A Christian Zionist organization, The Israel Guys, has inaugurated a new visitor center in the West Bank town of Har Bracha, aiming to counter what its CEO describes as "anti-Israel propaganda" and invite Christians to witness the biblical heartland for themselves. The group has spent nearly two decades bringing volunteers to assist in the development of the Land of Israel.
Joshua Waller, CEO of The Israel Guys, stated that the organization's mission is to enable people to see firsthand how the region is flourishing, contrary to media portrayals that he says depict the area as conflict-ridden. "We live here, we see the people who live here, and then we tell everyone what is actually happening. Our role is to expand that and bring thousands of internationals to come and see for themselves," Waller told Fox News Digital.
The organization seeks to challenge perceptions of Jewish residents in Judea and Samaria, often branded as a radical group. "You may love the Jewish people but be unsure how to deal with the propaganda, specifically the term ‘settler violence.’ Jews in Judea and Samaria have been branded as a radical group that would probably be dangerous to encounter. Well, come to the visitor center, and you will see the exact opposite," Waller explained. He characterized the prevailing narrative as a "fake narrative built by the international community" and "a straight-up war against the Jewish [people]."
The Israel Guys, originally established as HaYovel in 2007 by Joshua Waller's father, Tommy Waller, has facilitated volunteer programs for over 5,000 individuals from 35 countries. These programs include the "Heartland Experience," a 10-day trip combining touring, volunteer work, and local interaction; the "Grape Harvest" trip for agricultural assistance; and the "Men's Pruning" trip focused on vineyard work. Other offerings include the "Zion Ops" program for young adults and shorter "Day Visits."
Tommy Waller first traveled to Israel in 2004 and was inspired by Nir Lavi, founder of Har Bracha Winery, to help fulfill a biblical prophecy of replanting vineyards in Samaria. After moving to Har Bracha with his family in 2007, he founded HaYovel to provide opportunities for Christian volunteers to work alongside Israeli farmers. The organization later expanded into media advocacy, launching "The Joshua & Caleb Report" TV show in 2013, which evolved into a weekly podcast, and rebranded as The Israel Guys five years ago to increase its advocacy efforts.
To date, The Israel Guys has contributed to the development of approximately 120 farms. Volunteers engage in various tasks such as planting trees, erecting fences, harvesting crops, and assisting with infrastructure projects. Following the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, the organization launched "Operation Ittai," raising $3.85 million to procure tactical supplies and enhance defenses for local communities.
Waller also addressed claims that Christians are unwelcome in Israel, asserting this is false. He stated that Israel is the safest place for Christians in the Middle East, with a growing Christian population, unlike surrounding Arab countries. Volunteers have represented a diverse range of Christian denominations, including Catholics, Protestants, Evangelicals, Mormons, and Amish.
The new visitor center in Har Bracha is intended to offer programs supporting Israeli farmers, host lectures on Israel and Zionism, and serve as a venue for communal meals. Waller expressed his belief that aligning with biblical values could lead to a more peaceful future and emphasized that Israel would defend itself against any existential threats. "The Bible says that this land that was desolate will become like the Garden of Eden. We are literally seeing it happen. It’s beautiful to see volunteers participate in the fulfillment of that prophecy and witness the ancient words of the Bible come back to life," Waller said.