We believe that there is a biblical, God-intended relationship of mutual blessing between the Messianic movement (Jewish believers in Jesus) and the Body of Christ worldwide. While it is our opinion that the Messianic movement is vitally important and worthy of support, we also caution believers to be discerning about where they direct their financial giving. Not every individual or organization that highlights the Jewish people is focused on advancing the gospel of salvation, which we hope you will agree, is the most important need of all.

From time to time we receive inquiries about The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (IFCJ), and its founder, the late Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein. The IFCJ is known for airing infomercials on radio and TV pleading with Christians to support their programs of bringing Jewish people from the former Soviet Union, the Ukraine, and Ethiopia back to Israel, and feeding and helping the poor in Israel.

While we affirm helping Jewish people return to our ancestral land and feeding the poor, we also believe what Paul wrote applies: Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus (Colossians 3).

Many Christians are under the mistaken impression that Rabbi Eckstein was a Messianic Jew and the IFCJ did everything in the name of the Lord Jesus. Perhaps this is because Rabbi Eckstein frequently quoted prophecies from Scripture about the return of the Jewish people to Israel in the Last Days, and frequently quoted Genesis 12:3, promising a blessing for those who bless the Jewish people. However, Rabbi Eckstein was not a follower of Yeshua. In fact, he was hostile to the idea of attempting to persuade Jewish people to believe in Jesus. And, there is no evidence that the IFCJ has changed since his death. Christians deserve to know that not one penny they donate to IFCJ will be used to help Jewish people discover their Messiah.

As a positive alternative, we can recommend some organizations that do the same charitable work among the poor in Israel and which also share the Good News with Jewish people. They are worthy of your support. Those organizations include:

Jews for Jesus (www.jewsforjesus.org)

Jewish Voice Ministries International (www.jewishvoice.org)

One For Israel (www.oneforisrael.org)