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INTERNATIONAL CHRISTIAN EMBASSY JERUSALEM // SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 // GLOBAL EDITION

ON THE PATH TO RECOVERY ICEJ Helping Israeli Border Communities Rebuild

FROM THE DESK OF THE

PRESIDENT “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.” (1 Timothy 2:1-2)

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 Vice President 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 Ryan Tsuen Additional Writers Dr. Mojmir Kallus, Fine Ditoka, Maxine Carlill, Matthias Immendörfer, Jemina Künzli and Melina Strecker, Graphic Design/Illustrator Ryan Tsuen Administration Jonathan Buker Photography Adobe Stock, Shutterstock, JAFI, Wikimedia Commons, ICEJ Staff, Branches and Projects 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

Dear friends, The word of God repeatedly assures us that prayer has great power with God. One example is when Abraham pleaded with God for Sodom and Gomorrah. We are again in a pivotal point in history when our prayers can make a difference. Israel is entering elections for a new government in late October. In the USA, mid-term elections in November could drastically change the political dynamic in Washington. This is all occurring while the region is still shaken by the conflict with Iran. Please make these matters a priority in your prayer life. The above instruction from the Apostle Paul to Timothy encourages us to “first of all” pray for kings and rulers. It should be at the top of our prayer lists. My wife and I recently visited Nir Oz on the Gaza border. This kibbutz was the hardest hit community of all during the October 7 terror invasion, due to the high percent of its residents killed or kidnapped, including the two young Bibas boys and their mother. Almost every house was burned. When we met the kibbutz manager, she said: “We want to rebuild stronger and more beautiful than before October 7”. Some of the former residents will soon return while others are on the waiting list to join the kibbutz. We were amazed by their resilience. And we witnessed it in every village in the Western Negev, as they all seem determined to dig even deeper roots in this border region. One testimony touched us in particular. Amitz was head of the only religious family in Nir Oz, and weeks before the attacks he had an ominous sense they all would be massacred. “It was like a weight on my shoulders, but nobody wanted to listen”, he told us. When the assault happened, he and his wife prayed the ‘Shema’ and Psalm 23 again and again while terrorists tried to enter their shelter. “Our house and those of our children were among the very few that were not burned on that day. Our lives were miraculously spared by God”, he exclaimed. I was reminded of the prayer of Habakkuk, who saw in a vision the Babylonian invasion. “… in wrath remember mercy!” (Habakkuk 3:2). Amid the tragedies of October 7, there were countless survival stories like Amitz. In this magazine, we have an update on the nine major rebuilding projects the ICEJ has undertaken in the Western Negev. And we now have been selected by Nir Oz to help rebuild a key community facility, which was heavily damaged by Hamas terrorists. It will be a great testimony of Christian concern for Israel. Please consider standing with us in this momentous task. And pray it will bring healing and comfort for Nir Oz. Finally, I hope to see many of you at the Feast of Tabernacles in Jerusalem, or online. We have an exciting program this year, and I know you will be blessed. Thank you for all your support in prayer and finances. May the Lord richly bless you out of Zion.

INTERNATIONAL CHRISTIAN EMBASSY JERUSALEM P.O. Box 1192, Jerusalem • 9101002, ISRAEL

Support our ministry online at www.icej.org

Dr. Jürgen Bühler

SCAN ME TO BLESS ISRAEL TODAY! FOR MAGAZINE ARCHIVES visit www.icej.org/media/word-jerusalem

ICEJ President COVER PHOTO: A young Israeli girl leading a horse as part of a trauma therapy session at the Urim animal ranch. (Enhanced screen capture from video.) WFJ_2026-0910

CONTENTS

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 GLOBAL EDITION

FEATURED TEACHING

4 A TURNING POINT IN ZION

GOD’S ELECTION OVER ISRAEL STILL STANDS

ICEJ’S REBUILDING PROJECTS ON GAZA BORDER TO LEAVE A LASTING LEGACY

CHRISTIAN LEADERS DEEPEN UNDERSTANDING OF HOLOCAUST AND ANTISEMITSM

JOYOUS WELCOME GREETS FRENCH ALIYAH FLIGHTS SPONSORED BY ICEJ

TEACHING

THE LORD ROARS from ZION

TURNING POINT in ZION A

BY D R. J Ü RG E N B Ü H L E R, I C E J P R E S I D E N T

he Feast theme this year, “The Lord Roars from Zion”, is taken from Joel 3:16 and signals a turning point in history that should not be ignored by any Christian. This turning point is the context in which this powerful prophetic declaration is placed. The preceding passages culminate in two major events of great relevance for our day. These two events mark a crossroad in world history, and a new season in the purposes of God.

the greatest in history. It began with revival centers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in America and Europe, and emerged as a global movement through the Azusa Street Revival in Los Angeles. This PentecostalCharismatic revival quickly became the fastest-growing Christian movement and greatly impacted world missions.

“... and I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh...”

We do not know exactly when this key factor may happen to trigger the coming of the Lord, but we are surely in a generation when this aim is becoming much more realistic.

“For behold, in those days and at that time, when I restore the fortunes of Judah and Jerusalem...” - Joel 3:1 -

- Joel 2:28 -

SPIRIT-FILLED REVIVAL The first event is described in Joel 2:28–32. It is a phenomenal season of grace and an outpouring of the Holy Spirit: “... and I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh...” and “... everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved”. This heralds a season of global revival. This already had a fulfilment on the Day of Pentecost in Acts chapter two. Peter understood he was witnessing the beginning of this outpouring and declared boldly, “...this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel...” (Acts 2:16–23/ESV throughout). Again today, we find ourselves in the midst of a mighty outpouring of the Holy Spirit, perhaps

Over the past 120 years, the Gospel has literally reached every nation of the world. While many people groups may still lack a full presentation of the Gospel or Bibles in their own language, these are coming quickly. Recently I learned that Bible translators using AI technology may be able to translate the Scriptures into every language on earth by 2030. It reminds us of the words of Jesus that “this Gospel of the Kingdom will be proclaimed as a testimony ... to all the nations (ethnos in Greek) and then the end will come” (Matthew 24:14). 4 | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026

JEWISH RETURN TO ISRAEL The second great event Joel foresees before the Lord’s roars is the restoration of Israel. “For behold, in those days and at that time, when I restore the fortunes of Judah and Jerusalem...” (Joel 3:1). The prophet does not give us much detail here about the scope of this restoration. We are simply informed that God will restore the fortunes of His people. But we know from other prophets what the restoration of Israel will entail. All the prophets, beginning with Moses, spoke of the restoration of Israel back to their Land (see, Deuteronomy 30:4–5; Jeremiah 29:14; Amos 9:15; etc.). This implies the return of Jews from the four corners of the

world back to their Land, as we are witnessing that today. This Ingathering also includes a physical restoration of the Land itself. Ezekiel speaks about this at great length in chapter 36. He prophesies to the land, the fields, the mountains, and even the trees, declaring a new season of replenishment. The Land of Israel today is indeed an agricultural miracle. A land that was desolate and dry for centuries is now turning green all over. Over 250 million trees have been planted in Israel, and Israeli agricultural technology is exported around the world, giving dry countries a new perspective on agriculture.

NATIONS IN THE VALLEY OF DECISION However, this exciting time for Israel is also a time of decision for the nations. The great decision of these last days is where we stand with God’s people. It is a valley of decision where everyone needs to come to terms with what God is doing in Israel. It is in this context that the Lord roars. Today, we see the global spread of the Gospel, Israel’s restoration, and the nations taking sides regarding Israel. We do not know how long the Lord will tarry, but we do know it is time to work.

“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

Delegates from all over the world at the Jerusalem March during the Feast of Tabernacles. could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages...” It is a global Church that has responded to the roar of the Lion of Judah. We still live in a time of grace. It is still day, when labouring for souls is possible. But Jesus also warns of a coming night when no one can work (John 9:4).

- Psalm 22:1 -

Farmers planting vines on a desert farm in the Negev, Israel. Moses declares that once this happens, God will make Israel “more prosperous and numerous than your fathers.” Israel today is an economic miracle. I recently asked a chief economist of a large Israeli institution why, during wartime, Israeli stocks have risen in value, the shekel has grown stronger than ever, and the economy seems to be booming even though a large part of the workforce was on army duty. He smiled and said, “I honestly don’t know. It contradicts everything I learned at university.” Without a doubt, God has been restoring the fortunes of the Jewish people over the past century.

