The Role of Community Engagement in Supporting Israel 

In this episode of the Jerusalem Connection Red Alert Report, we explore how community engagement strengthens support for Israel, builds meaningful Jewish‑Christian relationships, and helps combat antisemitism and misinformation in today’s cultural climate. 

Our guest, Tamar Pinto, Senior Manager of Educational Content and Community Engagement at the Israeli American Council (IAC), shares powerful insights on how local communities—Jewish, Israeli, and Christian—can work together to promote truth, unity, and resilience. 

What You’ll Learn in This Episode 

• How community engagement becomes a strategic and spiritual tool for supporting Israel
• Why collaboration between Jewish, Israeli, and Christian communities is essential today
• How the IAC builds identity, connection, and resilience among young people
• A moving story of Israeli and Iranian women coming together in solidarity
• Why many Israelis are surprised by the depth of Christian support for Israel
• How education and open dialogue help counter antisemitism and false narratives
• The importance of understanding diverse perspectives within both the Jewish and Christian communities

Why This Conversation Matters

In a world where Israel is often misrepresented, community engagement offers a path to truth and healing. Tamar’s experiences reveal how shared values, honest conversations, and cross‑community partnerships can reshape narratives and build lasting solidarity.

For Christians, this episode is a reminder of our spiritual calling to “seek peace and pursue it” (Psalm 34:14) and to stand with the Jewish people in truth and love. As Christians, we are called to be people who “seek peace and pursue it” (Psalm 34:14) and to “comfort My people” (Isaiah 40:1). Community engagement is one of the most tangible ways we live out this calling—by showing up, listening, building friendships, and standing with the Jewish people in truth and love.

For Jewish listeners, this episode highlights the growing network of Christian allies who care deeply about Israel and the Jewish community.

Key Takeaways
 

• Community engagement is a powerful way to support Israel and strengthen Jewish‑Christian unity
• Cross‑community events can break down barriers and foster genuine relationships
• Christian support for Israel is often underestimated—but deeply impactful
• Education is essential for confronting antisemitism and correcting misinformation
• Real relationships—not arguments—change narratives and build trust

Stay Connected
 
To learn more about the IAC’s community initiatives, upcoming events, and opportunities to get involved, explore their newsletter and local programming. Go to IAC360.org and click the tabs for “Finding your local community” and “Join our newsletter.” 

Check out the episode now and be encouraged to take your place in strengthening community ties, promoting truth, and standing with Israel and the Jewish people.

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This week’s Red Alert Report features Steven Jaffe from Northern Ireland Friends of Israel (follow, like, and share on Facebook). Steven joins us to highlight a deeply concerning incident that received little media coverage—yet indicates the growing danger facing Jewish communities across the United Kingdom. 

On March 23, terrorists with suspected ties to Iran targeted Hatzola, a Jewish volunteer ambulance service in Golders Green, London, destroyed four ambulances.  This was not random. It was a targeted assault on a lifesaving service that responds to emergencies for anyone—Jewish or not. 

This episode was originally recorded just after the March 23 attack on the ambulances located in Golders Green. It is with horror that we report a second violent incident occurred in Golders Green on April 29, 2026, when two Jewish men were attacked and stabbed with a knife. The perpetrator has been arrested, and the entire community remains on high alert. 

Steven helps us understand why this attack is part of a much larger pattern. Antisemitic incidents in the UK have surged to some of the highest levels ever recorded. Jewish families are facing harassment in public spaces, synagogues and cemeteries are being vandalized, and physical assaults are increasing. The destruction of Hatzola’s ambulances is a chilling reminder that hatred does not remain abstract—it becomes action.

In This Episode, We Discuss: 

• What happened during the March 23 attack on Hatzola 
• Why this incident reflects a broader rise in antisemitism across the UK 
• How Jewish communities are coping with fear, vulnerability, and daily harassment 
• The essential role Hatzola plays in emergency response and community care 
• What allies—especially Christians—can do to stand with the Jewish community

Why This Matters: 

• Antisemitism is not a “Jewish issue.” It is a societal issue. 
• History shows that when Jewish communities are targeted, the moral health of the entire society is at risk. Steven’s insights remind us that silence and indifference only embolden hatred.

How We Can Respond: 

• Support security efforts for Jewish institutions, including Hatzalah’s need for a secure ambulance depot. The link to help is here: Hatzola NW - Charity Extra https://www.charityextra.com/hatzola-emergency/282665 
• Engage local leaders to ensure antisemitism is addressed with seriousness and transparency 
• Build bridges between Christian and Jewish communities, strengthening solidarity in times of rising hostility

The attack on Hatzola is more than a local incident—it is a warning sign that demands our attention. Thank you for standing with us as we continue to inform, educate, and activate Christians to understand the truth about Israel, the Jewish people, and the challenges they face around the world. 

