Record Numbers of Christians and Jews Expected to Pray for Israel's National Needs during the 2007 International Day of Prayer and Solidarity with Israel on January 28 -- One week after Mideast neighbors announce nuclear weapons plans.

Contact: Gregg Wooding, International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, 972-567-7660

CHICAGO, Jan. 24 /Christian Newswire/ -- War, terrorism, poverty, and peace with her neighbors will be the focus of the 2007 International Day of Prayer and Solidarity with Israel (Day of Prayer), Sunday, January 28, 2007. This fifth annual observance--sponsored by the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (The Fellowship), a non-profit organization with headquarters in Chicago and Jerusalem--will be observed one week after Israel's neighbor's announced nuclear weapons plans (USA Today, Jan. 19).

In 2006, tens of thousands of churches and several million Christians and Jews participated in Day of Prayer from as far away as Europe and Africa. This year U.S. and international churches, including ones in Canada, Finland, Holland, Germany, Hungary, Jamaica, El Salvador, Columbia, Panama, Nicaragua, Guatemala and several African nations, have already logged on The Fellowship's website, www.ifcj.org, to sign a covenant promising to support the State of Israel and to pray for her people on January 28, 2007.

During Day of Prayer observances, Christian and Jewish supporters will unite in prayer, proclaiming Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) verses that speak of God's promises to Israel: In Genesis 17:7-8, God gives Canaan (modern-day Israel) to Abraham "as an everlasting possession to you and your descendants," and in Genesis 12:3, God promises to Abraham's descendants (Israel), "I will bless those who bless you."

"Christians are increasingly concerned with the threats facing Israel and her struggle for survival, especially after last year's devastating war initiated by Hezbollah," said Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein, The Fellowship's founder and president. "Our Day of Prayer gives Christians worldwide a unique opportunity to express their support for Israel and pray for the peace of Jerusalem," he said.

On The Fellowship ministry website, Rabbi Eckstein is pictured locking arms with Bishop Randy and Pastor Paula White, well-known pastors of Without Walls International Church located in Tampa, FL. Rabbi Eckstein and four members of Israeli Consulates from across the country are scheduled to speak during local church and community observances in Danville, VA; Tampa; Munster, IN; Fayetteville, GA; and, Bakersfield, CA. They are Ehud Danoch, Consul General Los Angeles; Dr. Yitschak Ben Gad, Consul General Miami; Dr. Andy David, Deputy Consul General Chicago; and, Oren Rozenblat, Deputy Consul General Atlanta.

Hal Crossley of Californians Standing With Israel of Bakersfield, who will host the Israeli Consul General of Los Angeles, Ehud Danoch, said, "We are thrilled to serve the Lord by raising funds for needs in Israel, by raising awareness among Christians concerning God's heart for Israel, and most importantly, by raising up prayer to the One who is able to protect Israel."

Pastor Steve Munsey of Family Christian Center of Munster, and his 12,000-member church will welcome the Israeli Deputy Consul of Chicago, Dr. Andy David. Pastor Munsey spoke enthusiastically about his church's support, saying "We take a solid stand for Israel and openly declare our love for a nation…around which all of Christianity revolves today!"

Founded by Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein in 1983, the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews has a two-fold mission to promote understanding and cooperation between Christians and Jews and to build broad support for Israel and Jewish people around the world. Through its flagship On Wings of Eagles program, The Fellowship brings Jews to Israel from Russia, Ethiopia, Argentina, and other countries in distress around the world and helps them resettle there. The Isaiah 58 program provides support for basic necessities and medical care to impoverished Jews living in the Former Soviet Union. The Guardians of Israel program assists the needy in Israel with basic humanitarian and security needs. The Fellowship also produces educational resources including the Journey Through The Scriptures Bible study.

For more information on how to participate in the 2007 International Day of Prayer and Solidarity with Israel, please visit The Fellowship's website, www.ifcj.org.