My wife Vesna recently brought to my attention Psalm 22, one of the greatest Messianic psalms. It begins with the final words of Jesus on the Cross: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Psalm 22:1). The same verse continues: “Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning?” (ESV). This last word is shagah in Hebrew – the same word that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu used in naming the recent operation against Iran: “Roaring Lion”. In other words, it implies that when Christ hung on the cross and felt forsaken by His heavenly Father, He was not merely groaning amid His suffering. It was a cry of great intensity, likened to the roar of a lion. This roar shook the earth and the heavens. In a way, this roar of the Lion of Judah has been heard for 2000 years, and the message of the roar declares: “Whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” It is the timeless message of Paul, which he proclaimed to the listeners in Athens: “The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now He commands all people everywhere to repent...” (Acts 17:30).

An Ethiopian Aliyah flight arrives in Israel.

It is the roar that gathers the global Bride of Christ, as described in Revelation 7:9: “a great multitude that no one 5 | WORD FROM JERUSALEM

His roar will cause a global shaking that will be felt on earth and even in the heavenly realm. AN UNSHAKEABLE KINGDOM The ultimate result of the roar that Joel heard has great significance for the end times. As a consequence of this roar from Zion, “the heavens and the earth will shake” (Joel 3:16). His roar will cause a global shaking that will be felt on earth and even in the heavenly realm. The books of Hebrews and Haggai also describe a mighty shaking in the last days of “not only the earth but also the heavens” (Haggai 2:7, 21; Hebrews 12:25–29). For Haggai, this shaking heralds an age of latter-day glory to be manifested in God’s temple, but also a time of God judging the nations. Hebrews describes it as God shaking the things that can be shaken, “in order that the things that cannot be shaken may remain” (Hebrews 12:26–29). The writer of Hebrews is not addressing unbelievers with a final warning to repent; rather, he is appealing to the Church to build on solid foundations. The things that can be shaken could include many things. For example, our earthly possessions or financial foundations, or even our religious practices that do not originate from the will and empowerment of God. TEACHING

Throughout history, God has frequently shaken the financial and economic structures of our world. Charles Spurgeon said they are no more than a “house of cards” that can easily collapse. Therefore, the Word of God admonishes us to build on the foundation that cannot be shaken. In short, this means doing the will of God and investing in our relationship with Him. As parents, it means investing in the spiritual lives of our children and, of course, in the people around us.

“The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!” - Revelation 11:15 -

The reason is simple. This final shaking will bring an end to the world order as we know it, but it will leave intact the Kingdom, which cannot be shaken. Or as John saw in Revelation: “The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!” (Revelation 11:15). This is a call for all of us to build our lives on sure foundations and pursue the right priorities in our lives. Abraham was a great example of this faith walk. Wherever he lived, he pitched a temporary tent, ready to follow the call of God whenever He called him to go. At the same time, wherever Abraham went, he built a lasting altar of stone to worship God (Genesis 12:8; 13:3, 18). That is why his faith was rock solid to the end, and he is called the “Father of faith”. THE PROPHETIC VOICE RELEASED The roar of the Lion is God speaking in these last days. It is a release of His prophetic

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word for this generation. The prophet Amos declares: “A lion has roared! Who will not fear? The Lord GOD has spoken! Who can but prophesy?” (Amos 3:8). The roar of the Lord also means the release of a voice. Several passages in Revelation seem to indicate there will be a new release of the ministry of prophecy in the Church in the last days, and that this will be one of the key ways God will communicate with the Church. In Revelation 19:10, we read that the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. In Revelation 22:6, God identifies Himself as “God of the spirits of the prophets.” And the angel who speaks to John the Apostle asks him not to worship him, as he is a “fellow servant with you and your brothers the prophets” (Revelation 22:9). Let us pray for this “testimony of Jesus” to be released in a clearer way than before; that God will raise prophetic voices to the Church who are not merely “fair-weather prophets,” as I wrote in the last issue, but prophets who see the latter glory and also the shaking that will occur to reveal the things that cannot be shaken. A HEALING STREAM FROM ZION Finally, the roar of the Lord from Zion signifies that a new age in God’s eternal purposes is unfolding. It means that the present era of this world is fading away and we are moving into a new Messianic age defined by the “Lord who dwells in Jerusalem” (Joel 3:17, 21). His presence will return to Zion, and Israel’s restoration will see a complete physical and spiritual restoration that overshadows everything that came before. Joel even sees a river emerging from Jerusalem that will flow all the way down to the “Valley of Shittim” (Joel 3:18). This refers to the western ridge of the Jordan River flowing into the Dead Sea. This region is typically identified as the area where Achan committed sin and brought judgment upon the whole people of Israel. God is turning this place of failure into a garden of blessing.

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Hosea 2:15 declares this valley of Achor, of judgment and failure, will become a gate of hope (petach tikva in Hebrew). Ezekiel foresees that the Dead Sea will be healed by this stream from Jerusalem, becoming a sea with “many kinds of fish” and a place for fishermen (Ezekiel 47:1–12). And most importantly, Zechariah saw the stream as a fountain that will be opened “for the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, to cleanse them from sin and uncleanness” (Zechariah 13:1). Wherever this river flows, it will result in restoration, healing and forgiveness. The reason is simple: “because water flows from the sanctuary” (Ezekiel 47:12). This brings us again to the Feast of Tabernacles. On the last day of the Feast, Jesus declared that all who believe can become a source of living water for the people around them. It means this prophetic blessing is already available now for you and me. HEAR THE LORD ROAR! In conclusion, I believe many will hear the roar of the Lord in our times. It is not only a time to understand the signs, but also to respond. It is a call for a final effort to preach the Gospel, taking the message that “Jesus is King” to every last corner of the earth. It also is a time to get our stand with Israel right. Israel is God’s chosen people and eternal possession, and we are called to stand with the people who gave us the Messiah and the Word of God. We owe it to them. It is also a time to build on firm foundations in our personal lives and to get our priorities right. And lastly, it is a time to expect a new prophetic spirit to manifest among us. It is time to get ready for the coming of the King and to eagerly await His coming. I pray that you can hear the Lord roaring from Zion.

THE LORD ROARS from ZION

GOD’S ELECTION OVER ISRAEL STILL STANDS! BY DAV I D R . PA R S O N S , I C E J S E N I O R V I C E P R E S I D E N T & S P O K E S M A N

or nearly three years now, Israel has been fighting a war of self-defense against the radical Iranian regime and its proxy terror militias throughout the region. This bitter conflict is still smouldering on multiple fronts and remains largely unresolved as to victor and vanquished.

An illustration of Jacob Blessing Ephraim and Manasseh. (AI Generated Image)

United States into the war against Iran, and blaming Israel for the troubled oil markets and resulting economic turmoil.

RESPECTING THE ELECTION OF GOD Christians have multiple reasons why they should support Israel. First, we owe a spiritual debt to the Jewish people for all the spiritual To top it all off, many are carelessly blessings we have received through them, most throwing baseless accusations against Israel notably our Bible and the Messiah (Romans for committing genocide and deliberately 9:4-5, 15:27). We also owe them a moral debt starving children in Gaza, among other grave to try to mend all the wounds inflicted on The prolonged war since October 7 also has crimes. Some even wildly blame Israel for the the Jews by past Christian generations. In spawned an alarming wave of antisemitism assassination of Charlie Kirk and the illicit addition, we simply are being obedient to our worldwide. Jewish communities have escapades on Epstein Island. own Scriptures to “bless” the descendants of faced numerous violent attacks Abraham (Genesis 12:3), to “pray in recent months, such as the for the peace of Jerusalem” (Psalm A flower memorial to the Bondi Beach massacre. Hanukkah massacre at Bondi 122:6), to “comfort My people” (Wikimedia Commons-DaHuzyBru) Beach in Australia, and the series (Isaiah 40:1-2), and to “show them of assaults and arson attacks on mercy” (Romans 11:30-32). Jews, synagogues and Hatzolah ambulances in the United However, there is another core Kingdom. Serious attacks on reason why Christians should Jews have occurred in Germany, support Israel: The enduring Greece, Italy, Lithuania and Spain. election of God over the Jewish In North America, a Lebanese man people. This biblical concept recently rammed a truck loaded holds that God has the right of with fireworks and gasoline into a sovereign election and we must large Reform synagogue in Detroit, respect His right and prerogative another car ramming targeted the to choose whomever He wills to Chabad world headquarters in accomplish His purposes in the New York, while three separate earth. It actually is the number synagogues in Toronto along with two Jewish- Sadly, even many Christians are turning on one reason why we should stand with Israel, owned bakeries elsewhere in Canada have all Israel and denying that the Jewish people still and this alone obliges us to exercise caution been strafed with gunfire. matter to God. Are they right? Have the Jewish even when everyone else is reviling the Jewish people lost their special covenant relationship people and nation. Meanwhile, many on the Left and Right are with God? Or does their divine election still ganging up on Israel, wrongly claiming that stand to this day? The answer to this question Yet, many Christians still stumble over the the Netanyahu government dragged the is more important than most realise. biblical concept of divine election, especially 7 | WORD FROM JERUSALEM

