The International Christian Embassy Jerusalem was established in 1980 in recognition of the biblical significance 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 recognise 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 to more than 170 countries, with branch offices in over 90 nations. Our vision is:
* To reach every segment of Israeli society with a Christian testimony of comfort and love, and
* 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 members 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. Jürgen Bühler
Senior VP & Spokesman David Parsons
VP International Affairs Mojmir Kallus
VP Finance David Van der Walt
VP Operations Richard van der Beek
VP AID & Aliyah Nicole Yoder
Managing Editor/Publications Director Laurina Driesse
Staff Writers Nativia Samuelsen, Marelinke van der Riet
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. All gifts to this ministry are tax-deductible (in countries where this applies). For more information, visit us at www.icej.org
INTERNATIONAL CHRISTIAN EMBASSY JERUSALEM
P.O. Box 1192, Jerusalem • 9101002, ISRAEL
Support our ministry online at www.icej.org
FROM THE DESK OF THE VICE PRESIDENT
Dear friends,
As we enter 2025, we want to extend to everyone our warmest wishes for a blessed, peaceful and prosperous New Year!
After the great tragedy of war which have befallen us here in Israel over this past year, it is only natural that we are looking forward in hope for a much better year ahead. Israel is indeed emerging from this conflict with victory in sight, and we are confident that 2025 will see brighter days. But the pain of lost lives and missing loved ones from this prolonged battle is quite real, and will undoubtedly linger long after the last shot is fired.
All of Israel needs time to heal, and they need their Christian friends to remain at their side during this recovery process. It has been remarkable to see the faithfulness, generosity and compassion for this nation shown by Christians worldwide since the October 7 massacres some 15 months ago. There is now much rebuilding to do, especially in the Israeli communities along the Gaza border, and we know you will continue to stand with us as we engage in rebuilding projects that will bring the greatest benefit to the most people in need.
Amazingly, there also are many Jewish families around the world who want to make Aliyah to Israel over the coming year, and we know you will be there for them as well. They will make Israel stronger and an even more fascinating place than before.
We also encourage you to start visiting Israel again. Everyone here has missed the usual streams of Christian visitors and we all need to see your friendly, smiling faces back in the Land. So, make plans to come soon, including to our Feast of Tabernacles celebration in October.
As we look ahead and eagerly await a return to normal life, one lesson of this war has been just how precious peace can be. Peace is a fragile and prized commodity, and it does not just automatically come to us. Rather, according to the Bible, we must “seek peace and pursue it!” (Psalm 34:14) The book of Hebrews urges us to “pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.” (Hebrews 12:14) This means we must be pro-active in searching for peace and diligent in maintaining it. Often, peace is connected with the righteousness of a people. The Psalmist says “righteousness and peace have kissed” each other (Psalm 85:10; see also Isaiah 32:17; James 3:18)
I am confident that Israel will indeed pursue peaceful relations with their Arab neighbours in the coming year, and there is a real chance that could include Saudi Arabia and perhaps the door even begins to open to Lebanon and Syria. But the people of Israel also need to pursue righteousness. So, as you continue to pray for Israel, pray that righteousness and peace would rain down over the Land this year.
We also ask that you keep praying for our President, Dr. Jürgen Bühler, as we welcome him back soon from an extended medical leave. The Lord has sustained him and his family while he rehabbed in Germany, and now he needs strength as we wait for his complete healing.
Abundant blessings in the New Year!
David R. Parsons Senior Vice
President & Spokesman International Christian Embassy Jerusalem
COVER PHOTO: Jewish immigrants are welcomed home by Israeli authorities at Ben Gurion airport despite the current war. (Credit: JAFI)
THE PROPHETIC SUMMONS TO JERUSALEM TEN FROM EVERY NAT N
BY DAVID R. PARSONS, ICEJ SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT & SPOKESMAN
“Thus saith the Lord of hosts; In those days it shall come to pass, that ten men shall take hold out of all languages of the nations, even shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, We will go with you: for we have heard that God is with you.”
(ZECHARIAH 8:23 / AKJV)
The theme for this year’s Feast of Tabernacles is “Ten From Every Nation,” which is drawn from Zechariah 8:23. This passage speaks to us on several levels and has many applications. For instance, it easily lends itself to the increasingly prevalent practice of Gentile Christians exploring the Hebraic roots of our faith, which is a very rich topic for exploration.
For many Evangelicals, there is a hunger to understand Jesus and his teachings in their authentic Hebraic context.
For many Evangelicals, there is a hunger to understand Jesus and his teachings in their authentic Hebraic context. In a March 2008 cover feature on “10 Ideas that are changing
the world,” Time magazine listed one such trend as “Re-Judaizing Jesus,” noting how scholars have started to reread the Gospels through the eyes of a Jewish Jesus. Even in leading universities here in Israel, there is much interest and curiosity in rediscovering the historic Jesus in his original Israelite setting and culture.
For ordinary Christians as well, many are finding there is much “fatness” in these roots, as the Apostle Paul put it in Romans 11:17. Delving into the Jewishness of Jesus and the Hebraic culture behind the entire Bible – both Old and New Testaments – can enrich our devotional walk with the Lord and greatly enlighten our understanding of the Holy Scriptures.
Others see this passage more specifically as a prophetic vision of Gentiles learning Torah from rabbis, which also is a growing trend
today. In fact, there are now many Orthodox Jewish rabbis who are eager to give Torah lessons to Gentile Christians. They even view this verse as foretelling of a time when masses of Gentiles will convert to either Judaism or the Noahide laws in the last days. They reach this conclusion by linking this verse to Zechariah 14:16, where the prophet envisions all the nations coming up to Jerusalem one day to worship the Lord and to keep the Feast of Tabernacles. Thus, they believe these mass conversions of Gentiles will take place during Succot.
For this and other reasons, there is a need for caution, as often these Torah lessons for Christians are more Talmudic lessons and the Talmud is a very complex and somewhat closed world to the average Christian. Now it is clear from the Gospels that Jesus was very familiar with the Talmud and followed its style of teaching through parables. But for us today,
Christians from every nation have been coming up to Jerusalem for the Feast since 1980.
it takes a true scholar wholly devoted to Jesus to wade into the Talmud and bring out the treasures we can certainly benefit from, while leaving behind that which might undermine our faith in Christ. For me, one such Christian scholar par excellence was the late Dr. Dwight Pryor, and there are many others today, such as Dr. Brad Young and Dr. Steven Notley. Plus, there are now many Messianic Jewish teachers who are quite adept at explaining the original meaning and context of important passages from the Biblical Hebrew.
Suffice to say that as Christians are drawn closer to Israel and the Jewish people and inevitably encounter Rabbinic Judaism, there are many detours and slippery slopes we must be aware of and avoid. Therefore, when we as Gentiles grasp the skirt of a Jew, it pays to grab hold of the right Jew! Surely, there is no better story in the Bible which depicts this truth more than the woman with the issue of blood, who touched the hem of the garment of Jesus and was healed (Matthew 9:20-22).
In line with that thought, this year’s Feast theme more precisely speaks of a time when the Lord will raise up a righteous remnant in every Gentile nation and language group who have been drawn to the light of the saving knowledge of the one true God through the Jewish people, and in particular through one very special Jew – Jesus the Messiah. He was the One who would teach the nations the law and ways of God (Isaiah 2:3; Micah 4:2). It was not enough that the promised Messiah would redeem Jacob only, but He also would be a light to the Gentiles, taking God’s salvation to the ends of the earth (Isaiah 49:6).
Only in modern times are the nations able to ascend to a Jerusalem back in Jewish hands.
Remarkably, this Messianic mission has been and is still being fulfilled by none other than Jesus and His followers. He delivered the message of the Gospel in word and deed, and gave us the Great Commission to take these redemptive truths to the ends of the earth. This has been taking place for centuries to varying effects, but only in modern times –with the aid of global means of travel and communication – is it reaching every nation and language group on earth. And only in modern times are the nations able to ascend to a Jerusalem back in Jewish hands.
THE RIGHTEOUS REMNANT
In the Bible, the figure of ten men – as referenced in Zechariah 8:23 – clearly relates to the concept of a “righteous remnant.” This idea goes back to Genesis 18 and the story of the Patriarch Abraham, when he was informed by the Lord about the coming destruction of Sodom, where his nephew Lot lived. So, Abraham pleaded for the Lord to spare the city if He could find 50 righteous there, then 45, then 40, then 30, then 20 and finally 10 righteous men.
From this story, the Jewish people developed the notion of needing a minyan of ten righteous men in order to offer collective prayers to the Lord in the synagogue. No doubt, those hearing Zechariah utter this prophetic word understood the “ten men from every language of the nations” in this light.
