In a time of rising antisemitism, building strong, positive relationships with trusted allies is more important than ever. Part of the Jewish Federation of Ottawa’s advocacy work is cultivating meaningful partnerships with other organizations rooted in mutual respect, shared values, and a commitment to standing together against hatred. These relationships help strengthen the Jewish community while fostering understanding, dialogue, and genuine friendship across communities.
One such organization is the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ), a group that aims to educate Christians about the Biblical importance of the Land of Israel and about how to be good allies for Jews in Israel and in the diaspora.
Founded in the 1980s, the organization began at a time when many countries were relocating their diplomatic missions from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv, and when many Christians around the world realized that Israel needed strong allies outside of the Jewish community.
The representatives of this organization in the National Capital Region are Dr. Leonor and Retd. Col. Michael Ward, who are strong allies to Ottawa’s Jewish community and enthusiastically support and attend both interfaith and Jewish events.
“We understand that our role as Christians that stand with Israel from a Biblical perspective is to comfort the Jewish people,” said Leonor Ward during a meeting with Federation’s Director of Advocacy and External Relations, Jodi Green, and the Ottawa Jewish E-Bulletin. “After October 7, that became even more necessary.”
Prior to the Israel-Hamas War, their work already included a broad scope of issues, including helping people make aliyah, providing support for Holocaust survivors, and building 300 bomb shelters in Israel.
Since the war began, a lot of their work has shifted to collaborating with Jewish organizations in Israel to help people experiencing post-traumatic stress.
“We do a lot of work supporting people experiencing PTSD,” said Ward. “This has become so necessary, even for children, for whom we have been funding therapy through activities like working with horses.”
Another big part of their work is reconciliation between Jewish and Christian communities, particularly in light of the long history of antisemitism and discrimination Jews experienced within Christian societies..
“Unfortunately, for many centuries, the Church has not understood the calling of Israel and has been a perpetrator of antisemitism,” said Ward. “Now, it is a different time.”
Ward spoke about how the Christian Embassy has brought together over 1,000 voices that pray for Israel daily, and Christians from over 80 countries to learn about the critical role everyone can play in standing against antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiment.
“I am proud to say that in Canada alone, we have people that support the ICEJ in every province and territory,” said Ward. “We have consistently been able to send over $1.5 million per year to Israel.”
Their work goes beyond Israel with opportunities for partnership locally in Ottawa through interfaith programming and dialogue.
“We have been working together and meeting for nearly two years now,” said Green. “I can tell you that they are fabulous allies and wonderful people.”
To learn more about the work of the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ), visit their website here.