Annual Report 2024
You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word. Psalms 119:114
Dear Friends,
I am deeply moved to share with you this report on everything we accomplished together in 2024. As we have throughout our long history, the Jewish people spent this past year defending our very existence. And I spent much of the year here on the ground in the Holy Land, witnessing both profound suffering and extraordinary courage as we delivered aid to Israel’s most vulnerable.
All year long, I watched members of my own community, friends, neighbors, even my children’s school principal, receive their call-up orders for IDF reserve duty, knowing they would soon face those who seek our destruction. It seemed as though every Israeli was being called upon to defend the fundamental values that define us: life, freedom, and faith.
But even as so many Israelis have placed their lives on the line in this struggle between good and evil, I have watched much of the world turn against us. Nations have abandoned the Jewish state. Protesters have openly attacked Jewish people in the streets. All of this while Israel now fights for survival on seven different fronts.
For eight decades we have declared “Never Again.” Yet too many have forgotten this sacred promise. Today, the Jewish people face anti-Semitic hatred and violence we have not seen since the darkest days of the Holocaust.
But here is what gives me hope amid this heartbreak: the Jewish people have millions of Christian friends who love us and stand with Israel. You, our supporters and champions, have reminded us that we are not forgotten, that we are not alone.
Thanks to your support, we helped more people, touched more lives, and distributed more aid than in any year since The Fellowship’s founding. You enabled us to provide basic necessities, security essentials, and life-changing opportunities for aliyah (immigrating to Israel). You have strengthened Israel with emergency supplies and lifesaving aid precisely when we needed it most.
American friends often ask me what it is like to live through a war. I tell them about the countless times my family has raced to our bomb shelter with mere seconds to spare. When we cannot reach safety in time, I describe watching my children throw themselves to the ground, hands covering their heads, as rockets explode overhead.
Yet my children are being raised in their biblical homeland, secure in the knowledge that God is with them. And your support, your love, serves as proof of God’s providence, assurance that we are not alone even in our darkest hours.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you, my friends. Thank you for standing with Israel, and please continue to pray for the peace of Jerusalem.
With blessings from the Holy Land,
Yael Eckstein President and Global CEO
YOUR 2024 IMPACT
Poverty
3 million meals served through Fellowship-supported soup kitchens worldwide
973,000 children and families received basic needs like food, medicine, and clothing
136,000 elderly Jews and Holocaust survivors provided with food, medicine, warm winter clothes, blankets, and other basic needs
Security
1 million people worldwide provided with access to secure Jewish synagogues, schools, and communities through emergency equipment, medical equipment, and mobile bomb shelters
800 wounded soldiers received comfort kits and financial assistance
Over 2 Million People Were Helped by The Fellowship
Aliyah
More than 6,000 olim (immigrants) made aliyah (immigrated to Israel)
Assisted 12,000 olim with klitah (resettlement) in the form of education and career counseling and scholarships, Hebrew language lessons, and financial support to purchase basic needs
Fellowship
8,000 people engaged in monthly prayer services
60,000 prayer requests taken to the Western Wall in Jerusalem
More than 220 churches, synagogues, and colleges held Flags of Fellowship events across all 50 states
OUR EMERGENCY RESPONSE
After the horrible attacks of October 7, which plunged Israel into all-out war, Israel has been on the frontlines fighting against the terrorists that wish to destroy her – and destroy the entire free world. But even when painfully confronted with evil and darkness, the Jewish people are choosing to fight back with light, love, and faith. And you, our supporters, have also chosen to respond in faith, so that together we can strengthen and renew Israel and her people.
Finding Goodness and Light
Tamara was a small child when her Jewish family escaped Estonia as the Nazis invaded.
Now in the Holy Land, she still lives with those memories, which were only heightened by the October 7 attacks, when Hamas terrorists invaded southern Israel, including Tamara’s hometown of Ashkelon.
“Our city was hit by the most missiles of all the cities in Israel,” Tamara says.
Unlike 1,200 other Israelis, Tamara survived that terrible day, just as she survived the Holocaust. “I hear the news and I can’t stop crying,” she says.
“I pray all day for the lives of the hostages and for the lives of our soldiers who guard us.
“That’s all I can do. Pray and believe that it will be good.”
Tamara does find good when Fellowship volunteers visit with food and other necessities. Thank you for being a blessed source of goodness and light in Tamara’s life.
Across Israel, and especially in Israel’s border towns that lie close to hostile neighbors, so many innocent Israelis are left feeling fearful and worried about when the next rocket will fall or if terror will strike. That’s why we are so grateful that you provided tangible support –such as bomb shelters, flak jackets, trauma kits, armored ambulances, and so much more – to bring them a feeling of safety and security. You raised your voice in support for Israel and God’s people, strengthening them and comforting them.
