Israel Allies Foundation event highlights Christian support of Israel

In Israel we are never short of interesting events covering all kinds of subjects. There are talks, meetings, cultural gatherings, and conferences. The most memorable occasion that I attended recently was the Chairman’s Conference of the Israel Allies Foundation, under the expert guidance of its president Josh Reinstein, together with representatives of Bridges for Peace, The International Christian Embassy Jerusalem, and the All-Nations Convocation. It is an assembly of 53 Christian legislative groups or caucuses from all over the world, of people with influence and a common interest in educating and empowering faith-based legislators who share the belief that the State of Israel has a right to exist in peace with secure borders.

Over a period of three days, they met at different venues to put forward their ideas of how to raise awareness about Israel as a valuable member of the international community, as well as its importance as the home of Judaism and the birthplace of Christianity. They came from places as far as Norway and Australia and spoke about the way they deal with anti-Israel and antisemitic voices in their countries.

This year, 21 parliamentarians from African, South American, and European countries also took part and reiterated their efforts to stem the dissemination of fake news about Israel. “Amidst tumultuous times, the convergence of these distinguished leaders amplifies the commitment to fortify Israel’s standing and confront prevailing threats with unwavering resolve,” Reinstein said.

The importance of the Israel Allies Foundation's work

The importance for Israel of the foundation’s work is underscored by the presence of several members of Knesset at the various meetings. Among them was MK Sharren Haskel, who called for the disbandment of UNRWA, which she said practically operates as an arm of Hamas. This UN-funded so-called “educational” organization has spent a billion dollars since 2021, spreading fake historic accounts and anti-Israel hatred.

MK Sharren Haskel, co-chair of the Knesset Christian Allies Caucus, with Dutch MP Don Ceder. (credit: ISRAEL ALLIES FOUNDATION)

The meetings were also addressed by Energy Minister Eli Cohen; Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli; and during lunch by Foreign Minister Israel Katz, who stressed the importance of resisting foreign pressure for a lasting ceasefire in Gaza, until Israel’s objectives – as outlined by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to free the hostages and eliminate Hamas – are reached.

Katz announced that he is establishing a global forum to combat antisemitism and incitement against the Jewish people and against the State of Israel. According to Katz, “This forum will include the society and the government of Israel; world Jewish communities; and friends of Israel around the world.”

On behalf of the government, Intelligence Minister Gila Gamliel accepted the conference resolution condemning in detail the Iran-sponsored terrorism and war crimes against Israel. It was signed by all the parliamentarians. Gamliel’s remarks echoed the mood of the country to continue the war to achieve victory once and for all. She compared the intention of today’s Iran with the Persia we remember on the festival Purim, that dominated 127 countries, but like all the Jewish people’s enemies, came to grief. Asked during Q&As about the government’s ultimate plans for Gaza, she evaded giving a definitive answer.

During a reception and dinner at the Friends of Zion Museum, MK Yuli Edelstein introduced Rachel Goldberg-Polin, who described vividly how her 23-year-old son, Hersh, was taken hostage on October 7 and is still in captivity. It was the most emotional moment of the conference, when she related how while hiding in a bomb shelter that came under terrorist attack, her son’s left arm was blown off and how he had made and applied a tourniquet by himself. Her moving account left no dry eye in the room.

The conference confirmed that there is unshakable support for Israel in many influential quarters around the world.