Yael’s Holy Land Reflections

Israeli flag, US flag, Old City, Jerusalem
Paying a Tough Price for Freedom – and Peace
We wake this morning not only to a new day, but to a new reality.
View of the almost empty Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv, after all flights were cancelled following an Israeli attack on Iran, child runs through an empty airport queue area with blue stanchions, with Israeli flags displayed on columns in the background.
Coming Home – In a Time of War
Throughout my two decades living in the Holy Land—and especially since the terror and violence of October 7—I’ve always feared being trapped outside Israel while my family was trapped inside.
A man and woman standing together at a diplomatic event with Israeli and American flags in the background.
When Evil Strikes, God Calls Us to Love and Stand
Yael reflects on the murder of two Israeli embassy workers, Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim.
A convoy of trucks and vans delivering aid traveling along a mountain road, surrounded by rugged terrain and sparse vegetation, under a cloudy sky.
Standing Together in the Face of Darkness
Yael writes about a moment of exceptional need, when The Fellowship reached beyond Israel’s border to help Christians being targeted in Syria.
People take cover as a siren is sounded warning about incoming rocket attack, at Hostage Square, Tel Aviv.
The Secret to Israel
Yael reflects on the resilience of the Israeli people, and how they continue to live despite the daily threats they face.
A candle is lit on Holocaust Remembrance day at the Holocaust museum outside the Old City in Jerusalem. The grave stones represent millions of people killed in the Holocaust that do not have proper grave sites. Each grave stone is from a different town in europe. April 30 2008
Even Now, Jewish Children Are Targets
Yael shares how the world forgot the meaning of “Never Again” after October 7. But she’s hopeful that thanks to the state of Israel and the millions of Christians who…
Orthodox Jews sing and dance during a prayer
Let Them Go
Yael says that it’s time to bring the hostages home for Passover.
Yael Eckstein and Pastor Allen Jackson sitting on chairs on stage recording podcast, IFCJ logo on wall behind them green blouse, white headscarf, brown skirt
Yael Speaks With Pastor Allen Jackson
Yael speaks with Pastor Allen Jackson at NRB about the war in Israel and the disturbing terror attacks by Hamas.
Civilians wearing costumes take part in the annual parade marking the Jewish holiday of Purim in the divided West Bank town of Hebron, March 24, 2024
Remembering Our Enemies, and Even More, Our Friends
Just before Purim, which begins tonight at sundown, Yael tells us that in an uncertain and cruel world, we must choose to focus on the goodness and blessings in our…
Yael Eckstein with yellow fortified ambulance which IFCJ provided to Magen David Adom. It was hit by bullets during Operation Swords of Iron.
As Israelis Return to North, Schools Reopen
Yael is a guest on the Bold and Blunt podcast where she speaks to host Cheryl Chumley about the war in Israel and how The Fellowship is helping.
People gather to pay their respects during the funeral service of late Israeli hostages Shiri Bibas and her children Ariel and Kfir.
The Most Difficult Day
Last Thursday was the most difficult day for Israelis since the brutal terrorist attacks of October 7, 2023.
People gather at Hostage square in Tel Aviv, on the day of the release of the bodies of four Israeli hostages from Hamas captivity, February 20, 2025
A Heartbreaking Day in Israel
Yael speaks to us live from the Holy Land to share her thoughts as Israel receives four hostages who were killed in Hamas captivity.