"We reaffirm our commitment to the State of Israel and its fundamental values as enshrined in the Hebrew scriptures, the visions of the Hebrew prophets, and the Israeli Declaration of Independence."
Representatives of Christians Standing with Israel (CSI) and the Israeli immigrant organization Jewish Agency have reaffirmed their commitment to the Jewish people and the State of Israel in a joint declaration of intent. "We will cultivate the values of mutual responsibility and unity for the Jewish people and strengthen the bonds of friendship between Jews and Christians with Israel. We will do this by uniting our hearts," the declaration, signed on June 28 at the Jewish Agency's offices in Jerusalem, states.
Both sides commit themselves, among other things, to "jointly oppose all forms of antisemitism, anti-Zionism, and hatred." They recognize that the Ten Commandments and the Hebrew Bible, or Torah, have been a cornerstone of Western civilization for three thousand years and continue to form the moral foundation for societies worldwide. The declaration further states that all peoples of faith and goodwill are called upon to stand with Israel.
A milestone in the history of CSI
CSI Chairman Luca-Elias Hezel called the signing of the "Declaration of Purpose" a milestone in the history of Christians standing alongside Israel. He emphasized: "For us as Christians and Germans, this was a special prerogative and privilege; for our Jewish friends, a great joy and an expression of the growing trust and solidarity. May our cooperation on this basis continue to grow and become a blessing for all Jewish people worldwide."
The proclamation was signed “in confidence in the rock of Israel,” echoing a phrase from the Israeli Declaration of Independence of May 14, 1948. Christians on the side of Israel and the Jewish Agency have been working closely together for many years to enable Jews from all over the world to return to the State of Israel.
You can read the letter of intent here in English. A German version is in preparation.
This article first appeared in our newspaper "Israelaktuell," issue 134. You can order the newspaper free of charge here. We would also be happy to send you several copies for distribution.
