VISION „ARC to ISRAEL“
BRIGITTE AND HARALD
We had the opportunity to get to know different cultures in depth during their lives. With an interest in people, the joy of discovering new things and a bit of a spirit of adventure, we took on responsibility early and have been active in various international committees.
Our goal is to help people broaden their view and thereby grow beyond themselves.
With the "Arc to Israel" project, we are continuing on this path of volunteerism, which began after the 1989 revolution with the foundation, development and leadership of a children and youth ministry in Romania.
Since October 7, 2023, it has been our heartfelt mission to provide support to families in Israel who have been directly affected — especially widows, orphans, and those who are traumatized.
We have direct contacts on the ground and work in cooperation with Israeli support organizations.
In his full-time job, Harald is the head of distribution and procurist for the SCM Publishing Group, while Brigitte is the human resources director for an international software company in the Stuttgart area.
We now live in Esslingen am Neckar.
WHAT IS OUR TASK?
Our association ARC to Israel has two main goals: to build bridges to Israel and to be a blessing to Israel. And for us, this means:
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Making it known, even to the most distant islands, that God is gathering and caring for His people again (Jeremiah 31:10)
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Giving neither God nor ourselves any rest until He establishes Jerusalem and makes it the praise of the earth (Isaiah 62:7)
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Comforting His people (Isaiah 40:1)
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Standing with the people of Israel: Because God is a Father to the widows and orphans, who sets the lonely in families and leads the captives to freedom (Psalm 68:6–7)
PICTURES
1. In front of the "golden" wall of Jerusalem, in the light of the evening sun
2. On top of the Hurva synagogue with view over the old city of Jerusalem
3. In the Negev desert
4. At the jeep tour from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem via the "Burma Road"
5. At the waterfall Ein Gedi
6. In the desert camp Kfar Hanokdim
THE VISION
Therefore it became the desire of our heart to build a bridge, an “ARC”, to offer other people the possibility to experience Israel and to learn to love the people of Israel.
There are a lot of beautiful, interesting, valuable sites in Israel and many ways to discover this special country.
HOWEVER, OUR EMPHASIS IS TO GIVE PEOPLE THE CHANCE:
to hear the testimonies of the Jews who are building this land,
to get to know the stunning history of Israel,
and to see the fulfilment of God’s promises in today’s life in Israel.
to witness, based on facts and evidence, how the statements of the Bible become reality
OUR LOGO
represents an arc, a bridge. We want to create a connection through which people can find access to Israel.
At the same time, it is a reminder of the rainbow as a sign of the eternal covenant that God has made with his people. (Genesis 9, 13: I have set my bow in the clouds, and it shall be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth).
Latest News by ARC
BRIGITTE CHAYA NUSSBÄCHER
Brigitte Chaya Nussbächer is a German-speaking philologist and MBA who holds a senior management position in her professional career and is deeply involved in writing and volunteer work related to Israel.
She was born in 1970 and is the daughter of the well-known Transylvanian historian Gernot Nussbächer, who became famous for his numerous publications in Romania and in German-speaking countries. For his life's work he was awarded the Golden Medal of Honor of the Republic of Austria, the Georg Dehio Prize of the Artists' Guild, the Appolonia Hirscher Prize of the City of Brasov and the Johannes Honterus Medal of the Forum of Germans in Transylvania.
Brigitte inherited her interest in historical backgrounds and her understanding of historical contexts from her father.
The connection to the Jewish people also existed in her family for a long time. Brigitte's grandmother hid Jews in her house during the Holocaust and was able to successfully rescue them.
The story is told in the article “Blessed is he who blesses you, Israel!”
Brigitte Chaya Nussbächer has already published articles and won literary prizes in her youth. With this talent, she wants to be a voice for Israel and at the same time continue the extraordinary and valuable legacy of her ancestors.
To achieve this, she combines her academic training in philology with business expertise (MBA), extensive leadership experience, and long-standing volunteer engagement.
Her articles are published in German by Israel Heute, Christen an der Seite Israels (CSI) and the Christian Forum for Israel (CFFI), in English by Israel Today, in Romanian by BIZ Brasov and in Czech by Israel.cz
Her work focuses on making the political, historical, and even biblical contexts surrounding Israel tangible and understandable. She emphasizes not only theoretical analysis but also first-hand experiences, encounters with people in Israel, and eyewitness accounts. She writes about Israel, engages directly on the ground, and aims to build bridges — historically, politically, culturally, and personally.
Brigitte’s official first name has become the Hebrew name Chaya (meaning “life”) since May 6. It symbolizes a new life that began after a near-death experience in November 2022, through which she came to know God more intensely than ever before. Additionally, she wants to make her belonging to Israel visible — for eternity, and especially in these times!
