History

First Christian Celebration of Feast of Tabernacles – September 1980

One thousand Christians from various nations gathered in Jerusalem to celebrate the Feast with song, dance, praise, and worship according to Zechariah 14:16. The Chief Rabbi's synagogue hosted the group, with Rabbi Goren offering blessings. Fifteen Christian leaders spent an hour with Israel's President Navon at his residence. He responded: "You move me deeply" and expressed appreciation for their support.

Four hundred Christians participated in the Jerusalem March, with Israeli soldiers cheering and waving. Observers repeatedly called out in Hebrew, "Blessed art thou"—foreshadowing the messianic prophecy in Matthew 23:39 concerning those declaring "Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!"

Opening of the ICEJ – September 1980

Jerusalem's Mayor Teddy Kollek attended the opening ceremony, deeply moved by Christian representatives from different nations presenting their country's flags while pledging prayers for Jerusalem's peace. Before cameras, journalists, and approximately 1,000 Christians, Kollek described the experience as profoundly moving.

The Gulf War – 1991

During Easter 1991, the Christian Embassy organized worldwide demonstrations supporting imprisoned Soviet Jews and prisoners of Zion, drawing parallels to Mordechai and Queen Esther in ancient Persia. Supporters in Jerusalem marched to the Russian compound, symbolically posting protests on the closed Russian Orthodox church doors. Demonstrations occurred in Washington, DC, and other locations.

This timing held significance— it was years after the Holocaust and 88 years following Theodor Herzl's first Jewish Zionist Congress. The gathering enabled Christian leaders from diverse regions to establish theological foundations for supporting Israel's restored statehood.

Help with Aliyah to Israel – 1991

The ICEJ commenced assisting Soviet Jews immigrating to Israel. Initial passages routed through Budapest and Warsaw via the Exobus program, later shifting to direct flights from Kiev and Odessa airports. The ICEJ sponsored 50 complete airplane loads (passengers 8 years and older) supporting immigration. Work continued through additional buses and centers.

The Knesset Award – 1991

In April 1991, the ICEJ received the Speaker of the Knesset's Quality of Life Award. Prize money was donated toward Soviet Jewry housing.

The Foundation's citation stated the ICEJ deserved recognition for "continuous and energetic activity in education and information in Israel and abroad to strengthen ties between Jews and Christians, for activity to bring understanding between Jews and Arabs in Israel, and for activity to deepen Jewish and Zionist awareness among Christians around the world and for encouraging immigration to Israel."

Operation Solomon – 1992

Following Israel's Operation Solomon rescuing stranded Ethiopian Jews, the Embassy facilitated their Israeli absorption with assistance from Dr. Campbell Millar and his wife, Ferne, who had worked among lepers in Ethiopia and spoke the language. The ICEJ funded the construction of two tukuls (traditional Ethiopian meeting places) in Beit She’an, while the Millers screened incoming immigrants for leprosy at Jerusalem’s Hansen Hospital. Additional ICEJ support included household items, medical aid, and employment assistance.

Dramatic Rescue in Moldova – 1992

When Moldovan Jews faced crossfire in regional conflict, the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI) requested ICEJ assistance evacuating residents from Bendery. ICEJ-sponsored bus teams, based in Kiev hundreds of kilometers away, accepted serious risks. Teams reorganized to dispatch a coach immediately to Odessa, then proceeded into war-torn Trans-Dniester in southwestern Moldova. Over three weeks, Exobuses transported approximately 400 Jewish refugees to safety.

Repentance in Toledo – 1992

In 1492, Spain's King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella expelled Jews. Five centuries later in 1992, hundreds of Spanish Christians knelt in Toledo requesting forgiveness, displaying banners stating "Please, Jewish people, forgive us for what happened in 1492."

The event included Yitzhak Navon, former Israeli president, and Spanish Jewish community elders. Navon responded: "I am standing here in front of you, overtaken by emotion and embarrassed. I am moved as the warmth and affection that you are bestowing on my people and am embarrassed because we are not used to such gestures ... our heart is full of deep gratitude because you give us back faith in mankind and plant in us hope for a better future in interpersonal and inter-religions relations."

