CFI's 'Communities Under Attack' program brings aid, hope to Israel's embattled northern border

As northern Israeli communities continue to face rocket fire and drone threats, Gert Van Vliet, who leads Christian Friends of Israel's 'Communities Under Attack' (CUA) project, shared firsthand insights with journalist Paul Calvert about the ongoing security challenges facing communities along Israel’s northern border.

CUA provides emergency relief and humanitarian aid to Israeli communities and traumatized victims in regions subjected to constant rocket attacks and conflict. The initiative focuses heavily on the heavily impacted southern and northern border regions of Israel

Despite an official ceasefire with Lebanon, Van Vliet said, residents continue to face rocket attacks and the growing threat of explosive-laden drones.

Asked why CFI keeps entering dangerous border communities, Van Vliet was direct: "If they can live there, why [can we not] go there? I mean, we are serving the Lord here. And even in their difficult moments, we want to be there."

Small explosive-laden drones have become one of the most serious threats facing communities in northern Israel, according to Van Vliet, who noted that such drones can be difficult for even advanced air-defense systems to detect.

The challenge has forced both local communities and the Israeli military to adopt improvised protective measures, including the use of netting over tanks and military positions to defend against what he described as "small kamikaze drones."

Van Vliet highlighted the human toll of the conflict when he recounted a recent drone attack on a local security unit responding to a fire. "One lady died, a soldier, and two of them – and I know them personally – they are in a critical condition in the hospital. One of them lost his finger, many shrapnel (pieces) in their bodies, and they are fighting for their lives. Two security guys. They are guys that defend their own village."

Fortunately, CFI had donated helmets to that same unit weeks earlier. Word came afterward that those helmets had saved at least one life.

Van Vliet emphasized the critical role played by residents of Israel's northern border communities, describing them as Israel's "border keepers" and arguing that many people do not fully understand the sacrifices required to live under constant security threats. "If they go away, will the border stay?" he said.

The shadow of Oct. 7 continues to loom large over the region. According to Van Vliet, fears of a cross-border Hezbollah infiltration remain one of the primary reasons many families have been reluctant to return home. Concerns about militants entering communities and attacking civilians have left many residents uneasy. The biggest fear is that while they are sleeping, Hezbollah terrorists will cross the border using tunnels and enter their homes.

For CFI, the danger has not been limited to the northern border. Then Iran launched ballistic missiles at Israel, and the organization mobilized across the country. Van Vliet described those moments, saying that when Iran is firing rockets, you need to be ready and that "there is no way to hesitate. Just go and help people without thinking."

The crisis on Israel’s northern border is not only a military concern, Van Vliet told Calbert, but a human and spiritual burden shared by the families who remain there and those who choose to stand with them.

He emphasized the distinction between Hezbollah and the broader Lebanese population, saying the organization does not speak for all Lebanese citizens. "Lebanon is an original Christian country, and they want to get rid of Hezbollah."

Van Vliet said he hopes to see Hezbollah removed from southern Lebanon, arguing that such a development would improve security for both Israelis and the citizens of Lebanon. He said that vision aligns with CFI's broader mission of supporting vulnerable communities affected by conflict and helping residents withstand the ongoing pressures of life along Israel's borders.

Click below to listen to the full interview.