In 2026, her book Israel’s Trial by Fire will be published in German language. In it, she takes us on a deeply personal journey. Through vivid eyewitness accounts and moving life stories, she authentically portrays Israel’s situation in the years before and after October 7, 2023. With great sensitivity, she weaves the events into their political, historical, and biblical context, illuminating complex connections.
A book that offers answers to urgent questions and brings these fateful years to life — tangible and deeply felt.
“A fascinating work that makes Israel’s recent history come alive through powerful personal stories — harrowing, full of hope, and as gripping as a thriller. With its compelling eyewitness narrative and historical background, it paints an authentic, multifaceted picture that stirs and moves.”
Arye Sharuz Shalicar, German-Persian-Israeli political scientist, author, and IDF spokesperson (reserve).
STRIKING FINDINGS
Meeting the people of Israel in their own land for the first time confronted us with two striking findings.
1. Having a closer look at the history of this young nation, it became obvious that the founding and survival of the state Israel, its rapid progresses and its achievements were rationally and humanly impossible, indicating the existence and support of a supernatural authority.
2. Watching the creativity, the brightness, the courage and the energy in so many people there, leads to the conclusion that this people have a special source of power.
WITH OUR OWN SENSES
The Bible speaks for more than 2000 years about a living God, who has chosen the people of Israel, who will bring them back into their land after they have been scattered and who will specially equip them.
However, suddenly seeing, observing and recognizing this with our own senses was a life changing experience for us.
No one told us about this before. The media in Europe deliver a very different picture. We realized that most of the people around us never heard of the happenings in Israel, which touched and impressed us so deeply.
This journey has the potential to be a true life-changer! ✨
Hear moving eyewitness accounts and powerful personal stories firsthand. See for yourself the kibbutzim that were devastated in the massacre and are now being rebuilt step by step, and experience the remarkable courage and resilience of the Israeli people. Dive into Israel’s history to gain a deeper understanding of current events, hike through breathtaking natural landscapes, and enjoy the vibrant life of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem - the place upon which God's heart and eyes are set.
Be amazed at every stage of the journey as you discover how God’s promises in the Bible have been fulfilled - and continue to be fulfilled today! You will encounter the Middle East, God, and the Bible up close and personal - real, tangible, and alive. ✨ You can find all the details of the tour in the flyer.
👉 Register now at: www.israelreise.de
... about Israel in a time of crisis - before and after October 7, 2023.
Together, we explore the historical background, media narratives, and complex realities that shape the current situation. What does it feel like to experience a country facing an existential threat - caught between vulnerability and resilience? What motivates someone to stand with Israel, even in the face of criticism and rejection? Where do Israelis find the strength to rise again after profound tragedy and loss? A moving conversation about personal stories and history, about hope in dark times - and about the courage not to look away.
👉 For more information about the book, visit: www.arc-to-israel.org/en/israels-zerreissprobe
Where people have lost everything, new life shall grow. Two new therapeutic farms are being established in the Western Negev — as places of healing, trust, and perspective 🤝🌻. Through community, closeness, and the healing work in nature, traumatized people can regain strength here and begin to feel a sense of future again 🌱
✨ Let us grow hope together. Our heartfelt thanks for your support, which makes the realization of this project possible 💛
More information about the Rimon Farms, their origins, and their work can be found here:
The Incredible Origin Story Behind the Book “Israel’s Trial by Fire”
by Chaya Nussbächer
Join us on the incredible story behind the making of the book “Israel’s Trial by Fire”. What begins as an ordinary book assignment soon turns into a breathtaking journey filled with obstacles, unexpected twists of fate, and emotional highs and lows. As deadlines falter and seemingly insurmountable challenges arise, one thing becomes increasingly clear: this book is following no ordinary plan. A true story about how a miracle takes shape.
Read origin story …
We have gathered all additional information for you on a special page about the book: fascinating background stories, analyses, recommendations, details about the book premiere, and biographical insights.
The Fateful Years Around October 7, 2023.
by Brigitte Chaya Nussbächer
In her book, Brigitte Chaya Nussbächer takes us on a personal journey. Through powerful eyewitness accounts and moving life stories, she authentically portrays Israel’s situation in the years before and after October 7, 2023. With vivid clarity, she weaves the events into their political, historical, and biblical contexts, revealing complex realities with depth and insight. A book that dares to seek answers to burning questions.
“A fascinating work that brings Israel’s recent history to life through moving personal stories - harrowing, hopeful, and as gripping as a thriller. Through its compelling first-hand testimonies and historical depth, it paints an authentic, multifaceted picture that awakens and moves the heart.”
Arye Sharuz Shalicar, German-Persian-Israeli political scientist and IDF spokesperson (res.)
