Subscribe to Print Edition | Fri., November 21, 2008 Cheshvan 23, 5769 | | Israel Time: 02:53 (EST+7)   Back to Homepage web haaretz.com Haaretz Toolbar Diplomacy Defense Jewish World Opinion National Print Edition Car Rental Books Haaretz Magazine Business Real Estate GA 2008 Travel Week's End Anglo File

Crucial friends The epicenter of the financial earthquake that has rocked the world's markets can be found at the very heart of global capitalism, in New York. The shock waves have not yet abated, and even optimistic financial commentators are talking about a slowdown and a deep recession that will last at least a year, possibly even longer. Many are analyzing the crisis from a business perspective. Yet, it should not be forgotten that its impact on the philanthropic world, on assistance and rescue organizations, is likely to be devastating. Advertisement Many Israeli organizations are dependent on the benevolence of foreign philanthropists and donors as the primary suppliers of their welfare needs, whose aid can at any given moment in time seal the fate of their continued existence. However, these days, the economic crisis, the credit crunch and the financial uncertainty have resulted in a dramatic decrease in Jewish philanthropy. The new reality is such that the Jewish communities in the United States and elsewhere in the world believe it is best to invest donated funding in meeting the needs of their home populations, instead of transferring the money to various organizations in Israel. In the course of the last decade, Christian Evangelical organizations have made ever greater contributions to the Jewish people and to the State of Israel and its citizens. More than $80 million of evangelical contributions has been invested in Israeli society and the Jewish people each year. The rate of contributions from this sector has been growing at about 10 percent a year. In a reality marked by economic depression, we must conduct an in-depth analysis of events in the philanthropic field, and their impact on us. The Jewish communities' model of financial contributions differs from that of the evangelical communities in terms of size as well as the number of individual contributors. Whereas in the Jewish community, a few contribute a lot, in the evangelical community, which is working toward the welfare of Israel and the Jewish people, we are talking about small contributions made by a great many. This commitment is growing and with it the certainty that these contributions are stable and here to stay. The contributions also differ in a strategic way. The funds raised by Israel's Christian supporters will hardly be affected by the imminent recession, since they are based on a deep sense of ideological, personal and religious commitment. These kind of contributions are more about the donor himself and about his commitment to Christianity. Many evangelical organizations maintain that they will continue to raise funds for Israel. Today, more than ever, we have to acknowledge this ongoing commitment. We have to cease making cynical statements that hurt the feelings of hundreds of thousands of donors, who contribute to the defense of Israel and its citizens. We must not denigrate the strategic alliance that stands by the State of Israel. Especially in these times of economic hardship, we have to express our thanks for this unconditional friendship with the State of Israel, its citizens and the Jewish people as a whole. This strategic connection crosses continents and is deeply felt by evangelical congregations the world over. Israel's social situation is in dire straits. The gaps between rich and poor are increasing. The security needs are growing as existential threats mount. But underlying this economic depression and its accompanying fears is a tremendous message of hope - that hundreds of millions of believers from all over the world are giving their unconditional support to the Jewish people. This year, the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews marks 25 years of the historical alliance between Jews and Christians concerned with strengthening the State of Israel. Everywhere in Israel, one can see signs of the evangelical community's support. Immigrant absorption, welfare, repair of bomb shelters and help in purchasing protective and emergency equipment are only a few examples of what this community has been doing on a day-to-day basis. The sum of contributions the Fellowship has raised among Christians is estimated at about $85 million to date. This support is wide-ranging and immune to the economic crisis, which is what makes this alliance a strategic one. Nowadays, the fate of the Jewish people and of Israel is largely dependent on the strength of the connection with those who identify the Jewish people. Hundreds of millions of evangelicals throughout the world are crucial friends in a sea of hatred, hostility and war. We must, therefore, take this opportunity to acknowledge and be thankful for their work, for their strategic partnership, for their support and for this great privilege, especially in these difficult times. Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein is the president of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews. Bookmark to del.icio.us   The King is dead Archeologists find new evidence for King Herod's tomb site. Al-Hasbara Israel launches Arabic YouTube channel to bypass Arab media.

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