The Bible commands us to pray for the peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6), to speak out for Zion’s sake (Isaiah 62:1), to be watchmen on the walls of Jerusalem (Isaiah 62:6) and to bless the Jewish people (Genesis 12:3). These and many other Bible verses have one overriding message; as Christians we have a Biblical obligation to defend Israel and the Jewish people in their time of need.

A Night to Honor Israel
By Annette Scheel

When Connecticut’s Senator Lieberman introduced himself as “your brother, Joseph,” thousands at the Fifth Annual Night to Honor Israel banquet broke into applause.

The July 19 - 22 gala, attended by 4,000 Christians and sponsored by the Christians United for Israel (CUFI) spoke to the solidarity of friendship between American Christians and World Jewry.

Israel’s Ambassador to the United States, Michael B. Oren, gave the keynote address. His stirring message told of the formidable dangers ever present within his nation.  Mr. Oren knows the scenario well.  He authored Six Days of War, a thorough account of the June, 1967, conflict.

Among the 4,000 attendees were Christians of African-American, Asian, Caucasian, and Hispanic origin from every state and denomination, including some four hundred college students representing CUFI from 350 campuses.  The founder of CUFI, the Reverend John Hagee of the Cornerstone Church, San Antonio, Texas introduced the speakers during the Wednesday night banquet.

A Night to Honor Israel was truly a memorable event and was indeed an expression of Christian solidarity with the State of Israel and the Jewish people. The statement of purpose reads:  “During the Holocaust too many Christians were silent and we were left to mourn the slaughter of six million Jews.  Today, Bible-believing Christians must speak up and stand up for Israel.  Our faith demands it.  The times require it.  We will be silent no longer.”

Each month CUFI chapters throughout the United States host similar events of support.  Some forty occur each month.  In May, The Covenant Baptist Church of Shepherdstown, W. Va., held such an evening.  It was spectacular in beauty of music, worship, dance and the presentation of Kay Williams’ colorful banners depicting the twelve tribes of Israel.  There too, speakers boldly proclaimed the need to support the Land of Israel and its people.  Keynote speakers were Noam Katz, Minister for Public Diplomacy of the Embassy of Israel in Washington and the Reverend Lennie Allen, Regional Director for Bridges for Peace, a Jerusalem-based Christian organization supporting Israel and building relationships between Gentiles and Jews.

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