The entire eighth chapter of Zechariah is full of good and comforting words concerning the restoration of Israel and Jerusalem in the last days. Of course, Zechariah was sent by the Lord to restore a prophetic flow to the nation at a similar time of Jewish return to the Land of Israel and to Jerusalem, namely from exile in Babylon. But here, there is an added phenomenon of Gentiles from the nations speaking to each other about making mass pilgrimage to Jerusalem to worship and pray to the Lord.
“Thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘Peoples shall yet come, inhabitants of many cities; The inhabitants of one city shall go to another, saying, “Let us continue to go and pray before the Lord, and seek the Lord of hosts. I myself will go also.” Yes, many peoples and strong nations shall come to seek the Lord of hosts in Jerusalem, and to pray before the Lord.’ (Zechariah 8:20-22 / NKJV)
This indeed mirrors the same prophet’s vision in Zechariah 14:16 that the nations will one day come to Jerusalem each year to worship the Lord of hosts and keep the Feast of Tabernacles. It is a vision that is finally starting to find fulfilment today, and what Zechariah chapter 8 adds is that God is beckoning for a righteous remnant of at least ten people from every nation and language group to ascend to Jerusalem to seek the Lord on behalf of their people.
God has always had a righteous remnant in the earth. Even in the days of great apostasy during the time of Elijah, the Lord assured him that He still had a righteous remnant of 7,000 who had not bowed their knee to Baal. The way Paul describes this in Romans 11:25, it is as if God is boasting about this small but faithful band of righteous servants left in Israel, just as He rejoices over the righteous remnant He is preserving for Himself in every nation in our day.
The biblical concept of a righteous remnant will prove to be an increasingly important one here in the end times. Zechariah foresees this righteous remnant among the Gentiles recognising and aligning themselves fully with God’s prophetic purposes for Israel in these days. We need to be positioning our churches and ministries to understand and uphold the prophetic significance of the restoration of Israel, of respecting the biblical feasts, and of the universal calling of Jerusalem as a “house of prayer” for all nations and the soon-to-be throne of Jesus – the “Son of David.”
We will explore these biblical truths further as we prepare for this year’s Feast of Tabernacles. But please start preparing even now to make sure there will be a righteous remnant of at least ten Christians representing your nation and language group at this year’s Feast 2025.
Illustration of the woman with the issue of blood reaching to grab the garment of Jesus. (Adobe Firefly)
THOLD FAST TO THE JEWISH JESUS
BY DR. JÜRGEN BÜHLER, ICEJ PRESIDENT
he Second Epistle of John is not only one of the shortest books of the Bible but also one of the most ignored ones. Most of 2 John is of a salutatory nature and only a few verses give short doctrinal admonitions and encouragements. Yet one of these short statements has gripped my attention lately.
“For many deceivers have gone out into the world who do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.” (2 John 1:7)
Most commentaries agree this verse referred to a new movement in the Church called Gnosticism, whose influence is still being felt today. Gnosticism was a Greek-influenced school of mystical thought. One of their teachings held that Jesus was merely a spiritual being who could not die on the Cross. This attacked a core tenant of faith for the early Church. The Cross is central to the Gospel, just as Paul declared: “For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.” (1 Corinthians 2:2) So, it is clear why the Apostle John saw the need to confront this erroneous doctrine as an antichrist spirit.
Another stream of Gnosticism believed the God of the Old Testament was not the same as the loving God revealed by Jesus. The God of Israel was called the ‘Demiurge’ and was portrayed as an evil, harsh God who then was overcome by the more powerful and loving SpiritGod called Jesus. Consequently, the Old Testament was discarded, and this opened the door to a strong anti-Jewish undercurrent among many early believers.
Such Gnostic teachings became attractive to Gentiles, since Jesus as a spirit-being was suddenly no longer born to a Jewish virgin from the House of David. His Jewish lineage described in Luke and Matthew became irrelevant. Many Gentile believers preferred a non-Jewish Jesus. Paul even warned in Romans 11 that some followers of Christ had already become arrogant against their Jewish roots.
On this point, it is noteworthy that the epistles of John are among the last additions to the New Testament, written in the late First Century. Before then, most of the teachers and apostles in the Church were Jewish. But as the Gospel spread and many more Gentiles were
being added, the Church changed dramatically into an international movement reaching every province of the Roman Empire, where Jews were often a hated minority.
Thus, the new heresy of Gnosticism found fertile ground. In John’s third epistle, we read that Jewish “brethren” were no longer welcome in that particular church (3 John 1:5-7, 10). Even the Apostle John himself was not welcome anymore (3 John 1:9). One wonders why? Was he too Jewish?
The Apostle John was clear this new stream of thought could not be tolerated in the Church. He called it the spirit of antichrist, which could cause Christians to “lose those things we worked for, but that we may receive a full reward.” (2 John 1:8)
The reason I am addressing this topic is that we see these same tendencies in many church circles today. I remember speaking once at a church in Germany where a brother complained to me afterwards that I called Jesus a Jewish Messiah. According to him, Jesus gave up his Jewish ancestry after the Resurrection and is now in heaven as the “universal brother of mankind.” But the book of Revelation is clear that even in heaven Christ remains the “Lion of the tribe of Judah” (Revelation 5:5) and “the Root and the Offspring of David.” (Revelation 22:16)
This is extremely relevant today! A prominent Bible teacher in America is calling on believers to “unhitch” from the Old Testament. He contends the God of the Old Testament cannot be reconciled with the God and Father of our Lord Jesus. Also consider that Pope Francis recently inaugurated a Nativity scene with a baby Jesus lying on a black-and-white kaffiyeh – a symbol of Palestinian nationalism – thus giving credence to the fabricated myth of a “Palestinian Jesus.”
So, the same deceptive spirit of antichrist is still alive today, denying that Jesus came in Jewish flesh. The Apostle John had a clear warning to the Church: ‘Watch yourselves, lest you lose your reward!’ (2 John 1:8) Let us take heed and embrace the full counsel of Scripture. Jesus the eternal Word became flesh – Jewish flesh – and dwelt among us (John 1:14). What glory awaits those who hold fast to this amazing “Lion of the tribe of Judah.”
‘BY
MY SPIRIT, SAYS THE LORD’
EXCERPTS FROM SUZETTE HATTINGH’S OPENING MESSAGE, FEAST 2024
Our Feast theme is “Not by might, not by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord.” This truth resonates deeply because it speaks to the heart of God’s message for us: breakthrough will not come through human strength, but by the Spirit of the Lord.
Zechariah prophesied this powerful truth, and... it came to pass during the rebuilding of the Temple. After a long exile, the Jews returned to rebuild... However, the rebuilding faced obstacles. Lawsuits and letters from Persia tried to halt the progress, but God declared... His Spirit would carry out the work.
God spoke to the mountain before Zerubbabel, telling it to become a plain. The mountain represented the obstacles in their path, but by God’s power they would crumble. The final capstone would be laid with a shout of grace. Despite the challenges, God’s plan would succeed.
The rebuilding was delayed for some 15 years, but then God raised up Haggai to encourage the people to move forward. It was time to rebuild, and God would accomplish it by His Spirit.
Just as it was for them, God speaks the same to us today. Despite challenges, doubts and fears, God’s power will accomplish what human effort cannot. He uses the weak, the rejected, and the overlooked to demonstrate His strength. You may feel like Gideon’s small army, but God can use you for a mighty impact.
Gideon was hiding in a winepress, threshing wheat, out of fear. This was the wrong place
for the task, but fear drove him there. How often do we find ourselves stuck, afraid to step into what God has called us to do?
But God did not leave Gideon in fear. He called him “Mighty warrior, man of valour,” even while Gideon was hiding and doubting. God does not see us as we are, but as who we can become when we trust Him. Gideon was not strong, but God was not looking for strength – He needed someone willing to trust and step out in faith. God was with Gideon, and His power made the difference.
We may not have the qualifications or perfect circumstances, but when God calls, He equips us.
As God spoke to Gideon, He speaks to us today: “I am with you.” Despite our doubts, God equips those He calls. We may not have the qualifications or perfect circumstances, but when God calls, He equips us.
Some of you are here tonight for a prophetic reason. God has a purpose for you. Like Gideon, you have been sent to stir the spiritual realm and be a catalyst for change. You have come for a fresh flow of the Spirit, to go back and impact your world.
Though fearful, Gideon tested God and asked for signs, and God graciously gave them. It is not about perfect faith but about trusting that God can work with the little faith we have.
I challenge you: Have you come just to enjoy, or are you ready for something fresh? Are you willing to press in and believe for a new dimension? When we allow God to lead us beyond our comfort zones, He brings breakthroughs no one can boast about. Just as Gideon went from fear to victory, so can we.
Sometimes, we must let go of our own plans. It is not about our might or power—it is about the Spirit of the Lord. God will not share His glory. We will not see breakthrough by human strength, intelligence, or methods – only by His Spirit.
