Dutch Christian group funds Gaza-border synagogue upgrade ahead of expected aliyah surge
A Dutch Christian organization financed the refurbishment of a synagogue and shelter at the Jewish Agency’s Ibim center near Gaza, preparing for a rise in Jewish immigration.
Christians for Israel, a Dutch Christian organization, provided $560,000 to renovate the synagogue and multi-purpose building at the Jewish Agency’s Ibim complex near the northern Gaza border. The refurbishment created a protected lower level that can serve as a bomb shelter with event and educational spaces, while the top floor houses the prayer hall used by current Ethiopian Israeli residents. Donors, including businessman Timo Niemeijer, described the effort as bringing “light” to a volatile region and preparing for an expected wave of aliyah driven by rising antisemitism in Western nations.
The group’s former leader Roger van Oordt warned that immigration could “explode,” citing recent increases from France, the UK and Germany. New housing units are under construction, and the center will also host the upcoming Sigd holiday celebration for Ethiopian Jews.
Why it matters
The project bolsters vulnerable immigrants in a conflict zone and signals growing European Jewish emigration amid rising antisemitism.
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