“A friend loves at all times, and in adversity he becomes a brother.” -Proverbs 17:17.

This is the guiding verse adopted by the international organization Christian Friends of Israel, founded in 1985. At a time when hatred of Jews in general, and of Israel in particular, is growing and increasingly normalized, evangelical Christians across Europe are standing with Israel by supporting European branches of organizations like Christian Friends of Israel, Ebenezer, and the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ).

These Christians are following in the footsteps of figures such as Pastor William Hechler, who was a close confidant of Theodor Herzl and an active participant in the founding of the Zionist movement in the 19th century. Other prominent Christian Zionist supporters included Henri Dunant (founder of the Red Cross), Arthur James Balfour, and David Lloyd George.

Since the October 7, 2023 attacks, these Christian organizations have redoubled their efforts to offer practical support to Israel. This includes stepping in to help kibbutzim hit hardest by the October 7 attacks, from assisting with harvests to ensuring vital daily operations continue despite the absence of workers, some of which are now serving in the army. They are also supporting IDF soldiers with supplies and moral encouragement; standing with Druze families of Majdal Shams mourning the loss of 12 children killed by a rocket launched from Lebanon on July 27, 2024, and comforting the injured and bereaved through hospital visits in Haifa.

And of course, they continue to support the families of the hostages, all while faithfully praying over these urgent needs in light of this verse: “For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest.” - Isaiah 62:1