What does war relief look like in Israel
CMJ USA • January 15, 2024
It’s been more than 100 days since Hamas brutally attacked southern Israel on a Shabbat morning. It’s been more than 100 days of Israel fighting to root Hamas out of Gaza. More than 100 hostages have marked 100 days in captivity, their families unsure of their wellbeing or if they are even alive. Gaza civilians have suffered loss, death, and displacement for more than 100 days.
Our colleagues at CMJ Israel are working hard to minister the love of Yeshua in this tragic time. We are grateful for how you have come alongside to support this crucial work. Here is a sample of how your gifts to Israel War Relief are being used.
CMJ Israel is doing ministry from its three centers: Christ Church Jerusalem, Beit Immanuel in Tel Aviv, and Beit Bracha in the Galilee.
Archival photo of Christmas Eve Open House in Jerusalem
- Christ Church Jerusalem in the Old City continues to live out the One New Man – Jew and Arab and Internationals in community – in the midst of a tense situation. Together they have:
- Hosted as many as 3,000 Jewish and Arab Israelis at the annual
Christmas Eve Open house. Arab Christians were grateful that someone was celebrating Christmas.
Jewish Israelis come to ask questions about Messiah
they wouldn't ask any other time of the year.
- Broadcast the
weekly Arab livestream watched around the Middle East, including by Christians in Gaza.
- Offered
pastoral ministry to Gazan cancer patients in Jerusalem.
- This is all on top of hosting English, Hebrew, and Arabic congregations that meet weekly.
- The Christ Church Mercy Fund helps those in Jerusalem who “fall between the cracks” and can’t get help from their governments or other NGOs. The need in this area has only increased during the war. Examples of Mercy Fund ministry include:
- PELES - Mercy Fund Legal Team - Three full-time lawyers (all believers) offer pro-bono legal aid for the poor, new immigrants, victims of domestic violence, and most recently for bereaved families who are having a hard time collecting benefits from Israel’s social security administration due to red tape and other difficulties. Most recently, a
PELES lawyer created and maintains a website that reminds the Ministry of Defense and social security administration of their legal obligations to bereaved families.
- Ethiopian Community Economic Relief Initiative - This project provides food as well as Hebrew language education to Ethiopian Jews struggling to integrate into Israeli society. It serves Ethiopian Messianic congregations as well as Ethiopians Jews who do not believe in Jesus.
- Other Mercy Fund projects in process or planned for the future:
- School supplies
and electronic tablets for students throughout Israel.
- Food for Christian Families in Bethlehem.
- Food baskets and home visits to elderly in Old City Jerusalem.
- Food baskets/blankets/heating bills for Domari (Gypsies).
- Hebrew Lessons for Arab women in Jerusalem promoting reconciliation and bridge building.
- Looking for opportunity to provide for Christians in Gaza, especially scholarships for children at Christian schools as well as mattresses, household items, furniture for Gaza Christians who lost homes and possessions.
- Beit Bracha in the Galilee has been housing peoples displaced by the war as well Christian ministers and IDF soldiers seeking rest.
- Beit Immanuel in Tel Aviv has housed peoples displaced by the war.
- It also has the only public bomb shelter in the neighborhood, so it has been offering shelter to neighbors as Hamas continues to fire rockets at Tel Aviv.
- It also hosted ‘Singing the Psalms’ concerts offering comfort and consolation. They were well attended and appreciated by Israelis.
Please pray that the LORD would continue to provide for these and still arising needs. Pray also that the LORD would strengthen and refresh the laborers, for they are few.
Is the LORD calling you to give?
Is the LORD calling you to volunteer your time? Volunteer in Israel for a week or for a year.
Blessed by this post? Ready to sow into the work of CMJ? No gift is too small. we are blessed by your partnership.
Bedouin shepherds found it. A bishop sold it. An Israeli agent bought it. Now you can see it up close.
2026 has been a remarkable year of connection for CMJ USA. Traveling across the country to meet so many of you in person—at churches, conferences, and gatherings—is always a highlight of our ministry. From our early trips through South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida to our upcoming visits in California, Texas, and Virginia (plus the meaningful Seders and teachings close to home in Pennsylvania), we are deeply grateful for every open door. As we look ahead, we are preparing for a major milestone: launching Emunah in 2027 and introducing it to congregations nationwide. To reach as many communities as possible, we need to build a strong digital and physical foundation today. Here is where your Day of Giving support directly makes an impact: Expanding Emunah: While Emunah will initially launch as a digital download, our goal is to expand into print editions and high-quality video instruction to maximize its reach. Travel & Outreach: Bringing the Jewish roots of our faith directly to local congregations requires flights, rental cars, and boots on the ground. Upgrading Our Digital Presence: We are optimizing our website to make key resources easily accessible and expanding CMJ’s voice on social media to actively counter anti-Jewish rhetoric with truth and clarity. How You Can Partner with Us Today Invite Us to Your Church: We would love to minister to your local congregation in person. Pray for the Ministry: Stand with us in prayer for wisdom, safe travels, and open doors. Invest in the Mission: Consider becoming a monthly donor or giving a strategic one-time gift this Day of Giving. As Director Emeritus Philip Bottomley often reminds us, "The Lord pays for what He orders." We also know He delights in using His saints as conduits of His abundant provision. To our faithful regular donors: thank you. You are integral to everything we do. Will you help us take this next step forward today?
CMJ USA visits Christ Church Midland with New Wineskins Anglican Partners