ENHANCE

2 nd Quarter 2025 • No 223

Christian Friends of Israel

United Kingdom

The Lord will make

atonement for his

land and people

Deuteronomy 32:43

INSIDE: EDITORIAL – Abraham fulfils Scripture • Ambassadors of Truth • HEBREW WORD FOCUS – Nachah - Guide • Seeing the Land Promise

REPORT: Prayer Conference 2025 • Around & About • Antisemitism in education • CHARITY – Technion • Events & Resources

Editorial


United Kingdom

Abraham fulfils

Scripture

About us

CFI UK seeks to bless Israel through

practical and moral support, and serve

the Church in teaching about God’s

purposes for Israel and the Hebrew

heritage of our faith.

CFI UK also produce a monthly prayer

letter and a weekly audio Middle East

report.

Please contact us for full details of

projects in Israel and the teaching

resources available.

As an educational charity, we carry a

variety of resources relevant to our

purpose. We do not necessarily endorse

every view expressed by our guest

writers or authors.

Encouraging understanding in the

Church of Israel in context of the

Bible, history and today.

Challenging prejudice against Israel

and antisemitism alongside the Jewish

community in the UK.

Assisting cross-culturally in Israel

with charitable projects - medical,

educational and social.

What’s in a name?

ENHANCE means to increase, or further

improve the quality, value, or extent

of, in our instance, Christian friendship

of Israel. It also emphasises that when

God’s faithfulness to Israel is included and

understood by the wider Church, it truly is

‘faith enhancing.’

ENHANCE Magazine

Published by:

CFI Charitable Trust, PO Box 2687

Eastbourne BN22 7LZ

Tel: 01323 410 810

Email: info@cfi.org.uk

www.cfi.org.uk

Registered Charity, No. 1101899

Registered Office c/o

Caladine, Chantry House, 22 Upperton Road

Eastbourne, BN21 1BF

Company No: 04984515

VAT Registration No: GB678780275

Front cover photo:

Jaffa Street, Jerusalem

Jacob Vince

The letter of James is

widely considered

amongst the earliest

writings in the Apostles’

teaching.

It is generally attributed to James the

(half) brother of Jesus (see Matthew

13:55) also brother of Jude (see Jude

1). James was the senior elder or

bishop of the church in Jerusalem

(see Acts 15:13). In church tradition

he is referred to as James the Just

(For more detail see David Guzik’s

‘Enduring Word’ commentary). As

part of the same household as Jesus,

we might expect a similar approach

to the Scriptures. James’ early time

of writing, and the description of

the twelve tribes scattered, suggests

he is writing principally to Jewish

believers in Jesus.

According to Luke, the Bible order

that Jesus used was set out in

three parts as the Law, Prophets

and Psalms, ‘He said to them,

“This is what I told you while I was

still with you: Everything must be

fulfilled that is written about me in

the Law of Moses, the Prophets and

the Psalms”’ (Luke 24:44). Here

Jesus referred to all that is about

‘him’ specifically. This is in line

with his conversation with two

disciples on the road to Emmaus,

“Did not the Christ (Messiah) have to

suffer these things and then enter his

Glory? And beginning with Moses and

all the prophets, he explained to them

what was said in all the Scriptures

concerning himself” (Luke 24:26-27).

Again, we see that what Jesus is

speaking of refers to ‘himself’, not

others, specifically his suffering,

which the disciples on the road to

Emmaus had not grasped. Jesus

refers to the Scriptures as a whole,

noting the order in which he

explained himself, ‘beginning with

Moses’ (Luke 24:27).

Having deduced that Jesus uses

the order of the Bible as the Law,

Prophets and Psalms, is there any

indication that James does likewise?

James is writing in the time of the

Apostles, so forms part of the fourth

part, ‘the apostles’ teaching’ (Acts

2:42), noting Luke and Acts were

written as two connected volumes,

so best read together. James, like

Jesus (see Matthew 23:3; Acts 1:1)

and indeed the apostle Paul (see

Philippians 4:8-9) is concerned

with putting into practice correct

teaching – showing faith in contrast

to speaking faith, ‘What good is it, my

brothers, if a man claims to have faith

but has no deeds? Can such a faith save

him?’ (James 2:14).

As James develops his argument, he

introduces their ancestor Abraham,

‘Was not our ancestor Abraham

considered righteous for what he did

when he offered his son Isaac on the altar?

You see that his faith was made complete

by what he did’ (James 2:21-22).

Next, James refers to Scripture

being fulfilled - note in respect of

Abraham this time, not Jesus,

‘And the Scripture was fulfilled that

says, “Abraham believed God and it was

credited to him as righteousness”, and he

was called God’s friend’ (James 2:23).

Here we see James’ reference

to Scripture, like Jesus’ earlier

reference to Scripture (see Luke

24:27). But what is of interest to

note, is which specific Scriptures

James references and where they

are found. James has selected two

references to illustrate Abraham

fulfilling Scripture.

The first from the Law, “Abram

believed God and it was credited to him

as righteousness” (Genesis 15:6).

The second from the Prophets, “But

you, Israel, my servant, Jacob, whom

I have chosen, you descendants of

Abraham my friend” (Isaiah 41:8).

