Politicians Take a Stand for Israel

August 1, 2010

by: Rev. Cheryl Hauer, International Development Director

This new-found coalition of allies is coming together under the auspices of the International Israel Allies Caucus Foundation (IIACF), a non-profit umbrella organization dedicated to promoting communication and information-sharing between parliamentarians and legislators who share a belief that the state of Israel has the right to exist in peace within secure borders.

Beginning in Israel

The story actually begins in 2004 when the late Knesset Member (MK) Yuri Shtern brought forth the idea of a caucus within the Israeli Knesset (Parliament) that would acknowledge the growing strength ofthe pro-Zionist Christian community and the need to develop better ties between MKs and pro-Israel Christians the world over. On January20, 2004, the inaugural meeting of the Knesset Christian Allies Caucus (KCAC) was held, bringing together Israeli government leaders and the principals of several major Christian organizations, including Bridges for Peace.

Members pledged to assist those Christian groups with issues relating to operating in Israel, to acquaint fellow MKs with Christian programs in Israel, and to work together on joint programming. These forward-thinking MKs spanned the spectrum of political parties in Israel and by committing to Shtern’s vision, they opened the door to a level of Jewish/Christian interaction unheard of in the past.

From these beginnings, the concept of sister caucuses was born, resulting today in a network of bi-partisan parliamentary caucuses at the highest echelons of government the world over. Though not all, the bulk of sister caucus members are Christians, men and women of faith who are committed to effecting change on behalf of Israel based on their shared Judeo-Christian values. Eventually, the IIACF was formed as the umbrella for coordinating the activities of these caucuses around the globe. Together, they work with the KCAC. to bring a unified voice on issues and legislation regarding Israel worldwide.

KCAC Director Josh Reinstein says, “When the caucus was first established, its founders were not sure what shape it would take. But now they are shocked at how far it has come and how successful it has been at instituting cooperation in the political arena with Christian leadership around the world.”

Raising Unparalleled Support

Bycultivating dialogue between legislators and pro-Israel Christian leaders, the sister caucuses have literally changed the face of support for Israel. In the past, the bulk of that support has been in the realm of the social or spiritual, in the area of tourism or within a very limited political spectrum. Now, there is an ever-expanding system of broad-based political support unparalleled in history. The caucuses afford a unique opportunity for Jewish and Christian leaders to dialogue and influence international government officials and policy makers in their efforts to support Israel and in their desire for peace and stability in the Middle East.

 

IIACF Members Brazil Canada European Union Germany Hungary Israel Italy Japan Malawi Paraguay Philippines Sierra Leone South Africa South Korea Sweden Switzerland United Kingdom United States Uruguay

The caucuses have had a remarkable unifying effect among Israel supporters. For instance, a pro-Israel rally was organized in Sierra Leone in June of 2008 by Christians who formed that country’s caucus. However, 70% of the crowd was made up of Muslim

friends of Israel. When Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad visited Switzerland, it was the head of the Swiss Israel Allies Caucus, an evangelical Christian, who led the protests. However, many of that country’s caucus members come from other streams of Christianity and even some from other religions.

 

It is hoped that the caucuses’ influence will be felt in the coming year as Israel deals with such difficult issues as Jerusalem, Middle East peace, and the Iranian threat. Members are committed to bringing awareness, helping to craft legislation, and encouraging lawmakers to hold hearings on critical issues. In the meantime, the list of member nations continues to grow, and it is anticipated that there will be 30 such sister organizations by the end of this year.

Reinstein, together with other Jewish and Christian leaders, are adamant that this remarkable achievement would never have been possible without the grass roots support of evangelical Christians the world over. He believes that a case made for Israel based on biblical fact is indisputable, with the Bible providing proof that the land belongs to the Jewish people. “By reaching out to Israel’s Christian friends, we have a vibrant, energetic stream of support Israel has never had before,” Reinstein says. “There is no limit to what we can accomplish together, impacting the political by focusing on the biblical.”