Yael Eckstein – salary and poverty challenges in Israel inspire IFCJ to support those in need

When Yael Eckstein stepped into the role of President and CEO of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (IFCJ), she took on more than a title. She took on the responsibility of continuing the legacy her father, Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein, had built.

Since its founding in 1983, IFCJ has been committed to uniting Christians and Jews while providing critical aid to the world’s most vulnerable Jewish communities. From helping Holocaust survivors to facilitating aliyah for Jewish families fleeing war-torn areas, the organization has become a lifeline for those in need.

The sudden passing of Eckstein’s father in 2019 left an unfillable void, but it also ignited something in her: a determination to honor his memory through her work. Eckstein had grown up learning a lot of lessons from her father, instilling in her values of service, faith, and building understanding between people of different backgrounds.

Now leading one of the largest religious nonprofits in the world, Eckstein’s work continues to prove the strength of the foundation built by her father. Yet, it also shows how she’s making the role her own. She brings fresh ideas and a modern approach to IFCJ, combining tradition with innovation to expand IFCJ’s impact and forge a future that her father would undoubtedly be proud of.

Following a Family Legacy of Faith and Service

Raised in the Chicago suburbs, Eckstein grew up surrounded by her father’s unwavering commitment to building bridges between Christians and Jews. More than anything, Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein’s work was a way of life, deeply influencing his daughter. She saw how he helped the vulnerable and witnessed his ability to bring people of different faiths together, teaching her to live with a servant’s heart.

Eckstein’s academic pursuits mirrored her determination to continue this legacy. She took higher education seriously, studying biblical texts at Torat Chesed Seminary in Israel, sociology and Jewish studies at Queens College in New York, and completing additional coursework at Hebrew University in Jerusalem.

These experiences grounded her in both the spiritual and practical aspects of leadership, giving her the tools needed to address complex challenges with insight and compassion. These years of preparation allowed her to transition into her leadership role with IFCJ, even in the face of grief.

A Leader Grounded in Experience

As someone who worked alongside her father for most of her adult life, Eckstein had been involved in nearly every aspect of the organization before assuming her current position. She served as Global Executive Vice President, Senior Vice President, and Director of Program Development, gaining extensive insight into IFCJ’s operations and impact.

Transparency and accountability are important to IFCJ, helping to build trust with donors and partners worldwide. The organization makes it a point to show people how their contributions are directly making an impact, from publishing detailed financial reports to undergoing independent audits.

This focus on openness and results has strengthened IFCJ’s relationships with its hundreds of thousands of supporters, allowing it to grow and help even more people in need.

Expanding Humanitarian Aid Under Eckstein’s Leadership

Supporting vulnerable populations has always been at the center of IFCJ’s mission, and under Eckstein’s leadership, this work has grown even more impactful. In 2023 alone, The Fellowship helped more than 2 million people by providing basic needs and support to more than 1 million people, providing security to 1 million people worldwide, and helping more than 4,000 Jews return to Israel.

Beyond Israel, IFCJ also stepped in to support Jewish communities in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union, delivering supplies to help them through harsh winters when resources were scarce.

When the Russia-Ukraine war broke out, IFCJ responded with urgency and compassion. In 2022, they dedicated $28 million in emergency relief, helping families forced to flee their homes. The organization also led the safe evacuation of over 4,600 Jewish refugees to Israel, offering them not just shelter but the hope of a new beginning.

Aliyah: Bringing God’s People Home

Aliyah—the return of the Jewish people to their homeland—has been a key aspect of IFCJ’s prophetic mission since it was founded. Since its founding, the organization has supported more than 770,000 Jews in making the life-changing journey to Israel. This work includes providing airfare, housing, and resettlement resources, ensuring that immigrants can start their lives in Israel on the right foot.

Under Eckstein’s leadership, aliyah remains a priority, especially during crises. During the Russia-Ukraine war, IFCJ has played a pivotal role in evacuating Jewish refugees and ensuring their safe arrival in Israel. These efforts underscore the prophetic foundation of the organization, as it continues to bring Jewish people home while supporting their resettlement with dignity and care.

Fostering Interfaith Unity Through Shared Values

At its core, IFCJ is not just a humanitarian organization, but a movement that fosters interfaith understanding and collaboration. With 2.7 million people supporting its mission since its founding, IFCJ serves as a testament to what faith communities can achieve when they work together.

Eckstein has strengthened these relationships through initiatives like her podcast, “Nourish Your Biblical Roots.” The podcast explores the shared values between Christians and Jews, highlighting their spiritual connections and common goals. By working with Christian leaders and organizations,  Eckstein amplifies IFCJ’s message of unity and compassion. Her efforts have made IFCJ a symbol of interfaith collaboration, proving that shared principles of service can bridge divides and inspire meaningful change.

Crisis and Leadership

Eckstein has led IFCJ through some of its most challenging moments, from the COVID-19 pandemic to war and terrorism in Israel. Rather than pulling back, the organization pressed forward, intensifying its efforts to meet the urgent and rising needs of those most affected.

In the year after the horrific terror attacks of October 7, 2023, The Fellowship disbursed more than $132 million in aid to support the ongoing emergency needs and to continue to provide assistance in the areas of security, poverty, and aliyah.. They provided essentials like food, medical supplies, and financial assistance, ensuring that those impacted had what they needed to survive and restructure their lives.

Security initiatives have included installing bomb shelters, purchasing bulletproof vests, and supporting communities near Israel’s borders. Eckstein’s leadership during these crises demonstrates her ability to navigate complex situations with compassion and pragmatism.

A Transparent and Trusted Nonprofit

Transparency remains central to Eckstein’s leadership approach, showing IFCJ’s commitment to donor trust and effective resource allocation—especially as the public naturally raises questions about where their donations are going.

Under her guidance, IFCJ maintains a strong commitment to financial accountability, striving to follow the Seven Standards of Responsible Stewardship, as outlined by the ECFA. This helps ensure that donor contributions are used effectively. The organization is open about topics that people tend to search the Internet for—such as “Yael Eckstein salary”. Through their efforts, they make it simple for anyone to easily access information about how funds are being managed.

IFCJ allocates 76 cents of every dollar directly to its programs, a statistic that has earned it a Platinum Seal of Transparency and Inclusion from Candid. It has also been listed in Forbes’ list of the Top 100 U.S. charities multiple years in a row.

IFCJ’s dedication to transparency and impact reassures supporters that their contributions are making a difference. It also reflects Eckstein’s belief in operating with integrity, a value she inherited from her father.

Keeping IFCJ’s Mission Alive

In a world often marked by cultural and religious divides, Eckstein’s leadership offers a compelling example of unity and purpose. As she looks to the future, she remains focused on expanding IFCJ’s reach and impact.

Her vision includes deepening the organization’s poverty alleviation efforts, supporting marginalized communities, and continuing to strengthen security for Jewish populations worldwide. Initiatives like microloans for small businesses and affordable housing projects reflect IFCJ’s commitment to addressing systemic challenges with innovative solutions.

By maintaining a focus on transparency, including welcoming questions about financial transparency – even personal questions asked about “Yael Eckstein salary” – she ensures that IFCJ remains a trusted and effective nonprofit organization. Her work is not just about addressing immediate needs—it’s about building a foundation for lasting change.

Through her dedication, Eckstein continues to lead IFCJ in fulfilling its prophetic mission. From bringing Jewish people home to Israel to fostering interfaith unity, her work embodies the values of compassion, service, and faith. With a bold vision for the future, she is making sure that IFCJ’s impact will endure for generations to come.