Ebenezer Operation Exodus - History of Ebenezer Emergency Fund

1999

Sailings continue using Dmitry Shostakovich, culminating in the 100th sailing in December 1999. By the end of that year over 50,000 Jews had been helped to make aliyah, since the EEF began - 25,000 by ship chartered by EEF and the rest on Jewish Agency flights from the fSU.
More offices opened in Russia. Many 'fishing' trips to Jewish communities, providing food and aid as well as sharing about aliyah and providing the help needed to go to Israel. Leadership of operations in the fSU was divided into two geographical areas: in Moscow to cover northern Russia and Siberia and southern head office in Kiev to oversee the work in Ukraine, Georgia, Armenia, Belarus, Moldova and the Central Asia countries.

2000

Iskenderun, a Turkish ship, was chartered for the first two sailings of the year. After this the Russ, a sister ship of the Dmitry Shostakovich, was chartered for the rest of the year. Flights also continued.
After the death of Gustav Scheller the EEF constitution changed to a limited company with a board of directors. Gustav's office in Ebenezer House, Bournemouth, remained at the centre of Operation Exodus.
Offices in USA, Switzerland and Germany and National Co-ordinators in Australia, Austria, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Israel, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, South Africa, Spain and Sweden.

2001

Under a new shipping agreement with Mano Maritime, the Iris, a sister ship of the Russ and the Dmitry Shostakovich, was refurbished to a high standard with additional cabin space and made available for 16 sailings.
The use of intercessors on the bases and for 24-hour prayer cover on each sailing, was re-established, with volunteers who were allocated for that purpose supplemented by guest intercessors from the nations.
Increase in number of fSU offices used as fishing bases. They covered vast territories, with staff and volunteers from local churches and volunteers from around the world working together. National Co-ordinators appointed in Poland and India.
The intifada in Israel had a small effect on numbers repatriating, but many were still seeking to move to the Promised Land. Signs of increasing anti - Semitism in Russia, particularly in the wake of the September 11 attack on the World Trade Centre in New York.

2002

The need to keep the 'holy highway' open was emphasised to Ebenezer intercessors; the sailing programme continued. In June the Jasmine replaced the Iris.
Foundations for further expansion of 'fishing' operations laid and fruitful contacts with local churches and the Jewish agency made it possible to reach even remote towns. Although numbers of those making aliyah were generally lower there was an increase from Uzbekistan.

2003

There is a marked increase in anti-Semitism internationally, particularly throughout Europe. Overall, aliyah declined but EEF assisted a larger proportion of those making aliyah from the fSU and the work there, including fishing and humanitarian aid distribution, continued to grow.
The Jasmine did 10 sailings and in October carried the 100,000th olim helped by Ebenezer to make aliyah.
UK development begun with the appointment of regional representatives and prayer leaders, a Call to Prayer in repentance for past anti-Semitism and replacement theology in the Church and to intercede for aliyah.

2004

Ten sailings between Odessa and Haifa, the last bringing the shipping operation to a close. The ministry continues to help with flights for Jewish people to return to Israel.

History of Ebenezer Emergency Fund 2005 - 2012 > >