home, promoting a tour to Israel, or through donations. They were also active American Israel Public Affairs Committee members for over 25 years and served on AIPAC’s Kenen Society.
T he greatest blessings in John’s life were his wife of 65 years, Mary Elizabeth, and his four children. We know they will miss him greatly, and we send them our love and prayers. But we rejoice in the beautiful person John was and the life of ministry he lived. Indeed, God blessed John as He promised and “all these things” were added unto his life.
In the vibrant mix of Israeli society, its Arab citizens are a unique and often overlooked segment of the population. From bustling cities to quiet villages, Israel’s Arabs are not merely residents but an integral part of the nation’s cultural, economic, and social fabric, making up some 20 percent of the Israeli people.
Amid the nation’s multicultural society, Israeli Arabs often face economic and sociocultural barriers that hinder their access to higher education and professional opportunities. These obstacles can leave many graduates struggling to secure meaningful employment, with limited prospects for advancement.
In Israeli society, the Russian word protekzia has come to refer to the common practice of using personal connections to secure assistance, information, or opportunities. This Israeli brand of “networking” is built over generations and through community ties to forge an informal yet powerful support system that can open doors to career opportunities. However, Israeli Arabs often enjoy minimal access to these networks, leaving them at a disadvantage. Without it, they face significant challenges in competing in the job market and improving their economic status.
“While Arabs make up 15 percent of hi-tech students, they hold only 1.4 percent of hi-tech jobs, with Arab women even less represented,” explained market expert Kav Mashve.
Realizing this, the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ) is sponsoring an innovative mentorship program designed to level the playing field for Arab Israelis interested
CHRISTIAN EMBASSY
EMPOWERS
ISRAELI ARABS IN HI-TECH
BY NATIVIA SAMUELSON, ICEJ AID ADMINISTRATOR
“The Arabs of Israel are not only citizens of the State of Israel, but they are also part of the Israeli people. Our goal is to make this integration as complete as possible.”
David Ben-Gurion, Israel's founding prime minister
in breaking into the lucrative field of hi-tech. T he mentorship program targets Arab youth, providing them with essential tools to land a place in the tech industry—one of the most dynamic and high-paying job sectors in Israel today. This program not only offers technical skills training but also focuses on building professional connections crucial for career development. Participants are paired with experienced mentors who offer guidance, connections, practical insights, and training, thereby helping Arab students succeed in a competitive job market.
T he program is more than just an educational initiative. It represents a strategic effort to dismantle the barriers that have historically limited the career prospects of Israeli Arabs. By equipping these promising young Arabs with both the skills and the networking needed to thrive, ICEJ empowers them to find good jobs and achieve long-term career growth while contributing significantly to Israel’s already vibrant tech sector. This approach not only betters their individual lives but also enriches the broader community with a more cohesive yet diverse workforce.
T he mentorship program, designed to empower 90–120 young Israeli Arab tech students each year, is more than just a career booster—it’s a lifeline. With the ICEJ’s help, they can bridge the socioeconomic gaps that have traditionally held them back.
However, the journey comes with many challenges. The current conflict has strained Arab-Jewish relations within hi-tech companies, limited site visits, and impacted job availability. The nation’s economy is hampered by the war,
which has led to increased layoffs and made placements for junior professionals even harder. Yet amid the turbulence and economic uncertainty, the program has delivered inspiring results. From the 2022–2023 class, 56 percent of participants have found positions in hi-tech. Although this figure falls short of the initial 70 percent target, it is a remarkable achievement given the challenges.
One of the program’s recent success stories is Nur, a Haifa University graduate who now thrives as a developer at Moveo. Nur describes the mentorship program as her “gateway to the hi-tech industry.” Her journey from a small Arab village to a leading tech company is a testament to the program’s transformative power.
“Every session enriched my knowledge and skills,” Nur insisted. “The certificate I received didn’t just boost my resume—it opened doors and impressed interviewers. The follow-up support was crucial, even after the sessions ended.”
Inspired by her success, Nur is now committed to giving back within her Arab community. “I want to guide high school students, share my story, and encourage them to pursue their dreams,” she shared. Her dedication to mentoring the next generation underscores the importance of having positive role models and supporting emerging talent.
