We are a non-denominational Christian organisation, seeking to lift up the name of Jesus in all we do to bless His Jewish brethren and share the message of His love both for Israel and the Church.
A true friend is faithful in all circumstances. As Jews in the past have suffered great persecution in the name of Christ, we seek to show them real friendship and love in His name.
Israel means the Jewish people, both inside the nation and in the Diaspora throughout the world. It also means the modern nation of Israel, which includes both Jews and Arabs, all precious to God.
So, we are Christians who love Israel and its peoples and believe that God has a special place for them in His Kingdom purposes before the return of Messiah.
Christian Friends of Israel has offices or representatives in many nations of the world, all working to further its aims of serving the church through education and blessing Israel with support of the Jerusalem office and Distribution Centre.
For further information on the international work, follow these links:
Christian Friends of Israel began with a meeting of a few Christian leaders in Jerusalem in December 1985, from the UK, USA, France and Israel, who were aware of an urgent need to set up a framework in which they could serve the Lord and bless Israel as true friends.
Out of a number of names proposed, that chosen - "Christian Friends of Israel" - expressed exactly how we believed Christians should relate to the Jewish people, both in view of the Church`s past history and also all that God was leading Israel through.
With the particular help of Lance Lambert and David Bivin, the principles and aims of CFI were worked through word by word, and these Foundation Principles stand unchanged today.
You can read our introductory leaflet: Why Christian Friends of Israel?
Our ministry has two main points of focus:
We seek to break down barriers and build bridges of genuine friendship with Israel and the UK Jewish community. Relationship leads to reconciliation and mutual understanding. Today as anti-Semitism again rises world-wide, Israel and Jewish people are deeply touched by Christian solidarity and support.
We help Christians to bless Israel by:
Making the connection - in previous generations many Christians understood the importance of Israel`s restoration in God`s Kingdom purposes and actively promoted it, today this legacy has largely been lost. There is great ignorance, impoverishing the churches. CFI helps Christians understand the biblical relationship between Israel and the Church and reconnect with the Hebraic roots of their faith (Romans 11:16-18). We also seek to give a truthful and balanced perspective on events in the Middle East and be a prophetic voice bringing `understanding of the times`.
To read our Foundation Principles (PDF file) click here.
To read our Statement of Faith (PDF file) click here.
Christians and Jews - blood brothers or separated brethren? Israel - political accident or covenant people? And where does the Church fit in?
These and other questions are explored in the Course`s 10 main teaching sessions (approx. 50 minutes each) showing the connection between Judaism and Christianity, Israel and the Church.
Additionally, each programme includes a 10-15 minute study on important Hebrew words: Kesher, Yeshua, Mashiach, Torah, YHVH, Halleluyah, Chesed, Kadosh, Shalom, Amen. These are designed to enrich our understanding of the Bible.
This popular course has recently been completely revised and updated. It comes as a boxed set of 5 DVD`s (in PAL format: running time 524 minutes), complete with Leader`s Guide and one copy of the Student Guide.
Recommended for personal study, or for churches and home/cell groups as a study course to cover in a school term.
Subjects covered in the main sessions:
For more information and / or sample clips please go here .
Move the mouse over the image below to access the reading controls for these 5 short articles in our 8-page booklet.