The Jewish State of Israel was at the forefront of the mega media conference which took place in Nashville, Tennessee last week, sponsored by the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB), a group that represents media outlets reaching 60 million viewers and listeners.
The presence of many Israeli leaders at the NRB International Christian Media Convention, including Israel’s Minister of Tourism Uzi Landau, Consul General of Israel Ambassador Aharoni, and Israeli NGO Heart to Heart director Jonathan Feldstein, speaks to the growing relationship between the NRB and the State of Israel.
Addressing hundreds of media leaders from around the United States, Feldstein spoke passionately about the importance of fellowship between Christians and Jews. “Behold how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell together,” said Feldstein, quoting from the Book of Psalms in his opening address at the NRB Media Leadership Dinner.
Feldstein has become somewhat of a celebrity at the NRB, passing out pro-Israel rubber bracelets from his station at the Heart to Heart booth in the center of the massive exhibit hall. Heart to Heart is an Israel based non-profit organization that provides life saving assistance throughout Israel, and was a sponsor of the NRB Convention. Meandering through the aisles and sporting his yarmulka, Feldstein seemed to know everyone in the room.
Speaking at the dinner, Feldstein made it clear that the partnership between Christians and Jews was Divinely orchestrated.
“Miracles are abundant in Israel, specifically the miracles of saving lives amid the unique threats and challenges we face,” said Feldstein to the audience of hundreds of Christian media’s biggest names. “Given thousands of years of history, your support of Israel is also miraculous, one which we celebrate and deeply appreciate.”
While the NRB Convention addressed various issues concerning Conservative and Christian media, Israel was a major focal point with a “Celebrate Israel” breakfast sponsored by the Israeli Ministry of Tourism and a panel discussion on “Strengthening the US-Israel Relationship,” discussing the role American Christians can play in promoting Israel’s safety and security, sponsored by the American Israel Public Affairs.
At the convention, the NRB’s board of directors unanimously approved a resolution praying for peace in Israel and calling on the United States to stand resolutely by the Jewish State. The resolution states:
NRB calls on its members to pray for the peace of Jerusalem, and for God’s protection over all of Israel, and for all people of good will who seek true peace in the Holy Land; furthermore, while other nations and international bodies may alienate or abandon Israel, NRB calls on the United States to continue to stand steadfast by Israel in its time of need.
In addition, the board declared, “The State of Israel today shares a special relationship with the United States as nations committed to freedom and democratic governance that respects the rule of law and the rights of minorities.”
“This Resolution embraces the Bible’s call that we pray for the peace of Jerusalem,” stated Dr. Jerry A. Johnson, President & CEO of NRB. “When Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is in Washington, DC…I urge President Barack Obama and members of Congress to make it clear to the world that the United States is and will remain Israel’s tried and true friend.”