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as it relates to Israel. They believe it is an Old Testament concept while the New Testament teaches the universal love of God for all peoples. They contend that in Christ, there are no favoured ethnic groups. Indeed, Galatians 3:28 says “there is neither Jew nor Greek”. Yet the same passage also says, “there is neither male nor female”, and after we are saved we still have reason to distinguish between men and women. Likewise, in Romans 3:1-2, this same Apostle Paul writes that there is still an “advantage” to being Jewish. And in Romans 11:29, he insists God’s calling and election over Israel is “irrevocable”. We are dealing here with a biblical paradox, which scholars call the “scandal of particularity”. It is true that God loves all men and “whosoever will may come” (Matthew 10:32; Revelation 22:17). Yet it is equally true that God chooses whom He will, and shows mercy to whom He will (Exodus 33:19; Romans 9:15). The principles of free will and divine election are equally true, and both are taught in the Old and New Testaments. Alas, the New Testament even affirms: “Jacob I have loved, but Esau I have hated.” (Romans 9:13)

“You did not choose Me, but I chose you…” - John 15:16 -

The art of the Christian journey, then, is to learn to walk between these two paradoxical truths, and never cling to one truth to the exclusion of the other. Personally, I lean more towards God’s calling over my life. Indeed, Jesus said: “You did not choose Me, but I chose you…” (John 15:16). But I never take it to the point of forgetting that I also chose to follow Him. Thus, it is a core tenet of Scripture that we must respect God’s right of sovereign election, and this applies most assuredly to His calling and election over Israel. In fact, this point is repeatedly made in the very first book of the Bible. ‘THE LEAST OF ALL PEOPLES’ The Book of Genesis is replete with examples of God choosing one person over another. We first find that, out of all the inhabitants of the earth, God called Abraham alone to “bless” or offer His salvation to “all the families of the earth” (Genesis 12:1-3; Isaiah 51:2). Because of God’s love for all humanity, He chose Abraham and spoke a blessing and birthright over Him that launched His plan for world redemption. TEACHING

Now, the normal custom of the day was that this blessing and birthright should go to Abraham’s first-born son. Yet God chose to give it to Isaac rather than Ishmael, the firstborn. Then He chose Jacob over Esau. Next, He chose to give it to Judah, who was fourth in line after Reuven, Simeon and Levi. We also see the example of Ephraim receiving the blessing of the first-born over his older brother Menashe (Genesis 48). Interestingly, the Jewish people to this day honour Menashe for accepting that his younger brother Ephraim would receive the greater blessing, thereby respecting the election of God. In contrast, Amalek – a grandson of Esau – never accepted the loss of the family blessing and birthright to Jacob, leading to perpetual conflict between their descendants (Genesis 36:12; Exodus 17:16).

Thus, the recurring lesson throughout Genesis is that God has the right to choose whom He wills to accomplish His purposes, and we do well to respect His election. Thus, the recurring lesson throughout Genesis is that God has the right to choose whom He wills to accomplish His purposes, and we do well to respect His election.

not because they were smarter or stronger or better than anyone else. In fact, they were slaves in Egypt with no will of their own. He chose them to show Himself strong through something small and weak. God even called them “the least of all peoples” (Deuteronomy 7:6-8). So, we should not get too hung up on this principle of God’s right of sovereign election concerning Israel. Even so, some Christians question whether that election over Israel still stands? A key to resolving this debate can be found in God’s choice of David to be king over Israel. ‘TOUCH NOT MY ANOINTED ONES’ With reluctance, the Lord first chose Saul to be Israel’s king. He was tall, strong, handsome – all the natural traits people looked for in a monarch. But he was a flawed character, and eventually God sent the prophet Samuel to find another king. This led him to Jesse, who presented his first seven sons, but Samuel asked if there were more. So, they sent for the youngest son David, who was keeping sheep in the field. And Samuel quickly anointed David as the next king. However, David never sought to topple Saul and claim the throne, even when Saul was trying to kill him. He had the chance in the cave at Ein Gedi (1 Samuel 24) and again in the Wilderness of Ziph (1 Samuel 26). David’s own men urged him to kill Saul while he had the opening. But each time, David repeatedly said he would not raise his hand against “the Lord’s anointed” (1 Samuel 24:6, 10; 26:9-11, 16, 23). Yet again in 2 Samuel 21:6, David referred to Saul as the one “whom the Lord chose”.

You see, God chooses or elects someone not out of favouritism, but for a purpose (2 Timothy 1:9), and He knows beforehand who will best accomplish that purpose. Judah’s brothers Levi and Joseph also were chosen, each for a special divine mission. God also chooses people for both good and bad. Pharaoh was chosen to show God’s glory through his hard heart (Romans 9:17). Being chosen also comes with responsibilities, and burdens. Jesus taught us that we would be hated by the world, because He chose us and the world hated Him first (John 15:18-19). I think the same applies to Israel – the world hates the Jewish people simply because God chose them. Consider that when God called out Israel to become a special nation before Him, it was 8 | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026

King Saul Attacking David Painting by Guercino (Wikimedia Commons)

Valley of Jehoshaphat in Jerusalem. (Wikimedia Commons-Nomos Foundation) David considered Saul’s election not as a political but a sacred act. This election was still valid until God’s purposes over Saul were fully accomplished. David trusted God’s timing to make him king. He also likely held back out of respect for the Prophet Samuel. Finally, he realised it would set a bad precedent for Israel to force his way into the kingship, despite Saul’s failings.

‘Do not touch My anointed ones, and do My prophets no harm’ - Psalm 105:13-15 -

David later penned a famous psalm highlighting this principle concerning Israel’s holy election, saying: “When they went from one nation to another, from one kingdom to another people, He permitted no one to do them wrong; Yes, He rebuked kings for their sakes, saying, ‘Do not touch My anointed ones, and do My prophets no harm’.” (Psalm 105:13-15) In the same Psalm 105, David also referred twice to the nation of Israel collectively as “His chosen ones” (vs. 6 and 43). Elsewhere in the Hebrew Scriptures, the people of Israel are repeatedly described as “chosen” or “elect” (‫ ריִחָּב‬- bachir), as well as “anointed” – using the same Hebrew word ‫( ַחיִׁשָמ‬māšîah) which we use for the Messiah. And Paul says in Romans 11:28-29 that this election and calling cannot be revoked! THE PURPOSE STILL STANDS So, is Israel still a chosen nation? This all depends on whether the purpose of God in Israel’s election has been fully accomplished. As Paul put it, the election remains so that the purpose of God’s election “might stand” (Romans 9:11). Therefore, we can answer with confidence from Scripture that God’s choosing of Israel remains to this day because He still has purposes which He wants to accomplish through the Jewish people alone as they are regathered back in their ancestral homeland. The Hebrew prophets were all very clear that the physical return of the Jews to Israel and Jerusalem in the last days will lead to their spiritual return to God (see, e.g., Ezekiel 36:24ff ). Jesus himself also affirmed this in Luke 21:24 and Matthew 23:39. Peter preached that Jesus will be retained in heaven until

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this restoration process spoken of by all the Hebrew prophets has been completed (Acts 3:21). And Paul said this ingathering and acceptance of Israel will mean “life from the dead” for the world (Romans 11:15). And through this process, Israel will birth the world into the Messianic age of righteousness and peace that we all need so much! So, we must be cautious when it comes to Israel. David warned, “touch not my anointed ones!” This remains true, since their divine election still stands. We must respect the sovereign choice of a holy, all-knowing, merciful God. And if we do so, we will be protected from getting sucked into the torrent of false charges and demonisation being thrown at Israel. That immunity to antisemitism is crucial for the Church and for all peoples, since the Bible also is clear that God will judge all nations based on how well they have respected His election of Israel. “For behold, in those days and at that time, when I bring back the captives of Judah and Jerusalem, I will also gather all nations, and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat; And I will enter into judgment with them there on account of My people, My heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations; They have also divided up My land. They have cast lots for My people, have given a boy as payment for a harlot, and sold a girl for wine, that they may drink.” (Joel 3:1-3) This Feast of Tabernacles, the Lord indeed is roaring from Zion. And the message is one of warning that will shake the nations. For He intends to vindicate Israel as His special treasure that was chosen for the sake of the entire world.

