Dear precious readers and friends (Chaverim),
As many of you will know, both the Jewish people and the Christian Church have recently celebrated profound Biblical moments connected to the Feast of Pentecost — or Shavuot.
For Israel, Shavuot marks the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai, fifty days after Passover — a covenant moment where God called Israel to Himself as His betrothed and treasured people. For Christians, Pentecost reminds us of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the early believers in Jerusalem, also fifty days after Passover, empowering the Church as the Bride of Christ to carry the Gospel to the nations.
I always find it deeply moving that both events point us back to covenant, relationship and God’s continuing faithfulness through history. In a world increasingly filled with confusion, hostility and uncertainty, these biblical truths continue to anchor us in hope and purpose.
Our June edition of Israel & Christians Today contains several articles and updates that I believe you will find both encouraging and important.
One article I am especially excited to introduce is our feature on United Hatzalah, Israel’s extraordinary volunteer emergency first responder organisation founded by Eli Beer. Many of our readers are already familiar with organisations such as Magen David Adom and ZAKA, both of which we deeply value and regularly support through our publications. United Hatzalah now joins that wider family of remarkable Israeli humanitarian organisations serving people in times of crisis regardless of race, religion or background.
What makes United Hatzalah unique is their extraordinary rapid-response volunteer network across Israel, often arriving at emergencies within minutes by using specially equipped “ambucycles” able to navigate traffic and difficult terrain quickly.
A Personal Encounter with United Hatzalah
For me personally, this introduction carries special meaning.
During our Christians for Israel Solidarity Visit to Jerusalem last October, I became severely dehydrated while walking near the Old City and was unable to continue climbing the stairs leading toward the Jewish Quarter. One of the wonderful United Hatzalah volunteers came to assist me and provided immediate care and treatment right there on the steps of Jerusalem.
As someone who spends much of life helping others, it was humbling to suddenly find myself being helped instead. Their kindness, professionalism and compassion left a very deep impression on me personally, and I am grateful to now help introduce this remarkable organisation to our Australian readers.
By the time this newspaper reaches you, I will also have had the privilege of personally meeting United Hatzalah founder and international president Eli Beer during a special event in Sydney. I look forward to sharing more about that in future editions.
Standing Together with the Jewish Community
Another highlight for Mandy and myself recently was attending this year’s Yom Ha’atzmaut celebrations marking Israel’s Independence Day. During the event, we were unexpectedly presented with a Certificate of Appreciation on behalf of Christians for Israel Australia in recognition of many years of friendship, support and service to the Jewish community.
We were deeply humbled by this gesture and grateful for the relationships that have developed over many years between Christians for Israel Australia and members of the Australian Jewish community. Particularly since October 7, these relationships have become even more meaningful as together we stand against rising antisemitism and continue supporting Israel during very difficult times.
Supporting Israel Through the EOFY Appeal
As many of you know, Christians for Israel Australia supports a wide range of humanitarian projects helping vulnerable Jewish people both within Israel and around the world. This includes Aliyah assistance, food programmes, emergency aid and practical support for Jewish communities facing hardship and persecution.
One project especially close to our hearts is the ongoing partnership with UIA / Keren Hayesod assisting the Bnei Menashe community from India to make Aliyah and return home to Israel.
The story of the Bnei Menashe is truly remarkable. After generations of preserving Jewish identity and traditions in remote parts of northeast India, many are now finally fulfilling the dream of returning to the land of their forefathers. Yet the practical costs involved in helping families relocate and establish new lives in Israel remain significant.
This month I am very pleased to announce that our Christians for Israel Foundation Board has committed a special $30,000 Matching Gift Challenge to help inspire additional generosity during this End of Financial Year season.
This means every donation received for the Bnei Menashe Aliyah Project will effectively be doubled.
- A gift of $60 becomes $120
- A gift of $600 becomes $1,200
- A gift of $6,000 becomes $12,000
Every donation is also fully tax deductible!
In addition to our Aliyah projects, your support also helps fund vital food relief programmes and assists us in continuing the printing and distribution of this free newspaper, which now reaches thousands of readers across Australia every two months.
Many people underestimate the impact this newspaper ministry continues to have. Again and again we hear from readers whose understanding of Israel, antisemitism and the Jewish roots of the Christian faith has been transformed through these pages. In many ways, this newspaper continues to serve as one of our most important educational and relationship-building ministries throughout Australia and beyond.
As we approach the close of this financial year, may I encourage you to prayerfully consider how you can stand with us in practical support.
Your prayers matter.
Your friendship matters.
And your generosity genuinely helps strengthen and bless both Jewish communities and the work of Christians for Israel Australia during these increasingly important times.
My prayer for all who support this ministry is beautifully expressed in Hebrews 6:10:
“God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him as you have helped His people and continue to help them.”
Thank you again for standing with Israel and comforting the Jewish people.
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