Are you ready to let go of old ways and let God lead you into something new? God’s work is never about our abilities. He uses the weak and overlooked to make something extraordinary. Gideon’s small army defeated a great enemy because God was with them. The same is true for us. We may be few, but through God’s Spirit we are mighty.
God is calling some of you to break free from “maintenance mode” and step into something powerful. He will take your willingness and turn it into victory. We serve a God who is not limited by human strength. Just as He used a jawbone to defeat an enemy, a sling to defeat a giant, and Gideon to lead an army, He will use you.
God has a plan for your life. Will you step out in faith? Not by might, nor by power, but by His Spirit. Are you ready to be used for His glory?
AISRAEL HAS VICTORY IN SIGHT ON MULTIPLE FRONTS
BY DAVID R. PARSONS, ICEJ SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT & SPOKESMAN
fter fifteen months of intense fighting, Israel is emerging victorious in several key arenas of the multifront war triggered by the Hamas terrorist invasion from Gaza on October 7, 2023. The battle has essentially been won on several fronts, while others await closure, and still others involve threats that remain largely untouched yet by the long arm of the IDF. Entering the new year, here is a regional review starting along the Gaza border where it all began.
THE GAZA FRONT
Israeli forces were left reeling by the initial shock of the Hamas mass infiltration on that dark Shabbat of Simchat Torah, which left 1,200 Israelis dead and 251 taken captive into Gaza. But the IDF quickly recovered and three weeks later began a multi-pronged ground operation into northern Gaza that slowly encircled and uprooted Hamas and Islamic Jihad battalions in the Gaza City area. Over the ensuing months, IDF infantry and armoured thrusts also pushed into central and southern Gaza, including the key towns of Khan Yunis and Rafah, despite international objections. The leadership and military structure of Hamas has since been decimated, leaving it capable of only small-scale guerilla attacks. Little remains of its terror tunnels and rocket factories. Its biggest asset is that Hamas still holds some 100 Israeli hostages, perhaps half of them already dead.
As we enter 2025, events in Gaza and elsewhere have forced Hamas to start considering compromises in the mediated talks over a hostage release deal, giving renewed hope the remaining Israelis abducted at gunpoint over 450 days ago will finally come home. Hamas has been severely weakened to the point it fears losing control over Gaza, while a devastated Hizbullah had to drop out of the fighting in the north. In addition, US President-elect Donald Trump will soon take office in Washington and likely pursue a much tougher policy against Hamas, especially since it still holds seven Americans hostage.
Isolated and in tatters, Hamas has recently dropped core demands for a complete end to the war and full IDF withdrawal from Gaza before any hostages are released. The main sticking points now have to do with which Palestinian prisoners will be released, including terrorists convicted of murdering multiple Israelis, and who will rule Gaza going forward. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continues to reject any post-war role for the Palestinian Authority in Gaza and insists Israel will have ultimate security control over the entire Gaza Strip for the foreseeable future.
THE NORTHERN FRONT
The Hizbullah terror militia in Lebanon quickly joined the fray on October 8, 2023, hoping to draw Israeli troops and firepower away from Gaza as a means of supporting its fellow Iranian-backed militia
Hamas. For months thereafter, Hizbullah and the IDF engaged in a daily artillery duel largely confined to within 7-to-10 kilometres either side of the Lebanese border. Israeli leaders had feared terrorist infiltrations by Hizbullah’s elite Radwan force, similar to what the Nukba commandoes of Hamas did on October 7, and thus evacuated 65,000 Israeli civilians from the immediate border area. But it turned out Hamas had caught Hizbullah by surprise as well, and they were content with a war of attrition against Israel right along the northern border.
That is, until Israel took the initiative to confront the Hizbullah threat more squarely following a rocket strike on a Golan Druze village that killed a dozen children in a playground. In response, Israel started taking out one senior Hizbullah leader after another, all the way up to the head sheikh himself, the brash Hassan Nasrallah. At the same time, Israeli intelligence activated a long-planned clandestine operation to blow up rigged pagers and walkie-talkies in the hands of several thousand upper-level Hizbullah commanders, devastating their ranks.
It turns out that Israeli leaders had all along considered Hizbullah a much more serious threat than Hamas, and had concentrated their intelligence resources and military training on defeating the Lebanese Shi’ite militia. This allowed the IDF to make quick work of Hizbullah, decapitating its leadership and destroying up to 80% of its missile arsenal in a matter of weeks. When Hizbullah got so weakened it stood to lose its grip on power over Lebanon, Iran backed its decision to call it quits.
Armed drones like this one entering Israeli airspace from Lebanon will be a problem for years to come. (Flash90)
A Rocket strike on a Druze playground in the Golan triggered Hizbullah’s downfall. (Flash90)
Thus, a ceasefire has been reached in northern Israel, although the IDF is still operating just inside south Lebanon to find and destroy more Hizbullah weapons and outposts. The Shi’ite militia is battered enough to be possibly disarmed by the rival Christian and Sunni Arab forces in the Lebanese army, who are still upset with Hizbullah for joining the fight to keep Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad in power, and then unilaterally dragging Lebanon into another war with Israel.
THE SYRIAN FRONT
Meanwhile, there have been dramatic developments in neighbouring Syria over recent weeks that have greatly impacted the threats to Israel on several fronts. The brutal Assad dynasty that ruled from Damascus for over 50 years was suddenly toppled by Sunni rebel forces that had been trained and rearmed by Turkey following their defeat in the nation’s bitter yet still smouldering civil war. Surprisingly, these rebel units swept the Assad regime from power in only 12 days. This has brought several positive changes for Israel, such as cutting off Hizbullah from any resupply of arms by Iran via the usual land route through Syria. However, some of these victorious Sunni rebel forces are affiliated with ISIS and al-Qaeda, and they may seek ways of attacking Israel in future. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also seems determined to become the new overlord of Syria and threaten Israel from there.
THE EASTERN FRONT
IDF forces have done a solid job in confronting Palestinian terror factions operating in Judea/Samaria (West Bank) over the past fifteen months of fighting. Lately, Iran has tried to smuggle more weapons into this theatre through Jordan with meagre results. But it has provoked even the Palestinian Authority to launch a surprising crackdown on Hamas and Islamic Jihad elements in Jenin and other hotbeds of terror, in an effort to protect what little turf the PA does control. This indicates PA leader Mahmoud Abbas thinks Hamas is now weakened enough for his listless forces to take them on, and that he wants to show the West he can be given control over Gaza.
of these longer-range armaments, especially the new, more advanced types of low-flying armed drones, will remain a problem for Israel going forward, even if ceasefires are reached on other fronts.
THE IRANIAN FRONT
Iran has now suffered a number of major setbacks to its regional plans of hegemony and eradicating the Jewish state. Both Hamas and Hizbullah have been crushed by the IDF over the past year and Tehran was unable to stop it, which has sent a bad signal to its other regional proxy militias in Iraq and Syria. The loss of its foothold in Syria is another huge blow, leaving its most prized proxy Hizbullah isolated, and stirring discontent at home over all the money and resources wasted in propping up Assad. In addition, the Iranian regime has been embarrassed the two times it has directly targeted Israel with long-range missile and drone attacks, causing little damage in Israel and drawing IDF responses that have left the Islamic Republic totally vulnerable to further Israeli attacks. Everyone is now waiting for Trump to take office on January 20 and to see whether Israel will press its advantage by attacking Iran’s nuclear facilities.
THE HOME FRONT
THE SOUTHERN FRONT
The Houthi rebels in Yemen continue to strike at Israel with Iranian-supplied long-range missiles and drones. In one recent exchange, Israeli air strikes heavily damaged three ports Iran uses to deliver these weapons to the Houthis. Defending against the threat
Israel is poised to secure a resounding victory over its enemies Hamas and Hizbullah, and hopes to recover and rebuild its northern and southern border communities quickly, while also actively pursuing peace once more with its Arab neighbours. With the help of the incoming Trump administration, it may be possible to build on the Abraham Accords by bringing Saudi Arabia into the fold of Arab nations reconciling with the Jewish state. Perhaps the door will even begin to open to future normalisation deals with Lebanon and Syria. One obstacle will remain, however – the fate of the Palestinians. These Arab countries will most likely continue to insist on the creation of a Palestinian state, a demand that most Israelis are reluctant to agree to so quickly in the wake of the October 7 massacres, considering it to be a reward for terrorism of the worst kind.
Banners in Jerusalem touting IDF’s targeting of Ismail Haniyeh, Hassan Nasrallah and Yahyeh Sinwar. (Flash90)
DISRAEL READIES for INCREASED ALIYAH in 2025
BY HOWARD FLOWER, ICEJ ALIYAH DIRECTOR
espite more than a year of war in Israel, the nation took in over 30,000 Jewish immigrants in 2024. The International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ) played a key role in this remarkable stream of Aliyah, assisting over 3,000 olim (newcomers), or roughly ten percent. Heading into 2025, the ICEJ is poised to carry over our strong momentum in Aliyah into the new year by once again sponsoring flights for new immigrants, covering pre-flight needs, and providing integration assistance for newlyarrived Jewish families.