Christmas Concerts – 1999

From December 24 to 26 during millennium celebrations, the Embassy held three concerts. Events provided alternatives for local believers and Christian pilgrims avoiding festivities at Palestinian-controlled Manger Square in Bethlehem. Large American choirs and a primarily Russian immigrant orchestra performed Christmas carols with live animals on Christmas Eve. The group performed Handel's Messiah on Christmas night before a house full of Israelis. December 26 featured gospel performances with solo artists.

Aiding Lebanese Refugees – 2000

When Southern Lebanon residents fled following Israel's withdrawal, the Embassy visited refugee housing sites assessing assistance needs. The ICEJ provided initial aid, including baby clothes and personal care items, responding to supporter donations.

The Covenant – 2001

The Covenant, a colorful biblical drama recounting Israel's miraculous history, premiered during the 2001 Feast of Tabernacles. The musical was subsequently translated into Hebrew and performed for thousands of Israelis.

Grafted – 2003

The ICEJ established its Grafted department to bring its vision for young adults to life. By equipping younger generations with a foundational understanding of biblical Zionism, Grafted engaged youth through Feast of Tabernacles tours, work projects on the ground in Israel, and international speaking tours.

Christian Allies' Caucus – 2004

The ICEJ participated with other Christian Zionist ministries in the Christian Allies' Caucus alongside Knesset members. The Caucus raises Israeli awareness of unconditional Evangelical Christian support, launches joint social welfare projects for Israelis, and mobilizes Christians to strengthen Israel's international standing.

European Coalition for Israel – 2005

The European Coalition for Israel—the first official pro-Israel lobby at the European Parliament—formally launched in Brussels during an antisemitism conference. It aims building Israeli support, providing balanced perspectives on the Arab-Israeli conflict, and opposing rising European antisemitism and anti-Zionism. The ICEJ participates among pro-Israel Christian ministries with pan-European and global constituencies.

Helping Families Uprooted from Gaza – 2005

During August 2005's Israeli Disengagement from Gaza, the ICEJ respected Israeli democracy while warning of likely increased rocket attacks. After removal of Israeli civilians and soldiers, the Embassy provided relief to evacuated Jewish families, notably constructing playgrounds for displaced children in new neighborhoods.

Christian Friends of Yad Vashem – 2006

The 2006 Feast of Tabernacles witnessed a historic ICEJ–Yad Vashem partnership establishing a Christian Desk at Yad Vashem, uniting efforts fighting antisemitism.

Jerusalem Post Christian Edition – 2006

The Jerusalem Post—widely recognized for Israel, Middle East, and Jewish world news—partnered with the ICEJ producing a Christian Edition. With substantial ICEJ staff and director input, this monthly news magazine addressed Christians' specific interests.

Relief During the Second Lebanon War – 2006

Summer 2006 brought over 4,000 Hezbollah rockets targeting northern Israel during the Second Lebanon War. The ICEJ responded by providing food for needy families and recreational escape opportunities for children confined to bomb shelters during five weeks of conflict. Notable outings included bus trips for Galilee youths to water parks near Herzliya.

Aiding Sudanese Refugees – 2007

When 37 Sudanese refugees fleeing Muslim persecution crossed from Egypt into Israel in June 2007, the ICEJ immediately provided care. This initiative launched Operation Hope, becoming a full ICEJ project securing better futures for hundreds of Sudanese refugees.

Bomb Shelters for Sderot – 2008

Responding to thousands of Gaza rocket and mortar attacks, the ICEJ mobilized supporters raising funds for six Operation Lifeshield bomb shelters in embattled Sderot. With only 15 seconds to locate safety after air raid sirens, these shelters provide lifesaving measures for traumatized Israelis.

