The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews Increases Defense Preparedness Throughout Israel

JERUSALEM, Oct. 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- While Hamas' deadly terror attacks of October 7 targeted southern Israel, attacks from Hezbollah terrorists from Lebanon have led to increased tensions on Israel's northern border. In response, the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (The Fellowship) has distributed an additional 1,500 flak jackets and 150 first aid response kits to 105 Local Emergency Response Units in communities in the Golan and Galilee regions.

Since the onset of the war, The Fellowship has distributed over 4,100 flak jackets and 500 first responder kits, positioned 30 new mobile bomb shelters in the north, and allocated $500,000 in emergency funding to 400 military families with loved ones injured in battle.

Safwan Marich, Director of the Safety and Emergency Response Division for The Fellowship, said, "We've been in constant contact with all our partners in the Homefront Command and rescue services with the goal of providing immediate response to the many, constantly changing needs. Supporting the community-based defense infrastructure is one of our key objectives, and we will continue to make ourselves available to respond to the many new demands arising all over the country."

In total, The Fellowship has allocated and distributed more than $12 million in emergency aid to communities and residents in regions of Israel most heavily affected by the devastating terror attacks of October 7. Allocations are coordinated with local and national authorities, first responders, hospitals, food distribution agencies, and others to best serve immediate needs.

"As this war continues to affect people throughout Israel in so many different ways, our goal is to make sure our communities are being physically defended and equipped to prevent any more lives being lost to brutal attacks," said Yael Eckstein, President and CEO of The Fellowship. "This is a crisis and challenge the likes of which Israel has never faced before. But together with our friends in Israel and around the world, we vow that those in need will never be alone, and that through our national and global unity good will triumph over the evil that intended to destroy us."

In addition, each day thousands of Fellowship-funded meals are being distributed to elderly in the south who didn't evacuate, as well as to families forced to leave their homes. The Fellowship's Emergency Response Center was also mobilized within days to provide a place for families and volunteers stationed at the Casualty Identification Center to rest and refresh in a shaded space, receive food and drinks, charge their phones and more.

About the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews
For 40 years, the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (The Fellowship) has been leading efforts to build bridges between Christians and Jews and provide humanitarian care and lifesaving aid for Israel and the Jewish people. Through the generosity and loyalty each year of its donors, partners, and staff, The Fellowship helps over 1 million people living in poverty, has provided nearly 3,000 bomb shelters for security, and has helped 770,000 make aliyah back to their homeland, Israel. The Fellowship celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, continuing a mission to bless Israel and the Jewish people – like our world has never seen.

About Yael Eckstein
As President and CEO of The Fellowship, Yael Eckstein oversees all programs and serves as the international spokesperson for the organization. With over a decade of non-profit experience in multiple roles, Yael has the rare distinction of being a woman leading one of the world's largest religious charitable organizations. In addition to her podcast exploring the Jewish roots of the Christian faith, Nourish Your Biblical Roots. Yael also invites thought-leaders, pastors, authors, and other influencers to discuss Israel and Jewish-Christian relations on Conversations with Yael. She is the 2023 recipient of the Jerusalem Post's Humanitarian Award, and in 2020, 2021 and 2023, was named to the publication's list of 50 Most Influential Jews. Born outside of Chicago, Yael is based in Israel with her husband and their four children.

Media Contact:
Elizabeth Gartman
International Fellowship of Christians and Jews
Press@ifcj.org
312-641-8544

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SOURCE International Fellowship of Christians and Jews