Yael’s Holy Land Reflections

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.
A rally marking 500 days since the hostages were kidnapped to the Gaza Strip, at "Hostage Square" in Tel Aviv, February 17, 2025.
Israel's 500th Day of War
Yael Eckstein says that Israel’s war against Hamas is not a war over land, but a war over existence.
Railway tracks leading toward the Auschwitz concentration camp entrance, with guard towers, fencing, and visitors visible under a cloudy sky.
Liberating Auschwitz Again
On January 27, the world pauses to commemorate International Holocaust Remembrance Day and the liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camp. But has Auschwitz ever truly been liberated?
Visitors at Hostage Square in Tel Aviv on January 19, 2025
The Hostage Deal – Israel’s Sacred Stand for Life
Today, we cling to hope as we take the first steps toward bringing our loved ones home.
Yael Eckstein, southern Israel
Is the Hostage Deal Good for Israel?
Yael shares her thoughts on the information we have right now about news of a hostage deal.
Covered outdoor plaza with a paved courtyard, colorful hoops on the ground, and a mural of a bird carrying a red heart on a small building in the background.
Miracles and Destruction in Sderot
Yael remembers and reflects on the miracles and destruction in Sderot.
hands lighting menorah candles, box of pastries, sufganiyah
Parallels Between First Hanukkah and Today
Yael shares powerful stories from Israel that show the true meaning of Hanukkah and give a reminder that God’s light shines in the darkness.
Yael Eckstein lighting Hanukkah candles, smiling
Hanukkah: A Flame That Refuses to Be Extinguished
Yael shares how the lessons of Hanukkah can inspire us today to protect the Jewish people and fight against hate.
At Kibbutz Be’eri, adult man sift through destruction holding Hanukkah menorah, kippah, yarmulke, blue jean overalls, face mask, green shirt, gloves, ruins, rubble, debris
Hanukkah: A Season of Light and Miracles in Israel
Yael Eckstein shares stories from her experiences with The Fellowship that show the true meaning of Hanukkah.