The Knesset Christian Allies Caucus held its ninth annual Night to Honor Our Christian Allies in conjunction with the World Jewish Congress-Israel. Knesset members from across the political spectrum and government leaders joined both Jews and Christians at Jerusalem's Waldorf Astoria hotel for a reception in honor of Christians who have been steadfast in their commitment to Israel.
This year, organizers chose to award Lief Wellerop, a Norwegian Christian leader who has stood as a strong advocate for the Jewish state for over 30 years and has spearheaded numerous humanitarian projects throughout Israel. The caucus, together with Israel's Ministry of Tourism, also honored the recently deceased Myles Munroe for his contribution to Israeli tourism. Munroe, founder of Bahamas Faith Ministries International, died earlier this year in a tragic plane crash. The award was accepted in his memory by his son, Myles Munroe Jr. His father had been based in the Bahamas and brought groups of Christian pilgrims to Israel twice a year.
“Myles Munroe was a true Israeli hero. He stood up unabashedly in a lot of countries where it’s not popular to talk on behalf of Israel and say that he loves Israel; he loves the people of Israel; he loves the God of Israel; he loves the Bible of Israel,” Christian Allies Caucus Director Josh Reinstein told 'CBN News'. “And because of that he’s just left such an impact on the government of Israel, the State of Israel, and its people,” Reinstein said.
Caucus co-chairs MK David Rotem (Yisrael-Beiteinu) and MK Gila Gamliel (Likud) also addressed guests on the importance of developing Judeo-Christian relations based on the two religions’ mutual values. Other speakers included Minister of Tourism Uzi Landau, the chairman of the World Jewish Congress-Israel, Shai Hermesh, KCAC Director Josh Reinstein, International Christian Embassy Jerusalem Executive Director Jürgen Bühler, and US Lieutenant Colonel Oliver North.
"Not only do we share the same Judeo-Christian values, but today more than ever we share the same fate and we must cooperate in order to combat the rise of religious extremism," Hermesh declared.