Black Christian Leadership Council on Israel Relations honors Eckstein for humanitarian leadership and commitment to strengthening Christian-Jewish relations

JERUSALEM, Nov. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (The Fellowship) announced that its President and Global CEO, Yael Eckstein, received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Black Christian Leadership Council on Israel Relations during a gala in Jerusalem on November 9, recognizing her lasting commitment to humanitarian relief, strengthening Christian-Jewish relations and supporting at risk communities across Israel and around the world.

The award recognized a handful of leaders whose work has advanced the council's mission of strengthening faith-based partnerships, while supporting Israel and confronting anti-Semitism.

"Each honoree has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to strengthening the bonds between Christians and Jews, standing with Israel and turning shared values into meaningful action," said Dr. Michael Stevens, Sr., Co-Chair of the Black Christian Leadership Council on Israel Relations. "Yael Eckstein embodies that commitment through her humanitarian leadership and dedication to helping vulnerable communities across Israel and around the world. Her work through The Fellowship has not only transformed countless lives but also demonstrated the lasting impact of Christian-Jewish solidarity."

The gala was held as part of the Council's historic 'Unfinished Business' Holy Land tour, held November 4–11, which brought over 600 Christian leaders and Black American and African pastors to Israel to commemorate the legacy of Black–Israel solidarity, strengthen Black–Jewish and Africa–Israel alliances, and stand for the Jewish community in the face of rising anti-Semitism.

"I am deeply honored to receive this recognition from leaders who share our commitment to standing with Israel and the Jewish people," said Eckstein. "The Fellowship was built on the belief that Christians and Jews can come together through faith, compassion, and a shared responsibility to care for those in need. At a time when Jews and Christians around the world are facing persecution and uncertainty, this gathering is a powerful reminder that enduring friendship and solidarity can make a lasting difference in people's lives."

The 'Unfinished Business' tour was inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s planned pilgrimage to Israel in the late 1960's which was never realized due to his assassination. Nearly six decades later, the delegation traveled to Israel to honor that legacy while building stronger ties between Black Christian communities and the Jewish people.

About the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews 

For more than 40 years, the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (The Fellowship) has been the leading nonprofit building bridges between Christians and Jews, blessing Israel and the Jewish people around the world with humanitarian care and lifesaving aid. Since its founding in 1983, The Fellowship has raised more than $4.4 billion to support Israel and Jewish communities worldwide.  In 2025, The Fellowship helped more than 2 million people living in poverty, helped thousands make aliyah back to their homeland, Israel, and helped strengthen Israel's security infrastructure. To learn more about The Fellowship's work, visit www.ifcj.org.

About Yael Eckstein 

Yael Eckstein is President and Global CEO of The Fellowship, one of the world's largest religious charitable organizations, and is a respected Jewish leader, speaker, bestselling author, and an award-winning podcast host and humanitarian. A 2025 'Pillars of Jerusalem' award recipient for her exceptional contributions to Israel's public diplomacy, and The Jerusalem Post's 2023 Humanitarian of the Year, Yael is a Chicago-area native based in Israel with her husband and their four children.

CONTACT: press@ifcj.org 

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SOURCE International Fellowship of Christians and Jews