Yael Eckstein, President and CEO of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, named to Jerusalem Post’s ‘50 most influential Jews’ list for third time
September 18, 2023
JERUSALEM — The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (The Fellowship) is thrilled to announce that Yael Eckstein, its President and CEO, has been named to the Jerusalem Post’s 2023 list of 50 Most Influential Jews. She previously appeared on the annually published list in 2020 and 2021.
Ranking 22nd on this year’s list, Eckstein earned the honor for The Fellowship’s continued support in providing basic needs to those in war-torn Ukraine.
“It is truly an honor to again be named to this list. I will continue to do everything I can to be worthy of this title and our donors’ trust,” said Eckstein. “As we enter this new year on the Jewish calendar, there’s so much darkness…but the best way to dispel darkness is to spread more light by supporting people in need. THAT is The Fellowship’s mission, and what we will continue to do in the year ahead and beyond.”
The Fellowship’s work throughout the former Soviet Union over the last 30 years is featured in Eckstein’s profile, noting the organization’s vital role in providing necessities such as food, medication, blankets, and generators every day, but especially during the early days of the war. The profile also highlights The Fellowship’s crucial role in facilitating aliyah (immigration to Israel) rescue flights for thousands of Ukrainian refugees since the war began.
In addition to The Fellowship’s lifesaving aid efforts in Ukraine, the nomination also highlights Eckstein’s bridge-building work, the organization’s founding principle that remains a key pillar of its work and organizational strategy today.
“It is only thanks to God and The Fellowship’s wonderful donors – more than 600,000 of them – who give so sacrificially to bless Israel and the Jewish people that we’re able to save the lives and make the difference that we do,” Eckstein said. “We are blessed every day to continue our mission of fighting poverty, providing security, and bringing Jews from around the world home to Israel.”
Earlier this year, Eckstein also received The Jerusalem Post’s Humanitarian of the Year award for The Fellowship’s ongoing support in Ukraine.
To learn more about this year’s Top 50 list, read Yael’s full profile, and view other awardees, click here.