We fully expect our vital contributions to Aliyah to continue and even expand in 2025, with new initiatives targeting key regions and addressing emerging needs within the global Jewish community, which is currently facing a menacing wave of antisemitism.
JAFI GLOBAL CENTER EXPANSION
Part of the ICEJ’s new and enhanced Aliyah support involves a crucial donation to the Jewish Agency’s Global Center, enabling it to extend operational hours and increase staffing capacity for dedicated English and Frenchspeaking staff who are helping to process the surge in Aliyah applications from Western countries.
Arielle Di Porto, director of the JAFI Global Center, recently highlighted the critical nature of its new programs, while noting how they have been “going from crisis to crisis” in recent years. She explained that the Agency’s global call center has faced three major challenges: the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ukraine-Russia war, and now the conflict sparked by the October 7 massacre. Thus, the center’s call volume has increased dramatically, from 200 calls daily to over 1,000 during peak periods of these crises.
The Global Center’s expansion is expected to handle thousands of additional calls this coming year, directly supporting thousands of potential immigrant families by helping them complete their Aliyah applications. With 52 toll-free numbers worldwide, the center serves as the heart of the Jewish Agency’s vital Aliyah operations, providing support in multiple languages including English, French, Spanish, Russian, Portuguese, and Hebrew.
RISING GLOBAL ANTISEMITISM
DRIVING ALIYAH
A dramatic surge in global antisemitism followed the Hamas terror invasion from Gaza on October 7, 2023, prompting many Jewish families worldwide to seriously consider making Aliyah. The Anti-Defamation League
reported over 3,283 antisemitic incidents in the United States alone between October 2023 and January 2024. In France, authorities documented a staggering 1,000% increase in antisemitic incidents during the same period, while South Africa has seen mounting tensions, particularly after its government filed a controversial genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice in The Hague.
FRENCH ALIYAH SURGES
France emerged as a particular focus of the ICEJ’s Aliyah efforts in 2024, with the ICEJ sponsoring flights for 500 French Jews moving to Israel. The number of Aliyah applications from France has increased by 500% since October 2023, with over 7,000 new applications filed in 2024 compared to just 1,200 the previous year. Surveys indicate that approximately 38% of French Jews – around 200,000 people – are now considering to make Aliyah to Israel. With your help, the ICEJ stands ready to sponsor Aliyah flights for even more French Jews in 2025.
Staff at the JAFI Global Call Center.
EXODUS OF SOUTH AFRICAN JEWS
The deteriorating situation for Jews in South Africa has led to increased Aliyah from the “Rainbow Nation.” The ICEJ sponsored several Aliyah flights for South African Jews in 2024, including recent groups from Cape Town and Johannesburg. The community faces challenges from rising antisemitism, economic instability, and the government’s strong anti-Israel stance, particularly regarding its genocide case against Israel at the ICJ. Please help us prepare to bring more South African Jews home to Israel.
ETHIOPIAN ALIYAH PAUSED
In March 2024, the ICEJ sponsored flights for 61 Ethiopian Jews who had been rescued from tribal clashes in Gondar the previous summer. Since the Ethiopian Aliyah was resumed by the Israeli government in 2015, the ICEJ has sponsored flights for 3,225 out of the 7,514 Ethiopian Jewish immigrants. According to recent Knesset reports, an additional 1,226 Ethiopian Jews are currently eligible for Aliyah. The ICEJ will be ready to assist once the door opens for this next group to finally reach Israel, which we expect to happen here in the new year.
YOUTH ALIYAH PROGRAMS FLOURISH
The ICEJ maintained its strong support for JAFI’s Youth Aliyah programs in 2024, including the Naale and SELA initiatives which allow young Jewish students to complete their high school and university studies in Israel. Throughout the year, the ICEJ sponsors flights for numerous Jewish teenagers participating in these programs. The Naale program, which began in 1992, has seen impressive success rates, with approximately 90% of participants choosing to become Israeli citizens, and 60% of their parents often following suit.
The Christian Embassy also has been a key sponsor of summer and winter Aliyah camps for Jewish youths from Russian-speaking countries. In January, the ICEJ sponsored winter Aliyah camps in Latvia for 73 Jewish youth aged 12-17, including Ukrainian refugees now living in various European countries. The camps provide cultural immersion, education about Israel, and practical preparation for Aliyah.
RUSSIANSPEAKING IMMIGRATION CONTINUES
Despite the ongoing conflicts in Israel and Ukraine, Russian-speaking Jews continue
to comprise about 70% of worldwide Aliyah. The ICEJ has been particularly active in supporting these immigrants, many of whom are coming from Russia, Ukraine, and other former Soviet republics. The ICEJ has supported visa applications, pre-Aliyah logistics, and integration support. Nearly 20,000 Russian-speaking Jews made Aliyah this past year.
SURGE IN WESTERN ALIYAH
The statistics paint a striking picture of increasing Aliyah interest among Jews in Western nations. France has seen a 300% increase in Aliyah files opened since October 7 last year, with applications rising from 400 to 1,700 in comparable periods. North America has experienced a 90% increase, while the United Kingdom shows a 40% rise amid growing concerns over antisemitism.
Di Porto from JAFI emphasized the severity of the situation in France, where antisemitic incidents have increased by 1,000% since October 7. “In the three months from October 7, there are more attacks than in the three previous years,” she noted. Significantly, 60% of these incidents involve violent attacks, which are occurring across the country and not just in major cities.
GERMAN JEWISH COMMUNITY RESPONSE
In Germany, the Jewish Agency has adapted its approach to meet growing challenges and opportunities. Aliyah inquiries and file openings have increased compared to previous years. The ICEJ has supported successful Aliyah initiatives in Germany, including five pre-immigration seminars in Hamburg, Munich, Duisburg, Leer and Magdeburg, each attracting many participants.
A particularly moving event in Duisburg brought together 400 participants from multiple communities, featuring Major Arye Sharuz Shalicar, an Iranian-born Jewish immigrant to Israel who now serves as commander of the IDF spokesperson’s Europe desk. These efforts have contributed to 170 people making Aliyah from Germany in 2023 and 146 in early 2024, with an additional 38 high school students participating in the Naale Academy program. We anticipate more German Jews will be needing our help with Aliyah in 2025.
French Jews make Aliyah. (credit JAFI)
South African Jews (credit Dorron Kline-Telfed)
GLOBAL IMPACT
AND FUTURE OUTLOOK
Jewish Agency chairman Gen. Doron Almog has forecasted a potential wave of immigration of up to one million Jews in coming years, largely driven home by the rising global antisemitism. The Jewish Agency’s Board of Governors has set a target of bringing 300,000 olim in the next five years, building on the successful absorption of over 200,000 immigrants between 2019 and 2023.
In 2025, the ICEJ is looking to build on our comprehensive Aliyah efforts from this past year, which included:
• Sponsoring over 1,000 Aliyah flights;
• Assisting more than 3,000 new immigrants during pre-flight preparation;
• Supporting multiple Youth Aliyah programs, such as Naale and Sela;
• Organizing summer and winter camps for Jewish youth (our latest Aliyah youth camp began on December 25 to mark Hanukkah);
• Facilitating Jewish festivals and cultural events; and
• Supporting newly arrived Jewish immigrants and their initial integration efforts.
The ICEJ continues to work closely with The Jewish Agency for Israel and other partners to facilitate successful Aliyah journeys, even during times of conflict. Despite the challenges posed by regional tensions and global antisemitism, the ICEJ’s commitment to supporting Jewish immigration to Israel remains unwavering.
“The most to be inspired is the young generationthey arrive first,” observed Gen. Almog, highlighting their role as pioneers in contemporary Aliyah. This new wave of immigration serves as a “growth engine” for Israel, contributing to various sectors including business, science, culture, healthcare and politics.
As 2025 begins, the ICEJ remains fully dedicated to its mandate of supporting the Jewish people in their prophetic return to their biblical homeland. Through the generous support of Christians worldwide, the ICEJ continues to play a vital role in this historic ingathering of the Jewish people to the Land of Israel, fulfilling ancient biblical promises even amid current challenges and conflicts. We are particularly thankful for generous donations to our Aliyah program from our national branches in South Africa, Australia and many other countries this past year.
The ICEJ invites you to partner with us in supporting the remarkable Aliyah efforts we
are all witnessing in these difficult times. Each contribution helps make dreams a reality for Jewish families seeking to return home to Israel, particularly those escaping the renewed scourge of antisemitism. As the ICEJ often notes, this work is not just about physical relocation, but about fulfilling God’s prophetic purposes and ensuring the future of the Jewish people in their ancestral homeland.
