On June 16, Christians United for Israel UK (CUFI UK) is hosting their first annual “A Night to Honour Israel” in Westminster, London. CUFI UK is expecting 1,500 Christians and Jews to unite as an expression of solidarity with the State of Israel and the Jewish people.
Pastor John Hagee, CUFI’s founder and national chairman, will be the keynote speaker. “Pastor Hagee is always inspiring and a great motivational speaker,” Des Starritt, executive director for CUFI UK, told Breaking Israel News. “This event is guaranteed to be uplifting and encouraging in the face of growing worldwide anti-Semitism and anti-Israel sentiments.”
One year ago, CUFI launched its United Kingdom branch with 1,000 Christians in attendance. The organization has since grown exponentially by offering subscribers newsletters, campaigns to encourage activism “For Zion’s sake”, and now, “A Night to Honor Israel”.
“A Night to Honor Israel’ has been held annually in hundreds of American cities since 1981,” noted Starritt. “CUFI is America’s largest pro-Israel organization with over 3 million members. We are praying we can be equally as successful with the UK branch and hope that CUFI membership will spread throughout the UK and eventually Europe.”
In addition to Pastor Hagee, speakers include retired British Army officer Colonel Richard Kemp, well known for his pro-Israel stance on social media forums, Simon Johnson, Chief Executive of the Jewish Leadership Council and Starritt.
The event will focus on the commonalities between Christians and Jews in hopes of energizing the masses. As Pastor Hagee has stated, “If you took away the Jewish contribution from Christianity, there would be no Christianity, so fundamentally, Christians owe the Jewish people everything. Period. Once a person sees that, he’s committed to take action in defense of the Jewish people.”
CUFI partially bases its platform on Isaiah 62:6-7 which is thought to be a call for Christians to be “watchmen” for Zion, as it says, “I have set watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem; They shall never hold their peace day or night. You who make mention of the Lord, do not keep silent, And give Him no rest till He establishes And till He makes Jerusalem a praise in the earth.”
The event will encourage activism in the face of an over 400 percent increase anti-Semitism in the UK and Europe in since 2014. Prayers for peace in the Middle East which speak of God’s love for people of all religions will be offered.
“Our goal is to inspire Christians to gain a better understanding of Israel and be proud to say, ‘As a Christian, I stand with Israel’,” stated Starritt to Breaking Israel News. “By giving perspective on the media’s portrayal of Israel, we hope that Christians will voice their support for Israel and God’s chosen people.”
Given the many Biblical verses which emphasize God’s love and dedication to Israel and the Jewish people, CUFI believes that Christians have a Biblical obligation to stand up in their defence.
The evening will encourage Christians to stand with Israel based on CUFI’s “The Israel Pledge” which states that the Jewish people have a right to live in their ancient land and that the modern State of Israel is the fulfillment of its historic right. In addition, Israel has the right to defend her citizens against terrorism and those of faith have an obligation to speak out on her behalf.
“Although I cannot guarantee that London will provide lovely weather for this meaningful evening, I can guarantee a fantastic, life-changing event,” said Starritt.
