They have completed nearly two dozen online seminars, experienced in-person weekends, worked through specialist books, maintained intensive exchange and thus received the tools to be true ambassadors for Israel in society and community: the six graduates of the first development stage of the Israel Academy of Christians on the Side of Israel (CSI).
They can now call themselves ambassadors – more precisely, "Israel ambassadors." Six graduates received this title at the end of March, completing the first advanced level of the CSI Israel Academy. They successfully completed the basic level followed by the advanced level of the Israel Academy.
Solid knowledge of the Bible and history
During this time, the participants learned a great deal: They gained a solid biblical understanding of Israel and explored God's thoughts and perspective for his people. They received a historical and political overview of Israel in the 20th century and learned facts and background information on the Holocaust, the founding of the state, the Middle East conflict, international law, the United Nations, and other topics. From this, they developed their own "philosophy of service" to Israel and explored their personal calling as ambassadors for Israel and as stand-ins for Israel. All of this took place over two years, with a dozen online seminars, four in-person weekends, and time dedicated to independent study.
On the last weekend of March, the time had finally come, and Tobias Krämer, founder and director of the Israel Academy, presented the graduates of the advanced level with their certificates – a celebratory and encouraging moment. This was true not only for the newly appointed "Ambassadors to Israel," but also for the academy's current 60 participants. The prayer offered by the entire group for the graduates was deeply moving for everyone.
What remains?
But what remains after this intensive study of Israel? What do the graduates take away with them? One key takeaway is a solid understanding of Israel. As graduate Isolde observes: "When I started at the academy, I never imagined how important knowing the history of the modern state of Israel is. This has often helped me to show other people a different perspective on Israel than what they know about Israel from the media."
And Simon adds: “Although I already knew quite a bit about Israel and Jewish-Christian theology, I was able to deepen my knowledge in the advanced level. What used to be difficult questions for me, I can now answer in a well-founded manner.”
Some of the content gave the participants pause for thought. Isolde expressed her shock at the replacement theology prevalent in churches and congregations: "It deeply moves me how antisemitic our Christianity is. For two thousand years, a theology and a Christian faith have developed entirely without Israel, in which Christians have placed themselves in Israel's position."
Friedhelm pursues a different idea, namely "the reverence with which Jews treat their Bible and the deep respect with which they live their relationship with their God".
What encourages?
Academy Director Dr. Tobias Krämer is very encouraged by the first advanced level of the academy. "I am touched by the tremendous enthusiasm, the deep desire to learn, and the participants' passion for Israel. It was a pleasure to engage intensively with the topic of Israel during the in-person weekends as friends of Israel and to delve deeply into the learning content." He is surprised by the great interest in the advanced level. In some areas, the structure, teaching methods, and organization will therefore need to be adapted for future courses – "a challenge we gladly accept.".
Further training phases will therefore commence, equipping participants from diverse professional, religious, and personal backgrounds to become ambassadors for Israel with heart, foundation, and knowledge. As Rainer aptly puts it, given the global rise in antisemitism: "More than ever, we are called upon to stand with Israel in prayer, word, and deed. With the firm conviction that 'the Guardian of Israel neither sleeps nor slumbers' and will faithfully fulfill his promises to his beloved people before the whole world!"
More information about the Israel Academy of CSI can be found here.
This article first appeared in our newspaper "Israelaktuell," issue 141. You can order the newspaper here . We would also be happy to send you several copies for distribution.