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In this Red Alert episode, we talk with Rachel Simons, founder of Seed & Mill, whose sesame-based brand quietly challenges many of the misconceptions promoted by the BDS movement. 

Through food, storytelling, and genuine human connection, Rachel shows a reality far more truthful than the slogans often heard in Western culture.

For Christians who care about truth and who stand with the Jewish people, Seed & Mill offers a powerful reminder: supporting Jewish businesses is an act of solidarity and a reflection of biblical values. 

Scripture calls believers to pursue truth, bless Israel, and reject false witness—principles lived out in everyday choices.

In This Episode:

Rachel’s journey from Australian labor lawyer to NYC entrepreneur

How Seed & Mill uses food to build bridges across cultures

The global history and shared heritage of the sesame seed

Real stories of connection formed around halva, tahini, and tradition

How boycotts often harm individuals rather than promote justice

Why Christians should care about truthful narratives regarding Israel and the Jewish people

Key Takeaways

Food is a powerful bridge between cultures

Sesame carries a rich, cross-cultural history that unites rather than divides

Personal stories challenge simplistic political narratives

Real relationships often reveal a far more accurate picture than activist campaigns

Why It Matters

Seed & Mill reminds us that cooperation, shared heritage, and human dignity are already flourishing—quietly, daily, and beautifully. For Christians, this interview is an opportunity to learn more to champion truth, support Jewish business and the diverse communities of Israel, and to go beyond borders to bless the individuals and families behind entire supply chains. 

Reflect the heart of Scripture in a world hungry for clarity. 

You can find Seed & Mill on Instagram by searching “seed and mill” and online at SeedandMill.com. Visit and shop online or in person. Check out the free recipes! 

If you enjoyed this conversation, please follow/subscribe, like, and share it to reach a larger audience. Consider making a recurring or one-time tax-deductible donation to The Jerusalem Connection so we can keep bringing you content like this and broaden our reach.

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This episode of the Jerusalem Connection Red Alert Report features documentary filmmaker Igal Hecht, our partner in an important new project: Beyond the River. This sweeping documentary series—currently in production with support from The Jerusalem Connection—aims to cut through misinformation and bring clarity to the complex history of the Middle East.

In a time when narratives about Israel and the Palestinian conflict are shaped more by ideology than by truth, Beyond the River seeks to restore what has been lost: historical context, factual accuracy, and honest storytelling.

Why This Film Matters

Igal Hecht takes viewers on a journey from the era of the Ottoman Empire to today’s tensions with Iran, exposing how key historical facts have been ignored, distorted, or intentionally erased. His work challenges long-held assumptions and confronts the roots of modern narratives that shape public opinion—especially among young people, academics, and influencers.

One of the film’s central insights is the historical connection between the early Palestinian movement and Nazi ideology. While controversial, this documented history is essential for understanding how certain narratives developed and why they persist today.

For Christians, this film is especially urgent. We cannot speak the truth if we do not know the truth. Biblical literacy, paired with historical understanding, equips believers to lovingly and confidently counter falsehoods—whether they come from classrooms, pulpits, media, or cultural voices.

What We Discuss in This Episode

• The vision behind Beyond the River and why it’s needed now
• How historical facts about the region have been obscured or rewritten
• The origins of the term “Palestine” and how identity narratives evolved
• Why misinformation spreads so easily in academic and cultural spaces
• How the film will provide not just a documentary, but an ecosystem of interviews and resources for deeper learning

Challenging Misconceptions

Hecht’s team interviews a wide range of voices to present a balanced, historically grounded narrative. By revisiting overlooked facts—such as the British introduction of the term “Palestine” in 1917—the film helps viewers understand how modern narratives were constructed and why they matter today.

A Call to Equip Ourselves

This project is more than a film. It is a tool for education, discernment, and truth-telling.

Christians must be prepared to counter misinformation with clarity and compassion. When we equip our families, churches, and communities with truth, they are far less vulnerable to the lies that dominate today’s discourse.

Key Takeaways

• The Middle East conflict cannot be understood without historical context, in addition to Biblical context
• Many modern narratives are built on omissions or distortions
• Education is essential for combating misinformation
• Beyond the River will be a vital resource for Christians seeking truth

We are honored to help bring this documentary to life—and we invite you to join us in this journey toward truth, clarity, and biblical understanding.

To make a tax-deductible donation, visit www.TheJerusalemConnection.us, click Donate, and write “Documentary” in the note. You may also mail a donation with “documentary” on the check.