The third from the Psalms, “O

our God, did you not drive out

the inhabitants of this land before

your people Israel and give it to the

2 ENHANCE • 2 nd Quarter 2025

Conference Report

Ambassadors of Truth Conference

Jerusalem 26 th & 27 th March 2025

By Jacob Vince

I

was invited by the MFDA to

take part in the “Ambassador of

Truth” Conference in Jerusalem,

dedicated to combating

antisemitism. The events took

place over two days.

DAY ONE included one of two tours either

of the Gaza envelope or Judea and Samaria

region, to learn of both the trauma in the

aftermath of 7 th October and ongoing

security challenge. The evening ended with

a reception at the president’s residence and

address by Israel’s president Isaac Herzog

himself, with many Jewish community

representatives from the UK and other

nations present. A highlight was meeting

Natan Sharansky, former Russian refusenik

during Iron Curtain days and later member

of Knesset, including a period as Minister of

the Interior.

DAY TWO consisted of an array of round

table discussions in the morning but it

was only possible to attend two. These

were ‘Antisemitism in the Palestinian

Authority and the Muslim Brotherhood’

chaired by Professor Uzi Rabi and

attended by Mordechai Kedar, and ‘Double

Standards, from the Battlefield to the

ICC’ including Col Richard Kemp, and Maj

Andrew Fox. In the afternoon, there was

a range of panel discussions including

an excellent contribution from UKLFI’s

Natasha Hausdorff and an outstanding

interview with journalist David Collier who

challenged the recent Gaza documentary

put out by the BBC. Several MEPs, present

and past prime ministers of European

nations, and the former US Ambassador

David Feldstein, who had overseen moving

the US Embassy to Jerusalem, spoke or

were interviewed. The afternoon session

concluded with a clearly articulated and

stirring address from Prime Minister

Benjamin Netanyahu.

After a short break for further networking

and sharing ideas and notes with fellow

delegates from counterpart organisations

in the UK and internationally, we

reconvened for a gala evening joined by

many young Israelis and compered by

two young news presenters in Israel. This

included dance and song, presentation of

the inaugural Truth Ambassador’s award to

journalist, television presenter and social

influencer Erin Malan for her work and

bravery challenging antisemitism in the

media world.

Whilst in Jerusalem, we met a longstanding

friend and tour guide to discuss

the upcoming CFI UK 40 th anniversary

Explore Israel tour in the autumn. We also

took the opportunity to visit CFI Jerusalem

and see the changed office arrangements,

meeting with Tristan Hall, director, and

many new staff for the first time, including

Suzie Georges, Wall of Prayer coordinator.

We sought to encourage them all in the

excellent work they are doing during this

particularly pressured time.

All in all, a thoroughly worthwhile visit

from which we return re-energised to

continue our work alongside the UK Jewish

community in challenging antisemitism

here in the UK.

descendants of Abraham your friend”

(2 Chronicles 20:7).

Note in the order Jesus used, the

summary book of Chronicles comes

at the close of the third section. So,

we see James using the three parts

of Scripture – the Law, Prophets

and Psalms, like Jesus. Not only

this, but James begins by quoting

Genesis, the first, and ends by

quoting Chronicles the last at

the time, before his own letter is

collected and included among the

final fourth part of the Scriptures,

the apostles’ teaching.

Perhaps, like Jesus and James we

do well to follow Jesus’ order as

we seek to more fully appreciate

the unfolding of the revelation

of himself through the whole

Scriptures, beginning with Moses.

To assist in this, a one-year Bible

reading plan in Jesus’ order can

be found in the centre fold of

CFI Publications Context series

booklet ‘Covenant Steps – God’s

bigger picture’ available through

the CFI UK online shop. For more

on the letter of James, and the

wisdom books, see ‘Words from the

Wise’ by Paul Luckraft, details in

Resources page 12.

2 nd Quarter 2025 • ENHANCE 3

Hebrew Word Focus

The Lord as Our Guide

Melissa Briggs “The Lord alone guided him” (Deuteronomy 32:12)

‏ָנָ‏ ‏ָחָ‏ ה

NACHAH

Guide/Lead/Instruct

Do you believe that the Lord can guide you

through life? Through decisions big and

small? Yes, God has granted free will

to men. But can we choose to submit our will to

God’s, and ask him to lead us to his best for us?

Currently our family is at a crossroads, making

big decisions about foster care placements, job

opportunities and a potential house move. There

are (seemingly) smaller decisions too, like whether

to book a certain trip, or which classes our children

should take next school year. And (seemingly) even

smaller decisions each day about meals, schedules,

entertainment, recreation, etc. In each of these areas, I

believe that God sees, provides, cares, and knows the

best way forward—like a good shepherd.

God’s desire and ability to guide his people is a theme

repeated across the breadth of the Scriptures. Eliezer

asked the Lord for guidance as he journeyed to find a

wife for Issac, “As for me, the Lord has led (nachah-ed)

me on the journey to the house of my

master’s relatives” (Genesis 24:27)

God led the Israelites on a certain

route through the wilderness on

purpose, ‘God did not lead (nachah)

them on the road through the

Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, “If

they face war, they might change their minds and return to

Egypt”’ (Exodus 13:17)

In biblical times, the idea of guidance was closely tied

to the relationship between God and his people. The

Israelites frequently sought divine direction. The

image of God as a good shepherd guiding his flock is a

prominent theme in the Hebrew Scriptures, mirroring

the pastoral culture of that era. For example, the

Lord was faithful to clearly guide his people in the

wilderness, ‘By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar

of cloud to guide (nachah) them on their way and by night in

a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by

day or night’ (Exodus 13:21)

“Nachah” ‏ָחָ‏ ה is ‏ָנָ‏ a Hebrew verb which primarily refers

to leading or guiding, typically in the context of the

Lord himself guiding his people. It signifies directing

someone on a journey or path (whether spiritually or

physically). The guidance can be literal, such as leading

through a physical terrain. Or the guidance can be

metaphorical, where moral or spiritual direction are

offered. Sometimes, according to context, it can also

convey the idea of bestowing, bringing, governing,

instructing, straitening, directing, or transporting (into

new lands).