I ncluding more Arab Israelis in hi-tech innovation builds a stronger and more cohesive society where all Israelis can work together and share success. By investing in these young talents, the ICEJ aims to break down barriers, empower lagging communities, and help build a brighter future for all Israel.
EICEJ STANDS WITH KIBBUTZ NIR YITZHAK IN MOURNING AND RECOVERY
BY NATIVIA SAMUELSON, ICEJ AID ADMINISTRATOR
arlier this summer, the members of Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak received a somber update. The body of Oren Goldin, who belonged to the kibbutz’s emergency team, had just been recovered from Gaza. Goldin fell while defending the kibbutz during the devastating Hamas attack on October 7 last year, and his body had been taken into Gaza.
On that horrific day, Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak, a close-knit community known for its beauty, was thrust into full defensive mode as Hamas terrorists launched a wave of brutal assaults on the village. The kibbutz’s rapid response team—comprised of just 7 volunteers, including two individuals over 60—faced a relentless barrage of automatic fire, grenades, and RPGs from nearly 100 terrorists. For over 12 hours, the air was thick with smoke and the sounds of explosions as the team fought valiantly, their bravery fending off what could have been an even greater disaster.
As the battle raged, the defenders sustained injuries but continued to fight as the terrorists threw grenades from behind the front gate, one after another, exploding near the wounded defenders.
T he aftermath was devastating: eight community members were murdered, an entire family was kidnapped, and homes were left in ruins. Hamas terrorists looted and burned what they could, leaving the kibbutz members in a complete state of shock.
Helping Families of Nir Yitzhak to Heal
I n response, the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ) joined hands with the kibbutz in mourning over this great tragedy by helping them to initiate the project “Parents and Children Returning Home Together.” The aim was to support the families of Nir Yitzhak in their journey to rebuild their lives and strengthen their community bonds through a transformative two-day trip that would help prepare the families for their return home.
T hese trips, held in the Emek HaMaayanot region, are catering to children aged 4–11 and their parents. The itinerary includes fun activities like hiking and games and psychological exercises targeting specific community needs. These shared experiences help heal the emotional traumas and foster communication and a sense of unity among families.
“It was simply amazing!” said Rona Minaker, the project coordinator. “The journey was very significant and empowering for both the families and the community. Throughout the day, there were joint tasks for parents and children, and in the evening, the children prepared dinner for the parents and welcomed them to eat together.
“Some of the children who participated lost their parents on October 7,” Rona continued. “Some lost beloved uncles from the community and friends from school, and they all experienced the terrifying hours of that day and are still
refugees, far from their homes. The Nir Yitzhak community is going to split up in the coming year until they return home, which will take about another year.
“This trip reminded everyone of the joy of being together and of our personal and communal strengths, and it greatly strengthened the personal connections between the children and adults—and of course, the bond between parents and children. It was very, very significant, especially during this time we are in. Even those who did not go were excited to see the pictures from the trip, and there was a lot of curiosity about it.”
Rona added, “Thank you so very much for understanding the importance of this journey for us and for supporting this project. A big hug on behalf of all the families of Nir Yitzhak. We hope to do more of these trips.”
T he resilience of the families of Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak in the face of such adversity should inspire us all. The “Parents and Children Returning Home Together” project is a lifeline of strength and unity for a community determined to heal. The ICEJ remains committed to comforting Israeli communities in the Gaza border area in their mourning—and in their recovery.
We are so thankful for your support, which enables us to bring aid and relief to the people of Israel in their greatest time of need.
The International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ) recently donated a fully equipped ambulance to provide essential medical transportation for disabled children in Israel.
For years, families in Israel hid their disabled children from the world. Now, these children are finally stepping into the light of day. “This ambulance is a gift of life, donated with love by the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem,” said ICEJ Senior Vice President & Spokesman David Parsons, admiring the recently dedicated ambulance that provides daily support to children and adults. “I’m really impressed with how this ambulance is custommade, roomy, and so well equipped for the special needs of these children.”
T he ambulance is a crucial part of crisis preparedness. Moreover, it helps staff offer gentle care tailored to each child’s unique needs, essential for individuals with severe disabilities. This specialized care helps prevent instances of broken bones. For these children, it is truly life changing.
