In 1993 and again in 1995, Israel transferred significant territory to the Palestinian Authority, in accordance with the Oslo Accords. Israel entered into this so-called peace process in the hopes that territorial withdrawal would ultimately bring peace and prosperity to an area that has known so much killing and bloodshed.  Many political and religious leaders, however, warned that the withdrawals ran counter to God’s plan for the Jewish nation and would only weaken Israel in future confrontations with her enemies.

Christian Friends of Israeli Communities (CFOIC Heartland) was established in 1995, in response to the Oslo Process, the devastating series of agreements that ceded land to the Arabs in the heart of Biblical Israel. For more than a decade, CFOIC Heartland has stood steadfastly with those Jews who are at greatest risk in Israel—those whose very homes are threatened with destruction, those who face terrorism on a daily basis, those whose core values and daily lives are based on Biblical principles.  Since August 2005, CFOIC Heartland has been the Christian vehicle for support of the refugees from Gush Katif, those Jews who were forced from their homes in the Gaza Strip.

Christians from around the world have stood up for Israel and become valuable friends and supporters of the pioneers of Biblical Israel. Through CFOIC Heartland, churches, ministries, and individuals have visited the communities and linked with them directly through the adopt-a-settlement program. Thousands of Christians have provided financial support for community projects and have made a real difference in the ability of these communities to cope.