Since October, the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (The Fellowship or IFCJ) has been a steadfast presence in Israel during wartime, providing unwavering support to the families of hostages, offering aid to refugees and senior citizens, and helping displaced individuals rebuild their lives. Their tireless efforts have brought hope and relief to countless people in desperate need.
People of faith around the globe have united in solidarity with Israel and the Jewish people, offering financial support and standing with the Holy Land. In June 2024, The Fellowship launched a powerful new campaign to spotlight the heart-wrenching yet heroic stories that have emerged during this time of conflict.
Yael Eckstein, President and CEO of The Fellowship, is determined to amplify the voices of her people through a new campaign called Faces of Iron.
Eckstein is the Jerusalem Post’s 2023 Humanitarian Award recipient and a three-time honoree on its “50 Most Influential Jews” list. She is a Chicago-area native and is based in Israel with her husband and their four children. She is on a mission to spotlight the real stories emerging from the battle lines.
“The Fellowship has been on the ground providing security and basic needs for the people of Israel,” Eckstein said. “We have been hugely inspired by the holy people in this Holy Land and the unbreakable spirit of Israel. But we’ve never seen the amazing levels of selflessness, courage, and unity that the Israeli people have demonstrated since October 7. They’ve put aside their individual needs for the good of all, coming together to stand with and protect the people and places of Israel and save lives.”
She continued, “Through this campaign, we want to share with the world that there are heroic acts happening every single day in Israel, that God’s people are caring for one another, and that the people of Israel cherish and sanctify life. We want to recognize the heroes who may not be on the front page of magazines and newspapers yet are more than worthy of that position. And we want to show how deeply they appreciate the Christian support for Israel from around the world, which is saving lives — in numerous ways — every single day.”
The Fellowship Provides Lifesaving Aid
For over 40 years, The Fellowship has been the leading nonprofit building bridges between Christians and Jews, blessing Israel and the Jewish people worldwide with humanitarian care and lifesaving aid. In 2023 alone, The Fellowship helped over 2 million people living in poverty, facilitated Aliyah for thousands returning to their homeland, and bolstered Israel’s security infrastructure.
Since October 7, 2024, IFCJ has distributed more than $75 million in lifesaving humanitarian aid to support security and welfare needs for those impacted by the war and ongoing conflict. Addressing food insecurity remains a top priority.
In May 2024, IFCJ donated $42,247 to provide a food truck in collaboration with Leket. This new truck will distribute food to those suffering from hunger, aiding families and seniors across Israel.
Commitment to Long-term Resilience
“This project is another step forward in our ongoing effort to find new and increasingly effective ways to address hunger and poverty across Israel,” Eckstein told the Jerusalem Post. “This partnership brings together multiple agencies who have the tools and resources to make effective and lasting change for thousands of families in need. The Fellowship, and our hundreds of thousands of supporters around the world, take great pride in knowing that this support will help thousands of Israelis deal with the challenges of food security that they face each and every day.”
In addition to addressing immediate needs, The Fellowship is committed to fostering long-term resilience and recovery. Through initiatives that provide sustainable resources and infrastructure, they alleviate current hardships and pave the way for a stronger, more self-reliant Israel. Their work ensures that every act of kindness and support today builds a foundation for a brighter, more secure tomorrow.
Economic Challenges Amid Conflict
While The Fellowship’s efforts provide critical support, Israel’s economic challenges continue to mount. The ongoing conflict has disrupted businesses, strained resources, and heightened economic instability. Eckstein acknowledges these difficulties, emphasizing the need for continuous support and innovative solutions to help the nation recover economically.
“The war has taken a heavy toll on Israel’s economy, affecting employment and the livelihoods of countless families,” said Eckstein. “We must not only provide immediate relief but also work towards long-term economic stability. Our goal is to ensure that every act of support contributes to a sustainable future for Israel.”
The ongoing conflict presents formidable challenges for both The Fellowship and countless citizens of Israel. Amid escalating costs and economic strain, Israel’s financial stability is under pressure, affecting salaries and employment and creating long-term uncertainties for the younger generation.
Eckstein, praised for her leadership since succeeding her father, Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein — who founded The Fellowship in the early 1980s and passed away in 2019 — has intensified the charity’s efforts during this critical period.
Today, their work is a lifeline for Israel, embodying resilience and hope. The financial and salary challenges faced by Israelis are another battle, but through unity and relentless support, there is a path to overcoming these adversities and building a stronger future.
Here’s a look at Israel’s salary and economic challenges during wartime.
Salary and Economic Challenges for Israel Amid War
Impact on Employment
The ongoing conflict has significantly impacted Israel’s employment landscape. According to recent data, unemployment has spiked to 8.1% from 4.1% pre-conflict, with thousands of businesses forced to shut down or significantly scale back operations. Tourism, retail, and hospitality sectors have been hit particularly hard, leading to widespread job losses.
Economic Output
Israel’s GDP growth has also taken a hit due to the war. The Bank of Israel recently revised its GDP growth forecast for 2024 down to 1.5%, a significant decrease from the 3.5% predicted earlier in the year. This downturn is primarily attributed to reduced consumer spending, disruptions in trade, and the diversion of resources toward defense and security.