Upon arrival at the dedication event, the facility buzzed with the energy of dedicated volunteers and nurses, all passionately tending to the residents.
Clinical Head Nurse Nili Wittman and her team extended a warm welcome and guided us through a building alive with the joyful faces of children who call it home. Ninety individuals are permanent residents, and because there is a remarkable one-to-one caregiver-to-patient ratio, every child receives consistent and attentive care. As we arrived on the fourth floor, Nili explained the specialized care for those with the most complex conditions: “We house some of the most intricate cases of disability in Israel. Few facilities are equipped to take them,” she said. Each child receives holistic and tailored
ICEJ DONATES CUSTOMIZED AMBULANCE TO SUPPORT DISABLED CHILDREN
BY NATIVIA SAMUELSON, ICEJ AID ADMINISTRATOR
care, with constant adjustments made to ensure the highest standards are met.
Nili continued, “Doctors often advise us not to become too attached, as the prognosis can be grim. Yet the children here celebrate birthday after birthday, full of life and hope. Just like Yehuda—despite being told he would not survive, we have just celebrated his second birthday.”
Ruthi, who lives in London, shared her story as her youngest daughter shyly hid behind her. “We came here because it’s the only place where my child can truly thrive,” Ruthi said. “My son, now three-and-a-half, has been here for two years, and the change has been incredible. In London, doctors told us he would need surgery and would not be able to eat by mouth. But here, literally, within a week, things shifted. It was life changing. If he had not come here, honestly, I do not want to think about what would have happened.”
T he impact of the work was echoed as Emily, a caregiver from South Africa who has been working there for two years, enthusiastically shared her experience. “I tried to leave,” she said with a laugh, “but my connection with the children and the staff made it impossible. I am deeply moved by the work we do here. Although I am a trained nurse back home, the care we provide to these children is incredibly fulfilling. It is a privilege to be part of this work.”
A s we returned to the newly dedicated ambulance, children and staff celebrated its official unveiling. ICEJ Vice President of AID & Aliyah Nicole Yoder and David Parsons joined in cutting the ribbon. David asked Yehuda Marmorstein, CEO of Aleh, “What inspired you to do this work?”
“One day, as I was searching for purpose in life, I received a call from a distant cousin inviting
me to a funeral. ‘Who passed away?’ I asked, only to learn it was his four-year-old son. I was shocked. I often visited, but I never saw him. He then told me his child had severe autism—he never saw the light of day or left the house. The parents never went anywhere together; one of them always stayed behind to care for him, hiding him from the world. I asked, ‘Why did you do this?’ My cousin replied, ‘There are many families like this. I can show you many of us in the community.’
“In shock, when I got home, I told my wife, ‘This is my mission.’ … We began building a kindergarten and hospital. We are still committed to this cause 41 years later,” he said.
Excited staff member Reuben Stern shared, “Yehuda sparked a revolution in the community. No longer are these children stigmatized; they are embraced and loved.” Families have found freedom from the shame that once kept them silent.
David Parsons remarked, “This serves as a profound lesson for us as Christians. Every life is a universe unto itself. We have learned that special needs children require a special kind of love, and when you open your heart, you find that this special love is drawn out by the children.”
Nicole Yoder added, “The dedication of the staff and the joy on the children’s faces deeply touches my heart. It makes every effort worthwhile. Witnessing the love and dedication, as well as the smiles, fills us with immense joy. It is a true privilege to be part of this meaningful work.”
T he ambulance, generously sponsored by Christians in Germany, will provide crucial support and ensure that each child receives the daily care they need.
T he ICEJ remains committed to enhancing lives in Israel, working diligently to ensure every individual can thrive and build a better future.
Recently, the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ) marked a significant milestone in our trauma care efforts for Israelis as we gathered for the official opening of the new trauma care department at the Feuerstein Institute in Jerusalem. Thanks to generous donations from ICEJ Canada and Chinese donors, this initiative promises to be a lifeline for many.
