Page 3 - CUFI Update - Summer 2018

Prime Minister Netanyahu thanks CUFI for standing with Israel
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed thousands of Christians during the Summit
through a live video uplink from his o ice in Jerusalem.
“Thank you, Pastor Hagee. Thank you CUFI for supporting Israel... we appreciate the support of Christians around the world.”
Netanyahu explained how Jews and Christians agree that “Israel is a miracle”.
“Christians also know another fundamental truth: Jerusalem has been the capital of the Jewish people for 3,000 years. Jerusalem has been the capital
of Israel for 70 years. And Jerusalem will always be our capital.”
The CUFI audience cheered as Netanyahu thanked President Trump for “recognising this basic truth”.
Christians United for Israel is credited with being a major factor in US President Donald Trump’s decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and move the US embassy there. CUFI founder Pastor John Hagee was honoured to give the benediction at the US embassy’s opening ceremony in Jerusalem earlier this year.
Netanyahu explained how Israel is “the only country for thousands of miles where Christians not only survive, they thrive.” Adding that “Christian holy sites
are protected and Christian worship is done without fear.”
The Prime Minister went on to share how “Christians have achieved incredible heights in Israel.”
“They’re in every field”, he said. There are “many, many examples of Christians who contribute greatly to Israeli society and share in the great miracle of Israel’s success.”
However, while Israel is a safe haven for Christians, Netanyahu noted how Christians were being persecuted in other countries in the region, in particular, Iran, whilst the world turns a blind eye.
“Sadly, some countries don’t respect Christians,” Netanyahu said. He went on to explain the situation of Christians being “brutally persecuted” around the world and, in particular, in Iran.
“Why are so many people silent as Christians are jailed and tortured in Iran? Well, I can say this: we in Israel will not be silent, and I will continue to raise
the plight of the long-su ering Iranian people... Iran’s regime is a point of darkness in the Middle East. Israel is a point of light.”
Despite the light that Israel spreads throughout the world, Netanyahu explained that Israel “still faces many threats”.
“On our southern border, the fanatic terrorist group Hamas calls for genocide of Jews. In the north, Hezbollah is stockpiling massive numbers of missiles aimed at Israel. And Iran, well, Iran openly calls for Israel’s annihilation.”
“But Israel is strong. We will not let thugs and tyrants bully us. We will always defend ourselves. We will prosper, we will thrive,” he declared to cheers.
Touching on a previous statement
he made to Christians United for Israel, where he called CUFI “a vital part of Israel’s national security”, the Prime Minister made a similar statement to those gathered in Washington.
“Israel’s strength is not merely because of our army; it’s because of our spirit. And it’s because of the spirit of friends like you around the world,” he said.
“Thank you for always standing with Israel. You are truly among our greatest friends in the world. I cherish that friendship, and I cherish your solidarity. Thank you for standing with Israel. Thank you for standing with the truth. Thank you all.”
To watch the CUFI Summit visit
www.cufi.org.uk/summit
SAVE THE DATE
Saturday, 13 October 2018
Coventry, West Midlands – 10am to 4pm
Join us for a CUFI regional conference with talks, teachings and worship.