The World Jewish Congress mourns the loss of Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein, founder and president of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, who passed away on Tuesday at the age of 67.
WJC CEO and Executive Vice President Robert Singer said: “On behalf of the World Jewish Congress, and personally, I wish to extend by deepest condolences to Rabbi Eckstein’s family over his untimely passing. His contribution to both the Jewish people and the State of Israel, in realizing his dream of bridging divides between Jews and Christians for the sake of the Holy Land, was unparalleled.”
“The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews is an organization unlike any other, and it will forever live and breathe in Rabbi Eckstein’s memory. Countless Holocaust survivors, orphans, soldiers, the poor and the elderly, survivors of wars and terror attacks, all owe their lives and well-being to his generosity and determination. Thousands of people from different pockets across the globe who could never have imagined making Aliyah are now living Jewish lives in the land of Israel, thanks to his drive and assistance,” Singer said.
“It was with the greatest sorrow that I learned of Rabbi Eckstein’s passing, and I know that it will leave a deep hole in the hearts and minds of all lovers of Israel.
May his family be comforted amongst the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem,” Singer said.