Christians United for Israel
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Christians United for Israel is an American organization that considers itself to be "a national grassroots movement focused on the support of Israel"[1] and justifies its existence through various passages from the Christian Bible.[2]. Operating under the leadership of John Hagee, it provides a national association through which churches, parachurch organizations, ministries, and individuals in America promote pro-Israelism financially and politically.
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[edit] Foundation
In February 2006, John Hagee revived a movement focused on the support of Israel. He called upon Christian leaders in America to join him in launching his new initiative. Over 400 leaders, each representing a denomination, mega-church, media ministry, publishing company, or Christian university voiced support and Christians United for Israel was created.[3]
In July 2006 Israel suffered it's first major defeat in the the "July War". It was lost on Hagee and his followers that there might perhaps be a link. After years of blaming gays, liberals, and others for bad things occurring, Hagee refused to apply the same principles to his group.
Legally incorporated on February 7, 2006, CUFI is focused on communicating their perceived need to defend Israel, in light of their interpretation of the Bible.
CUFI and its July 2006 Summit was instrumental in the founding of Israel Allies Caucus in the United States Congress.[citation needed]
The first college chapter of Christians United for Israel has recently been established at California State University, Bakersfield. More "CUFI on Campus" chapters are planned.[4]
"Christians United for Israel" was originally formed in 1992 by David Lewis. After a period of inactivity, Hagee sought and received permission from Lewis to use the title for his own organization.[5]
[edit] Main objectives
- To educate and build Christian support for Israel throughout America: CUFI seeks to rally evangelical Christians in support of Israel for biblical and moral reasons. CUFI pursues the this goal through the distribution of literature, DVDs, Middle East Briefings, and holding annual Nights to Honor Israel in communities throughout the country.
[edit] Activities
[edit] A Night to Honor Israel
A "non-conversionary" tribute to the nation of Israel and the Jewish people of the world. Its purpose is to promote respect and understanding between Christians and Jews to emphasize that the beliefs we hold in common are far greater than the differences we have allowed to separate us.
[edit] Washington/Israel Summit
CUFI holds an annual summit to enable delegates to personally speak with their representatives on behalf of Israel. In response to particular current events, CUFI also mobilizes its members through Rapid Response Alerts to raise popular support for Israel and lobby the U.S. Congress in support of Israel.
[edit] Positions
[edit] Support for Jewish People
CUFI states that during the Holocaust, too many Christians were silent and that Christians today must stand up for Israel and protect Israel’s 6 million Jews from the second Holocaust, concluding that: "We must get it right this time. Our faith demands it. The times require it. Silence is not an option."[6]
[edit] Support for Israel against Iran
John Hagee announced on July 16, 2007 in a speech during the CUFI Washington summit that he is a proponent of a pre-emptive nuclear strike on Iran in order to save the State of Israel.[7]
On its website, CUFI states that:
- There is a new Hitler in the Middle East --President Ahmadinejad of Iran -- who has threatened to wipe out Israel and America and is rapidly acquiring the nuclear technology to make good on his threat. If we learned anything from the Holocaust, it is that when a madman threatens genocide we must take him seriously.[8]
[edit] Executive Board
- John C. Hagee, Founder and National Chairman, CUFI
- Gary Bauer, President, American Values
- David Brog, Executive Director, CUFI
- Shari Dollinger Magnus, Associate Director, CUFI
- Michael Little, President and Chief Operating Officer, The Christian Broadcasting Network
- George Morrison, Senior Pastor, Faith Bible Chapel
Prior to his death in 2007, Rev. Jerry Falwell sat on the Executive Board. In early 2008, he was replaced in his seat by his son, Jonathan Falwell.
[edit] References
- ^ Christians United for Israel, "Advocacy,". Retrieved on 23 May 2008.
- ^ "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 so many other verses of the Bible that have one overriding message-- as Christians we have a Biblical obligation to defend Israel and the Jewish people" Christians United for Israel (main page). Retrieved on 23 March 2008.
- ^ Christians United for Israel: Christians United for Israel
- ^ Michael Lando (May 14, 2007). "Christians to train in Israel advocacy,". Jerusalem Post,. Retrieved on 23 May 2008.
- ^ E-mail conversation with Roy Casanova, Staff Assistant, CUFI, April 24, 2008: "Greetings in Christ Jesus, Dear Mr. xxxxxx, You are correct. There was a similar group of the same name started in further back than 1992. Pastor Hagee conferred with Pastor David Lewis who held the original name. Pastor Lewis did not further his efforts using the name Christians United For Israel and allowed Pastor Hagee to take the name and supports the current CUFI. Thank you for your interest in Christians United For Israel. Blessings, Roy Casanova, Staff Assistant, Christians United For Israel, P.O. Box 1307, San Antonio, Texas 78295, www.cufi.org
- ^ Ibid. 2
- ^ Max Blumenthal (July 26, 2007). "Rapture Ready: The Unauthorized Christians United for Israel Tour". Huffington Post. Retrieved on 23 May 2008.
- ^ Ibid. 2
