Luca Hezel is stepping down as head of Christians for Israel Germany (CSI). This announcement came as a surprise to most of the staff. The CSI chairman explains the reasons behind his decision in this interview.
By Dr. Tobias Krämer
Tobias Krämer: Luca, you've been with CSI for many years. Now a new chapter begins. Could you please give us an overview of your career path?
Luca Hezel: I joined CSI in 2011 as a volunteer member of the leadership team of Israel Connect (now JCSI). The annual trips to Israel for young Christians were a great passion of mine for many years and significantly shaped my future path. A few years later, I had the opportunity to gain diverse and exciting insights into Harald Eckert's work through a part-time position as his assistant – a season I wouldn't want to have missed. From January 2018, I was able to serve in key leadership roles on a 50% basis, first as head of the then "Innovation/Steering Team" and then as part of the management team.
I was informally included in the "extended board" early on, before being officially elected to the board in June 2018. In July 2020, following a turbulent and challenging period for our organization, I was elected chairman and have since been working full-time as CEO.
It came as a surprise to all of us when you recently announced that you would be stepping down as head of CSI. Was that a spontaneous decision? What were your reasons?
No, the decision was carefully considered and matured over a long period of prayer; nevertheless, it was extremely difficult for me. It has to do with two dynamic developments that, at a certain point, I could no longer reconcile. One development concerns the growth of CSI, both internally and externally, which increasingly demanded more of me. The other development relates to my personal situation.
In 2020, the year I took over as head of CSI, I married Sonja. We had three children in the following years, which also increased my responsibilities. My decision to step down as head of CSI is based on the realization that I can no longer manage both areas of responsibility effectively.
I can understand that immediately, but I have to ask again. When someone is as successful as you are and then suddenly stops, one thinks of anger, conflicts, frustration, or even power struggles. Were there any of those?
These concerns are understandable, but I can say with joy and from the bottom of my heart: "No!" There are no rifts, no disputes, and no financial problems – quite the opposite. The atmosphere at CSI is a real pleasure; everyone feels comfortable, and the organization is structurally, culturally, and financially sound and well-positioned for the future. It almost sounds too good to be true – but I can't describe it any other way. My time at CSI is already among the best of my life.
Your passion for Israel always seemed so genuine. Has that passion perhaps cooled, leaving you reaching for something new? Is there anything like this happening in the background?
My heart for Israel is not tied to my chairmanship of CSI. It is tied to the heart of the God in whom I believe. That has not changed. Neither my passion nor my deep conviction for our work has diminished. There is hardly a stronger sign of reconciliation and lived charity than when Christians, especially from Germany, serve the Jewish people or Israel.
A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of speaking to a large group of Holocaust survivors in Jerusalem, sharing words from the Bible and from my heart. Once again, I realized that for a German Christian, there are perhaps no more moving encounters than looking into the grateful, happy, and tearful eyes of Shoah survivors. Love for Israel and the Jewish people has accompanied me for half my life and will surely continue to do so for the rest of it. And at the same time, I am also curious to see what doors will open for my next chapter and where I may feel needed by God.
Your concerns are understandable and honorable. What were the initial reactions from the board and staff when you announced your decision?
I'm responding personally. The initial reactions were very emotional and some were shocked. It was known that I would eventually move on, but the timing surprised many. The reactions still deeply affect me. At the same time, they are linked to a great appreciation for my work and for me as a person. This appreciation is expressed in words that one would otherwise only hear at one's own funeral, if one could.
I am currently experiencing an intensity of sadness, understanding, and appreciation unlike anything I have ever encountered before. This touches me deeply; it fills me with gratitude and humility. I am privileged to witness how people have been blessed through God's guidance in my life—an incredible gift! Here, I would like to learn from Mary to "lock the words in my heart"—to internalize them and reflect upon them.
Many colleagues are saying your departure is premature. You think the timing is right. How come?
I much prefer a perceived "too early" to a "too late," and I doubt whether there's ever a "right" time in advance. It's something that can only be objectively assessed in retrospect. For me and my family, it feels like the right time; we have peace about it—even though my professional future is still uncertain.
A colleague asked me bluntly if I didn't think it was "completely insane" to leave at a time when all the employees are happy, the organization is in good financial shape, we can achieve more than ever before, and new doors are constantly opening for CSI. My answer was that there couldn't be a better time.
You mentioned in passing that you consider your task, in a sense, to be complete. Please explain what you mean by that.