Here is a preview of Beyond the River

Go to

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Exclusive Interview: Paul Calvert on Christianity in the Holy Land

In this Red Alert Report, we sit down with Paul Calvert, a UK journalist living in Bethlehem, to unpack the complex and often misunderstood realities facing Christians in Israel, Gaza, and under the Palestinian Authority.

This conversation was recorded on February 28, 2026, just hours before Operation Epic Fury began. Its release was delayed to prioritize urgent updates from Israel in the weeks that followed. Now, we bring you this essential discussion to help clarify the challenges—and misconceptions—surrounding Christian life in the region.

What We Explore

• The stark differences between Israeli Christians, who enjoy freedom of worship and movement, and Palestinian Christians, who face economic hardship, social pressure, and increasing emigration
• How the events since October 7 have intensified restrictions and worsened conditions for Palestinian Christians
• The collapse of tourism in Bethlehem and its devastating impact on Christian families
• Why many Christians are leaving PA-controlled areas—and what this means for the future of the community
• Media narratives that distort or oversimplify the situation, and why context matters
• The dire and deteriorating conditions for the Christian community in Gaza

Key Takeaways

• Christian experiences differ dramatically depending on whether they live in Israel or under the PA
• Recent conflicts have accelerated the decline of Christian populations in Bethlehem and Gaza
• Media coverage often misses the nuance needed to understand the region’s realities
• The Christian community in Gaza faces a critical and uncertain future

This episode offers a grounded, firsthand look at the challenges facing Christians in the Holy Land—and why understanding these nuances is essential for meaningful conversation and support.

If you enjoyed this conversation, please follow/subscribe, like, and share it to reach a larger audience. Consider making a recurring or one-time tax-deductible donation to The Jerusalem Connection so we can keep bringing you content like this and broaden our reach.

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A Firsthand Look at Life in Israel During Conflict: Experiencing War in Israel with Liz Becker 

In this episode, we speak with Liz Becker, co‑founder of Strong Voices for Israel and daughter of a Holocaust survivor, who recently returned from Israel after experiencing the outbreak of war firsthand. Liz shares what daily life looks and feels like under rocket alerts, how Israelis maintain resilience in the face of danger, and why building strong connections between Jewish and Christian communities matters now more than ever. 

What You’ll Hear in This Episode 

• What it’s like to arrive in Israel as war breaks out
• The emotional impact of rocket sirens and sheltering during missile interceptions
• How Israelis balance fear with determination and everyday life
• Liz’s powerful encounter with German soldiers wearing German‑Israeli flag pins
• The mission of Strong Voices for Israel and why amplifying Israeli voices is essential
• How Christians can support Israel and stand with the Jewish people during a crisis

Key Takeaways

•  Personal stories reveal the human reality behind the headlines
• Israelis show remarkable resilience even in moments of danger
• Building bridges between Jewish and Christian communities strengthens solidarity
• Sharing firsthand experiences helps combat misinformation and deepen understanding

Liz’s testimony offers a rare, heartfelt look at life in Israel during conflict—and a reminder of our responsibility to pray for Israel, the IDF, and all her people.
 
Links references in this Episode.

www.StrongVoicesforIsrael.org

The Little General by Robert Bolek Becker found on Amazon.com

Strong Voice’s Co-founder Loy Neyb’s appearance on the  July 30, 2024, Red Alert episode:  Red Alert: Prime Minister Netanyahu and Delegation (https://youtu.be/SCtsBOr7m10?si=CgdT3bFU0XP4D3wS). Noy’s speech starts at minute marker 13:18. 

 

 

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In this special episode, we explore the deep biblical connections between Passover and Easter—two celebrations often viewed separately, yet inseparable in their origins and meaning. Rabbi Aaron Allsbrook of Ohav Israel Messianic Congregation joins us to unpack the historical, spiritual, and prophetic links that enrich both Jewish and Christian faith.
Rabbi Aaron explains why Passover is the foundation of the biblical calendar, how its themes of redemption and new beginnings set the stage for Holy Week, and why understanding these roots brings new depth to the life and ministry of Yeshua. He also addresses the rise of antisemitism and why Christians must understand their shared heritage with the Jewish people.
In This Episode:
-Why Passover is central to understanding Holy Week
-How the events of Holy Week align with Jewish tradition
-The significance of the 10th of Nisan and the Passover lamb
-The New Covenant as a fulfillment—not replacement—of the previous
-How recognizing the Jewish roots of Christianity strengthens faith
-Why education and awareness are essential in combating antisemitism

Connect with Rabbi Aaron at www.ohevyisrael.org

If you enjoyed this conversation, please follow/subscribe, like, and share it to reach a larger audience. Consider making a recurring or one-time tax-deductible donation to The Jerusalem Connection so we can keep bringing you content like this and broaden our reach.