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CHRISTIAN LEADERS DEEPEN UNDERSTANDING OF HOLOCAUST AND ANTISEMITISM

BY RYA N T S U E N

fter several years of hiatus due to Covid and the war, Yad Vashem recently hosted once again a Christian Leaders Seminar, in cooperation as always with the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem. The week-long study program drew a diverse group of Christian leaders, pastors, educators, and advocates for an immersive educational seminar on the Holocaust and Antisemitism at Yad Vashem in Jerusalem.

In an era marked by rising Holocaust denial, historical distortion, and the resurgence of ancient blood libels across social media platforms, Holocaust education remains vital. The seminar taught participants how these harmful narratives increasingly penetrate various societal spaces, including Christian communities, often driven by misinformation, historical disconnection, or hesitation to engage with sensitive topics.

Yad Vashem is the world’s foremost institute for documenting and remembering the Shoah during World War II.

“Am I equipped to stand The hall of remembrance with Israel and against antisemitism in this hour? Yes, but not as fully as I realised after attending the Yad Vashem leadership seminar”, said Suzanne Trites from Canada. “Hearing from exceptionally qualified experts in their field, the lion’s share of the lecturers directly involved … the realities of the heartless pain and injustice of the Holocaust to the rising up of individuals, families and a People after the war. Out of the ashes, as they say. This seminar has further equipped, empowered and reinforced my resolve to be a voice, advocate and educator of the truth in my nation.”

A central theme of the Christian study program was the vibrancy of Jewish life across Europe prior to the war. Lecturers emphasised that European Jewry was highly diverse. In Germany, for example, only about one-third kept Orthodox traditions. Because many citizens across Europe had limited contact with Jews, Nazi propaganda effectively exploited stereotypes to elicit fear and prejudice against “the Jew”. Over the course of the seminar, the presentations addressed such topics as the historic roots of Antisemitism, the rise of Zionism, the cultural influence of Jewish art and literature, spiritual resistance under Nazi occupation, and the struggle to return to life in displacement camps. During one interactive workshop titled “A Street in Poland”, attendees examined large-scale photo collages portraying pre-war life for Polish Jews. The seminar also included guided engagement inside the Yad Vashem Museum and the Archives section. The underground concrete prism forces Christian leaders walk through visitors through a the museum. disorienting path that mirrors the entrapment of the Holocaust victims and culminates with a breath-taking panoramic view of modern west Jerusalem. Participants also met with Holocaust survivor Rena Quint. Born in Poland in 1935, her father disguised her as a boy in the ghetto to protect her from immediate elimination. After surviving Bergen-Belsen and enduring the loss of her family, she was cared for by adoptive mothers in Sweden and later the United States. Today, at 91 years old, her legacy continues through 84 direct descendants—a powerful testament to resilience against the Nazi genocide campaign.

INSIDE THE EMBASSY

Rena Quint

“The most important thing I learned in this seminar was understanding how deeply God loves the Jewish people and, at the same time, recognising how much Satan hates Israel”, said Daniel from Romania. “Unfortunately, even today the world is increasingly being swept up by a spirit of antisemitism. As Christians, however, we should be the ones who stand with Israel during these difficult times.” “The most valuable takeaway from this seminar is the sense of responsibility I have carried with me back to Italy”, said Veronica. “We must take action—and do so immediately—within our own nations. To a greater or lesser extent, we are all part of the social and cultural fabric of our countries, and we possess the capacity to influence reality—a capacity we can cultivate for this very purpose… The Lord revealed my task to me, and I am certain He did the same for each of us individually.” Clearly, the Yad Vashem seminar equipped these Christian leaders to combat prejudice within their respective spheres of influence. Participants concluded the week with a shared commitment to active engagement, standing firmly against antisemitism and utilising their voices to advocate for truth and human dignity.

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ICEJ ARISE HOSTS YOUTH SUMMER TOUR ‘Israel cannot be described, it must be experienced!’ BY M AT T H I A S I M M E N D Ö R F E R, J E M I N A K Ü N Z L I A N D M E L I N A S T R E C K E R

s the ICEJ Arise young adults summer tour group was assembling for our flight to Tel Aviv, those of us in the check-in line in the Frankfurt airport were in for a pleasant surprise. “What hotel are you staying at?” an Israeli man curiously asked our tour group leader.

In bringing Christian young adults on these tours to Israel, we aim not only to educate them on biblical Israel, but also to enable them to experience modern Israel and to encounter God here in a way that deepens their personal faith and love for Jesus. The feedback we receive from participants makes it all worthwhile.

“Somewhere in Tel Aviv”, he replied

When we gave the name, the Israeli gentleman immediately answered: “That’s my hotel, I’m the owner!”

Just as the Israeli hotel owner wanted to bless us, our Heavenly Father wanted to richly bless the 28 participants in the Arise summer tour as we gathered from Germany, Switzerland, Norway, Singapore and the US. Throughout our ten-day visit beginning in late July, we were accompanied by a spirit of joy, unity, worship and revival that we had never experienced before. The itinerary took us from Tel Aviv to Caesarea, Mt. Carmel, Nazareth, the Sea of Galilee, Golan Heights, Jordan River, Dead Sea, Judea and Samaria, and all the way to the pinnacle of Jerusalem. “Even a blind person would know that we are in Jerusalem, the atmosphere is so special here,” commented Jonathan from Switzerland.

Many participants felt deep grief and shock as we visited Yad Vashem and then toured the Nova memorial site, where the largest massacre of Jews since the Holocaust occurred on October 7, 2023. “We have never experienced a people who understand so well what it means to mourn and to dance”, responded one couple on the trip.

“Where exactly?” he persisted.

He pulled out his phone, and two minutes later said with a warm smile: “I have arranged a room upgrade, snacks and refreshments for you.”

perspective on the country and the the Middle East.

An Arise tour participant is baptised in the Jordan river. “The journey was eye-opening, encouraging and grounding for my faith”, said Landon from the US. The participants were able to see, hear, smell, taste and touch the modern miracle of Israel’s restoration, which was foretold long ago by the biblical prophets. At the same time, we did not want to brush over the complex reality of the Middle East today. During visits to the borders with Lebanon, Syria and Gaza, we interceded for the Arab neighbours and for peace in the region. Polarising or over-simplified narratives lost their sway because we met the local people, whether Jews, Christians, Muslims and others with very different stories and backgrounds. Seeing Israel with our own eyes, listening closely, and asking questions re-shaped our

The fitting conclusion of our journey was meeting with Dr. Jürgen Bühler, President of the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem. We were inspired as he spoke compellingly about the ICEJ’s mandate to “comfort” the Jewish people from Isaiah 40:1-2. Historically, many Christians were the “number one archenemy” of the Jews, he recounted. However, the ICEJ now exists to reveal the true face of Jesus to the Jewish people through unconditional love and support. Dr. Bühler also explained God’s covenant faithfulness and redemptive plans with Israel, especially in relation to the global Church. In addition, he urged the Arise group to grasp the immense prophetic significance of the Feast of Tabernacles in our day. Ingeborg from Norway summed up her time on the Arise Tour thusly: “Israel cannot be described, it must be experienced!” So, what are you waiting for? Join us on the next ICEJ Arise tour to Israel.

Indeed, Neil Armstrong, the first man to step foot on the moon, later visited Israel and exclaimed: “I am more excited stepping on the stones of Jerusalem than I was stepping on the moon.” Our tour group unanimously agreed! A trip to Jerusalem and the Land of Israel is not just for history buffs who enjoy examining archaeological digs in the Middle East. The ancient, lifeless stones can breathe new life into our faith because they tell the story of the living God and His people!

