Rivlin to pastors: Dividing J'lem will be disaster

Knesset speaker calls int'l criticism of building in the city "mark of disgrace"; evangelicals self-identify as "Christian Zionists."

By LAHAV HARKOV
Knesset Speaker Reuven Rivlin 311 (photo credit: Courtesy: Knesset Channel)
Knesset Speaker Reuven Rivlin 311
(photo credit: Courtesy: Knesset Channel)
Stopping construction in Jerusalem is impractical and inhumane, Knesset Speaker Reuven Rivlin told a group of Evangelical pastors from Florida on Tuesday.
“Dividing Jerusalem will bring disaster for the city,” Rivlin said. “It cannot be that every time something is built in Jerusalem, the international community censures it.
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“This constant criticism is a mark of disgrace for the international community,” he added.
Rivlin’s visitors, pastors Mario Bramnick, Guillermo Maldonado and Frank J. Amedia, said they agree with the Knesset Speaker, calling for Jerusalem to remain united.
The pastors called themselves “Christian Zionists,” and said they are involved in pro- Israel activity.
The three also told Rivlin that they are well-known and influential in many Latin American countries, and would try to convince leaders to adopt Israel’s stance and oppose a unilateral declaration of Palestinian statehood.
Rivlin thanked the pastors for their “consistent and continuous support for the State of Israel and the Jewish people,” and called for Diaspora Jewry to make aliya.