By Laurina Driesse

During their recent journey through Israel, the ICEJ Hands-on Serving Tour visited Nazareth, where participants were warmly welcomed by local Israeli Arab pastor Saleem Shalash and his wife. After hearing Pastor Saleem’s testimony, it was time to form a human production line to prepare special ICEJ-sponsored holiday gift packages for the elderly.

Each gift package included a soft plush blanket to keep warm during chilly winter nights, delicious chocolate treats, and a beautiful magnet. The group packed 250 gift packages that will be delivered to both Arab and Jewish elderly people in Nazareth and Haifa to mark Christmas and Hanukkah, which coincide this year on December 25^th.

Before concluding their wonderful visit to Nazareth, the Hands-On tour group took part in a beautiful time of prayer and sharing of Communion in Pastor Saleem’s church.

In addition, the ICEJ’s traditional holiday distribution program included gifts for 1,000 children, which will be handed out during the annual Christmas parade in Nazareth. With a cease-fire presently in place in northern Israel, local Christians are excited this popular parade through the streets of the hometown of Jesus can proceed.

“One of the important things that we face during this difficult period is having lovely people like you coming to help and spend time with us,” shared Pastor Saleem. “It is not just about packing gifts, which is very important as there is a lot of work to do, but it is the spirit and the unity. We really thank you for being here and I want to also thank the ICEJ.”

The Christian Embassy is committed to making this holiday season truly special for other Israeli families in need. We are providing food coupons for 40 Christian Arab families in the city of Nazareth and another 40 families in Jerusalem, ensuring they have access to nourishing meals during this season. Furthermore, we are sponsoring a heartwarming Christmas retreat for 50 Arab Christians from Nahariya in northern Israel, offering them a well-deserved break and the opportunity to celebrate together in Bethlehem.

Your giving makes a world of difference to Israelis in need. Please continue to support our Future and a Hope fund by giving today at: help.icej.org/future-hope