Celebrating 100 Years of the International Messianic Jewish Alliance

On 8^th September 1925, Jewish disciples of Yeshua from 18 different countries met in the Wilson Memorial Hall, Islington, to establish the International Hebrew Christian Alliance (now the International Messianic Jewish Alliance). Our 100^th anniversary is an opportunity to give thanks for what has been achieved, and to pray for our future.  Over the past century, the Alliance has played a key role in uniting and supporting Jewish believers in Jesus, encouraging the Messianic movement, offering aid to Jewish believers in times of crisis, and standing as a testimony to God’s ongoing faithfulness to Israel.

The Founding and Early Development of the International Alliance

The Alliance developed from a long history of Hebrew Christian associations, including the Beni Abraham (1813), the Hebrew Christian Alliance of Great Britain (1866), and the Hebrew Christian Alliance of America (1915). In the nineteenth century Jews who became Christians often assimilated, and the term “Hebrew Christian” was used to resist this trend by asserting ongoing Jewish identity, despite antisemitism in wider society and rejection from the Jewish community. “Hebrew Christians” were often isolated, and met for mutual encouragement, support and to share their faith.

Sir Leon Levison, son of a rabbi from Safed, was elected as the first president. He worked tirelessly for the Alliance until his death in 1936. Under his leadership, and assisted by Harcourt Samuel, Mark John Levy, Shabbetai Rohold, Paul Levertoff, Arnold Frank, Jakób Jocz and many others, the organization grew rapidly. By the second international conference in 1928, there were twelve national alliances; by the outbreak of the Second World War in 1939, there were eighteen throughout Europe, the Americas and Israel.

Paul Levertoff – Hebrew Christian Scholar

Assistance in Times of Crisis

The rise of Nazi Germany in the 1930s and the horrors of the Holocaust brought urgent needs. As anti-Semitic laws intensified, the Alliance, with the help of Christian supporters, provided financial aid and logistical support to assist those escaping Nazi persecution. Many found refuge in Britain and other countries, while others perished despite efforts to save them. The outbreak of World War II disrupted communication and by the end of the war, several national alliances had ceased to exist. Post-war efforts focused on rebuilding the alliances and supporting survivors.

With the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, many Jewish believers made Aliyah, seeking a new life free from European persecution. The Alliance helped them with housing, training, and integration into Israeli society. This laid the groundwork for the future Messianic movement in the land.

The Growth of the Messianic Movement

From the 1970s the modern movement of Messianic Judaism emerged from within and alongside the Alliance. Younger generation Jewish disciples of Yeshua formed their own Messianic congregations, calling themselves “Messianic Jews” rather than “Hebrew Christians”. Whilst there was initial resistance to this trend, the American, British and other Alliances changed their names and today we gratefully acknowledge our debt to our Hebrew Christian forerunners. The Alliance, through its national and international conferences, its publications and theological consultations, have contributed greatly to the development of the modern Messianic movement and its theology. (Alliance magazines from 1925 online here – https://jewinthepew.org/2020/02/03/3-february-2020-ihca-international-hebrew-christian-allliance-magazines-available-to-download-otdimjh/)

The Israel-Gaza War

In Israel, Messianic congregations have flourished, growing from a handful to over 300 congregations with tens of thousands of members. Today the Israel Alliance is fully engaged in serving the needs of Israeli believers. The war has created urgent requests for humanitarian assistance, pastoral care, and support for families who have been displaced. Messianic congregations have opened their doors to provide food, shelter, and trauma counselling. The International Alliance has played a key role, fundraising and sending resources to their Israeli brethren. Our recent International Conference was held in Israel right at the start of the war, giving us first hand exposure to the conflict and how the Alliance can help.

The Continuing Calling of the International Alliance

From its beginnings, the Alliance united Jewish believers across theological and denominational lines. Today, it continues to serve as a bridge between traditional church-affiliated Jewish Christians and the Messianic Jewish movement, advocating for our Messiah and for our people. While challenges remain—ranging from theological differences to the pressures of assimilation—the Alliance remains committed to fostering Jewish faith in Yeshua while affirming Jewish identity.

Looking forward, the future of the Alliance and the global Messianic movement remains dynamic and unpredictable. However, the past century has demonstrated that God is at work among Jewish believers, calling us to serve as a “candlestick of witness”. Whatever lies ahead, the International Messianic Jewish Alliance stands as a testimony that Jewish faith in Yeshua is not an anomaly but an integral part of God’s redemptive plan for Israel and all nations.

Richard Harvey