WJC, MKs to honor Christian supporters of Israel

The Knesset Christian Allies Caucus and the World Jewish Congress will give awards to Christian supporters of Israel Monday night at the seventh annual “Night to Honor Our Christian Allies.”

Knesset members from across the political spectrum and government leaders will join both Jews and Christians at the King David Hotel for a reception in honor of Christians who have been steadfast in their commitment to Israel.

One award will go to Dr. Petra Heldt, director of the the Ecumenical Theological Research Fraternity in Israel, who recently established the Protestant Consultation on Israel and the Middle East.

The caucus, together with the Tourism Ministry, will also honor Apostolate Renê Terra Nova, leader of the International Restoration Ministries in Manaus, Brazil, for his contribution to Israeli tourism.

Terra Nova has brought tens of thousands of Christians to Israel over the past 10 years.

For the first time, Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat will address the mixed audience of Christian and Jewish leaders.

The Knesset Christian Allies Caucus is a multi-partisan caucus comprised of 17 MKs that aims to forge direct lines of communication between Knesset members and Christian leaders, organizations and political representatives in Israel and throughout the world.

Several current key members of the caucus were not reelected, including Einat Wilf (Independence), Shai Hermesh (Kadima) and Yoel Hasson (Tzipi Livni Party). Caucus director Josh Reinstein will soon replace the departing MKs with newcomers.

“We will give new incoming MKs a chance to come and contribute to improving relations between Israel and the Christian world,” Reinstein said. “We are confident that we will continue to be the largest and most influential caucus in the Knesset once we get started with the new MKs.”