By Steve Rees —
From age 13 to seniors in their 90s, from Gen Z Jewish women to American cowboys, and from Christians throughout the nations to its own citizens, Israel has received hope and help from friends and supporters since the start of war with Hamas in Gaza.
Almost four months after Hamas infiltrated Israel to kill, rape and capture innocent civilians, the Swords of Iron War remains focused on eliminating Muslim terrorists in Gaza and securing freedom for hostages held by Islamic jihadists.
While the October 7 massacre of 2023 scared some tourists from travel to Israel, the war is reason for others to give money, time and talents to comfort and support traumatized, displaced civilians and warriors, as well as learn how to advocate for the Jewish state.
Now, a Jewish rabbi is counting on brave young leaders, specifically American Christians, to come to the Holy Land this year to learn how to stand up for Israel and defend it in America with truth.
Rabbi Tuly Weisz leads an organization dedicated to strengthening Israel through relationships between Jews and Christians and, in the wake of Hamas’ murderous attack, a grassroots movement Weisz oversees has sprung up in defense of Judea and Samaria – the biblical heartland.
Founded by Weisz in 2012, Israel365 and an associated movement that’s spread since war with Hamas began Oct. 7 – The Keep God’s Land Young Leader Fellowship – plans to train a new generation of Christian Zionist leaders, who will serve, pray and study with their Jewish friends in the Holy Land this year.
To that end, American Christians will travel to Israel March 24th for Keep God’s Land Young Leader Fellowship. For two weeks, they will learn alongside Jewish brothers and sisters – in mutually respectful ways – how to advocate for Israel and build supportive communities in America through coordinated events.
The participants – 15 graduate students or young professionals funded by Keep God’s Land Young Leader Fellowship and other institutions – are expected to continue their leadership and advocacy on behalf of Israel upon return to America after April 1st.
Weisz believes a unified response from Christians and Jews who believe the Bible is a shield of protection will lead to victory over Israel’s enemies.
“This war provoked a crisis and we’re seeing a disaster unfold on the college campus. We’ve pivoted our attention to focus on the younger generation,” Weiszy told ILTV news. 121223_cut7 (iltv.tv)
The event is a follow-up to another successful demonstration of support for the Jewish state, also led by Israel365, only weeks after Hamas terrorized Israel in a surprise assault that spared nobody – not even helpless babies.
Six weeks after the Oct. 7th attack on Israel by Hamas terrorists from Gaza, the Keep God’s Land movement hosted Gen Z women from diverse Jewish and Christian backgrounds – all leaders in their 20s – in the first-of-its-kind, five-day leadership mission in Israel coinciding with the American Thanksgiving holiday.
The mission, like the young leaders fellowship in March and April aims to strengthen Israeli sovereignty through forming relationships between Christians and Jews.
From Nov. 22 -27, 2023, the Keep God’s Land agenda included volunteer work, advocacy training, biblical and historical studies, as well as visits to Israeli communities that were attacked by Hamas.
Led by Rabbi Weisz, faith-based advocacy training equipped the women leaders with skills to further Israel’s cause within their spheres of influence – among family and friends, neighborhoods, college campuses and professional workplaces.
The Gen Z leaders helped harvest vineyards in Samaria, fed Israel Defense Forces (IDF), and visited wounded soldiers among other activities and sightseeing.
“We bring young leaders here to emphasize the importance of Jewish-Christian solidarity in our common battle against radical Islam,” said Weisz.
“We boldly equip them to push back against the alarming trend of support for Hamas among young Americans, threatening Israel’s future,” he added.
The women gained historical insights into the roots of current conflicts and deepened their understanding of the region’s complexities.
The group also studied and discussed Jewish and Christian reconciliation.
“The mission is about nurturing a new generation of leaders who are informed, passionate, and capable of shaping a better future for both Israel and America,” said Israel365 Education Director and Rabbi Elie Mischel.
The participants shared a Thanksgiving meal with an Israeli member of the Knesset, according to ILTV Israel News. (https://youtu.be/VOhtH-cJdcc?si=szxCyXna0Ujmgz75)
The visit was enlightening for Ilona Chebotareva, a Ukrainian woman by descent and now a career professional living in America.
Chebotareva said it was important to “witness both the resilience and the tragedy that happened here and then bring it back to my community and be able to better speak to what happened here,” in comments to the Jerusalem Post.
“I come from a faith culture that believes in the importance of the Jewish state both to our faith and to our political world, and so we believe that it is our duty and responsibility to show up and support the Jewish people,” Chebotareva said.
For Fort Worth, Texas resident Christian Amerlia Ingram faith played a role in coming to Israel during war.
“I decided to come to Israel because the Bible teaches blessing and help for Israel when needed. That is why I’m here,” Ingram said.
The bond between Israel and America is important to Nashville, Tenn. Resident Taylor Roth. “I’m here because Israel is America’s greatest allay and we’re here to help them,” Roth said.
Israel365’s work of building relationships between Jews and Christians is further explained: click here
Over the past decade, Israel365 has developed a large online presence, published The Israel Bible and established critical relationships with Jewish and Christian leaders that are being mobilized now to defend Israel.
Keep God’s Land has as its ultimate goal Israeli sovereignty over biblical heartland Judea and Samaria, reinforced by strong support from Christians and friendships with the Jewish people.
