The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (IFCJ or The Fellowship) has continued to make significant strides in its mission to bridge the gap between Christian and Jewish communities while providing crucial humanitarian aid.
Founded in 1983 by Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein, the organization has consistently been at the forefront of fostering understanding and cooperation between these two faiths, bringing hope and encouragement to the global community.
The Fellowship has also been a pivotal force in delivering aid to Jews in need worldwide. Under the leadership of Rabbi Eckstein’s daughter, Yael Eckstein, the mission has seen significant growth and impact. Yael has emerged as one of the top global humanitarians, leading the organization to new heights.
As president and CEO of The Fellowship, Yael Eckstein oversees all ministry programs and serves as the international spokesperson, driving IFCJ’s mission forward with her vision and dedication.
“In a year where we have witnessed unimaginable tragedy and darkness, every single one of our team members helps us bring so much light into the world on a daily basis,” Eckstein added. “All the lifesaving care we provide to Jewish communities in Israel and globally is only possible because of our team’s impressive dedication, hard work, and unity. Leading an organization that is so collaborative and mission-focused across multiple continents is the honor of a lifetime.”
Before her present duties, Yael served as global executive vice president, senior vice president, and program development and ministry outreach director. She is a published writer and a respected social services professional based in Jerusalem with her family.
She provides updates from the Holy Land each week. The Fellowship aims to be a light that dispels darkness.
“We are coming together to help,” Eckstein said, referring to IFCJ and Israel’s response during a time of war. “All different civilians, first responders, and security personnel from across northern Israel are going to where the rockets are landing and helping to put out the fires. Once again, it’s the people coming together to meet this need and to save lives together.”
Hidden Miracles
In a blog posted on July 18, 2024, Eckstein addressed the tenacious and resilient spirit of the Israeli people. She said God has hidden miracles everywhere.
“Often, I am asked whether I am fearful of living in Israel and raising my children in a place where we are surrounded by enemies and terrorist attacks can happen at any time. And it’s true,” she wrote. “When he was the Chief of Staff for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Lt. General Benny Gantz said, ‘Not a day goes by that we don’t find ourselves facing an incident with the potential to ignite into a large-scale battle.'”
“But I’m not fearful because I know that the IDF is ever vigilant and able to diffuse those situations and allow innocent civilians to continue with their normal lives without even the slightest clue that they were in danger. But the real thanks goes to the LORD Almighty, who performs countless hidden miracles every single day on our behalf.”
Responding to the Israel-Hamas War
During the Israel-Hamas war, IFCJ has played a critical role in supporting Israelis affected by the conflict. Within the first three months of the war, The Fellowship provided over $19 million in emergency aid, addressing the needs of evacuees, first responders, elderly families, and new immigrants who were among the most affected by the crisis.
Key initiatives included the placement of 123 bomb shelters at bus stops in northern Israel, and a $1.5 million project aimed at protecting 42 at-risk communities from ongoing rocket attacks. Additionally, the organization distributed 23 emergency vehicles, including bulletproof ambulances, to enhance civilians’ and medical personnel’ safety and mobility.
Comprehensive Humanitarian Aid
The Fellowship’s efforts go beyond immediate crisis response. In 2023, they provided aid to over 2 million people, focusing on basic needs, security, and facilitating aliyah (immigration to Israel) for over 4,000 Jews from 35 countries. Their work includes supplying food, medicine, and other essentials to vulnerable populations, such as Holocaust survivors and impoverished families.
Under the leadership of Eckstein, who serves as President and CEO, IFCJ has expanded its humanitarian reach and enhanced its organizational capabilities.
The Fellowship was recently named one of the best nonprofits to work for in 2024, a testament to its supportive and inclusive workplace culture. This accolade highlights the organization’s commitment to its mission and ability to inspire and unify its diverse team to pursue common goals.
The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (The Fellowship) today announced it has been named a 2024 Best Nonprofit to Work For by The NonProfit Times. This is the fourth time the organization has been awarded this distinction, having earned the honor in 2011, 2021, and 2023.
“One of our greatest sources of pride is our team’s diversity. In a world of animosity and isolationism, The Fellowship’s incredible geographic, racial, religious, and personal diversity is proof that doing good unifies everyone. We have all come together to share one mission of helping others,” Eckstein said. “Being awarded this honor for a third time in four years confirms the exceptional work of our team at every level, every day. We value each other and all the work we accomplish.”
