Eric Benson was born in the United States. In 1982 while finishing his studies in history and communications at the University of Rhode Island, Eric came to faith in Yeshua and became part of a “Jesus Movement” travelling ministry. Sensing a great love for the Jewish people and a call to future ministry in Israel, he then began intensive studies in the scriptures, earning a degree from Zion Bible Institute and receiving ordination as a minister of the gospel with ZBI. In 1990 he moved to New York City to work with The New York School of Urban Ministry, leading ministry teams on the streets to serve the homeless. In 1991, Eric was invited into full-time ministry at The Upper Room, an outreach to addicts and the homeless run by Times Square Church in NYC and later joined the staff of Timothy House, TSC’s residential rehab program, where he gained further training working with men with backgrounds of substance abuse.
In 1992 Eric came to Haifa, Israel to serve at House of Victory men’s rehabilitation center with David and Karen Davis in the “own new man” vision of Jews and Arabs joined together in Yeshua. He soon met his wife Sophie Aboud, an Israeli Arab Christian, and after marrying in 1994, Eric became a citizen of Israel. Eric and Sophie have two daughters, Sharon Rose and Lily.
In 1996 Eric became the Director of the House of Victory where he continues now in his 25th year of service. He recently initiated the Tel Aviv Outreach, leading teams weekly to minister to the homeless drug addicts and prostitutes of Tel Aviv.
Eric now serves as an Elder in the leadership team of Kehilat HaCarmel (Carmel Congregation), preaching and teaching in various congregational meetings. A dynamic and inspirational speaker, Eric also ministers internationally in conferences and congregations abroad.