Passages, a pro-Israel Christian student organization, has donated $100,000 as part of a solidarity mission to Israel. The donation honors the victims of last year’s Hezbollah rocket attack on a soccer field in Majdal Shams, which claimed the lives of 12 Druze children.
The funds came from Passages' Israel War Relief Fund, launched by the organization's alumni following the October 7 massacre. The money was directed to the “12 Stars of Majdal Shams” foundation, which supports Druze youth pursuing higher education and leadership roles, organizes a memorial soccer tournament, and funds community infrastructure projects in Majdal Shams.
At a ceremony led by Rabbi Yaakov Kermaier, the founder of Yakir, which promotes unity through diversity, the Passages delegation presented a plaque.
The plaque read, “A commitment to honoring lost lives, uplifting the next generation, and fostering a resilient community.”
Formed in 2016, Passages has brought more than 11,000 Christian students from North America to Israel. Last year, the organization contributed $500,000 to Israeli communities near Gaza on another solidarity trip.
Passages CEO Zach Bauer explained, “Through these trips, we help students understand the full spectrum of Israeli society and its complexities. The Druze community suffered a devastating loss last July, and we wanted to show them they have strong support from Christian Zionists in the US. Our donation is a small gesture to help them not only recover but build a better future for their children.”
Majdal Shams Mayor Dolan Abu Saleh expressed his gratitude, saying, “The meeting with the Passages delegation brought much-needed strength to the families and renewed their hope to carry on. They also requested that Passages bring its students here to foster greater ties and understanding between our communities.”
Delegation meets with Mike Huckabee
The day before, the Passages group met with US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee and presented him with a 1728 French map of Israel titled, “Map of the Promised Land for the Nation of God.”
Ambassador Huckabee commended Passages’ efforts, stating, “Passages’ work in bringing future Christian leaders to Israel is critical for strengthening the future of the US-Israel relationship. The organization understands the profound impact traveling to Israel has on one’s Christian faith and recognizes the importance of our shared Judeo-Christian values.”
Rivka Kidron, Passages Co-Founder, shared her admiration for Huckabee’s support, adding, “At Passages, we witness the transformative effect Israel has on young Christian leaders. They return rooted in Scripture, deeply inspired by Israel’s modern-day miracle.”