interview 'Bridges for Peace' puts Christian love for Israel into action

For more than 50 years, Bridges for Peace has been demonstrating Christian support for Israel through practical humanitarian assistance and a commitment to strengthening communities across the country.

Daniel Kirchhevel, chief operating officer of Bridges for Peace, told Christian journalist Paul Calvert why being physically present in Israel is so important, particularly during times of crisis.

One of the organization's initiatives is its "Adopt an Israeli Town" program, which supports communities like Arad in southern Israel. Working alongside the municipality, Bridges for Peace helps provide food assistance to struggling families, including immigrants, Holocaust survivors and members of neighboring Bedouin communities.

With poverty in Israel on the rise and government resources being redirected towards security needs, the demand for assistance continues to grow.

For Kirchhevel, however, Christian support must extend beyond financial contributions. He explains the importance of building personal relationships with Israelis and showing them that Christians around the world genuinely care.

"We want to be physically present here so that we can show them that we are here standing with them, and not just in the good times, but in these hard times as well," he explains.

That commitment has become particularly significant following the Oct. 7 attacks and the subsequent security challenges facing Israel. Bridges for Peace has continued assisting communities near the Gaza border, providing emergency supplies, supporting evacuated families and helping those affected by Iranian missile strikes.

In Arad, several hundred families were forced from their homes, with some losing virtually everything. The organization responded with gift cards and practical assistance, while also taking time to listen to those struggling with the trauma of displacement.

The organization's wider humanitarian work includes providing hot lunches to over 300 schoolchildren through its "Feed a Child" program, as well as supporting emergency services with equipment such as ambulances and bomb shelters. Kirchhevel says the organization currently supports more than 20,000 people each month.

At the heart of this work is a deeply personal conviction rooted in scripture, as Kirchhevel explains that his commitment comes from his understanding of the Bible and gratitude toward the Jewish people.

"I'm a third-generation Israel supporter from my family and I do it because I read the Word of God. This is where the Messiah Jesus grew up. This is his family. And as a Christian, I'm so thankful for Israel and the Jewish people and giving us the Word of God. And it's just a small way of giving back for all of the blessings that I've received in my life."

He also emphasizes the importance of understanding God's promises to Israel through the foundation of scripture rather than accepting replacement theology.

"Without the foundation of the Word of God, none of this makes sense. But we know we've read the end of the book, and this is where Jesus is coming back [to rule]. And we will answer to him for how we treated his people."

As Bridges for Peace prepares for increasing needs, particularly with rising aliyah (immigration) nd continued challenges facing Israeli communities, Kirchhevel's message is clear: biblical faith must be accompanied by action.

Click below to listen to the full interview.

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