Our Support During the Israel-Hamas War in 2024:
170+ mobile bomb shelters installed near bus stops in northern Israel
13 armored security vehicles purchased for local security teams in Israel
27 ambulances and medical vehicles provided to our partners United Hatzalah and Magen David Adom
10 mobile firefighting trailers purchased for use by first responders
600 emergency shelter kits delivered to citizens living in public bomb shelters as a precaution for possible all-out war along Israel’s northern border
Placed bomb shelters ahead of schedule and mobilized to provide emergency support in response to Iran missile attacks
Carrying on in Their Memory
A few years after making aliyah with The Fellowship from Ukraine, Daniel joined a combat unit of the IDF. But then October 7 happened. Daniel’s unit was stationed on Israel’s northern border. So, as they learned the news of Hamas’ attacks in the south, they also began experiencing rocket and drone attacks by Hezbollah.
After over a month in the north, Daniel was sent to fight in Gaza as a commander. His unit was clearing a house where Hamas terrorists had been hiding. The terrorists had booby trapped the home, causing a huge explosion.
“Everything was in kind of slow motion. Then I realized that my leg was cut off by the explosion, and I had to stop the bleeding,” Daniel says. “I put a tourniquet on by myself to save myself. I don’t know how I was able to do it.”
Fifteen soldiers in Daniel’s unit were badly injured. Daniel was treated in the field before being sent to Fellowship-supported Soroka Hospital in Be’er Sheva. He lost consciousness and was in a coma for three days before at last waking up. It was then that he learned three of his closest friends in the combat unit had died from their injuries.
With support from The Fellowship and our friends around the world who stand for Israel, Daniel is inspired to keep healing and to give hope to others. And he’ll do so in memory of the dear friends he lost: “They didn't die for nothing. I wasn't injured for nothing. We were there to defend our country.”
OUR POVERTY PROGRAM
This past year, you helped us answer God’s call to feed the hungry and help the most vulnerable. With wars in both Israel and Ukraine, so many impoverished families and elderly relied on us as their main source of food and support. But we believe that God called The Fellowship and you, our faithful friends, “for such a time as this.” So Fellowship volunteers bravely went into the war zones to deliver lifesaving food boxes on your behalf – sending a strong message of hope and letting God’s people know that they are not forgotten.
Impact:
523,000 people provided with food, clothing, and financial aid for the Jewish holidays of Passover, Rosh Hashanah, and Hanukkah
35,000 children given school supplies
Finding Comfort in The Fellowship
“Israel is my home,” says Anna, an 85-year-old Holocaust survivor from Ukraine. “I love this country with all my heart.”
Anna lives in northern Israel, where she faces many threats from Hezbollah terrorists. She was painfully reminded of this after a missile hit a shopping center just two minutes from her house.
She says, “I’m old now, and it takes me a long time to descend the stairs to the bomb shelter. Suddenly, I heard a huge explosion. I raised my hands because I felt the ceiling was about to collapse on me.”
And then she told us something that was so heartbreaking: “Since then, I’m afraid to fall asleep at night. I sleep in my clothes so that I’m ready to run if there’s another siren.”
While we pray the war in Israel ends soon, we are here for Anna with support and care in the meantime. “I almost never leave my home, and I rely on the food I receive thanks to The Fellowship.”
Caring for Hurting Jewish People in Need
Lily is an immigrant from Iraq, while Ezra is also an immigrant to Israel from Iran. They’ve been married over 60 years and have four grown children.
Just a few years ago they had 13 grandchildren, but terrible events took the lives of their 18-year-old Shahar, who died in a car accident, and Adi, an IDF soldier who was killed by terrorists on October 7, 2023.
Lily is struggling to accept the loss. “I’m thinking about my grandchildren all the time and I’m constantly in pain,” she says. Ezra suffers too.
“The truth is, I’m also in pain,” he says.
While nothing can take away this grief, The Fellowship provides support through a monthly food card which the couple can use to buy groceries. And our visits help remind them they are not alone. As all of Israel is hurting after October 7, it’s all the more important to care for Jewish people in need, like Ezra and Lily.
“My only son lives in Sumy, Ukraine, with my 19-year-old grandson who has health problems due to complications from a childhood infection. On February 24 I saw the Russian army passing my village on their way to Sumy. All I could think about was if I would ever see my son and grandson alive.
“[Fellowship-supported] Hesed coordinated help for several eye surgeries and purchased new glasses for me. They also gave me vital food and medicine. I am forever grateful for The Fellowship’s support, thank you!”
Valentina, a 73-year-old woman, on when the Russian army occupied her small village in Ukraine and her son’s city of Sumy
But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!
