Podcast Summary

Podcast: Mark Levin Podcast
Episode: On The Front Lines – Standing Together: Christians and Jews Against Rising Hatred
Host: Mark Levin (Cumulus Podcast Network)
Guest: Yael Eckstein, President of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (IFCJ)
Date: October 1, 2025

Main Theme

This episode focuses on the crucial alliance between Christians and Jews in confronting the surge of antisemitism and violence against faith communities worldwide, especially after October 7th, 2023. Mark Levin and Yael Eckstein spotlight the humanitarian efforts of the IFCJ in Israel and neighboring regions, highlighting how faith, solidarity, and proactive assistance are bringing light amidst rising hatred and adversity.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Historic Bond Between Christians and Jews

• [00:35] Mark opens the conversation by emphasizing the natural, even “God certified,” relationship between Christians and Jews, acknowledging efforts to divide the two communities but affirming joint resilience.
• [01:59] Yael situates today’s events in a historic and spiritual context, comparing current events to the Holocaust and Israel’s founding. She asserts,

  “For 80 years the world was saying, never again. Never again. And what we see after October 7th is that the world is saying, oh, right, this again. And they're even supporting it.” — Yael Eckstein [02:41]

2. Spiritual Warfare and Modern-Day Heroes

• [03:39] Mark and Yael agree that while antisemites and hate groups target both Jews and Christians, this adversity has prompted millions of Christians globally to stand with Israel as “watchmen on the walls of Jerusalem.”
• [04:11] Yael details IFCJ's direct assistance to people in need in Israel and persecuted Christians in the Middle East:

  “Within the darkness and within the hatred that we're seeing...millions of individual Christians stand up and say, I want to be partnered with God to be the watchman on the walls of Jerusalem.” — Yael Eckstein [04:29]

3. The Changing Jewish Response

• [07:02] Yael reflects on the evolution from suspicion to gratitude among Israelis toward Christian support.

  “Now…the people of Israel know without a doubt who are our closest friends, our greatest allies, our most reliable partners, spiritually and physically, practically—the Christian community.” — Yael Eckstein [09:22]

4. The Holy Land: Sanctuary for Christians

• [11:53] Mark highlights Israel as the only Middle Eastern nation where Christians and their holy sites are truly safe.
• [12:59] Yael underscores Israel’s efforts to preserve Christian sanctuaries, in contrast to the destruction seen elsewhere in the region:

  “These are sacred places that Israel has preserved, protected, provided security for, so that no one can go in and do anything bad to it.” — Yael Eckstein [14:25]

• She notes the dramatic decrease of Christians in Bethlehem under the Palestinian Authority compared to Israeli governance.

5. The Lingering Impact of October 7th

• [15:52] Mark observes a troubling global amnesia or indifference regarding the atrocities of October 7th, while President Trump continues to highlight the horror.
• [17:06] Yael contrasts Israeli trauma and determination with increasing external hostility:

  “In Israel, what we realized is that there's a time to reach out your hand in peace and there's a time where you just have to defend yourselves...This is about protecting our children.” — Yael Eckstein [18:40]

• She shares a personal story of her son experiencing the constant threat of war, reinforcing the stakes for Israeli families.

6. Countering Antisemitism and Media Bias

• [23:58] Mark and Yael discuss the rise of antisemitism in Western institutions, including the media and international organizations.
• [25:12] Yael urges a focus on hope and positive action:

  “Within this darkness, we've been called, each one of us, to choose a side...It's not easy to choose the side of sanctity, of life, of being a proud person of faith...But we're also seeing so many people who are led and inspired to stand up and say, hineni, here I am.” — Yael Eckstein [25:40]

7. Acts of Solidarity and Courage

• [26:35] Yael describes “Flags of Fellowship,” a campaign placing Israeli flags at churches as an act of public solidarity, growing from 25 to over 1,200 churches:

  “The evil forces are burning the Israeli flags. The forces that stand for life are going to plant them.” — Yael Eckstein [26:54]

• She shares wisdom from Pastor Bonhoeffer:

  “God is not a God of the emotions, but a God of truth...one act of obedience is worth a hundred sermons.” — Yael Eckstein quoting Bonhoeffer [27:55]

8. Mobilizing Everyday People

• [29:47] Both speakers agree on the need to use new media platforms for good.
• [30:36] Yael affirms that every individual, regardless of their following, can answer the call to do good:

  “As long as we wake up each day and say, I am your servant, Lord, use me in whatever way possible...I believe God will use each one of us in exactly the precise way.” — Yael Eckstein [31:07]

9. Mission and Gratitude

• [31:29] Mark commends Yael’s unwavering positivity and faith:

  “You really are a very positive person, even when it seems very dark, even as a result of October 7th…And I just want to thank you.” — Mark Levin [31:29]

• [32:40] Yael thanks Mark and the audience for their support.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “This is a natural relationship...It is a God certified relationship between Christians and Jews.” — Mark Levin [00:49]
• “We're part of writing a new chapter in history, one that we will never go back to what was before, one that our children and our grandchildren know. Jews and Christians stand together.” — Yael Eckstein [08:30]
• “There's a silenced majority. Not silent—they're silenced by the mainstream media, they've been silenced by the algorithms. But now there are so many individuals who will no longer stop getting their voice out there.” — Yael Eckstein [29:15]
• “One act of obedience is worth a hundred sermons.” — Pastor Bonhoeffer (quoted by Yael Eckstein) [27:55]

Important Timestamps

• [00:35] – Introduction to the enduring partnership between Christians and Jews.
• [01:59] – Historical and spiritual overview post-October 7th.
• [04:11] – IFCJ’s on-the-ground humanitarian work and growth in Christian solidarity.
• [07:02] – Shifts in Israeli attitudes toward Christian support.
• [12:59] – Israel’s role in protecting Christian holy sites.
• [15:52] – The global response (or lack thereof) to October 7th.
• [17:06] – First-hand account of ongoing trauma and resilience in Israel.
• [25:12] – Confronting antisemitism in Western media and institutions.
• [26:35] – Church campaigns: "Flags of Fellowship."
• [29:47] – Urging faith communities to utilize modern platforms for truth and compassion.
• [31:29] – Mark’s praise for Yael’s positivity, gratitude to IFCJ supporters.

Tone and Language

The tone throughout is passionate, urgent, and faith-driven, with both Mark and Yael speaking from deep personal conviction and encouraging action, hope, and solidarity despite facing darkness.

Conclusion

Mark Levin and Yael Eckstein use this episode to passionately affirm that, even as hatred and violence against faith communities spread, an unprecedented alliance between Christians and Jews is forging new hope and resilience. The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews stands as a frontline force for good—feeding the hungry, defending the vulnerable, and inspiring acts of faith-driven solidarity in a world shadowed by rising bigotry. The conversation closes with gratitude and a direct call for listeners to join this mission, regardless of scale, and to never underestimate the impact of a single act of courage or kindness.

For more information or to participate:
Visit IFCJ.org