We can ask God to lead us, like the Psalmist does. There


He is our Shepherd

and Guide

is safety and security with him as our Guide, “Since you

are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your Name lead

(nachah) and guide me” (Psalm 31:3)

God guides us, not just for our own sake, but for the

glory and reputation of his name: “He refreshes my

soul. He guides (nachah-s) me along the right paths for his

Name’s sake” (Psalm 23:3).

Primarily, God’s instruction comes through the

Scripture, he will never lead us in a way that contradicts

his own written word. His guidance may come

through a Bible verse that stands out, or is repeated to

us multiple times from various sources. It may come

through from an inner peace (or check in our spirit), or

a ‘still small voice’ of prompting from the Holy Spirit. It

may come through circumstances of doors that open

or close. It may come through godly counsel from a

pastor, friend, or relative. God confirms he can use

people as the instruments of his guidance, ‘You led

(nachah-ed) your people like a flock by the hand of Moses

and Aaron’ (Psalm 77:20).

The Lord capably guides not only

individuals, but entire nations, “May

the nations be glad and sing for joy, for

you rule the peoples with equity and

guide/govern (nachah) the nations of the

earth” (Psalm 67:4).

His instruction is always available, “The Lord will guide

(nachah) you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sunscorched

land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like

a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail”

(Isaiah 58:11).

We don’t need to succumb to ungodly fear when he

is our Shepherd and Guide, “He guided (nachah-ed)

them safely, so they were unafraid; but the sea engulfed their

enemies” (Psalm 78:53).

His guidance gives comfort and strength, as he wisely

and graciously directs us with his own hand, “Even there

your hand will guide (nachah) me, your right hand will hold

me fast” (Psalm 139:10)

We all face so many choices in life. Let us resolve to ask

for—and rely on—God’s guidance in every area. What

comfort and reassurance that God himself is with us to

help us navigate this life, and will ultimately nachah us

to our heavenly home with him!

“In your unfailing love you will lead (nachah) the people you

have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your

holy habitation” (Exodus 15:13).

MELISSA’S NEW LEVEL 1&2 VIDEO COURSE IS NOW AVAILABLE!

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Guest teaching

Seeing the Land Promise Part 1

In this three-part essay series, Gerald McDermott explores the notion of supersessionism (replacement thinking) in Christian theology, which

suggests the promises made to the Jewish people in the Old Testament, including the land promise, have been superseded (replaced) by the

Christian Church. He contends this view has dominated Christian interpretation since the fourth century, leading to the marginalisation of the New

Testament’s references to the land promise. McDermott posits evidence in the New Testament that contradicts supersessionism, and he argues that

recognising the ongoing significance of the land promise is vital for understanding God’s trustworthiness and the fulfilment of his promises.

Is the land promise

to Abraham and his

descendants also in the New

Testament? Does it matter?

For most Christians and Jews since

the fourth century, the answer

has been ‘no’ and ‘no’. No major

interpreters found such a promise

there, and it wouldn’t matter

anyway. For what determined

doctrine toward the people and

land of Israel was tradition’s

interpretation of biblical texts, not

the texts themselves.

The tradition had developed a

way of reading the New Testament

text called “supersessionism,”

the notion that in God’s plan, the

Jewish people of Israel have been

superseded by the new people

(both Jew and Gentile) of the

Christian Church.

One implication of this theology

relates to God’s promises about the

land of Israel. The logic goes like

this: Before the first century, God

had established his kingdom on

and through the land of Israel—

that little strip on the eastern edge

of the Mediterranean the size of

Wales—but since the departure of

Jesus from the top of the Mount of

Olives, God’s attention had been

diverted from that little land to the

whole world. As Jesus said in one

of his Beatitudes, “Blessed are the

meek, for they shall inherit the earth”

(Matthew 5:5).

So, what is the perceived logic

of supersessionism vis-á-vis the

land? According to Christian

supersessionists, that is the majority

of Christian interpreters since the

fourth century, Jesus universalised

the particular—transferring the

promise of a land for the Jews in the

Old Testament (the particular) to a

promise of the whole world to his

followers (the universal).

This logic made sense to me for

several decades after I became

a serious reader of the Greek

New Testament in my 20s. New

Testament Jesus scholars said the

land promise is missing from this

part of the Bible. Pauline scholars

wrote that Paul abandoned Second

Temple Judaism and recognised the

land promise as obsolete now that

Jesus had come to be Messiah for

the whole world.

But one day, several decades ago,

I realised a veil had been cast over

my eyes, closing them to evidence

of the land promise on the surface

of the text of the New Testament,

right in front of my eyes. How

could I have been so blind?

