interview CFI Netherlands: Standing with Israel through prayer, faith and action

As anti-Israel sentiment grows across the Netherlands, Alice and Jan Harry van der Veen are working to strengthen Christian support for Israel after establishing a branch of Christian Friends of Israel (CFI) in the country a year ago.

In an interview with Christian journalist Paul Calvert, the van der Veens shared that through education, practical support and prayer, the couple aims to raise awareness of Israel, promote CFI projects, and encourage Christians to stand firmly behind God's promises to the Jewish people.

Their efforts include promoting CFI's Communities Under Attack project, distributing newsletters and brochures, attending conferences, and encouraging believers to celebrate Shabbat, the New Moon and the biblical feasts.

"But the most important thing is prayer,” they explained. “In everything we do, we pray and proclaim daily and weekly for Israel and CFI."

Their work comes at a challenging time. Alice and Jan Harry described an increasingly hostile atmosphere in Dutch society, with some churches reluctant to promote Israel-related activities.

They also pointed to a recent large pro-Israel gathering in Amsterdam, where more than 2,000 people assembled despite heavy rain and intimidation from opposing demonstrators.

One moment during the demonstration particularly strengthened their faith: the raising of the Israeli flag, followed by the crowd singing Hatikvah, Israel's national anthem.

"We don't feel fear, but we feel the protection of God,” they said. “That's so beautiful to feel that where you are, the protection of God is [felt]. You can touch it."

Their concerns extend beyond public demonstrations.

They believe Jewish communities in the Netherlands are increasingly vulnerable, with many people afraid to openly identify themselves as Jewish. For the couple, this makes the Christian response especially important. They see it as their responsibility to answer hostility with compassion and prayer.

"I think we are the bearers of light and hope,” they said. “We bring hope and then God will change the hearts of that people full of hate. I believe in it, yes."

Alice and Jan Harry also voiced their concerns about replacement theology within the Church, arguing that Christians must understand God's continuing promises to Israel. They believe that failing to recognize the biblical significance of the Jewish people and the land has contributed to misunderstanding and opposition.

Their own journey into ministry developed through repeated visits to Israel and volunteer work since the war. However, seeing that the Netherlands was missing from CFI's international map inspired them to establish a presence in their own country. Despite personal challenges, they embraced what they describe as God's calling.

Their motivation remains rooted in their faith and love for the Jewish people. As they declare, "It is an honor to stand up for Israel. We love the country and we love the people so much because of the God of Abraham, Jacob, and Isaac."

Through practical support, education and prayer, Alice and Jan Harry hope to encourage Christians throughout the Netherlands to stand with Israel and bring hope to the Jewish people.

Click below to listen to the full interview.