Arise Summer Tour group on the Mount of Olives. 11 | WORD FROM JERUSALEM

SHA’AR HANEGEV AND SDOT NEGEV REGIONS

SDOT NEGEV

KFAR AZA

ICEJ’S REBUILDING PROJECTS ON GAZA BORDER TO LEAVE A LASTING LEGACY BY DAV I D PA R S O N S , I C E J S E N I O R V I C E P R E S I D E N T & S P O K E S M A N

ver the past two years, as the battered Israeli communities along the Gaza border have started returning to their home villages, the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem has undertaken nine major rebuilding projects in the area to help restore communal life and draw back the thousands of residents evacuated from their homes following the mass terror invasion on October 7, 2023. Many Christians from around the world have donated towards these efforts and we wanted to give you an update on where they currently stand as we approach three years since this prolonged war began. Thankfully, 90% of the funds needed to complete these rebuilding and renovation projects has come in, but we need your help to finish these construction plans, especially so we can move on to one more major project at the hardest hit community of all, Kibbutz Nir Oz.

An inside look at the Be’eri youth activity center.

SHA’AR HANEGEV – SHELTERS FOR RESILIENCE CENTER (COMPLETED)

“Since I was ten, I suffered from the security situation here, and now I have my own kids and I need to choose every single day to live and stay here”, she explained. “This place provides a safe haven for my kids. For my daughter, any noise can be a trigger for trauma. But here in this center, she can express herself and process everything, and it helps a lot.”

“Thank you for being with us”, Rotem added. “We couldn’t do it without you.”

uring a recent visit to the Gaza border region, our ICEJ team started at the school complex for the Sha’ar HaNegev Regional Council near Sderot. Here, the council has built a new resilience center for their 10,000 residents. It is located right beside the campus for their elementary, middle and high schools, to make it easier for their vulnerable young students to get much-needed trauma care. The ICEJ funded the construction of three large bomb shelters needed for the resilience center to open.

Childrens’ artwork at the Sha’ar HaNegev Resilience Center

Our host, Rotem, explained how they have turned the ICEJ’s three large shelters into useful therapy rooms as well. One was turned into a colourful art room for young children and we were taken by the cheerful artwork they were creating. “In Sha’ar HaNegev, we have over 1000 children in three schools, and every week they take turns coming over here for an hour each to build their resilience”, said Rotem. “The children have many activities. For us, this art room is a safe place, but for them it also is a fun place to be.”

ICEJ AID

ICEJ team wth Rotem (centerright) at the Sha’ar HaNegev shelters

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Map of Israel’s southern border with Gaza and the hard-hit communities that ICEJ is helping to rebuild.

Sha’ar HaNegev

(Google Earth)

Kfar Aza Sdot Negev Be’eri

Nir Oz

Urim

Sde Nitzan

SDOT NEGEV – KFAR AZA – CHILD SHELTERS FOR RESILIENCE THERAPY AND MUSIC CENTER (COMPLETED) CENTERS (UNDERWAY)

few miles away, we next visited the head offices of the Sdot Negev Regional Council, which has greatly expanded its own resilience center for area residents. This required two new large bomb shelters, which were provided by ICEJ. Our host Esther noted that they too were turning these large shelters into extra therapy rooms. “We have people coming in the daytime and the evenings for therapy. So having the shelters enables us to make them feel safe when they come”, she said. “You have to have them to stay open.” “Before October 7, we had a team of 17 therapists serving approximately 200 to 250 people per year. But now that has jumped to a team of 200 therapists serving over 3,000 people. This is a need all over Israel, but especially here in the Gaza border area.” “I just now spoke to a mother whose eight-year-old son has finished a therapy course, but he’s still not talking”, Esther confided. “He won’t talk to his teachers. He’s still very scared, even though it’s almost three years later.”

short drive further south we entered Kfar Aza, where our host Orit showed us a daycare building which the Christian Embassy is currently renovating to serve as a children’s trauma center. In addition, we are turning an old community pub into an innovative music therapy center. She noted that Kfar Aza had over 80 residents killed or kidnapped on October 7, and thus their rebuilding plans are just now getting underway. “I’m still coming every week to see that everything is being built like we planned”, said Orit. “It is very important for us to make this daycare center into a place that will treat the kids.” “Sadly, 90% of our children from ages three to six need emotional treatment after October 7”, Orit explained. “Some of them were really young, even babies. Nearly every family in Kfar Aza lost someone – a father, mother, brothers and sisters. You’re growing up among broken

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An old community pub is being transformed into the music therapy center at Kfar Aza. ICEJ AID

families. So, we believe that these kids really need this extra strength for their emotional health. This daycare center is an important part of drawing these families back.” Meanwhile, the ICEJ’s music therapy center will be situated right beside the community dining hall, placing it at the hub of communal life for Kfar Aza as evacuated families return over the coming year. It will feature an auditorium for performances, a recording studio, therapy rooms, and music classes, while the ICEJ also is purchasing an array of musical instruments for the innovative facility.

Orit shows David Parsons the future Music Therapy Center in Kfar Aza.

KIBBUTZ BE’ERI – KIBBUTZ URIM – ANIMAL THREE REBUILDING THERAPY RANCH (UNDERWAY) PROJECTS (UNDERWAY)

e next stopped at Kibbutz Be’eri, ten minutes down the road, to check out three ICEJ building projects now under construction. This includes totally rebuilding the youth activity center from the ground up, turning a retirement home into an elderly care and activities center, and building a brand new dental clinic. Our host at Kibbutz Be’eri was Lior, who suffered through October 7 and somehow survived. Like other kibbutz members, he has been living many miles away over recent years, but he assured the community is happy about starting to come back. “We’re so exciting to walk around the kibbutz and see all the building that is going on”, Lior gushed. “It will be newer and nicer than it was, thanks to organisations like yours that helped us so much!” “It has been very surprising for me to find that Christians love Israel and support us so much”, Lior added. “We only expected Jewish organisations in the beginning, but now I understand that Christians like us more than the Jews and are more open-hearted to help us. I am always smiling and laughing that they like our kibbutz more than our own Jewish people.” Walking around the kibbutz, we found that the restored youth center is nearly closed in, with electrical wiring and plumbing being installed. One block away, the old retirement home has been cleared out and is ready for workers to turn it into a new therapy and activities center for senior citizens called “Neot Be’eri”. Finally, just behind a walled-off area, we were thrilled to see dozens of busy workers building a new medical complex which will include a first-class dental Construction has begun on clinic sponsored building a brand new medical by the Christian and dental clinic. Embassy.

The future Neot Be’eri senior’s activity center. ICEJ AID

assing the site of the Nova music festival massacre, we turn east towards Kibbutz Urim, where the ICEJ has been assisting a horse therapy ranch and animal corner to greatly expand its boundaries and services. Kibbutz Urim already had the animal therapy ranch going to help area residents deal with the trauma caused by years of incessant rocket barrages from nearby Gaza. The ICEJ has now been helping them expand these animal therapy outlets, buying them four new therapy horses so far, and helping to rebuild their animal corner to provide expanded child trauma treatment services. It was especially exciting to meet our newest therapy horse, Appollo! “We’re building a brand new, amazing facility to host our patients here, to provide the best conditions for the patients, for the therapists, and for the animals”, our host Karen explained. “We are in the final process of receiving the permits for this expanded project on adjoining farmland. There have been lots of hoops to jump through. But we already have gone from helping 100 patients before October 7 to 250 people in the last twelve months, and we are hoping the new facility can grow to serve 350 or even 400 people.” “We’ve been working to expand on three branches. The horse therapy ranch with new stables and riding rinks, the small animal and dog therapy center, and now we have therapeutic cycling activities”, Karen added. “These are partly educational and partly pure therapy activities. And we thank the Christian Embassy so much. Your support is everything.”

