Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein founds the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, fulfilling his vision of building bridges of understanding and cooperation between Christians and Jews and reversing the misunderstanding that has existed between members of these two great faiths.
1984
The first Day of Christian and Jewish Solidarity with Israel is held
Renowned Christian leaders, including Dr. Pat Robertson and Dr. Jerry Falwell, join Rabbi Eckstein for the first ever Day of Christian and Jewish Solidarity with Israel.
1987
Rabbi Appears on TV to Discuss Jewish-Christian Relations
Rabbi Eckstein brings the bridge-building message of IFCJ to television and radio, making regular appearances to discuss Israel, Jews, Judaism, and Jewish-Christian relations on Christian media.
1990
Launch of aliyah program
The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews launches a massive aliyah (immigration to Israel) emergency fundraising campaign - including the landmark television program, “While the Doors Are Still Open,” hosted by Pat Boone - urging Christians to bring Soviet Jews to freedom in Israel.
1992
First Aliyah flight
Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, the first IFCJ aliyah flight from the former Soviet Union arrives in Israel.
1995
Founding of Center for the Jewish and Christian Values
IFCJ opens the Center for Jewish and Christian Values in Washington, D.C., under the chairmanship of Senators Joseph Lieberman, Dan Coates, and Sam Brownback.
1997
Launch of Isaiah 58
IFCJ launches a poverty relief program to provide food, clothing, medical help, and other lifesaving aid to orphans, elderly Jews, and Holocaust survivors in the former Soviet Union.
2000
Launch of Guardians of Israel
Responding to the terror campaign against Israel during the Second Intifada, IFCJ launches a security program to support efforts to protect Israel and her people, and support families suffering from the effects of terror and war. IFCJ's Jerusalem office opens the same year.
2002
Launch of Stand for Israel
To foster support for Israel, IFCJ initiates a program to mobilize U.S. churches, Christian leadership, and individuals to support Israel through prayer, outreach, and education. The first International Day of Prayer and solidarity with Israel mobilizes 5 million Christians in 16,000 churches to pray for Israel.
2005
RYE named Goodwill Ambassador
In recognition of IFCJ's unique and pivotal role in uniting Christians and Jews, Rabbi Eckstein is appointed as the state of Israel's Goodwill Ambassador for Christian communities in Latin America.
2006
Emergency Response
During the Second Lebanon War, IFCJ is the first organization to deliver food and other essentials to Israelis forced to spend days in bomb shelters. Responding to the ongoing terrorist threat to the nation, IFCJ begins funding bomb shelters throughout the country.
2008
25th Anniversary
IFCJ celebrates its 25th year of building bridges of understanding and cooperation between Christians and Jews along with many friends and early supporters, including Pat Boone and Pat Robertson.
2009
Help Holocaust survivors
IFCJ distributes more than $10.5 million to assist 27,785 Holocaust survivors facing poverty, who are in desperate need in Israel, the former Soviet Union, Latin America, and Europe.
2011
Best NonProfit
IFCJ is voted one of the “Top 50 Best Nonprofits to Work For” by The Non-Profit Times.
2012
The Fellowship establishes a new affiliate in South Korea.
IFCJ expands its global outreach by establishing a new affiliate in South Korea, building bridges with the Jewish community and Korea's large and growing Christian community.
2013
Ethiopian Aliyah
The aliyah campaign continues as IFCJ helps make possible the return to Israel of Ethiopian Jews, members of the lost tribe of Dan.
2013
Launch program With Dignity and Fellowship
IFCJ launches the With Dignity and Fellowship program, which alleviates poverty by providing food, medicine, and companionship to the neediest elderly in Israel. This is the first program IFCJ runs entirely on its own, without partnering with any other organization.
2014
Help Ukrainians in civil unrest
IFCJ provides nearly $2 million to aid Ukrainian Jews during a period of extreme civil unrest.
2016
Significant player in Aliyah
IFCJ nearly triples its share of overall aliyah (immigration to Israel), becoming a dominant force for Jewish immigration to Israel in nine of the countries in which it is active.
2018
35th Anniversary
FCJ celebrates its 35th year of strengthening Israel and her people, as Israel marks her 70th anniversary of independence. A special event at Mar-a-Lago honors friends of Israel including Stephen Harper, Danny Danon, Ed Frankel, and Steve Green.
2019
Rabbi Eckstein passes away
Yael Eckstein transitions into the role of president and CEO of IFCJ, answering God’s call to continue the rich legacy that her late father left behind.
2020
Response to COVID-19
IFCJ responds to the devastating and unprecedented effects of the COVID-19 pandemic by acting immediately, establishing an emergency fund to assist Israel’s hospitals and those impacted by the pandemic, and to continue to provide basic care to Jewish populations in need.
2021
IFCJ's record year
The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews marks a milestone year, helping more than 2 million people. Throughout this year, more food, security, and aliyah was provided than in any other year in IFCJ's history.
2022
Ukrainian Aliyah
When war breaks out in Ukraine, supporters of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews assist tens of thousands of displaced Ukrainians, helps thousands find shelter in Israel, and delivers hundreds of tons of food and essentials to distressed Ukrainian families.
2023
40th Anniversary
The Fellowship celebrates its 40th year of strengthening Israel and her people, as Israel marks her 75th anniversary of independence.
HOPE FOR ISRAEL
The people of Israel face each day with fear and uncertainty. Your support today provides lifesaving food, medicine, and protection. Stand with them now and help transform fear into hope.
