International Fellowship of Christians and Jews Expands Asian Outreach

In trip to South Korea, Fellowship Founder and President Announces Broad Initiative to Deepen Bonds Between Israel and Christians in Asia

Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein: "It's been an honor meeting and working with church leaders and speaking at some of the largest seminaries and churches in the world here in South Korea."

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International Fellowship of Christians and Jews

May 21, 2015, 12:11 ET

SEOUL, South Korea, May 21, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Building on an initiative begun in 2012 with the establishment of its office in Seoul, South Korea, Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein, founder and president of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (The Fellowship), announced on his most recent trip to Seoul that he is expanding The Fellowship's Asian outreach to the Far East as a whole.

Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein, left, explains the importance of supporting Israel during a press conference in Seoul, South Korea, accompanied by Rev. Park, right, who is helping the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews to establish ties with the Christian communities in Korea and the Far East.

At a press conference in the South Korean capital, Rabbi Eckstein also announced plans to establish a Korea-based Institute for the Far East that would act as a central hub for further Fellowship outreach to China, Singapore, and the Philippines. The Institute would work strategically to establish deeper relations between Christians in these nations and Israel, as well as promote Christian tourism to the Jewish state, and raise funds for Jews in need.

"The Fellowship has had a presence in Korea for three years now, and there is much further potential here for growth, both in the country and the region. This trip, and the warm reception I have received from Christian leaders and parishioners, again confirms what I have always believed: The Fellowship has a role to play anywhere there are Christians longing to know more about the Jewish roots of their faith, or anywhere there are Christians and Jews who sincerely want to work together to support Israel, the Middle East's only democracy."

The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (The Fellowship) was founded in 1983 to promote better understanding and cooperation between Christians and Jews, and build broad support for Israel. Today it is one of the leading forces helping Israel and Jews worldwide — and is the largest channel of Christian support for Israel. Led by its founder and president Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein, The Fellowship now raises more than $150 million per year, mostly from Christians, to assist Israel and the Jewish people. Since its founding, The Fellowship has raised over $1 billion for this work. The organization has offices in Jerusalem, Chicago, Toronto, Seoul, Australia, and São Paulo, Brazil.