Following the Evidence

Back in college at the University

of Chicago, I’d read Thomas

Kuhn’s ‘The Structure of Scientific

Revolutions’ (1961), which showed

that at the beginning of every

scientific revolution (think of

Galileo, Newton, Einstein) elite

scientists already had evidence for

the new theory. But they couldn’t

see the evidence because the

existing scientific paradigm had

cast a veil over their eyes.

I realised this might have happened

to biblical scholars and theologians

for centuries. They weren’t able to

see the land promise in the New

Testament because they’d been

trained not to see it.

For example, four times in the

New Testament, Jerusalem is

called the “holy city” (Matthew

4:5). The Devil took Jesus to “the

holy city” to tempt him to jump

off the top of the temple. After

the death of Jesus, many bodies of

the saints were raised and walked

around “the holy city” (Matthew

27:53) and appeared to many. The

Gentiles will trample “the holy city”

(Revelation 11:2) for 42 months,

and God will bring down from

heaven “the holy city Jerusalem”

(Revelation 21:10).

What’s more, three times the New

Testament refers explicitly to

the land promise. The author of

Hebrews says God led Abraham to

a place to receive as an inheritance

and that Isaac and Jacob were

“heirs with him of the same promise”

(Hebrews 11:9). Before his

martyrdom, Stephen said God

promised to give Abraham this land

“as a possession and to his offspring

after him” (Acts 7:4–5). Paul told the

synagogue at Antioch of Pisidia that

the God of this people Israel chose

our fathers, and “after destroying

seven nations in the land of Canaan, he

gave them their land as an inheritance”

(Acts 13:17–19).

One might ask why there are only

these three explicit mentions of

the land promise. Two answers

are likely. First, the land promise

was assumed because, for the New

Testament authors, their Bible

(the Tanakh) already repeated the

land promise a thousand times

(I’ve counted them and tabulated

these references in the books

‘The New Christian Zionism’ and

‘Israel Matters’). Second, the New

Testament authors lived in the land.

It was acknowledged as Judea—

the land of the Jews—so there

seemed no need to repeat or

defend the promise.

Gerald R. McDermott

is an Anglican theologian

who teaches at Reformed

Episcopal Seminary and

Jerusalem Seminary.

He is the editor of

‘Understanding The Jewish

Roots of Christianity’

(Lexham Press), and author of ‘Israel Matters:

Why Christians Must Think Differently About

the People and the Land’ (Brazos Press).


Event Report


United Kingdom

Tuesday 18 th – Thursday 20 th March 2025

PRAYER CO

Now therefore, O our

mighty and awesome

covenant of love, do

seem trifling in your e

has come upon us. Ne

Julia Soakell

“I have posted watchmen on your walls, Jerusalem; they will never be

and give him no rest till he establishes Jerusalem an

We often use the word

strategic, when we talk

of the Lord’s timing

and purposes. This year’s

CFI UK Residential Prayer

Conference was the second

held during a state of war in

Israel. The need for prayer was

as strong as ever, as the people

of Israel struggled with the

complexities that surround them

and the chaos in the nations

outside.

Within Israel there is trauma, fear

and uncertainty, as the remaining

hostages are still held in brutal

captivity.

Julia Soakell introduces the conference theme

As we met this year at Kings Park, in

Northampton, David (Soakell) and

I were delighted and privileged to

oversee these three important days,

with one of the largest numbers of

supporters attending we’ve ever

known. The intensity around the

war was increasing and hostage

release and ceasefire plans were

crumbling, but the Holy Spirit led

us in the Lord’s purposes, and we

were able to take time straight away

to pray for Israel, as we set ourselves

aside to be open to his leading.

It’s incredible to think that although

many things behind the scenes

tried to steal our peace, and so

many complications occurred with

sound and other distractions, the

main comments were about how

encouraged everyone had been,

how they had enjoyed the time,

prayer, fellowship and programme.

We were able to pray in different

sessions for Israel’s protection and

the hostage crisis. In other sessions

we focused on CFI UK, our aims and

for the staff. After this we looked at

some video updates from the many

projects run by the team of CFI

Jerusalem, and prayer points from

their project coordinators. We were

blessed to welcome Amber Sutter

again, heading up CFI Germany,

who is now also overseeing the

development of CFI internationally.

Amber accompanied David on

keyboards for the sung worship of

Amber Sutter on keyboards during worship

our time together. Sharing on her

new role and aims for the future,

Amber also gave thanks for the

newly established offices of CFI Italy

and CFI Spain.

We addressed in prayer the

strategies used by Israel’s enemies

and opposition, drawing from

the book of Nehemiah. CFI UK

supporter Paul Luckraft, author of

‘The Wall and the Word’ as well as

Paul Luckraft teaching from Nehemiah


NFERENCE

God, the great,

God, who keeps his

not let all this hardship

yes - the hardship that

hemiah 9:32

“Having had a few days to absorb and

reflect, I want to thank you and David

for last week’s Prayer Conference”

“It was a precious and informative

time. I have wanted to attend for

several years”

Your Conference Feedback

“Blessed by all the prayer, and by

the people I have met, who are at a

crossroads asking what’s next?”

“This CFI UK prayer conference was

wonderful! Thank you!”

“Thank you to CFI for the

varied scope it offers for

facilitating the Church

to bless Israel, offering

something for everyone to

engage in.”

“Thank you for being so earnest to hear what the Lord was saying and to follow him.

