Rabbi Yechiel Z. Eckstein, founder and chairman of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews of Canada, has devoted the past 25 years to building bridges of understanding between Christians and Jews and broad support for the State of Israel. He is recognized as the world’s leading Jewish authority on evangelical Christians.

Rabbi Eckstein received Orthodox Rabbinic ordination from Yeshiva University in New York. He holds master’s degrees from Yeshiva University and Columbia University, where he also completed studies for his doctorate. Rabbi Eckstein has served on the faculties of Columbia University, Chicago Theological Seminary and Northern Baptist Seminary. He currently serves on the executive committee of the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee and on the boards of directors of the Jewish Agency for Israel and Keren Hayesod.

MS Research Accomplishments During Past 10 Years

MS research continues to advance knowledge of the disease and treatment for people with MS. There is much greater understanding of this unpredictable, often disabling disease. Many of those accomplishments have taken place in the past 10 years thanks to the support of the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada and its sister national MS societies around the world, many governments and private industry. Here are some key advances:

* There are treatments for some types of multiple sclerosis.
o They are useful in relapsing MS
o Their impact on development of disability still not clear

* Researchers have developed “windows” into the disease through technology.
o MRI scanning assists doctors in diagnosing MS more quickly
o Canadians are leaders in MRI and other magnetic resonance technology to measure disease activity within the central nervous system

* We have evidence myelin can and does regrow spontaneously which indicates repair is possible.
o Myelin repair and regrowth takes place in the early stages of MS
o Studies are underway using the body’s own cells to repair myelin

* Investigators have a better understanding of the nature of MS which means some types of MS can be more effectively managed. This is because of :
o Studies of MS tissue (pathology)
o Studies of the immune system (immunology)
o Studies of the way MS naturally progresses without treatment (natural history studies)

* Scientists have identified key molecules responsible for initiating the abnormal immune system response in MS.
o Identifying the “culprits” will lead to better therapies

* There is understanding that both genetic and environmental factors are important in the cause of MS.
o More than one gene is involved
o The excess of MS in some families is due to genetic factors
o A major genetic study is taking place in Canada

* Studies have found that MS is a costly disease.
o The cost of MS is higher than many other diseases because it lasts a lifetime
o Most of the cost of MS is borne by people with MS and their families
o The cost of the disease is greater the more disabled a person becomes

Our Mission

The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews™ of Canada is a registered Canadian non-profit. Our charitable registration number is 86941 1587 RR0001.

Our mission is to foster better relations and understanding between Christians and Jews; encourage greater cooperation between both communities on issues of shared biblical concern; and support Israel and Jews in crises or need.

Building Bridges

Misunderstanding and prejudice between Jews and Christians remain today, in large part, due to a lack of communication between the two groups. This is particularly true in Jewish relations with Evangelicals. Issues inevitably arise that create tension and ill will between the communities. In addition, many opportunities for inter-religious cooperation through joint programs on behalf of shared concerns are lost due to this lack of communication. It is against such a 2,000 year backdrop of fear, ignorance and mistrust that the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews of Canada carries out its bridge-building work.

About The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews™ of Canada:

The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews™ of Canada is a registered Canadian non-profit. Our charitable registration number is 86941 1587 RR0001.

Our mission is to foster better relations and understanding between Christians and Jews; encourage greater cooperation between both communities on issues of shared biblical concern; and support Israel and Jews in crises or need.

Building Bridges

Misunderstanding and prejudice between Jews and Christians remain today, in large part, due to a lack of communication between the two groups. This is particularly true in Jewish relations with Evangelicals. Issues inevitably arise that create tension and ill will between the communities. In addition, many opportunities for inter-religious cooperation through joint programs on behalf of shared concerns are lost due to this lack of communication. It is against such a 2,000 year backdrop of fear, ignorance and mistrust that the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews of Canada carries out its bridge-building work.
The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews of Canada was founded by Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein to promote greater understanding between Jews and Christians and to build Christian support for Israel and other shared concerns. Like its sister organization in the U.S., the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews of Canada operates under the leadership of Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein, and is governed by an independent Board of Directors representing both faiths who share our strong belief in building bridges between the Christian and Jewish communities.

Our Vision

That Christians and Jews would reverse their 2,000-year history of discord and replace it with a relationship marked by dialogue, better understanding, respect, fellowship, and active cooperation on issues of common concern. Our mission to foster better relations and understanding between Christians and Jews, help build support for Israel, and cooperate in building a more moral society through open dialogue, education, and sensitization of people of faith around the world.

IFAW’s courageous actions drew international attention to the plight of the seal pups and successfully rallied worldwide condemnation of the hunt. Thanks to IFAW’s continued vigilance, it is now illegal to hunt whitecoat seal pups for commercial purposes on the ice floes off Canada’s east coast. This is a fragile victory, however, for Canada’s commercial seal hunt persists. IFAW continues to document and expose abuses of the commercial hunt and press for an end to this cruel, unsustainable slaughter. Over the years, the small team of committed campaigners reaching out to help seals has grown to become the world’s leading international animal welfare organization. IFAW begins its fourth decade of operation with more than 200 experienced campaigners, legal and political experts, and internationally acclaimed scientists working from offices in 17 countries around the world.

We are now joined in this important work by 1.2 million supporters worldwide. This broad base of support makes it possible for IFAW to engage communities, government leaders, and like-minded organizations around the world and achieve lasting solutions to pressing animal welfare and conservation challenges-solutions that benefit both animals and people. Over the years, our approach has been as varied as the species we protect.