During the ceremony, David Parsons, ICEJ Senior Vice President and Spokesman, and Nicole Yoder, Vice President of AID and Aliyah, proudly participated in the ribbon-cutting—a moment that symbolized not just the launch of a new department but also a renewed commitment to healing for those in need. The new PTSD wing, located on the seventh (top) floor, offers a breathtaking view of Jerusalem that, as David Parsons noted in his speech, is “therapy in itself.” Soon, the outside rooftop area will feature a lush garden, creating a serene environment designed to promote recovery.
T he PTSD department specifically focuses on providing comprehensive care for those affected by trauma. This outpatient program is structured to support individuals over an extended period, potentially lasting up to five years, allowing for deep engagement in the healing process. With a dedicated team of professionals, the facility aims to address the unique needs of its patients, offering not only encouragement but also practical pathways to recovery.
T he Feuerstein Institute is known for its groundbreaking work in cognitive development
ICEJ FUNDS TRAUMA CARE CLINIC AT JERUSALEM MEDICAL CENTER
BY MARELINKE VAN DER RIET ICEJ PUBLICATIONS ASSISTANT
and learning theory. Its work spans a diverse range of populations, from children with learning difficulties to adults seeking cognitive enhancement, as well as educators aiming to improve their teaching methodologies. The institute’s methods are implemented internationally, with training programs and workshops offered in multiple languages.
Since the onset of war last year, the demand for trauma care has escalated dramatically. In response, the Israeli Ministry of Defense approached the Feuerstein Institute to establish this new department to meet the urgent needs of those affected. Currently, the PTSD center can accommodate up to 30 patients but may expand to three other cities. This expansion will not only enhance capacity but also increase the need for skilled therapists, paving the way for a more robust support network.
During a heartfelt panel discussion, 32-yearold Tzvi, a participant in the program, shared his experience. He expressed gratitude for the dedicated personnel, stating, “It’s like going to a garage; they open you up and rebuild you.” Tzvi emphasized that the therapists encourage him to focus on the present and future, helping him realize his dreams of completing a degree in political science and establishing an NGO.
Another participant reflected on the delayed impact of trauma, recounting how the events of October 7 revived painful memories from the 2006 Lebanon War. This illustrates how some individuals may take years to seek treatment after experiencing trauma.
A Traumatized Nation
Trauma has affected everyone in Israel to varying degrees; no one is exempt, not even the therapists. Rabbi Dr. Rafi Feuerstein, son of the founder Reuven Feuerstein, remarked during his speech, “We are both therapists and patients; there is no difference. The therapist is strengthened by the patient and vice versa.”
A particularly striking statement made during the event was, “Chromosomes (genetics) do not have the final word; people can change.” This powerful message encapsulates the institute’s belief in the potential for transformation, healing, and personal growth, emphasizing the remarkable capacity of individuals to overcome their challenges. There is always a path forward.
R abbi Dr. Feuerstein expressed deep appreciation for the support received, stating, “As a people, we feel alone, but with Christians’ support, we don’t feel so alone.”
David Parsons commented, saying, “Everyone in Israel suffered some measure of trauma on October 7. But for some, it was much more intense and harder to recover from. We want to be with them on their road to recovery.”
T he establishment of this new trauma care department represents a beacon of hope for many individuals grappling with the aftermath of trauma. With continued support from organizations like the ICEJ and a commitment to healing, there is optimism for a brighter future for those working toward recovery.
ICEJ AID Director Nicole Yoder and Senior Vice President & Spokesman David Parsons at the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the new PTSD wing of the Feuerstein Institute in Jerusalem
45 YEARS OF ICEJ ALIYAH AND INTEGRATION WORK
BY HOWARD FLOWE R, ICEJ ALIYAH DIRECTOR
Fear not, for I am with you; I will bring your descendants from the east, and gather you from the west; I will say to the north, “Give them up!” And to the south, “Do not keep them back!” Bring My sons from afar, and My daughters from the ends of the earth. —Isaiah 43:5–6
For 45 years, the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ) has played an important role in assisting Jewish people in returning to their ancestral homeland of Israel. This process, known as Aliyah, represents both a physical journey and a spiritual homecoming deeply rooted in biblical prophecy.
