The Lifeline that is Christians for Israel

For over ten years now I have been personally blessed by Christians for Israel. To many this statement might seem strange. What possible personal connection could there be between me as an Israeli, Jewish mother, and a group of devout, faith-filled Christians?

But as a person serving at The Jewish Agency for Israel, I have witnessed and felt firsthand, the deep love for Israel and its brave defenders, the selfless caring for Holocaust survivors in Ukraine, the creativity and joy brought into helping, whether with children suffering from PTSD, new olim or in planting tulips.

These have all been a blessing to me and to the many thousands of Israelis whose lives have been transformed thanks to this support. But since 7 October, this blessing has become so much more. It has become a lifeline. A beacon of light in what felt like utter darkness and despair. A proof that not all hope is lost. A warm embrace, that does not let go and wordlessly signals: You Are Not Alone!

I first began to realise this when the messages and phone calls on 7 October started coming in, while I was with my family in our shelter room, asking me: “How am I?” “Is my family safe?” Next, when shaking and crying outside the hospital room of a critically injured young man, I received a firm long embrace from a Christians for Israel member. And of course, in the days, weeks and months that have passed, I have felt and witnessed how the incredible generosity with millions of dollars coming in support of urgent needs, the unfailing faith and the abundant love and fight for justice, have and are a lifeline to myself, to the Jewish people and to all of Israel. I know this path you walk in is not easy. That you too are suffering attacks. And so, if I may, I’d like to end by thanking Christians for Israel for being our lifeline and share with you a Hebrew Jewish prayer, one that is recited all over the world for our defenders:

“May the Almighty cause the enemies who rise up against us to be struck down before them. May the Holy One, Blessed is He, preserve and rescue our defenders from every trouble and distress and from every plague and illness, and may He send blessing and success in their every endeavour.”