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| Christian media from 140 nations |
Media
professionals representing an estimated reach of 1 billion Christians-from
Korea to Indonesia, Kenya to Finland, US to UK and Australia to Philippines-all
arrived with a deep interest, a desire to learn more, and unwavering support
for Israel. The welcoming warmth expressed by Prime Minister Bibi
Netanyahu, US Ambassador to Israel David Friedman, President Reuven Rivlin, and
GPO Director Nitzan Chen were evident from the moment they stood at their
respective podiums in different venues.
The summit also included addresses by
Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein, Jerusalem’s mayor Nir Barkat, and many leading
experts and panelists. Four day-long tour options highlighting
Israel’s culture, economy, agriculture, or visit to Judea and Samaria filled
the schedule. They planned our days together with excellence and education. I’m
a Christian Zionist and have traveled to Israel many times. Each time, I learn
more about this small nation and its citizens who teem with vibrancy and
celebrate life despite the ever-present shadows of terror. This trip was no
exception. Three moments stood out as pictures of the
clear-cut friendships between Jewish leaders and their Christian media
guests.
On our first night, the GPO welcomed us with a Gala feast, music,
dance, and remarks from PM Netanyahu and Ambassador Friedman. Nitzan Chen
as emcee declared, “We need Christian media because we know that you love us
from the bottom of your hearts.” The Prime Minister commented, “You are
ambassadors of truth; not merely the greatest ambassadors that Israel
has in the world,you’re champions of truth. You're standing up for
Israel and we stand up for you.”
The first moment happened when the
Prime Minister pulled up a chair after
his remarks at the Gala and sat down on the stage to listen to Ambassador
Friedman’s greetings. It was as if he was saying, “I’m among friends, I can
relax.”
The second moment occurred
at President Rivlin’s residence a few days later after we ate lunch on the
lush, beautiful grounds. While we awaited the President’s arrival to speak to
us, Nitzan suggested we sing several Jewish songs. He asked author Norma Zager
from the Beverly Hills Jewish community to lead out in Jewish songs. Then he
looked around asking for Christian songs. I sang professionally in my
younger days and found myself popping up to lead our Christian media to sing
“Amazing Grace.” It was the first hymn that entered my mind since it's like the national anthem of the world. Nitzan later told me, “It’s the first time a hymn
has been sung in the President’s home.” A precious moment indeed! It’s
estimated that this hymn is sung 10 million times a year!
The third moment also took place at
President Rivlin’s residence. Jerry Johnson, CEO of National Religious
Broadcasters made inspiring remarks which represented all of us in the
room. National Religious Broadcasters (NRB), an American organization, is the
largest Christian media organization in the world. Johnson thanked President
Rivlin for speaking up for religious minorities in Israel, including Christians
and then read NRB’s 2018 Resolution supporting Israel. President
Rivlin had spoken earlier about his 8-generation family of Jerusalemites who
first arrived in 1809. Jerry referenced Rivlin’s father’s love of poetry and
went on to recite a portion of the poem, “Jerusalem.” All of
us in the room could identify with the poem composed by William
Blake. “Bring me my bow of burning gold; bring me my arrows of
desire; bring me my spear; O clouds unfold! Bring me my chariot of fire! We
shall not cease from battle strife, nor shall the sword sleep in our hand, ‘til
we have built Jerusalem in this fair and pleasant land.”
The three moments I described are a far cry from the distrust
between our two communities over the centuries. I’ve been directly involved in
the pro-Israel Christian movement for almost twenty years and have observed a
loosening of caution and a building of trust which has grown exponentially.
During the Second Intifada, when tourism tanked amidst the terror, enough
Christian groups decided to come to Israel anyway. Anecdotally, I think it
meant something to Israelis that we came as friends to stand with friends in a
crisis.
A few years later in 2005 the American Israel Public Affairs
Committee (AIPAC) initiated outreach to the Christian community. As a result,
when Christians began attending AIPAC’s annual Policy Conference in Washington,
D.C. to help build relationships with members of congress, the Jewish community
was surprised to see us. And even a little cautious. When they learned that we
cared about bipartisan work with Congress to strengthen the US-Israel
relationship, understandable caution grew into many close relationships over
the last 13 years. Christians United for Israel came along in 2006 displaying
the commitment of its Christian members with its numerous “Nights to Honor
Israel” all over America. I often comment when speaking to the Christian
community that God has given us a second chance to demonstrate our goodwill and
commitment to the Jewish people.
The synergy that continues to develop
between Jews and pro-Israel evangelicals is timely. Increased threats against
Israel- born of hatred and intransigence- have given our Christian
community opportunities to add actions to our heartfelt prayers. I daresay
thousands of large and small organizations, ministries, and individuals are
part of a tapestry of help to Israel. We are indeed stronger together.
And the hymn “Amazing Grace?” Here’s the historic back story. When
slave ship Captain John Newton penned the hymn “Amazing Grace” in 1772, his
words in the first line conveyed a powerful message of sorrow and repentance
for his heinous wrongs against African peoples. “Amazing grace, how sweet the
sound that saved a wretch like me.” When GPO Director Nitzan Chen requested a
Christian song from the 180 media professionals gathered at President Rivlin’s
home on October 16, the hymn took its place as an emblem of unity symbolizing a
Christian community dedicated to reversing history’s horrific anti-Semitism.
Blending both Jewish and Christian songs reflected the ripened warmth and
strength between the two faith communities.
Like John Newton whose life took a transformational turn against
evil, God has given the Christian community an opportunity to turn the
tide of the past with prayers matched with actions to express our love and
commitment to the Jewish homeland and the Jewish community worldwide.
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