Operation Good Neighbor - A Well-Remembered Humanitarian Initiative

 In mid-March 2011, demonstrations occurred across Syrian cities in opposition to the authoritarian regime in the country. Soldiers subsequently fired live ammunition on peaceful crowds at the command of Syrian President Bashar Assad, leaving dozens of casualties and instigating a civil war. Since then, the fighting has caused hundreds of thousands of civilian deaths and led to the displacement of millions of people, triggering a massive refugee and displacement crisis. In response to this crisis, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched Operation Good Neighbor.

Israeli aid organizations had engaged in occasional relief efforts since the civil war’s beginning, but the need for a dedicated Israeli operation became apparent in 2013 after a few wounded Syrians arrived at the Israel-Syria border seeking emergency medical assistance. The IDF subsequently began providing Syrian civilians with medical supplies in exchange for intelligence on any terrorist activity, but the humanitarian elements grew in scale as a consensus of a moral obligation to help formed. In 2016, the IDF formally established Operation Good Neighbor.

Through Operation Good Neighbor, the IDF's Northern Command spearheaded humanitarian efforts to aid refugees, internally displaced persons, and war-impacted communities on the Syrian side of the Israel-Syria border. It also facilitated cooperation between Jewish, Muslim, and Christian charities to help Syrians.

Operation Good Neighbor's humanitarian work focused on three areas. First, it delivered medical supplies and equipment to civilians across the border, transported people in need of critical medical care to Israeli hospitals, and established a field hospital near the border. Moreover, the IDF oversaw the construction of two clinics within Syria to expand treatment capabilities. Nongovernmental organizations and locals ran these clinics to care for those living near the Syrian city of Quneitra.

Operation Good Neighbor also provided civilian aid by distributing food, clothing, and baby supplies. Between 2016 and 2017 alone, the IDF delivered over 350 tons of food. The program’s third objective consisted of supporting infrastructure efforts through the transfer of generators, fuel for heating, water pipes to rebuild infrastructure, and equipment for setting up a temporary school.

While conducting these humanitarian efforts, the IDF maintained readiness by monitoring evolving military dynamics near Israel's border with Syria. Before Operation Good Neighbor disbanded, its members conducted a mission to rescue the White Helmets, a civil defense group comprising volunteer medical and emergency professionals. Labeled as terrorists and traitors by Assad's regime, the group had been attacked after Assad reclaimed control of territory on the Syrian side of the border. In September 2018, Operation Good Neighbor ceased its humanitarian operations due to the heightened danger.

What made Operation Good Neighbor а one-of-a-kind initiative was that it provided humanitarian relief to Syrian civilians despite poor diplomatic relations between the two countries. The Syrian government has long vilified Israeli and Jewish people, and the Israeli government considers Syria an enemy of the state in return. Operation Good Neighbor's humanitarian impact resonated with Syrian and Israeli communities. Many Israelis donated money and relief supplies, while others volunteered to deliver aid to Syrian civilians in the Golan Heights. Additionally, expressions of gratitude from Syrians who received assistance through the initiative indicate a shift in perspectives among the Syrian people of their neighboring country.

Tips to Help Aspiring Missionaries Prepare for Missionary Work

 Based in Jackson, Wyoming, Frontier Alliance International has a mission to spread the gospel globally, especially in the conflict zones in the Middle East. The organization aims to equip those with the gospel and reach those who don’t have the gospel. Frontier Alliance International uses missionaries to establish biblical foundations in far-flung areas as part of its mission.

Getting the conviction to become a missionary is an exciting period in a Christian’s life. Missionaries require the right tools and knowledge to evangelize in regions where the gospel hasn’t been preached. Aspiring missionaries should prepare their hearts by learning to hear God’s voice, as it is the primary source of guidance. Delving deep into scripture and allowing God to demonstrate how to apply it helps missionaries rely on a biblical approach to manage their lives and remain joyous in his presence. Jesus is a perfect example of a missionary. His Father sent him to accomplish a mission on earth, but he still maintained close ties with his Father.

Before going on long-term missionary trips, missionaries can begin with short-term missions to familiarize themselves with mission work. This way, it’s possible for new missionaries to gain hands-on experience by interacting with missionaries as well as learn from their experiences. For instance, short-term mission trips enable aspiring missionaries to see the joys and struggles of mission work, understand how God sustains missionaries, and allow new missionaries to learn how to adapt and evangelize in new cultures.

Christian Identity: Encompassing All Families of the Earth

 Frontier Alliance International (FAI) is a humanitarian organization with a Christ-centered purpose focused on planting churches and providing medical support in war-ravaged regions of the Middle East. An article on the Frontier Alliance International website, "All Families of the Earth," sheds light on the organization's expansive vision.

When God made a covenant with Abraham, he promised to bless him and make his name great. "I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you, all the families of the earth shall be blessed." The latter phrase confirms that God's dominion spans every language, people, tribe, and nation. Furthermore, this dominion is a kingdom "that shall not be destroyed."

God expects the faithful to make disciples across all nations, baptizing and teaching them to observe Christian commandments. At the same time, he promises to bless people from diverse backgrounds and languages. Through "the blood of his son" and the act of martyrdom, God "purchases" believers who will come to revere Christ. This foundational worldview inspires grassroots Christian organizations engaged in building robust communities of faith in lands that don't tolerate Christianity.

Challenges of Humanitarian Assistance in Conflict Zones

 

Headquartered in Jackson, Wyoming, Frontier Alliance International is a Christian nonprofit organization founded upon the Gospel of the Kingdom and knowledge of God. Frontier Alliance International is committed to providing humanitarian assistance response in conflict zones despite challenges.

Due to various challenges, providing relief to individuals in need while among violence and instability is difficult in war zones. These consist of:

1. Access and security - Gaining access to impacted communities is one of the most challenging tasks in war zones. Armed situations frequently result in limited travel, checkpoints, and roadblocks, making humanitarian groups' ability to assist individuals in need difficult. Furthermore, the safety of assistance workers is a significant worry since they may become targets of violence.

2. Funding and Resources - Humanitarian activities need significant financial and logistical resources. Conflict zones, however, frequently suffer from inadequate infrastructure, disturbed supply systems, and a lack of finance. Due to these limits, delivering critical services, such as food, water, healthcare, and shelter, takes a lot of work.

3. Coordination and cooperation - These are crucial for effective aid delivery among humanitarian agencies, local governments, and armed groups. On the other hand, political complications, distrust, and competing goals can hinder the progress of collaboration in war zones.

Practical Ways to Support Christian Missionaries

 Frontier Alliance International is a Christian missionary organization that focuses on spreading the gospel in war-torn zones in the Middle East. The organization has conducted missionary efforts in places like Syria and Israel, where they offered medical relief and spiritual aid to citizens of those countries. Frontier Alliance International has produced many books about Christ and their missionary efforts in different countries.

Missionaries often bear burdens, both spiritually and financially. The Christian community must support missionaries, especially those in isolated or unfriendly places.

Prayer is key and cannot be underrated. If a missionary sends out prayer requests or emails, Christians should send replies, reassuring the ministers of their continued assistance in prayer. This will encourage and strengthen their resolve in their mission work.

Consistent donations will also greatly help missionaries. As a missionary, their first duty is to the church, a non-profit organization, so any donations sent to them will go a long way in helping them take care of financial constraints and continue their spread of the gospel.