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stand with israel
ICEJ Reports

Now Is the Time to Stand with Israel

By Tyson Lambertson, ICEJ USA Director of Outreach

Last month, I was privileged to attend the International Christian Embassy of Jerusalem’s Envision Pastors and Leaders Conference in Israel. Surrounded by church leaders from across the world, I was deeply impacted by the wisdom and conviction of those who spoke. It was a powerful experience—one that left me with a single, urgent thought: I wish every Christian could have been there to hear what I heard. 

One of the most moving moments of the conference was hearing from Rachel Goldberg-Polin, the mother of Hersh Goldberg-Polin. Hersh was just 23 years old when he attended the Nova music festival on October 7, 2023—a day that would become one of the darkest in Israel’s modern history. That morning, Hamas terrorists launched a brutal attack, massacring 1,200 innocent people and taking over 250 hostages. Hersh was among them. 

For almost 11 months, his fate remained unknown—until August 21, 2024, when his body was recovered from the Gaza Strip. 

Rachel stood before a room full of pastors and leaders, sharing her grief, her pain, and her unyielding hope. As she spoke, I was struck not only by the deep sorrow in her eyes but also by the strength radiating from her soul. Before she even opened her mouth, I had seen her worshiping in the conference gathering. The heaviness in her spirit was evident, but there was also a supernatural grace surrounding her—the kind of strength that only comes from knowing God is “near to the brokenhearted” (Psalm 34:18 ESV). 

Rachel’s voice wasn’t just a mother’s lament. It was a call to action. And while I don’t remember every word she said, I will never forget her passion. 

Why This Matters for Every Christian 

For many believers, Israel can feel like a distant political issue—something for governments to handle, not the church. But standing with Israel is not about politics—it’s about Jesus. 

Jesus was born in Israel. He walked its land, taught in its synagogues, and wept over Jerusalem. He was crucified, buried, and resurrected in this land, and He will one day return to reign from Jerusalem. As followers of Christ, we are spiritually grafted into God’s covenant with Israel (Romans 11:17–18), and we have a responsibility to love what He loves. 

The Bible makes it abundantly clear: 

  • God’s covenant with Israel is eternal: “I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse.” (Genesis 12:3 NIV) 
  • Jesus Himself wept over Jerusalem: “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem … how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing.” (Matthew 23:37 NIV) 
  • We are called to pray for Israel: “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May those who love you be secure.” (Psalm 122:6 NIV) 

Right now, Israel is facing one of its greatest challenges in modern history. Innocent people have been murdered. Families remain torn apart as hostages are still held in captivity. Meanwhile, antisemitism is spreading across the globe, and many in the world—including some Christians—are turning their backs on Israel when she needs us the most. 

But Jesus has not turned His back on Israel, and neither should we. 

What Can You Do? 

Pray Like Jesus for Israel 

Jesus wept for Jerusalem—let’s follow His example. Ask God for peace, protection, justice, and for the Jewish people to recognize Yeshua as Messiah. 

Be a Voice for Truth  

The world is watching. Take a stand against antisemitism and false narratives by sharing the truth about Israel in your church, community, and online. 

Send a Pastor—Influence a Church  

Through our Pastors Education Fund, you can send a pastor to Israel and transform an entire congregation. Seeing the land deepens their preaching and leadership. Invest in a leader—and watch a church grow.  

Walk the Land, Ignite Your Faith  

There’s no substitute for experiencing Israel firsthand. Join us for one of these powerful gatherings: 

Be the Hands and Feet of Jesus  

Support ICEJ humanitarian aid projects making a real impact in the land. (Matthew 25:40) 

Encourage Your Pastor to Attend a Pastors’ Gathering 

Connect with like-minded believers in your region and deepen your understanding of Israel: 

The Time to Act Is Now 

Rachel Goldberg-Polin’s passion burned in that conference room at Envision, and it burned into my heart. It’s a defining moment for the church, and we cannot afford to be passive. Jesus is returning to Jerusalem one day—will we be found faithful in standing with His people? 

Let us stand with Israel. Let us pray, speak, act, and go—until justice is done, peace is restored, and the world sees that God’s promises to Israel remain unshakable.