BELLMAWR, NJ — On May 5, 2024, during Israel’s Holocaust Remembrance Day, a group of 16 Christian young adults from the United States and Canada embarked on an educational and enlightening encounter to Poland (Encounter Poland) to deepen their understanding of the Holocaust and combat rising global antisemitism with The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry (FOI).
The group collaborated with FOI’s Poland team where, together, they visited historical Holocaust sites like Majdanek, Krakow, Auschwitz, and Birkenau. They walked between Auschwitz and Birkenau with Jewish people from all over the world in the March of the Living. They volunteered their time to restore a Jewish cemetery that had been overrun with vegetation. This act of restoration aimed to honor the memory of those buried there and combat the ongoing trend of antisemitic acts that often target such sacred sites.
Tiauna from Toronto shared her reflections, “Even though we don’t know the stories of the people buried here, it felt like we were able to restore some dignity to the cemetery and stand against hate-filled desecration.”
Marci from Texas expressed how the trip impacted her, “Visiting the death camps was overwhelming. Witnessing young Jewish adults at Auschwitz, proudly singing with Israel’s flag, reinforced God’s faithfulness to His people. Cleaning up the neglected Jewish cemetery was our honor, making our trip even more meaningful after witnessing the horrors of the Holocaust.”
Alyssa Ruddell from Texas added, “After witnessing the horrific treatment of Jewish people during the Holocaust, caring for the cemetery felt like a profound way to honor and show solidarity with the Jewish community.”
This initiative takes on added significance against the backdrop of a recent surge in antisemitism following the October 7 attack by Hamas. The Encounter Poland group finds inspiration in Scripture, particularly Genesis 12:3, which promises blessing on individuals who bless Israel and the Jewish people.
By engaging in these acts of remembrance and solidarity, these Christian young adults affirm their commitment to supporting the Jewish community and fostering a world of greater peace and understanding.
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About The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry:
The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry (FOI) was founded in 1938 as a compassionate effort to meet the spiritual and physical needs of Jewish people whose lives were displaced and tragically affected by the Holocaust. The ministry continues to stand against every form of antisemitism and support the right of the Jewish people to live in their ancient homeland, Israel. Additionally, FOI actively invests in the edification of Christians by teaching Scripture that exemplifies why loving the Jewish people and supporting Israel is integral to the Christian faith. Today, FOI’s presence spans the globe with ministry workers serving Jewish people worldwide.
URL: foi.org/encounter
To schedule an interview with Chris Katulka of Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry, reach out to Karen Katulka, Director of Marketing and Communications, at kkatulka@foi.org, or call her at 856-853-5590.