Five Thousand Israel Supporters Stormed Capitol Hill

Christians United for Israel attracted 5,000 people to its Sixth Annual Washington, D.C., summit, making the three-day event the group’s largest-ever.

The Summit included a series of educational sessions, speeches from prominent pro-Israel national and international figures, and a live satellite address from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The Summit’s Night to Honor Israel featured remarks from Israeli Ambassador Michael Oren, CUFI Founder and Chairman pastor John Hagee and a keynote address from national radio and television personality Glenn Beck.

Beck gave an impassioned and stirring speech expressing steadfast support for Israel. “Each of us will be judged as a people and a nation by how we treat Israel,” he said.

And to the world’s anti-Semites, Beck’s message was unequivocal. “If a despised regime has the right to kill Jews and frighten those who stand with them, I declare, count me a Jew and come for me first!  When we all stand together, when we all raise our hands, we change the world. They cannot kill all of us. Let us declare: ‘I am a Jew.’”

Following two days of pro-Israel education and advocacy-training, CUFI delegates went to Capitol Hill and held hundreds of meetings with their elected representatives in Washington, including with the Congressional leadership offices on both sides of the aisle in both houses. The CUFI delegates asked their elected officials to oppose the unilateral declaration of a Palestinian state at the United Nations, and to support security aid to Israel and tougher sanctions against Iran. 

“It is imperative that the Christian community let their representatives in Washington know that our support for Israel is unwavering. Both Democrats and Republicans must be aware that we are absolutely committed to keeping the U.S.-Israel relationship strong, and ensuring that Israel has the resources, diplomatic support and borders necessary for its defense,” Hagee said.

During the conference the group also announced that it now has more than 725,000 members. In his remarks, Beck announced that he too would be joining the Christian Zionist group.

“Our growth has been exceptional and it continues unabated,” said David Brog, CUFI’s executive director. “The halls of the Congressional office buildings were crowded with CUFI activists waiting to meet with their elected leaders. I am extremely pleased both with the reception we received and the impact we are clearly having on the U.S.-Israel relationship.”