Stop a Nuclear Iran Petition – 2008

On September 18, the ICEJ delivered a global petition to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon signed by over 55,000 Christians from 120+ countries demanding Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's indictment for genocide incitement against Israel. Delivery occurred before Ahmadinejad's planned UN General Assembly address, where he faced a mass rally demanding stronger international Iranian nuclear threat response.

Feast Draws Record Crowd – 2008

Almost 8,000 Christian pilgrims from nearly 100 countries participated in the ICEJ's annual Feast of Tabernacles, breaking previous records despite global market downturns. Brazil sent the largest delegation with 1,500 pilgrims; Finland, Germany, Norway, and the United States each contributed approximately 500 participants.

Relief for Israelis Under Fire – 2009

When Israeli forces confronted intensifying Hamas rocket threats days before the start of 2009, the ICEJ rapidly aided besieged communities along the Gaza border. Working in coordination with local social workers, these efforts provided battle-weary teens, seniors, and low-income families with respite in the Galilee and Eilat, far from the front lines.

Concurrent worldwide pro-Palestinian protests driven by distorted media coverage contrasted with Christian solidarity rallies on every continent—Costa Rica, Philippines, Denmark, Finland, United Kingdom, and elsewhere. In Oslo, Norway, riot police defended ICEJ local supporters against violent counterprotesters using tear gas.

Boycott Durban II Campaign – 2009

On April 17, 2009, the ICEJ delivered a petition to the White House urging President Barack Obama not to send a US delegation to Durban II, the United Nations’ second global summit on racism. Intended to review the outcomes of the 2001 Durban conference—held just days before the September 11 terrorist attacks—Durban II threatened to become another anti-Israel gathering focused on branding Israel an apartheid state, particularly with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad set to participate.

In Geneva, ICEJ national directors from Switzerland, France, and Russia participated in citywide protests against Durban II held in memory of the Holocaust. Prague ICEJ National Director Mojmir Kallus spearheaded a Senate rally leading Czech withdrawal within hours of Ahmadinejad's tirade. In Jerusalem, ICEJ International Director Dr. Juergen Buehler refuted charges of Israeli racism in an influential Arabic satellite channel debate.

Jerusalem United Campaign – 2009

The 30th Feast of Tabernacles featured ICEJ opposition to international pressure dividing Jerusalem from Israel. Awareness-raising through online campaigns and Jerusalem March participation—thousands wearing "Jerusalem United" football-style t-shirts—demonstrated support.

Founded when 1980 embassies moved to Tel-Aviv protesting Jerusalem's capital declaration, ICEJ support for Israel's historical and biblical Jerusalem claim remains core to organizational existence.

Hands on in Haiti – 2010

Hours after January 13's devastating 7.0 magnitude Haiti earthquake, a highly trained Israeli rapid response team completed an 18-hour Mexico City helicopter crash recovery operation. ZAKA international rescue unit leadership urgently contacted ICEJ Director Malcolm Hedding requesting Embassy partnership in Haitian search-and-rescue operations.

The grueling 38-hour operation freed eight students from a collapsed university building. A 200-strong IDF, Magen David Adom, and IsraAID delegation arrived as donations flowed. The IDF mobile field hospital earned worldwide praise as the only foreign aid mission performing complex surgical operations in the disaster zone. One woman whose life was saved during childbirth named her newborn son "Israel" in gratitude.

Haifa Home for Holocaust Survivors – 2010

April 2010 witnessed the ICEJ dedicating a new Holocaust Survivors home in northern coastal Haifa. Spearheaded by the German Branch, the facility demonstrated long-standing commitment helping Israel's estimated 210,000 Survivors ending their days in dignity. Initially housing up to 80 Survivors, the ICEJ-sponsored Haifa Home became recognized throughout Israel as a model addressing the growing national problem of poor and needy Shoah Survivors.