The Former Soviet Union
The ICEJ’s involvement in Aliyah began in the early 1980s with “Mordecai Outcry” rallies held around the world that called for the release of the Soviet Jews Once the Iron Curtain fell, the ICEJ’s German Branch funded one of the first flights out of Moscow of Jews headed to Israel.
Vienna, Austria, became a critical transit point for Soviet Jews seeking to reach Israel from areas outside of Moscow. ICEJ workers from several European countries established a humanitarian support ministry in the city, providing material help to these modern-day exodus travelers. Volunteers worked tirelessly, offering food, shelter, and comfort to Jewish families who had left everything behind. As the decade progressed, the ICEJ’s Aliyah work expanded.
Ukraine
In 1990 the Swiss Branch of the ICEJ initiated a bold plan to bring Jews out of western Ukraine. This operation involved organizing convoys to transport Jewish refugees from Ukraine to Budapest, Hungary, where they would board flights to Israel after a stay in the ICEJ warm house named the Raoul Wallenberg Center. This route became
a lifeline for many Ukrainian Jews, offering them a path to freedom and a new start in the promised land. Since those days, the ICEJ has assisted nearly 50,000 Ukrainian Jews in making Aliyah
The “Finnish Route” March 1990 marked the beginning of the “Finnish Route,” a remarkable operation that continued for three decades until March 2020. Through this route, the ICEJ facilitated the journey of Russian-speaking Jews through Finland on their way to Israel. Inspired by biblical prophecy and compassion, Finnish Christians opened their homes and hearts to these travelers, providing rest and support before the final leg of their journey. This operation exemplified Christian love in action, with thousands of Finns participating in this modern-day fulfillment of biblical prophecy. After COVID closed the Finnish route, ICEJ supported direct flights from Moscow to thousands more Russian Jews.
Ethiopia
The ICEJ’s Aliyah work has extended far beyond Eastern Europe. The organization has significantly assisted thousands of Ethiopian Jews in their return to Israel, starting in
Loading the bus that would take a group of immigrants from Ukraine to Budapest
Finnish Christians open their homes for Russin-speaking Jews on their way home to Israel
ICEJ's Nicole Yoder greets an Ethiopian Jewish woman upon arrival in Israel
More than 31,000 people have immigrated to Israel since September 2023 from more than 100 countries, despite the ongoing war in Gaza and escalation on the northern border with Lebanon. According to data cited in a joint statement from the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI) and Israel’s Aliyah and Integration Ministry, 19,850 immigrants arrived from Russia and over 3,340 from the United States and Canada. (Times of Israel)
2011. The ICEJ provided key support for these operations, helping to fund flights and provide integration assistance for these new immigrants upon arrival in Israel.
China
In an extraordinary chapter of Aliyah history, the ICEJ even reached out to China, helping members of the ancient Jewish community in Kaifeng make their way to Israel. This small but significant effort highlighted the global nature of the Jewish Diaspora and the ICEJ’s commitment to assisting Jews from every corner of the earth.
India
The organization has also been instrumental in supporting the Aliyah of the Bnei Menashe—a community from northeast India claiming descent from one of the lost tribes of Israel. Since 2012, the ICEJ has funded flights for over 1,300 new immigrants, including ground transportation and additional help on their journey home.
Belarus and the Baltic Countries
In 2010, as Aliyah work grew, the ICEJ established programs in Belarus and the Baltic countries, offering support and assistance to Jewish communities in these regions. This work has involved everything from helping with pre-
ICEJ ALIYAH THOUGH THE DECADES
1980 – ICEJ is founded.
1989 – The first Soviet Jews make Aliyah through Finland.
1990 – ICEJ sponsors the first of 53 full airplane charter Aliyah flights.
1990 – ICEJ Finland organizes the Finnish Exodus Committee, which would bring more than 20,000 Russian Jews to Israel.
1994 – ICEJ establishes the Raoul Wallenberg Center in Budapest, Hungary, as a hub for Aliyah from Eastern Europe.
1996 – ICEJ establishes the St. Petersburg office.
2000 – ICEJ assists the first Chinese Jews in making Aliyah through Finland.
2003 – ICEJ assists Russian Jews in making Aliyah from North America.
