God promised to gather His children from the four corners of the earth. Today, we look at the ICEJ’s work in supporting Aliyah from the South—both from Ethiopia and South Africa.
For the past three years, Israel has seen a rising tide of Jewish immigration from Europe. The push factors are rising antisemitism, and the pull factors are opportunity and religious freedom to live as Jews in their own homeland.
The concept of Klita (integration) is central to understanding God’s plan for the restoration of Israel and the role of Gentile believers in this divine process.“ He will raise a banner for the nations and gather the exiles of Israel; he will assemble the scattered people of Judah from the four quarters of the earth.” Isaiah 11:12
Many young Jewish immigrants are struggling to find their place. Teenagers arriving from Ukraine and Russia carry the scars of war, antisemitism, poverty, and personal loss. With little Hebrew, broken families, and almost no support system, their future seems uncertain.
In late November, the Israeli government made a decision that will forever change the lives of more than 5,000 people of Israelite descent living in the remote hills of northeastern India. Their oral traditions trace their ancestors back to the Assyrian exile of 722 BCE, when the northern tribes of Israel were scattered across the ancient Near East.
Behind every door is a story unfolding. Many women arrive guarded and fearful, carrying deep emotional wounds. But through consistent care in an atmosphere of warmth and safety from the dedicated team, they gradually open to building friendships and take courageous steps toward rebuilding their lives.
As the ICEJ continues to expand its outreach, events like the Estonia youth gathering are crucial in shaping the next generation of madrichim—young leaders who will guide others in Jewish identity and possibly toward the path of Aliyah.
Last year, the ICEJ assisted 3,653 Jews in their Aliyah and Integration process in Israel, which was 11.3% of the total immigration figures for 2024. That brings our cumulative total to 188,977 Jews assisted with Aliyah since the Christian Embassy’s founding in 1980.
The Jews are a remarkable people. Consider, for instance, that they are the only people who have been violently uprooted from their homeland not once but twice, only to return to that land each time to re-establish their national sovereignty.
Traditionally, the summer months are a peak season for Aliyah, as Jewish families relocate before the Israeli school year starts on September 1. This year, however, there is a heightened urgency due to the global surge in antisemitism. Remarkably, many are choosing to make Aliyah not despite the current conflict, but because of it, as they are driven by a desire to contribute to Israel’s needs during these trying times.
The Jewish Agency for Israel had initially expected around 20 students, but by the end of the month, thanks to the second ICEJ-sponsored flight under the Naale program, the total number of new arrivals reached more than double the expected number, with 18 from Ukraine and 5 from Moldova.
To support Israel doesn’t mean supporting everything their government does. So, what does it actually mean? Explore what it really means here…
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