Branches Rally Over Gaza Flotilla – 2010

When Israel was widely condemned for intercepting the Gaza flotilla in May 2010, ICEJ branches around the globe organized rallies in support of Israel’s actions of self-defense. These included a rally of 35,000 Christians in Brazil, a march of 5,000 Christians in Finland, and a gathering of 4,000 Christians in Norway. Similar pro-Israel demonstrations were held in Canada, Czech Republic, Costa Rica, Ethiopia, Germany, Ireland, New Zealand, Norway, the Philippines, South Africa, and the USA, among other nations.

Assisting Carmel Fire Victims – 2010

In December 2010, massive wildfires visible by satellite swept through the Carmel Range and into parts of Haifa, leaving thousands homeless. The ICEJ partnered with a local charity to provide emergency relief and shelter to those displaced from their homes. When similar brushfires all across Israel left many homeless in 2016, we gave out blankets, beds, medical support, new appliances, and financial aid to help them recover.

Launch of Isaiah 62 Prayer Campaign – 2011

Entering 2011, the ICEJ leadership in Jerusalem felt led to start the year with a special month of prayer and fasting in January. Then the Arab Spring erupted, confirming the need for extra prayer times, so the Isaiah 62 Prayer Campaign was launched to intensify prayer for Israel and the region. This initiative was spearheaded by ICEJ International Director, Dr. Jürgen Bühler, who later that year was appointed the new Executive Director (now President) of the ministry. The Isaiah 62 prayer campaign now has thousands of individuals, prayer groups and churches worldwide participating every month.

Haifa Home Phase II – 2011

Our outreach to elderly Holocaust Survivors in northern Israel continued to expand throughout 2011 with the purchase of two apartment buildings on either side of the original ICEJ-sponsored assisted-living facility in Haifa. Subsequent renovations enabled us to increase the living space to accomodate 125 people, with all their lodging, food and medical care provided. In 2011 the phased expansion was completed. Two dilapidated neighboring buildings were transformed into a multipurpose complex that includes attractive living quarters, a kitchen and dining hall, a synagogue, courtyards, and a medical and dental clinic that also serves other needy Survivors throughout the Haifa area.

Doctors and nurses from local hospitals volunteer to cover the residents’ health needs, and the Home’s kitchen is now feeding other Survivors who live in the surrounding community.

Final Ethiopian Aliyah – 2011

A year of drought and political turmoil forced Israeli authorities to speed up the long- delayed relocation of thousands of Falash Mura in Ethiopia—an ancient and isolated community of Jews that has always cherished the dream of one day returning to Zion. In August 2011 the first ICEJ-sponsored flight in this accelerated aliyah initiative landed at Ben Gurion airport. Meanwhile, ICEJ branches from all over the world have raised additional funds to help bring this last contingent of Ethiopian Jews home.

It is the last chapter in a story that began some 25 years ago with “Operation Moses” and continues today—the dramatic Israeli rescue of thousands of Ethiopian Jews who had fled the nation’s bitter civil war and were trying to journey to Israel on foot via Sudan. Since that time, the ICEJ has continued assisting the Ethiopian community in Israel, funding psychological therapy, after-school programs, summer camps, and college scholarships for at-risk Ethiopian youth and teens.

Breakthrough in Arab Sector Aid – 2011

In 2011 the ICEJ funded the most comprehensive survey ever undertaken of Arab sector social workers in Israel, as part of our efforts to guide Israeli authorities in targeting the most critical problems facing their communities. Despite enjoying a higher standard of living than other populations in the region, the study’s 85-page report discussed social workers overburdened by case loads involving large families and not enough specialists in handling at-risk children. It is part of the ICEJ’s long-standing legacy of showing the love of Jesus to every people group in the Land of Israel.

Lobbying for Israel at UNSC – 2011

Rejecting direct talks with Israel, the Palestinian Authority unilaterally sought to achieve statehood through the UN Security Council in September 2011. The ICEJ’s national branches urged their governments to oppose this move. These efforts included arranging pro-Israel rallies, holding petition drives, issuing public statements, sponsoring newspaper ads, and lobbying elected officials. Our national director in Nigeria played a critical role in convincing his government not to support the Palestinian bid for statehood, depriving the PA of enough votes in the Security Council to force a US veto.