When I ask myself what brings me the deepest joy in leadership, the answer is clear: witnessing people reach their full potential. And that's exactly what has happened at CSI. Most of our employees are in their element and can develop their talents. At the same time, they're part of something bigger. Their individual contributions are meaningful, needed, and recognized. Everyone gives their best, and results are achieved. We don't have important or unimportant employees – everyone contributes, everyone is needed. We stand together as a team, and each individual is in the right place. The team is exceptionally well-organized. That's inspiring and motivating.
My predecessor, Harald Eckert, influenced me with the biblical image of the body of Christ with its many members (1 Corinthians 12). There are different gifts, but it is one God who works all things in all people. No one can do everything alone; only together are we whole. When one suffers, all suffer with them. When one is honored, all rejoice with them. I strive to emulate this image. And I am grateful for the many moments in which I have been able to experience this at CSI.
Looking at how CSI has developed under the leadership of Jesus and my chairmanship, I come to the conclusion: mission accomplished, goal achieved.
What considerations are there regarding your succession?
We are embarking on a search and will find the person who needs to be found. Whether it will ultimately be one or two people, whether internal or external, remains to be seen. We have faith in the transition process because we know that God already has the solution in place. We can only do our part, but He decides when He will reveal the successor solution to us and at what point the passing of the torch is right.
Specifically, we will now advertise the position publicly, but also hold discussions with candidates who have already come to our attention during internal deliberations. I already wish the future leader the same fulfillment that I experienced every day leading CSI, and even more success and blessings: both in putting down roots and in bearing fruit!
Luca, thank you so much for the interview!
Reactions from the CSI team: "We will miss you"
The news of Luca's departure surprised the team, and there wasn't a dry eye in the house. Here's an excerpt of the reactions:
Josias, Politics & Society: "Luca took great care of me even before I rejoined CSI. Since then, he's become the best boss of my life. I grew up during the era of the 'magic triangle' at VfB Stuttgart, where Krassimir Balakov, Giovane Elber, and Fredi Bobic were competent, efficient, and irresistibly entertaining. Now, CSI isn't magical, nor does it only have three corners, but in our heavenly polygon, Luca's decision to step down as chairman shocked and completely surprised me. What I found worst of all was that it was made undemocratically; otherwise, he would have stayed. Anyone who knows Luca like I do also knows: he has good reasons, and I can't change them. With him, we're losing our master coach, our conductor. CSI has a great future, I'm convinced of that! Our cohesion, our fantastic team, and our mission remain. But the time with Luca will always hold legendary status for me; it was simply incredibly fun!" Thank you for the years we shared, I will miss you and our collaboration very much, my friend! Blessed are those you will enrich next!
Bithja, Office Manager: "The announcement of Luca's departure came as a great surprise, even though he had repeatedly indicated that his time at CSI would also be limited and that a change in leadership is usually beneficial for a plant from time to time. Therefore, I can understand his decision, even though I still find it difficult to imagine CSI without him. Luca has significantly shaped our plant and our team. Working with him was always excellent; he is a man of many talents. I would particularly like to emphasize his strategic vision and his interpersonal skills."
Tanja, Chief Operating Officer: “When I received the news of Lucas’s departure, I had to fight back tears. Over the past few years of excellent collaboration, he has not only been a colleague and an exceptional boss, but also a truly good friend – someone who listens, who encourages, and who helps you grow both personally and professionally. I have learned an incredible amount from him, owe him a great deal personally, and will miss him very, very much at CSI. Wherever God leads him next, Luca will be a blessing. He has this special way of uplifting people, brightening up spaces, and positively impacting his surroundings. From the bottom of my heart, I wish him all the very best for the next chapter – strength, joy, and people who value him as much as we do.”
Markus, Board Member: “When Luca shared his thoughts, we on the board were initially taken aback. I could understand his motives better than his timing. I have felt a special connection to Luca for at least 20 years – both personally and professionally. I have had the privilege of accompanying his spiritual journey for many years, experiencing his calling, leadership qualities, maturity, and charisma – all unique in his age group – and admiring them almost daily. For this, I am deeply grateful. God has always blessed CSI with exceptional leaders, and I look forward with great confidence and anticipation to his faithful guidance. I warmly welcome the future CSI leader in spirit!”
Paula, Marketing & Design: “I have often been pleasantly surprised by the management at CSI. And this time was no exception: When Luca personally informed me of this major change, I was simply amazed – by his courage and his focus. Even though it means a period of uncertainty for us, I am very confident that CSI will continue to thrive.”
