Original post at http://www.jewishagency.org/content/33721

Jewish Agency Pays Tribute to Christian Partners

Sharansky: "Today, as Christian organizations help us save Jewish lives every day in Ukraine, it is particularly important to show our appreciation"

JERUSALEM – The Jewish Agency for Israel paid tribute to its Christian partners at the closing plenary of its winter Board of Governors meetings yesterday (Tuesday, February 24) in Jerusalem. The International Christian Embassy Jerusalem, Ebenezer International, Ebenezer Hilfsfonds Deutschland, Ezra International, Christians for Israel, the Patmos Foundation, One Mission, and the Kim Clement Center were thanked for their essential role in helping to both fund and physically assist The Jewish Agency's Aliyah operations in war-torn Ukraine.

"There is a long history of Christian involvement in our Aliyah operations and it is always appropriate to give thanks, but today, as Christian organizations help us save Jewish lives every day in Ukraine, it is particularly important to show our appreciation," said Chairman of the Executive of The Jewish Agency Natan Sharansky.

Pastor Hinrich Kaasmann, Director of Ebenezer Hilfsfonds Deutschland, said: "As the son of a German officer from the Ukraine, standing here in Jerusalem seventy years after Auschwitz carries special meaning for me. As the Prophet Isaiah said, 'The children of your oppressors will come bowing before you; all who despise you will bow down at your feet' (Isaiah 60:14). I am here today to bow before you."

Christian organizations have been directly involved in helping The Jewish Agency rescue Jews from embattled eastern Ukraine, transporting refugees through troubled areas, handling their personal effects, locating documents necessary for Aliyah, and responding to various other needs under trying circumstances. These organizations have also provided The Jewish Agency with significant financial support to help address urgent needs in Ukraine.

Today (Wednesday, February 25), Sharansky met with representatives of Christian organizations involved in The Jewish Agency's efforts on the ground in Ukraine and again thanked them for their invaluable assistance.