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In this episode, we feature the remarkable testimony of Marziyeh Amirizadeh (President of NewPersia.org), a woman whose journey from oppression in Iran to freedom in America reveals the resilience of faith under fire. 

Born just months before the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Marziyeh grew up in a society transformed by radical ideology, where children were taught to chant “Death to America” and “Death to Israel,” and where fear shaped every part of daily life. Yet even in that environment, her family instilled values of love, dignity, and respect—seeds that would later lead her to question the regime’s teachings and seek truth for herself.

Her search culminated in a miraculous encounter with Jesus, dreams that confirmed God’s love for her, and a bold decision to share the gospel inside one of the world’s most dangerous environments for Christians. That decision eventually led to her arrest and imprisonment in Iran’s notorious Evin Prison, where she endured brutality, witnessed injustice, and yet continued to minister to fellow inmates with courage and compassion.

After international pressure secured her release, Marziyeh found refuge in the United States. Today, she is a passionate advocate for persecuted Christians, Iranian women, and for building bridges of understanding between Christians and the Jewish people.

In our conversation, Marziyeh shares how her own reading of Scripture transformed her view of Israel—recognizing that her Savior is Jewish and that much of the Bible she treasures is the Hebrew Bible. Her testimony offers a timely and deeply personal perspective in a post–October 7 world.

In This Episode, You’ll Hear:

What it was like growing up under Iran’s theocratic regime

How God used dreams and friendships to lead Marziyeh to faith

The dangers of underground ministry and her imprisonment in Evin Prison

How she found the strength to witness to others behind bars

Why her understanding of the Bible reshaped her view of Israel

Her call for Christians to pray for and support the persecuted church

Marziyeh's story is a profound reminder that even in the darkest places, God is at work—and that faith can flourish in the most unlikely circumstances.

Marziyeh's books: www.MarzisJourney.com

Marziyeh's ministry, www.NewPersia.org

Marziyeh's work with Israel, www.RootandBranchIsrael.com

Thank you for standing with us as we work to inform, educate, and activate believers toward deeper biblical literacy and a clear understanding of the truth about Israel and the surrounding region. Your partnership strengthens our mission and ensures that Christians everywhere are equipped with clarity, courage, and conviction.

Be blessed!

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Today’s Red Alert Report episode features a powerful and timely conversation with Amanda Saxton, Young Adult Outreach Coordinator for the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ). If you care about strengthening Christian understanding of Israel—and equipping the next generation to stand for truth—this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
Amanda shares her remarkable journey of discovering the Jewish roots of her faith, beginning in high school and deepening through college as she wrestled with questions of identity, purpose, and Scripture. Her encounters with Messianic Jewish believers opened her eyes to the continuity between the Hebrew Scriptures and the New Testament, reshaping her understanding of Jesus, Israel, and God’s covenant promises.
A life-changing trip to Israel solidified her calling. Amanda realized that many young adults lack the biblical and historical context needed to understand Israel’s role in God’s plan. This gap inspired her to pursue graduate studies in Messianic Jewish studies and ultimately step into her role at ICEJ.

If you enjoyed this conversation, please follow/subscribe, like, and share it to reach a larger audience. Consider making a recurring or one-time tax-deductible donation to The Jerusalem Connection so we can keep bringing you content like this and broaden our reach.

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In this episode, we speak with Pastor Michael Beener of City of Life Ministries in Sderot—one of Israel’s most targeted cities. With more than 13,000 rockets fired since 2001 and only 15 seconds to reach shelter, Sderot’s residents live under constant threat. Yet their story is one of faith, resilience, and hope.
We’re also joined by Max Simonovsky, Partnership Manager at City of Life, who connects from his bomb shelter near Tel Aviv during active missile alerts. Max shares real-time insight into life in northern Israel during Operation Epic Fury.
In This Episode
• How City of Life supports families, children, Holocaust survivors, and new immigrants
• The emotional and spiritual toll of living in a conflict zone
• Miraculous stories of protection and survival
• Why Sderot’s population is growing again (now nearly 40,000)
• How the ministry sees its mission as part of a biblical calling
Key Takeaways
• Sderot’s strength comes from community and deep-rooted faith
• Many residents credit divine intervention for their survival
• City of Life provides essential spiritual and practical support
Learn more at www.CLM-Israel.org 
Find them on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram by searching: Michael Beener / CLM Israel 

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