Dr. Christian Frach (CIU) is the new chairman of Christians on the Side of Israel (CSI). He was elected on June 27th at the CSI annual general meeting in Korntal with 47 votes in favor and one abstention. The board had unanimously nominated him for the position.
From the CSI editorial team
Christian Frach is taking over as chairman from Luca Hezel, who had led the association since 2020 and announced his resignation Frach had already begun his work as designated managing director on April 15 – initially on a part-time basis and in close cooperation with Luca Hezel.
In his farewell address during CSI's annual general meeting in Korntal, Luca Hezel expressed his gratitude: "I am delighted by Christian's willingness and enthusiasm to take on the role of Chairman of CSI. My deepest thanks go to our Heavenly Father and to the entire staff for our shared journey alongside Israel and for all the wonderful experiences and memories that will remain," said Luca Hezel in his farewell speech. Addressing the board and staff, he affirmed: "It has been one of the honors of my life to have been able to work and contribute to CSI together with you."
Following his election with 47 votes in favor and one abstention, Christian Frach expressed his deep gratitude for the trust shown in the result and accepted the election with thanks – “with all my heart and with God’s help.” At the same time, he looked to the future: “As Christians, we are called ‘for such a time as these’ (Esther 4:14) to stand by Israel. This is possible – like a good football team – only with genuine team spirit. In CSI, I find an organization that embodies this team spirit and stands firmly by Israel’s side in these turbulent times. I am thrilled that we are now entering the next phase and, with God’s help, can continue to be a blessing together.”
Markus Neumann, second chairman of CSI, emphasized regarding the change in leadership: “I am convinced that good things await us. Our hope rests in Jesus Christ. We know he reigns. Our task as Christians is to walk in Jesus' footsteps; that was Lucas's task at CSI, and now the same task awaits the next chairman. These footsteps do not change.”
Special handover ceremony
During the symbolic handover, Luca Hezel didn't pass a baton to his successor: "You bring attitude, heart, and humor. I wish you and your family all the best and safe travels." He then symbolically handed over a steering wheel – the steering wheel from CSI.
Christian Frach praised the work of his predecessor, saying that he was taking over "a well-run operation" with CSI. He also commended the excellent team that Hezel had significantly built and shaped. Frach wished him all the best as he now devoted more time to his family and presented the football-mad Hezel with, among other things, Playmobil football figures.
At the conclusion of the handover ceremony, Luca Hezel and Christian Frach, along with their families, were placed under God's blessing in prayer.
Christian Frach (born 1979) most recently served as pastor of the Free Evangelical Church in Moosburg, Bavaria. He also works as a coach and as the founder and leader of a house of prayer. His dissertation, titled "The House of Prayer Movement and Israel," reflects his deep interest in and connection to Israel. You can read more about Christian Frach in this interview.