Amos 5:24
OUR SECURITY PROGRAM
Even in times of peace, Israel must be on high alert for rockets and missiles that can be fired at any moment by the enemies that surround her. During wartime, that danger is greatly heightened. But we know that the people of Israel take comfort in the words of the psalmist, “He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep” (Psalm 121:4) –and in knowing that they have faithful friends like you providing support, security equipment, fortification against terrorist rockets, and support for the men and women bravely serving their country as soldiers and first responders. Throughout a difficult year, you stood with Israelis in their fight for goodness, light, and faith.
Impact:
158,000 people provided with basic needs such as food, clothing, hygiene materials, and housing during war in Israel
1,000 meals provided daily under rocket fire at soup kitchens in northern Israel
3 trauma centers, which help 65,000 Israelis, supported through renovations, expansions, and assistance
6 Israeli hospitals supported
You Bring Hope to Young Victims of Terror
Twelve-year-old Alan was playing soccer with friends in the summer of 2024. He didn’t know that he was moments away from surviving one of the deadliest Hezbollah rocket attacks of the year at a local field in Majdal Shams, Israel. This attack killed 12 innocent kids and injured many more, like Alan.
“I was near the soccer field when I heard the rocket explosion,” remembers Alan’s dad. “I ran straight to the field.”
What he saw next was any parent’s nightmare: “I saw Alan lying and bleeding on the field. He was evacuated by helicopter and went straight to surgery.” After many hours of waiting, the medical staff gave Alan’s parents some hope – their son was in stable condition. Alan had months of rehabilitation ahead of him. But thanks to you, The Fellowship was by Alan’s side. We donated the ambulance that was the first to arrive with paramedics to treat the injured, like Alan. And we were able to provide him with support through rehab and bring him a LEGO set to distract him from all the difficult and dark things he’s had to endure. We are so grateful he’s on the road to recovery!
While we always hope for the best, we must be prepared for the worst. Since October 7, The Fellowship has empowered us to answer emergency calls despite the challenging and dangerous circumstances. Thanks to your support, we can save lives.”
Rafael,
a paramedic from Magen David Adom on the Fellowship-donated mobile ICU vehicles
OUR ALIYAH PROGRAM
We feel so privileged to participate in the fulfillment of prophecy by welcoming Jews from around the world to their biblical homeland. Thanks to you, Christians are part of that prophetic fulfillment: “they will bring your sons in their arms and carry your daughters on their hips” (Isaiah 49:22). It’s truly a blessing to witness olim –many of whom have lived through anti-Semitism, war, and poverty –finding protection, hope, and joy in the land God promised them.
Happy to Be In the Holy Land
Growing up in France, Joey, who’s just 12 years old, was subject to vicious anti-Semitism. One day, on the playground in her neighborhood that she used to enjoy going to, a group of older kids ganged up on Joey and told her, “Jews aren’t allowed on this playground!”
Young Joey wasn’t the only one treated terribly. Her parents say that ever since the brutal Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, they noticed their neighbor suddenly stopped talking to them. Only later did they learn it was because they are Jewish.
“During the last year, and especially since October 7, we have been living in fear. I have six children, and I fear for their future,” says their mother, Sarah.
The family says they wouldn’t have been able to make it to their biblical homeland without The Fellowship. “I simply have no words to describe our great happiness and gratitude for everything The Fellowship has done for us,” says Sarah.
Anti-Semitism in France threatens us. I feel like a stranger in the country where I was born. It's sad for me. I don’t want to continue living like this. As a mother, I feel that this is the right decision for all of us as a family, and I am especially happy that it is possible for us to make aliyah as a whole extended family together.”
Lea, 32, who made aliyah with four generations of her family. Her grandma, parents (her father pictured above left), two brothers, and then her husband and two young daughters (Gali, age 4, pictured above right) all arrived in the Holy Land together from France.
He will raise a banner for the nations and gather the exiles of Israel.
Isaiah 11:12
In 2024, The Fellowship helped more than 6,000 people make aliyah from the following countries:
Argentina
Colombia
Costa
France Georgia
Guatemala
Kazakhstan
Lithuania
Portugal Russia Spain
Tajikistan
Turkmenistan
Ukraine
Uruguay
Uzbekistan
OUR FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM
Over 40 years ago, Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein founded The Fellowship. He felt called to build bridges between God’s people –between Christians and Jews. Rabbi Eckstein united the two faiths through shared biblical values and the promise of Genesis 12:3 that says God will bless those who bless Israel. Today, The Fellowship has helped millions of Jewish people in need in Israel and around the world. We’ve helped educate Christians about the Jewish roots of their faith. And, based on the foundation of our shared Judeo-Christian values, we boldly stand in solidarity with Israel and fight against hatred and anti-Semitism that threaten our world.
