ICEJ Highlights

Over 25 Years of Ministry

First Christian celebration of the Feast of Tabernacles - September 1980

One thousand Christians from every land came up to Jerusalem to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles with song, dance, praise and worship in accordance with Zechariah 14:16. The Christians were invited to the Chief Rabbis' synagogue to receive a blessing from Rabbi Goren himself. Fifteen Christian leaders spent an hour sharing with the President of Israel - President Navon at his home. He said "You move me deeply" and "we appreciate what you are doing."

On the day of the Jerusalem March, 400 Christians participated and Israeli soldiers cheered and waved in appreciation of Christian support for Israel. The people lining the route said again and again in Hebrew "Blessed art thou, blessed art thou". An exciting foreshadowing of the Messianic prophecy contained in Matthew 23:39 "For I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord", and "For he that receives you, receives me."

The Opening of the ICEJ - September 1980

Teddy Kollek, the Mayor of Jerusalem, was present at the opening and was deeply touched by the Christian representatives from different nations as they presented their country's flag before him, pledging to pray for the peace of Jerusalem in the name of all Bible-believing Christians at home. In front of all the cameras, journalists and about 1000 Christians, the Mayor described it as one of the most moving experiences in his life.

Mordechai Outcry - 1981

At Easter the Christian Embassy organized demonstrations around the world in support of imprisoned Soviet Jews and Prisoners of Zion, equating them with the situation of Mordechai and Queen Esther and the Jews of Persia long ago. Supporters of the Embassy in Jerusalem marched to the Russian compound and "nailed" their protest to the closed doors of the Russian Orthodox church there. The photo shows one of the banners used at the demonstration in Washington DC.

Coming 40 years after the Holocaust was perpetrated on Europe's soil, this was a fitting time to sound forth the trumpet on behalf of God's people. This congress, held 88 years after the first Jewish Zionist congress was held by Theodor Herzl, gave Christian leaders from different parts of the world the opportunity to harmonize their stand concerning the Jewish people and to establish the theological basis for their support for the reborn State of Israel.

Gulf War - 1991

Victims of the Gulf War were moved into hotels with nothing but the clothes on their backs. The greatest need was for toiletries and warm running suits. Within a day, the ICEJ made arrangements with various factories producing the two items. The following morning Petra van der Zande of the ICEJ Social Assistance Department and Mr. Zvi Givati, the ICEJ Liaison, presented the two hundred and eighty victims with these gifts, through the Mayor of Ramat Gan, Zvi Bar.

During the Gulf War Israel television aired a 17-minute special on the ICEJ which explained why the 50-member staff decided to stay in Israel when the Scud missile attacks began. Included in the programme was an encouragement for the nation as Israelis watched excerpts from the Feast of Tabernacles video showing Christians representing 70 nations, during Succot. It was shown on prime-time television just before the evening news, when most Israelis saw it as they were confined to their homes because of the Scud threats.

Help with the Aliyah to Israel - 1991

The ICEJ began to assist Jewish people from the former USSR to come to Israel. At first there was only passage through Budapest and Warsaw, so the Exobus program was set up to bring them through these cities. Later, as direct flights became available, Exobus brought them from their far-flung villages to the airports in Kiev and Odessa.

ICEJ also sponsored 50 full plane-loads of immigrants over 8 years, to assist them to come to Israel. The work is still on-going, with more buses and more centers being used to bring them out.

The Knesset Award - 1991

The ICEJ works without expecting awards or recognition. However, when these are forthcoming it gives us more credibility and acceptance in Israel and among the Jewish community worldwide. This facilitates our work and ministry on their behalf.

In April 1991 the ICEJ received the Speaker of the Knesset's Quality of Life Award. The ICEJ donated its prize money toward Soviet Jewry housing. In its citation the following was mentioned as the reason for awarding the prize to the ICEJ:

"The Foundation recommends to award the prize to the International Christian Embassy for its continuous and energetic activity in education and information in Israel and abroad to strengthen the ties between Jews and Christians, for its activity to bring understanding between Jews and Arabs in Israel and for its activity to deepen Jewish and Zionist awareness among Christians around the world and for encouraging immigration to Israel."

