In May 2025, the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (IFCJ) partnered with The Jerusalem Post to launch a bold and insightful podcast series titled Good for the Jews.
Hosted by IFCJ President and Global CEO Yael Eckstein and Jerusalem Post editor-in-chief Avi Mayer, the show dives into the complex and often misunderstood world of Christian Zionism.
A New Lens on Christian Support for Israel
The podcast offers a rare opportunity to examine the motivations behind Christian support for Israel, framed through historical analysis, personal anecdotes, and commentary from religious leaders, scholars, and everyday believers. The goal is to create space for authentic dialogue—one that informs, challenges assumptions, and helps deepen understanding between faith communities.
In an age when conversations around religion and politics can quickly become polarized, the series brings a refreshing level of depth, nuance, and trust. For the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, the podcast reflects its long-standing mission to cultivate mutual respect and practical cooperation between Jewish and Christian populations worldwide.
Unpacking a Complex Relationship
The phrase “Christian Zionism” often evokes strong reactions, both positive and critical. Some associate it with unshakable support for Israel based on religious conviction, while others worry about theological or political agendas. The podcast tackles these issues head-on, beginning with the basics: what is Christian Zionism, who supports it, and why does it matter?
Through candid conversations, the series explores the religious roots of Christian support for Jewish people and the State of Israel, dating back centuries. It also addresses contemporary realities, such as how evangelical communities fund humanitarian efforts, advocate for Israeli interests, and engage in interfaith outreach.
Rather than defending or dismissing any viewpoint, Good for the Jews aims to inform. The hosts ask hard questions and welcome diverse guests, creating space for thoughtful disagreement as well as powerful agreement.
A Platform for Voices Often Left Out
One of the podcast’s strengths lies in its commitment to featuring a wide range of voices. Listeners hear from Christian pastors in the American South, Israeli citizens with mixed feelings about foreign support, and Jewish thinkers navigating interfaith partnerships. Each guest brings a new dimension to the conversation, moving it beyond the headlines and into lived experience.
A recent episode featured a discussion on how Christian Zionist tourism has evolved over the past decade. Another looked at the impact of religious education on young Christians’ perceptions of Judaism. Topics like philanthropy, prophecy, political advocacy, and even skepticism are all addressed with sincerity and balance.
Yael Eckstein and Avi Mayer share hosting duties with professionalism and candor, alternating between personal insight and probing interview questions. Their chemistry reflects a mutual respect that sets the tone for each episode.
Expanding IFCJ’s Reach and Relevance
The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews has long been known for its practical humanitarian work, supporting food programs, emergency aid, and aliyah efforts. But education and dialogue have always been part of its core mission as well. This podcast represents a new chapter in how the organization connects with supporters and the wider public.
By teaming up with The Jerusalem Post, IFCJ is reaching audiences that may not already be familiar with its work or the nuances of Christian-Jewish relations. The partnership also brings added journalistic credibility and access to thought leaders from across the globe.
The response so far has been encouraging. Thousands of listeners have tuned in within the first few weeks of launch, and social media engagement around the show has steadily grown. IFCJ reviews of the podcast have been largely positive, highlighting its clarity, honesty, and willingness to explore sensitive topics without resorting to dogma.
Engaging Donors Through Shared Curiosity
Another strategic advantage of the podcast is its ability to engage IFCJ’s broad base of Christian donors through shared intellectual and spiritual curiosity. Many of these supporters give generously out of a deep-rooted biblical connection to Israel, but may not fully understand how their actions are perceived by Israelis or the Jewish diaspora.
The podcast opens a two-way channel. Donors can hear directly from Jewish leaders about the value and impact of their support while also gaining a more nuanced understanding of Israel’s social and political realities. This helps build trust, increase transparency, and promote long-term engagement.
Yael Eckstein has said in multiple formats that building relationships starts with listening. The podcast is an embodiment of that philosophy. Rather than simply thanking donors, it invites them into the broader conversation.
Addressing Skepticism with Openness
Inevitably, a series like this attracts scrutiny. Critics may question the intentions behind Christian Zionism or whether religious motivations for political engagement are always constructive. Rather than avoiding these concerns, the podcast tackles them directly.
Episodes include discussions on the boundaries of influence, the ethical responsibilities of faith-based activism, and the importance of maintaining authentic interfaith dialogue without compromise. IFCJ does not present itself as the final authority on these matters. Instead, it offers a platform for education and reflection.
The podcast also addresses questions surrounding IFCJ’s operations and leadership. Public interest in issues like financial accountability and executive compensation is acknowledged, including curiosity about the salary of Yael Eckstein. IFCJ continues to respond with transparency, offering annual reports and third-party evaluations to show that its work is both mission-driven and fiscally responsible.
A Lasting Impact
Good for the Jews is not just a podcast—it’s a thoughtful exploration of one of the most significant and complicated interfaith relationships of the modern era. By shining a light on Christian Zionism through a lens of curiosity and respect, the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews has created something timely, bold, and enduring.
In a media landscape filled with soundbites and polarization, this series stands out as a model for how difficult conversations can be conducted with integrity. It reflects Yael Eckstein’s ongoing vision: to build bridges not just through words, but through actions that honor the faith and dignity of all involved.
As the episodes continue to roll out, The Fellowship is already exploring ways to expand the project, potentially including live events, additional media partnerships, and translations for international audiences. Whether or not listeners agree with every viewpoint, the invitation to engage thoughtfully is always open.
And in a time when genuine dialogue is in short supply, that invitation matters more than ever.
Read more:
Yael Eckstein, IFCJ President and Global CEO, Explores Christian Zionism Through New Podcast Series