All information about the book can be found here: Chaya’s Book
“A Letter to My Boys”
by Chaya Nussbächer
For sixty seconds, an entire nation comes to a standstill. But for the families of the fallen, this minute never ends. Behind every name lies a life, a love, a future abruptly cut short. On this evening in Jerusalem, national remembrance becomes a deeply personal story. At its heart: a moving letter from a mother to her sons - about loss, courage, and the strength of love to carry on.
(to widows and orphans)
On Monday evening, April 20, Yom HaZikaron begins - the day on which Israel remembers the victims of terror and the soldiers who have fallen since the founding of the state. Without their sacrifice, Israel would not exist. Yet behind every fallen soldier are families whose lives are forever changed. Their loss does not end with the funeral - it remains with spouses and children for a lifetime.
What does a nation owe those who have given everything for it?
And how can we, who love Israel, help carry that burden?
ARC to Israel is a partner of the IDFWO and supports its vital work. More information you will find here: www.arc-to-israel.org/widows-orphans
HELP for the PEOPLE IN ISRAEL
OUR SUPPORT MISSION
NEVER AGAIN indifferent. NEVER AGAIN inactive! 🔥
NEVER AGAIN will we leave God’s people alone. ✡️
Now is the time to fulfill this promise through practical help!
Dear Friends of Israel, the images of the memorial ceremonies for International Holocaust Remembrance Day may fade — but the fire continues to burn in our hearts. ❤️ For us, “Never again!” is not a slogan. It is a living promise that we bring to life through our actions. That is why we are regularly in Israel 🇮🇱 : • to make our love visible 💛 • to comfort those who mourn • to stand with people who have lost so much • and to help with the rebuilding 🛠️🏗️ Anyone who would like to support us in being a blessing to God’s people after two years of suffering, war, and loss is warmly invited to make a valuable contribution through a donation. We will once again meet individual families personally. At the same time, we are deepening our cooperation with strong local partners in order to make an even greater impact: 💙 RIMON TRAUMA THERAPY CENTERS • For traumatized victims of terror, civilians, and soldiers 💙 IDFWO WIDOWS & ORPHANS ORGANIZATION • For widows and orphans of fallen soldiers and victims of terror In addition, we will get to know and support projects of 💙 KEREN HAYESOD. If you feel the same way we do but cannot travel to Israel or help on site yourself, let us be your hands and feet. We will personally bring your help to the people. All donations marked “Never again! 2026” will go directly toward fulfilling this promise and supporting those affected in Israel. Of course, we will also report back afterward. With heartfelt thanks for your solidarity and your support! 💙✨ Yours, Chaya and Harald
Our Banc Account:
Lasting - Down to Earth - Full of Love
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We stand by widows and orphans, families of hostages, terror victims and evacuees
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We support therapeutic treatment for traumatized people, terror victims and former hostages
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We cooperate with specialized organizations in Israel that care for widows and orphans, as well as for the therapy and treatment of those who are traumatized.
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We bring practical help to Israel: direct, first-hand and effective
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We organize Israel events in German-speaking countries and abroad
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We tell authentic life stories of the Israelis
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We organize meetings with extraordinary people from Israel to build bridges
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We stand in solidarity with Jews around the world, and in particular with the Jewish community in Esslingen, the city where we live
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We publish articles and books that help contextualize both current events and timeless topics regarding Israel
Anyone, who wants to be a blessing to God's people in need, is most welcome to make a very valuable contribution with their donation.
"Blessed be everyone that blesses Israel ..." Numbers 24,9
Heartfelt thanks in advance!
Of course, every donor receives a donation receipt from us at the end of the year without request.
A Life Change – My Name is Chaya 🌟
From May 6th on, the Hebrew name Chaya (meaning “life”) is my official first name. It stands for a new life that began for me after a near-death experience in November 2022, through which I came to know God with an intensity I had never experienced before. It was also a time when my bond with Israel grew ever deeper. I felt that I was no longer the same person I used to be. One year after this life-changing turning point, a new direction in my life had become clearly perceptible. In 2023, I began writing and publishing articles about Israel, our website “ARC to Israel” went live, and I gave my first lecture on Israel – while, after the Hamas massacre on October 7th, waves of antisemitism and hatred kept rising ever higher around the world. The Bible shows us several examples of people receiving a new name after significant changes in their lives. Even though I certainly do not compare myself to these personalities, I still find the thought inspiring. And I wanted to accomplish two things: firstly, to express my gratitude to God for this turning point in my life, and secondly, to make my belonging to Israel visible – for eternity, and especially in these times! It is a great privilege for me to now finally be allowed to carry this name officially – and at the same time, it is a commitment to shape my life in a way that honors this name.