Heritage Florida Jewish News - Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Israeli and U.S. dignitaries gathered at the Israeli Embassy on Thursday, Feb. 5, as Bridges for Peace, a Christian outreach of unconditional friendship to Israel and the Jewish community, presented its second ambulance to Heart to Heart and the people of Israel on behalf of Christians across America.

On hand for ceremonies were Reuven Azar, Israeli Embassy deputy head of Mission; Rev. Rebecca Brimmer, Bridges for Peace International president and CEO; and Dr. Jim Solberg, Bridges for Peace USA national director. Jonathan Feldstein, Israeli director of Heart to Heart, U.S. extension of Israel's emergency service Magen David Adom (Red Star of David), received the ambulance on behalf of the Israeli people.

The Jerusalem-based organization Bridges for Peace is marking its 50th year of serving the needy of Israel and countering anti-Semitism while improving Jewish-Christian relations worldwide by making this donation and educating Christians on the history and impact of Christian anti-Semitism.

About this and a previous ambulance presented last November in Jerusalem, Feldstein noted, "These were donated in memory of Dr. D. Douglas Young, who founded Bridges for Peace 50 years ago. Dr. Young was an early model and leader among Christian Zionists this past century, and is a role model for us all still today. He was a man of faith and a man of action. As threats to Israel mounted in the 1960s, Dr. Young turned over the ministry's van to be used as an ambulance, as Israel geared up for the Six-Day War in May 1967. He was such a pillar of Jerusalem that he received the coveted Yakir Yerushalayim award, Jerusalem's highest honor. Dr. Young's ministry was and still is based in Jerusalem and is a light unto the nations."