With conflict and war affecting so many parts of the world today, the need for humanitarian support and aid has never been greater. From ongoing crises in the Middle East to the war between Ukraine and Russia, lives continue to be put at stake, and more and more people are in need of help.
Due to nonprofits like the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (IFCJ), thousands of people are receiving the support they need to survive and rebuild their lives. While Yael Eckstein, IFCJ President and CEO, noted that the organization originally focused on helping those living in Israel, its mission has expanded.
Under the leadership of Yael Eckstein, IFCJ’s President, the non-profit can now be found providing aid whenever and wherever it’s needed in the world. With this new sense of direction, IFCJ is branching out, working closely with other organizations and communities to bring relief to those who need it most.
From a Dream to a Mission
In 1983, Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein started the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews with the goal of bringing Jews and Christians together in mutual support and understanding. Rabbi Eckstein believed that by forming this alliance, they could work side by side to help those in need, especially in Israel.
This dream started small but eventually expanded into a mission that has impacted the entire world. Today, IFCJ has grown into a leading nonprofit organization. Today, it provides aid and support to Israel as well as other communities in crisis all throughout the world.
Not only has the IFCJ worked closely with both evangelical Christians and Jews, but it has also made a true difference in the lives of countless people. Rabbi Eckstein’s original vision keeps growing, with the organization’s reach and impact becoming stronger and more widespread every day.
Yael Eckstein Is Building On Her Father’s Legacy
When Rabbi Eckstein passed away in 2019, his daughter, Yael Eckstein, became the new President and CEO. Yael held several previous leadership roles in IFCJ before her father’s passing, which has helped her carry on his legacy while also expanding it. Since stepping into her new role, Yael has led several important campaigns that have allowed IFCJ to reach and support more people than ever before.
Meeting the Basic Needs of Millions
Under Yael’s guidance, IFCJ has provided lifesaving care and humanitarian aid to millions of people. This includes everything from food boxes and medication to shelter, emergency grants, and other supplies and financial aid.
IFCJ has helped more than 770,000 Jews immigrate to Israel and live a biblical life in their homeland. After they arrive in Israel, IFCJ keeps supporting them by providing job training, essential supplies, and access to specialized services to help them settle into their new homes.
Yael’s leadership and work have not gone unnoticed. In 2023, she was awarded the Humanitarian Award by the Jerusalem Post and named one of the 50 Most Influential Jews in 2020, 2021, and 2023.
Reaching the Most Vulnerable
IFCJ remains committed to helping the most vulnerable members of society, ensuring that people of all ages and backgrounds get the care they so desperately need. Since its founding, IFCJ has raised over $3.1 billion, helped more than 2.3 million people, and focused on groups like orphans, the elderly, Holocaust survivors, children, needy families, soldiers, and victims of terrorism.
Families and children make up a large portion of those assisted by IFCJ, totaling more than 798,000 people. IFCJ makes sure that poor and orphaned children have clothes for Jewish holidays like Passover and Rosh Hashanah while providing hot meals and school supplies throughout the school year.
IFCJ also provides services to help poor women, single mothers, and survivors of domestic violence stand on their own two feet. Young adults have the chance to take part in professional training that helps them move forward in their careers, and at-risk youth receive scholarships to support their educational pursuits.
Over 180,000 elderly individuals and Holocaust survivors also benefit from IFCJ’s support, receiving food packages, meal vouchers, and meals through programs like meals-on-wheels and soup kitchens. Medical care and blankets to keep warm are also provided, along with recreational activities like clubs and day centers.
IFCJ is known for being there wherever there’s a crisis, offering support to over 800,000 people affected by emergencies like terrorist attacks and security-related incidents. In these situations, aid goes to first responders and soldiers—particularly those without a family to help. When buildings are destroyed and lives are upended, the organization rebuilds and restores hope by renovating hospitals, sending essential equipment, and providing furniture for homes.
Strengthening Bonds and Forming New Connections
Since IFCJ was founded, it has relied on strong partnerships with other organizations and the bonds between Christians and Jews to carry out its goals. These long-standing connections have enabled them in recent years to raise over $232 million annually, mostly from their Christian advocates.
With 2.6 million supporters, offices in Jerusalem, Chicago, Toronto, and Seoul, and a network that’s only growing, the possibilities that lie ahead for IFCJ are infinite. IFCJ’s focus has grown beyond Israel, now reaching people in over 41 countries. Through its wide-reaching communication channels, it connects with even more people in more than 100 additional countries every day.
Looking ahead, IFCJ remains focused on developing new relationships with other organizations, cultural groups, and faith communities, hoping to broaden its impact across the world by helping more people.
The Power of Fellowship in Creating Global Impact
The word “fellowship” means a friendly association with people who share one’s interests—perfectly fitting for the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews. Its story is one built on collaboration and unity with a shared purpose of providing help wherever it’s needed most.
The ongoing success of the IFCJ doesn’t depend on its efforts alone but on the collective work of its partners and supporters around the globe. IFCJ has shown that when people work together, they can accomplish far more than they ever could alone.
To keep making an impact, IFCJ depends on those who share its mission. With the help of its advocates, supporters, and partners, IFCJ is making a real difference in the lives of countless people, working toward a better future for everyone.