2001 – ICEJ establishes an absorption center for new immigrants in Jerusalem, “Beit Hatikvah.”
2005 – ICEJ assists Russian Jews in making Aliyah from Germany.
2006 – ICEJ begins work in Belarus.
2009 – ICEJ begins sponsoring Aliyah flights from Sweden.
2010 – ICEJ sponsors first Aliyah flight for French Jews.
2010 – ICEJ begins work in the Baltic counties of Latvia and Lithuania.
2012 – ICEJ begins sponsoring flights of the Bnei Menashe from India.
2014 – ICEJ begins supporting Aliyah from Ukraine.
2015 – ICEJ begins Aliyah ground operations in Ukraine.
2020 – ICEJ brings hundreds of Jews home despite COVID.
2022 – ICEJ assists 6,308 Jews in making Aliyah, including 1,092 Ukrainian Jews escaping wartorn cities.
2023/24– ICEJ assists more than 30,000 immigrants in making Aliyah to Israel from France, South Africa, Ukraine, Russia, and North America.
Bnei Menashe immigrants
Kaifeng Jewish immigrants
Immigrants from Belarus
Aliyah Routes
Aliyah and logistics to supporting activities for those contemplating the significant step of making Aliyah.
Central Asia
those wishing to make Aliyah. This has involved working closely with the Jewish Agency for Israel to support flights and initial integration.
The Biblical Foundation of Aliyah
The ICEJ’s Aliyah efforts have also reached Central Asia, where Jewish communities in countries like Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan have received help in their journey to Israel. This work in Central Asia has involved flights and assistance in overcoming logistical and bureaucratic hurdles. The ICEJ’s persistence has helped more than 8,000 Central Asian Jews realize their dream of living in Israel.
The West
In recent years, the ICEJ has expanded its Aliyah work to Western countries. In North America, France, Germany, Finland, and Sweden, the organization has been active in encouraging and assisting Jews who feel called to make Israel their home. This has included support of activities providing information about life in Israel, offering practical assistance with the immigration process, such as helping to fund flights and provide integration help
South Africa
The ICEJ’s work in South Africa has been particularly notable. As the Jewish community in South Africa has faced increasing challenges, the ICEJ has stepped up its efforts to assist
Throughout its 45 years of Aliyah work, the ICEJ has shown a determined commitment to supporting the Jewish people in their return to Israel. This work is driven by a deep belief in the biblical significance of this modern-day ingathering of the exiles. The organization sees its efforts as a fulfillment of Isaiah 49:22, where God says, “See, I will beckon to the nations, I will lift up my banner to the peoples; they will bring your sons in their arms and carry your daughters on their hips.”
Looking back on the more than four decades of ICEJ Aliyah work, we see a story of faith, compassion, and divine orchestration. From the early days in Vienna to the complex global operations of today, the ICEJ has played a key role in one of the most significant demographic movements of our time. To date, the organization has assisted in the Aliyah of over 185,000 Jews from more than 50 countries, demonstrating the global reach and impact of its work.
Looking forward, the ICEJ remains dedicated to this mission. As antisemitism surges in many parts of the world and more Jews consider making Israel their home, the ICEJ stands ready to offer support, encouragement, and practical assistance. The organization continues to work closely with the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI) and other partners, coordinating its efforts for maximum effectiveness.
The story of ICEJ’s Aliyah work goes beyond logistical achievements. It demonstrates Christian support for the Jewish people and the nation of Israel and serves as a bridge of reconciliation, helping to heal the painful history between Christians and Jews. This ongoing fulfillment of biblical prophecy shows the world that the God of Israel keeps His promises.
As we mark 45 years of this significant work, we look forward with anticipation to what lies ahead. The ingathering of the Jewish people to Israel continues, and with it, the ICEJ’s commitment to stand alongside them, offering support, love, and friendship in the name of Christians around the world.
Jews in Uzbekistan
A French Jewish family arrives in Israel
South African Jews arrive in Israel
Your Israel Answer
How Can There Ever Be Peace in the Middle East?