Jubilant family members being welcomed at Ben Gurion Airport during an Ethiopian Aliyah flight. (credit JAFI)
A youth adorns the Israeli flag upon making Aliyah from France. (credit JAFI)
ICEJ HOMECARE VISITS INSPIRE JOY AND BRIGHTEN DAYS!
BY MAXINE CARLILL
Homecare is a central part of the Christian Embassy’s founding mandate in 1980 to “Comfort, comfort My people” (Isaiah 40:1). This mandate was actually given over 2,500 years ago by the prophet Isaiah, and it has been the heart of our work over these recent decades. The Hebrew verb “to comfort” [nechama] carries special meaning in these painful and challenging days for Israel.
In such times, the emphasis of our work is more about just being there for those who are lonely and in need, to be faithful friends and undergird the relationships built up over many years. When Israelis are feeling more and more isolated, that is the time Homecare is needed most. This mission is difficult to explain but precious to experience. It finds voice every time an elderly person under our care warmly greets us with the words: “I have been waiting for you.”
Since the beginning of the current war in Israel, Homecare has reached out especially to the lonely. One elderly lady became so depressed that we were greatly concerned. We asked how we could help her. She replied: “Could you visit me every week?”
Our promise to do so became her lifeline. Every week she plans for the upcoming visit, shopping and preparing a homemade soup for lunch. This weekly anticipation of getting together over a simple meal and sharing life’s daily concerns has lifted this dear lady out of her fears of these difficult times. She always expresses her heartfelt gratitude, saying: “Thank you for coming, you brought me some light.”
In some families the Homecare team visits, the grandchildren are serving in combat units with the Israeli army. We sense the concerns for the young men. We asked one woman where her grandson is fighting. She answered: “He didn’t want to tell me so I wouldn’t be afraid, but I am concerned, and my thoughts are with him day and night.”
with her very ill husband. She cared for him with love and devotion until he passed away during the Covid pandemic. Left alone with her grief, the war finally pushed her to leave everything dear to her in the land of her birth and move to the Land promised to her people.
Ludmila came from a religious background with great respect for Judaism and what it means to be Jewish. Here in Israel, she had to get used to a new life within a very different culture, while also struggling to learn a new language. Yet despite her sense of being uprooted, she also has felt at home in Israel, especially when enjoying her close connection with her son and granddaughter.
Unfortunately, soon after her Aliyah Ludmila faced serious health issues, limiting her ability to properly integrate and make new friends. Thus, our visits are precious for her. We listen to her share stories of life in Ukraine, of victory and courage. One story stands out. There sitting in her small apartment with sunlight streaming through the window, she recounts her close relationship with a Christian friend during her nursing studies many years ago.
“She was my classmate, and we became good friends,” recalled Ludmila. “Once something serious happened which resulted in me defending my Christian friend in front of an entire Communist party group… I stood up for what was right, not fearing the consequence.”
Her eyes sparkled while remembering this moment of defiance and victory!
Among Ludmila’s many stories, there are tales of discrimination due to her Jewish identity. But Ludmila is a true fighter to whom God has given grace to overcome her many difficult challenges in life.
Homecare visits with Ludmila during these difficult times.
Every visit by ICEJ Homecare brings encouragement, comfort and enduring friendship. Your support of our work has a lasting impact on the lives of some very special elderly Jews who have come home to Israel.
We often visit Ludmila, who lives in the busy center of Jerusalem. She opens the door with a sweet smile, always glad to see us. Small in size but strong in character, she made Aliyah from Ukraine over two years ago to escape the war with Russia. When her son and granddaughter left for Israel several years ago, she had decided to stay in Ukraine
ICEJ
CZECH BRANCH HELPS REBUILD KINDERGARTENS FOR KIBBUTZ BE’ERI
BY ICEJ STAFF
Despite the immense tragedy and setbacks caused by the October 7 terror attacks last year, many residents of Israel’s south maintain a steadfast commitment to returning and rebuilding their homes and lives along the Gaza border. With the generous support of Christians around the world, the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem is currently contributing to several key rebuilding projects to help residents of the Western Negev on their journey home.
One such effort is furnishing three kindergartens and providing a Gymboree for children evacuated from hard-hit Kibbutz Be’eri who are now living in temporary new homes at Kibbutz Hatzerim, made possible by donations from ICEJ-Czech Republic.
When an ICEJ delegation visited Kibbutz Hatzerim on a bright, sunny morning in midDecember, they were greeted by Machol, a mother of four and Be’eri’s project coordinator for the temporary move to Hatzerim. She rode up on a bicycle with a smile, having just come
from a meeting with workers who came to fix a water problem in the home she is set to move into shortly.
Right away, Machol began to explain all the construction activity we saw around us. Since our last visit, there were many visible changes – trees and green grass had been planted in front of some of the homes and pergolas now grace the patios to shade from the sun. In the open communal spaces, there are new playgrounds, and a therapeutic gardening greenhouse is now taking shape for families to enjoy. And, we were told, there will be several yurts brought in soon to function as communal gathering spaces for art activities and a small café.
Surrounding this lies the educational complex for all ages, including five kindergartens and a Gymboree. On the other end of this caravan community, there is a huge white tent that will become the central dining hall and kibbutz gathering space.
It was immediately obvious that the three kindergartens were organised with a lot of loving care. From brightly coloured cubbies and child-sized chairs to cozy seating and a vibrant Gymboree play space, these items have transformed the kindergartens into safe spaces of comfort and healing. The Gymboree, in particular, is a big hit.
The protected safe rooms in each kindergarten have been repurposed as nap rooms, inviting children to rest in a space that is protective
and comforting. Naptime would wait, however, as the laughter of children playing outside echoed through the air, their joy infectious.
These kindergartens are much more than educational spaces – they are a sheltered place where little ones can heal and grow, surrounded by familiar comforts despite ongoing uncertainty.
The kindergarten furniture and Gymboree will remain in Hatzerim, where the Be’eri community has temporarily relocated, but will follow them back home when they return to Be’eri once it is rebuilt. This initiative is part of ICEJ’s broader commitment to help restore the Gaza border communities. In Kibbutz Be’eri, this will also include projects for a rehab and activity center for senior citizens and an afternoon educational center for grade school children.
Though the scars of the October 7 massacre will take years to heal, the courageous residents of Kibbutz Be’eri are finding their way forward. With every act of support and every step of recovery, the Christian Embassy is not just rebuilding physical structures, we are rebuilding lives.
Please support these rebuilding projects through our Israel in Crisis fund by donating at: help.icej.org/crisis
Kindergarten classroom for Kibbutz Be’eri children furnished by ICEJ-Czech Republic.
For decades, residents of Kibbutz Urim have lived under the constant threat of rocket and terror attacks from nearby Gaza, dangers that have deeply impacted the entire community. Those growing up as youngsters under this ever-present peril bear the scars of trauma. For these children, finding pathways to healing is essential.
Over recent years, the ICEJ has supported one such pathway – a therapeutic riding center at Kibbutz Urim where we have donated horses and riding equipment, as well as sponsored innovative therapy riding sessions for children and youth.
The use of zootherapy, where animals help people cope with emotional, psychological and even physical challenges, has proven incredibly effective. In addition to donating therapy horses “Andy” and “Deanna” to the Kibbutz Urim riding center, our sponsorship of riding sessions for children there have already helped countless youth regain trust in others. These horses offer a unique form of therapy that promotes calmness, reduces stress, and helps children reconnect with their emotions.
The need for this type of therapy has only grown in recent years, especially following the trauma of the October 7 massacres last year. Currently, 96 children are enjoying horse therapy lessons at the Urim ranch, and an additional 84 children are on the waiting list.
In response to this growing demand, our newest donation at the Urim riding center is “Marty”, a 4-year-old Appaloosa mix. His trainer Oded recently explained why Marty is such a good fit for Urim’s horse ranch.
“Besides the fact that he’s already trained for therapeutic work, he is strong but gentle natured and not too big, which makes him perfect for working with children of all ages. His relaxed temperament helps calm nervous children,” he related.
Marty has already been helping some 15-to-18
children each week with riding lessons and outdoor treks.
Alongside the riding therapy, the Urim ranch has a new vision to restore and expand its petting zoo. This Animal Corner was once a thriving and popular place for children from throughout the Negev, but it has since become neglected and fallen out of daily use, in part because of Covid and then the war. So, there is much excitement in the community to restore and expand the petting zoo to make it into a more welcoming and effective place for trauma therapy.
This vision was first set in motion by Yoel Zeigler, who founded the Animal Corner in 1970. Yoel, now 96, remains involved with caring for the few remaining animals each morning. He remembers the early days when children helped build the first enclosures out of repurposed metal boxes from the kibbutz factory.
“Nothing here cost money,” Yoel proudly stated. “We just made it work.”
Now, with the kibbutz’s new initiative to revive the Animal Corner, the next generation is stepping up to carry the torch. One kibbutz member who grew up with the animals remembers the corner in its prime.
