Rocking the Heavens

Thirty-five years ago, when my father, Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein, began the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, almost no one had heard of Christian support for Israel and the Jewish people. Identifying as a “pro-Israel Christian” was not even a concept until recently – yet now there are hundreds of millions of individuals who use that term as their dominant identity.

Today, we are living in prophetic, blessed times.

It is inspiring to see how millions of Christians have taken Genesis 12:3 – “I will bless those who bless you” – to heart and are acting on that belief in numerous ways: prayer, tithes, tours to Israel, and political advocacy, just to name a few.

It gives me chills to realize and truly believe that for the first time in history, the Jewish people are not alone.

I felt this potently at the opening of the American Embassy in Jerusalem. I looked around and noticed that many of those in attendance were Christians – congressmen, political advocates, pastors, and lay leaders. 

Looking around, it was clear to me that Israel has no greater friend than the Christian community. As I always say, administrations come and go, some are pro-Israel and some are less so, but individual Christian support of Israel is consistent. And that’s what The Fellowship represents.

Unbeknownst to many, it’s not just Americans who stand with Israel. As I spoke about Israel on Facebook live recently, I asked my followers to let me know where they are from. I was completely shocked to see people checking in and sending love to Israel from Pakistan, Qatar, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, and even Gaza. I had no idea that Israel has so many friends in countries whose governments oppose her!

At this time in history, when the U.N., the E.U., the Arab Union, and so-called “democratic” countries are vehemently against Israel, Israelis often feel alone. However, The Fellowship comes along as a voice that tells the people of Israel not to despair; we are far from alone.

The Fellowship operates 500 projects across Israel, and at each site there is a sign that reads “Donated with love by Christians around the world.” The Fellowship’s 1.4 million recipients of aid know that it comes from Christians who care deeply about their wellbeing. In just one of our security projects, The Fellowship built over 5,500 bomb shelters around Israel. Every time a code red siren goes off and people run for shelter, they see the sign that Christians have provided that safe haven. 

It makes a huge difference to know that we actually have friends.

For thousands of years we have been praying the words of Psalm 133:1, “Behold how good and how pleasant it is when brethren dwell together in peace.” Today we are acting upon those words by working together.  

Together, we are rocking the heavens, and bringing down many blessings to the entire world. 

If you'd like to learn more about the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews please visit www.ifcj.org.