Impact:
More than 220 churches, synagogues, and colleges held Flags of Fellowship events across all 50 states
600 media placements resulting in more than 456 million impressions for the Flags of Fellowship campaign
1.4 million downloads of our new podcast The Chosen People, released in October 2024 and created in partnership with Pray.com
The Chosen People reached #3 on Apple’s religion and spirituality podcast list
I will bless those who bless you … and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.
Genesis 12:3
Flags of Fellowship
On October 7, 2023, Hamas terrorists invaded Israel and murdered 1,200 innocent people, leading to all-out war. On the solemn anniversary of these horrific attacks, The Fellowship hosted our first-ever Flags of Fellowship event, where over 200 churches, universities, and synagogues throughout the U.S. and Canada made a strong declaration of unity and hope by planting fields of 1,200 Israeli flags, representing each life lost on that dark day. Through prayer and action, we sent a clear message: as Christians and Jews, we stand for Israel and the Jewish people in their fight for goodness, light, and faith.
A Million Women – An Esther Call on the Mall
Fellowship staff, led by our U.S. CEO and Global COO, Robin Van Etten, were proud to attend the A Million Women event, which took place in Washington, D.C., with remarks by Fellowship Board Member Michele Bachmann, on the holiest day of the Jewish year, Yom Kippur – the Day of Atonement. The event drew over 250,000 people with millions more participating online. Together, Christian women and men – modern day Esthers and Mordecais – came together “for such a time as this” in prayer and fasting to let the world know that Israel does not stand alone.
The Chosen People Podcast with Yael Eckstein
The Fellowship has a long history of connecting Christians to the Jewish roots of their faith. This is fundamental to Christian support of Israel and the Jewish people. To reach beyond our core donors, The Fellowship, in partnership with Pray.com, the number one prayer app in the world, launched The Chosen People podcast with Yael. This podcast takes Christian listeners through stories and readings from the Torah, with insights from Yael and a Christian perspective from Bishop Paul Lanier, The Fellowship’s U.S. chairman of the board.
I arrived at the hospital with nothing. The hospital kit with the supplies that The Fellowship is providing is very important for the wounded. It provides the necessary materials for the beginning of the hospitalization and rehabilitation process.”
Noa, a 26-year-old soldier who was serving in the reserves near Israel’s northern Lebanese border when a Hezbollah drone exploded right near her
I am very happy at the kibbutz, learning Hebrew and becoming adapted to Israeli culture. The Fellowship seminar was amazing. It was great hanging out with other people in my situation, and it really gave us a sense of community with other young olim.”
Fabricio from Argentina, who attended a Fellowship seminar for young olim from Latin America
I want also to send my best wishes to all the people who are involved in The Fellowship’s operation before Passover, a holiday that symbolizes freedom and hope for Jewish people. Your work warms and brings hope to many people’s hearts. It gives us a feeling of safety and stability in our day-by-day life. Thank you, and God bless you!”
Rozalia, a 90-year-old Holocaust survivor from Ukraine living in Israel
My Dear Friends,
It has never been more important for all of us who are part of this extraordinary Fellowship – faithful Christians and Jews alike – to stand united in love, prayer, and unwavering support for the Jewish people and the state of Israel.
This past year, we witnessed unimaginable pain. After the massacre of October 7, 2023, a long war followed. And it continues. With the war, Israel faces threats on multiple fronts, which has brought sorrow and fear to countless lives.
Yet, in the midst of darkness, your compassion has been a light for His people. In 2024, God used you to bring comfort, provision, and hope to those in desperate need. You reminded the people of Israel that millions of faithful friends around the world are lifting them up in prayer and standing with them in solidarity. Through the grace of our loving and almighty God, we carried out His good work – feeding the hungry, sheltering the displaced, and comforting the brokenhearted. Through all Israel has endured, through all we have endured, Scripture reminds us, “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: ‘May those who love you be secure’” (Psalm 122:6). Let us hold fast to our calling to bless Israel and the Jewish people, trusting that God will continue to use us as instruments to bring His light to those in need.
Together in faith,
Bishop Lanier Chairman of the Board
FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR YEAR 2024
76 cents of every dollar goes to providing humanitarian care, lifesaving aid, ministry and education outreach as well as other efforts furthering the mission of the Fellowship.
2024
Board of Directors:
Yael Eckstein President and Global CEO Jerusalem, Israel
Bishop Paul Lanier Chairman Pfafftown, North Carolina
Rev. Johnnie Moore Vice Chair Haymarket, Virginia
J.R. Dupell Treasurer & Secretary Odessa, Florida
Hon. Michele Bachmann, J.D., LL.M. Director Bayport, Minnesota
Dr. David Clark Director Frisco, Texas
Steve Hefter Director Highland Park, Illinois
Jacob Schimmel Director Jerusalem, Israel
Suzanne Peyser Director Bethesda, Maryland
Bryan Shetsky Director
Boca Raton, Florida