Bringing the Lost Home – 2012

After years of bureaucratic delays, members of India’s Bnei Menashe community received the necessary approvals to begin their long-awaited journey to Israel in 2012—and the ICEJ was there to help. Exiled from Israel 2,700 years ago when the forefathers of this ancient Israelite tribe were forced from the Land by the Assyrian invasion, Bnei Menashe’s return is a dramatic fulfillment of Scripture. The ICEJ was the proud sponsor of the first flight of 54 Olim (immigrants), which arrived December 24.

Launch of ICEJ TV – 2012

The ICEJ has always had a clear mandate to speak to the church worldwide about what He is doing in Israel but felt challenged to amplify that voice through mass communication—the internet, social media, and television. The first TV initiative, the ICEJ Report, was launched during the Israel Now News program, broadcast globally by Daystar TV. This new vehicle had a major impact throughout the ICEJ network, leading to Word From Jerusalem airing on God-TV with a viewership of some one billion people.

Defending Israel During Another Gaza War – 2012

In November 2012, Israel faced yet another rocket war with Hamas in Gaza, but this time the whole southern half of Israel was under fire, including Jerusalem. The ICEJ’s rapid response included providing food, clothing, first aid kits, blankets, toiletries, toys and games, and shelter to those most affected by the hostilities, while helping elderly Holocaust survivors relocate to safe housing in Haifa and Netanya. The ministry’s global network of national branches also leapt into action once again to advocate for Israel’s right to defend itself.

Befriending Survivors – 2013

With its foundations firmly in place and its demand ever-expanding, 2013 saw our work at the Home for Holocaust Survivors grow. This year, residents of the Home paid a visit to our annual Feast of Tabernacles celebration, bringing with them a report about the Home and the great blessing it is to them. Donations helped us to complete renovations on a sorely needed kitchen, which is used to feed not only residents of the Home but also other local Survivors in the Haifa area. In addition to our ongoing sponsorship of the Home, we strengthened our adoption program, enabling Christians around the world to befriend and support individual Holocaust Survivors.

Rapid Expansion into Arab/Muslim Nations – 2013

So far this year, the ICEJ has opened its eighth branch in predominantly Arab/Muslim nations. The amazing trend began two years earlier but has accelerated this year to the point that officials anticipate having at least 10 such branches shortly. In some of the countries, the entire body of Christians came fully behind the ICEJ, and in some, the political leadership of the country also gave their blessing.

ICEJ Introduces Envision Pastors and Leaders Conference – 2014

With a vision to connect pastors and church leaders from around the globe, the ICEJ launched the Envsion Pastors and Leaders Conference. Offering ministry leaders an opportunity to refresh their spirit and receive a renewed vision for their ministry and calling, the Conference offers a visit to the prime minister’s office, the Israeli Knesset, and the Chief Rabbinate, high-level briefings from Israeli officials and scholars, in-depth teaching sessions on Biblical Zionism, a special ceremony at Yad Vashem, and meetings at the Jerusalem Prayer Tower. The Conference was received with great success and continues today as an ICEJ tradition.

ICEJ Rallies Again During Third Gaza Conflict – 2014

In summer 2014, a third major rocket war erupted between Israel and Hamas along the Gaza border. During the 50-day conflict, the ICEJ delivered ten more portable bomb shelters to vulnerable communities, took groups of children and the elderly on respites to safer areas of the country, and sponsored a trip abroad for 40 youths from hard-hit Ashkelon. Meanwhile, numerous ICEJ branches rallied once more to defend Israel against the threat of Islamist terror.

Rescuing Ukrainian Jews from Conflict – 2014

In 2014, a bitter civil war broke out in eastern Ukraine sparked by pro-Russian separatists. When the fighting threatened Jewish communities in the region, the ICEJ funded emergency flights to bring hundreds of endangered Ukrainian Jews to Israel. The ICEJ also started bringing more Jewish immigrants from the West to Israel around this time, including from France and Sweden where they were facing threats from radical Muslims.

