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Israel, You Are Not Alone

August 2, 2024

“The Lord said, ‘I have surely seen the affliction of My people who are in Egypt, and have given heed to their cry because of their taskmasters, for I am aware of their sufferings’” (Exod. 3:7 NASB).

Global political events like the developments in the US, UK and France seem to be spiraling out of control. These rapid shifts can stir feelings of doubt, frustration or anger in the average person. Moreover, they often trigger waves of anti-Semitic rhetoric, violence, demonstrations and destruction on city streets and campuses around the world, leaving the Jewish populations reeling and vulnerable. The Jewish communities of Ukraine and Russia continue to face daunting times, while many fear that Europe once again teeters on the verge of unbridled attacks against the Jews, which governments and police seem incapable—or unwilling—to prevent.

Aliyah or immigration to Israel seems the only solution for many Jewish people living abroad in the Diaspora. It has become the norm for Jewish people to feel alienated, vulnerable, hated and abused. Whether I travel to the US, South Africa or the Netherlands, the feeling is the same. Even within Israel, many conversations I’ve had with Israelis reinforce the growing sentiment that the international community looms like a colossal force in opposition to their existence. Whether it’s the abuse of justice at the International Court of Justice, political statements from world leaders, chants at university campuses, hostile declarations from Church denominations or hatred from Iran and her proxies, it does feel as if a shadow of Jew hatred is covering the world and like everyone is against Israel.

However, regardless of what it might feel like, it’s not true. As I recently reminded Jewish leaders in South Africa, “You are not alone!”

There are millions upon millions of Christians who stand with the Jewish people and the State of Israel. They pray daily for Israel, give to Israel and stand in the gap against hostile forces that come against Israel. Many of these incredible people are directly involved in aliyah, in some nations even risking their well-being to help Jewish people leave—or often escape—and relocate to Israel. I’ve met some of these unsung heroes.  Bridges for Peace also plays a hands-on part in this prophetic endeavor. To date, we’ve helped sponsor over 110,000 Jewish people who have chosen to make aliyah.

As the war in Gaza rages and the threat of Hezbollah in the north appears imminent, Jews everywhere are contemplating the nagging question, “Should I move to Israel?”

Despite the hostility they might face in their home countries, relocating to Israel can be a daunting and difficult mountain to climb. Many Jewish people can trace their roots in the countries of their birth back for centuries and generations. But while it can be painful to leave what is familiar and bid farewell to the life one has built, Israel beckons as the one and only Jewish state in the world. Israel is the only place on earth where a Jewish person can live as a Jew and practice his or her faith without fear. Israel promises to defend its citizens and to work for their well-being.

God declared to Jeremiah that there would come a time when He would no longer be known as the God who saved His people from Egypt but the God who had gathered them from the four corners of the world (16:14–15). I believe we are seeing those days in our time. God also promised Jeremiah that He would send fishermen to “fish” the Jewish people from the nations and gather them home. He further promised a time of hunters who would “hunt” the Jewish people who remain (16:16). I believe we are also witnessing such a time.

Aliyah is foremost in most Jewish minds. Over 44,000 Jewish people returned to Israel from the nations in 2023, and the Jewish Agency expects tens of thousands more to make the move in 2024—regardless of the ongoing war.

Neither these new Israelis nor their new homeland will face the move alone. Every one of our Bridges for Peace offices around the world is mobilized and committed to supporting and standing with our Jewish brothers and sisters. Christians, more numerous than can be counted, are lifting their voices and rallying despite threats to their well-being. We will not be silent.

Similar to the days prior to the Exodus from Egypt, God in His sovereignty has been working toward the liberation and restoration of the Jewish people around the world as He gathers them back to the Land of Israel and demonstrates His glory for the entire world to behold. He will redeem His people with a mighty, outstretched arm. The glory He showed Moses and the Hebrew nation will be eclipsed by an even greater display in our time, as the prophet Jeremiah declared (16:14–15).

Indeed, even today, He has heard their cry. Even now we behold miracles amid the continuation of tears and shattered hearts for the plight of the hostages and the ongoing war. Nevertheless, God has stirred in the hearts of millions of Christians to stand with the Jewish people in their hour of need and carry them home (Isa. 49:22).

Please consider stepping into God’s divine plan and give today to help the Jewish people return to the Land of Israel. Will you fill their lives with the light of God so that they will know they are not alone? Never again is now!

With shalom,
Rev. Peter J. Fast
International CEO

Photo Credit: Click on photo for photo credit

Photo License: Anti-Israel Protest, Washington, DC USA