Yechiel Eckstein facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Yechiel Eckstein
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Eckstein at IFCJ's 25th anniversary in 2008.
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| Born | July 11, 1951 |
| Died | February 6, 2019 (aged 67) |
| Nationality | American / Canadian |
| Citizenship | Canadian, American and Israeli |
| Education | Yeshiva University Columbia University |
| Occupation | Rabbi, Founder and President |
| Organization | International Fellowship of Christians and Jews |
| Known for | Founder of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews |
| Title | Rabbi |
| Spouse(s) | Bonnie Siegman (m. 1974–2004) Joelle Eckstein (m. 2007–2019) |
| Children | Yael Eckstein Tamar Eckstein Talia Eckstein |
| Parent(s) | Rabbi Dr. Sy Eckstein Belle Eckstein |
| Awards | Raoul Wallenberg Award |
Yechiel Eckstein (July 11, 1951 – February 6, 2019) was a rabbi who was born in America and later became an Israeli citizen. He founded the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (IFCJ) in 1983. He led this organization for many years.
The IFCJ helps Jewish people who need financial support. It also helps Jews move to Israel and supports soldiers in the Israel Defense Forces. In 2003, a newspaper called Haaretz said it was the second-largest charity in Israel.
In 2010, Newsweek magazine named him one of the Top 50 Most Influential Rabbis in America. He received the first Man of Distinction award from Hadassah in 2010. He also won the Raoul Wallenberg Award in 2014. He was listed among the "Jerusalem Post's Top 50 Most Influential Jews" in both 2014 and 2015.
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Early Life and Education
Yechiel Eckstein was born in Winthrop, Massachusetts, U.S. His father, Dr. Simon "Sy" Eckstein, was also a rabbi and a psychologist. His mother was Belle Eckstein.
In 1952, when Yechiel was just one year old, his family moved to Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. His father became the Chief Rabbi of Ottawa. Yechiel grew up there, as his father looked after four synagogues. He went to Yeshiva University High School for Boys.
Founding The Fellowship
Before starting his own organization, Eckstein worked for the Anti-Defamation League. In 1983, he created the Holyland Fellowship of Christians and Jews. This group aimed to help Christians and Jews work together. They focused on keeping Jewish people safe in Israel and worldwide.
In 1991, the organization changed its name to the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews. Its main goal is to give help to Jewish families and older people who are in need. This includes helping them buy food and medicine. Another important goal is to help Jewish people move to Israel. The organization also supports the Israeli military by helping soldiers who are poor.
When Eckstein started the Fellowship, he worked without a salary. He also had no health benefits, and his wife was expecting a baby. He worked part-time as a rabbi to support his family. In the beginning, most of the money came from other Jewish people.
However, starting in the mid-1990s, he became very popular with Evangelical Christians. This support helped the charity grow bigger every year. By December 2003, the IFCJ was recognized as a very large charitable foundation in Israel.
Personal Life and Legacy
Yechiel Eckstein had citizenship in both the U.S. and Israel. He became an Israeli citizen in 2002. He had three daughters with his first wife, Bonnie Siegman. After his death, his daughter Yael Eckstein became the president and CEO of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews. Yechiel and his second wife, Joelle, lived in Jerusalem.
He was also a talented singer. He recorded six music CDs as a Hasidic singer. He was part of several music groups, including Kol Salonika and The Rabbis' Sons. In the 1990s, he co-led a band called "Ashira."
Yechiel Eckstein passed away on February 6, 2019, after having a heart attack.
Awards and Recognition
Yechiel Eckstein received several important awards for his work. In June 2010, Newsweek magazine included him in their list of the Top 50 Most Influential Rabbis in America.
In July 2010, Hadassah gave him their Man of Distinction award. In 2014, he was honored with the Raoul Wallenberg Award. He was also listed in the "Jerusalem Post's Top 50 Most Influential Jews" in both 2014 and 2015.