I feel increasingly that the Lord can multiply our seemingly small offerings when we surrender to him.

His kingdom will fill the whole earth! All the glory to him!”

silent day or night. You who call on the Lord, give yourselves no rest,

d makes her the praise of the earth” (Isaiah 62:6-7)

‘Words from the Wise’, was keen to

attend our conference particularly

because of the conference theme

on learning from Nehemiah – both

books are available through the CFI

UK online shop.

Several times we mentioned Isaiah

40, where we are encouraged to

speak comfort into Israel and pray

for her. Many verses like this

seemed to be repeatedly impressed

on our spirits by the Holy Spirit.

It was a privilege to be led in this

way and be prompted by messages

from the Jerusalem team to pray

specifically about timely matters.

I had asked Jacob as Chief Executive

of Christian Friends of Israel UK to

set out his five priorities for prayer,

and he was able to share these in

one session, after which we prayed

into them and for matters relating to

the staff of the two CFI UK offices.

Jacob was also able to bring his

reflection on the book of Nehemiah

on our final morning together as

a great summary, after which the

trustees and their wives led us in

communion.

We were encouraged that many

came for the first time this year and

thoroughly enjoyed the meetings

with us, as we focussed on our

tasks as watchmen on the walls (see

Isaiah 62:6-7 and Isaiah 52:8-10). It

can only be the Lord who is able to

do all things, that in such a difficult

season for those who support Israel

as they face so many challenges, the

Holy Spirit and the word of God

encouraged us in such a way.

As we continue to ‘work while there

is still enough light’, (John 12;35), and

‘take every opportunity’, (Ephesians

5:16), we were able to help prayer

continue amongst those attending

with handouts for prayer subjects.

Many took photos on their mobiles

of the prayer focus points we

showed so they can continue praying

in the days and months to come.

A video message with Tristan and Galya Hall

We are a RELATIONAL Ministry

– showing our faith

Defining what we are for rather

than what we are against

Jacob Vince shared five prayer priorities

1. REACHING and RESEARCHING

in relation to the wider Church in the UK

Festivals, Talks, Resources, Conferences,

Networking.

Presenting Israel in context from the Bible,

through history, to today.

2. RESPONDING and RENEWING in

relation to the UK Jewish Community

Working alongside the UK Jewish

community and our Jewish counterparts

Networking and Speaking engagements.

3. RESILIENCE and RECORDING in relation

to Governance

Policies, Compliance, Cyber security,

Computer System integration – Database

Communication, Digital Media, Accounting,

Resource management, Financial recording.

4.RECRUITMENT and RETIREMENT in

relation to the Staff Team.

Identifying the right staff and skills in

continuity with existing staff.

5. RECOLLECTION and RE-ENERGISING in

relation to Christian Friends of Israel

40 th Anniversary CFI UK and CFI Jerusalem

CFI UK Annual Conference

Israel Tour & CFI Jerusalem projects

Enhance magazine – articles. New booklets.

Exhibition. Partners – givers and legacies.

x.com/cfi_uk

facebook.com/cfiuk

youtube.com/cfiuk


Around & About

Events that CFI UK has

supported so far this year...

Holocaust Memorial Day

St James Wesleyan Reformed Church, West Midlands.

27 th January. Organised by Dave Walker.

The Congress Theatre, Eastbourne, East Sussex

27 th January. Book stall provided.

New Life Church, Grosmont Close, Redcar, North Yorkshire

27 th January. Organised by David and Julia Soakell.

Julia & Matthew Soakell in

New Life Church, Redcar

Longton Elim Church, Carlisle Street, Stoke on Trent

27 th January. Organised by Jennifer Nevill.

Online (Zoom) meeting

30 th January. CFI UK HMD Online event. Julia Soakell.

St. George’s Hotel, Llandudno, North Wales.

2 nd February, 7pm. Organised by Roy Thurley.

Hawick South Church, Hawick, Scottish Borders

2 nd February. Church of Scotland, displayed the “Helen’s Story”

exhibition in the church hall. Organised by Philip Aitchison.

Main Hall of Brentwood County High School, Essex.

25 th January. Organised by Moira Dare-Edwards.

St George’s Church, Spencer Road, Normanby, Middlesbrough

28 th January onwards. Display of the ‘Echoes of Sorrow’

exhibition. Organised by David and Julia Soakell.

Helen’s Story exhibition at Redcar

Alina Gawal at Eastbourne’s

Congress Theatre

Robin Lane at Brentwood County

High School - above full page article

in the local Gazette

Jennifer Nevill at Longton Elim

Church, Carlisle Street, Stoke on Trent

Robin demonstrates the Passover

meal at All Saints Church

Robin sharing on the work and

ministry of CFI UK

Stratford St. Mary Chapel, Suffolk

Tasting the Passover Meal at

All Saints Church Eastbourne

Jacob and Kate Vince with Natan

Sharansky in Jerusalem

Jacob with the morning congregation

Speaking engagements and CFI events

CFI UK Prayer Conference 2025, King’s Park, Northampton

18 th – 20 th March. 3 Days of Prayer and teaching on Israel. CFI UK Team.

Ambassadors of Truth Conference, Binyanei Hauma Convention

Center, Jerusalem. March 26 & 27 th . Jacob Vince attended in support of

the international annual Diaspora gathering.

