Page 25 - Torch Magazine #28 - Summer 2025

10 Years of CUFI UK
This year CUFI is marking 10 years
since launching in the United
Kingdom. On 20 June 2015, we held
our launch event at the Emmanuel
Centre in Westminster. To mark
the anniversary, Torch magazine
interviews CUFI UK Executive
Director, Des Starritt.
Des, what led you to start CUFI
in the UK?
As I look back, I realise a series
of “God-incidences” led to me
starting CUFI. By that stage I had
been working in Christian ministry
for some 15 years. All the ministries
that I was managing at the time had
a connection to Israel. I was running
several Christian Israel conferences
both in the UK and Israel, and I was
involved with CUFI America through
my connection with John Hagee.
Looking across this wide range of
Christian Israel ministries, I realised
there was a gap in the UK that could
only be filled by CUFI. I spoke with
Pastor Hagee and he gave me his
blessing to start the ministry.
The launch event on 20 June 2015 was a very
special night. What do you remember best
from that event?
The evening was the culmination of six
months of hard work and planning. We had
gathered over 1,000 people in Westminster,
despite threats by the anti-Israel lobby. The
atmosphere was incredible; there was so
much hope and enthusiasm in the room. The
speakers were powerful and encouraging and
that really gave us a boost as we officially
launched Christians United for Israel in the
UK. I remember the Deputy Ambassador, Etan
Na’eh, saying “Desmond, when you came to
see me to talk about CUFI, I never thought you
would start so soon.” Only my mother called
me “Desmond” and then usually when I was in
trouble, but I knew starting CUFI was the right
thing to do.
CUFI.ORG.UK
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