We Care About Israel
“The fact that we are there to support them makes a huge difference.”
The CBN office in Germany maintains close ties with Israel and supports several projects there. In this interview, Managing Director Andreas “Pitti” Heerwagen goes into detail about why CBN is involved in Israel and his first trip to the Holy Land.
Dear Pitti, why is CBN in Germany committed to Israel?
CBN has a huge network worldwide, and just as we have an office in Germany, Israel also has a CBN office. It is important for us to get involved because the Bible tells us that we should stand with Israel—and we are committed to this and stand behind Israel. That is why we work together with the Israelean office.
What does this support look like?
We support several local projects. I visited a home in Nazareth for Holocaust survivors. In this community many elderly people live together. They have been through so much since childhood. And they’re given a dignified setting where they can enjoy their twilight years. We were able to talk to some of the them. We painted and prayed together. I was very moved by the fact that they are able to live such a comfortable life there.
In May 2024, you visited Israel with a team for the first time: What was the purpose of the trip?
The most important thing for us was to finally see the projects we support with our own eyes, and also simply to be there and build relationships. At the time, Israel was in the midst of war. For our colleagues this time was very challenging. They were so thrilled that we had come at that particular time to support them. That meant more to them than the money or other goods we sent them. The fact that we were there, standing by their side, meeting them, sitting with them and eating together—these things made a huge difference. They felt that they were not alone in this and they were greatly encouraged. That was unexpected for me.
How did the visit change your opinion of Israel?
It was my first visit to Israel and also my first time in Jerusalem. And even though it was in the middle of a war, we all felt safe and guided by God to go. Personally, I was very impressed by the spiritual atmosphere you could feel in Jerusalem. I knew that the city was divided into four parts. But when you walk through Jerusalem you can actually feel this tension. It does something with you when you place your hand on the Wailing Wall and pray. It is such a beautiful city, but it’s a spiritual battleground, and you can feel that.
What did you do on the trip?
We spent the first day in Nazareth. There we visited an Arab pastor who helps people with food, and shelter, regardless of nationality or religion. He runs a warehouse, a kind of distribution center, where people can simply come to get the things they need. Especially after October 7, his center was a real haven and he was able to help so many families. We had the opportunity to interview him about his work and pray together. After that, we went to the retirement facility for Holocaust survivors. What particularly moved me was going into the air-raid shelter together. Unfortunately, this is completely normal for them. But then I sat there as a German, with my military background—now as the leader of a Christian aid organization—with Holocaust survivors in the air-raid shelter. It was a moving experience. During the trip, we also visited the CBN office, a trauma center that we support, and assisted in packing hundreds of aid packages.
How did people react to the aid from Germany?
People really appreciated it. This sentence stuck with me: “Just the fact that you are here says it all and makes a huge difference.” I could tell that they didn’t just say that. They meant it and were grateful.
Why should Christians be committed to Israel?
Because it is clearly stated in the Bible! It is a commandment to us. If you are a Christian, I believe you should stand with Israel—in whatever way you can. Whether that be through prayer, your time, or your finances.
How can partners stand with Israel through CBN?
By standing by our side. When people support us, they also support aid for Israel. Thanks to the large CBN network and strong local partners, we have many ways to help. But whether people give to CBN or other organizations is irrelevant to me. Giving is what matters, because God will bless you for it. That is why I can only encourage everyone to give for what God tells you to and see what he does in your life!
Thank you very much for talking with us, Pitti!
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