Meet ‘Appollo’, the newest ICEJ horse at the Urim therapy ranch 1 4 | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026

URIM

BE’ERI

SDE NITZAN – AGROTECH SCHOOL (COMPLETED)

inally, we visited the new AgroTech high school which the ICEJ has helped launch in the village of Sde Nitzan. The school started out with 30 students in 2024 and then jumped to 50 students in its second year. It aims to draw young pioneer farmers from across Israel to help resettle and strengthen the Gaza border area in the wake of the October 7 attacks. The Christian Embassy built a large greenhouse classroom for the innovative research the students are undertaking. We also donated four regular classrooms and a learning center at the agro-tech school. But more help may be needed as the school has additional expansion plans. Asaf, who hosted our visit, is one of the founders of the cutting-edge farming school in Sde Nitzan. He noted that “the Western Negev region produces 70 percent of Israel’s farm products. Thus, it is important that the region recovers from the severe impact of October 7, and the school is one of the bright spots for Eshkol’s future.” “The school has two big impacts”, added Asaf. “First, the farmers need our help all over the area, and the students in this school are working every day to help them. Every day, I see these kids in the greenhouses, in the fields, they give it a lot of power with their hands and their smiles and their energy. So, it brings us a lot of hope.”

SDE NITZAN

HELP US LEAVE THIS LASTING LEGACY

aken together, these nine initiatives are the most ambitious series of building projects the Christian Embassy has ever undertaken at one time, and we sincerely appreciate all those who have helped us so far. As you can gather, we especially have sought to meet the special needs of the most vulnerable – children and the elderly. We are 90% of the way towards funding all of these projects, which are leaving a lasting testimony of Christian love and concern for the Israeli communities still recovering from this monumental tragedy. The sooner we finish covering these costs, the quicker we can move on to one more major project, which will be the capstone of our rebuilding campaign. We have been selected by Kibbutz Nir Oz, the hardest-hit community of all, to help rebuild an important part of their communal life. This project will be key to allowing Nir Oz to recover and reach for a brighter future. This is your chance to fulfil the prophetic promise to Israel that “foreigners will build your walls!” (Isaiah 60:10)

“The second impact is I think this school is the ‘new Zionism’. The local farm villages were evacuated after October 7, and these young kids are helping the elderly and families in the villages, in their gardens, in everything they do. This is the new Zionism, here in the borders of Israel, touching the land, working in agriculture, learning. This is our hope for all of Israel.”

ICEJ’s greenhouse classroom at the Sde Nitzan agro-tech school

The Western Negev envisions a brighter future. ICEJ leaders with our Lifeshield partner Shmuel Bowman

Donate today to our ‘Israel in Crisis’ fund at: help.icej.org/crisis

15 | WORD FROM JERUSALEM

ICEJ AID

A group of 139 French Jewish immigrants arrive on an ICEJ chartered flight to a joyous welcome at Ben Gurion International Airport.

JOYOUS WELCOME GREETS FRENCH ALIYAH FLIGHT SPONSORED BY ICEJ BY L AU R I N A D R I E S S E

n early August, a group of 139 French Jewish immigrants were joyously welcomed by close relatives and well-wishers as they landed in Israel on an Aliyah flight chartered by the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem. Israel’s Ministry of Aliyah and Integration and The Jewish Agency For Israel, using funds donated by ICEJ-USA and ICEJ-Switzerland, arranged the special “families flight” from Paris, which brought 34 French Jewish families home to Israel. There were a total of 79 children on board, including 11 babies - with three sets of twins, the youngest set just four months old. Senior Israeli and JAFI officials accompanied the new immigrants on their flight from Charles DeGaulle to Ben Gurion Airport, as well as ICEJ representatives Dominique-Pierre Walter from our Swiss branch and Robert Baxter and Philippe Gablin from ICEJ-France. Meanwhile, a team from the ICEJ staff in Jerusalem eagerly waited at Ben Gurion’s old Terminal One to warmly welcome the immigrants upon their arrival.

“It is amazing to see people leaving all things to go into a new life, and have a new start,” said Dominique-Pierre Walter. “It’s tragic that some are leaving due to the hatred against Jews.” On the flight, Dominique-Pierre spoke with a young lady who had enrolled at a high-level university in Paris. The first message she received from a WhatsApp group she joined at the university was: “We want all Jews out of this group!” Meanwhile, Robert Baxter talked with a father of four who was born in Israel and moved to France at the age of 15. “Now, in his early fifties, he was uprooting his wife and children from the only life they knew to bring them ‘home’ to Israel”, Robert explained. “There was no fear or anxiety expressed by the teenage children, only a calm assurance that they were following a calling by making Aliyah.” Robert also was thrilled to have the opportunity to address the Jewish immigrants in French as they entered Israeli airspace. “What to say? As my hand touched the microphone, my brain went blank,” Robert recounted. “I looked up to the stares of so many

ALIYAH

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people who left behind friends, family, a culture, and a nation, to start a new life. My heart began to speak: ‘The history between Christians and Jews, on the whole, has not been very favourable to the Jewish people and the State of Israel, but as you begin a new life, you need to know that you are no longer alone in the world. A growing number of Christians around the world love you, and they love Israel. We will continue to stand with you, defend you, and support you’.” “The plane erupted in applause,” Robert added. “Then we began our descent to Israel.” Robert and his fellow ICEJ reps on board joined the Israeli and JAFI officials in handing out immigration certificates to the French olim (newcomers), as well as offering chocolates, colouring books and crayons to the dozens of children. “This was, without a doubt, one of the most rewarding experiences of my life,” Robert concluded. As the plane taxied on the runway at Ben Gurion, senior ICEJ leaders David Parsons and Richard van der Beek were waiting on the tarmac to greet the new immigrants as they took their first steps on Israeli soil. Then as they finally made it to the arrivals hall, they were swamped by close relatives and

enthusiasts in an explosive atmosphere of joy, music, singing and dancing! “I have never seen so many family members already in Israel turning out to welcome and embrace their loved ones coming from a Western country,” observed David Parsons. “It was electric! Undoubtedly, the growing French Jewish community in Israel is signalling their family and friends back in France that they will be safe and do well here.” Some of the ICEJ staff on hand recognised Raphael, a recent Jewish immigrant they had met when he arrived on a previous ICEJ-sponsored Aliyah flight from France which landed in early July. “It feels like home. I am very happy to be here. It is a dream for me to live in Israel,” said Raphael, who simply came back to the airport to share the excitement of welcoming more newcomers. “It’s my turn to say hello to them!” Danielle Mor, JAFI’s Vice President of Global Philanthropy, shared how there had been lots of hugs and tearful goodbyes as they prepared to board in Paris.

ICEJ Senior VP and Spokesman David Parsons hands out Israel flags to a young new Olim Several of the new immigrant families shared their personal stories with the ICEJ welcoming team. Jean-Pierre explained how it had always been a dream to make Aliyah.

“We are very grateful for what you [Christians] are doing for us and the support you are giving us,” he added. “You are doing an amazing job, and we really appreciate it.”

“Today my dream has come true,” he said

As the welcome ceremonies drew to an end, David Parsons was invited to give a final greeting from the Christian Embassy to the new immigrants.

His plan now is to find a home for the family and then find a job. His daughter has just finished high school in France and will start university in Israel this year, studying engineering.

ICEJ leaders with JAFI official welcoming a French Jewish family home to Israel. “These were the most beautiful and intense hugs you could see, and people were just so full of excitement and happiness,” she recalled. “They all feel 100% complete with their decision, as they realise they are coming home. The whole plane was filled with joy!” “It is always exciting to land at Ben Gurion Airport,” added Robert. “But this flight was nothing like all my earlier ones. These people were not coming on a pilgrimage or for a holiday. They were making a life-changing trip that would affect the lives of their children and their children’s children. There was a tangible electricity in the air!”

Marvin and Joy arrived with three sons and the twin infant daughters. The family received an amazing surprise when Marvin’s mother, who had flown in unexpectedly from Morocco, was there to welcome them at the airport. His brother was also there from Los Angeles. The family’s decision to make Aliyah came after Joy attended a wedding in Israel around 18 months ago. “After October 7, something changed in our minds,” Marvin related. “We belong here with everybody. When we saw all the hate around the world for Israel, we felt a lot of pain. We really felt that we needed to support Israel as a family, try to make a living here and maybe have a better future for our children.” 17 | WORD FROM JERUSALEM

“We speak about Aliyah coming in waves,” he told the French olim. “But you have brought a wave of joy and encouragement that is washing over all of us who came to welcome you here to Israel. On behalf of all the Christians who support our Aliyah efforts, we welcome you home!” Thanks to the generosity of our Christian donors, we are bringing Jewish families home to Israel from all directions - from the north, south and east and west. This includes over 360 French Jews just this summer. In a matter of weeks, we will be sponsoring dozens of young Jewish students from the former Soviet republics coming to start their high school or university studies in Israel. Plus, we have the opportunity to provide flights for hundreds more this fall - including rescue flights for endangered Ethiopian Jews and the isolated Bnei Menashe community in India. But we need your help! Please continue to support the ICEJ’s Aliyah efforts in these prophetic times of the great Ingathering of Israel.