Operation Solomon - 1992

After Israel's Operation Solomon rescued thousands of stranded Ethiopian Jews, the Embassy was able to assist in helping them absorb into Israel with the aid of Dr. Campbell Millar and his wife Ferne. The Millars had worked in Ethiopia among those with leprosy for some time and could speak the language.

ICEJ sponsored the building of two Tukuls (Ethiopian meeting places) in Beit Shean. Also, through Hansen Hospital in Jerusalem, examinations were made for signs of leprosy. Additional assistance was given with the absorption process including household items, medical aid and job seeking.

Dramatic Rescue in Moldava - 1992

When the Jews of Moldava were caught int he crossfire of a regional conflict in mid-June, the Jewish Agency asked the ICEJ to help evacuate them from Bendery. The ICEJ-sponsored bus teams did not hesitate, although they were based in Kiev, several hundred kilometers form the trouble. The risks were serious, but the team promptly reorganized to enable several members and a coach to travel immediately to Odessa, from where they proceeded into the war torn region of Trans-Dniester in the southwestern republic of Moldavo. Over a period of three weeks, the Exobuses carried about 400 Jewish refugees to safety.

Repentance in Toledo - 1992

Hundreds of Spanish Christians knelt in repentance and prayer in Toldeo, carrying banners saying, "Please, Jewish people, forgive us for what happened in 1492."

In 1492, during the reign of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella, the Jews were expelled from Spain.

Five hundred years later, a meeting was held in which forgiveness was asked from the Jewish people, represented by Yitzhak Navon, former president of Israel, and other elders of the Spanish Jewish community. 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.... Allow me to tell you quite frankly that 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

Three anointed concerts were held by the Embassy on Dec. 24-26, the eve of millennium celebrations worldwide. These events helped to fill a void for local believers and Christian pilgrims reluctant to join in festivities held at the Palestinian-controlled Manger Square in Bethlehem.

Two large choirs from the United States and an orchestra of mainly Russian immigrants presented Christmas carols and a nativity story with live animals on Christmas Eve. Handel's "Messiah" was performed on Christmas night to a house full of Israelis. And on Dec. 26, the audience joined in the Gospel singing presented by some of the solo artists who came with the choirs.

Aiding Lebanese Refugees – 2000

When the south Lebanese had to flee their homes due to the Israeli withdrawal from South Lebanon, the Embassy visited the places where the refugees were being housed to see if there was anything that we could do to help them.

The ICEJ was part of the initial aid with baby clothes and personal care items, thanks to the quick response from our supporters.

The Covenant – 2001

The Covenant, a colorful biblical drama that recounts the miraculous story of the People of Israel, was first performed during the Feast of Tabernacles in 2001. The musical has since been translated into Hebrew and performed before thousands of Israelis.

Grafted – 2003

The ICEJ’s vision for young adults was realized with the foundation of the Grafted department. Grafted was founded to bring the ICEJ’s message of Biblical Zionism to a younger generation through their Feast of Tabernacles tour, by establishing work projects in Israel for young adults, and through international speaking tours.

Christian Allies’ Caucus – 2004

The ICEJ, along with other Christian Zionist ministries, was invited to participate with Knesset members in the Christian Allies’ Caucus. The caucus exists to raise Israeli awareness of the unconditional support of Evangelical Christians, launch joint welfare projects for the needy in the land, and enlist Christians in efforts to improve Israel’s standing internationally.

European Coalition for Israel – 2004

The European Coalition for Israel was formally launched in Brussels during a special conference on anti-Semitism organized with the European Jewish Congress. It is the first official pro-Israel lobby at the European Parliament, and aims to build support for the State of Israel, to provide a balanced perspective on the complex Arab-Israeli conflict, and the stand against the rising tide of anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism in Europe. The ICEJ is proud to be among the pro-Israel Christian ministries with pan-European and global constituencies that are participating in this coalition.

ICEJ's 25th Anniversary - 2005

God's faithfulness and goodness have allowed this ministry to bless and comfort Israel and the Jewish people for 25 years.

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