“We dreamed that we would pass this on to our children,” he said. “Now, my son doesn’t want to leave. He wants to stay in the kibbutz and see the corner come back to life.”
The efforts to rebuild the Animal Corner are well underway, but there is still much to do. The vision is clear: a fully restored space where children can come, connect with a variety of friendly animals, and thereby find the healing they need. With the help of Christians from around the world, this dream is sure to become a reality.
Marty’s arrival marks just the beginning of this exciting new phase for Kibbutz Urim. His calming presence and gentle nature are already making a difference, but the work to restore and expand the Animal Corner is ongoing.
By connecting with animals like the ICEJ’s therapy horses Marty, Andy and Deanna, traumatised Israeli children are learning to trust again, find calm, and heal. We hope our support for the Urim horse ranch and animal corner will allow many more youngsters find the innocence and joy of childhood again. Join us in this effort by giving to our Israel in Crisis fund.
The ICEJ’s new Appaloosa horse ‘Marty’ with his trainer Oded.
Yoel Zeigler, now 96, founded the Kibbutz Urim petting zoo.
‘ You answered our heart cry’ ICEJ HANDS-ON TOUR IMPACTS ISRAEL
BY NATIVIA SAMUELSEN
In early December, a group of Christians from around the world arrived in Israel to do volunteer service in a country hurting from more than a year of war. The wounds of the October 7 massacre remain fresh, as the nation continues to grapple with the tragedy of over a thousand lives lost in one day and 100 Israelis still held hostage in Gaza.
Amid this lingering crisis, the group of Christian volunteers came to stand alongside Israel. “This is not the usual tourist tour; it is about connecting with the people of the Land,” one volunteer said.
Our journey began in the South at Kibbutz Nir Oz, the hardest hit of all the Gaza border communities, with over one-quarter of its residents either killed or taken hostage. Here, participants picked avocados and bore witness to the atrocities of October 7. As we walked through the devastation of a once thriving farming village now emptied of life, Yiftach, a former resident of Nir Oz, shared the story of his uncle, Gadi Moses, who is still held hostage in Gaza.
The next stop was Jerusalem, where we visited United Hatzalah’s headquarters to learn about the organisation’s remarkable growth into an 8,000-strong network of volunteer emergency medical responders. A highlight was meeting founder Eli Beer, who assured, “it means so much that you are here to serve from nations across the world.” While there, our group assembled 300 medical kits for volunteers at United Hatzalah’s warehouse in Beit Shemesh, which had been emptied of all equipment on October 7.
canned food, so receiving homemade meals is a real morale booster,” shared Aliya, our host.
Later, the team visited Hostage Square to pray for the safe return of the captives, ending the day with a worship session at a piano that filled the square with songs of hope.
We next ventured south again to an organic farm in Carmiya, where our team packed vegetables for supermarkets. Michal, a local volunteer, was moved to tears after hearing why the group was there, and even called her husband over to join us.
“You made my day,” she exclaimed. “I am crying; can I get a hug? This is so incredible!”
In the afternoon, the group spent time at an absorption center in Ashkelon, where participants met Ethiopian Jewish immigrants beginning to integrate into Israeli society.
From Ashkelon, we travelled back north to Haifa, where participants spent time with residents of the ICEJ’s special Home for Holocaust survivors and assisted with cleaning and organising there.
The hands-on tour then concluded in Nazareth, where the team embraced the Christmas spirit by packing holiday gifts with Christian Arab partners and wrapped up the day with Communion at the church of our host, Pastor Saleem Shalash.
The next day, our team headed north to the Galilee to prune tomato plants in a vast greenhouse, working alongside local farmers. One farmer’s wife, Hannah, confided: “You answered our heart cry and came to help. We feel your love and dedication.”
The group then met Rena Quint, a Holocaust survivor, who shared the importance of remembering and speaking up. “October 7 happened. The Holocaust happened. We must remember and act,” she insisted.
The next day, our team ventured back south to Tel Aviv, to prepare sandwiches for IDF soldiers stationed in Gaza. “Soldiers often rely on
On the final evening, tour leader Jannie Tolhoek of ICEJ Aid challenged the participants: “You are all eyewitnesses. What will you do with all you have seen and heard?”
Marja, a Dutch Christian, responded: “This trip has been such a blessing. I had no idea the extent of the trauma. I will be bolder in sharing the truth in Holland.”
The week-long tour was a profound journey of faith, compassion and solidarity. Many recalled Hannah’s words: “You answered our heart cry.”
Please consider joining the next ICEJ Hands-on-tour beginning 2 March to serve these Israeli communities firsthand. Lookout for details by visiting our website at: icej.org/hands-on-tour
Meanwhile, please support our many relief aid projects through the Israel in Crisis fund. DONATE TODAY AT: help.icej.org/crisis
Picking avacados.
The team at United Hatzalah headquarters.
HANDS-ON TOUR SERVES HOLOCAUST SURVIVORS IN HAIFA
BY LAURINA DRIESSE
In early December, several ICEJ staff in Jerusalem joined up with Christian volunteers on our latest Hands-On Tour for a visit to the ICEJ’s special Home for Holocaust survivors in Haifa.
The atmosphere on the bus was filled with excitement as the group, led by our tour coordinator Jannie Tolhoek, set off on the two-hour journey from Jerusalem to Haifa.
Once in Haifa, the group was warmly welcomed by the ICEJ’s deputy Aid director Yudit Setz, who oversees the Christian volunteers at the Home, as she shared our vision for the unique assisted-living home for Holocaust survivors and introduced our local team. Then, it was time for the group to roll up their sleeves and assist with practical help around the Home. Some began sorting out donated clothing for the needy, while others swept the stairwells and public areas of the Home’s several apartment buildings. The rest of the team found plenty to keep them busy working in the gardens surrounding the residential flats.
A highlight of the day was a physiotherapy class which used real-life looking dolls for therapeutic purposes with the residents. How amazed we were to see the key role the dolls, donated by a Finnish Christian, has played in the program. ICEJ physiotherapist Simcha, from Germany, had residents raise their arms and lift the dolls, tap their knees, and move
their legs and feet. This was followed by an exercise in balancing while carefully selecting baby clothes for the dolls and beautifully dressing them. At times, this exercise is also conducted with residents standing on a sponge mat.
It was delightful to witness the joy which these therapeutic dolls bring, especially to the elderly women at the Home. As Chaya, a Holocaust survivor, went about the task of dressing her doll, she shared how she used to take in real-life babies and look after them. When she finished dressing her doll, Chaya broke out with a gorgeous smile and gleefully declared: “You are beautiful!”
The relationship between Simcha and the residents taking part in the physiotherapy classes is a treasure, with lots of hugs and affection all around.
The visit to the Home came at a time when a cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hizbullah in Lebanon had just come into effect days earlier. Even though there is a reprieve from the frequent sirens alerting of incoming rockets, Chaya is hoping for more. When asked if it was better for her now that there was a truce, she responded: “We don’t want better; we want good!”
“How can we be happy when we still have ‘family,’ the hostages, in Gaza,” she added.
Indeed, concerns for the Israeli hostages still held captive in Gaza weigh heavily on every Israeli.
“The hands-on tour group visit was like refreshing water,” Yudit noted afterwards. “Their enthusiasm to serve, and their love for the people of Israel was special for our residents and for us as an ICEJ team. It is always very encouraging and wonderful for our team to have these groups visit.”
The visit to the Haifa Home ended with a time of prayer with our Christian volunteer team. And before leaving, each visitor received a delightful surprise: they could select for themselves a unique piece of artwork painted by a Holocaust survivor as a memento to remember their visit.
Please support the incredible work being done to love and care for the Holocaust survivors at our special residential home in Haifa.
A volunteer of the Hands-on Tour sweeps the stairwell.
Chaya joyfully holds her therapeutic doll.
ICEJ physiotherapist Simcha demonstrates some of the equipment used at the home.
HAIFA HOME TEAM CARES FOR HOLOCAUST SURVIVORS AMID WAR
BY MARELINKE VAN DER RIET
Amid a sharp escalation in fighting in northern Israel over recent months, the ICEJ’s Haifa Home for Holocaust Survivors continued to provide vital support and care to its elderly residents—many of whom bear deep scars from previous wars. Recently, before a fragile ceasefire took hold between Israel and Hezbullah, several ICEJ staff from Jerusalem visited our colleagues at the Haifa Home to learn how the survivors were coping during the tense times and to see how our Christian volunteers there are supporting them.
The night before our visit, rocket sirens rang out across Haifa, sending thousands rushing into their bomb shelters. Hizbullah in Lebanon launched over 16,000 rockets and armed drones into northern Israel over the past year, with many targeting Haifa. These barrages intensified this past fall, with almost daily volleys landing in or near the large port city. Recently, rocket shrapnel even fell beside one of our buildings, adding to the constant anxiety felt by the survivors.