DONATE TODAY AT: help.icej.org/aliyah

ALIYAH

Haifa home residents enjoy an outing at Megiddo.

A SUMMER OF HOPE for HOLOCAUST SURVIVORS BY Y U D I T S E T Z

s the summer heat settled over Israel, our team at the Haifa Home for Holocaust survivors entered a season when several of our Christian staff members took well-earned vacations. Although we are operating with a smaller team these days, we remain committed to providing the care, activities, and personal attention that make the Haifa Home such a special place for our residents. WELCOMING VISITORS FROM GERMANY International visitors have become a rare sight in recent years, which made it a special privilege to welcome an ICEJ group from Germany to the Haifa Home. Their recent visit gave them the chance to meet our staff, learn about the Home, and experience our work firsthand. One highlight was hearing from Shela, a resident who fled her hometown in Ukraine after the Russian invasion and has lived at the

Haifa Home for the past four years. Her story gave our visitors a deeply personal glimpse into the journey of rebuilding a shattered life and finding safety, friendship and hope in Israel. CELEBRATING LIFE’S SPECIAL MOMENTS Sometimes the smallest gestures create the greatest joy. Recently we discovered that our resident Rita and her caregiver, Anu, share the same birthday— born exactly 56 years apart. We surprised them with a birthday outing to nearby Café Benjamin. The café manager has come to know our residents and always welcomes them warmly. Sharing coffee, cake, laughter and conversation made for a memorable celebration.

An ICEJ group from Germany pay a visit to the Haifa Home.

TAKING RESIDENTS BACK INTO THE COMMUNITY Although concerns about regional security remain part of daily life, we have made a special effort to help residents reconnect with the outside world following the recent conflict with Iran. Whether exercising together on the beach, enjoying ice cream, or sharing coffee at a neighbourhood café, these outings have helped restore a sense of normalcy, friendship and joy.

Rita shares the same birthday with her caregiver, Anu. For those able to travel farther, we visited several museums in Haifa, including the Railway Museum, where residents explored the fascinating history of rail travel in Israel dating back to 1892. Our Russian-speaking residents have especially appreciated learning more about the history of the country they now call home. After studying biblical and historical sites during our bi-monthly lectures, many were excited to visit Megiddo and see its rich history with their own eyes. “The more I travel around Israel, the more I see how people created beautiful things out

HAIFA HOME

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of nothing”, Etta shared afterwards. “I am very grateful that you take us to visit different places and discover new things.” “It was so interesting, and once again I learned something new”, added Arnold. “I saw the true Promised Land, beautifully cared for, and it reminds me why this land is worth protecting.” These experiences do far more than provide an enjoyable day out—they deepen our residents’ connection to Israel and create great memories. NEW THERAPY EQUIPMENT Our physiotherapy room continues to be a place of creativity and encouragement. Visitors are often surprised to find boxing equipment alongside traditional therapy tools. Under professional guidance, boxing exercises have become an excellent way for residents to improve coordination, strength, balance and mobility while also providing a healthy outlet for stress and frustration. We also are delighted to share that ICEJ-Switzerland recently donated a therapeutic trampoline to the Haifa Home. Their director Dominique even brought it with him on the plane to Israel. Our physiotherapist, Simcha, completed specialised training developed in Switzerland and has already begun incorporating the trampoline into therapy sessions. It has proven to be an enjoyable addition, helping residents improve balance, stability and confidence. CELEBRATING MANYA’S ARTISTIC ACHIEVEMENT One of our long-term residents, Manya, has spent a lifetime expressing her creativity. Her

Residents enjoy a visit to the Haifa Railway Museum.

Manya celebrates the publishing of her digital paintings. artwork documents her experiences during the Holocaust in Transnistria and is displayed in our museum. In recent years she taught herself digital painting, creating vibrant artwork on the computer. Nearly every day, she produces a new painting accompanied by a poem inspired by her experiences.

culinary academy, Israel’s oldest and largest culinary institute. After graduating, he continued working alongside his father before eventually marrying and opening his own restaurant. The path was not always easy, and Shay learned firsthand that success is not guaranteed in the restaurant business.

This summer, HaGefen Publishing House selected a collection of her digital paintings for its annual calendar. The finished calendar was presented to Manya during one of Nancy’s art classes, creating an unforgettable moment of celebration.

Shay later studied at the renowned Danon Culinary Center in Tel Aviv before traveling to Paris to attend Le Cordon Bleu, where he completed his studies with excellence.

“Today is a day of light and joy”, Manya exclaimed. “It encourages me so much. It is every artist’s dream that others can enjoy what they create.” MEET OUR CHEF, SHAY The Hebrew name Shay means “gift” — and that is exactly what Shay has become to our Home. Although he has been worked off-and-on at the Haifa Home for a few years, about six months ago he officially came on as head chef. By then, he had already fallen in love with the place and especially the residents. Raised in Jerusalem, Shay is deeply rooted in family, culture and food. Now 38, he grew up in a unique household with a Muslim father and Jewish mother. His culinary journey began at age seven when his father — himself a chef and restaurant owner — put him to work in the kitchen to earn a special pair of sports shoes he wanted. Along the way, he discovered a passion for cooking. By age 16, Shay enrolled at the prestigious Tadmor 19 | WORD FROM JERUSALEM

Over the years, Shay worked in a variety of restaurants and even attempted to build his own business again. Yet today, he is here at our Home, where he feels he truly belongs. “Every morning I wake up at 5:30 AM and come to work with joy,” Shay said with a smile. “I have such a strong desire to do something good for our residents, people who have endured so much. When Sofi tells me, ‘This was the best soup I’ve ever eaten,’ it gives me goosebumps.” Coming from many different cultural backgrounds, our residents gather each day for meals prepared with care, creativity and heart. Shay’s dishes are not only delicious and beautifully presented — they are nourishing, comforting, and always served with a warm smile.

WE COULD NOT DO ALL THIS WITHOUT YOU! Thank you for standing with us. Every outing, therapy session, shared meal, volunteer visit, and meaningful conversation is possible because of faithful friends like you. Your support continues to bring dignity, comfort, hope and community to Holocaust survivors under our care. We are deeply grateful for your partnership.

You can support our work at: help.icej.org/survivors

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ICEJ JOINS LAUNCH OF PRO-ISRAEL CAUCUS IN FIJI PARLIAMENT BY F I N E D I TO K A , I C E J H E A D O F D I P LO M AT I C P ROTO C O L

n July, I travelled with David Parsons, ICEJ Senior Vice President and Spokesman, on a ministry visit to my native Fiji, where we helped launch an Israel Allies Caucus in parliament, and hosted a diplomatic banquet to encourage other island nations in the Oceania region to join Fiji in opening embassies in Jerusalem. Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and Deputy Prime Minister Viliame Gavoka presided over the signing ceremony of the Israel Allies Caucus, together with David Parsons and Josh Reinstein of the Israel Allies Foundation. More than three-quarters of the members of parliament attended the caucus opening in a show of Fiji’s strong support for Israel.

on issues that matter for our shared future.” “This marks a defining moment for the Pacific,” said IAF President Josh Reinstein. “It is faith-based diplomacy in action, building alliances rooted in truth, security, and shared values.” Parsons described the caucus launch as “a momentous day for Fiji-Israel relations”. He also reminded the special parliamentary session that, with the United States marking 250 years of independence, Fiji’s elected leaders were right to look to the American model of democracy, which has allowed a healthy place for faith in the public square.

Fiji was the 65th country to set up an Israel Allies Caucus in its legislature, with Prime Minister Rabuka highlighting the importance of his nation’s ties with Israel. “The establishment of the Fiji Israel Allies Caucus is the most welcome development in the history of the FijiIsrael relationship”, stated PM Rabuka, who has been a member of ICEJ-Fiji since the 1980s.

