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Career & Education
About
Yael Eckstein is the President and Global CEO of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (IFCJ), a major nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting mutual support between Jewish and Christian communities, particularly in aiding Israel and providing humanitarian assistance to vulnerable populations. Born in Evanston, Illinois, and raised in Chicago, she is the daughter of Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein, the founder of the IFCJ, and has carried forward his legacy in interfaith philanthropy. Eckstein's career at the organization began in various roles, including Director of Program Development and Ministry Outreach, Senior Vice President, and Global Executive Vice President, before she assumed leadership in 2019 following her father's passing. Her educational background reflects her deep engagement with Jewish studies and cross-cultural perspectives. She studied Biblical and Jewish texts at Torat Chesed Seminary in Israel, obtained certificates in sociology and Jewish studies from Queens College in New York, and conducted further academic work at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. As an executive and writer, she serves as a key spokesperson for the IFCJ, advocating for its mission to bridge religious divides and support global Jewish causes. Her leadership has expanded the organization's reach, emphasizing aid programs and educational initiatives.