For the Haifa Home residents, the frequent sirens have been a traumatic reminder of their pasts. Renate, originally from Germany, shared how the red alerts triggered painful memories of World War II. “I had to take medication to calm down after the sirens last night,” she shared.
Renate was young during the Holocaust, and has written several books of poetry to process her painful childhood experiences. For weeks following the October 7 attacks, Renate also suffered tension headaches. This is not surprising, as a recent study found that 50% of Holocaust survivors experience PTSD symptoms even in old age.
In Haifa, many older buildings lack bomb shelters. However, the ICEJ Home took proactive steps to ensure the residents’ protection, installing a large safe room just off the dining hall for easy access during meals. The Christian Embassy also donated an ambulance to the Haifa Home, and added a safe room in its newest apartment building, which houses eight survivors and two children who take care of their parents.
These new residents were evacuated two years ago from the war in Ukraine. In total, 16 residents at the Home fled the conflict there. The ICEJ team has done everything they can to ease their minds amid yet another war.
One such survivor, Natalya, moved here from Ukraine two years ago without any family or friends. “I could not have done it without you,” she told Yudit, ICEJ’s deputy Aid director. “You are like a big hug.”
Our support has been invaluable to survivors like Natalya, who have felt isolated and afraid
during this crisis. As we were leaving, Natalya showed us the newly constructed bomb shelter.
“Thank you for helping us feel safe again,” she said. “We have known too much fear in our lives, but here, we can rest.”
That moment underlines why our work with Holocaust survivors is so vital.
The Haifa Home currently cares for over 50 Holocaust survivors, with the oldest now age 102. To help the residents cope, the ICEJ team has employed several therapeutic programs. Nancy, our art therapist, leads art sessions to help the survivors express their emotions and escape the current harsh realities. The art room also doubles as a makeshift bomb shelter, with mattresses placed in front of the windows for protection in case of air raids.
The residents also benefit from physical therapy. Sarah, a survivor from Romania, had hip surgery and now rarely leaves her apartment. Zelda, another resident, is slowly recovering from a broken hip, with help from our resident nurse, Christine. Meanwhile, our physiotherapist, Simcha, created a “fitness garden” to improve the residents’ mobility.
Maria, the Hebrew teacher, is helping the residents feel more at home by teaching them basic Hebrew. “My greatest desire is to make them love the land,” she said. “I want them to feel at home in Israel.”
Christians around the world play a crucial role in funding all these activities at the Haifa Home for Holocaust survivors. Your contributions help provide essential services, from medical assistance to emotional support, ensuring the survivors can live with dignity and safety – even in the midst of war.
Renate with one of her books of poetry.
ICEJ staff taking part in a physiotherapy session with residents of the Haifa Home.
Natalya with Yudit.
HAIFA HOME BIDS FAREWELL TO PRECIOUS RESIDENTS, WELCOMES NEW ONES
BY YUDIT SETZ
In recent months, the ICEJ’s Home for Holocaust survivors in Haifa bid farewell to three of our dear long-term residents who passed away, while welcoming a new resident with a moving story of surviving World War II.
The three residents passed at the blessed ages of almost 101, 96 and 94. We are grateful to have known and cared for them until their last days.
There are still some 130,000 Holocaust survivors alive in Israel. While this number is dwindling each year, there are still far too many survivors who sorely need a place like our loving community.
NEW RESIDENT SURVIVED GERMAN AND RUSSIAN INVADERS
One of the new residents we have taken in is Alexander, 86, who made Aliyah two years ago from war-torn Ukraine.
“I am so excited to be able to move into your community,” he exclaimed. “People have been so kind to me; see all the furniture I received.”
He also proudly showed off his new teeth which he received for free as a Holocaust survivor here in Israel. Alexander is glad he remains healthy, is learning Hebrew, and finally has enough food and medicine, and everything he needs.
Born in Odessa in 1939, Alexander fled with his mother and siblings to the east as the Nazis invaded Ukraine in August 1941. They ended up walking 120 kilometres to his grandmother’s home in Nikolaev, avoiding German bombings along the way. His grandmother hid the children in a small basement with an earthen floor. There were windows at ground level, allowing them an occasional peek outside and breath of fresh air, but only at night to avoid detection. The place was damp; mice ran around and bit them, and they cried. Alexander developed rheumatism and his ribs stuck out from malnutrition. In the post-war photographs, he looked like skin and bones. After the war, he became an engineer and had two sons. Now, he is under our care.
GRADUATION
CEREMONY
Sixteen residents have arrived at the Haifa Home from Ukraine in recent years, and we were keen to strengthen their Jewish roots in the Land through Hebrew and Israeli heritage lessons. Learning a new language at an advanced age is very difficult, but Maria from our Christian volunteer team took on the challenge of teaching them Hebrew. Lately, a class of five finished their first level – Kita Alef – so we had to celebrate!
The students, who had been teachers and engineers themselves, were a little nervous but they all finished well. They received a graduation certificate with a rose, while we gave Maria an Award of Excellence for her amazing work.
CHRISTINE’S BRIDAL SHOWER
Many of our residents enjoy spending time together rather than sitting at home watching TV. Thus, we grab every opportunity for community activities.
Christine, our resident nurse from Germany, organises Bingo and chess for the residents every week. She also just got married, and we decided beforehand to throw a surprise Bridal Shower for her with the female residents. We managed to catch her completely by surprise during the Bingo games.
Besides playing Wedding Bingo, we asked the survivors to share their most important marriage advice with Christine. All the ladies had been married for many years and thus had lots of wisdom to share. The party was all the talk for days to come!
CARING FOR BODY AND SOUL
Recently, we decided to turn one of our new rooms into a wellness center, with a hairdresser station, a place for manicures and pedicures, a massage bed and massage chair, and a nurse station. This will be a great place to care for the body and soul of our elderly residents.
NEW YEAR 2025
The past year was difficult for our residents and for Israel in general, but we look forward to what 2025 will bring. With the same determination and love, we will keep serving our dear survivors and welcome new ones. We hope to finally receive the building permit to finish the third floor of our new building. With God’s help, we will continue to be your arms around these precious Holocaust survivors as they walk out the last part of their life journey.
Violette holds her Hebrew lessons graduation certificate.
Christine is surprised during the weekly Bingo activity.
ICEJ APPOINTS A NEW REPRESENTATIVE IN SERBIA
During their recent trip to Southeastern Europe, ICEJ leaders Mojmir Kallus and Jaroslav Sloboda visited Serbia and participated in a national conference of the Pentecostal Church in Kraljevo, organized by pastor Aleksandar Vitakić. He is a dynamic leader who understands Israel and the vision of ICEJ and wants to share it with his fellow believers in Serbia. He graduated from our leadership course last year as one of the best students. At the conference, Aleksandar was officially appointed as the new representative for ICEJ-Serbia.
ICEJ FINDS NEW MOMENTUM IN CROATIA
BY DR. MOJMIR KALLUS, VICE PRESIDENT FOR INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
In November, I visited Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, accompanied by our regional coordinator Jaroslav Sloboda to assess the new momentum for the Christian Embassy in the Balkan region. We were treated to a very rich program arranged by Vatroslav Župančić, the new ICEJ Representative for ICEJ-Croatia.
The itinerary included a high-profile one-hour interview on Croatian national TV, conducted by Romano Bolković, a famous local journalist. His “one-on-one” program is well known in the country and everybody we talked to was thrilled we were featured on the current affairs show. The interview was held in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, and I was able to explain the reasons why Christians support Israel, our approach to the current war, how Israel is fighting a just war, and the dangers of the radical Islamic regime in Iran.
We also met the chairwoman of the CroatiaIsrael parliamentary group, Ms. Marijana Petir, and visited with the chief rabbi of
ICEJ-NETHERLANDS CONDEMNS ANTISEMITIC POGROM IN AMSTERDAM
BY MARELINKE VAN DER RIET
In early November, a violent antisemitic attack unfolded following an Ajax-Maccabi Tel Aviv football match in Amsterdam. Israeli fans of the Maccabi club were hunted down, harassed, and some violently attacked. The shocking melee quickly led both Israeli and world leaders to label it a “pogrom”. To further deepen the tragedy, the rioting occurred on 8 November, just one day before the anniversary of Kristallnacht—the infamous “Night of Broken Glass” which marked the beginning of the Holocaust.
The ICEJ-Netherlands branch strongly condemned this vile antisemitic attack and called on Dutch government leaders to take immediate action to curb the growing tide of antisemitism. Jacob Keegstra, national director for ICEJ-Netherlands, also issued a statement expressing horror and shame over the events of November 8. In just 10 days, the statement quickly gathered over 14,000 signatures from Dutch Christians in support of the local Jewish community. This petition, along with the handwritten signatures, were
Croatia, Luciano Moše Prelević. In addition, we met Dr. Michal Brandl, chair of Jewish and Holocaust studies at Zagreb University, and had a public debate at the local library together with Boris Havel, associate professor of Middle East studies at Zagreb University, where he is known as “Mister Israel” in Croatia.