Inflation and Cost of Living
The conflict has exacerbated inflation, which now stands at an annual rate of 4.8%, up from 2.6% before the war. The cost of living has soared, with food prices increasing by an average of 12% and housing costs rising by 7%. These inflationary pressures make it increasingly difficult for families to make ends meet.
Poverty Rates
The war has exacerbated poverty in Israel, with the poverty rate climbing to 22%, up from 18% before the conflict. Many families have fallen into poverty due to job losses, reduced income, and increased living costs. Humanitarian organizations, including The Fellowship, are working tirelessly to provide aid, but the scale of the need is immense.
Poverty Rates Among Vulnerable Groups
Recent data highlights the severity of poverty in Israel, with specific groups being disproportionately affected. The poverty rate among families with children stands at 24.2%, and it is even higher among single-parent families at 24.9%. The Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) population experiences a staggering 39.7% poverty rate, while 16.8% of the elderly live below the poverty line.
Child poverty in Israel has emerged as a critical issue, particularly affecting households with young children. According to a recent study by the Taub Center, nearly one-third of children aged four and under live below the poverty line. The situation is even more dire for Haredi and Arab communities, where over half of the children fall into this category. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions to support these vulnerable populations and break the cycle of poverty.
Business Closures and Economic Activity
Since the start of the conflict, approximately 15% of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have closed permanently, and many others are struggling to survive. Economic activity in key industrial regions has decreased by nearly 20%, affecting supply chains and leading to shortages of goods.
Ways in Which IFCJ Helps Those in Financial Distress
The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (The Fellowship or IFCJ) prioritizes supporting orphans, children, and families in need. The Fellowship addresses the critical needs of impoverished children and orphans in Israel by providing essential items such as food, medicine, and clothing.
Additionally, they focus on long-term solutions like housing, family care, and employment opportunities to foster sustainable improvement.
In particular, The Fellowship provides safe living environments for orphans and ensures that impoverished families and their children have access to necessary supplies like food and medicine. The ongoing support from dedicated donors enables The Fellowship to continually offer funds, goods, and services to these needy families, including young Haredi and Arab children.
Recent research highlights The Fellowship’s extensive efforts beyond Israel. Since 2022, The Fellowship has been pivotal in providing immediate aid and relief to displaced families and refugees during the Ukraine war.
This significant contribution, amounting to $28 million in aid, facilitated the aliyah of 4,600 Ukrainian refugees to Israel, including the evacuation of 1,600 children and staff from Ukrainian children’s homes and orphanages. This effort earned Yael Eckstein international recognition and showcased The Fellowship’s commitment to supporting vulnerable populations in times of crisis.
As the conflict in Ukraine continues, The Fellowship remains dedicated to offering ongoing support to those affected, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to humanitarian aid and the well-being of children and families worldwide.
Specific IFCJ Efforts
The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, under the leadership of Eckstein, has been actively supporting Israel amid the ongoing conflict with Hamas, addressing various economic and humanitarian challenges.
Here are some key ways they are helping:
- Emergency Financial Aid: The Fellowship has approved a $5 million emergency grant to support those in need. This funding is being distributed to address immediate critical needs such as food, medication, transportation, and therapy services in communities affected by the conflict, especially those near the Gaza border.
- Security and Safety Measures: The Fellowship has purchased 1,000 bulletproof safety vests for security personnel and facilitated the transportation and installation of portable bomb shelters in high-risk areas like the northern border and the Galilee region.
- Support for IDF Personnel and Families: Over $500,000 has been allocated to support families of Israel Defense Forces (IDF) personnel injured in combat. This includes direct financial assistance to help them cope with the immediate impact of the conflict.
- Aid for Evacuees: The organization distributes grants and debit cards to families evacuated from the most affected areas, providing financial relief and basic necessities. They are also helping to relocate children evacuated from Ukraine to safer regions of Israel.
- Food and Basic Supplies: The Fellowship distributes prepared meals to affected towns and soldiers on the northern border. They are working with local welfare offices and other organizations to ensure that those in need receive essential supplies.
- Support for Trauma Victims: They have granted over $375,000 to organizations like NETEL to expand support hotlines, which have seen a significant increase in calls since the war began. This helps provide psychological support to those affected by the conflict.
These efforts are part of The Fellowship’s broader mission to provide humanitarian aid and support to vulnerable populations in Israel, ensuring they have access to necessary resources and assistance during this challenging time.
Through its unwavering commitment to addressing immediate and long-term needs, IFCJ and Yael Eckstein stand in solidarity with countless orphans, children, senior citizens, and families in Israel and beyond. By providing essential support, safe living environments, and sustainable solutions, The Fellowship not only meets the critical needs of today but also lays the foundation for a brighter future.
The remarkable efforts during the Ukraine war and the Israel-Hamas war further exemplify the organization’s dedication to humanitarian aid, earning international recognition and making a profound impact on vulnerable populations.
As The Fellowship continues its mission, its compassionate and comprehensive approach ensures that those in financial distress receive the support and care they need to rebuild their lives and thrive.
