Evangelical Christians Volunteer in Israel to Support War Effort
Many evangelicals view Israel as central to an end-times prophecy that heralds the return of the Christian Messiah.
Police take security measures and investigate the crime scene after 25-year-old Aaron Bushnell, an active-duty member of the US Air Force, set himself on fire Sunday outside the Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C. in protest against the war in Gaza on February 25, 2024. Photo by Anadolu Images.
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n a display of solidarity in genocide, evangelical Christians from around the world are flocking to Israel to volunteer and support the ongoing war effort against Hamas. Since the conflict erupted five months ago, these volunteers have been offering their assistance in various capacities, underscoring their staunch support for Israel.
Shawn Landis, an evangelical Christian hailing from Pennsylvania, exemplifies this commitment. Upon learning about the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on southern Israel, Landis resolved to travel to Israel and lend his support as soon as conditions permitted. Now, five months later, he finds himself in a Tel Aviv kitchen, “chopping vegetables to prepare meals for Israeli soldiers.”
The influx of evangelical volunteers underscores their unwavering support for Israel, rooted in their deeply held religious beliefs. Many evangelicals view Israel as central to an end-times prophecy that heralds the return of the Christian Messiah. They draw inspiration from Old Testament writings that designate Jews as “God’s chosen people” and Israel as their “rightful homeland.”
Religious “voluntourism” to Israel
This surge in volunteerism is part of a broader trend of religious “voluntourism” to Israel. Organized trips, which include volunteering aspects connected to the war in Gaza, have seen a significant uptick in participation. Israel’s Tourism Ministry estimates that between one-third to half of the approximately 3,000 daily visitors in March are part of faith-based volunteer trips, a stark increase compared to pre-war levels.
The evangelical community’s support for Israel extends beyond individual efforts, with prominent organizations rallying behind the cause. Christians United for Israel (CUFI), led by evangelical pastor John Hagee, has raised over $3 million to aid Israeli first responders, healthcare workers, and survivors of the Oct. 7 attack.
Pouring volunteers
Additionally, the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ) has organized several volunteer trips, expecting to bring even more participants in the coming months.
Despite logistical challenges posed by the conflict, including suspended flights and disrupted tourism, evangelical volunteers remain undeterred. Their presence serves not only to provide tangible assistance but also to “uplift the morale of Israeli citizens amidst the ongoing strife.”
As the war in Gaza enters its sixth month, international pressure mounts for Israel to alleviate the suffering of civilians, including allowing more aid into the region. Meanwhile, evangelical volunteers continue to pour into Israel, embodying their steadfast support for Tel Aviv and its people as a genocide takes place in Gaza.
Source: The Associated Press