The trip heralds a new era in the work of ICEJ in this predominantly Catholic country. There actually is quite a history of our engagement there. Boris Havel, who had previously studied at Ulf Eckman’s Bible School in Uppsala, Sweden, became the first ICEJ representative many years ago. He has been a staunch supporter of Israel and made a public career as a journalist, civil servant and academic. His voice is widely respected in Croatia, which currently counts as one of the most Israelfriendly nations in the European Union. With Vatroslav, a Methodist minister, and Boris’ support, the ICEJ can play a effective role of encouraging Christians to comfort and support Israel in Croatia.
delivered to Prime Minister Dick Schoof, and the Chairman of the House of Representatives, MP Martin Bosma, as well as the Deputy Ambassador of Israel Yaron Wax. Keegstra also shared the petition with the Dutch Chief Rabbi Binyomin Jacobs (pictured).
(L to R): Mojmir Kallus, Vatroslav Župančić and Boris Havel in the public library.
Aleksandar Vitakić appointed as the new representative for ICEJ-Serbia.
Mojmir Kallus visits the Croatian Parliament with chairwoman Marijana Petir.
ICEJ-Netherlands national director Jacob Keegstra with Dutch chief rabbi Binyomin Jacobs.
SURVIVORS FROM BE’ERI TELL THEIR STORY IN CZECH REPUBLIC
BY DR. MOJMIR KALLUS, VICE PRESIDENT FOR INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
In November, the ICEJ-Czech Branch organized two separate visits by survivors of the Kibbutz Be’eri massacre to tell their story to a wide variety of audiences. They travelled to four cities to speak in public meetings, churches and a synagogue, visited two universities, and were hosted by the Czech-Israel parliamentary group in the capital of Prague.
The speaking tours for our Kibbutz Beeri guests were a great success. All the venues were packed, and the personal testimonies were very well received. In fact, our Israeli guests were surprised by the positive reception. One also could see that telling their stories had a therapeutic affect on them as well.
during a tour of Lidice, in front of a unique memorial to 82 children murdered by the Nazis.
The idea of inviting members of Be’eri came out of the ICEJ’s close personal relationship with the kibbutz. The Czech branch decided right after the October 7 massacres that they would focus their fundraising efforts on Be’eri. Through the ICEJ, Christians in the Czech Republic have so far funded one armoured military ambulance, two mobile classrooms, and new equipment for up to four kindergartens, plus they currently are raising money to help families with children who are settling in temporary homes in Kibbutz Hatzerim.
The reason for selecting Be’eri is due to a special connection Czechs have with Israel. Just as Be’eri has become a symbol of the destruction wrought by Hamas on Israeli communities on October 7, the village of Lidice in Czechia suffered a similar massacre that remains the symbol of Nazi atrocities in the country. In June 1942, the village was completely destroyed, all the men were murdered, and all the women and children were sent to concentration camps, all as a retribution for the assassination of Reinhard Heydrich, the chief architect of the Holocaust.
During November, we visited Lidice with two members of Be’eri and found to our amazement that the similarities in the stories are even stronger than we first thought. The mayor of Lidice and the director of the local memorial turned out to be very sympathetic and immediately agreed to various ways of cooperation between the two communities. As the first symbolic act, rose bushes will be donated by Lidice to Be’eri in the spring.
Visits by Israeli survivors of the October 7 massacre are very important at this time, and I can only recommend that other branches organise similar speaking tours in their nations.
AUSTRALIA HONOURS ABORIGINAL LEADER WHO DEFENDED THE JEWS
ICEJ-Australia national director Sarah Way recently took part in a special ceremony hosted by the embassies of Israel and Germany which honoured a Christian Aboriginal elder who walked a great distance to protest the Nazi pogrom against the Jews on Kristallnacht, in November 1938. The event unveiled a commemorative plaque to salute the courage of William Cooper, 77, who upon hearing several days later of the brutal night of persecution against Jews, walked from his home in Melbourne, Victoria to the German consulate to demonstrate against the Nazi regime.
William Cooper also was honoured that same day with the annual commemorative walk which retraces his footsteps. The journey ended with the delivery of a joint statement to the Government with Christian leaders and dignitaries including the German Consul. This year, the ICEJ-Australia team assisted in organising the walk and were represented when Jews and Christians also gathered at a synagogue to remember Cooper’s legacy. Australian board member Dr. Tim Hall, an evangelist whose great uncle was a commander of the Lighthorse brigade in the Battle of Beersheva in 1917, gave an inspiring address.
Despite his being turned away from the German Consulate in December 1938, Cooper’s courageous stand remains a powerful symbol of solidarity and resistance against hatred. His protest against Nazi Germany is recognised at Yad Vashem as the only one in the world against Kristallnacht.
At the time, indigenous Australians were not even counted as citizens of their own country and Willliam Cooper also tirelessly struggled for their rights.
“The moral courage and legacy of this Aboriginal man demonstrates the power of one voice against this dreadful pandemic of Jew-hatred,” said Sarah Way of ICEJ-Australia.
Last year, the annual events in Australia honouring Cooper’s memory were particularly significant as details emerged of a horrifying arson attack on a synagogue in Melbourne the very same day.
Kibbutz Be’eri survivors Yair Rotem and Lior Alon
Kibbutz Be’eri survivors Miri Gad Messika and Ayelet Hakim in Olomouc, Czechia.
Australian branch director Sarah Way at the commemorative plaque for William Cooper.
Australian Christians and Jews participate in the walk to honour William Cooper.
WALKING THE TRAIL WITH JESUS
BY AUTHOR TERESA CRAIG
It was on a trail leading to Emmaus where two men were heavy in heart regarding the events that had just occurred in Jerusalem over the past few days. Grief and sadness were the threads between them. As they walked, trying to process these events, they were joined by a stranger, unaware it was Jesus.
The two men talked with the “stranger” about the crucifixion – a senseless death, or so it seemed, and about the talk of Him resurrecting from the dead since His body could not be found. How could one be resurrected from the dead? Where is His body now? They told the stranger that their friends were hoping that Jesus was indeed going to save the Jewish people from the slavery and oppression of Roman rule, but now those hopes were gone – so many questions.
The three of them walked and talked, enjoying the companionship on the journey. They walked along groves of ancient olive and carob trees. It may have been late morning or early afternoon, so the sun was warm, and gentle breezes blew across the tall grasses and flowering fields of spring. Sheep and goats were more than likely in various pastures along the way, with their shepherds watching over them – a peaceful journey away from the stressful environment of Jerusalem at the time.
As it was so often with Jesus, He loved to use the settings of nature to speak of heavenly things. After rebuking them regarding their lack of faith, He explained the scriptures from Moses through the Prophets regarding the Messiah: His virgin birth, His miraculous intervention in people’s lives to heal the sick and raise the dead, and to share the Kingdom to come. He explained the reason why the Messiah had to suffer and die and be resurrected on the third day. This was ultimately for the salvation of all who would believe in Him.
It was not until they had reached their home in Emmaus that they finally recognized Jesus while breaking bread, and then He vanished from their sight. They exclaimed, “Didn’t our hearts burn within us while He talked with us on the road?” Overwhelmed with joy and newfound understanding, they hurried back to Jerusalem to share their experience with the disciples, where Jesus met them again and spoke, “Peace be with you.” Genuine rejoicing filled the room!
Along the trail, Jesus met those who were perplexed, downcast, and uncertain about life’s events.
Jesus is never in a hurry. He walks the journey with us. When we are quiet, and our hearts and minds are turned to Him, He reasons and instructs us. This is intimacy. This is when our hearts begin to burn within us.
Walking the Land of Israel impacts those searching for God in a way that no other land in the whole world can do. It is real. The facts of His life are revealed through archaeological discoveries, land formations mentioned thousands of years ago, the scrolls found around the time of modern Israel’s founding to confirm the long Jewish presence in the Land, and so much more.
These stories encourage you to linger a while and consider the Scriptures, the people, the history, and the culture of that time. This way, the experience of walking the trail with Jesus will become your own, and Jesus will come alive in your heart – increasing your faith to believe for anything in the future because He is the One walking the perplexing journey of life with you.
Photography copyrights of Teresa Craig
Walking the Trail with Jesus: A 40-Day Devotional, by Teresa Craig, is a book written for those who wish to personally encounter the Lord within the context of His time on earth. It features stories about the events surrounding His life, including His journey from Nazareth to Capernaum, the nearby villages, Jerusalem, and ultimately His crucifixion and resurrection. This devotional offers readers a message of beauty and hope. This book can be ordered online from icejstore.com