Feast Moves to Pais Arena – 2014

To accommodate the growing needs at our annual Feast of Tabernacles celebration, we left our long-term home at the International Convention Center Jerusalem (ICCJ), and in the fall of 2014, the Feast was held in the brand-new Pais Arena. With a concert capacity of close to 15,000, our new Feast home allows many more pilgrims to come up to Jerusalem to celebrate the Feast with us.

Iran Petition – 2015

When the negotiations between the P5+1 world powers and Iran yielded far too many concessions to Tehran regarding its renegade nuclear program, the ICEJ took action. A petition campaign started, the results of which were presented to foreign ministers of the Western democratic nations who negotiated with Iran, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, President Barak Obama, and other Congressional leaders. In all, over 90,000 people stood with us as we declared, “Not One Bomb for Iran.”

Brussels Symposium – 2015

The International Christian Embassy Jerusalem held a symposium at the European Union parliament in Brussels titled “The Economic Wall of the EU Labeling Move.” The Symposium highlighted the unfair and counter-productive nature of EU guidelines for labeling products and services from Israeli communities in the West Bank and was hosted by MEP Takkula (ALDE, FI) and MEP Belder (ECR, NL). Main speakers included renowned international legal expert Professor Avi Bell, Greek Orthodox priest and founder of the Israeli Christian Empowerment Council (ICRF) Father Gabriel Naddaf, and the Chief Rabbi of the Netherlands, Binyomin Jacobs.

Trump Signs ICEJ’s 5 Guiding Principles – 2016

Presidential candidate Donald Trump affirmed his support to the ICEJ of his support for five principles guiding a strong US-Israel relationship.

PM Netanyahu hosts residents of the Haifa Home – 2016

On Holocaust Remembrance Day 2016, the president of Israel, Reuven Rivlin, and Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, invited residents of the Haifa Home for Holocaust Survivors to a private meeting to share their stories and pay tribute to those who perished in the Holocaust.

Sending Bibles to UNESCO – 2016

When UNESCO adopted resolutions in 2016 omitting any Jewish connection to Jerusalem and other sites in Israel, the ICEJ called on Christians worldwide to send Bibles to the UN agency to remind them of the unbreakable historic links between the Land and people of Israel. Before long, UNESCO offices in Paris were inundated with thousands of Bibles and protest letters. The next set of UNESCO resolutions reflected a truer historic picture of the Jewish ties to Jerusalem
and the Land of Israel.

PM Netanyahu gives Annual Christmas greeting from ICEJ – 2016

Prime Minister Netanyahu paid a visit to the ICEJ and, from our grounds, delivered his annual Christmas and New Year’s greeting to the Christian world. Millions around the world watched the broadcast.

ICEJ UK Celebrates Balfour 100 in London – 2017

The ICEJ UK Branch was a main organizer of the gala Balfour 100 event held in the Royal Albert Hall in London. More than 3,500 Jews and Christians attended.

ICEJ USA Urges Pres. Trump to Move US Embassy – 2017

The ICEJ USA’s American Christian Leaders for Israel network united the voices of some 60 major Christian leaders urging President Trump to move the US Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jeruslem and officially recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s eternal, undivided capital.

ICEJ USA Celebrates 70th and Move of US Embassy – 2018

The ICEJ USA’s American Christian Leaders for Israel network held a sold-out event to celebrate Israel’s founding and US Embassy’s move to Jerusalem. Event highlights included a gala dinner at Museum of the Bible, a letter from US Vice President Mike Pence, and a video greeting from Prime Minister Netanyahu. Attendees came from over 40 countries and over 40 cosponsoring organizations—including some 50 millennial leaders.

