By Christine Darg,
Jerusalem Channel
Jews and Christians continue to come closer together as the Peoples of the Book and nothing is more symbolic of this End-time move of God than the annual “Night to Honor our Christian Allies” in Jerusalem co-sponsored by the World Jewish Congress and the Knesset (Israeli Parliament) Christian Allies Caucus.
In fact, this year’s event at the prestigious Waldorf Hotel in Jerusalem was the 11th Night to Honour Christian leaders.
The gala event is a ceremony to honor the steadfast commitment of Bible-believing evangelical Christians to the State of Israel as the embodiment of ongoing Bible prophecy in various stages of fulfilment.
Government leaders and Knesset members from across the political spectrum join the reception and dinner hosted on behalf of Jewish and Christian leaders.
Israel’s Social Equality Minister, Gila Gamliel, delivered the keynote address, commending the growing friendships among Christians and Jews worldwide. MK Gamliel also said, “Shalom is one of the first words we teach our children, and here in Israel we champion women’s rights like no other country in the MiddleEast.
Caucus chairman MK Robert Ilatov also delivered an address highlighting the importance of developing Judeo-Christian relations based on shared values.
Each year the “Night to Honor Our Christian Allies” singles out an evangelical Christian for a lifetime achievement award and another Christian for contributions toward tourism.
Dr. Robert Mawire was given the lifetime achievement award from The World Jewish Congress and Knesset Christian Allies Caucus Wednesday night. Dr. Mawire is an author, pastor and broadcaster, who has sought to create a groundswell of support for the Jewish state amongst Christians in Africa and around the world.
“The Jewish return to Israel is undeniable evidence that the Bible is true,” Dr. Robert Mawire told The Jerusalem Post in a telephone interview. Due to an illness, he was unable to travel to Israel to receive the award, which was accepted on his behalf by his son.
In 1997, Dr. Mawire was approached by Ron Nachman, mayor of the Ariel settlement, to help him build the city and to show Christians their roots in Israel. Dr. Mawire recalled that he was brought to action when he met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who challenged him to help the Jewish state.
“Back then, no one wanted to hear about embracing the Jewish people, so Ron and I traveled across America and the world, talking about the fact that the Bible is a Jewish book and reveals a Jewish messiah,” Dr Mawire said.
“Our message was ‘How could you love Jewish ancestors and not their descendants?’”
As well as promoting Christian Zionism, Mawire also helped Nachman boost Ariel, helping him bring Russian Jews and others from the Diaspora to live there.
“We believe that when the Bible says that Jews will be carried on the shoulders of gentiles to the Land of Israel that it is a Christian duty to do this. We believe we’re preaching prophecy and making prophecy come true.”
But what about politics?
Dr. Mawire replies: “When I show Christians that this is a Biblical issue not a political one, then they get extremely excited and want to do something; and then they trust the Bible and not the UN!”
Tourism Award
Also honoured on Wednesday night was Cary Summers, who was given the “Night to Honor our Christian Allies Tourism Award” for his work, together with the Philos Project, which helped establish the “Passages” program. “Passages” provides life-changing subsidized trips to Israel for the next generation of Christian leaders.
During these journeys, participants experience Israel, engage with the Hebraic roots of Christianity, and return home with tools to serve as informed voices for their Christian faith and for the State of Israel.
Summers is president of the Museum of the Bible, a global, educational initiative based in Washington, D.C., which seeks to engage people of different backgrounds and religions with the Bible and learn about its impact on the world today.
“This is a truly moving moment to be honored by a state and a people which I love so dearly. I have visited Israel 100 times and each time it feels like I’m coming home,” Summers said.
Attending this event is a highlight of my year and always brings to mind Psalm 133:
Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!
It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron’s beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments;
As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.
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