Lion of Judah Fellowship, Folkestone, Kent

5 th April. Robin Lane spoke on: The Levitical laws for sacrifices and the

Lord’s desire for mercy rather than sacrifice.

New Life, Billingham, County Durham

12 th April. The church hosted their annual Prayer Day with Israel the

prayer focus. CFI UK Church Link Barbara Horsley.

Elim Pentecostal Church, Cradley Heath, West Midlands

12 th April. David Walker hosted a CFI UK Passover – a new beginning.

Stratford St. Mary Church, Suffolk

12 th -13 th April. CFI UK’s Relational Ministry, Jacob Vince described the

relational ministry of CFI UK.

All Saints Church, Eastbourne, East Sussex (café church meeting)

13 th April. Robin Lane spoke on the theme of the Passover Seder

and the Last Supper.

Southampton

17 th April. Events explored the roots of Easter found in the celebration of

Passover, and Seder Meal.

Organised by CFI UK Regional Link Jane Castle.

Livingston Elim Pentecostal Church, Livingston, West Lothian

26 th April. David and Julia Soakell joined Philip Aitchison to present a

day of teaching and prayer to help people gain a better understanding

of Israel and God’s purposes for them.


Guest feature

Why Holocaust education

isn’t enough to combat

antisemitism today

Stephen Rosenberg, SJN

We must reframe Jewish

history from one of

victimhood to one of

resilience, agency and contributions

to global society.

In the face of rising antisemitism, schools,

secular organisations and well-meaning

academic institutions often turn to Holocaust

education as their primary tool for addressing

hatred against Jews. The reasoning seems

sound: by teaching about the atrocities of the

Holocaust - the worst massacre of human

beings in modern history - students and

the public at large will grasp the dangers of

prejudice and the moral imperative to fight

antisemitism.

While Holocaust education is indeed crucial, it

is not enough. Worse, in some extreme cases

it can backfire, emboldening those who already

harbour hatred for Jews.

We must confront an uncomfortable

truth: Holocaust education alone is failing

to resonate with many today. To effectively

combat antisemitism, a broader, more

comprehensive strategy is necessary. This

strategy must include modern approaches

that connect to Jewish history, the role and

importance of Israel and the lived experiences

of Jews today.

Holocaust education focuses on a singular

event in Jewish history: the systematic

extermination of 6 million Jews by Nazi

Germany. While the gravity of this event

cannot be overstated, this narrow focus often

paints Jewish history as one of victimhood

and helplessness. This narrative does little to

inspire empathy or understanding among those

who do not already identify with the victims.

Worse, in the digital age Holocaust education

can amplify hateful ideologies.

When antisemitic incidents occur, the reflexive

response to introduce Holocaust education

misses the mark. It assumes that teaching

about past atrocities will prevent present

hatred - a flawed assumption. Instead, we

need a more holistic approach that connects

the Holocaust to a continuum of Jewish

resilience, culture and contributions, while

addressing modern myths and misinformation

about Jews and Israel.

Antisemitism did not begin with Adolf Hitler,

and it did not end in 1945. The hatred of Jews

spans centuries and continents, taking various

forms: religious, economic, racial and political.

From the expulsion of Jews from Spain in 1492

to the pogroms of Eastern Europe in the 19 th

and early 20 th centuries, Jewish communities

faced systemic oppression long before the

Holocaust. Teaching this history helps

contextualise the Holocaust as one chapter

in a much longer story of Jewish survival and

resilience.

Take, for instance, the Dreyfus Affair in late

19 th century France, where Jewish army officer

Alfred Dreyfus was falsely accused of treason.

The case exposed deep-rooted antisemitism in

French society and influenced Theodor Herzl’s

call for a Jewish state. Or consider the Farhud

of 1941, a violent pogrom against Jews in

Baghdad that underscores how antisemitism

extended beyond Europe. By integrating these

stories into educational frameworks, we can

help people understand that antisemitism is a

global and enduring problem not confined to

Nazi Germany.

Model of the Temple, Jerusalem

To supplement Holocaust education,

students must also learn about the history

and significance of Israel. Israel is not merely

a political state; it is the culmination of

millennia of Jewish yearning for a homeland.

The Jewish connection to Israel dates back

thousands of years, rooted in biblical history

and sustained through exile and dispersion.

Yet in today’s polarised discourse, Israel is

often misrepresented as an oppressor, fuelling

antisemitic narratives.

Education should emphasise how Israel

embodies Jewish resilience and selfdetermination.

It is vital to showcase the

diversity of Israeli society, where Arabs

live freely, participate in democracy, own

businesses and serve in the Knesset. For

example, Mansour Abbas, an Arab Israeli

Theodor Herzl in Basel, photographed

during Fifth Zionist Congress in December

1901, by Ephraim Moses Lilien

politician, leads the Ra’am Party and has

wielded significant influence in Israeli politics.

Similarly, Arab citizens of Israel excel in various

fields, from sports to medicine, challenging the

false narrative that Israel is an apartheid state.

It is essential to connect to universal values and

struggles. For example, antisemitism is often

referred to as the “canary in the coal mine” of

societal hatred – when Jews are targeted, other

minority groups often follow. By framing it as

a barometer of broader social decay, educators

can help non-Jewish audiences see the fight

against antisemitism as their fight, too.

To do so, we need a comprehensive

approach that integrates the following

elements:

Expanded historical education: Teach about

antisemitism’s long history, from ancient

prejudices to modern-day manifestations,

across different cultures and regions.