IFCJ Tackles Poverty and Food Insecurity in Israel
According to recent reports, nearly 1.8 million Israelis live below the poverty line, including over 800,000 children. This stark reality means that many families struggle to secure basic necessities, with food insecurity being a major issue. The situation has been exacerbated by ongoing wartime conflicts and the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving many reliant on external assistance for their daily sustenance.
The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews has been instrumental in addressing these pressing needs through various initiatives aimed at alleviating poverty and hunger among Israel’s most vulnerable populations.
The organization’s comprehensive approach includes providing food, financial support, and essential services to those in dire need.
Food Aid Programs
IFCJ’s food aid programs have been a lifeline for countless families facing food insecurity. The Fellowship distributes thousands of food boxes annually containing essential items such as rice, pasta, canned goods, and fresh produce. These boxes are delivered directly to the homes of those in need, ensuring that even the most vulnerable, such as the elderly and disabled, receive adequate nutrition.
Emergency Food Assistance
During crises, IFCJ ramps up its efforts to provide emergency food assistance. In the first 100 days of the recent Israel-Hamas war, IFCJ provided over $19 million in aid, including significant contributions to food assistance for those affected by the conflict. The organization distributed 65,000 meals, 8,000 food boxes, and 4,900 food cards to evacuees and families in the conflict zones.
Support for Children
Children are among the hardest hit by poverty and food insecurity. IFCJ has implemented programs specifically targeting this demographic, ensuring that children receive the nutrition they need to grow and thrive. These programs include school meal initiatives and the distribution of special food packages designed to meet children’s dietary needs.
Collaborations and Community Support
The Fellowship also collaborates with local organizations and community centers to extend its reach. By working with these partners, IFCJ ensures that food aid is distributed efficiently and reaches the needy. This collaborative approach amplifies the impact of their efforts and fosters a community-based support system that strengthens overall resilience.
Long-Term Solutions
Beyond immediate food aid, IFCJ is committed to providing long-term solutions to poverty. This includes vocational training programs, financial assistance, and other support services aimed at helping individuals and families achieve economic stability.
By addressing the root causes of poverty, IFCJ helps create sustainable pathways out of food insecurity. The Fellowship’s multifaceted approach to tackling poverty and food insecurity in Israel has made a significant difference in the lives of many. The organization continues to bring hope and sustenance to those in need through dedicated food aid programs, emergency assistance, and long-term support initiatives, embodying its mission to be a light that dispels the darkness.
Receiving God’s Hidden Miracles: A Reflection by IFCJ’s Leader
In a recent reflection, Yael Eckstein drew parallels between the Israelites’ journey to the Promised Land and the hidden miracles that continue to bless people’s lives today. This message resonates deeply with the core mission of IFCJ, which is dedicated to providing humanitarian aid and fostering interfaith understanding.
Eckstein focused on a verse from an ancient song the Israelites sang after surviving numerous crises on their way to the Promised Land. The verse, “Zahab in Suphah and the ravines, the Arnon,” is traditionally understood in Hebrew to refer to the hidden miracle that occurred at the rivers of Arnon.
According to Jewish sages, as the Israelites approached the Promised Land, their enemies, the Amorites, planned an ambush by hiding in the crevices of cliffs and rocks.
Miraculously, God moved the cliffs together, crushing the attackers and saving the Israelites from an unseen threat. The Israelites only became aware of the danger when they saw blood trickling down the cliffs into the rivers of Arnon, prompting them to sing in gratitude for God’s hidden miracles.
This ancient story is a powerful metaphor for the hidden miracles that occur in everyday life. Eckstein often reflects on such moments of divine intervention. She notes that, like the Israelites, many people today are recipients of God’s hidden miracles, whether preventing potential harm or averting disasters.
Yael Eckstein encourages gratitude for both visible and invisible blessings. She emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and praising God for these miracles, whether they are recognized immediately or remain unknown.
She remembers that IFCJ’s mission is to provide lifesaving aid and support, serving as the hands and feet of the LORD Almighty to intervene on behalf of His people. By fostering cooperation between Christians and Jews, The Fellowship builds a foundation of mutual respect and shared humanitarian efforts, ensuring that the hidden miracles of protection and provision continue to reach those in need.