ICEJ Honored for Gift of 18 Firetrailers and 5 ATVs – 2018

The Israeli communities along the Gaza border hosted a delegation from the ICEJ at a special ceremony in October 2018 to honor the organization for providing vital assistance to combat the onslaught of airborne incendiary devices and renewed rocket barrages from Gaza. The ICEJ had responded to the terrorist arson attacks from Gaza by donating 18 all-terrain firefighting trailers and several ATVs.

ICEJ Achieves New Milestone of 150,000 Olim – 2019

At Feast 2019, the ICEJ celebrated a new milestone of assisting more than 150,000 Jews in making Aliyah to Israel since our founding in 1980. Most have come from the former Soviet Union, but we also are assisting Jews from Europe, North and South America, Ethiopia, India and China, among other regions.

ICEJ Receives ‘Yakir Award,’ 2019

The Christian Embassy was honoued by Keren HaYesod/United Israel Appeal with its annual Yakir Award in recognition of the ICEJ’s long record of supporting Israel and befriending the Jewish people. Over recent years, the ICEJ has donated several million US dollars through Keren HaYesod to fund a variety of projects, most notably to assist thousands of Jewish families making Aliyah to Israel.

Passover Assistance Amid Corona Crisis – 2020

When the outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic forced Israelis into lockdowns just ahead of Passover in March 2020, the ICEJ activated its staff to help with Passover holiday assistance and with care for the elderly in quarantine. As a result, the Embassy provided more Pessach social support for Israelis than ever before, including home deliveries of food to the elderly and daily care of Holocaust survivors confined to their apartments.

ICEJ Flies Hundreds of Jews Home Despite Corona – 2020

As the Corona crisis grounded most international flights in 2020, the ICEJ still was able to bring almost 400 Jewish immigrants on Aliyah flights to Israel between February and July. Most came from Russia, Belarus and Ethiopia. Based on this remarkable success, the Embassy launched the ‘Rescue250’ campaign, challenging Christians to help us keep up the pace of bringing at least 250 Jews home per month while COVID-19 was still impacting the world.

Turning to Online Prayer – 2020

In response to the Corona outbreak, the ICEJ turned to prayer as never before by launching several online initiatives which brought Christians together from around the world to intercede for Israel and the nations. This included the weekly Global Prayer Gathering and the Rosh Chodesh monthly prayer vigil.

Online Global Feast – 2020

With travel bans not allowing foreign tourists to enter Israel, the ICEJ transformed its annual Feast of
Tabernacles celebration into an online global event, with more speakers, worship artists and seminars than
ever before.

Over 700 Pastors and Ministry Leaders Join Envision – 2021

Over 700 pastors and ministry leaders from around the globe took part in the ICEJ’s Envision conference in January, marking our highest-ever participation rate at this annual gathering. Envision was held as primarily an on-line event, streaming out a timely, enriching series of Bible teachings, current affairs briefings, visits with Israeli officials, and panel discussions with local Jewish and Arab pastors.

ICEJ Joins “Operation Rock of Israel” Airlift of Ethiopian Jews – 2021

Between December 2020 and March 2021, the ICEJ sponsored flights for over 500 of the 2,000 Ethiopian Jewish immigrants who arrived in the “Operation Rock of Israel” airlift. In 2021, the ICEJ provided assistance for Aliyah and integration to more than 4,000 new Jewish immigrants to Israel from over 20 countries worldwide, including sponsored flights for more than 1,500 new arrivals

Largest Ever Passover Distribution – 2021

With scores of Israelis struggling financially due to corona, the ICEJ carried out its largest-ever Passover holiday distribution to poor and disadvantaged Jewish families across Israel, while also delivering Easter gift baskets to Arab Christians throughout the Land.

ICEJ Delivers 15 New Bombshelters After Hamas Attacks From Gaza – 2021

When Hamas in Gaza launched yet another rocket war on Israel, the Christian Embassy sprang into action by ordering 15 new portable bomb shelters, delivering protective vests and fire-fighting suits to first-responders in the front-line border towns, and staging pro-Israel rallies worldwide.