The story of Israel: Highlight Israel’s history,

diversity and contributions to global society.

Show how Israel exemplifies Jewish resilience

and counters narratives of oppression.

Contemporary antisemitism: Address how

antisemitism operates today, from conspiracy

theories to campus activism. Equip students

with the tools to recognise and confront it.

Jewish contributions: Celebrate the cultural,

scientific and artistic achievements of Jewish

people throughout history. Shift the focus

from victimhood to vitality.

Holocaust education in context: Continue

teaching about the Holocaust but frame

it within the broader story of Jewish

perseverance. Use survivor testimonies to

humanise the experience and connect it to

present-day issues.

The fight against antisemitism requires

more than remembrance; it demands

understanding, action and the courage to

confront hatred in all its forms. Only by

equipping people with the knowledge and

tools to do so can we hope to ensure a future

free from its scourge.

The full article first appeared on the Jewish News Syndicate

website on 26 November 2024. The opinions and facts

presented are those of the author, and neither Sussex Jewish

News nor JNS or its partners assume any responsibility for them.


Charity Feature

Why Israel and the world

love the Technion

There’s a saying – conveyed in many ways – that to

love another, one must first love oneself. Given,

then, that the very foundation of Israel hinged on

the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, it is no

wonder that the country loves it so.

Described as the technological backbone of the country even before its

establishment and coined by the New York Times quite perfectly as ‘Israel’s hard

drive’, the Technion was crucial in developing the infrastructure, security and

economy necessary for Israel’s survival. Without it, the country would simply

not exist today.

Decades before the State of Israel was established, visionaries like Chaim Weizmann,

Israel’s first president, and Theodor Herzl understood that if the country was to not

only survive but thrive, it needed to invest in science and technology. A Jewish state

alone would never be enough; it needed to benefit the entire world, starting with the

local Arab population – more on this later.

Before anything else, the means to defend itself was essential to Israel’s survival, let

alone making advancements in any other area. Fortunately, the Technion’s role in the

country’s security is no less prevalent today than it was in the years leading up to and

immediately after the State’s establishment in 1948. Missile defence systems (such as

Iron Dome, David’s Sling and Iron Beam), underground tunnel detection devices and

drone technology; are just a few examples of the supporting role the Israel Institute of

Technology has played in the protection of Israel and its citizens through a plethora

of different disciplines taught at the university, such as aerospace, engineering and

computer science. The remarkable Iron Dome system has saved thousands of lives and

was developed by Technion alumnus Chanoch Levin.

In this area the Technion has form; on 17 th March 1948, just two months before Israel’s

founding, physics and chemistry students were recruited from the university, as well

as others, to Givatayim where a radar detection unit was set up. Similarly, it continues

to play a pivotal role in securing the country and its people, most recently in the

conflict that started on 7 th October. Achievements include the Faculty of Medicine’s

transformation of what usually functions as a car park in peacetime to a 2,000-bed

fortified underground hospital and the establishment of the “Give Help, Get Help”

scheme. The latter has been responsible for hosting dozens of internally displaced people,

opening schools on campus for Technion staff children, clearing out bomb shelters,

baking challah bread, organising blood drives, giving haircuts and donating packages.

Because of all this, the Technion has been able to live up to the country’s moniker as

the ‘Startup Nation’. According to Stanford Graduate School of Business research,

Technion is 25 times more likely to produce a US-based startup than any other non-US

university. Industries in which the institute has made life-changing advancements

include energy, water and health. Developments in the latter include the groundbreaking

invention of the PillCam – a tiny, wireless, capsule-encased camera the size

of a jellybean and small enough to be swallowed, that hundreds of UK hospitals are

using – and novel drug Rasagiline to treat Parkinson’s disease that was approved by the

American Food and Drug Administration in 2006.

Yet perhaps we need only look closer to home when we ask why Israel loves the

Technion. Returning to the earlier point of the Israel Institute of Technology

benefitting Israel’s Arab population as well as its Jews, it’s impossible to look at

the diverse makeup of the student body – 20% of which is Arab – and not feel an

overwhelming sense of hope for the future.

It’s clear that the Technion feels exactly the same about Israel as Israel feels about the

Technion, and there’s nothing quite like reciprocal love, is there?

Surgical Theatre

Co-founded by

Technion alumni

Moty Avisar M.S.E. ’05,

Alon Zuckerman ’96, and

Gidi Navrotsky ’97, MBA ’02

Allows brain surgeons to look inside a patient’s

head before the operating room.

Mini-Labs in Space

Developed by Ido Priel

MSc. ’11, co-founder of

SpacePharma

Novocure

Developed by Prof.

Emeritus Yoram Palti

An innovative treatment for deadly brain

cancer, Novocure produces low-intensity

electric fields to help slow or stop

glioblastoma cells from dividing.

Autonomous mini-labs will study

the ability of enzymes to break up

disease-causing bacterial residues.

Beresheet Space Lander

Developed by Technion alumnus Shimon

Sarid ’75, CEO of SpaceIL. The first privately

funded mission to the moon.

Device can prevent

Open Heart Surgery

Developed by Cuspa Medical

founder and CMO Professor Yair

Field and alumnus CEO Ariel

Weigler ’15, MSc. ’19

CusperTM holds heart valves at their original

size and ensures they close properly.