In his remarks, Parsons commended Fiji’s “wisdom and discernment in a time of moral confusion and compromise among many other world leaders concerning Israel. Fiji is rightly aligning with God’s purposes in restoring Jerusalem and the Land of Israel to the Jewish people.” He also urged the other island nations present to establish their embassies in the Israeli capital, noting that US President Donald Trump had opened the door for all nations to safely begin giving Jerusalem the recognition and respect it so richly deserves. Within days, the Pacific island nations of Nauru and Samoa had announced their intent to open embassies in Jerusalem.

Fiji Deputy Prime Minister Viliame Gavoka speaking at the Israel banquet.

“As a nation that values faith, democracy and friendship, we stand firmly with Israel,” added Deputy PM Gavoka, who will serve as caucus chairman. “This caucus will strengthen our bilateral ties and allow us to work together

That evening the ICEJ-Fiji branch, now under the able leadership of Pastor Manasa Kolivuso, also hosted a diplomatic banquet to celebrate the launch of the pro-Israel caucus and Fiji’s recent opening of its embassy in Jerusalem. Deputy PM Gavoka gave the keynote address

Fiji’s senior leaders join Josh Reinstein in launching the Israel Allies Caucus

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at the prestigious Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva, while the new Israeli Ambassador to Fiji, Maya Yaron, and Australian MP Andrew Wallace also delivered timely messages. The audience included officials and diplomats from several surrounding Pacific island nations.

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As a Fijian Christian, the historic launch of the Israel Allies Caucus in our national parliament was a deeply spiritual moment. By embracing this calling, I feel my nation is not only strengthening its political ties with Israel, but we also are stepping into our prophetic destiny.

GEORGIA LOVES ISRAEL!

r. Mojmir Kallus, ICEJ Vice President for International Affairs, paid a ministry visit to Georgia in June, together with violinist and ICEJ regional coordinator Serguei Popov. Dr. Kallus preached at the Assembly of God church headed by Bishop Oleg Khubashvili, the ICEJ-Georgia National Director, a seasoned minister who enjoys a high reputation among the local churches. On Saturday, Mojmir also spoke to several hundred people at a youth meeting. They listened intently to the teaching about the importance of Israel as a nation that God chose to implement His salvation plan for the world. On Sunday, Mojmir preached at the main service, which was attended by hundreds of Georgian believers. He also encouraged them to pray for the peace of Jerusalem, according to Psalm 122.

Mojmir Kallus at a youth meeting in Tbilisi

The church has a good understanding and love for Israel. Hebrew dances were performed at the main service, and anyone visiting the premises is reminded of the Hebrew heritage just by looking at a large plaque with the Ten Commandments written in Hebrew behind the podium. Historically, Georgia is known for peaceful coexistence with Jews for over 2,600 years and for low levels of antisemitism even until today. Many Israelis travel there for vacation and are warmly received by the local population.

Hebrew songs at Tbilisi church,Georgia.

ICEJ OPENS NEW BRANCH IN POLAND BY D R. M O J M I R K A L L U S, I C E J V I C E P R E S I D E N T F O R I N T E R N AT I O N A L A F FA I R S

or many years, ICEJ leaders have been praying and seeking the right person to represent our global ministry in Poland, which is an important country for us due to its deep historic connection to the Jewish people in exile. We finally got a very encouraging start in June when an emerging local team organised the official opening of ICEJ-Poland in a Baptist center in Warsaw.

Embassy Jerusalem is known and respected by many believers in Poland. For instance, a number of pastors and leaders have been joining the ICEJ’s daily Global Prayer Gathering and praised it as a valuable source of information on Israel and the region. Concrete plans for future events are already in the works.

The team now consists of the National Representative, T he conference was Pentecostal pastor Tomasz meticulously organised to Manko, and two ladies with the last detail and attended superb administrative Mojmir Kallus officially by a surprisingly large skills, Ewa Dryjanska and appoints Tomasz audience from all over Monika Piechcinska. We Manko as the National Poland. A separate meeting had approached Pastor Representative of with 17 Polish Christian Manko on recommendation ICEJ Poland. leaders showed great from Bishop Marek openness for collaboration Kaminski, leader of the as well, and many ideas about potential Pentecostal church in Poland and Chairman of projects were shared. the Pentecostal European Fellowship. Tomasz Manko has a long history of engagement with It turned out that the International Christian the Jewish people, has been to Israel many 21 | WORD FROM JERUSALEM

times, and is now fully committed to leading the new ICEJ branch. The conference was clearly marked by divine favour. The presence of God was felt and there was a remarkable sense of unity and enthusiasm. During our discussions, one subject came up repeatedly: Poland’s land is soaked with innocent Jewish blood probably like no other country in the world. Many Jews are coming to visit to remember their lost ones. This may create a unique opportunity for the ICEJ in Poland to serve and comfort His people.

A dance team leads worship at the Warsaw conference . ICEJ INTERNATIONAL

ICEJ HOMECARE FOREVER PART OF THE REMARKABLE SOVIET ALIYAH BY M A X I N E C A R L I L L

hen a massive wave of Russianspeaking Jews immigrated to Israel following the fall of Soviet Communism in 1989, Dutch Christians recognised there were serious needs among these many new arrivals and initiated a program to offer basic nursing care to these newcomers in their homes. In 1996, this initiative was taken up by the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem, and ICEJ Homecare was born. In his recent book Aliyah, ICEJ Aliyah Director Howard Flower, who has lived in Russia for over three decades, writes about the struggle of Soviet Jews to leave for Israel between 1970 and 1982, which turned into the worldwide ‘refusenik’ campaign. Those who sought to emigrate were harassed and faced loss of employment or even prison. He notes the story of Russian Jewry is one of resilience, adaptability and commitment to preserving their faith and heritage in the face of adversity.

Yefgenia’s family is an example of that resilience. Yefgenia was born in Moscow in 1940, the first child of his Jewish parents. Because of Communism, they could not live a Jewish life, but his grandmother spoke fluent Yiddish, and their Jewish heritage was often reflected in the food on their dinner table. Early in the Second World War, his father was called to the front, while he and his mother moved to Belarus until the war was over. The family was reunited after the war, but his father was eventually arrested because he was a Jew and sent to the Gulag in Siberia. This was a time of severe hardship for the family, until the father was released in 1953, shortly after Stalin’s death. Decades later, the arrival of over one million Jews during the first wave of Russian-speaking Aliyah between 1990 and 2007 profoundly changed Israeli society. Yefgenia’s family was among the many Soviet immigrants who needed a helping hand after joining this mass Aliyah. Yefgenia, his wife Anna, and their only child were able to immigrate to Israel in 1999. Their beloved, well-educated daughter had a promising career ahead of her, but she developed a serious medical condition. After many failed operations, they sought help in Israel. Despite Israeli doctors’ attempts to reverse the damage, their daughter became completely dependent on their care. At this point of despair, through a ‘chance’ meeting, the Homecare team stepped in and provided more than twenty years of weekly home nursing assistance until she died in July 2022, miraculously well beyond the short time that doctors had predicted.

Yefgenia sits on a park bench during his daily walk.

“During the bittersweet and intensive years that we still had with our daughter, we were wonderfully helped by ICEJ Homecare”, her mother Anna recently recounted.

Over the ensuing years, Homecare has continued to be part of their family, still assisting as Yefgenia slowly sinks into forgetfulness and Anna faces a lonely old age instead of grandchildren to give her joy. Meanwhile, Marina was 28 when she left Moscow for Israel in 1994 with two small children and pregnant with the third. The beginning here was very hard. She wanted to return, she says, to escape. She simply was not ready to face this new culture. Homecare came into her life when her husband had left her with nine children and a financial crisis. The ICEJ providing essential music lessons for a troubled daughter and helping Marina meet huge doctor and dental bills were a lifeline for her. Marina’s own ongoing health issues still require financial assistance for medication each month. After 32 years in Israel, Homecare nurse Corrie van Maanen asked Marina if she feels more Russian or more Israeli. Her children are certainly fully immersed in Israeli society, and although Marina remembers with fondness her childhood, the little village, the animals she grew up with, during a visit back to Russia to attend the funeral of her brother, she felt like a stranger even in the town of her childhood. “In Israel, I feel much more at home. I don’t feel like a stranger”, Marina recently confided. “I have a place in Israel now. Where my children are, there is my home.” Homecare has been part of this remarkable story of Soviet Aliyah, and we still provide a listening ear and personal care for those from the early waves of immigration as well as more recent arrivals. Please support the crucial work of ICEJ Homecare with your prayers and giving today. Donate at: help.icej.org/homecare

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