International Fellowship of Christians and Jews
The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews is a grant making foundation and Israel advocacy group founded in 1983 by Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein.[1] The organisation's professed goal is 'to promote understanding between Jews and Christians and build broad support for Israel and other shared concerns.'[2] The organisation was formerly known as the 'Holyland Fellowship of Christians and Jews', the name was changed in 1991. The organisation maintains offices in Jerusalem, Chicago, Toronto, and Seoul. [3] The organisation's headquarters are based in Chicago and Jerusalem and it has a sister organisation in Canada - the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews of Canada.[4] [5] Regarding its achievements the IFCJ website states that:
- We have helped hundreds of thousands of Jews escape poverty and anti-Semitism and return to their biblical homeland, funded humanitarian assistance that has touched the lives of millions of Jews in Israel and around the world, provided life-giving aid to Israel’s victims of war and terror, and much more.[1]
In 2013 the organisation's total revenue amounted to $113,513,326 and the organisation claims to have raised half a billion US dollars since its founding in 1983.[6] [2]
The IFCJ is a major donor to the Friends of the Israel Defense Forces, the American partner of the Association for the Wellbeing of Israel's Soldiers (AWIS). Between 2002-2013 the foundation donated $7,941,000 to the FIDF.[7] The IFCJ is described by AWIS as one of its 'Key Strategic Partners'.[8]
Contents
Projects
Guardians of Israel
'Guardians of Israel provides food, clothing, shelter, housing and other urgent needs for all Israelis, including children and the elderly, who are suffering due to poverty, terrorism and war.'[9]
Isaiah 58
'Isaiah 58 provides children and elderly Jews in the former Soviet Union with food, clothing, heating, and other necessities by funding humanitarian programs throughout the FSU.'[9]
On Wings of Eagles
'On Wings of Eagles helps Jews make aliyah (immigrate to Israel) from around the world, and helps them with their klitah (resettlement) needs once they arrive in the Holy Land.'[9]
Stand for Israel
'Stand for Israel aims to engage people both spiritually and politically on behalf of Israel and the Jewish people by encouraging them to pray for Israel and teaching them to advocate for the Jewish state.'[9]
Latin American Outreach
'Several years ago, Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein was named the Goodwill Ambassador of the State of Israel, with a special emphasis on Latin American communities. Shortly after, The Fellowship launched an initiative to build bridges between Latino Christians and Jews. We have been a presence at several conferences in Latin America, and launched a successful Ask the Rabbi radio program, educating Spanish speaking Christians about the Jewish roots of Christianity.'[9]
Teaching Initiatives
'Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein is a renowned biblical scholar and expert in Jewish-Christian relations. He has spoken at countless churches and conferences, published several books, and hosted educational radio programs. Recently, he has begun hosting Journey to Zion, a dynamic 30-minute teaching program focusing on the Bible and Jewish roots of Christianity before a live studio audience.'[9]
Foundation Grantees
Organisations supported by the fellowship include:
American Joint Jewish Distribution Committee, American Values, Friends of the Israel Defense Forces, Hadassah, Jewish Agency for Israel, and This World: Jewish Values Network.
Finances
| Revenue and Assets of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews in $[10] | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | Total 2008-2012 | |
| Total Revenue | 35,172,738 | 39,969,459 | 44,153,406 | 49,530,334 | 73,644,288 | 78,013,220 | 84,281,498 | 94,634,458 | 97,019,588 | 106,697,118 | 113,514,939 | 816,631,046 |
| Net Assets | 15,094,786 | 5,521,556 | 8,231,776 | 7,888,752 | 12,675,521 | 17,037,873 | 12,668,459 | 11,454,194 | 11,871,922 | 12,325,019 | 14,749,907 | 129,519,765 |
________________
People
Directors (circa 2015)
Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein (Founder and President) | John P. French (Chairman) | Edward Lasky (Treasurer) | Barbara Manuel (Secretary) | David Clark (IFCJ) (Director) | J.R. Dupell (Director) | Steven Hefter (Director) | Andrew Lappin (Director) | Suzanne Peyser (Director)
Contact
- P.O. Box 96105
- Washington, D.C.
- 20090-6105
- Phone: (800) 486-8844
Notes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 IFCJ Website About Us. Accessed 26 February 2015.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 IFCJ Website Our History. Accessed 26 February 2015.
- ↑ IFCJ Website Global Reach, Life Saving Impact. Accessed 26 February 2015.
- ↑ IFCJ Website Our Mission. Accessed 26 February 2015.
- ↑ IFCJ Website Frequently Asked Questions about The Fellowship. Accessed 26 February 2015.
- ↑ IFCJ Website Financial Summary. Accessed 26 February 2015.
- ↑ Data compiled from filings of Form 990s 2002 - 2013.
- ↑ 'Key Strategic Partners', Association for the Wellbeing of Israel's Soldiers website, accessed 5 March 2015
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 9.4 9.5 IFCJ Website Current Projects. Accessed 26 February 2015.
- ↑ Data compiled from filings of Form 990s 2002 - 2012.