Bionic Hands

for children

Developed by Prof. Alon

Wolf & Haifa 3D

Children in need of an

artificial hand receive

colourful, 3D-printed

hands, customized with their favourite

superhero or cartoon character.

www.technionuk.org


BIBLE u HISTORY u TODAY

28 OCT – 3 NOV

FULLY GUIDED TOUR

£1690

EL AL flights included

Arrive & transfer to hotel

Mary’s Well Hotel, Nazareth

x3

Around Galilee

u 1 st Century Ancient Boat, Ginosar

u Galilee Boat Trip

u Capernaum

u Mount Beatitudes

u Magdala 1 st Century Synagogue

Upper Galilee & Haifa

u Visit to Bar’am National Park

Aramean Church / Ancient Synagogue

u Technion University Haifa

u Atlit & Acre

Ancient Boat, Ginosar

Magdala Synagogue

Aramean Church / Ancient Synagogue

Technion University

Capernaum

Lower Galilee & Jerusalem East

u Sde Eliyahu Organic Religious Kibbutz Bio Bee Tour

u Lunch at Mahane Yehuda Market

u CFI Jerusalem & Hope Centre

u Observation from Mount of Olives,

u Garden of Gethsemane & Garden Tomb

u Western Wall – Kotel

u Shabbat Dinner at Royal Hotel

Royal Jerusalem Hotel

Negev & South

u Beersheba Ancient City & Well

u Herodium

u Qumran

West Jerusalem

x3

u Israel Museum Jerusalem model

u Shrine of the Book

u Yad Vashem memorial

u Lunch & Depart (Ben Gurion Airport)

Qumran Caves

FLIGHT INFORMATION

EL AL Return flights from Heathrow / Tel Aviv.

Airport transfers are included for the main group arrivals only, on whichever flight the

majority of the passengers are booked. Early booking is advised. Flights subject to availability

at time of booking.

28 th Oct 2025 London Heathrow / Tel Aviv LY316 14:20 / 20:55

3 rd Nov 2025 Tel Aviv / London Heathrow LY317 17:00 / 20:25

BOOK EARLY ON: 01726 477077

ONLINE BOOKING FORM: https://shalomtours.co.uk/cfitour2025

Beersheba City & Well

Bethlehem & Jerusalem

u Church of the Nativity

u Meet Arab Christians in Beit Al Liqa’

u Lunch and return to Jerusalem

u Old City walk

Church of the Holy Sepulchre

u Return to Hotel for Dinner

Jerusalem Old City

Yad Vashem

Tour operated by: Kernow Travel / Shalom Tours

ATOL: 12012 & PTS 5627

THE PRICE INCLUDES: Flights, Hotels on a Half Board Basis,

guide and bus transportation,

admission to the relevant sites/activities.

NOT INCLUDED: Single room supplement £420 per person.

Tips & gratuities (£8 per day)

Travel Insurance (You must have either your own travel insurance

or via Kernow Travel 01726 477077).

NB. All programmes & tours

subject to change

Church of the Nativity

Shrine of the Book


Resources www.cfi.org.uk/shop.php

For resources call: 01323 410 810

Postal savings on multiple items

HEALING THE ONE NEW MAN – MATTHEW MOORE

Jesus prayed that those who come to believe in him through his disciples’ message would be one, just as he

and the Father are one. Yet the Church seems more divided than ever.

Drawing on keys used to bring Christian healing to individual believers, ‘Healing The One New Man’ reveals

the roots of division in the Church and proposes a simple but powerful answer for dealing with those roots

and reclaiming a missing part of the Church’s true identity.

B549 // PAPERBACK, 189 PAGES // £17.50 (INCL. UK P&P)

WORDS FROM THE WISE – PAUL LUCKRAFT

In the letter of James, we read: ‘If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all

without finding fault, and it will be given to you’ (James 1:5).

Our world prides itself on human cleverness and intellectual achievement, but are we missing out on the

greater wisdom from above? Attaining wisdom from the only wise God and Creator of all things should be

a priority.


WINGS OF GRACE – HEATHER MANN

Set against the backdrop of Europe as it plunges into war, this is a hope-filled story of the Bamber and Quick

families, whose lives were seemingly impossibly intertwined.

Is there any place for faith? Any meaningful heroism? Is there a God with any purpose?

This story is not merely to be read as an historic account of WW2, but it includes significant reference to the

Jewish people and engages the reader to evaluate their own personal journey.


UK Events CFI UK is exhibiting at the following live events in 2025

ELIM LEADERS SUMMIT

13-15 May 2025

Harrogate Convention Centre

ROYAL CORNWALL EVENTS CENTRE, WADEBRIDGE

Sunday 20 - Thursday 24 July 2025

Gordon Castle Estate Fochabers Village

Aberdeenshire, Scotland, IV32 7PQ

22 – 25 AUG 2025

LINCOLNSHIRE SHOWGROUND

Grange-de-Lings,

Lincoln, LN2 2NA

CRE 25: 15-16 Oct 2025

Sandown Park, Esher, Surrey

Contact: CFI Communications, PO Box 2687, Eastbourne, BN22 7LZ

Tel: 01323 410810 Email: info@cfi.org.uk Web: www.cfi.org.uk

@christianfriendsofisrael_uk

x.com/cfi_uk

facebook.com/cfiuk

youtube.com/cfiuk

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