Christian Zionist lawmakers have positioned themselves as a diplomatic iron dome for the Jewish state amid a rise in anti-Semitism and a barrage of condemnations against Israel during the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
“Faith-based diplomacy is Israel’s most powerful weapon in our diplomatic arsenal,” said Josh Reinstein, president of the Israel Allies Foundation.
In a show of solidarity, more than 20 Christian lawmakers from around 20 countries visited the Jewish state this week as part of the Israel Allies Foundation President’s Conference. High on their agenda was legislation to strengthen the tools their country has to support Israel.
On Tuesday afternoon, the delegation signed a resolution on behalf of the leaders of Israel’s 53 allied groups around the world to denounce Iran.
The resolution strongly condemns Iran for its role as a state sponsor of terrorism, citing in particular its involvement in the Hamas massacre of October 7.
It calls for immediate sanctions against the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and the reinstatement of sanctions against Iran over its links to terrorism and its war crimes against Israel.
Additionally, it demands the release of hostages held by Hamas, recognizes Hamas as a terrorist organization, and declares Iran, Hamas, and affiliated groups as obstacles to peace in the Middle East.
The resolution also calls on Hamas to ensure that aid reaches all civilians in Gaza, commits to promoting regional stability and economic security, and reaffirms Israel’s sovereign right to defend itself against terrorist threats.
Tuesday’s resolution was the third signed by the delegation during its three-day trip, which took place March 3-5.
During a visit to southern Israel on Sunday, MPs pledged to work to fund and dismantle the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA). Later in the evening, at the Binyamin Regional Council headquarters, they declared that the Jewish people have the right to live in Judea and Samaria in peace and security.
The delegation pledged to see the resolutions come to fruition in their countries as an act of faith and love for Israel.
“When we say we are with you, we are with you,” said Moimah Briggs Mensah, chairwoman of the Liberia Christian Allies Committee.
Advancing religious diplomacy over the years
Reinstein has dedicated more than 15 years to advancing religious diplomacy for Israel. Over the past decade, there have been many tangible successes, including the relocation of the United States Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem in 2018.
Former US President Donald Trump’s decision to move the embassy was backed by strong evangelical support, despite warnings from various foreign leaders about a possible escalation in security.
The U.S. initiative inspired other world leaders to move their embassies, many as an act of faith.
Most recently, in September, Papua New Guinea opened an embassy in Jerusalem. Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape said at the inauguration ceremony: “To call ourselves Christians, paying homage to God would not be complete without recognizing that Jerusalem is the universal capital of the people and the nation of Israel. »
Another example is that of Félix Tshisekedi, president of the Democratic Republic of Congo and a devout Christian who served as president of the African Union and helped ensure that Israel was granted AU observer status in 2021.
Israel had observer status with the Organization of the African Union until its dissolution in 2002 and its replacement by the African Union.
Last year, when the union once again threatened to revoke Israel’s status, the decision was delayed due to a powerful African Christian lobby, including the leaders of local Christian Allies groups.
More than 50 percent of Africans are Christian today, including in countries like South Africa, where, despite the government’s anti-Israel policies, Christian citizens continue to pray and defend the Jewish state.
In December, Liberia voted alongside Israel and the United States, opposing a United Nations resolution to end the conflict in Gaza. The majority religion in Liberia is Christianity; according to some surveys, this represents up to 86% of the population.
Reinstein said the presidents of Christian Allies groups are actively engaged in promoting pro-Israel legislation through religious diplomacy with Israel. Their work involves combating anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism and, more recently, tackling the dissolution of UNRWA.
“In these difficult times, bringing together political leaders from around the world to express solidarity with Israel is critically important,” Reinstein said. “Through dialogue, collaboration and collective action, the President’s Conference illustrates an unwavering commitment to safeguarding shared values and translating religious support for Israel into real political action.”
Congressman Yuli Edelstein expressed similar sentiments when he addressed the delegation Monday evening: “Nothing in these difficult times is more encouraging than knowing that we have friends like you.”
Hamas and Hezbollah continue to fire rockets into Israel, causing injuries, deaths and destruction.
In the face of verbal and diplomatic attacks against Israel by anti-Zionists and Palestinian sympathizers, it should be reassuring to have the unwavering support of Christian Zionists ready to defend the Jewish state.