First National Call Center Opened for Holocaust Survivors – 2021

The ICEJ joined with charitable partners to open Israel’s first National Call Center to serve the urgent needs of Holocaust survivors nationwide. The center is located near our Home for Holocaust Survivors in Haifa, and plans are underway to open another call center in Jerusalem.

Banner Year for Aliyah – 2022

The ICEJ assisted 6,308 Jews in making Israel their new home in 2022, bringing our total Aliyah assistance over 170,000. Among those helped in 2022 were 1,092 Ukrainian Jews desperate to escape their war-torn cities. This included 190 Holocaust Survivors plus an additional 100 frail elderly Jews rescued from Ukraine and provided special accommodations, transport, and medical care along the way to Israel.

ICEJ Rescues Holocaust Survivors in Ukraine – 2022

Over the summer, we helped shelter and care for 100 elderly Holocaust Survivors en route to Israel and covered their medical expenses in Warsaw and Bucharest. This brought the total number of elderly the ICEJ assisted since the war began to nearly 300 in 2022. Some of those Ukrainian Holocaust Survivors are now living in the ICEJ’s Haifa Home.

ICEJ USA Launches Out of Zion Podcast

In the spring of 2022, we started a new podcast called Out of Zion to equip Christians in their walk with Christ. In each episode, ICEJ USA Director Dr. Susan Michael answers questions about the Bible, Jesus, the nation of Israel, current events, and the hour in which we live through timely teaching and impactful interviews.

ICEJ USA Launches Embassy Publishers

In the fall of 2022, we started a publishing house: Embassy Publishers. Through Embassy Publishers, we produce a steady stream of books about the Bible, Israel, Christian Zionism, Aliyah, antisemitism, Jewish-Christian relations, and more.

ICEJ USA Launches ICEJ U

Also in the fall of 2022, we launched ICEJ U, an online repository of educational resources—including free online courses and certificate programs, books, and podcasts—designed to inform, inspire, and equip future generations of Christians.

ICEJ Celebrates Israel’s 75th Anniversary

The State of Israel turned 75 years young in 2023—and the ICEJ celebrated with the people of Israel by hosting anniversary events around the world. ICEJ Australia represented the Christian Embassy at a gala dinner in Perth, and over 600 Christians and 50 organizations joined the ICEJ USA to celebrate with two gala dinners and the release of a new book: Every Generation’s Story: 75 Years of American Christian Engagement with Israel.

Israel Prayer Breakfast

In March the ICEJ was honored to host the Israel Breakfast at the National Religious Broadcasters convention, along with NRBTV and the Combat Antisemitism Movement.

ICEJ Stands with Israel after October 7, 2023

After the horrific attack on Israelis on October 7, when Hamas invaded southern Israel and massacred more than 1,400 innocent men, women, children, and the elderly, the ICEJ immediately went to work. Here are just a few ways we have helped the Jewish people in their recovery and stood in solidarity with Israel.

AID for a Traumatized Nation

The ICEJ’s response was immediate after October 7, with an ongoing three-pronged approach to helping the Jewish nation: prayer, solidarity, and relief aid. The ICEJ donated four new ambulances to Israel to help replace the dozens of Israeli ambulances destroyed during and since the massacre on October 7. We also helped with urgent food distribution, housing and emergency aid for evacuees, medical and emergency equipment, new and renovated bomb shelters, trauma counseling, and more. The ICEJ USA donated an additional ambulance, bringing the total to five.

Rallies for Israel

The ICEJ partnered in over 40 countries around the world to voice solidarity with the Jewish State, stand with her people, and show the Jewish community that unlike during the Holocaust, they are not alone. The ICEJ USA partnered on two rallies, one on the National Mall in Washington, DC, and another in Nashville, TN,

Weekend of Prayer

Also in November, the ICEJ promoted a Weekend of Prayer around the world to join the American Christian Leaders for Israel (ACLI) in a historic weekend of prayer for Israel where thousands of churches prayed in agreement with synagogues worldwide for the nation of Israel and the release of the hostages held by Hamas.