By Dr. Susan Michael, ICEJ USA Director
Last month’s Israel Answers article affirmed that Palestinian statehood would not bring peace to the Middle East primarily because a whole generation of Palestinian adults have been taught from a young age that dismantling Israel is the only path to peace. Antisemitic Palestinian textbooks have made Jew hatred a part of Palestinian identity.
The curriculum has indoctrinated and radicalized young people to support terrorism and genocide. A 2020 European Union study about incitement in Palestinian Authority (PA) textbooks revealed examples of this, such as using a picture of Palestinians hitting Israeli soldiers with slingshots to teach physics. Another textbook taught a conspiracy theory that Israel removed the original stones of ancient sites in Jerusalem and replaced them with stones with Zionist symbols and shapes. Innocent kids who grew up learning this as truth are now adults who believe at their core that Jewish people have taken their land and are the enemy.
Education: The Key to Peace
If the root of hatred of Israel is what Palestinians are being taught and brainwashed to believe, then a key to true and lasting peace is proper education. However, ensuring Palestinian children receive it is easier said than done. In Gaza, for example, before October 7 and the resulting war against Hamas, Gazan children attended schools run by UNWRA or Hamas, which used PA curriculum taught throughout the West Bank. Hamas went further and infused the next generation with its militant jihadist ideology and added courses like military training to its curriculum.
Palestinian children need an education system that abolishes hate from its curriculum. But this would require a government that wants to teach future generations how to build, not kill and destroy. Only then, when terrorists do not regulate student curriculum, could schools begin to teach students not to hate their neighbors.
Turning this ship seems near impossible, but an agreement between
several Middle Eastern nations back in 2020 could pave the way for this to one day happen.
The Abraham Accords
In 2020, four countries followed Egypt and Jordan’s example and initiated a diplomatic process to normalize bilateral ties with Israel. These agreements, called the Abraham Accords—signed by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco—would provide a pathway to the end of the Arab-Israeli conflict and a future of peace, tolerance, and opportunity in the Middle East. It is no coincidence that educational reform has followed these historic agreements.
These Muslim countries are beginning to teach the history of the Holocaust, recognizing the crimes of the Nazis. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) will start teaching about the Holocaust in history classes in primary and secondary schools across the country. Bahrain’s King Hamad Global Center for Peaceful Coexistence has committed to fighting antisemitism. Saudi Arabia has removed practically all antisemitism and anti-Israel material from its schoolbooks.
These governments want a peaceful coexistence that does not just happen at the governmental level but at the people-to-people level— and the first step in preparing their citizens for peace is reforming their educational systems.
Conclusion
The elusive dream of peace in the Middle East could become a reality if more governments followed in the footsteps of the Abraham Accords countries to reform curriculum and teach peace. If Saudi Arabia should sign onto the Accords, they could then pressure the Palestinian Authority government to prepare their children for peaceful coexistence with Israel. This strengthening alliance for peace in the Middle East could even weaken the influence of the Iranian Shi’ite in the region.
That may all sound impossible today—but it doesn’t hurt to dream.
2025 PHOTO CALENDAR
This 16-month calendar made in Israel runs from September 2024 through December 2025 and includes astonishing photos from across Israel.
STAND
WITH ISRAEL CAR MAGNET
Show your support for Israel with a Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem car magnet. $2.50*
EVERY GENERATION'S STORY
In this moving anthology, you’ll read about the experiences of 18 Americans from 5 different generations who responded to God’s call to go to the Land of Israel.
I AM ISRAEL COFFEE TABLE BOOK
Hardcover Book • 262 pages
Explore the country of Israel and meet the Jewish pioneers who returned to their ancient homeland. Discover the stories of Christian heroes who played a pivotal role in the reestablishment of the Nation of Israel and helped the sons and daughters of Abraham in their greatest time of need. Learn about the biblical feasts.
SHIPPING
In this powerful new Bible study resource, you'll learn:
• More than 900 of what the author sees as the most important, common, or relevant names, including names of geographical places, people, various objects, and nations
• How to pronounce the given name correctly
• Where the name first appears in Scripture
• The basics behind biblical Hebrew
• Tips for getting the most out of the book • And more
NOV 24 - DEC 3
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 invited you to join us in supporting Israel through various practical means.
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 hand-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.
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.
Registration ends: NOV 18 2024
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.
